Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Scallops with Orzo, Tomato and Ginger

From Food and Wine Magazine

By Chef Eric Ripert - One of my favorite chefs!

Serves 4

1 cup orzo or other tiny pasta
One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 large stalk of fresh lemongrass, tender inner core of bottom third only, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 pounds tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops



In a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a mini processor, mince the ginger with the lemongrass. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium skillet. Add the ginger and lemongrass and cook over moderately high until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of the basil and the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Add the scallops, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat until browned on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook for 1 minute longer.

Mound the orzo in shallow bowls or on plates and top with the tomatoes and scallops. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of basil and serve.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Sauce

From Cooking Light Magazine

Serves 4

Ingredients
4 cups sliced peeled Red Delicious apple
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon canola oil
4 (4-ounce) boneless center-cut loin pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a medium microwave-safe bowl, and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at HIGH 12 minutes or until tender. Cool 5 minutes. Place apple mixture in a food processor, and process until smooth. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork on both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; add to pan. Cook 4 minutes on each side or until pork is done. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve with applesauce.

I don't really like to "cook" using the microwave but this applesauce is good :)

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Dancing with Grandma




Samantha is preparing for the Dancing With The Stars premiere tomorrow night with Dancing Grandma

Monday, March 2, 2009

Pan-Seared Chicken with Italian Salsa Verde

From Cooking Light Magazine
Serves 4

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
3/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and drained
4 (2-inch) fresh mint sprigs
1 (2-ounce) slice peasant bread, crust removed


Combine first 4 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake well to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.


Place the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, parsley, and remaining ingredients except bread in a food processor; process 10 seconds or until finely chopped. Tear peasant bread into pieces; add to the processor, and process 4 seconds or until well blended. Thinly slice each chicken breast half, and serve topped with salsa verde.

Serve atop fettuccini

15 Months

Samantha is officially 15 months At her check up today she was 32" tall (90%) and weighed 21 lbs (35%).

1st Birthday Party for Oliver

Samantha's friend Oliver turned 1 and we attended his Sesame Street themed party. They had a bounce house, trampoline, Yellowbird Music and so much more. Todd and I had as much fun as Samantha!










The Zoo and a Boo Boo

We had a great time at the zoo the other day.
Here are some videos:

Waving "Hi" to the Giraffes
Getting excited over a Meerkat (I think she thinks it is Lollipop)

Talking to the Sheep



We ended the zoo trip with a cut on her head. Samantha thinks strollers are for "babies" and likes to RUN through the zoo. Her body can't quite keep up with her fast feet and when she starts to go down a hill she topples over. She used her head to catch herself instead of her hands in the picture above :(