A Great Side

Roasted veggies are a great side dish.  Tonight, these were wonderful:

1 turnip, peeled and cubed

1 large potato, cubed

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped in bite size pieces

2 carrots sliced

rosemary powder

chili powder

S & P 

kale

In a large bowl place the veggies and seasonings, spread on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast at 415 degrees for about 20-30 minutes until veggies are tender, turning once.

Meanwhile, in a skillet place 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil, add salt and 2 cups kale, cover, and simmer about 3 minutes until kale wilts.

Toss the veggies with the kale! (I squeezed a bit of lemon over the kale before tossing)

We also spread rosemary powder on chicken tenders, along with S&P and grilled them stovetop until done.

Savory Carrot Muffins

Found this recipe in an old blender cookbook, for carrot muffins.  Before I made them, I thought they would be sweet like carrot cake. But upon closer inspection (and taste), these are savory - to be eaten with soup or chili!

And to get that great rise in the muffin?  Spray just the bottom of the tins with oil, not the sides - it works!

Salami & Cheese, Please

A super tasty sandwich and so easy to put together:

equal parts honey and butter
salami
manchego cheese
toasted bread

spread the honey butter on the toast and layer the cheese and salami.

that's it!

Fried Spears

I usually make fried pickles with just flour and egg, and I use pickle slices.

I tried this new recipe and I like it SO MUCH!

Heat 2 1/2 inches of oil in a pan for frying.

Cut whole dill pickles into fourths - pat dry.

Set out three shallow dishes:

2 beaten eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups flour

Dip the spears into the flour, then the egg and then the crumbs.

Fry about 5-6 at a time and drain on paper towels or over a baking sheet with a grid on top (I used my cookie cooler racks).  Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.

We serve with Ranch dressing and salsa.

SO GOOD.

Herb in a Jar

Saw these today at Magnolia Market.  Got two for gifts.  Who wouldn't want an herb plant in a cute jar, growing for dinner each night?
https://shop.magnoliamarket.com/products/garden-jar-herb-kit

Eggplant Pesto

In a skillet, heat 1/2 cup water.

Preheat oven to 425

Add:

1 medium onion diced
1/2 tsp crushed garlic

Cook 5 minutes

Add 1 large eggplant, diced

Cover and cook stirring often, until soft (20 minutes) - add water if needed

When tender, transfer to blender.

Add:

1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup fresh basil, packed
3 T fresh lemon juice
4 T grated parmesan
salt and pepper

Process till smooth - pesto will be thick

Coffee Tees

Cafe Press is a fun website for tshirts and these are great for the coffee lovers in your family - for Christmas!  I'm thinking of getting these two: