Ideas!

OK, folks.  I'm throwing this out there to see if anyone has some brilliant food ideas for next week's dish.  I try to stay away from appetizers only because, although I love them, I do not usually have parties that I am throwing so it doesn't make much sense to keep eating delicious little foods on toothpicks for a meal.  [Although, it has been known to happen on occasion].  Keep in mind, I haven't thought too hard about next week's since I'm still working on getting through this week's dish.  But, I always love getting different ideas whether it's a dish that's been passed down in your families or whether it's something you saw on TV or online and wanted to share it with me.  I am more than happy to be a food tester!!  I'm throwing this out early so you can take your time in thinking and providing ideas.

I am also more than happy to answer any food questions if you have them.  And, I'm not an ego-maniac who thinks I know all the answers to food questions of the world.  I know I don't.  That is why I'm happy to look something up, hand down advice I've heard, or ask around until I have an answer I'm satisfied in repeating!

Until next time, happy eating!

Tonight's Dish - A Success?

Tonight's dish was Creamy Baked Fettuccine with Asiago and Thyme.

I am unsure what to call this.  Delicious? Yes.  But, it could definitely be improved upon.  It's a recipe I got from Giada on the Food Network and since I love many of her dishes, I thought I'd try this one.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound fettuccine pasta

2 cups grated Asiago cheese, plus 1/4 cup

2 (8-ounce) containers creme fraiche

1 cup grated Parmesan

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

In a large bowl combine the 2 cups Asiago cheese, creme fraiche, Parmesan, thyme, salt, pepper, cooked pasta, and pasta cooking liquid.  Gently toss until all the ingredients are combined and the pasta is coated.  Place the pasta in a buttered baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining Asiago cheese.  Bake until golden on top, about 25 minutes.  Let sit for at least 5 minutes and serve.

I'm thinking the main issue was the buttering of the baking dish because it came out more buttery and less creamy.  Next time, less butter.  Perhaps it is supposed to be rich like this in the butter department and I just didn't expect it so it didn't match up with my expectations.  The other potential issue is that due to my current location (wonderful Corvallis, OR), the grocery store did not carry creme fraiche.  I tried to use mascarpone cheese instead since I know it's made with creme fraiche but that's the closest they had.  I would like to try it again with less butter and with real creme fraiche.  Perhaps that's the answer!  But, these things are minor.  Overall, this was a yummy dish!  ...which is a good thing since I am always cooking for one (the boyfriend is across the country, the family is 2 hours north of me).  This usually means I have leftovers for days!!!

As a side note, if there is a lag in my blogging, it is probably because I am not making anything new due to the amount of leftover food from my last adventure.

It is definitely time for bed but I do encourage you to try this and let me know how it turns out for you!!

Previous Successes

Let me start off by welcoming you to my blog!  I have always enjoyed cooking and have been in LOVE with Italian cuisine so it is usually what I make if I'm going to make anything.  But, I also don't discriminate - I'll try anything once!  This blog is one that puts you in the story as I relate to you my kitchen adventures.  I call them adventures because they always are.  Sometimes, there's very little drama and things work out like a charm - just like on TV!  Other times, they better reflect a kitchen nightmare.  Either way, something is learned and I am always trying to think about how I can improve something for the next time I cook the dish.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of some previous successes I have had:

Julia Child's own Boeuf Bourguignon *

Lasagna with Meat Sauce*

Lamb Ragu with Mint*

Beef Teriyaki (with Flank Steak) *

Banana Nut Bread

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Rice

Potatoes Au Gratin

Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes

Frosted Molasses Cookies (a favorite of my Dad's)

Brie En Croute *

Almond Pinecones *

Creamed Eggs *

Crab Cakes

Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin *

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Maple Mustard Lamb Chops

Pork Chops in Paprika Sauce

Parisian Steak and Cheese Croissants

Glazed Smoked Ham

Kourabiedes (walnut sugar cookies) *

Cranberry and White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Swedish Pancakes *

These are not only some of my successes, but also some of my favorites (*)  - usually the two collide.  They are in no particular order, but each one does offer unique flavors and brings to mind wonderful memories.  I enjoy cooking not only for the eating (duh) but for the joy it can bring to those around me.  I love trying new recipes and then changing them around and adding my own flavors, tweaking it until it becomes something personal and special.  I've grown up around cooking - my uncle and my aunt both cook, my dad has always cooked, and growing up our au pair's always brought something new to the proverbial table.  We are a family that will try new things (or change old ones) and bring it to a gathering and then dissect the dish and offer suggestions on how to improve it.  It's something that we all do and truly enjoy talking about.  After all, how can anyone be a great cook if they are not willing to improve and try something outside the box?  I am not a chef by any means.  But, I do enjoy cooking and that is what this blog is all about!  The love of food and cooking it...and, of course, eating it!!

If you would like any of these recipes, please comment on my blog and I will be glad to put it up!  I'm all about sharing the love - and the recipes!

Enjoy!!