Artichoke & Goat Cheese Strata
The title of this post may have you thinking, “Oh god, Jenny is about to rant about how much she loves artichokes and goat cheese again.” Lucky for you, I think I have established that. Instead I am going to talk about casseroles/stratas/any other dish you can cook in one pot/casserole dish. There is something that eases my mind when I am able to make an entire meal without having to wash tons of pots, pans and skillets afterwards. If you don’t make one-pot-meals very often, you really should give it a try; there is something therapeutic and relaxing about its simplicity.
Grilled Eggplant & Bok Choy w/ Korean BBQ Sauce
Where did the summer go? I can’t believe I started school last week, all of three classes… I am taking ceramics for non-majors, photography for non-majors and advertising campaigns; rough I know. Between working and classes, I have hardly had any free time. I wanted to post this recipe before August was over because August is Colorado Proud month and the ingredients in the recipe are all from local organic Colorado Farms. Even more exciting news, my recipes are now being indexed on the Door to Door Organics website! Door to Door Organics is a great program in Colorado that delivers boxes of organic food to your doorstep. Their website then has a recipe collection that will find recipes customized for you, based off your box. It is a really cool idea and helps people eat healthy, locally and organically. They are allowing me to give you a 40% discount off their boxes if you are interested too! Just go to their site and enter “savourthesenses” as the code. The program is offered in Colorado, Kansas City, Chicago and Michigan.
Salmon w/ Peach & Tomato Compote
One thing I love about summertime is the Farmer’s Market. During my last visit to the farmers market, I got these delicious heirloom tomatoes and Palisade Peaches (some of the best peaches in Colorado!). I knew I had to make something delicious with them. If you have never eaten an heirloom tomato, I highly suggest that you get on it! They are so delicious and not to mention super cool looking! I love just looking at all the different heirloom tomatoes in the bunch.
Spinach-Cilantro Pesto
In only a year, my olive oil collection has grown substantially. I seem to accumulate nice olive oils, then never use them. I always just buy the massive bottles from Costco to use instead. The other day my mom mentioned to me that she only had nice olive oils left, so she was only going to use them. I think I have some sort of mental block that I should save them for a “special occasion”. When will there ever be an olive oil special occasion? This has brought me to the decision that I am going to use my nice olive oils as well. I have begun using the oil that my mom got from her adopted olive farm, my chile infused olive oil from New Zealand (summer 2010!), a lemon olive oil, as well as my new DEVO Cilantro and Roasted Onion infused olive oil. When I heard of this DEVO oil, I was instantly intrigued. I had never heard of such an interesting flavor infusion- I had to try it! DEVO also has many other interesting infused oils, check them out!
Steamed Mussels w/ Chickpea Chorizo Butter Broth
Working in a fine dining restaurant has been amazing. In only a month, I have already learned so many things that I never knew before. I have learned how to shuck oysters, how to make an immulsion, seasoning techniques, flavor concepts, how to prepare mussels and much more. After watching all of the mussels that go out to guests at SALT, I really began to crave them. I went home a little bit ago to have dinner with my family and ended up spending the entire day learning about and working on my food photography with my mom (aren’t I lucky to have a mom who can show me that!?).
Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
When I first heard “pork chops with mojo”, Austin Powers came to mind. I thought it was just someone trying to talk up their own pork chop recipe. I didn’t realize that “mojo” is actually a culinary term, a pretty great term at that. “Mojo” sauces originated in the Canary Islands, but have evolved and become a part of many different ethnic cuisines. In this recipe, my mojo sauce is a Cuban version. I had some delicious pork chops from the farm that my mom belongs too and wanted to put them to good use.
Grilled Enchilada & Brussels Sprout Pizzas {Giveaway Closed}
Once the sun begins to set and the cool air begins to blow in, I just can’t resist going outside. Grilling may seem miserable on a hot summer day sometimes, but it is perfect for cool summer evenings. I have definitely been noticing the temperature drop little by little in the last week. I think the heat of summer might finally be wearing down (I don’t want to jinx it though!). This week I was also lucky enough to receive a reserve kit of Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes to try out- see below for your chance to win one too! Muir Glen caught my eye when I heard that, unlike other canned tomatoes, their tomatoes are all taken from their vines to their cans within EIGHT hours! That is pretty impressive.
Mahi Mahi w/ Green Chile-Coconut Broth
When I first heard green chile and coconut in the same recipe, I was immediately intrigued. I couldn’t decide if the combination would be delicious or disgusting. There was only one way to find out. While all of my roommates hung out in the basement eating take-out and some delicious Lemon-Artichoke Hummus to avoid the heat of cooking in our boiling house, I was sweating in the kitchen.
Chicken Breasts w/ Mozzarella, Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper
After over three months of not having a job, I forgot how hectic things can be with one. Sometimes it is hard to get motivation to cook a nice dinner after you have been working all day; I’m sure many of you are nodding your heads in agreement. BUT! Even when you have had a long day, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice your dinner! This is a great recipe for those nights. It is quick, easy and looks like you tried harder than you have to!
Lemon Artichoke Hummus
I know that I have told you that most of my new roommates are vegetarians, but I don’t think I have told you that I finally am living with a fellow foodie! Kelcey is my good friend from high school; I can’t even go into all the stories that we have from the past seven years. She is a nutrition major, works at whole foods and does personal chef work for people around Boulder- can’t get much better than that right? I have never lived with someone who has a passion for cooking too, so obviously I am excited about this! I am also excited to see her vegetarian recipe ideas, since I mainly focus my meals around meat. I know that more veggie recipes will make some of you very happy, so stay tuned! Either way, Kelcey and I wanted to make hummus for our other roommate’s 21st birthday, yes another 21st.
