"What's For Dinner Wednesday?" Grilled Cheese with Fresh Spinach and Dijon Mustard.

Holy Cow this is truly a lickety split recipe.  It'll be done in a jiffy!  Really, I panicked yesterday as I was getting ready for work when I thought, for a second, that it was Wednesday and I had forgotten to post my "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" recipe.  That always happens when there is a holiday during the week.  I am off track and just can't seem to get the day right all week.  But then I remembered that it was actually Tuesday, June 1, my stepdaughter's 21st birthday.

Dessert Recipe for the last day in May! Dulce De Leche Brownies by David Lebovitz

 

Happy Memorial Day!  Today I give thanks to all who served and are currently serving this country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we are so priveledged to have.  What a great country to be a citizen of!  So many of us take for granted all that we enjoy on a daily basis just because we live in this country.  I am not saying that our country is without flaws by any means, no one is perfect, however, all it takes is awareness and education to realize that many around the world are not granted even the most fundamental human rights, all because of the ruling form of government in their country and the oppression imposed upon them all in the name of power.  We are very fortunate.

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Fattoush "Crumbled Bread" Salad with Poached Chicken

With the Louisiana summer heat slowly creeping upon us, a fulfilling, refreshing, and simple meal is always welcome and will be even more so as the summer progresses.  Perfectly seasoned poached chicken breasts paired with a zesty crispy salad and rich salty feta cheese is the meal of the evening.  You won't believe the flavor that this dressing adds.  Literally, you'll want to lick the bowl clean, and you can if your dining partners love you for who you are no matter what.  If that's the case, they won't judge.  Roy, our dog, doesn't judge.  He gets me.

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Hamburger Steaks, Smothered Onions, and Gravy. Oh so Good!

A speedy recipe will do just right today!  Beef, it's what's for dinner. 

What's For Dinner Wednesday?  Mark's Hamburger Steak, Smothered Onions, and Gravy!

A Flavorful Weekend Cooking Session. Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Stacks

I'm back in full swing as of this past weekend.  Yes!  The past two weeks have been a bit of a struggle in numerous ways, and when my energy is zapped, my creative energy is the first to go.  No worries though, because this weekend I have begun the rejuvination process, thankfully.  And just in time, actually a little late, for my first Daring Cooks Challenge.  You're going to be in love with this recipe:  Green Chile and Grilled Chicken Enchilada Stacks.  Read on.

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Mujadarah and Tomato Pachadi! Lentil and Rice Pilaf with a Spiced Tomato Yogurt Side

Hello!  Another episode of "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" is upon us and this one is a two for one special.  Here you will find a wholesome warm and cool contrast of the cuisine of two ethnicities, both Lebanese and Indian.  Please don't be afraid to try this if you have never heard of it.  Believe me, you do not have to serve meat with this to feel like you have eaten a feast.  Your senses will be delighted.  This is full of warm seasonings and a spicy but cool side of Tomato Pachadi.  The two alone create a pleasant contrast. A fresh Green salad would be sure complete the balance.

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Cod with Soba Noodles in a Spicy Tomato Ginger Broth

Hello Wednesday "Tune-Ins"!  It's so cool that we are getting a little routine Wednesday crew going.  I've gotten some regular feedback on "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" and it is sweeeeet!  Maybe next we'll see some "What's For Dinner Wednesday?" get together to cook thingamabobs happening.  I personally love a good excuse to get a few diverse characters together to attempt a creation or project.  By the way, these recipes are perfect because they are not complex and do not take very long.  This is a good one and is from  a Hunt's tomatoes advertisement for their canned Petite Diced Tomatoes.  I tore it out of some magazine years ago. 

Decadent Dessert Recipe: Limey Coconut Macaroons

Refreshing.  Sweet.  Beautiful to look at.  Everything you look for in a dessert recipe.  But wait, is it easy as well?  You bet!  Why can't everything so good be so simple?

I have heard that your body craves what it is deficient in.  If that is the case, based upon the recent trending of my recipes, I think I need to go somewhere tropical.  Coconut, Lime, Pineapple, Cilantro, and Bananas have become staples in my kitchen as of late.  That is the conclusion that I have come to.  I need a tropical paradise vacation... and badly.  Thankfully, I can satisfy at least a portion of my deficiency in the kitchen, here in Louisiana.  That will have to do for now.  I am forever grateful for my love of cooking.

Introducing: Sanew Sandwich Monthly Post! Recipe Alert: Egg, Spinach and Tomato Sandwich

What's up with this whole "Sanew" deal?  I'll make it short and sweet.  Way back when, like so far back that I can't even remember, I am told that I created a new slang for the word sandwich.  Obviously, proper pronunciation was not occurring at the time.  There is an excuse for it though, and an appropriate one at that.  I was maybe two years old.  The funny thing about this is that my siblings and I still, at times, refer to a sandwich as a "sanew".  "Sanew".  Kind of has a ring to it!  A little catchy to this day!  Maybe this was the foreshadowing to my fondness of a sandwich anytime of the day for a meal.  Really, it's true.  And NEVER Boring.  Here's the first of the many below.  And believe me, it's a verrry, verrry tasty one too! 

The "Sanew" Sandwich monthly post has begun!  Look for it around the first of every month.

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Loaded up Nachos

It's almost May and Cinco de Mayo is coming up before we know it!  Maybe that's what put me in the mood for the recipe that I am about to share with you.  What's for Dinner Wednesday must be quick today.  I've got a full busy non-stop day ahead of me but wanted to be sure to get this on here for you.  You will love this recipe.  And if you have kids, or a husband, or a significant other, friend, any other living soul to share these with, even your Dog, they'll love you more for it too.  Not the pet fish though!  I don't think they're into Nachos.  Loaded Up Nachos.  Nachos have been one of my favorite fun recipes to make for as long as I have cooked.  These are far from junk food.  They actually turn out to be a very balanced meal, with a little something from most every food group.  Give em a shot!

What's For Dinner Wednesday? Chicken Spaghetti and Green Salad

I'm a little premature in posting this, but hey, it's almost Wednesday!  Another week just flying by!  Five days of "go-go-go!" and then two days of trying to catch up, then what do you know?  Seven more days gone.  While it is so easy to want to go and pick up something that doesn't require cooking for dinner every day of the week, this practice  really takes the fun out of going out to eat eventually.  Don't get me wrong, going out and getting served at a restaurant is a culinary treat that inspires me every time.  But believe it or not, it can get quite boring if you do it too much.  That's my take on it anyway.  I've tried it and after awhile you just want something that is homemade.  Whether or not you do the cooking yourself is not important.  It's the being home-cooked part that is.  So if you don't feel like cooking, or just despise cooking in general, pass this recipe on to someone who does like to cook.  Then it will be a win-win.  And win-wins are good for everyone.  So treat yourself to some down time, whether alone or with someone, during the week.  Relax and throw together a home cooked meal.  You'll be glad you did.

This is about as basic as it gets.  Chicken Spaghetti and Green Salad.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Recipe! Bananas and Pineapple + Almost too ripe = Tropical Fruit and Nut Cake

Earlier Today I wrote this:
I'm in a slight predicament.  I have three over-ripe bananas and a very ripe pineapple sitting here and am wondering what to make?  If you're feeling innovative, any ideas?  I'm thinking and will let you know by editing this post later on.  Obviously I could do Banana Bread or Pineapple Upside down cake.  Classic and so good.  But maybe I'll try something a little different?  Not sure.  Stay tuned because it will definitely result in at least one recipe!   

    And What Exactly resulted you ask?

    Tropical Fruit and Nut Cake!!!

What's for Dinner Wednesday Recipe: Vietnamese Chicken and Brocolli Stir Fry

Culture to me is the spice of life.  I jump at every chance I get to learn about other cultures and am so appreciative of any opportunity that comes my way to taste authentic cooking of any ethnic cuisine.  THE REASON, really, that I love big cities, is because of this one factor alone.  That's it.  That's THE REASON.  The abundance of options when it comes to choices of ethnic restaurants and food shops in big cities just lights me up.  The multicultural element of big cities in the United States, some more so than others, is my favorite thing since I can't actually travel to each and every country individually (Yet anyway.  Maybe someday.  Now that would be a dream come true.) 

Baba Ga What? Baba Ghannouj Recipe and the delightfulness of our Lebanese Friends

Do you have any friends from Lebanon?  If not, you definitely should.  You just don't know what you're missing out on. We have quite a few Lebanese friends and they are wonderful people.  Their FOOD, oh my goodness, their food is irresistable!  If ever you are fortunate enough to get invited to a get-together with authentic Lebanese food being served, just do not hesitate.  Immediately accept without thinking twice and look forward to one of the best meals that you have ever eaten.  I have yet to accept an invitation that I regretted. 

What's for Dinner Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Mediterranean Salad

"What's for Dinner Wednesday" is a new idea of mine.  I hope that it's something to look forward to and maybe even give you an idea of what to cook on a whim.  It also may help you if you're like me and have to write out somewhat of a meal plan on Sunday.  This helps me when I'm ravenous and just walking in the door from work at 6:00pm and can not for the life of me think of something to cook (even though I cook all the time).  It helps because I have something to refer to that gives me five choices of quick meals that  I already have the ingredients for.  Besides, it's easier than scouring the internet or cookbooks and then shopping and preparing food in an hour's time, which is an impossibility for me.  It's also healthier than eating out and probably less expensive too and you'll feel better after. 

As Promised, the Lemon Butter Cake Recipe AND introducing "What's for Dinner Wednesday"

Hello Dear Friends!

So, we officially wiped out the Lemon Butter Cake in less than a full day.  I know what my household is capable of doing to good food, especially the sweet stuff, so a few lucky folks at the office got to taste a square.  They were just not satisfied with the serving size though, I guess it was just a tease.  You'll see what why they felt that way when you make this!

Recipe: Chess Tart. Do you like Chess? If not, you will!

I love Martha Stewart Living magazine, especially the annual Easter edition. There is something about a change of season, whether Spring or Fall that gets me going.  I also especially love the October and November issues every year.  It's kind of like when you know you're going on vacation soon to somewhere new and the countdown begins.  Everyday you get closer, somehow daily chores get done easier, the workday flies by, you feel a little more cheerful than usual, maybe you get a little motivation to fit some extra exercise into the day, you know?  Eager anticipation for a break, something new, a change.  Not the same old cold weather, not the same exhausting heat.  The tide begins to turn.

Unexpected Treasures, Fluffy Homemade Biscuits, Lemon Marmalade and Pear Jelly

 As the saying goes, "You have plans, and then you have life."  This has been the case for me so many times, and I know that I am not alone.  Sometimes when plans don't work out the way we intended, many not so comfortable emotions can arise, such as confusion, anger, negativity, disappointment etc.   Change of any kind can be a painful thing.  The majority of time, a sudden fork in the road or detour in life works out for the better in the long run.  This may take a long, long time to realize however.  And then sometimes, it isn't necessarily for the better, but just meant to be and gets easier to accept with time.  Time heals.  BUT sometimes, sometimes when life suddenly overrules plans, it can be quite pleasant almost instantaneously.

Recipe Alert: Salty-Sweet Maple Walnuts...Quick'n e.z.

Recipe Alert:  Salty-Sweet Maple Walnuts

These can be used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal, on a salad or even better, eaten just as they are and right away.  They are candied and delicious!  We received a tin of them as a gift from a friend two years ago for Christmas.  They were devoured on the hour long drive home.  I begged for the recipe, received it and then lost it before I could ever make them. 

Today was a great day though because as I was organizing my overstuffed recipe keepsake book, I came across it.  Yes, finding this recipe definitely killed my mission of organizing and redefined a new mission instantly:  Must make Salty, Sweet Maple Walnuts.  There now, brain reprogrammed or short circuited if you want to call it that.  My recipe book still looks like hell, but now I know where my Salty, Sweet Maple Walnuts recipe is:  mission accomplished.

For the love of breakfast, lunch or dinner...Potato, Red Pepper and Kale Frittata Recipe

Now this, People, is good stuff.  If you want something fresh, filling and wholesome then you've gotta try it.  Plus, it's vegetarian, if your body craves a break from meat.  I love it and can promise you that you'll feel like a new man, or woman, once you eat this.  Nothing to feel guilty about here, if you're into that whole "feeling guilty" thing.  Just good food.

To answer your question ahead of time, no, you do not have to use red peppers or kale, you can use substitutions or eliminate extra veggies altogether.  BUT you must use the potatoes BECAUSE it's just not the same without them.

Potato, Red Bell Pepper and Kale Fritatta