Tag: mama D’s kitchen

Thoughts of Spring and Lemony Asparagus, Chicken, and Penne

The Midwest has seasons. Four very distinct ones to be exact. Here changes aren’t subtle, they are sudden and intense. Humidity shows up one day unannounced and it’s summer. The leaves change color seemingly overnight and it’s fall. The first frost comes out of nowhere and winter is upon us, Then one day you wake up to puddles where piles of snow used to be and it’s spring.

The Vernal Equinox is a few days away, but here, in my part of the Midwest, spring arrived last week. A week that started with down coats and scarves, ended with light sweaters. Early in the week outdoor activities involved scraping ice off windshields and brisk walks to get out of the cold. Was that Monday? By week’s end there were bicyclists peddling their spandex covered butts down the road. People were outside walking in shirtsleeves and enjoying it. Children were playing outside joyously unbundled. That’s how spring starts here and after a tough winter we all revel in it.

Everyday on the bus, I ride by fields of corn-stalk stubs that are hosting nothing but the bold Canada Geese and brave Mallards. These optimistic fowl nibble at the few corn kernels missed at harvest or bob in puddles of melted snow for some forgotten morsel. There are tastier things Spring has to offer with its own menu of foods. Eating fresh and local is now a fine art. While nothing is actually sprouting in our still slightly frozen Illinois ground, foods like strawberries, beans, and peas are being sourced closer to home. As the saying could go, it’s always spring somewhere. This is true of that iconic harbinger of spring, asparagus. DIGITAL CAMERADIGITAL CAMERAI must confess that I do eat it in the non-spring months, but it alwaysDIGITAL CAMERA begins to taste wonderful as the air starts to warm up. It is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that lends itself to so many preparations. I’ve extolled its virtues here many times. Sharing adventures in grilling, roasting, and even pickling. I usually allow this magnificent spear to stand alone as the perfect side dish to enhance a meal, but sometimes, especially when it comes from far away, it is the perfect addition to a main dish. That’s how Lemony Asparagus with Chicken and Penne came to be.

DIGITAL CAMERALemon is a wonderful flavoring agent. It adds zing, acid and a fresh DIGITAL CAMERAfruity taste of sunshine to everything it touches. I carried this flavor into several levels of this dish. it started with some chicken breast bits that I let chill out with some lemon pepper seasoning. This was the salt free variety so there was no danger of the chicken “cooking” before its time. A quick saute in a large fry pan and it was ready to go. It sat on the sidelines while the vegetables took over. A good amount of red onion and slightly more than a little garlic joined in. A touch of olive oil kept everything moving and when things got a little tight some chicken broth loosened it up. Finally it was time to add the asparagus and I added a lot of it. This dish is about spring after all.DIGITAL CAMERA

My pasta of choice was a whole grain penne and I used just over a cup of dry to serve two.DIGITAL CAMERAI wanted to continue on that lemony sunshine theme, so the sauce included the zest and juice of a whole lemon. The complimenting sauce flavor came from dry vermouth though chicken broth could also fill the bill.  A generous grinding of Italian Herb Seasoning (McCormick Grinder once again), some grape tomatoes, and kalamata olives rounded things out.DIGITAL CAMERA

When it was time to serve, I added a sprinkling of feta cheese. The result was a dish that felt like spring in the Mediterranean.  Lots of fresh vegetables, a little lean protein and some whole grains to tie it together made this a poster child for the diet that bears the name. Give this one a try while asparagus is having its heyday.DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Lemony Asparagus and Chicken with Penne
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Lemony Asparagus and Chicken with Penne
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Toss the chicken with the lemon pepper seasoning. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes or so. The chicken should be light golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve. Leave the drippings in the pan.
  3. Add the onions to the pan and saute for 3 minutes or until the onions begin to become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so.
  4. While you prepare the vegetables, cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain and set aside.
  5. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for 3 - 4 minutes. Toss frequently to insure even cooking. Add a little chicken broth if things seem dry.
  6. Add the vermouth (or broth) and the juice of the lemon to the pan. Lower the heat slightly and allow to cook for 3 minutes or so.
  7. Add the Italian seasoning and the lemon zest, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan. Toss to mix evenly.
  8. Add the olives, tomatoes, and pasta to the pan and continue to cook 3 minutes or so until everything is heated through. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl and sprinkle with the feta cheese and serve.
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The weather is back in the 40’s this week. Nights are cool and mornings are chilly but, I believe we’ve made the leap and spring is not just around the corner but right next door.

 

 

Frittata For Two and Other Thoughts

This is a story about making a frittata for dinner, but there’s more to it than that. Let me start by saying we have been feeling a little under the weather. Call it a cold…call it the flu…whatever, we have been struggling to stay upright for several days. I wanted to fix something for dinner, but I wanted it to be light and easy. Eggs are always a good choice when it comes to filling that particular bill, and a frittata is a simple way to prepare them. It also is a good way to clean out the refrigerator.

Frittata starts on the stove and is finished in the oven. This requires an oven proof cooking DIGITAL CAMERAvessel. Enter the cast iron skillet. I discovered my mother’s old skillet when we moved and it was the perfect size for a two person frittata. There was just one problem. My mother was a dish washing fanatic and the skillet was no exception to that rule. While it had seen its fair share of eggs, it had also seen a lot of dish soap. I gave it a quick seasoning in the oven that helped the sticking factor a bit. It is getting a formal seasoning as I write this and it should be ready for its next close-up soon; that is to say, now.DIGITAL CAMERA

I decided to go for an Italian flavor profile with a nod to healthy choices. The key ingredients would be chicken sausage and baby spinach. Things couldn’t be Italian without  a fair amount of onion and garlic.DIGITAL CAMERAI’m a big fan of the Chicken Sausage that Meijer sells. They have several varieties. The Garlic and Asiago is my favorite, but they have a spinach and mozzarella as well as a chipotle pepper version. They are lower in fat but big on flavor. They are also pre-cooked so prep time shrinks while the sausage doesn’t.

I added a roasted red pepper for a little color. A week or so ago I scored a huge bag of red bell peppers for 99 cents. I sliced and froze some and roasted a few more. I created little roasted pepper packets each holding a whole roasted pepper (peeled, skinned and quartered, of course).DIGITAL CAMERA It was just the amount I needed for color and flavor in my frittata. So, I chopped everything and threw the skillet on the stove with a good dose of olive oil.DIGITAL CAMERAI started with the onion since it needs a little more love.DIGITAL CAMERAThen I added the sausage, garlic, roasted pepper, and eventually, the spinach. Since a little olive oil is a good thing, I opted to add a bit of chicken broth to keep things moving and the fat content in check.DIGITAL CAMERAWhile all this deliciousness was going on, I cracked some eggs and beat them with some low-fat half & half and a shredded Italian cheese blend.DIGITAL CAMERAWhen the time was right I added the eggs to the pan and began the shimmy shake and lift process that is the basis for any omelet, Italian or not.DIGITAL CAMERAOnce everything was beginning to set up, I topped it with a bit more of the cheese blend along with some sliced tomatoes.DIGITAL CAMERAIt spent some time in the oven and a brief interlude under the broiler. The result was golden goodness that received a sprinkle of fresh basil before coming to the table.DIGITAL CAMERAI served it with some toasted  Rosemary Soda Bread that I made earlier in the week. A quick drizzle of olive oil and it was ready to eat.DIGITAL CAMERA

I chose a Barbera wine from Cooper’s Hawk that complimented the dinner beautifully. It had just the right body and flavor to bring out the best in the food.DIGITAL CAMERA

So here’s how Mama D does Frittata. It more or less follows the traditional process. I opted to let it bake in the oven before turning on the broiler. You know the drill by now…use this as a starting point and make it your own with the ingredients you love.

Frittata with Spinach and Chicken Sausage
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Frittata with Spinach and Chicken Sausage
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Servings
2
Servings
2
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a small oven proof skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally 5 minutes or until the onion begins to soften.
  2. Slice the sausage links in half lengthwise then slice into thin half moons. Add these to the onions in the pan and cook for another minute or two.
  3. Add the garlic and roasted red peppers and cook for several minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. If things seem dry, add the chicken broth and toss to coat. You could add a little more olive oil instead of the broth if you like.
  5. Add the chopped spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted.
  6. While the vegetables cook, crack the eggs into a bowl. Beat well. Add the milk and beat to combine. Add half of the cheese and stir to blend.
  7. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and reduce the heat to medium low. Give it a good shake to begin the setting and minimize the sticking.
  8. Continue to cook the eggs gently lifting and shaking to maintain even cooking.
  9. When the eggs are almost set, sprinkle a little of the remaining cheese on the top. Cover the top with the sliced tomatoes and the rest of the cheese.
  10. Place in oven and bake for 10 minutes or so. Turn on the broiler and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Remove the pan from the oven and let it to rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle with the basil and drizzle with a little olive oil. Divide between two plates and serve.
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The frittata was wonderful, the bread and wine were a perfect compliment and we really did feel much better after we ate. Healing is another wonderful result of cooking with love.

Mama D’s New Toy and Zucchini Pasta

When is zucchini not zucchini?Zucchini1

I don’t know, when is zucchini not zucchini?…. Why when it is turned into pasta.

ZucchiniNoodles2Vegetable pasta has become all the rage. It answers a need on many levels. Looking for gluten-free pasta that doesn’t stick to the roof of your mouth? Veggie pasta. Watching your carbs vegetti3especially those “evil” ones found in real pasta? Yup, veggie pasta fills the bill again. Want to do something different with vegetables? You guessed it, veggie pasta. Looking for a new kitchen toy? One that can help you create this new culinary sensation? There’s a tool for that. The Veggetti. Actually there are several tools that can create this new darling of the food world. There are “spiralizers” that can turn virtually anything into pasta simply by impaling your food of choice on the machine and turning the crank.They range in price from $20.00 to upwards of $50.00. The Veggetti comes in at $15.00 ( but I got mine for $10 at Ross). That is quite a price difference. To be honest, there are some foods that this little gem has a hard time with. My first attempt at sweet potato pasta was less than successful, but as I continue to play with it, I’m learning that size and shape do matter. Still for the price and the size (which actually fits in a drawer since shelf space in my kitchen is at a premium), it’s darned brilliant.DIGITAL CAMERA

DIGITAL CAMERAI decided to put it to use in recreating a pasta dish that is near and dear to my heart. Linguine with Salami and Zucchini. Laden with cream and salami along with a generous amount of pasta, it is a tight fit (think skinny jeans) for my healthier cooking style. While I didn’t give up everything; there’s still some salami, a little pasta and I just had to include some cream, it is a lighter version of the dish.DIGITAL CAMERA

Two good size zucchini yielded a generous 4 cups of pasta. I added about 3 ounces each of pasta and salami. I used a mixture of heavy cream and fat-free half & half. There was plenty of garlic and a bit of olive oil. This recipe feeds two or three quite nicely.DIGITAL CAMERAThe salami, zucchini and garlic sizzled together in a large fry pan that was lightly coated with olive oil.DIGITAL CAMERAThe pasta was cooked just shy of al dente.

DIGITAL CAMERAThe cream/half & half mixture was added along with the pasta.

DIGITAL CAMERAEverything bubbled together for a few minutes until it was perfect. A generous dose of fresh ground pepper and a hint of grated Parmesan and it was ready to eat.DIGITAL CAMERA

Zucchini Pasta with Salami and Pasta
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Servings
3
Servings
3
Zucchini Pasta with Salami and Pasta
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Servings
3
Servings
3
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just a minute shy of al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Using a Veggetti or spiralizer, turn the zucchini into thin ribbons.
  3. Stack the salami slices and cut into very thin strips.
  4. Heat a large fry pan. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Combine the zucchini, salami and garlic in the pan and cook stirring occasionally 5 - 7 minutes. The zucchini should be tender, the salami should be a little frizzled, and the garlic should smell wonderful.
  5. Add the cream and half & half to the pan and continue to cook another 5 minutes or so. The sauce should thicken slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and cook until the pasta is heated through and the mixture is bubbly and fragrant.
  7. Add the freshly ground pepper to taste and spoon into individual pasta bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve.
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I’m sure I’ll be creating more “pastas” with my Veggetti. The lighter dishes that result are fun to make and eat. They are also healthier and definitely not light on the love.

 

Reflections on My Trip Around the Sun and Some Recipe Links

Years ago, when I was a Montessori teacher, we celebrated each child’s birthday with a symbolic trip around the sun, making one circle around a candle for each year of the child’s age. They were preschoolers so it only took a few minutes to complete every trip they’d made so far. There were a handful of accomplishments for each year; learning to walk, starting school, you get the picture.

Ceremonies aside, every year we each complete a trip around the sun. It begins and ends on our birthday. Everything we experienced in those 365(or so) days makes up what we have to celebrate. As I’ve done every year, I’m taking time to look back and reflect on how my most recent trip was. I must say that this year was really something. It was filled with more change 026and discovery than any of my other trips. That says a lot since I’ve had far more trips around the sun than I care to remember.

A new job, a newly retired husband, a new home, and a new grandson were the big stories last year. It was a year that saw me taking charge of my health and thus embracing healthier cooking adventures. I’ve included some of my favorite adventures here. Click on the red links to visit/ re-visit them.

A fabulous trip to the Bay Area resulted in some great pictures and a wonderful grilled vegetable adventure.San Francisco 2014 140

My search for healthier burger alternatives led me to experiment with turkey and beans. I loved the Black Bean Burger that was a delicious and nutritious result.DIGITAL CAMERASoups featured prominently this year. From decadent and rich to light and healthy they ran the gambit. I think my favorite was the Gazpacho. It was fresh and crunchy and tasted like summer in a glass.DIGITAL CAMERAGrilling has always been one of my favorite ways to cook. I shared lots of recipes that were partly or totally created on the grill. One of the best combined grilled chicken and asparagus with pasta. Don’t wait until summer to try Farfalle with Grilled Chicken and AsparagusDIGITAL CAMERAThere have been many Meatless Monday recipes some designated as such, some not. A new favorite that was a take off on an old camping dish was Vegetable Hash with Toads in the Hole. I love the fact that the choice of vegetables can be tailored to what is the freshest of the fresh.DIGITAL CAMERAThere were lots of other favorites that I enjoyed re-visiting myself. If you haven’t been there, check out the recipe page. It’s as easy as clicking on RECIPE at the top left of the Home Page.

I’m ready for my next trip around the sun. I learned from the last one that no matter what you encounter as my mother always said, “Everything happens for the best.” I believe that the best is yet to come.

On the Side…The Other Half of Dinner Love

Dinner is my favorite meal of the day. I love to create a plate of love for the evening meal. As you know, Mama D is a big fan of the one dish meal, be it soup, skillet, or casserole. Sometimes, well actually, quite often she enjoys a plate of food divided; that is a protein, a starch and a vegetable each standing on their own.DIGITAL CAMERA

I thought it was time to share some thoughts on and recipes for side dishes. At times side Lamb chop with Tomato and Zucchini Gratindishes take a back (or is it side?) seat to the main event. A succulent steak, beautifully sauced chicken, or a juicy piece of pork bask in the spotlight, but those dishes that sit off to the side of the plate are the compliment to the protein and very often make that protein even better.

DIGITAL CAMERAFrom a health standpoint, our plate should be half filled with vegetables, the other half shared by protein and starch, particularly whole grains. While I’m still an unapologetic carnivore, I have been trying to adjust the balance of the plates I create. I’ve been working towards putting as much creativity into the sides as I do the main.

When it comes to side dishes, I can’t help myself, sometimes I just have to put the starch and veggies together. There are plenty of one pan sides coming out of Mama D’s Kitchen.

DIGITAL CAMERAOne of my current favorites unites Brussels Spouts and Yukon Gold Potatoes. Bacon and onion hold it all together and a generous dusting of freshly cracked pepper seals the deal.DIGITAL CAMERAThick sliced bacon browns up nicely in a pan. Once the bacon and most of the drippings are removed, the onions, potatoes and Brussels sprouts jump in together until everything is tender, brown, and delicious.DIGITAL CAMERAThis side goes well with anything and is super easy to prepare. A recipe is hardly needed, but here you go.

Skillet Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
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This is an easy side dish that combines a vegetable and starch in one pan. The bacon and onions make this a fabulous side dish for any protein.
Servings
4
Servings
4
Skillet Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Print Recipe
This is an easy side dish that combines a vegetable and starch in one pan. The bacon and onions make this a fabulous side dish for any protein.
Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Heat a large fry pan over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook stirring occasionally until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings out of the pan.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the potatoes, sprouts and onion to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally until everything is tender and lightly browned. This should take about 15 -20 minutes, but let your eyes and taste be the judge.
  3. Add the freshly ground pepper and serve.
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The casserole side dish is always a welcome addition to any meal. This particular one combines broccoli and cauliflower in a decadent cheese sauce.DIGITAL CAMERA How does this fit into Mama D’s healthier lifestyle? Well, as Oscar Wilde said everything in moderation including moderation. While not the lightest of dishes, I have trimmed a little fat here and there. I used an extra sharp cheddar cheese that allowed me to use only 3 ounces. A touch of blue cheese added some extra zing. DIGITAL CAMERAI did splurge on real butter, but it was only two tablespoons.  A good amount of onions caramelized in the butter before the flour was added to create a roux. I used low-fat milk in the sauce to trim a little more fat as well.DIGITAL CAMERAI blanched the cauliflower and broccoli to shorten the cooking time.

DIGITAL CAMERA I like the vegetables to be a little softer in this type of casserole, but if you want a little extra crunch skip this step.

I used whole wheat Panko crumbs, a small nod to health, but throw me a bone here.

DIGITAL CAMERAPanko is very crisp already so I only added a bit of butter along with some smoked paprika. Before it went into the oven I gave it a good dose of olive oil cooking spray.DIGITAL CAMERA The crust had the crunch of something made with a lot more fat.DIGITAL CAMERA

This casserole will easily serve six people as a small serving is almost as satisfying as a large one especially when it is paired with wonderful roast meat or poultry of your choice.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin
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Servings
6
Servings
6
Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin
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Servings
6
Servings
6
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. To blanch the vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower. Cook for 2 minutes (for the broccoli) and 3 minutes (for the cauliflower).
  2. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and immediately put them in a bowl of ice water. When cool drain completely and place in a gratin dish that has been coated with olive oil cooking spray.
  3. In a medium saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the flour and cook and stir for several minutes. Slowly pour in the milk stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the mustard.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and blue cheese. Once the cheeses have melted, pour the sauce over the vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Melt the remaining butter in a small pan. Add the Panko crumbs and smoked paprika and toss until the crumbs are coated.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbs over the casserole. Spray the top of the casserole liberally with olive oil cooking spray. Bake in a 375 degree oven until the vegetables are tender, the top is golden, and the sauce is bubbly. This should take 30 to 40 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 - 15 minutes before serving.
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I believe that sides make the meal. It’s that little extra dose of love that elevates the meal to something special.