De Ma Cuisine

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Monday

21

May 2012

0

COMMENTS

Anybody Have Any Extra Inspiration?

Written by , Posted in Thoughts

Ever have one of those days where you’re just not inspired? Today is that day for me. There’s nothing wrong, nothing’s missing, I’m just feeling tired and unmotivated. It’s actually not been a bad day at all. I took the morning to do domestic things (water the garden, vacuum, brush our shedding dog… if you look at the word “shedding” quickly, it looks like I wrote “sledding dog”… that made me giggle to think about Dog on a sled, he would hate it, he would jump off it instantly…). It was nice to decide that I wasn’t going to start work until this afternoon, so I could feel like I didn’t have to rush through things. Husband came home for lunch, we ate quesadillas with cheese and sliced peaches, dipped in Greek yogurt and peach salsa. We watched The Office while we ate. It was nice.

I have a few go-to meals when I’ve forgotten to plan, or have neglected to take something out of the freezer the night before, or forgotten to buy the ingredients I need. One of them, which we had today, is Quesadillas. Another is Grilled Cheese. And there’s always Mac and Cheese. I think it helps to have easy meals for when the plan falls through. Because, let’s face it, it’s gonna happen every once in a while.

One thing that I love about Grilled Cheese, Quesadillas, and Mac and Cheese is that they can be dressed up and fancied, or left original and delicious.

You could make Grilled Cheese into Nutella, Bacon, and Strawberry Grilled Cheese (not sure about it – try it, it’s good), or add basil and tomato then cook, or add basil, tomato, and mayo after it’s cooked for a hot and cold crunch!

You could add a Spaghetti-ish twist to Mac and Cheese to make Spaghetteroni and Cheese, or add some veggies (broccoli, peas, squash, cauliflower, onion, garlic, spinach, kale…) and add a little extra punch of nutrition to regular M&C. And, while you’re at it, try some whole wheat, or rice penne, or rotini pasta!

Today I had peaches that needed to be used, so I sliced them up and added them to the cheese (depending on what’s in season, you could also use apples, pears, plums, apricots, pluots, apriums…). Sometimes I’ll do black beans, corn, salsa, summer squash, and cheese. You could do Garbonzo Bean Quesadillas, Chicken Quesadillas, Bacon, Cheddar, and Black Bean Quesadillas. You could do a BLT Quesadilla (try kale instead of lettuce as the “T”).

Of all the quesadillas that I’ve made, the one that Husband cheered for the most was my Santa Fe Quesadillas. I’m not sure why I named them that. It just seemed to fit. Tweak them, add your favorite ingredients, make them your own! A great go-to meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

Santa Fe Quesadillas

Last modified on 2012-05-23 23:40:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Santa Fe Quesadillas
Recipe Type: Main
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 6 mins
Total time: 11 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1/2 C corn
  • 1/2 C black beans
  • 1/4 C onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 2 leaves swiss chard (or kale or spinach), chopped
  • 4 cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1/2 t cumin
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 t oregano
  • 2 tortillas
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together (except tortillas).
  2. Heat pan. Place tortilla in pan, spread half the tortilla with half the filling, and fold over with the other half. Repeat with second tortilla.
  3. Cook over medium heat until crispy, flip carefully, cook until cheese is melted and it’s as crispy as you want it.
Notes

You could put less filling in each and make 4 smaller quesadillas.

 

(Sorry, no photo of the Quesadillas. The Fancy Grilled Cheese will have to do. :))

Monday

21

May 2012

0

COMMENTS

Santa Fe Quesadillas

Written by , Posted in Beans, Cheese, Dinner, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Santa Fe Quesadillas
Recipe Type: Main
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 6 mins
Total time: 11 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1/2 C corn
  • 1/2 C black beans
  • 1/4 C onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 2 leaves swiss chard (or kale or spinach), chopped
  • 4 cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1/2 t cumin
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 t oregano
  • 2 tortillas
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together (except tortillas).
  2. Heat pan. Place tortilla in pan, spread half the tortilla with half the filling, and fold over with the other half. Repeat with second tortilla.
  3. Cook over medium heat until crispy, flip carefully, cook until cheese is melted and it’s as crispy as you want it.
Notes

You could put less filling in each and make 4 smaller quesadillas.

 

Friday

18

May 2012

0

COMMENTS

Sarah’s Yummy Salmon

Written by , Posted in Guest Posts, Thoughts

I have known Sarah for about a year. In that time, we’ve shared many meals and good times together. Often they take place at one of our homes, and the guests get to bring something to go along with the meal. I must say that between the two of us, we’ve come up with some really great dinners! I’m so thankful for my new(ish) friend!!

Here’s Sarah!

Growing up the only cooking I did was when I was babysitting which means I had a Masters in Mac ‘n Cheese and take & bake pizza.  After college I had an apartment with a roommate, but neither of us saw the point in cooking for one (since we cooked separately) so we unfortunately continued to stay proficient in “bachelor pad” type food.  I dabbled every once in awhile on dinner guests, but nothing beyond basic.  Then I met a boy who I vowed I would do anything to get him to keep him around.  I had no idea what that would require.  One Saturday afternoon I invited him over for dinner.  I then proceeded with the question, “What are you hungry for?”  Now – I have since been told Ishould have said, “Would you like OPTION A, OPTION B, or OPTION C for dinner?”  With a completely seriously straight face my handsome boyfriend said, “Chicken Cordon Bleu.”  Oh boy.  I swallowed and then began googling.  This was my official initiation into cooking.  It turned out tasty and my confidence came alive.  Now please do not go blog searching for me and my cooking site because you will be sorely disappointed.  I am no amazing cook.  I only know how to read a recipe and get creative here and there with spices…look out!

I enjoy cooking and have a great appreciation for those who have mastered it.  I may not be the next Julia Child, but I do give myself the occasional challenge such as buying a meat I have never cooked before and finding a recipe including it.  I’m hoping when my kids are grown they will not remember having the same 4 rotating dinner dishes, but a nice array of palate pleasers that cultured them and taught them to appreciate good food.

One of the favorite dinner requests at my house is HONEY SOY SALMON.  It’s quick and super tasty.  My husband loves soy sauce so anything that has a hint of it plus a mound of white rice on the side could cure any bad day in his book.  Give it a try – you will not be disappointed!

(For the hopeless romantic reader – that handsome boyfriend eventually asked me to marry him. :))

Sarah’s Honey Soy Salmon

Last modified on 2012-12-01 02:20:05 GMT. 2 comments. Top.

Honey Soy Salmon
Recipe Type: Main, Fish, Dinner
Author: Sarah Bell
Ingredients
  • 1 Scallion minced
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 lb Salmon
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
  1. Wisk scallion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, & honey together.
  2. Place the salmon in a Ziplock along with 3 Tbsp of the liquid mix. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to chill.
  3. Preheat broiler & line a small pan with foil and cooking spray.
  4. Place salmon skin side down on foil. Broil for 6-10 minutes.
  5. Drizzle remaining sauce when removed from broiler & garnish with sesame seeds.

 

Friday

18

May 2012

2

COMMENTS

Sarah’s Honey Soy Salmon

Written by , Posted in Baking, Fish, Low Carb

Honey Soy Salmon
Recipe Type: Main, Fish, Dinner
Author: Sarah Bell
Ingredients
  • 1 Scallion minced
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 lb Salmon
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
  1. Wisk scallion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, & honey together.
  2. Place the salmon in a Ziplock along with 3 Tbsp of the liquid mix. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to chill.
  3. Preheat broiler & line a small pan with foil and cooking spray.
  4. Place salmon skin side down on foil. Broil for 6-10 minutes.
  5. Drizzle remaining sauce when removed from broiler & garnish with sesame seeds.

 

Wednesday

16

May 2012

6

COMMENTS

Basil and Summer Squash Risotto – Episode 23

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Cheese, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Herbs, Main Dishes, Rice, Sides, This Week's Feast, Vegetables

I made risotto this week because my friend, Elizabeth, asked me to.

I was inspired by the basil I was getting in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box. All of the ingredients in this dish are basil friendly. It’s a tasty dish.

I’ll admit to you that I couldn’t stop eating it, even though it was a little too hot and I kinda burned my mouth. It was worth it.

Most of this dish contains ingredients that are from an AHO box, or can be bought as or made from an add on. There are a few exceptions (such as the arborio rice and the wine), but even the rice could be substituted for the rice that’s available through AHO. I’ve done it before. It’s a bit different, but still really good. It’s up to you.

We buy cheap wine. That’s what we drink and what I cook with. If you want to use more expensive wine, go for it! But, in my opinion, Two Buck Chuck is just fine. 🙂 If you don’t want to use wine at all, just use all chicken or vegetable stock.

Basil is probably my favorite herb. The smell of it reminds me of Reedley, where we used to live, where I learned to garden and grew my first basil plants from seed.

I can see myself in the spoon in the photo. I’m OK with that.

I served the risotto in a tea cup that belonged to my Oma. I miss her.

Happy Eating!

Basil and Summer Squash Risotto

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Basil and Summer Squash Risotto

Ingredients

  • 2 C white wine, divided
  • 4-6 C stock (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 1/2 T honey
  • 2-3 T lemon juice, plus a little more for serving
  • 2 T olive oil, plus a little more for serving
  • 1 spring onion, diced
  • 3-4 C summer squash, chopped into small pieces
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 green garlic, diced
  • 1 1/2 C arborio rice
  • 1 C basil, cut in a chiffonade (roll it up and cut into little strips)
  • 1 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • lemon juice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium sauce pan, combine 1 C wine, stock, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer (or turn off and cover).
  2. Heat a medium or large sauce pan over medium heat. Add olive oil. When it's hot, add onion, squash, salt, and pepper. Cook 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and green garlic, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add rice, cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add 1 C wine, cook for 1 minute or so, stirring to deglaze the pan.
  6. Add 1 C of the hot stock mixture to rice pan. Stir. Cook about 3 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  7. Repeat until rice is tender, creamy, starchy. (You may use all the liquid and need more: add water or more stock, heat. Or, you may not need it all: refrigerate or freeze leftovers.) It will take about 30-40 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Add basil. Stir for about a minute.
  9. Add parmesan cheese, stir to combine.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Serve topped with fresh basil, grated parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/i-heart-basil-ep23/

This episode is sponsored by Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil Company, and Molly Jenson.