Cooking My Way Around the Globe

I'm not sure what has gotten into me this past week. It was more accidental than planned and thought out but I realized last night that our menus have covered the globe. Starting with homemade Macaroni and Cheese last Saturday, I emptied the cheese drawer in the fridge with this American favorite, Provolone, a couple of different sharp Cheddars, Parmesan & whatever else needed to be used.

Moroccan Chickpea Stew on Sunday, Tortilla Soup made it's way to the table both Monday & Tuesday. Orange Chicken from Panda Express is Jonathan's FAVORITE but Wednesday night I made it myself from an America's Test Kitchen recipe that I've had printed & waiting to be made for almost 2 years. Last night was Italian with Spaghetti. One of those dishes I just make but have no recipe for, just letting it simmer all afternoon.

This salad is really simple, maybe not really Italian but a current favorite. A bed of fresh baby spinach, pear slices, sometimes orange slices, onion (green onion on this night but red onion is nice too), pecans or walnuts that have been gently toasted in a skillet with a little butter, finished with a light sprinkle of sea salt. Toss in some craisins or other dried fruit if you'd like. A simple dressing of balsamic vinegar with something sweet; honey, some fig or other preserves perhaps, top it all with bit of cheese. It's just the right combination of flavors and texture to make a really great salad that makes me never want to eat iceberg lettuce again!

Art Smith's Goat Cheese Drop Biscuits, another recipe I'd printed out but not made until now. I usually prefer a cut, not drop biscuit but these were outstanding! The preheated iron skillet gave the bottoms a lovely color and texture. This will be a keeper!

Many more of my favorites are available at maryhanks.com, see Food for Thought.

Where shall we travel to tonight?