Turkey dumplings in green onion-shitake broth

This hearty and delicious soup is perfect for those cold fall nights.
Since preparation is fun and easy, I find this meal is a great way to enlist family members into forming the dumplings.

Mix 1 lb. ground turkey with green onion (bottoms), minced garlic , sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, Sriracha sauce, salt and pepper

Prepare dumplings by placing heaping spoonful size of ground turkey mixture on a square won ton wrapper.  After moistening edges of wrapper with water, fold four corners up and over meat, sealing all edges tightly

Cute little dumplings waiting to be simmered

Simple broth- 8 cups water with handful of sliced shitake mushrooms, 2 Tb. Better Than Bullion-Chicken Base and 2 Tb. soy sauce.  Lower dumplings into simmering broth, cover and simmer about 8 min.

Finish off soup with green onion tops, and a shake of sesame oil

Best 'Lil Lamb Chops

My family's favorite dinner-Baby Lamb Chops

Credit for this recipe goes to my Mother-in-law....best cook ever!  The preparation is so simple, but foolproof and absolutely delicious.

Her philosophy for cooking has guided me along the way to develop healthy and tasty meals--keep it simple and use the best ingredients.

Slice 2 rack of lambs into individual single ribs.  Lay chops flat on broiling pan (to collect fat below).  Sprinkle kosher salt, fresh chopped rosemary and fresh ground pepper on each chop (meat portion only).  Next slather French's yellow mustard (yes! plain old mustard) on top of each piece covering meat.  Place pan with chops directly under broiler until mustard just starts turning black (few minutes). Then remove pan, flip chops over, and repeat steps above with salt, pepper, rosemary and mustard.

Broil other side and they're done.

Baby Lamb Chops with honey carrots and quinoa medley

It's Greek to Me

For breakfast, if given the choice between sweet or savory, I always choose savory.  This simple, healthy and flavorful breakfast is a quick way to satisfy those savory taste buds.  The ingredients definitely have a greek theme in mind.  Halfway between a scramble and omelet, it is easy to make.

Egg scramble with spinach, feta cheese and kalamata olives.

In a small skillet steam a handful of fresh spinach with a splash of water, covering pan with lid, until wilted.  After draining excess water from skillet, add touch of olive oil to pan, then briefly fold egg into spinach and continue to cook.  Add a tablespoon or two of feta cheese on top of mixture, then fold over and finish off the cooking.  Garnish with kalamata olives, oregano and kosher salt, and Opa, enjoy!

Vegie Detox Night

Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth with blanched kale, currants and almonds

Roasted sweet potatoes, roasted red onions with balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, dried cranberries and a touch of maple syrup

Steak Ranchero Dinner con Avocado y Cilantro

Quick and easy dinner inspired by a recent visit to a local taco truck

Totally Tomatoes Tonight

With all the delicious tomatoes out now, I was inspired to include them in tonight's dinner

Minestrone soup with carrots, tomato, green beans, kale, patty pan squash, kidney beans and orecchiette pasta

Slow roasted tomatoes with garlic, oregano and basil

Note-plate was full, but family was

quicker than my photo taking! 

Dinner with Steve

Coconut curry halibut with tamarind and red pepper

Roasted brussel sprouts with miso maple glaze

Saturday Evening Barbecue Side Dishes

Potato salad with whole grain mustard, capers, dill pickles, onion, lemon zest and fresh dill

Braised kale with dried apricots, rosemary and garlic

Pickled red onion with bay leaves and red pepper flakes

Sunday Eatin'

September 9, 2012

Fresh lemon scones with honey butter for breakfast

Paella with tomatoes, artichoke hearts and lamb sausage for dinner

Fun with Roasted Vegetables

September 7, 2012

I have really enjoyed experimenting with roasted vegetables this year-flavors intensify and absorb the tastes of accompanied herbs and condiments

 

Roasted cauliflower with lemon zest, whole grain mustard and olive oil

Roasted shallots in balsalmic reduction

served with pan roasted salmon

King Salmon BBQ

September 1, 2012

King Salmon Barbecue Dinner

Linguini with sautéed broccolini, bread crumbs, garlic and anchovy

Green salad with blue cheese and dried cranberry dressing

Barbecued king salmon with dill and lime

Blue Moon Dinner

8/31/2012

Dishes for dinner tonight..

Roasted fennel with lemon, goat cheese and pomegranate seeds

Roasted brussel sprouts with kosher salt

Cold soba noodles with snap peas and sesame seeds in miso honey dressing