Fried Rice

Pictured here with Chinese Lemon Chicken  This rice is an awesome side dish and I often make it as a meal within itself.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This one was in the book but was never made. This was an interesting experience for me. The crunch of the nuts and the thin crispy chow mein noodles along with those that softened upon getting into the soup mixture was a bit of a mind game when they hit the tongue. It was really good even though it’s SUPER different. I hope that you enjoy.

Turkish Lamb Pilaf

Pilaf in general is a wonderful dish.  When you mix the lamb and the seasonings in with it, it is absolutely amazing.  I did some research to see what other dried fruits that they used in this region.  I found that cherries, figs, and apricots were used quite a bit in this style of cuisine.  This dish was something like I have never made before, and it is something that my family has already requested again. I made a Turkish Yogurt Dip to go over it, and homemade Naan Bread.  We made a full meal out of it.

Frittata

This frittata is a wonderful little appetizer or it could be served as a snack.  You can also make this into a wonderful dessert.  This could be even made into a breakfast dish.  The possibilities are endless.  You just need to get in there and see what you come up with.  I found it really delicious.

Cabbage Bell Pepper Rolls & Deconstructed Version

I grew up eating cabbage rolls.  It was something I always loved when my momma would make them.  I decided to put my own twist where I combined stuffed bell peppers in with the cabbage rolls.  I also took the extra cabbage and with the remaining meat mixture decided to make a deconstructed cabbage roll casserole.  Which is really easy to make and it will finish off the leftover cabbage that you have.

Oven Baked Stew

When I think of beef stew, I think of low and slow in a crockpot for many hours. This recipe gives the same tender and savory comfort meal without the long hours. Of course, if you would like to make this in a crockpot, you absolutely can. Just add the meat, flour, stock, or water, and the seasonings to the crockpot for the first several hours. Then add the vegetables in for at least the last hour. The original recipe for this came off the back of a box of Lipton mix. Those packages are so full of salt and …

Beans

I am not a pinto bean fan but I really enjoyed this recipe. It reminds me of my mom’s chili, so I served it with saltines. You could also top with cheese or serve with some type of bread.

Veal Goulash

I love mushrooms and onions. So when I read this recipe I was excited to try it. I have never had veal before and I think it turned out delicious. I made beef flavored rice to go with my goulash. It can be served be itself with a side of bread or as a meat with side dishes like rice or noddles or mash potatoes. This recipe originated in Hungary but has been influenced in other countries.

Don’t Peek California Beef Stew

This is a delicious, stick to your ribs stew that would be perfect on a cold winter night!  This recipe was very simple.  I wanted to jazz it up, so I added fresh ingredients.  I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t too rich, so I added carrots for the contrast.   Still a very easy preparation and cook. Hope you enjoy!

Pozole

Now, this was a different take on a very classic recipe, and the sauce for them even with its heat makes an amazing meat marinade. This dish certainly has a feeling for every taste bud you can recognize. I took it just a step farther and made a one-pot dish very easily with this super easy recipe even on the hottest of days you can cook this dish knowing the only heat you need to worry about is the spice heat in the sauce. It’s too hot in my house this time of year (late summer) I had to figure …

Italian Pot Roast

Over the weekend, I had such a tremendous cooking experience in my unit’s kitchenette making Italian Pot Roast, all while trying to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Henri. Yet, with much love and patience, I spent my evening prepping a delectable meal for the family and me. I have to say the pot roast was tender, paired well with multigrain rotini pasta for those like myself with dietary restrictions. I even had time to make an Arugula with lettuce salad dressed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. As an appetizer, I toasted Fresh Italian bread; seasoned …

Chinese Vegetables

Do you want a recipe where you can expose your family to new things? This is your ticket! Super fresh tasting, a little crunchy, a little sauce, and a whole lot of flavor. If you want you can add this to any protein and you have everything. A little rice noodles (bean threads) a ton of veggies packed with even more flavor. Make it spicy for you that love the heat or calm it down for a great side or main dish. You have the power to take this and use it in any way you wish! The one thing …

Lamb Chops

Ever tried lamb before? Me neither! However, I will be making this a staple in my house! Be prepared to take cooking to a different level! Tender beyond anything you can think and minus a little marinade time super quick! The family will enjoy and more so you will be the new superhero in the house. I paired this with locally grown fresh cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad, as well as a basic Greek Tazaki sauce. You can pair this recipe with so many different options. In the winter, how about some roasted potatoes, onions, and mushrooms. In the …

Cilantro Creole Chicken and Rice

Love the deep soul flavor of your grandma’s Creole chicken? Love fresh? Here’s grandma’s Creole Chicken with a twist of freshness? Soul with fresh, or as I state it “fresh soul” it’s the new trend for those willing to try (yes my kids roll their eyes when I told them that joke as well.) However, once you try this you can send me a thank you card!

Flank Steak Bordelaise

Imagine taking a bite of a perfectly seasoned steak with so much flavor that you never want to stop chewing. Well, now take a sauce that is so good you will mistake it for your new favorite drink. Combine both the sauce and the steak and you have a perfect dinner. Throw in some veggies and starch of choice and you can once again thank me later for this moving up the list of being one of the best dishes. It’s so good that you can impress anyone and everyone, go ahead it’s a lock-in dinner for impressing that first …