recently: food
November 12, 2012 § 5 Comments
Today, because it’s been unusually hectic around here, I’ve decided to a round-up of all the things I’ve been cooking but haven’t actually had time to post. These are recipes that I really loved, but have a feeling I’ll never work my way through if I try to post them one-by-one. Sometimes it’s best to purge and then start fresh, so that’s just what I’ll do. Hopefully you will find a few of the recipes below appealing, and enjoy them as much as I did…
Scalloped Potatoes. I was worried about these. The only scalloped potatoes I’d ever made before this were from a box over ten years ago. Back then, I think I was pretty satisfied with them, too. I was learning how to cook and anything that came out edible was a major score. I eventually gave boxed foods up, but the problem was I often didn’t know how to make the same dishes with fresh ingredients. Anyway, that was the long way of telling you that I finally decided to give (real) scalloped potatoes a try (it only took a decade!), but I worried that they wouldn’t cook through and the potatoes would be hard or rubbery. It turns out I had no reason to worry because these were amazing. I took a couple liberties with the recipe, using half and half instead of cream, and baking covered at 400º until it was time to brown the top. These reheat really well and would make a great addition to a Thanksgiving meal.
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Strawberry Jam. I know what you’re thinking: Strawberry jam in November?? I know. But, I totally used frozen strawberries that I defrosted in the fridge, and it came out perfectly. And, because I haven’t yet learned to can, this jam is simply stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Speaking of canning, that stuff on top of the strawberries is a grated apple, which is the source of pectin and thickens the whole thing up (it dissolves entirely). The only thing I would change about this recipe is the amount of sugar – it was very sweet. Half, if that, would do.
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Spaghetti with Broccoli Cream Pesto. Absolutely delicious. Not too much else to say here. We really enjoyed this one.
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Pumpkin Pie. This one was really a sign of changing times, because I have never, ever in my life made anything other than the recipe from the back of the Libby’s can. This one, while slightly more work due to straining the filling, came out smooth and I really liked it. The recipe wants you to parbake the crust, but I skipped it as I had never bothered with that before and personally like the crust the way it is without the extra step. If you’re not a member of Cook’s Illustrated, you can see a version of the recipe here.
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Brown Soda Bread. I’ve been making this bread for a long time and it is the best. Love love love. It’s hearty and flavorful and wonderful. I like to toast it and spread things on it. I typically don’t have wheat germ on hand, so I double the oats to make up for it. This is so quick and easy; highly recommended.
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Classic Tomato Soup. Oh man. Can’t go wrong here if you’re a fan of tomato soup. This would be such a great thing to make if you’re entertaining because I can’t think of an easier soup to make. Really, really easy. And the recipe makes a ton; you could probably feed 6-8 with this. Serve with homemade croutons on top, like I did, or with a grilled cheese. Mmm. This pot of soup fed Jade and me for many days. Oh, I should mention that I added a clove of garlic and used half the amount of butter (and doubled the olive oil to make up for it). You could add a glug of cream at the end, but it’s already so creamy on its own; I don’t think it needs it.
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The Single Lady Pancake. True to its title, I made this one day when I was home alone and really hungry. It was perfect. It was fun to make something just for me. I used some whole wheat flour, skipped the chocolate, and used walnuts instead of pecans, and it was hearty and filling. It kept me full for hours. It was a pleasant way to start a quiet day alone.
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Guacamole and Chips. Not the greatest picture here, but some darn fine food nonetheless. I don’t think a recipe for guacamole is necessary (is it?), but here is what I do: smash together some avocados, minced red onion, minced jalapeno, garlic, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. All amounts are to taste. When tomatoes are in season, I like to chop one up and add it, too. And the chips are just some corn tortillas that I sliced into wedges and fried up, then sprinkled with salt. Not exactly health food, but so incredibly good when made from scratch.
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Maple-Cinnamon Granola. I first posted this recipe a couple years ago, and I like to make a batch two or three times a year. I get on a granola kick, and will eat it for many days straight on top of yogurt for breakfast. I adore this recipe.
Also made, but not photographed: Roasted Pear and Chocolate Chunk Scones (yum). There, I think I’m all caught up. I feel much better now!
You’ve been busy…
Yes, lots of cooking and no time to post!
What a great round up. Everything looks very yummy I do not know what to try first.
Thanks! If you do make something, I hope you enjoy it :)
i know what you mean. i make tons of stuff that i take notes on, photo and then never post. i like the way you handled this in a round-up!