Tag: Mama D’s Kitchen of love

Signs of Fall and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

As I take my daily ride into the country, the signs of Fall are everywhere. The corn stalks stand drying in the fields their single ears of seed corn still attached. they’ll stay there for a few more weeks until the process is complete.DIGITAL CAMERAOther stalks face another fate. Gathered and bound to adorn farm stands in every incarnation imaginable, decking their yards for Fall. DIGITAL CAMERAHay bales not being used for feed find their way into the autumn landscape. They can become a climbing structure waiting for children to cast allergies to the wind and scale them with reckless abandon.DIGITAL CAMERA Others are transformed with a few props into (slightly tacky) symbols of the season.DIGITAL CAMERA

DIGITAL CAMERAThe air has that Fall scent. It’s an almost imperceptible hint ofDIGITAL CAMERA dried leaves and crisp air that has just a touch of chill to it. There are a those rogue overachiever trees that are displaying their autumn glory more than a few weeks early, The touches of red and orange a gift of their perfect proximity to the sun.

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This is casserole weather. The temperature is cool enough to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows and using the oven is once again a pleasant proposition. Mama D, always a fan of the one dish meal, has popped more than a few things in the oven of late. Pork loins and chicken breasts have roasted to perfection within the oven walls, but the real treat is when an eclectic group of ingredients come together in one pan of love.

The most recent creation was a healthier twist on Macaroni and Cheese. Pasta was there in the form of Multi-Grain Penne. Extra sharp Cheddar Cheese created a creamy sauce. There was even a little bacon goodness going on. This casserole also featured a healthy dose of cauliflower, red onion, and a handful of golden grape tomatoes.

DIGITAL CAMERACombining these ingredients was easy, if a little time consuming, but completely worth it. I chopped up 3 cups worth of cauliflower (a little more than 1/2 a large head). I cooked the pasta in the usual manner and added the cauliflower to the pot a couple of minutes before the pasta was cooked. They resided together in a rectangular casserole dish. I broiled the tomatoes and cooked the bacon and added them to the dish. DIGITAL CAMERAWhile I drained most of the bacon drippings from the pan, I kept just a little to saute the onions which became the base for my cheese sauce. Cheese sauce needs cheese and I chose an extra sharp cheddar. The grab your taste buds kick allowed me to use less saving some fat and calories.DIGITAL CAMERAI upped the flavor of the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and mustard. Some garden thyme added a little sumpin’ as well.

Every good casserole needs a crunchy crumb topping and so did mine. Panko crumbs with a little garlic powder and paprika was the crowning touch.DIGITAL CAMERAIt baked in the oven mostly covered with foil, but (foil) topless for a bit to create a crunchy golden crust. The result was a tasty yet somewhat healthy dish. DIGITAL CAMERAThe bacon could be eliminated to make it a Meatless Monday delight. Any cut pasta would work from elbows to shells to rotini. Just cut the cauliflower to a size that is similar to the pasta. This will generously serve four and the leftovers are pretty tasty as well.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta "al dente" in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. When the pasta is almost done, add the cauliflower and cook for 2 minutes or so. Drain and place in a rectangular baking dish that has been lightly coated with non-stick spray.
  2. Slice the tomatoes in half and place on a broiler pan that is lightly coated with cooking spray. Spray the tomatoes lightly with more cooking spray. Broil until the tomatoes begin to break down and are lightly browned. Add to the pasta and cauliflower.
  3. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook stirring occasionally until the bacon is browned. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels before adding to the casserole dish.
  4. Remove all but a scant tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the pan. Add the first tablespoon of butter. When it melts, add the red onion. Cook for several minutes until the onion begins to soften.
  5. Add the flour and stir to coat the onions. Continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Do not let the mixture brown.
  6. Add 1/2 cup of the milk and stir to create a smooth paste. Slowly add the rest of the milk, stirring constantly to keep things smooth. Conttinue to cook and stir until the mixture is thickened, 5 minutes or so.
  7. Add the mustard, pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the pan and stir to mix. Remove from heat and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Pour over the mixture in the baking dish.
  8. Melt the second tablespoon of butter in a small pan. Add the Panko, garlic powder, and paprika to the pan and toss until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
  9. Cover with foil and bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or so (it should be bubbly around the edges). Remove the foil and return to the oven for 10 minutes more. The crumbs should be golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes or so before serving.
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Autumn brings changes in the weather and often the foods we eat. This year fall also holds many personal changes for us. Like a change of season…a change of lifestyle can be a welcome challenge.  Embrace it.  Love, Mama D

 

Downsizing the Freezer and Stuffed Peppers

Our efforts to downsize are paying off. One garage sale has been held with respectable success. Closets are devoid of useless clothes and there are spaces were small pieces of furniture used to be. One of the tasks as we prepare to move is using up what is in the freezer and pantry. Of course our new digs will have a freezer and if I’m creative in space usage, a pantry, but it’s a good excuse to clean things out a bit. A recent exploration of the freezer revealed a small portion of Italian Meatloaf and a quart bag of Vegetable Stock. The recipes for both of these have appeared in earlier posts  You can access them on the RECIPES  page. Just search by the recipe title.

There wasn’t enough meatloaf (this made of ground turkey and turkey Italian sausage) to star in a meal, but it could become an integral part of an ensemble cast. This was my protein of choice/necessity. Any other protein you have on hand would be equally wonderful.DIGITAL CAMERAAs I pondered the contents of my vegetable bins, I found 2 lovely colored bell peppers and the inspiration to stuff them came to me. But to stuff them with, what? I had a few mushrooms that were a bit past their prime and a zucchini with more than a little life left in it.  In the back corner of the butter keeper I found a package of Sun-Dried Tomatoes. It is Mama D’s Kitchen, so of course there were onions and garlic on the counter. The cast, or most of it, was in place…DIGITAL CAMERARice is the traditional ingredient in stuffed peppers and I decided it was  a tradition that I liked, so Brown Rice cooked in some of my Vegetable Stock and was ready to join the players.DIGITAL CAMERAThe gathering was almost complete. There is usually a tomato sauce component to most stuffed peppers and a further search of the freezer turned up a small container of Marinara Sauce. Again, too little for a major role, but just enough to top the peppers once they were stuffed.

I sautéed the onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and garlic in a little olive oil before I added them to the rice and meatloaf. I raided my garden herbs and added a generous handful to the bowl.DIGITAL CAMERAThe sun-dried tomatoes were the dry kind so they were just snipped and added to the mixture. I moistened everything with more Vegetable Stock and let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours. An added bonus as the mixture got happy in the frig, the tomatoes plumped up and became tender and juicy.DIGITAL CAMERAFinally, it was time to stuff the peppers. I opted to cut them in half lengthwise to make four pepper boats. I filled them liberally since I had a lot of filling and liberally is how I roll. I topped them with some of the tomato sauce, covered them with foil and baked them for about 35 minutes.DIGITAL CAMERAI removed the foil and added some Romano Cheese. A few more minutes in the oven and they were ready to enjoy.DIGITAL CAMERAThey were delicious and a perfect meal for an evening that strongly hinted of Fall. They were a far cry from the 50’s stuffed peppers my mother made and a welcome addition to Mama D’s recipe collection.

Stuffed Peppers
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Stuffed Peppers
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat the 1-3/4 cups of vegetable stock to boiling in a small sauce pan. Add the rice and stir. Return to boil and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 35 - 45 minutes. Stock should be absorbed and rice should be fairly tender. Cool slightly and place in a large bowl.
  2. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise and slice thinly. Coarsely chop onion and mushrooms. Set aside with the minced garlic.
  3. Heat a medium fry pan and add the olive oil. Swirl to cover the bottom of the pan. Add the onion and cook and stir for about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
  4. Add the zucchini and garlic to the pan and cook for 4 minutes or so. The vegetables should be slightly soft and just beginning to brown. Remove from the heat and add to the rice in the bowl.
  5. Slice the tomatoes into small pieces and add to the bowl.
  6. Roughly chop or crumble the meatloaf and add to the bowl. If you are using another protein, chop it into small bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl. Stir the ingredients to mix. Add the 1/2 cup of stock and stir once more. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white membranes. Spray a medium casserole with non-stick spray. Place the pepper halves in the pan cut side up. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  8. Divide the mixture between the 4 pepper halves, packing lightly. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the marinara on top of each filled pepper. Cover tightly with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil. Add another tablespoon or so of the marinara to each pepper and sprinkle with the cheese. Spoon any remaining marinara into the pan to coat the bottom,
  10. Return the pan to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 - 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are a little brown. Serve.
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We continue to sort through an astounding quantity of things that we have collected over the years. Closets and cabinets hold as much extra stuff as the freezer. At times the process is painful…we’ve become attached to many things. They are, as we are beginning to realize, just things. They represent memories that we can hold onto without a tangible souvenir. Our next chapter has plenty of room for those memories and newly found space for the memories and souvenirs to come.    Love, Mama D

Another Chapter Begins and We Enjoy Steak Tacos

It’s been a little over a year, and I’m beginning to feel comfortable in the life chapter that I am writing for myself. I’ve cooked and created recipes that are uniquely me, and shared them with a slowly expanding “public.” This has been one of the most satisfying times in my life…doing something that I’m passionate about and sharing it with the world (lol).

Life has a funny way of keeping us from becoming complacent and resting too comfortably on our laurels. As many of you know, I am only half of a team that has been together for almost 35 years. While our team membership has expanded, the core has never changed. It’s my husband Jeff and I that have sailed forward through life. That life has taken a new and very unexpected turn, but in typical J & J fashion we are leaping into it with excitement and faith.

Jeff recently retired from the school district where he worked for 13 years. Retirement, for some, is the final chapter. We however are taking the view that we are only somewhere slightly past the middle of our story. There are many new adventures awaiting. Those adventures will still include food, cooking and writing, as we well as “team adventures” many of which will be shared here.

As we begin to create our new life, we are making many changes. Can you say downsize? It has been a challenge to sit down in front of the computer and share what I’m cooking. Trust me, Mama D is in the kitchen every day and some really wonderful things are being created. I will be sharing some of my favorites here, even if it may be a little less often.

That brings me to a recent dinner that we found both tasty and satisfying. Steak Tacos with Roasted Pepper Salsa and Skillet Squash and Corn.DIGITAL CAMERAThe tacos started with skirt steak that was marinated in lime juice, onion, garlic and cilantro. Olive oil and Mexican oregano added some depth of flavor.DIGITAL CAMERA

The result was tender, juicy strips of beefy goodnessDIGITAL CAMERAthat nestled into a whole grain tortilla.DIGITAL CAMERAGarnished with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa and sliced avocado and tomato,DIGITAL CAMERAit was a marriage made in heaven.

My side dish of choice was a skillet vegetable medley. Local corn, zucchini and yellow squash were the backbone of this dish. Onions, red pepper and tomato joined in on the fun.

DIGITAL CAMERAIt was enhanced with light sour cream and pepper jack cheese that were the perfect counterpoint to the tender crisp vegetables.

Fresh Corn and Squash Skillet
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This is a wonderful Summer side dish. Adding the vegetables to the pan gradually insures that everything will turn our tender yet crisp.
Fresh Corn and Squash Skillet
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This is a wonderful Summer side dish. Adding the vegetables to the pan gradually insures that everything will turn our tender yet crisp.
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat a large fry pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
  2. Add the chopped red onion and cook for 2 or 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
  3. Add the corn kernels and cook for several minutes more. Add the peppers and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or so.
  4. Add the zucchini and squash and cook another few minutes. Everything should be tender yet have a little crunch.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine,
  6. Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream. Stir to blend and cook for several minutes until the everything is heated.
  7. Add the shredded cheese and stir and continue to cook until the cheese is melted.
  8. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the cilantro on the vegetables and toss lightly. Serve.
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I decided to try a “mildly” unusual salsa. I started with a jar of roasted red peppers. Fresh roasted would be outstanding, but I had a few other things going on. A bit of onion, garlic and jalapeno gave it a little bite and ripe olives and a parsley/cilantro combo made it interesting. Lime juice brought it all together.

Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
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Salsa re-imagined. Sweet and mild, but if you like it with more heat, use a whole jalapeno and leave in a few seeds.
Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
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Salsa re-imagined. Sweet and mild, but if you like it with more heat, use a whole jalapeno and leave in a few seeds.
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Put the peppers in a medium bowl. Add the onions, garlic, cilantro, and parsley. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the jalapeno and lime zest and toss to combine.
  3. Stir in the lime juice and olive oil and stir again to combine.
  4. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill for several hours.
  5. Serve as a garnish for tacos or with chips.
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As the days to the “big move” fly by, life seems a little like a whirlwind, but in a very good way. Love is the stabilizing force that keeps it all together and food, especially when it is cooked with love, gives us the energy to handle it all. Mama D

 

 

Birthday Memories and Grilled Shrimp Scampi

We just celebrated my son’s birthday. As I’ve been doing since my sons were celebrating their first trips around the sun, I prepared the dinner that he requested. Birthdays have always been kind of a big deal in our family. When the boys were growing up, there was the “friends party” and the family dinner. We lived in a family dense complex in California and friends were as close as walking out the front door. Scan_Pic0053The common courtyard was always alive with kids having fun. Scan_Pic0054Even adults got into the act. (No apologies,..it was the 80’s)

I was (in)famous for my themed parties that always featured the appropriately themed cake. Scan_Pic0057From dinosaurs to super heroes Scan_Pic0056I did it all…and Ninja Turtles twice. Scan_Pic0055Scan_Pic0058Whatever the boys were into, I was right there with a sheet cake. It’s amazing what you can do with a cake mix, food coloring, and decorating icing tubes.

Once the “friend party” was over, there was the family dinner. As soon as they were old enough to make the request, I prepared whatever meal they wanted. Yes, there were times that we had pizza or macaroni and cheese. Then there was the time we had Big Macs. I’m sure grandma was glad she flew over 2000 miles for that taste treat. The boys grew up and their palates expanded. Artichokes, crab, and Fettuccine Alfredo took over the menu. Now that they are grown up, their choices have grown up with them, more or less… Fried chicken three years running may be an exception to that, but I aim to please.

Now, back to the Shrimp Scampi, (another three-year running request) I usually make scampi in the traditional manner; on the stove with butter, olive oil, garlic ,and lemon. I lovingly place it on a bed of al dente linguine and dust it with Romano cheese. This year something got into me. Most likely it was the fact that this dinner also needed to include barbecued ribs and there seemed to be no natural bridge. Being Mama D, I was of course able to come up with a solution. The shrimp would become the appetizer.

All the flavors that went into scampi would become a marinade.  So, lemon juice (and zest) joined lots of garlic, a little red pepper and vermouth.DIGITAL CAMERAAfter several hours the shrimp were extremely happy. They glistened with olive oil and their sweet scent of the sea mingled with the garlic.DIGITAL CAMERAI tossed them in our trusty grill basket where they cooked quickly aided by lots of tossing and moving about on the grill. DIGITAL CAMERA

When they were cooked to perfection; plump and pink and slightly translucent with a good bit of spring in their step, They were plated to the happiness of all present.

DIGITAL CAMERAWe repeated this three times, cleaning the plate every time. The shrimp were tender and juicy and the flavor was amazing. There is something about the combination of sweet seafood and the smokey grill that are just magical. I think this may be the new standard for shrimp scampi, and no one seemed to miss the linguine.

Scampi
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Scampi
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Once the shrimp are shelled and deveined, dry them thoroughly between paper towels. Place the shrimp in a zip top plastic bag.
  2. Mix the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour the marinade into the bag with the shrimp. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 - 3 hours or as long as 4 -5.
  3. Heat a grill basket over a medium high fire. Spray lightly with olive oil non-stick spray. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and add to the grill basket. Discard the marinade.
  4. Cook, stirring frequently and gently. Move the basket around the grill as needed to keep the heat uniform. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl up slightly. This should take 7 - 10 minutes or so. Do not over cook.
  5. If you are using a broiler, give them 3 minutes or so than flip them and give them 3 -4 minutes more they should be pretty in pink and slightly curled up.
  6. Bake these little beauties at 375 degrees for 5 - 8 minutes or so turning half way through.
  7. Remove the shrimp from their heat source and arrange on a platter. Serve with picks as an appetizer. These can also be served as a main dish with side dishes of your choice.
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DIGITAL CAMERAI did make these again, because you really can’t have too much of a good thing. I paired it with an artichoke and tomato panzanella salad for a dinner that was quite wonderful. So this is the appetizer that can easily become  a meal. However you want to enjoy it, you’ll find that it is easy to prepare. As long as you have a few hours to spare for the marinating, it’s quick, too.

Birthdays are a once a year event, but meals cooked with love should happen every day.

                                                           Love, Mama D

The Salad Days of Summer

When I was growing up, summer signaled the change from basic iceberg lettuce salads to something a little more interesting. Whether it was green bean salad flavored with mint or tomatoes in a garlicky vinaigrette, my mother’s summer salads were a welcome treat. In my newly healthier approach to cooking, salads are a big part of most meals and I seem to be discovering different combinations almost daily.DIGITAL CAMERA

Now that Summer is almost officially here, and I’m committed to healthier meals, salads aren’t just another pretty side dish. They are taking center stage and I have to say, I rather like it. Many of these salads are a  generous serving of lean protein accompanied by various vegetables and a light dressing. DIGITAL CAMERAWhile these creations are delicious, sometimes they are a little too light. Something is missing. Carbohydrates! I do love my carbohydrates and I embrace them in my healthier lifestyle.

“Good Carbs” are an important part of a healthy diet because of their nutrients and fiber rich whole grains. So now, many of my salads have the added benefit of whole grains. DIGITAL CAMERAFarro, quinoa, and brown rice have all found their way into my salads. I’ve seemingly turned my back on pasta. As an Italian, how can that be?  While not intentional, I’ve been so enchanted with the ever-expanding selection of grains and the never-ending quest for more fiber, that pasta has been sitting on the pantry shelf feeling neglected.

DIGITAL CAMERAI started to change that the other day when I invited whole wheat pasta to be part of my DIGITAL CAMERAmain dish salad. Instead of it being the principal ingredient, it was a supporting player and going out on the proverbial limb, I invited lettuce to be a supporting player as well. This salad boasts Romaine Hearts and Whole Wheat Farfalle pasta (that packs an impressive 6 grams of fiber per serving).

The colorful array of ingredients included artichoke hearts, red onions and multicolored tomatoes and peppers. Grilled chicken and garbanzo beans provided the protein and Sicilian olives gave it a little extra punch.DIGITAL CAMERASo, I combined the veggies and the cooked pasta in a large bowl.DIGITAL CAMERAThe dressing was a simple vinaigrette that included some fresh herbs and just a bit of anchovy paste. DIGITAL CAMERAThe lettuce waited on the sidelines until the moment of plating so that it could provide the necessary crunch. A dusting of Romano cheese finished things off.DIGITAL CAMERA

Italian Salad with Pasta and Chicken
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Pasta salad meets lettuce salad in an easy one dish meal. This serves two very generously. Use the cut whole wheat pasta of your choice. The same goes for the herbs you use in the dressing.
Servings
2
Servings
2
Italian Salad with Pasta and Chicken
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Pasta salad meets lettuce salad in an easy one dish meal. This serves two very generously. Use the cut whole wheat pasta of your choice. The same goes for the herbs you use in the dressing.
Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Dressing
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse and put in a large bowl.
  2. Slice the onion lengthwise into narrow strips and add them to the pasta in the bowl.
  3. Slice the peppers into thin strips abut the same size as the onions and add them to the bowl.
  4. Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters depending on the size of the tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
  5. Add the garbanzo beans, drained artichoke hearts, chicken, and olives to the bowl and toss to combine everything.
  6. Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake vigorously to blend everything. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
  7. When you are ready to serve, add the torn lettuce leaves and toss once more. Divide between two plates and sprinkle with the Romano cheese.
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Summer stretches ahead for the next few months. There’s plenty of time to create more interesting salads. If you haven’t tried a healthy salad supper, give it a try. If you have, let me know what you’ve created.   Love, Mama D