E. A. T.: dinner

Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts

Sunday, December 2, 2012

African Night

Meet our African friend, Jack. He likes elephants. He spent a lot of his life in South Africa while his parents were working at an international school. Now living in California, right down the street from us, he hasn't been able to enjoy some of his favorite African meals. It was his night to cook and with the help of a small South African shop down in Orange County he was able to recreate an African meal for the rest of us.

Our African meal consisted of Mieliepap, Sheba, Boerwors, and Kebabs.

The mieliepap is a corn meal dish that is very similar to polenta, but a bit thicker and was topped with Sheba, an onion, tomato, and garlic sauce. I think this was my favorite part of the meal. The Boerwors is a very lean beef sausage with lots of spices and flavor. It is a bit strange because the flavor doesn't come from the fat like most sausage I know topped with sautéed mushrooms. And finally a kebab with chicken, peppers, and pineapple. With the African music on in the background we enjoyed this great meal with out silverware, Jack said that is had the locals eat it.

I hope we can make mieliepap and sheba more often, not just African Nights. They were sooo good!

Another great photo by Jack.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Leftover Remix: Green Bean Casserole

Wondering what to do with all those leftovers from Thanksgiving? Tired of thanksgiving dinner over and over... Well to get rid of my leftovers I decided to mix it up.

Tonight was not your standard leftovers just heated up... tonight was Green Bean Pasta!

It was actually very easy and tasty!

1. Boil water and cook Pasta

2. Saute Garlic and Red Pepper in Olive Oil

3. Add white wine and left over green bean casserole.

4. Add rosemary sprigs, but don't off the leaves. You will want to take them out after it is done cooking.

5. Add turkey slices and the cooked pasta.

6. EAT!

Please note I did not include measurements because leftovers vary. For this recipe I used 1/3 of the green bean casserole in a 1.5 Qt pan.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Friendsgiving Potluck! (My First Turkey!)

Well Holiday Season has begun!

What better way to start it out other than a Friendsgiving! I mean, I am really thankful for my friends and all and it is another excuse to make a huge feast and celebrate.

Friendsgiving 2012

Last year I was only daring enough to buy the Costco Turkey Breast with Veggies already chopped and ready to put in the oven, but this year dark meat was in high demand. So with a little convincing and encouragement from Andrew, we went for the whole 15lb turkey!

After defrosting and drying, I caressed the breast and gave a very sensual butter rub down. I must say I have never been that intimate with a dead animal, but it was all for a crisp and juicy bird! Next, I stuffed it with chopped veggies, orange slices, herbs, and garlic. Then poured vegetable broth and a splash of orange juice around the turkey to roast. Covered it and cooked it for 3 1/2 hours at 325. Every 30 min I pulled it out and gave it a nice broth bath. This turkey sure received the royal treatment.

After it 3 1/2 hours I removed the foil cover, rubbed it down with the other half of the butter and put it back in the oven uncovered until the built in thermometer popped.

While the turkey cooked we ate my festive winter squash dip (inspired by Martha Stewart 's Recipe here) and sipped Manhattans and wine.

Note: I did not add the sour cream or pepitas, and I added 4 additional chipotle peppers. I thought it tasted great, but needed some additional texture.