We had guests this weekend up in the country. Had a great deal of fun catching up, eating and drinking with long time friends. Of course I tried to make a special dinner but I also tried to balance it, making something not too complicated as I wanted to able to spend time with the party and my kitchen upstate is a separate room, not open to the living and dining room as it is in the city. Not sure I really succeeded at that as I still did spend quite a bit of time cooking.
They loved what I made! (I’ll tell you all about that menu later this week with wine pairings.) Said it was better or equal to any restaurant meal and oh, by the way, when was I going to open my own restaurant? Well, that’s not something that interests me. We have talked about perhaps opening an exclusive “supper club” type of place, that might be open once or twice a month, in our home – as a way to have fun and meet new, interesting people upstate – but not a restaurant. Then the conversation went to, do you cook every night? And yes, I cook almost every single night. In fact, when we have leftovers, while I enjoy the speed of getting that meal on the table, I have to tell you, I miss the cooking process those nights. Once you get into the habit of doing it, it’s easy, and I enjoy it, no matter what time I get home.
Sesame curry crusted salmon with steamed broccoli and tomato cucumber and avocado salad with fresh chives.
Just take a look at these quick, easy meals for weeknights – super simple and super easy. And don’t they look much better and are certainly cheaper than anything you could ever get from ordering up?
Lamb ragu with grated Pecorino Romano cheese, parsley and cracked black pepper
Roasted zucchini with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Really, all of these meals took 45 minutes to maybe an hour to make. Plus, if you’re cooking, you KNOW what you’re eating, particularly in terms of fat, salt and calories. Feed your body with healthy food, prepared with love and you will feel better. I promise.
Sauteed chicken thighs with bacon, shallots and dry white wine, steamed Jasmine rice and sauteed baby bok choy with garlic
Roasted salmon, steamed Jasmine rice with parsley and roasted asparagus with lemon and olive oil
Roasted Salmon with Dijon Mustard and Beet Horseradish
Steamed Broccoli with a Dijon Butter Sauce & Carrie Mae’s Kitchen Chia Seeds Crunchy Strips
Sesame & Curry Crusted Salmon with Tomato Salad
New!
Super quick and delicious!
Oh my goodness, all of those pictures look absolutely delicious! The zucchini looks especially good and I can’t wait until they start showing up in abundance in my Dad’s garden. You’re absolutely right about the cooking process – I find it to be such a stress reliever and really enjoy even the most “tedious” of chores like the chopping, dicing, etc. Job well done!
So glad you agree! Nice job you did for you mom on Mother’s Day. Bravo!
OMG. How many guests did you have? 20? 30? Very nice repertoire.
This was just my husband and me!! Over many nights. With leftovers!
Great menu. I bet your friends love for you to invite them to dinner!
Thanks!! They do enjoy it!
OK. You have convinced me. You can come and fix me everyday dinners anytime you want. 🙂 Nice menus and lovely photos.
Thanks!! 🙂
You did a lot of cooking for us today. You are right about knowing what goes into your meals if you make it yourself. No ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Exactly – about no ingredients you can’t pronounce – one wouldn’t put the wrong gas in your car, right? (this was over several nights)
MMM i love the idea of mixing and matching some of this stuff Mary Frances! Plus using fresh herbs like parsley always adds a little something more lovely 🙂
Yes, it’s true, a little fresh herbs mixed into anything makes it a little more special and certainly more flavorful!
Everything looks so good! 🙂
Thanks!! All very easy and quick!
🙂