Week of August 26, 2012

1.  Bethenny Frankel's Arugula Salad from last time was a big hit so I'm making it again.  See my last post for web address.

2.  Ellie Krieger's Ceasar Salad.  You can find it at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/caesar-salad-with-grilled-shrimp-recipe/index.html

3.  Rocco DiSpirito's Meatballs.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rocco-dispirito/spaghetti-with-meatballs-recipe/index.html

4.  Patricia Wells' Spinach, Radish and Mint Salad.  You can find this by going onto http://books.google.com and searching on her recipe.

5.  Ellie Krieger's Miso-glazed Cod.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/miso-glazed-cod-recipe/index.html

Week of August 19, 2012

Here are some fresh ideas for meals this month.  I'm obsessed with Bethenny Frankel's recipes this week.

Bethenny Frankels' Portobello Mushrooms - http://www.bethenny.com/2010/05/13/stuffed-portabello-mushrooms/

Michelle Urvater's Soba Salad - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michele-urvater/asian-soba-salad-recipe/index.html

Balthzar Mac & Cheese - http://www.food.com/recipe/balthazar-macaroni-gratin-aka-macaroni-and-cheese-389124

Bethenny Frankel's Arugula Salad - http://www.bethenny.com/2010/05/05/arugula-salad-with-simple-dressing

Bethenny Frankel's Spinach Linguine with Chives and Ricotta - http://www.bethenny.com/2010/05/12/spinach-chive-ricotta-pasta

Weekend of July 13

Grilled Pizzas (on Big Green Egg) - One pizza with olives, plum tomatoes, arugula, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.  A second pizza with portobello mushrooms, thyme, spicy sausage and mozzarella cheese.  I took these ideas from Jamie Oliver's Naked Chef Takes Off book.

Pasta, Pesto and Peas - Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)

Mussels - Patricia Wells' recipe (Moules Mariniere) found at:  http://brooklynplated.com/2010/01/18/sunday-dinner-coq-au-vin-moules-mariniere-and-potato-puree/

Ideas for the Weekend of July 6, 2012

We're thinking about a rack of lamb on the grill using the Big Green Egg (recipe from the cookbook Big Green Egg Cookbook).  This with some grilled asparagus sounds good.

We love Gordon Ramsay's Tandoori-Spiced Halibut with cucumber.  You can find this recipe at:  http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/2071/tandoori-spiced-halibut-fillets-with-cucumber.

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili with Orange and Cumin is great with plain greek yogurt on top.  Here's the recipe:  http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetarian-Black-Bean-Chili-with-Orange-and-Cumin-351017

Spinach, Radish and Mint salad with Creamy Lemon-Chive Dressing (Patricia Wells) at:  http://books.google.com (Type in Patricia Wells and this recipe title).

Week of May 13

Just a few quick ideas:

Linguine with Shrimp (Barefoot Contessa)

Tuna Tartare (Jamie Oliver)

Watercress, Arugula, Pear, Walnut and Parmesan Salad (Jamie Oliver)

http://topchefrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/gordons-grilled-sardines-with-chermoula.html

Weeks of April 29, 2012 and May 6, 2012

I spent some time looking at Gordon Ramsay's book entitled Healthy Appetite and found some great sounding recipes.  Here's what I'm going to try this week and next:

Grilled Sardines with Chermoula
You can find this Gordon Ramsay recipe at:

http://topchefrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/01/gordons-grilled-sardines-with-chermoula.html

Glazed Cod with Sweet and Sour Shallots
Gordon's recipe is posted on this website:

http://www.thegordonramsayblog.com/recipes/gordon-ramsays-pan-roasted-fillet-of-cod

and

http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/glazed-shallots-with-red-wine/print

Rice Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Thai Dressing
You can find this Ramsay recipe here:
http://pleasedonotfeedtheanimals.blogspot.com/2011/03/packed-lunch-ideas-1-rice-noodle-salad.html

Tabbouleh with Goat Cheese
You can find the recipe here:
http://www.thestar.com/living/food/recipes/article/574268--tabbouleh-with-goat-cheese

Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Shiitake
The recipe posted on this site:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/CHICKEN-SOBA-NOODLE-SOUP-50049238

Week of April 23, 2012

Here are some healthy Spring options for this week:

Salmon Tartare (Douglas Rodriguez):  
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Side/Eggs/Dairy/recipe.html?dishid=8688 (this one incorporates a horseradish cream).

Chickpea and Spinach Salad (Ellie Krieger)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chickpea-and-spinach-salad-with-cumin-dressing-and-yogurt-sauce-recipe2/index.html

Turkey Burgers (Ellie Krieger)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/stuffed-turkey-burgers-recipe/index.html

Week of April 15, 2012

Here are a few ideas for the week:

Miso-Glazed Cod - Ellie Krieger
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/miso-glazed-cod-recipe/index.html
Serve with Bok Choy
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/sesame-stir-fried-chinese-greens-recipe/index.html

Chicken in Milk - Jamie Oliver
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/chicken-in-milk-recipe/index.html
Serve with side salad or vegetable.

Vegetarian Chili with Orange and Cumin - Epicurious
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetarian-Black-Bean-Chili-with-Orange-and-Cumin-351017

Week of April 8, 2012

Here are some Ellie Krieger recipes to try:

MAC & CHEESE - This did not go over well with my son.  He figured out the dish contained sweet potatoes.  There is no fooling him.  But, if you are looking for a lower fat mac & cheese recipe this one is good.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/macaroni-and-4-cheeses-recipe/index.html

CAESAR SALAD - I'm doing this recipe minus the shrimp.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/caesar-salad-with-grilled-shrimp-recipe/index.html

SALAD WITH SNOW PEAS AND RADISHES - I'm doing this recipe minus the shrimp.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/shrimp-and-snow-pea-salad-recipe/index.html

ISRAELI COUS COUS - This one from Tyler Florence looks yummy.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/apricot-couscous-recipe/index.html

Week of April 1, 2012

This week is not so low-calorie.  Just my little boy and me all week.  We are going to keep things simple and fun.

MEATBALLS with and without spaghetti
This is a great recipe from Rocco Dispirito at:  http://www.food.com/recipe/chef-rocco-dispiritos-mamas-meatballs-102764

CUPCAKES
These are from Bobby Flay and are moist and delicious.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mini-vanilla-bean-yellow-cupcakes-with-creamy-chocolate-frosting-recipe/index.html

We also made chocolate stars and eggs for Easter using white and milk chocolate and some plastic molds we have.

Week of March 25, 2012

Here are some suggestions for this week.  I am still keeping things light!

STEAK TACOS - Ellie Krieger
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chili-rubbed-steak-tacos-recipe/index.html

CHOPPED NICOISE SALAD - Ellie Krieger
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chopped-nicoise-salad-recipe/index.html

ARUGULA SALAD WITH PESTO VINAIGRETTE - Ellie Krieger
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/arugula-salad-with-pesto-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html

SPAGHETTI WITH PESTO (original) with side of carrots (just my son and me for dinner)

TUNA, CHIVE AND SHALLOT TARTARE WITH TOASTED BAGUETTE SLICES
I like Patricia Wells' Tuna, Chive and Shallot Tartare (http://books.google.com).

Taking the week off...

Sorry.  My husband is traveling and I am kicking back and eating pasta all week with my son.  Spaghetti and pesto last night.   Hmmmm....  Maybe mac & cheese tonight.  I know how to live dangerously!  Have a great week!

Week of March 11

Here are some lighter dishes (except for the steak) for the week.  All of these are by Ellie Krieger and are available at www.foodnetwork.com.  Just type in her name and the recipe title.  They are all simple, delicious and light meals.


Arugula Salad with pesto vinaigrette


Cowboy Steak (serve with side salad or anything you like)

Soba Noodle Vegetable Salad


Chick Pea and Spinach Salad


We've been snacking a lot on hard-boiled egg whites, hummus and celery or crackers, and clementines.

Week of March 4

Here are some ideas for the week!

MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON BUTTER SAUCE
This is from a funny show Brian Boitano (the skater) has on tv.  Here's a link to the recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/brian-boitano/mussels-with-saffron-butter-broth-recipe/index.html (I'll probably cut down the wine and butter amounts just for health reasons).

SHEPHARDS PIE
This is a Gordon Ramsay dish I previously made and posted.  It's good!
http://gordonramsaysrecipes.com/03/shepherd-pie/

PARMESAN CHICKEN
This is a Barefoot Contessa stand-by at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parmesan-chicken-recipe/index.html

LAMB SHANKS WITH SERRANO VINEGAR SAUCE
I love Bobby Flay's recipe at: http://books.google.com/books?id=S4aMzTrA9qsC&pg=PT280&lpg=PT280&dq=bobby+flay+lamb+shanks+mesa+grill&source=bl&ots=665ZzPaBY4&sig=d9-20bIc889qMM8tZNd8jNTgOXM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tipWT9e7O6f00gGbtaCpCg&ved=0CG0Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false

Week of February 26

Sorry I'm a little late getting this post up.  Here are my ideas for the week.  I have thrown in one recipe at least that's new.

SALMON WITH MUSTARD OIL AND SCALLIONS
This is a tartare from a cookbook entitled The Great Ceviche Book by Douglas Rodriguez.   I have the cookbook, which I recommend, but I could not find the recipe on-line for you.  He has a similar recipe posted on the web at:  http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Side/Eggs/Dairy/recipe.html?dishid=8688 (this one incorporates a horseradish cream).

CHICKEN IN MILK by Jamie Oliver (one of our favorites)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/chicken-in-milk-recipe/index.html
I will serve this with a side of greens and a lemon vinaigrette.

TANDOORI SPICED HALIBUT
This is a Gordon Ramsay recipe that is really delicious!
http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/1586320-Tandoori-spiced-halibut
I am going to serve it with similarly spiced potatoes.

LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP SCAMPI
I've listed this numerous times.  It's classic Barefoot Contessa family-style dish.  I don't use quite as much butter as she says.
http://barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=34&S=0

SPINACH, RADISH AND MINT SALAD
Patricial Wells' recipe with lemon-chive dressing.  You can find the salad and dressing at http://books.google.com and one Lemon Sole recipe at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/lemon-sole-recipe/index.html.  Should be a nice combination!
I am going to incorporate this salad throughout the week for lunches and as a side to whichever dinners make sense.

Week of February 19, 2012

I have three suggestions for this week that are a bit on the light side.  I have listed all three in the past.

TUNA, CHIVE AND SHALLOT TARTARE
This is a recipe by Patricia Wells that we really enjoy.  You can find it on http://books.google.com.

 SPINACH, RADISH AND MINT SALAD (Patricia Wells) with LEMON-CHIVE DRESSING (Patricia Wells) served with LEMON SOLE

You can find the salad and dressing at http://books.google.com and one Lemon Sole recipe at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/lemon-sole-recipe/index.html.  Should be a nice combination!

PANZANELLA
I always enjoy this recipe from the Barefoot Contessa at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/panzanella-recipe/index.html

This makes pretty good leftovers as well.  I'm hoping to get a few dinners for myself out of this recipe this week.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions for recipes to include in my blog.  I hope you are still enjoying my ideas.

Week of February 12, 2012

I noticed there are a lot of views of my blog from Sweden.  We have had such a mild and wonderful winter so far in New England, US, but I know in Europe it's been particularly cold and harsh.  Here are some suggestions to help warm you up!

PORK SHOULDER WITH TOMATOES, CINNAMON AND OLIVES
I might try this one without the olives (not sure yet).  It's a recipe by Melissa Clark who has a book out entitled "Cook This Now".  Here's where you can find it: http://inmediasrecipe.com/braised-pork-shoulder-with-tomatoes-cinnamon-and-olives-from-melissa-clarks-cook-this-now/

MACARONI GRATIN
I've made this lots of times.  It's very good and makes excellent leftovers.
You can find it here:  http://www.food.com/recipe/balthazar-macaroni-gratin-aka-macaroni-and-cheese-389124

CHEESE SOUFFLES
I like making these with gruyere cheese.  There are a ton of recipes out there.  This is one I found on the Food Network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cookworks/chive-and-gruyere-cheese-souffle-recipe/index.html

HALLOUMI CHEESE WITH BREADED SCALLOPS 

This is from Gordon Ramsay and has tasty and interesting flavors.
http://www.woodlandsdairy.co.uk/recipes.php

Week of February 5, 2012

Here are some ideas for the week!

ASIAN-INFUSED TUNA TARTARE - I love Jamie Oliver's recipe.  You can find it here: http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2029538-Asian-Infused-Tuna-Tartar

CHICKEN IN MILK - This too is from Jamie Oliver.  It's a whole roasted chicken and is soooo good and very easy to put together.  Just a few ingredients that lead to a very moist and delicious chicken.  I serve with arugula with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.  You can find it at: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/chicken-recipes/chicken-in-milk

PAPPARDELLE WITH SPICY SAUSAGE AND WILD MUSHROOMS - It's not the most original meal but it sure is tasty.  Here is one recipe you can try: http://www.marthastewart.com/355541/pappardelle-spicy-sausage-and-mixed-wild-mushrooms

HOT AND SOUR THAI SOUP - There are lots of recipes for this.  I like this one from Tyler Florence: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/hot-and-sour-thai-soup-tom-yum-goong-recipe/index.html

Week of January 29, 2012

I am posting this a little early because I have a busy week ahead.  I hope you see something you want to try.  Most of these meals do not require a recipe as you'll see.  For all of the Mark Bittman recipes, go to Google Books and type in the recipe name and Mark Bittman.  You'll see the page in his Kitchen Express book with the recipe.

PEAR, BACON, AND GOAT CHEESE SANDWICH
Mark Bittman
It's just like it sounds.  Here's a link to someone's blog with a great photo of the sandwich:
http://www.framedcooks.com/2009/09/goat-cheese-sandwiches-with-bacon-and.html

PASTA WITH BACON & PANKO
Mark Bittman

AVOCADO, ORANGE & RADICCHIO SALAD
Mark Bittman

CASSOULET (quick version)
Mark Bittman


TOFU, GREENS AND PEANUT SAUCE
Mark Bittman

PROFITEROLES
Balthazar cookbook
Here's a link to this yummy recipe:
http://leitesculinaria.com/3393/recipes-profiteroles.html

Week of January 22, 2012

We recently started watching "Gordon Ramsay's F Word" on BBC.  He is so much more likable on this show than on any of the US shows he has done.  All of the recipes he makes on the show look amazing.  I have included a couple below.

SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH PAN ROASTED CARROTS
This includes ground lamb.  Here is a link to the recipe:  http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/gordon-ramsay/shepherds-pie-recipe

TANDOORI SPICED HALIBUT FILLETS
We tried these with Cod because Halibut was not available.  The flavors were great. Halibut would work better if you can find it just for the texture.
http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/2071/tandoori-spiced-halibut-fillets-with-cucumber

PORK LOIN WITH LEMON AND SAGE
http://www.food.com/recipe/pork-loin-with-lemon-and-sage-281637

VEGETARIAN CHILI
This is an old favorite and is especially good in the Winter.
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2009/01/vegetarian_black_bean_chili_with_orange_and_cumin

PARMESAN CHICKEN
Ina Garten's recipe always does the trick for an easy and tasty meal.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parmesan-chicken-recipe/index.html

Week of January 15, 2012

Here are some things I am planning to make this week.  I hope you try some.


Baked Ziti (great for leftovers as well)
There are lots of recipes out there.  I make one with spicy sausage and my husband really likes it.  Here is a link to a recipe, but I'd probably omit the canned mushrooms.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ziti-with-italian-sausage/


Pork Chops (I'm going to serve them with the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad I mentioned last week)
Here is the recipe I am planning to use: http://www.food.com/recipe/breaded-pork-chops-335709


Parmesan Chicken
This is a favorite standby when I have trouble coming up with a meal.  It's fast and delicious:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parmesan-chicken-recipe/index.html


Mushroom Tart 
I am going to try this recipe of Gordon Ramsay in his book Cooking for Friends.  You can find it at this very long web address:
http://books.google.com/books?id=h1z5lgji7GMC&pg=PT222&lpg=PT222&dq=mushroom+tart+recipe+gordon+ramsay+cooking+with+friends&source=bl&ots=WLmLLH8jXJ&sig=KcxippW1D_BkkKCsF_zEzqOdASs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p_ART735K9CH0QHswagk&ved=0CHwQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

I hope you try one of these recipes and enjoy it!

Week of January 8, 2011

Last week's meals all turned out well.  Here are some new recipes to try:

ASIAN LETTUCE WRAPS
I had chicken thighs in the refrigerator from last week that are still good.  So, I'm putting them to use in this recipe by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond (Almost Meatless is their book).  You can find the recipe on Amazon's website at:  http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Meatless-Recipes-Better-Health/dp/product-description/1580089615

I recently purchased Mark Bittman's book entitled Kitchen Express.  I'm going to try the following recipes from this book.

BEET AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD
Here is a link to this recipe:  http://thebushwickcsa.wordpress.com/2010/07/07/two-beet-salads-from-mark-bittman/

The funny thing about it is he wrote an article for the New York Times in 2009 (I've included the title and the first paragraph).  I guess he changed his mind since he included the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad recipe in his 2010 book.  I personally like the combo.

THE MINIMALIST; A Divorce for Beets And Goat Cheese

By MARK BITTMAN

Published: March 4, 2009

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I LOVE beets, but since when did their pairing with goat cheese become an immutable feature of modern cuisine? I don't find it a particularly good combination. I believe the richness of the cheese overwhelms the earthiness of the beets. 



LINGUINE WITH BUTTER, PARMESAN AND SAGE (You can find this recipe on M. Bittman's website but I've pasted it below)
Pasta with Butter, Sage, and Parmesan. A classic when made with browned butter, almost as good with olive oil: Heat 4 or more tablespoons butter with 20 or 30 fresh sage leaves over medium heat for about 3 minutes; the butter should brown and the sage sizzle. Toss the cooked pasta with the butter, sage, and Parmesan, thinning the sauce with pasta-cooking liquid if necessary.