Popeye’s Pick

So…it’s been awhile since I blogged.  Don’t hate.  Sometimes life just gets in the way.

Even though I have not been blogging, that certainly does not mean I haven’t been cooking!  One of the hubby’s most recent faves is a recurring Meatless Monday dish.  It even has approval from my vegetarian friend (please note: I have more than one vegetarian friend, however, only one has tried these).

I kinda don’t get how this is so delicious.  The recipe is so simple, yet the flavors just go crazy in your mouth. This is one of my, “When I own a restaurant one day, this will be on the menu,” recipes.  Seriously. Make these.  Soon.

Spinach Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

 

 

Tarte L’oignon

You can’t let Mardi Gras pass without at least one (or two, or three) decadent meals. When I think of New Orleans I think of all the cuisines that influence the menus in that sinfully delicious city and Creole, French and good ol’ Southern come to mind.

So when pondering what recipe to share during Mardi Gras, I immedietly thought of the Tarte L’oignon I recently replicated from a tiny French bistro in Decatur, Ga.

This dish is rich, creamy and might have a calorie or two.

I like to think it’s not that bad…afterall, it is meatless, right? So technically it could be used for a Meatless Monday dish. Is that pushing it?

What dish are you making to celebrate Mardi Gras?

Tostadas Terrificos!

I know I have not blogged in awhile, but I have have definitely been cooking!

Most recently, I made an amazing supper of Shrimp Tostadas and served them with Roasted Okra.

My husband and I just returned from a fun, and adventurous, trip to the beautiful country of Costa Rica.  As much as we enjoyed kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities of La Fortuna and walking the streets of San Jose…we were not crazy about the food.  There is only so much rice and beans, pizza and fried chicken you can eat (random selection, I know).

Anywho, since we were craving Latin American food as soon as we set foot back in the states, I immediately started looking for a recipe to inspire and found this Shrimp Tostada Recipe — que delicioso! It was quick and easy to make, healthy and just what we had been craving.

Of course, I made a few changes.  I used frozen, precooked shrimp and just heated them through with the garlic and salsa in a pan on the stove; subbed Butterhead Lettuce because it’s my fave and added a little coconut oil  to the refried beans (a little trick I learned in my travels to Belize).

It’s also a great dish to have on hand for Meatless Monday (if you eat seafood on Mondays like I do).

What’s your go-to dish when you need a south-of-the-border fix?

La Cena

#WeekDaySupper Macadamian Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

I’m always looking to incorporate more fish and seafood in our weekly dinners and this recipe is so easy and delicious, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy meal any day of the week.

I’ve tweaked the original recipe a bit by adding shredded coconut and cayenne to the “crust” mixture and it is so tasty!  You could sub another nut if you don’t have macadamian nuts on hand. Tip:  Keep your nuts in the freezer to make them last longer. I think pistachios or cashews would also work nicely.

To bring this meal together, I like to roast a fresh veggie in the oven while it’s preheating for the fish (and while the fish is baking) and serve with a cold salad I’ve prepped on Sunday for the week, like a Farro Salad.  So you’ve got your dinner cooking in the oven with minimal clean-up.  A win-win for a weeknight meal!

Mahi-Mahi before going in the oven

Brushing on coconut milk

Crusted and ready to go back in to bake!

Easy Weeknight Meal: Macadamian Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi served with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Farro Salad

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups coarsely ground, roasted macadamia nuts (I pound them in a plastic bag with a mallet)
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• a pinch of cayenne (more for more kick)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for brushing foil
• 4 mahi mahi fillets (I love the frozen fillets from Whole Foods)
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a medium bowl, stir together the nuts, panko, coconut, cayenne, flour, and butter. Set aside.

Place a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it liberally with vegetable oil. Place the mahi mahi on the foil and sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper on both sides.  Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush each fillet with the coconut milk. Divide the nut mixture among the tops of the 4 fillets, patting the mixture to spread and adhere to the fillets. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

Be sure to check out more #WeekDaySupper recipes this week from my fellow foodies!

Tuesday – Healthy. Delicious. – Thai Corn Chowder

Wednesday – Wednesday – Daily Dish Recipes – Guacamole Avocado Pasta

Thursday – Foxes Love Lemons – Squash & Ricotta Gemelli Saute

Friday – Mama’s Blissful Bites – Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Honey Glaze

Summer Side: Pearled Couscous Salad

This dish is the perfect summer side.  It’s easy, colorful, make-ahead and, most importantly, delicious!  I like to pack it up and take along to the beach or on a picnic, serve alongside ribs, or make a batch to take into work to have for lunch for the week.  If enjoying for lunch, you could add shredded chicken, or boiled shrimp, to make it a little more hearty, or serve alongside a summer soup or salad.

What’s your go-to summer salad?

Related articles:

• Chicken Sausage, Peppers and Couscous #WeekdaySupper (cindysrecipesandwritings.com)
• Couscous, Cranberry, and Feta Salad (artichokerecipesbariv.wordpress.com)
• A couscous you might not expect (veganinahurry.wordpress.com)

Hubby’s Homecoming

My husband and I were both recently out of town, so we didn’t see each other for a couple of weeks. While I was attending a work conference, he and a friend traipsed around Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Needless to say, I had to make his homecoming meal a good one…and what better way to tell someone you love them then with lobster?

This Lobster Roll recipe is incredible. I can honestly say that I have never had a “real” lobster roll in Boston or Maine, but if they taste anything like these came out, it’s a good thing I don’t live in either place. I’d be broke and probably weigh a few more pounds from eating the irresistible sammy multiple times a week. I made just a few small tweaks to the original recipe. I did add Bibb lettuce and I subbed green onions for chives, because that’s what I had.

Yes, lobster is expensive, so do not let any of it go to waste, I opted to buy lobster tail (mainly b/c I didn’t want to have to kill a live lobster by stabbing it to death or throwing it into a pot of boiling water). After roasting it in the oven, and removing the meat, I used the shells to make a rich lobster stock which I will be using in a Lobster Bisque tonight. Note: I used one lobster tail per sandwich, roughly, and roasted a third tail, and put the meat aside, to be used in the bisque tonight.

Tell me, what’s you’re favorite way to prepare this sweet crustacean at home?

Related articles

• Red Sox pitcher gets hooked on Steamers lobster rolls (bostonherald.com)
• All 20 Lobster Rolls from Tasting Table’s Lobster Roll Rumble (newyork.seriouseats.com)
• How to Host a One-Pot Lobster Party (potterybarn.com)

#SundaySupper Popeye’s Breakfast

I don’t know about you but I LOVE breakfast for dinner. There’s just something special about having traditional breakfast fare after the sun goes down…whether it’s a cold bowl of cereal or a tasty quiche like the one listed below.

My mom has been making this recipe on Christmas morning as long as I can remember.  However, it’s so delicious, I would eat at any time of day.  The recipe is from a 1980’s issue of Southern Living, but it’s one of those classics that I’ll be making forever.

You can, of course, change up the recipe any way you like.  I added mushrooms in this version, but crumbled bacon or chopped ham is also tasty.  Just don’t swap out the Muenster cheese, it really makes this dish.

Crustless Spinach Quiche   

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package, frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• Handful of button mushrooms, sliced
• 5  eggs, beaten
• 3 cups shredded Muenster cheese
• s&p to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degree.  Heat oil in pan and sauté onions about five minutes before adding the spinach and mushrooms. Cook until all excess moisture has evaporated.

In a large bowl, mix eggs, cheese, salt and pepper.  Add spinach/onion/shroom mixture then pour into  greased pie pan.  Bake 30 minutes and cool for ten before serving.

My favorite sides to go along with this cheesy goodness are Logan Turnpike Grits (available at Whole Foods or the DeKalb Farmer’s Market if you’re in the Atlanta area) and Fresh Fruit.

What is your favorite breakfast meal to have at night?

Be sure to check out more Breakfast for Dinner  recipes from my fellow foodies, below:

Tres Leches Pancakes from La Cocina de Leslie
French Toast Casserole with Sautéed Apples from The Foodie Army Wife
Gluten Free Breakfast Pizza from Blueberries And Blessings
Basic Vegan Waffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Kale, Bacon, Brown Rice Crustless Quiche from Shockingly Delicious
Bacon Egg and Potato Breakfast Tacos from Cookin’ Mimi
Steak and Egg Tostadas from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Breakfast Bowls from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Bacon and Egg Waffles from The Urban Mrs
Homemade Lox from Growing Up Gabel
Seattle Sandwiches (Lox, Shmear, & A Fried Egg) from Juanita’s Cocina
Bacon & Brie Potato Bread Strata with Roasted Pears from Eat, Move, Shine
Saucy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sliders from Daily Dish Recipes
Greek Frittata from Casa de Crews
Elderberry Flower Pancakes from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Prosciutto, Gorgonzola and Rosemary Strata from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Italian Turkey Meatballs (With a Secret) from What Smells So Good?
Bacon, Spinach and Tomato Breakfast Pizza from Runner’s Tales
Red Pepper and Egg Galette from Healthy. Delicious.
Waffles – One Plate, Two Ways: Sweet & Savory from Foxes Love Lemons
Steak & Egg Bagel Sandwich from girlichef
Florentine Benedict from Supper for a Steal
Oatmeal Ice Cream from Treats & Trinkets
Banana Waffles with Peanut Butter Syrup from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Baked Berry French Toast from Table For Seven
But wait, there’s more!
Open Faced BTC Sandwich from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Crustless Spinach Quiche from The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
Bacon ‘n Eggs Bread Pudding from gotta get baked
Denver Breakfast Ring from Curious Cuisiniere
Copycat Japanese McDonald’s from Ninja Baking
One Pan Full English Fry-up from Food Lust People Love
Crumpets with Whipped Orange Honey from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Leek, Mushroom and Gruyère Quiche from Hip Foodie Mom
Joe’s Special, the Original San Francisco Treat from Webicurean
Dark Chocolate, Orange & Pistachio Greek Yogurt Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gluten Free Tomato Basil Crepes form No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
Sour Cherry Crisp from Pies and Plots
Cream Dried Beef and Waffles from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Sausage breakfast casserole from My cute bride
Almond Rice Crepes Stuffed With Sweet Potatoes & Peas from  Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Zucchini Pancakes with Sautéed Tomatoes and Feta from Ruffles & Truffles
Apple, Bacon, and Dubliner Cheese Stuffed French Toast from Neighborfood
Dulce de Leche Stuffed French Toast from Basic N Delicious
Normally it would be very socially unacceptable to have wine with your breakfast, but seeing as this is closer to sunset than sunrise, we say go for it!!!
Hangtown Fry and Wine Pairings with Breakfast for Dinner from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

 

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.

Suffering Succotash

This dish looks and tastes like summer. The vivid color of the veggies, the freshness of the herbs and the brightness of the lemon make for a healthy and delicious side during the hot summer months.

I think the corn would be tasty grilled if you have the grill on already…it helps to not heat up the kitchen. (I also like to utilize the burner on our outdoor grill.) I used shelled beans from the farmer’s market and fresh basil from my garden. Also, I did not have canola oil so I used vegetable oil and it worked great.

My husband asked what exactly succotash was, so I looked up the history. Pretty interesting.

There are many ways to prepare succotash. What’s your favorite?

Portobello Pizzas

I love finding recipes that are not only easy and delicious, but good for you! This one does not disappoint. Another bonus is that it’s a gluten-free recipe. I made a few tweaks from the original recipe, including:
– Used caramelized onions and fresh basil leaves as toppings
– Subbed turkey pepperoni (you can omit to make it a meatless dish)
– Omitted the black olives, anchovies and sausage

I served these tasty personal pizzas alongside a quinoa salad and roasted asparagus sprinkled with blue cheese.

Quick Tip: Wrap a few garlic cloves in aluminum foil (drizzled with evoo) and roast in the oven alongside the mushroom caps.

#MeatlessMonday: Fresh Tortellini with Asparagus, Peas & Parsley

I’m really loving cooking vegetarian on Mondays.  The challenge of eating meat-free one day a week, has me researching tasty entrees I probably wouldn’t try usually.  This tortellini dish literally blew us away.  I had my vegetarian friend over for dinner and she was also impressed.

I must say, the Georgia Olive Farms Olive Oil really made this dish.  It melded beautifully with the sharp bite of fresh garlic, the herbed pasta and the creamy goat cheese.  This recipe should probably serve four, but Jim and I ate 3/4 of it between the two of us. The only thing that would have made it any better, would be a fresh loaf of french bread to sop up the delicious sauce left at the bottom of the bowl.

Isn’t that olive oil beautiful?

Fresh Tortellini with Asparagus, Peas & Parsley

printable recipe

• salt
• 1/3 cup Georgia Olive Farms Olive Oil
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 lb. fresh cheese tortellini (I used herbed cheese from the Farmer’s Market)
• 1 lb. thin asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems, and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces (leave the tips whole)
• 1 cup thawed frozen peas
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian Parsley
• 2 oz. fresh goat cheese, softened
• black pepper
• parmesan cheese, grated

In a covered pot, bring well-salted water to a boil over high heat. In a large pasta serving bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, cayenne, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook the tortellini, asparagus, and peas in the boiling water until the tortellini is al dente, about 3 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and vegetables and toss with the garlic-oil mixture. Add the pine nuts, mint, and goat cheese and stir until the cheese melts into a sauce, adding cooking water as needed to moisten the pasta. Season to taste with salt, pepper and parmesan and serve.

This bowl was not full for long.

Related articles

• Harvest Tortellini Soup (heatherlikesfood.com)
• Asparagus and Chickpea Salad (mybestcookbook.wordpress.com)
• Tortellini recipe – Parma foods Fodd n Walk Tours (gustoitalia.wordpress.com)