There’s less inspiration to writing a food blog, and there is a good reason. It isn’t because there’s less cooking. Instead, I’m in bed at an earlier hour, which affects the flow of creative ideas.
dinner
Parade Magazine: Roast Sweet Pepper Pizza
Now that cooler nights are here, I can turn on the oven to it’s highest temperature to make pizza. This pizza has a mild spicy cornmeal crust that most kids will love. It’s topped with homemade roast peppers with a smoky and candy sweet taste sans the spice. The peppers are layered over a herbal ricotta cheese and baby spinach leaves. Balancing the sweetness of the pizza, salty kalamata olives gently top the roast peppers with a handful of shredded parmesan cheese (try it with asiago, too). The result: A pizza that warms your family’s soul into the first few days of autumn. Read more
Asian-Inspired Roast Peanut Butter Chicken
The inspiration for this recipe comes from Thai chicken skewers served with peanut sauce. Instead of bite-sized chicken chucks on a stick, a whole chicken is roasted in a similar sauce. With peanut butter being rich in oil, the result of this Asian-inspired roast chicken and vegetables is a sweet, savory and juicy flavor. Set aside a small proportion of marinade for use as a dipping sauce, too. In addition, since vegetables are roasted with the chicken, a majority of dinner is done. Serve a crispy Red Cabbage and Snow Pea Salad with an Asian-inspired vinaigrette to complete the meal. Read more
Truffle Oil Roast Salmon and Mushrooms
At this time of year, buying salmon in New York is more expensive, because I’m striving to purchase Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood. It’s a global, non-profit organization working with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental-conscious choice in seafood. For a while, I thought buying MSC-certified seafood as expensive, but Nicole of FoodCulturist.com recommends purchasing local seafood for budget-friendly prices. Quite honestly, this recipe was made in late spring when buying salmon is cheaper. Ask your local fish monger for the best available seafood at this time of year. Their suggestion is better than seafood flown in hundreds or thousands of miles away. Read more
Ginger Lentil Soup with Eggplant Puree
Lessons in Moments of Silence
A couple of weeks ago, a beloved neighbor passed away unexpectedly. Of all the people I know, why did it have to be him? My neighbor is known for being bright and positive, and such a statement is not of his spirit. That being said, I realize it’s a terrible thought to utter into words. Grief over a loss has mostly been my experience of late, for his passing is the fourth memorial in less than six months. My perception of life has tilted toward the negative. Attempting to wake up happy, I’m moving with a heavy heart against a strong wind that doesn’t cease to take a break. Read more