tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25004496812278369572008-07-16T08:00:01.135-07:00Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-35621137911431332122008-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:002008-07-16T08:00:01.303-07:00

This was a quick dinner I pulled together that had a light, lemony sauce and healthy brown rice. How did I manage a quick dinner with brown rice, you ask? Trader Joe's frozen organic brown rice -- it cooks in three minutes in the microwave! Lemony Chicken & Peas 2 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary zest and juice of one lemon 1 clove garlic, minced 2 Tbsp flour 1 - 1 1/

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-68304371141210788342008-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:002008-07-15T09:13:59.601-07:00

Over the past few days I've made a couple of loaves of bread from scratch. The first loaf I tried was a white bread, no-knead recipe that I followed to the letter. The second time I decided to get a little creative. The bread turned out fairly dense, with a fine crumb and a fantastic crispy, crunchy crust. With the antioxidants in the flaxseed, this will be my submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-18286502582884964512008-07-14T18:52:00.000-07:002008-07-14T18:54:07.590-07:00

So I'm sitting here browsing my Tivo "suggestions" and decide to watch an episode of 30 Minute Meals. And OMG, I love love love Rachael Ray's new haircut! I am so distracted by the retro gorgeousness of her hair that I don't even care what she's cooking. Must. Get. Haircut.

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-26997827921802753222008-07-14T12:17:00.000-07:002008-07-14T13:05:51.225-07:00

I popped in to Kinder's (a local butcher) the other day for some chicken breasts and peppered bacon, and the sausages caught my eye. I asked for two mild links, thinking I'd make some spaghetti for an easy weeknight dinner. Turns out, the butcher gave me the wrong ones and our spaghetti turned out much spicier than I planned. It was way too much kick for Tomboy, but Mr Wonderful loved it and

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-71705451568148736222008-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:002008-07-09T16:35:54.151-07:00

I was watching Rachael Ray the other day and saw her make a meal with huge veal chops topped with a "raw sauce" (which was essentially just a salad). I wasn't impressed with the pompous name, but it sounded tasty (hot meat, cool salad) and I had all this organic produce from Trader Joe's, so dinner was born. Pork Chops & Salad 2 thin cut boneless pork chops 2 tsp salt-free seasoning blend 2 c

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-78419145517535776252008-07-07T12:17:00.000-07:002008-07-07T12:20:45.015-07:00

This is one of my favorite restaurants, and I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance. That’s a very good thing, because their margaritas are excellent. In fact, sometimes the boyfriend and I walk down there, get a pitcher of margaritas to share, and then stumble home afterwards, very satisfied and happily buzzed. I’ve had their taquitos, camarones (both with the spicy “diablo” sauce and

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-18973261765773818842008-06-24T10:26:00.001-07:002008-06-24T10:28:02.195-07:00

I posted this on my other blog, but I thought it would be appropriate here as well: I got a book from the library the other day, called The Omnivore's Dilemma. It's all about what is really in our food, and how to make conscious choices about what you're eating. I'm not even a third into it yet and I am disgusted by the political-agricultural industry. Something like 75% of our food comes from

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-44442983986177162102008-06-16T12:00:00.001-07:002008-06-16T12:19:43.828-07:00

The strawberries and blueberries were calling my name at the farmer's market this weekend, so I whipped up some tasty, healthy parfaits with fruit and yogurt for dessert on Father's Day. This will be my submission for Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day this week; be sure to check out her roundup on Tuesday night for more tasty recipes. Summer Fruit Parfaits 2 c fresh strawberries, cut into small pieces 1

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-54842564253141433632008-06-16T11:46:00.000-07:002008-06-16T12:09:14.021-07:00

I've had such a craving lately for roast beef sandwiches. This is my idea of the perfect combination of flavors for a roast beef sandwich. Perfect Roast Beef Sandwich 2 half-inch slices toasted sourdough pugliese bread 2 Tbsp dijon-horseradish sauce (see below) 3-4 slices thin, rare roast beef 1 thin slice sharp cheddar cheese 1 leaf butter lettuce Spread the both slices of toasted bread with

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-66493255003987734482008-06-03T16:30:00.001-07:002008-06-10T14:08:52.767-07:00

I don't know what to call the veggie topping, so I called it a salsa. It makes absolutely no sense to call something with cheese in it a "salsa," so if you can think of a better word, I'd be supremely grateful. Anyway, this is super healthy and a great alternative to slaving over a hot stove on those sticky summer nights. I'll be submitting this easy recipe to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup.

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-6039003289500735602008-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:002008-06-03T16:03:36.778-07:00

A light, tasty salad for hot summer evenings. Quick to put together, if you've got pre-cooked chicken on hand. I'll be submitting this easy weeknight dinner to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week. Asian Chicken Salad 1 roasted chicken breast, meat shredded 1 sweet bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) 2 Tbsp sliced green onions 2 Tbsp

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-42501625452522838192008-05-20T10:27:00.001-07:002008-05-20T10:39:02.460-07:00

This simple side dish combines healthy fresh veggies with the most scrumptious ingredient ever invented: bacon. (Served here with a lovely grilled NY steak with garlic-herb butter.) This will be my submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week; head on over to her site to find more delicious recipes for healthy foods. Smoky Corn & Peas 2 slices bacon (I used peppered bacon), cut

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-37212700097622024572008-05-16T10:28:00.001-07:002008-06-10T14:12:04.131-07:00

Qin's Bistro & Bar opened yesterday in Antioch - mere blocks from our house - and we were among the first people to try it out. This place is GORGEOUS. We felt very underdressed (he was in a t-shirt and shorts and flipflops, I was in a tank and capris and flipflops). This place has a very nice lounge-y vibe and I could easily see it drawing crowds of twenty- and thirty-something singles if it

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-11349094958801978502008-05-13T10:20:00.001-07:002008-05-13T10:47:09.433-07:00

Light, healthy, quick and delicious! The whole wheat pasta provides some protein to this easy vegetarian meal. This will be my submission to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week. Summertime Pasta 2 Tbsp EVOO 1/2 lb. whole wheat pasta (I used rotini) 2 zucchini, ends cut off and halved lengthwise 1 clove garlic, minced 2 seeded, chopped fresh tomatoes 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil 1/4 c

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-50007993770116118362008-05-13T10:19:00.001-07:002008-05-13T10:56:08.044-07:00

A hearty meal that comes together quickly (if you've got your chicken already roasted, that is*). Mexican Chicken Chili 2 Tbsp EVOO 1 medium onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 serrano pepper, seeded & minced 2 Tbsp chipotle paste (or one minced canned chipotle pepper with adobo sauce) 1 small can petite diced tomatoes (NOT drained) 1 can corn, drained 2 cans beans, drained (I used one can

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-8331340551513974582008-04-24T11:59:00.001-07:002008-06-03T16:49:01.916-07:00

OK, I know I've been slacking, but I'll make up for it. A couple of weeks ago we had a barbecue here with friends. Mr Wonderful grilled up some incredible NY steaks while I made stuffed mushrooms and panzanella...and you get BOTH the recipes here! The mushrooms are a delicious twist on my usual recipe, and the panzanella is a quick & healthy side dish that's ideal for summer tomatoes. Both

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-9490703293367819382008-03-25T15:24:00.001-07:002008-03-25T15:25:44.018-07:00

This is a baked pasta dish that's absolutely stuffed with veggies, so it will be my contribution to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup. Rainbow Pasta 2 Tbsp EVOO 1 c sliced mushrooms (I used crimini and shiitake) 1 small red bell pepper, diced 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 1/2 large jar tomato sauce (I used an organic roasted garlic/basil flavor sauce) 1/2 tsp red pepper

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-74908589629682047612008-03-20T11:33:00.001-07:002008-03-20T11:36:24.383-07:00

Panzanella is a delicious Italian tomato and crouton salad, and the addition of roasted chicken breast it makes a light, satisfying spring or summer meal. Chicken Panzanella 1 large chicken breast, roasted and shredded or cut into bite-size chunks (I buy chicken breasts with the bone in and skin on and roast them at 400 with olive oil & salt & pepper - this keeps them moist and delicious; if

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-40362917095747354462008-03-17T11:50:00.001-07:002008-03-17T11:54:47.964-07:00

In honor of the holiday, I made a lovely beef stew with Guinness yesterday for Mr Wonderful to take to his potluck party at work today. The worst part about it is that I don't get to have any! This holiday-appropriate veggie-laden stew will be my contribution to Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup this week. Irish Beef Stew 1/4 c EVOO 1 onion, diced fairly large 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 carrots

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-30686671984683043842008-03-03T09:40:00.001-08:002008-06-12T11:28:36.008-07:00

A delicious, spicy Thai curry soup, made with coconut milk and lots of fresh herbs and spices. Yummy mushrooms and carrots mean that this will qualify as my ARF/5-a-day submission to Sweetnicks' roundup this week! Thai Chicken Noodle Soup 3 Tbsp EVOO 1 onion, cut in half and then sliced into thin wedges to make strips about 2" long 2 c mushrooms, halved or quartered (depending on size) 1

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-16117688120285306612008-02-20T11:29:00.001-08:002008-02-26T12:13:42.040-08:00

A fresh, light vegetarian dish that works well as either a side dish or as a healthier alternative to guacamole. Scoop it up with chips, add it to your tacos, spoon it over an enchilada...the possibilities are endless. This veggie-filled dish is a natural for Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup. Corn & Black Bean Salad 1/2 red onion, diced 1 can sweet corn, drained 1 can black beans, rinsed &

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-11691344114340391282008-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:002008-02-19T09:11:12.168-08:00

I had some chicken cutlets and asparagus that really needed to be used up, so I threw together this quick and healthy pasta dish for Mr Wonderful and I. It's super-simple but quite tasty. If you can't find pencil-thin asparagus, you can use thicker stalks, but add them earlier in the cooking process, or steam them for a few minutes before adding to the pan. Herbed Chicken with Bowties 3 Tbsp

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-85768725392739273442008-02-16T18:34:00.000-08:002008-02-19T18:00:59.115-08:00

I've done roast chicken before, but this one has a bit of a twist: I coated the chicken with a spicy mustard sauce before popping it in the oven. I'm submitting this one for Sweetnicks' ARF/5-a-day roundup. Spicy Indian Roast Chicken 1 whole chicken, 4-5 pounds, giblets removed, rinsed and patted dry 1 onion 1 lemon 4 carrots 3-4 medium white potatoes 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp curry powder 2

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-34700444019769746702008-02-13T09:55:00.001-08:002008-02-19T09:15:02.177-08:00

This is another one of those simple casseroles with a generic base of noodles and chicken and canned soup. Mr Wonderful loves these, and the kids don't complain about it too much, so I generally consider it a success. ;-) This casserole would also be good with rice instead of pasta. And if our super-picky kids weren't eating it, I would have thrown in a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500449681227836957.post-5506558148055170262008-02-11T09:38:00.001-08:002008-02-11T09:39:55.727-08:00

Whew, sounds complicated, right? Well, not really. And the sauce REALLY turned out well. In fact, it was the very best part of the meal. Pan-fried Veal Cutlets with Pinot-Mushroom Reduction Sauce EVOO (lots) 1 Tbsp butter 1/2 yellow onion, diced 2 c sliced cremini (baby portobella) mushrooms 1/2 c Pinot Noir wine (I used Blackstone, it was on sale) 1/2 c chicken stock4 veal cutlets 1 egg,

Snarkmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16918549239684109762noreply@blogger.com