Orum - April 29, 2009

Chicken, Spinach and Pea Lasagna

Also this week at the co-op, I spotted some nice looking ricotta and thought it was too good to pass up. I immediately thought of lasagna, but wanted to make it spring-y. With the white sauce, chicken and greens I think it was a good choice for a rainy, but still spring-like, day. I ended up looking at a couple different recipes for general ratios, and then just made up my own based on the ingredients I had. I seasoned with tarragon which gave it a nice, light flavor.

Orum - April 28, 2009

Bacon and Avocado on Homemade Sourdough with Smoked Provolone and Spinach

Avocados were on special this week at the co-op and this one was delicious, especially when paired with bacon and our favorite bread. A perfect quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

Orum - April 22, 2009

Pinto and Black Bean Burritos with Ancho Chili

Orum - April 21, 2009

Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Pork Chops with Spinach Salad

Another item found while I cleaned out the 'fridge was a half used jar of pomegranate molasses. We decided to use some for a pork glaze, inspired by an original Dinner Club recipe of Rima's. She used hers over a tenderloin, but since we were two instead of six, chops seemed the way to go. Tasty.

Orum - April 20, 2009

I mentioned MFK Fisher in an earlier post. I am reading her book "The Art of Eating" right now. It is actually a compilation of five of her books. I came across a quote of hers that made me think of our Dinner Club.

"What six persons may consider choice is delicate to decide. Six tastes, six appetites must be known, and fused by one memory and one skill into a mutually exciting whole. Old preferences must be converted into new. New flavors must be linked with old. From this fusion should result meals as stimulating to the tongue as to the gastric fluids, meals to be remembered with pleasure, evocative of future delights." -MFK Fisher, 1937

"Six friends cook circles round yo' ass." -Madison Dinner Club, 2002

I miss you Dinner Clubbers! I am looking forward to the 'future delight' of a reunion sometime, somewhere...

Orum - April 19, 2009 cont'd

Chicken Pot Pie with Root Vegetables

This was dinner. It was our official good-bye to root vegetables (for the season) dinner. This meal was prompted by me undertaking the spring cleaning of our refrigerator. Some parsnips, golden beets, and carrots were hanging out in the crisper drawer and needed to be used. I also threw in some herbes de Provence for a little taste of spring mixed in with the winter.

Orum - April 19, 2009

Ham, Gouda and Onion Omelet flavored with Herbes de Provence and Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint Tea

Just to clarify, this is actually breakfast and not dinner, but I'm posting it anyway because it was good! Nick whipped these up for a Sunday morning treat. The Herbes de Provence really put this dish over the top. Also, I just love my Yogi inspiration tea tags. What a nice thought to keep with you throughout the day.

Orum - April 16, 2009

Pasta Salad with Spinach, Bacon, Egg, Pinenuts and Pecorino-Romano

Pretty tasty for a dish thrown together with items scrounged from what we had on hand.

Orum - April 14, 2009

Eggplant and Carmelized Onion Pizza

Our first fresh herbs from the yard! I am so happy to learn that oregano is a perennial here in zone 4. These fresh additions made the pizza extra flavorful.

Orum - April 11, 2009

Easter this year was at Jess' parents. A ridiculous amount of food was eaten. Here are some of the highlights:
Easter Macaroons from Patrick's, a big spring salad with watercress and spinach, and hammmm...

Orum - April 9, 2009

Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage

Speaking of Nick's birthday, his parents (two of our foodie role models) got him a couple of fantastic cookbooks this year. This recipe is from "The Best of Gourmet: Sixty-Five Years." It's 1991's favorite recipe. Nick proclaimed it 'very 90's' and I proclaimed it 'very tasty.'

Orum - March 5, 2009

I just realized that we forgot to post Nick's Birthday pictures. Sorry this is out of order, but the meal was too good not to post.

We started with our favorite American Sparkling Wine in Nick's fancy new/old champagne bucket, followed by JJ's recipe for Salmon Curry. To finish we purchased a mini Ryan's Cake from Patrick's Bakery. They are the reason I will never bake another birthday cake.

Orum - April 8, 2009

Anna paid us a visit and we were happy to have three original dinner clubbers together for a meal again.

In honor of this event we decided to make Miang Kam, a favorite Thai dish that we were all three introduced to in Thailand. Mmm, so yummy!

Orum - April 7, 2009

Tuna Salad with Kalamata Tapenade on Fresh Baked (bread machine) Sourdough

Sourdough recipe and starter is from JJ and it's our favorite

Orum - April 4, 2009

Betsy's North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Spicy Cole Slaw

Recipe via Rachael Ray

Orum - April 1, 2009

Grown-up Mac and Cheese (with grown-up hot dogs...locally produced brats found on sale at the co-op)

We adapted the recipe from another food blog that we love and used some smoked gouda and gruyere as our cheeses of choice.

Orum - March 24, 2009

Sauteed Treviso Radicchio with Poached Egg on Toast

Orum - March 23, 2009

Potato Leek Soup garnished with Sprouts and Bacon

Orum - March 22, 2009

Red Lentil Curry over Rice

Orum - March 10, 2009

Shrimp over Spinach and White Wine Risotto

Orum - March 18, 2009

Home-grown Sprouts with Chevre on Toast with Left-over Chili

Greg and JJ got me this sprouter for my birthday last year, but this is my first batch. It won't be my last!