Holiday Cookbook!

I simply remember my favorite things... and then I don't feel so bad!
A few recipes (both the tried and true- and the aspirational too!) for the Christmas Dinner or a NYE blast! Happy Eating!


Herb-Crusted Standing Rib Roast from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com
Truffled Wild Mushroom Lasagna from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com

Roast Chicken with Meyer-Lemon Shallot Sauce from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com

Pommes Anna (Potatoes Anna) from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com
Brussels Sprouts Gratin from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com

Salty Caramel Croquembouche from Fine Cooking

Easy Chocolate Chess Pie- Like my momma makes!

Apple, Fennel, and Cheddar Cheese Straws from Fine Cooking

Winter Salad from The Gourmet Cookbook and epicurious.com

Profiteroles with Coffee Ice Cream from Gourmet Magazine and epicurious.com


















Tomato-Basil Soup from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com
Herbed Goat Cheese from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com
Beef Rib Roast and Yorkshire Pudding from the Grill from Cooking Light Magazine
White Bean Dip with Rosemary Olive Oil from Sunset Magazine and myrecipes.com
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail from Cooking Light Magazine and myrecipes.com

Chili con Carne et al

So... I've been running behind on recipes ever since my "sick week."

I'll try to catch up!

We had a big late summer harvest of jalapenos and anaheim peppers. Plenty for a spicy chili and accompanying jalapeno-cheddar cornbread. Both recipes are modified from The Joy of Cooking.

Chili con Carne with Beans and Jalapenos


2 lbs lean ground beef
1 lbs ground "chili" meat (a coarser grind)
1-2 tsps salt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion, plus more for topping
10 cloves garlic, chopped roughly
2-6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chili powder- see recipe below*
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, with juice (San Marzano)
4 cups water
2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed


Season meat with salt. Heat oil in a large pot over med-hi heat. Add onions, garlic, peppers, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are softened, 6-8 mins. Add meat and brown, pouring off excess fat, if desired. Stir in chile powder. Cook for 2 mins. Add in tomatoes and water, breaking the tomatoes with spatula or back of spoon. Add beans. Season to taste with salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 1 1/2-2 hours. Sauce will be reduced and thickened.


*Chili Powder
3 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp tumeric
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 clove minced garlic


Combine in a small bowl. Makes about 1/2 cup.


Stove-Top Jalapeno-Cheddar Cornbread
I had never cooked cornbread on TOP of the stove before. It came out a little crispy on the bottom, soft and light throughout. Sooo good! And I didn't have to wait for the oven to pre-heat to 425!
Dry:
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
Wet (all at room temperature):
2 large eggs
3 tbs melted butter
1 cup milk
Add-ins:
4 jalapenos, two seeded and chopped, two un-seeded and chopped
1/2 cup grated cheddar
butter (for greasing pan)
Combine wet and dry ingredients with a few quick strokes. Fold in jalapenos and cheddar. Scrape into a generously greased iron skillet. Cover with foil and cook over very low heat 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Meatball Goodness

Rachel Ray's Gorgonzola Meatballs with Tomato Bay Cream  are so hearty, so delicious, so balanced in flavor. Quick to make, (duh, 30 Minute Meals) they are perfect for any night of the week. I served them with Spinach Mashed Potatoes... Just thaw and drain a package of frozen, chopped spinach (RR says this is one of the best deals at the grocery) and mix it into your regular mashed potato recipe. The potato-spinach mixture gets another flavor boost from the tomato sauce. One of those meals where a divided plate just wouldn't do...

Tip: Watery spinach will kill this dish. To really get all the moisture out of the spinach, place it in the center of a clean dishtowel. Twist the ends of the towel to make a little bundle and squeeze over the sink.

While we're on the subject of mashed potatoes, let's talk about butter. My absolute favorite brand is Kerrygold. Not only is it wrapped in gold foil, the stuff actually tastes like gold. Perfectly creamy,  perfectly salty, it elevates any dish to the top platform. Don't feel like spending 5 dollars on butter? Okay, but at least try it once. You'll never say "Parkay" again!

Rainy Day Dinner

I love a dark, rainy day. And rainy days in the fall even more perfect- there's usually a college football game on tv...creating perfect background noise for an afternoon nap.

And the absolute best way to finish a day of being inside: a hearty, spicy bowl of pasta and a crisp salad.

The best scenario... you've already gone to the store to get all the ingredients, so you don't have to go out in the rain! 

Second best scenario... you've got the grocery store to yourself, because no one else wants to go out in the rain!

Tonight, I'll be sharing this menu with my husband and little one. 

Recipes are adapted from Tyler Florence's cookbook, "Dinner at My Place."

Menu: TF's Penne with Spicy Italian Sausage, Cream, Tomatoes, and Peas- Makes a veritable TON... so expect company... or leftovers. (Side note... this is a photo taken of leftovers... the dish has much more visual appeal directly after preparation!)

Bibb Lettuce with Tarragon Vinaigrette- Simple, tangy, sweet... delish!