Thursday, July 30, 2015

Thai Style Green Curry with Tofu, Snap Peas and Mushrooms




 Thai Style Green Cuarry with Tofu, Snap Peas and Mushrooms
I have to admit, I made this dish twice and neither time did I use tofu.  The first time I couldn't find tofu at the market so I used some left over grilled tuna.  The dish was excellent.  The second time I made the dish, I used chicken thighs.  Again, the dish was excellent.  I am sure the tofu would also be good.  One thing that we didn't like were the strings in the snap peas.  The first time I used fresh snap peas and it took forever to trim the peas.  The second time I used frozen snow peas - all trimmed and ready to go.  Not much difference in taste but a lot of difference in prep time.  Target had frozen snap peas for less than $1.50.  

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Dressing

Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Dressing

Another "excellent" entee.  This was also rated "fast" by the America's Test Kitchen folks.  Take care not to overcook the fish.  The fish cooked really fast and was overdone the first time I made this dish. The second time I made the recipe I cooked the fish to medium-rare.  Much better and even faster.


Sunday, July 26, 2015

Tortellini Salad with Bell Pepper, PIne Nuts and Basil



Tortellni Salad with Bell Pepper, Pine Nuts and Basil

I served this salad as a side with Chicago-style Italian Beef sandwiches.  This salad got good reviews for family members.  A new twist to pasta salad. The second time I made the salad I used meat tortellini, because that's what I had in the freezer, it was also "very good."  This recipe was very easy to make.  Be sure to toast the pine nuts for extra flavor.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Tandoori Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

Tandoori Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

We rated this entree a "very good."  This recipe was easy to make.  Cooking for Two recommended serving the chicken with rice and chutney.  I used the tomato chutney recipe that can be found on page 88.  The spices were the same - it was really good.  I served the chicken with rice noodles, we had already had rice once this week.  The noodles were an easy addition to dinner.  Be careful not to over cook the chicken.  My chicken was well done in just 30 minutes.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala
We rated this entee as "excellent."  According to the Cooking for Two Cookbook, this tomato sauce spiced with garam masal, ginger, and cilantro gives this Indian dish authentic flavor with minimal fuss.  This recipe was easy to make.  The only change I made to the recipe was that I served the chicken pieces whole, not into one-inch pieces like the recipe suggested.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Easy Skillet Pizza with Fontina, Arugula, and Prosciutto


Easy Skillet Pizza with Fontina, Arugula, and Prosciutto

This is not your ordinary carry out pizza.  Rated "excellent" by both of us.   There are several variations to the Easy Skillet Cheese Pizza recipe included in the cookbook.  The argula and prosciutto seemed interesting to us, The arugula offered a peppery flavor to the dish. I used gluten free pizza crust mix from Aldi's as the basic pizza dough.  Be careful not to over cook the pizza dough in the skillet prior to putting the pizza in the oven.  

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltibocca

Doesn't really look like much but the Chicken Saltimbocca was "excellent."  This recipe was fast and easy to prepare - the chicken cutlets cooked in just a few minutes.  I did not add the fresh sage leaves to the cutlets.  I served the chicken with spaghetti with garlic and oil as a side.  Steamed green beans completed our menu.  



Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Salmon Burger with Tomato Chutney

I know, it sounds like something your mom made you eat on Friday night's when you were growing up, but try this recipe.  We rated this recipe as "excellent" both times I made the salmon burgers for dinner.  The first time I followed the recipe and used the salmon fillets.  They were wonderful.  The second time I made the burgers I used canned salmon.  Believe it or not, they tasted very similar.  I used instant potatoes as a gluten-free alternative to the panko bread crumbs. I think the fresh chutney on top is the best.  Don't wait until the end of the week for this burger.  Try the salmon burgers with the chutney tomorrow night. 




Salmon Burger with Tomato Chutney