Monthly Archives: May 2012

Basil Roasted Chicken and Squash

Recipes posted a year ago:

This recipe came about while we were recently on vacation in sunny Arizona (where we were able to get plenty of Vitamin D).  We had the opportunity to spend a week with Karen’s parents in a vacation condo – which afforded us the chance to cook our own meals instead of spending a week eating at restaurants.  We made a point to bring a handful of different spices with us, and then made a stop at the local grocery store as soon as we had checked into our condo to stock up the fridge.  After a lazy morning followed by an afternoon at the pool, we threw this together in just a short time (aside from the time in the oven).

Continue reading

Baked Patacones

Recipes posted a year ago:

Plantains are basically a type of banana (or are bananas basically a type of plantain?) that are more starchy and less sweet.  They are a staple food of climates more tropical than ours in the Northwest, and are usually prepared or cooked in some way before serving – making them possible to be eaten both green and ripe.  Patacones are thin slices of green plantain that are fried crispy – much like potato chips here in America.  For this recipe, however, we opted to start them out a little thicker and bake them, with an extra step in the middle to yield something more resembling a cracker than a chip.  We also used a couple of plantains that were more ripe to give these tidbits a slight hint of sweetness without being overpowering.

Continue reading

Bacon and Beef Frittata

Recipes posted a year ago:

I got the inspiration for this recipe after talking with Adam at CrossFit Fort Vancouver.  We spend plenty of time talking about food as it is, of course, one of our favorite subjects.  I love to walk in and hear him say, “ We made (insert food dish here) last night and it was good!” I reply back excitedly, “Oh yeah?  How much of (insert meat, veggie, and/or spice here) did you put in?” His reply is ALWAYS, “well, we didn’t measure, we just threw together what sounded good. I brought some for my lunch. Want to try a bite?” I probably don’t need to tell you that my answer is ALWAYS a resounding, “Of course! Duh!” or something to that effect.  This gives me such a great feeling, not just the fact that I get to sample some food, but because experimenting, just throwing together what you think may taste great together, is a great measure of how far your own food knowledge has come.  Spending time in the kitchen has paid off.  Casey and I love to cook, it is true.  But, this honestly doesn’t seem to take as much time for us as it used to.  Yes, most of the time we are both in the kitchen cooking together which saves time and the more we learn, the more efficient we are.  Great food in less time.  Alas, you do not have to spend the time that we have.  Take advantage of our site.  We are happy to do the experimenting for you! I digress.

Continue reading

Salsa Verde Fresca

Recipes posted a year ago:

Fresh salsa is by far my favorite condiment…I love to have it with a huge variety of other foods, or simply all by itself.  And as much as I usually find myself eating red salsas with lots of tomatoes and onions in them, it is refreshing to change things up with a tangy green salsa like this one.

Continue reading

Chicken Fajitas

Recipes posted a year ago:

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo – so what better recipe to post today than one inspired by the great flavors of Mexican and Southwest cuisine.  While purists may complain that fajita traditionally refers to a specific cut of beef, no one can argue that the word today has been broadened to include any number of meats seasoned, grilled, and mixed with sautéed bell peppers and onions and served with a healthy helping of guacamole.

This recipe needs to marinate overnight, so you’ll want to run out and get the ingredients today so that you can have these ready to serve at your fiesta tomorrow!

Continue reading

Chicken-Fried Steak

Recipes posted a year ago:

This is one of those great comfort foods which is most likely found on any typical American menu in the U.S.  I have this vision of a couple, back in the day, driving down Route 66 and stopping at a diner in the middle of nowhere where they can expect to find this listed at the top of the menu.

Interestingly, it has nothing to do with chicken.  It is also called pan-fried steak, which seems a bit more fitting I suppose, but doesn’t leave much to the imagination (um, how did they get “steak” from a “chicken”?).  I did forego the gravy for this particular meal.  I opted with a nice side of sauteed mushrooms (if you have not tried this, I highly suggest cooking some up, seriously, do it now. You will not regret it).

Continue reading