Recipe Shout Outs!

So my friend Jill has been bravely venturing into the cooking world.  I sent her a few of my favorite recipes, and then realized I should just put them all in one place in case anyone else is looking for some new dishes!

These are my easy, tried and true recipes I've been making for years.  They are the recipes I make when I want a surefire home run with the hubs, and anytime I want something yummy but am not quite sure what to make.  Here you go:

First up- the best broccoli EVER.  I'm not kidding.  Don't argue, just make it and thank me later.  Do it.
I usually skip the basil, just out of laziness.  It also works without the pine nuts, if you don't have them on hand.  For me, the real keys are the lemon, garlic, and parmesean.  Honestly, it really doesn't matter what you make to go with this broccoli.  Chicken, whatever.  The broccoli is the real star here.  I've tossed this with penne and a little extra EVOO and butter to make it a complete meal, and it was awesome.  I've also made a whole batch of this for myself and just eaten the whole thing by itself for dinner with a giant glass of pinot gris.  But who's keeping track.  Bottom line- make it.  

Ina Garten's Parmesean Roasted Broccoli 

Next up- an easy, fun meal for any day of the week.  It's so yummy, bright, and creamy all at the same time.  And you can kind of toss it all together, throw it in the oven, relax for minute, and dinner is ready! Sometimes I'll make a little cucumber salad to accompany.  This is from Cooking Light, which by the way, I love.  It's just filled with easy meals, and they include the nutrition information for every recipe, which makes it super easy to count calories.

Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo

Ok, going on- The following recipes mostly have to do with food, but also with dating a little bit... so singletons, listen up.  And Clement- earmuffs!

Here is the recipe I've made for boys (and anybody, really) when I want them to be super impressed with my MAD SKILLZ but don't have a lot of energy or time.  You will be shocked at how easily this comes together.  And your guests, boyfriend, whoever- will truly be impressed.  I promise!  This recipe is from Jamie Oliver's The Naked Chef Takes Off.  It's an awesome book, even aside from the minor (MAJOR) crush I have on Jamie.  He has a real passion for simple food and beautiful ingredients.  And looking beautiful.  Never mind- get back to cooking!

Salmon Wrapped in Prosciutto with Herby Lentils

Here's another recipe I've made for several, well, suitors.  Give them this, some corn bread, a beer, and they won't leave you alone!  I make this every year for New Year's Day, and just any time I need a little cozy food or want some extra cuddles from the husband!  This is also from Cooking Light.

Black-Eyed Pea Stew

For the grand finale... Martha Stewart's Mac and Cheese!  I swear to this day that this is the meal that made Clement fall in love with me.  I made this for him on his birthday a few weeks after we met, and a week later he said the big "L."  You do the math.

Perfect Macaroni and Cheese 

So there you go!  Just a few of my favorites- all fairly easy and well worth any trouble!  These are all so delicious and impressive, too- so make them for your honey and they will think you are amazing!  

XOXO,

Kaiti