This dish doesn’t sound like much, but the combination makes it perfect: savory, substantial, and flavorful. It’s so versatile that you can substitute whatever green or bean you have on hand. On top of that, it’s so easy that it’s a no-brainer on a weeknight – we make it at least once a week as a…
Herb Spiced Nuts
Once September hits, I start craving beets. How does that have anything to do with herb spiced nuts? My salad needed something crunchy, and it was about time I made some fancy nuts. After not finding what I wanted online, I combined about three recipes to get this. It’s great. 2 egg whites 1 Tbsp…
Lemon, Shallot & Dijon Dressing
This dressing is so creamy that you’d think it was full of mayonnaise, but it’s not. It’s perfectly balanced and amazing with beets. 1 small shallot, minced 1 lemon, juiced 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. honey 1/2 c. olive oil Salt Pepper Add all ingredients to the blender, and run until dressing is creamy…
Caramelized onion, cheddar, and pretzel bun burgers
These are the best burgers by far. When Todd ate one he said, “I’m having a food moment.” That’s the best compliment ever. This recipe makes 4 quarter-pound burgers. 1 lb. ground beef (80/20) 2 Tbsp Worsteshire 1/4 tsp Beefer Upper (beef stock base). If you don’t have this, just skip it. 1 tsp. Sirracha…
Brined Chicken
Brining chicken before you grill it – especially on a charcoal grill – makes all the difference in the world. It makes so much of a difference that my 5 year old niece declared it the best chicken ever, and that she would eat it all herself. To her credit, she had thirds, and she…
Winter Vegetable Chili
This chili has morphed over the years from a Food & Wine recipe to an undeniable tradition at our house. The original had less spice, less veg, and less oomph. This recipe stands on its own, in your face with more of everything. It’s a great option when you want chili, but not the heavy…
Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf
It sounds simple, and it is. But it’s beyond delicious, and is a great match for just about any meal where you need a side dish. 2 Tbsp. EVOO 2 whole garlic cloves, lightly smashed 1 lg yellow onion, diced small (about 1 cup) 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced 2 tsp fresh thyme, de-stemmed 1…
Miso Chicken Marinade
I’ve been searching for an easy chicken marinade that will give me enough flavor that I can eat it alone, or with a simple side, like grilled vegetables. The missing link was white (or light) miso paste. Miso is a Japanese fermented soybean paste, that provides that often sought after fifth flavor – umami. It’s…
Cucumber, Basil & Gin Cocktail – 2 ways
For those in Wisconsin, this summer has been pathetic. It’s already August and there have only been a handful of days that make you so hot, the only thing you wish you had was an ice-cold drink. Well, to make up for mother nature’s shortcomings, I’ve starting enjoying those ice-cold refreshers anyway. Here’s an easy…
Italian Oil-Packed Tuna & Cannellini Bean Salad
Whether you’re looking for a light summer dinner, or a taste of summer in the relentlessness of this harsh winter, this is a MUST eat. I found myself on Brady Street at the end of the day, just blocks from Glorioso’s, which Milwaukeeans know as the fantastic Italian grocer. Armed with my iPhone, I grabbed…
