Satisfying the hunger for meat doesn't always require a heavy meal of meat and potatoes. Seared skirt steak served atop a bed of baby spinach and fresh mushrooms makes this salad a great main dish. The homemade vinaigrette is, as always, far better than store-bought, and makes this dish a lovely meal. I just purchased...
Dinner
Mushroom and Leek Pasta with Garlic Bruschette
Note- This post was updated with new photos in 2020. My week spent cooking from Gordon Ramsay's Home Cooking by Gordon Ramsay has been delectably delightful. He has long been one of my favorite celebrity chefs, but until now, I haven't cooked very many of his recipes. Better late than never, but I definitely plan...
Corn Fritters with Yogurt Dip
Subtle hints of red chile add a bit of heat to these fantastic corn fritters. In less than 15 minutes you could whip these together for a great appetizer, or in our case, a light dinner. Delicious. Also, have I mentioned that this cookbook is amazing? Buy it for yourself, or ask Santa for it...
Beef Meatball Sandwich with Melting Mozzarella and Tomato Salsa
This fancied-up variation of a burger is a must-try. I love the fresh, bright flavors of the salsa combined with the perfectly seasoned meatballs and creamy mozzarella. No store-bought condiments necessary. Spectacular lunch on a cold day. Beef Meatball Sandwich with Melting Mozzarella and Tomato Salsa Credit: Gordon Ramsay's Home Cooking by Gordon Ramsay Ingredients:...
Sirloin Tacos with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Wasabi Mayo
This Asian twist on a Mexican favorite made for a wonderful weeknight dinner, and it came together really quickly. The sirloin is marinaded after it is cooked, and it absorbs the flavors wonderfully. We will definitely be making these again soon. Sirloin Tacos with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Wasabi Mayo Credit: Gordon Ramsay's Home Cooking...
Beef Wellington
I am happy to say that I can check Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington off my cooking bucket list. I've always wanted to give it a try, especially after watching Gordon Ramsay make it so many times on TV. The crispy pastry crust filled with prosciutto, mushrooms, and juicy beef tenderloin is spectacular. The meat is...
Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef with Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise
Of all the recipes I planned to try this week from my Cookbook of the Week: Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten, I think I was most looking forward to this one. It had nothing but delicious written all over it: filet of beef, fresh basil, homemade mayonnaise, "slow-roasted". I was salivating just reading about...
Smoked Salmon with Fresh Dill Sauce
This recipe uses a charcoal grill and hickory wood chips to smoke the salmon, and the results are splendid. No fancy smoker needed, and the smoky flavor is just strong enough to shine through without being too overpowering for the salmon. The fresh dill sauce was a hit at our house, and I'll surely find...
Birthday Menu-Planning and Bucket-List Recipes
My husband seems to be unusually excited about my birthday this year. Don't get me wrong, he ALWAYS gets excited about my birthday, but it's still a week away and he has mentioned his excitement a multitude of times. I'm one of those lucky wives who doesn't have some story about how he totally dropped...
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
Nobody is ever too old to enjoy a good bowl of mac & cheese. It's especially "grown-up" in this version which includes freshly steamed lobster. I love Gruyere (from Switzerland- Sorry, Wisconsin!) and combined with extra-sharp cheddar, this is a fabulous homemade macaroni and cheese that I will no doubt be making again soon. Lobster...