We have just been busy and I've had no time for blogging about culinary delicacies! So, I'm going to cheat a little. For archival's sake, and so that after I have this baby I will be able to remember some of the delicious recipes we've had recently, I'm going to just make a list and rate them with stars without a lot of fanfare or pictures. There are a few that I REALLY want to remember!
I've been having a love affair with melskitchencafe.com. Many of the dishes come from that website recently - especially since I've been doubling and then freezing a lot of dishes in preparation for the baby's arrival and she has a lot of great freezer-friendly meals.
Mel's Kitchen Cafe Recipes:
I do have to say, most of her recipes are just wonderful. I don't like as much meat in my recipes as she typically calls for, so I find that I usually 1/2 the meat and that works for us.
Ultimate Beef Stroganoff: Fantastic slow cooker stroganoff. Easy. Freezer Friendly. Doesn't call for a packet of seasoning. 4 stars.
Creamy White Chili: This. Is. Amazing. Really, words don't do it justice. I think I've made it 3 times since we first had it - that never happens in our house. You don't have to use cream - milk works fine. I also like it a little thicker, I never use the full amount of liquid, and I take the lid off for the last 30 minutes or so. 5 stars.
Chicken Pot Pie Crumble: This was good. Not unbelievable, but very good. The main reason I'm writing about it is because in our entire marriage, I have never made pot pie. That may not sound like that big of a deal. But it is. Because it's my husband's FAVORITE meal. Poor man has to order it whenever we go out because I hate the stuff and won't stand to slave away in the kitchen over a meal I find so repulsive. However, we have officially found common ground with this dish and I'm thrilled about that. I can eat it for one meal, and he can eat it for days on end as leftovers and that is something to blog about. 3 stars (from me), 4 stars (from him)
Chicken and Corn Chowder with Sweet Potatoes: This was awesome. Pure awesomeness. My kids loved it. I loved it. My husband raved and raved about this. We'll make it over and over. 5 stars.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls: I followed everything about this recipe to the "t". Except that all the stuff she wants you to put on top at the end - I just threw it all in the soup at once. I have to say - I think the apple juice is crucial. And these were a LOT of work. But, this recipe was exceptional, and the bread bowls were delicious and turned out beautifully, even though they were my first attempt at such things. I would make this again for an event or company - but probably not for dinner. 5 stars.
Now, for a fan-friggin' tastic recipe from Smitten.com:
Mushroom and Farro Soup: I honestly couldn't stop eating this. I ate until my stomach hurt, and then I ate some more. And then I ate it for leftovers for days. I love farro, although you could easily substitute barley. This soup was SO easy and SO deliciously perfect. I used beef broth because that's what I had from another recipe on hand, but vegetable broth would be good, too. I wanted mine thick, so I adjusted the recipe accordingly. She mentions how she considered putting cream in it and then thought again. I have to agree - this soup doesn't need it. 5 stars.
And of course, an Ina Garten Recipe:
Mustard-Roasted Fish: We eat fish about once a week in this house. I was looking for a new recipe that would be a little different than the usual and this recipe was perfect. Easy, pretty healthy. I used sour cream mixed with a little milk instead of creme freche. This recipe was easy and so yummy. My husband and I couldn't stop picking at it long after we were done with the meal. It's slightly sour flavor is perfectly balanced by the fish. A beautiful dish that also helped me get rid of those last few pesky capers sitting in my fridge. 5 stars.
