Shrimp and Strawberry Salad with Chorizo

With two pints of fresh strawberries just begging to be used, I threw together this salad on a whim--it came out better than I expected!

I don't have a specific recipe to provide--it was about equal amounts of shrimp, strawberry, cucumber and chorizo. The first three ingredients were combined with a little cilantro and a generous seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper before a good drizzle each of white balsamic vinegar, lime juice and olive oil. It was then plated over the baby spinach, with the chorizo added around the exterior and a garnish of two slices of kiwi.

It was a really nice balance. The shrimp's mild flavor and textural "pop" was very nice with the sweet and tart strawberries, crisp, refreshing cucumber and spicy sausage.

Delicious, and perfect for any luncheon.

Being Inventive and Vescio's Franklin Hotel

We've been noshing on leftovers for a couple of days... I've got to admit that I can not get enough of that Spicy Peanut Sauce. I'm putting it on everything! Yum yum yum...

I had intended to make a lovely pork-mango dish to share, but when I cut into my mango, it was rotten on the inside. What a bummer! :( I really hate wasting food like that--but I find it's the challenge of shopping for produce at Aldi.

Aldi is a budget grocery chain in the U.S. Eastern states. You pay a quarter to get your cart, then return your cart to get your quarter back (thus no need for staff to clean up the parking lot); you either bring your own bags, use boxes or other containers, or purchase grocery bags there. Food is mostly generic brands; meats sold there have a certain preservative smell and taste that I find off-putting.

That said, I do buy things there, such as butter, sour cream, block cheese (like cheddar, colby-jack, etc), cream cheese, and produce--but you have to use that produce quickly ... or else.

It's a bit of a balancing act, I'm afraid. Like the icky mango.

With the loss of my mango, I had to invent something else on the fly. Mr.W absolutely L-O-V-E-S anything teriyaki, so I threw together a teriyaki sauce (low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, a little honey and some grated ginger) to glaze cubed pork and served it over brown rice studded with green onion. He gobbled it up.

Meanwhile, I used my portion of cubed pork along with that spicy peanut sauce over more whole wheat noodles! Oooooh yeah! Just writing about it makes me want more... but I have something else planned for today. More to come later on that!

But I really want to share our dinner outing last night.

Mr.W and I have lately been eating out Wednesday nights instead of weekends. It's a day of the week where we can use discount coupons (if we have any) and it's significantly less busy. Last night we drove to Vescio's Franklin Hotel.

The Franklin Hotel has been around forever. As a kid I would go there on occasion. Back then there was no printed menu--you would order from whatever specials of the day were written on the large blackboard over the bar. There was always a slab of butter in a bowl on the table and good italian bread. When it was time to pay the owner's wife would come to your table and tell you the total. You'd pay her in cash only and that was that.

Nowadays they're a bit more mainstream. Printed menus, plus the specials up on the blackboard. A huge menu, really. Outstanding food. Desserts to die for. And now you pay at a cash register and can use cash or credit cards.

The ambience hasn't changed much, other than perhaps a coat of paint and some new curtains. It's two large rooms, no music, utilitarian tables and chairs, and a big, old-fashioned bar. Everyone can see everyone else.

Photo courtesy of roadfood.com.

But the Franklin Hotel doesn't need ambience--it's all about good food. And the food is outstanding.

Last night I ordered the Greens Beans and Sausage. It's a big, steaming bowl of cannelini beans, escarole (and probably other) greens and italian sausage in a rich, spicy, garlicky broth. Superb, and just the kind of comfort food I was looking for.

Mr.W ordered the spinach salad with grilled chicken--and allow me to say, "Whoa!" It was humongous! Loaded with spinach, chicken, hard boiled eggs and bacon, this was a man-sized meal!

Sadly, I didn't bring my camera, so you'll have to imagine the deliciousness. We didn't order dessert, but I would recommend any sweet there--cannoli and pusties are perennial favorites, but their cannoli cake is TO. DIE. FOR.

Vescio's Franklin Hotel

301 South James Street

Rome, NY 13440

315.336.9974

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This is another budget meal that Mr.W gobbled up, which was surprising, since it's a relatively healthy meal. I won't make any claims to authenticity as an enchilada--but it is an easy-fix meal that comes together very quickly to feed your hungry family.

Enchiladas are easy to make--and turning it into a casserole makes it even easier. It's a very flexible and personalizable recipe that can adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

serves 6-8

In a lightly oiled square baking dish, spoon some prepared enchilada sauce (or taco sauce, or salsa) onto the bottom--I would say between 1/4 and 1/3 cup. The purpose is to keep the tortillas from sticking and to keep them moist.

Top with corn or flour tortillas. I used corn, and cut them so they'd fit a little better in the square dish.

Next was the filling. I combined two poached chicken breasts, cubed, with about 3/4 cup black beans (about half a can, rinsed and drained) and 1/4 cup frozen corn niblets with another splash of enchilada sauce, salt and pepper. After a good stir, it went into the baking dish.

More corn tortillas topped the filling, again cut to fit. All together, I used only five tortillas. More enchilada sauce was spooned on top.

I added about 1 cup of shredded colby-jack cheese on top and baked in a preheated 350*F oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese melted.

Served beside a spinach salad with a lime vinaigrette, this was a tasty meal.

Obviously you can customize this recipe with whatever ingredients you like. You can add cheese to the filling, substitute pork, beef, fish or even cubed tofu for the chicken, or make a sour cream sauce instead of the red enchilada sauce. I've often used mojo criollo to keep fillings moist, which adds fantastic flavor.

The Best Spicy Peanut Sauce Ever

One day last week I awoke from dreaming of a dish of whole wheat noodles mixed with bean sprouts and other vegetables, dressed in a spicy peanut sauce and topped with shrimp.

Really.

So I worked this weekend to create just the right combination. And it all starts with the peanut sauce.

This is a versatile, thin sauce with a slow heat; you control how much liquid you add to reach your desired consistency. (This sauce does thicken on standing.) I liked it thin, because it dressed the noodles very well without becoming sticky.

I combined cooked & cooled whole wheat noodles with julienned snow peas and some sprouts (I bought a sprout blend) and dressed with the peanut sauce; the shrimp on top was marinated in the peanut sauce, as well. I finished it with chopped cucumber for a cooling crunch, and a sprig of cilantro for garnish. Delicious!

The Best Spicy Peanut Sauce Ever

drizzle canola oil for frying

2 green onions (white and green parts), finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh or frozen ginger, finely grated

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (I use a "creamy" natural peanut butter that isn't actually completely creamy, so there is a bit of nutty texture)

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce (optional; available at asian groceries--I get mine at Walmart)

3 tablespoons brown sugar (I used brown sugar substitute)

hot water or lite coconut milk to thin to desired consistency (I used 1 cup hot water)

1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

squeeze fresh lime juice (just a squirt from a lime wedge)

In a saucepan set over a medium flame, fry green onions and ginger in oil for about 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low and stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha hot sauce and brown sugar. Be careful not to scorch the peanut butter. Add hot water or coconut milk a little at a time while stirring gently to reach desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and lime juice.

Other Uses for this Sauce:

- chicken, pork or tofu satay (made thicker)

- chicken wings

- mixed with a little rice wine vinegar it would make a fantastic salad dressing

- any cooked meat served over steamed white or brown rice

Sauce Variation Ideas:

- omit the hot sauce for a sweeter taste

- use lite coconut milk instead of water for more of a thai taste

- don't have sriracha hot sauce? try any curry paste you have on hand, or use some cayenne pepper to taste

- try using real maple syrup instead of brown sugar

Bacon, Egg and Asparagus Sandwich

I have a confession to make. I bought a silly kitchen gadget.

My kitchen is tiny and certainly does not have a lot of counter space--or cupboard space for storing extra stuff. I have one entire cupboard door filled with a sandwich toaster I haven't used in probably 10 years, a contact grill I use once or twice a year, and a number of other appliances that I should really just get rid of. So I'm very much against buying extra gadgets.

Until I found the Paula Deen Egg-and-Muffin Toaster on sale for $15. It toasts bread, muffins or bagels while simultaneously poaching an egg to soft, medium or hard and warming precooked meat and/or veg.

We've been eating egg sandwiches daily--especially while I've been on a cooking hiatus. Even Mr.W made himself a sandwich yesterday.

Here's mine:



Doesn't it look yummy?

I used one slice of bacon (I had pre-cooked a whole 1-pound package and it's been in the fridge in a baggie for easy sandwich making. We only use one slice for a sandwich meat, so that's not too terribly bad.) and four yummy stalks of leftover asparagus, along with mild cheddar cheese and a poached egg cooked to medium on a multigrain muffin. I love biting into a sandwich with all that runny yolk! Asparagus in this little baby gave it a fresh twist that I just love!

Of course this can be made easily by anyone using regular kitchen equipment. An egg fried over easy or hard would suffice.

Another Tag

I've been tagged again by Marta to answer some questions about myself:

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?
   
   What Happens in Vegas -- we really liked it! And can I say that we were the only people in the theater who had senses of humor? No one else was laughing! *Wierd*
   
   
2. What book are you reading?
   
   I'm currently reading three books: The Dummies Guide to Business Plans, The Dummies Plan to Marketing, and The Dummies Plan to Raising Capital.
   
   
3. Favorite board game?
   
   Oh, geez... let's see... I like so many... Yahtzee is an all-time favorite (does that qualify as a board game?), though more lately I reach for Carcassone, which is a clever tile game. *Love it!*
   
   
4. Favorite magazine?
   
   There are so many magazines I enjoy I could not pick just one. Real Simple is nice, though I'm beginning to think it's really all just a list of "buy these products." Better Homes & Gardens is good, and I have a subscription, but often put it aside and don't read it--however, I do tend to purchase (or at least read at the store... *blush*) BHG special interest publications--the one I bought last is their 2008 Grilling issue, which has a bunch of really good recipes. I also like Cooking Light, Food & Wine, Gourmet, and a host of others. Oh, and Cooks Illustrated is FANTASTIC. By far the magazine with the most helpful & useful information for home cooks.
   
   
5. Favorite smells?
   
   Another question I find impossible to answer because there are too many to choose from.
   
   When I select an air freshener for my home, I usually reach for a citrus-y smell in the warmer months and a pumpkin-spice type scent for the wintertime. They both seem fresh and homey to me.
   
   For myself, I reach for a 'Exotic Coconut' scented lotion and other Bath & Body Works products--and, of course, it's the scent they've just discontinued. (That always happens to me! I find a fragrance I love and they discontinue it! Boo!) I'm also recently enjoying Fresh Cucumber scented hand soap--very refreshing.
   
   Cooking smells, of course, are favorites--vanilla, roasting chicken (or any other meat, for that matter), bananas, berries, garlic, bacon, baking cookies or pies, pizza...
   
   Then there are those man-smells. Certain colognes evoke particular sweet memories--Drakkar, Polo, even Aqua Velva and Old Spice! All yummy in their own way.
   
   
6. Favorite sounds?
   
   A babbling brook, frying onions, child's play.
   
   
7. Worst feeling in the world?
   
   Rejection by the person you trust most. I have to say that is the very worst I've ever experienced. That said, that particular experience taught me to rely more on myself and not put all of my sense of self into another person.
   
   
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
   
   Usually it's "Doggone Cat!" Here's why:
   
   
   (Sorry, I don't know why YouTube videos are cut off at the right here!)
   
   
9. Favorite fast food place?
   
   McDonald's. I love it, and I hate it because I love it. So if I'm going to do fast food, I usually head for Wendy's, because it's not as addictive to me, and I can hold back more easily.
   
   
10. Future child’s name?
    
    This is a difficult question to address. In my 20s, I had it all figured out & planned. Then I got divorced and things changed... then things changed further after remarriage and discovering fertility problems. I guess if & when it happens, we'll figure out a name then.
    
    
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?
    
    (a) Donate 10%
    (b) Pay off some debt
    (c) Travel and visit some friends I've been missing
    (d) Travel and experience some new places, or revisit some old places with my husband
    
    
12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
    
    Does my husband count? Thundercat? And occasionally I sleep with one iPod-playing stuffed elephant named Harry Elephante.
    
    
13. Storms - cool or scary?
    
    Well that depends on the storm. I do enjoy a good thunderstorm; snowstorms, not so much. Other storms, such as hurricanes--definitely not.
    
    
14. Favorite drinks?
    
    Vanilla soymilk, anything with Hazelnut coffee creamer (mmm... vanilla soymilk with hazelnut creamer...), diet coke (with lime is good, but I prefer to add a slice of lemon or lime fresh), and diet A&W cream soda--heck yeah!
    
    
15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?
    
    I don't really know how to answer this one, because I have all sorts of time at my disposal; lack of funding is really the only hindrance to doing quite what I'd like to do.
    
    
16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
    
    Of course.
    
    
17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
    
    Well, first, I do color my hair regularly. I select a color that is close to my [original] natural color, only with added red tones.
    
    
18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?
    
    My city of birth
    North Syracuse, NY
    Songtan City, South Korea
    Key West, FL
    Hiram, GA
    My city of birth
    
    
19. Favorite sports to watch?
    
    I love a live ice hockey game!
    
    
20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?
    
    Marta is a sweet & clever foodblogger who comes across as very natural and sincere. Her writing is straightforward and passionate, without a hint of pretense.
    
    
21. What’s under your bed?
    
    A sock or three, dust bunnies and often a cat.
    
    
22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
    
    I'm already born again. :)
    
    
23. Morning person, or night owl?
    
    I don't really know anymore.
    
    
24. Over easy, or sunny side up?
    
    Over easy, baby!
    
    
25. Favorite places to relax?
    
    In bed.
    
    
26. Favorite pie?
    
    Coconut custard, hands down.
    
    
27. Favorite ice cream flavor?
    
    I'm loving sugar free butter pecan right now. Vanilla is, of course, the most versatile. I wish Ben & Jerry's made a sugar free Pistachio! Pistachio!
    
    
28. Who are the people you'll tag for this meme?
    
    I'm leaving this one open for whomever would like to play!

The Cooking Blahs

Do you ever walk into the kitchen and think, "Ugh, not again!"

I do. This week is a tough one for me. And there's no good reason--no trauma or tragedy, and nothing that has usurped my time any more than usual. I'm just not thrilled about the idea of cooking lately.

This happens periodically. And it doesn't mean that I'm not inspired by other meals, magazines and shows.

For example. I've been watching a lot of Top Chef lately. Last night I dreamed about a shrimp dish with a spicy peanut sauce over a bed of whole wheat noodles, with some bean sprouts and sugar snap peas.

(Sounds good, doesn't it?)

I don't even remember seeing that on Top Chef... so my brain must have been in create mode. But now, awake, I just don't feel like cooking. I'd rather eat a piece of fruit or grab a sugar free cookie than cook a meal.

So sad.

What do you do when this happens?

Thundercat Says Hello!

One Pound of Ground Beef, Two Meals for Four

To continue the theme of budget-friendly meals, I made two meals that each use 1/2 pound of ground beef, as well as some pre-frozen ingredients I had on-hand.

On Sunday, I cooked a whole pound of ground beef seasoned simply with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and refrigerated the cooked meat in two equal portions. This was to facilitate quick-fix meals for Monday and Tuesday.

Obviously you need not make these meals two days in a row--you could freeze your pre-cooked ground beef, or simply portion your uncooked meat in half-pound packages. But however you do this, a little planning goes a long way toward making your grocery budget stretch.

Each paired with a side salad, these are complete, budget-friendly meals. Mr.W was happy with both, which is good news for anyone with a picky eater at home!

Meal One: Dinner Nachos

serves 4

About 10 small corn tortillas, cut into wedges and baked at 350*F or deep-fried to crisp, or about two handfuls corn chips

1/2 pound cooked ground beef

1/2 pound colby jack cheese, shredded

toppings as desired (I used salsa, guacamole and sour cream; in hindsight, I should have added some rinsed and drained canned black beans.)

Spread corn chips on a large rimmed cookie sheet that is lightly oiled. Sprinkle with ground beef and shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated 350*F oven until cheese is melted--about 8 minutes. Top as desired.

Meal Two: Penne Bolognese

serves 4

olive oil

about 10 baby-cut carrots, finely chopped

about 1/3 cup chopped onion (I often buy a jumbo-sized onion, chop and store in the freezer)

1 2-inch piece celery, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or as desired (optional)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 cup frozen baby spinach leaves (optional)

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/2 pound cooked ground beef

2 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce

2 cups warm water

1/2 pound penne pasta, cooked to al dente according to package directions

about 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

about 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute carrots, onion and celery in olive oil until onion is transparent and carrot is soft. Stir in red pepper; add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach, vinegar and ground beef. Stir and pour in spaghetti sauce and water. Bring to a simmer.

Add cooked pasta and remove from heat; toss to coat with sauce. Top with cheeses and serve.

Food Budget Issues

I'd like to divert a wee bit from my regular format to talk a little bit about feeding your family economically as food prices increase drastically. A recent article on Frugal Upstate got me thinking about this.

It's a difficult subject--because everyone's idea of economy is a little different, and people have different ideas about what is acceptable nutrition.

Although this is not a frugal or financial blog in any way, let's face it--most of us are on a budget. My grocery budget is $50/week, and that includes dog and cat food, paper/cleaning products and any foods prepared for this blog (which are always made as part of a meal). It's just Mr.W and myself here; we also provide food for different functions and gatherings weekly or so, either inviting friends or family members for a meal or bringing something to a potluck or church social gathering.

The best article on this subject that I've read lately is Cheap Healthy Good's Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Food Crisis: How it Started, Who it Hurts Most, and How to Solve the Problem. What a great perspective--it's certainly true that here in the United States we are not in danger of going hungry any time soon.

But our food prices are increasing, and many people on fixed incomes are having to choose which items on their grocery lists to do without. Those of us on strict budgets AND trying to eat as healthy as possible are learning how to be more creative. When is buying organic and locally-produced food no longer possible? What about the people on budgets that ate nutritionally-bankrupt meals before prices started going up? What are they going to do?

I have to admit that my main concern is for the poor. I personally know people who don't have the money to purchase in bulk--the financial outlay is just not possible. Heck, I've even had to make those choices--not having an extra $10 for the jumbo package of toilet paper at a better price per roll is a real issue for most people I know in real life. I also know people who don't have cars--or money for extra gas--to drive to a slightly farther store to find the best deals.

And what about all those people who just don't know how to create a nutrtionally-balanced meal? On a budget or not, they just have no idea that 50% of your plate should be (let's all say it together, now) vegetables! The remaining 50% should be (for people without dietary restriction) a carb and a protein. Four ounces of lean meat is a portion size. That's about the size of a deck of cards, or the palm of your hand.

So let's talk about some ways to make your grocery budget stretch:

- Read your receipt! Make sure you're not being overcharged.

- When comparing the best price for an item, look at unit price; also consider gasoline/travel cost if you have to go to many stores. Is it worth saving three cents?

- Don't waste food. Only make what you can eat. Freeze leftovers for future meals. For example, remove all remaining meat from a rotisserie chicken and make chicken salad for lunches; then take all the bones, cartilage and skin and freeze it for a future batch of broth. Ditto with a few stalks of celery, half an onion, a few bits of carrot, 1/2 cup rice, a few slices of roast beef, etc.

- Build menu plans based on what's on sale at local grocery stores. Check those sale flyers! I find it's useful to spend that $1.50 for the Sunday newspaper (we don't purchase regular paper delivery) for the flyers and coupons. Most big-chain grocery stores also publish sale flyers online.

- Plan convenient and snack foods so you can manage how much you're spending. For example, mini crustless quiches or muffins in the freezer are a great take-along breakfast for the commuter!

- Troll grocery stores for meat that's marked down for the last day of sale; use that same day or freeze immediately for future use. DO NOT LEAVE IN THE FRIDGE BEYOND THE DAY OF PURCHASE.

- Talk with friends and family. Maybe sharing a bulk-sized package of meat or toilet paper can work for you. I have a great friend that calls me from the store if she finds an item that she knows I use on sale, and will offer to pick it up for me to save me the trip if I want it.

- Sharing a ride to the store with a friend saves gas. Better yet, if you're going anyway, bring a less fortunate friend, neighbor or family member and save them the taxi fare.

- Visit your local library to review depression-era cookbooks. You'll be surprised how many inventive and tasty recipes you'll find!

- Implement a meatless meal day, such as spaghetti with marinara (don't forget a salad!) and garlic bread, or rice-and-beans.

- Learn recipes that utilize dried legumes. They're high in protein and fiber, and very filling.

- Learn about different cuisines. For example, vietnamese pho is delicious, good for you, and uses very little meat. With a little planning and time, you can make a delicious broth, serve with rice or cello noodles (under $2 at walmart) and 1/2 pound thin-sliced meat of choice feeds 4-6.

- Buy ahead! If you know you'll be making lots of, say, bread in the coming several months, go ahead and buy that 50-pound bag of flour now, if you can. Chances are the price will increase over the summer.

- Buy frozen vegetables instead of imported out-of-season ones. Frozen fruit are also a good quality alternative to fresh.

- We grew up poor, so I know how to use a can of tuna a hundred ways! My favorite is creamed tuna on toast with peas or green beans. These kinds of meals are filling, family-friendly and budget-stretching.

- If you can, make donations to your local food bank.

- Reduce the amount of meat in recipes. A pasta sauce that your normally make with one pound of ground beef might work fine with a half pound.

- Start a garden. Even if it's only an indoor container of herbs or two tomato plants, it's something, and not only are you providing fresh food for your family, you're reducing the demand ever so slightly on that product making it more available to others. I know, it doesn't seem like much--but if enough people do it, it will make a difference.

- Consider buying a share or half-share in a local CSA. It's a good investment toward fresh, locally-grown produce for your family all growing season long.

- Donate or volunteer at soup kitchens or reliable charities (ones that do not exceed 10% administrative costs) that feed the hungry in your own country or globally.

Here are some things that I'm doing personally:

- Dusting off my oil spray pump. Why pay more for the stuff in cans, when I can buy oil on sale at my discount grocery?

- Combining shopping trips. In my town, there are 3 major grocery stores, my warehouse club grocery (BJ's) is a 15-minute drive out of town, and the nearest whole-foods/health store where I purchase bulk grains is another 15-minute drive in a different direction. I use one shopping day every other week to do my driving circuit--to the whole-foods/health store (with a farmer's market stop along the way), divert through another city directly towards the warehouse club for some bulk purchases and the lowest price gasoline.

- By limiting other trips out of town, we are able to make one tank of gas last two weeks!

- Choosing to consider this a way to eat healthier and be better stewards of our money; not succumbing to an inflation mindset.


How are you combatting the rising food prices in your life? What are some of your budget-stretching meals?