Food

Savory Soup

I'm not a huge fan of winter but one thing I do like about it is getting to eat soup. Not that I don't all year round or anything but it being a chilly 19 degrees out today just makes soup making even more enjoyable. I adaped this recipe which is "Rustic Italian Gnocchi Soup" from the cookbook "Skinny Taste", a Christmas present from my Mom. 

The nice thing about most soup recipes is that often times it is easy to omit or add ingreadiences. So this yummy soup recipe is mostly from the book but I took out the sausage that it called for as I try not to eat a ton of meat. Also, as the name sake of the book says you can eat this guilt free as it only has about 200 calories per serving. Talk about starting your Monday off right. 

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You'll need:

  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 4 1/2 chicken broth
  • 1 cup fat free milk
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 (16 oz ) package gnocchi
  • 3 cups baby spinage  
  • 2 Tbsp basil
  • A dash of parm cheese

In a small small bowl make a slurry (see below), Add 1/2 cup  water, broth and milk and bring to a boil. Add in veggies and allow to cook about 15-20 minutes. Add slurry, stir, and return to boil. Add gnocchi, spinach and garlic and cook until pasta becomes puffy and floats. Add parm cheese and enjoy!

I have a huge hunger for yes soup but also learning new things. Every time I make a new recipe I hope to take something from it. Today, I learned what a "slurry" is. This recipe directed to make a slurry which was to whisk together 3 Tbsp of flour and one cup water. I knew that flour helps to thicken but I've never done it this way before. I guess it's true that you learn something new everyday. 

A Dallop Of Scallops

My very favorite type of cooking is gourmet. Even more so when doing a little simplifying due to an incredibly busy schedule. This recipe is one of my own creation. Few things are better to me than getting in the kitchen, putting different flavors and textures together and seeing what happens. 

Last night, I was really in the mood for a little seafood. I toasted some hazelnuts on 350 for about 10 minutes seasoned with salt and pepper then, sauteed some scallops and cherry tomatoes with a little minced garlic, and sliced up an avocado. Sometimes it makes cooking all the more fun when you just roll with it and do your own thing!

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The Perfect Gathering

As you know my Mom's Birthday was Friday and I really enjoyed getting the family together to celebrate. Lets get right to the food! For canapes I went with Baked Brie bites. They are easy to eat and just a little bit different. Here is the easy, elegant recipe:

  • 2 boxes Mini Fillo Shells
  • 8 oz brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 3 tbsp chopped pistachios

Preheat oven to 400, cut brie to fit in the middle of the shell, and pop in the oven for about 5 minutes to that the cheese gets warm and all melty. Then, take it out, add a little dab of cranberry and top with pistachios. 

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For one of the sides I went with ham wrapped asparagus topped with parm cheese. It's a simple side but not your typical green beans. 

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For the main course, I wanted something elegant so I decided on lamb. Stuffed with garlic cloves and Rosemary, roasted for four hours, it was absolutely divine. This was my first time making lamb and I'm so glad I went for it. 

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You can't have a party without cake...and champagne of course!

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My fabulous family! It was a wonderful celebration for an absolutely fabulous person who means so much to all of us. 

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