Home Sweet Home

Have you ever noticed after a trip or a transition that it takes some time to get readjusted to a "normal" routine? After returning from France I started a new job, which I know I am going to love. I just started last week, but it already feels like a fit for me. So, not only did I have to readjust after the trip, but also I am trying to figure out a new routine with this new position. Also, we are in the process of trying to move as well; there are a lot of new transitions going on!

However, I am starting to get back into the groove, including cooking new meals. So, let's catch up with what I have made since I returned from France:

First, I made one of G's and my favorite salmon recipes. Is it a recipe if I put our favorite rub on salmon? Whether it is just a rub or an actual recipe, I made salmon with a sweet chili glaze. For a side dish, I made barley risotto with garlic, spinach and mascarpone.

Salmon with Sweet Chili Glaze
Served with Barley Risotto

 As I said, the salmon rub is one of our favorites; the barley risotto was a new recipe and was good. In fact, when I have leftover barley risotto, sometimes I like to put it into an omelet, which is super delicious and filling! Sometimes though, especially during a time of transition, we just need good, old comfort food. So, I also made stuffed peppers, which I have made before, but they are ALWAYS delicious!!!

Stuffed Peppers - YUM!

Those were the recipes I made the week after my return, but last week, with the new position, I was a bit busier and only had time to cook one new meal. I have to say that on the day I made this new meal I was having one of "those days". When I got home, I realized I did not have the pasta I needed (or any pasta). Then, I was trying to use my relatively new food processor and things were not going smoothly. I think this is partly because I have the family habit of making more food than I need, so I tend to add to/adjust recipes as I see fit. Anyway, I made Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, which was absolutely amazing! In Grif's honor I decided to add some meat; however, since we did not have traditional meat, what did I add? Bacon Bits!

The meal was delicious all on its own, but I have to say that the Bacon Bits were a fun addition, especially since they re-hydrated in the oven and were larger than usual. It was a cool, fun, happy accident! This is definitely something I will cook again, but I may create a puree out of both cauliflower and broccoli next time to add some more color! Another substitute I made was instead of using traditional bread crumbs, I used panko bread crumbs, which I also enjoyed!


Cauliflower Mac & Cheese



Mac & Cheese close-up!

 

I have a three-inch binder, which is chock full of recipes that I have not tried yet. For recipes that I have tried and have been deemed as "keepers" go into my recipe box. So, I will have to take a look through my binder to see what new recipes to make this week.

 

Any suggestions?

As always, stay tuned!!!