Chef Robin's Tastes to Date

Summer 2021

2021-05-31T06:25:00.006-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Hello friends! I’m trying to get this blog back up and running so that I can share great recipes, menus & the latest and greatest happenings of Chef Robin and the Toldo Family.

Please let me know what you’d like to see here?

Thanks!

All My Best-

Chef Robin

2015-03-06T10:38:00.003-08:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!
FamMenu March 9-15

Monday:
http://www.closetcooking.com/2014/01/quinoa-white-chicken-chili.html?m=1
*Hint* this recipe calls for fresh jalapeños- seeing that I 1- have children who don't necessarily love hot stuff-and 2- live on an island where the grocery store doesn't always carry them-always keep canned diced green chiles on hand. A little spice will do us nice!😉 Also using chicken and stock made from our roasted Chicken Sunday!(with the size of my family I always cook two at once!)

Tuesday: Chinese pork ribs from my $3 Meals cookbook

Flying Fish Salad from my Earthbound Organic Farm Cookbook (the dressing is soooooo good!)

Wednesday: Penne pasta with
http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/01/spaghetti-sauce-with-italian-sausage/
Homemade bread, Caesar salad

Thursday: international foods night
We Will be gone!

Friday: pizza & movie night
Will be gone- so probably pizza on the go!

Saturday: Fried Rice made with leftover pork from Tuesday & lots of veggies
Fruit

Sunday:
Finally utilizing some yummy Michigan goods from my sister:)

http://www.brownwoodfarms.com/recipes/pork-with-apple-riesling-salsa/

Brown rice pilaf, green beans

FamMenu

2013-06-23T07:33:00.001-07:00

Busy Summer=a little much needed meal planning! (((Especially with five kids eating up everything in site! 😉)))

Sunday: bourbon chicken in the crock pot- a FamFave, for sure! With jasmine rice, a nice spinach salad & some fresh fruit.

Monday: Linguine with seared scallops- yum. I make a roasted garlic & thyme oil- & toss the seared scallops & hot pasta in, delish. Crusty Italian bread, crisp salad with mustard vinaigrette

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday! That's simple enough!

Wednesday: kale & bean soup- I made a batch of this last week- it's gone! Frederick, 12, says "Mom, Campbell's Soup should really make this kind!" Ok.... I will take it that he liked it! (3 bowls later!)

Fresh baked rolls

Thursday: our thursdays have been turning into breakfast for dinner for some reason lately! "Empty the Fridge"Quiche, fresh fruit & yogurt smoothies

Friday: pizza & movie night

Saturday: venison steaks with roasted potatoes, sautéed mushrooms & onions, Italian style green beans (sautéed with lots of fresh garlic, parsley, crushed red pepper & olive oil:)

Have an excellent week!

FamMenu for the week!

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

MEATLESS MONDAY: we had smashed bean tacos with hot sauce & white cheddar, Constance made a lovely fruit & vegetable platter, and we had Freddie's chocolate awesomeness cake!

TUESDAY: lasagna, grilled garlic toasts, sautéed broccoli with garlic & crushed red pepper, fresh strawberries

WEDNESDAY: Grilled Mediterannean chicken with Israeli cous cous & lentil pilaf, honeyed carrots & garlicky green beans

THURSDAY: Mexican Style Black Bean & Rice Casserole, chips & salsa, fresh fruit

FRIDAY: Pizza!!! We have been doing a lot of basic cheese pizza. Check out my Pinterest page for a great homemade pizza sauce recipe. (It's under the board "Looks Like Dinner")

SATURDAY: breaking out the grill. I am thinking burgers, pasta salad, grilled veggies and a big bowl of fresh fruit

SUNDAY: sesame chicken over basmati Rice with stir fried veggies and orange wedges(a daddy fave:)

Have a great week! :0)

Yummy healthy salad!

2013-05-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

http://mywholefoodlife.com/2012/12/31/spinach-and-wild-rice-salad/

Making Another "My Whole Food Life" recipe!

2013-04-30T06:13:00.001-07:00

Here it is... I am subbing finely chopped walnuts for the almond flour and using vanilla & almond extract in lieu of ground vanilla:) smells yummy!

http://mywholefoodlife.com/2012/10/17/maple-vanilla-almond-granola/

FamMenu for This SPRINGYweek!

2013-04-29T15:20:00.001-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Yayayay it's ALMOST May!!! Woot woot! One month closer to Summer, I like it! I like it a lot!
Last week our menu went off without a hitch! The Baked Penne recipe I ended up using was the bombdiggity! I added some Italian chicken sausage, used fresh baby spinach, and added some fresh grated nutmeg, as well. Yum. (((Gotta love Pinterest!)))Here's the link to that recipe:
http://simple-nourished-living.com/2012/02/skinny-artichoke-spinach-baked-pasta/
Here is what's planned for this week!

SUNDAY: (yesterday, that is!) we had Nana Rose's Old World Italian Meatballs in homemade sauce with whole wheat spaghetti, rolls & fresh fruit.

MONDAY: I'm twisting things up by making last nights leftovers into spaghetti pie!!! I'll post the recipe once I master it! Spinach salad with feta. Strawberries, walnuts & wild blueberry balsamic vinaigrette. Leftover rolls.

TUESDAY:Chicken Noodle Soup,Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup with some Cheddar garlic bread on the side!!! (Making a double batch- some for a friend & her Fam- as she is having surgery on her shoulder!!! It's always nice to share, and I think I'll whip up some cookies, too:))

WEDNESDAY: Chinese Chicken & vegetable stir fry- with broccoli, carrots, sugar snap peas & celery over jasmine rice. Orange wedges for dessert.

THURSDAY: Ethiopian Wat- made with lamb, served over warm polenta with Parmesan cheese, Tzatziki sauce & apple chutney- and some homemade pita bread(classicaly ethiopian would be served with "Injera" a spongy sourdough flatbread) this is CERTAINLY a "melting pot" type meal!!! A little Ethiopean, Indian, Greek & Italian!

Here is a great Wat recipe I've found:

http://www.food.com/recipe/ethiopian-spicy-beef-stew-key-wat-436458

FRIDAY: pizza!

SATURDAY: bacon corn chowder, corn muffins, veggies & dip, fresh fruit.

SUNDAY: steak, topped with blue cheese rosemary butter(yum), sautéed spinach with garlic,

tomatoes & crushed red pepper, smashed potatoes

That's my FamMenu for the week. What are YOU eating???

RAW garlic Vs. garlic powder

2013-04-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

Yup, it's Way better for you, the RAW stuff! Here's proof:

http://www.prevention.com/which-healthier-raw-garlic-vs-garlic-powder?cm_mmc=Flat-Belly-Diet-Nonmember-_-1276390-_-04292013-_-Raw-Garlic-Healthier-Powdered-Copy

Nana Rose's Old World Italian Meatballs

2013-04-28T16:15:00.001-07:00

They are delish. Here is how I made them tonight!
Soak 1/2 loaf stale Italian bread in warm water, squeeze water out and add bread "pulp" to a mixing bowl.
Add in the following:
2 eggs
1 1/3 lb. ground beef (nana used veal & beef)
1/2 -1 C grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/2 C fresh chopped basil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste.

Nana made them into balls and fried them on the stovetop- so they had a nice crispy coating- I took the easy way tonight by using a large scoop to portion them out, rolled them and placed them in a 9x13 pan and baked in a preheated oven at 375 for 30 minutes. Add them to your fave sauce& pasta, and whammo, delish dinner!

Sweet Potato Black Bean & Corn Flauta mixture!

2013-04-25T07:03:00.001-07:00

Smells yummy in here!!!

BBQ sauce a' brewing!

2013-04-21T07:33:00.001-07:00

1 C coffee
1 C ketchup
1/2 C brown sugar
1/4 C honey
1/4 C apple cider vinegar
1/4 C prepared mustard (any kind you like!)
2 T smoked paprika
1/4 t black pepper
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
Being all ingredients to a simmer in a small pot on the stove. Reduce to about half or to desired consistency. Makes about a pint of delish sauce!

Gotta Love Real Simple!

2013-04-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.realsimple.com/m/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/quick-recipes-dinner-00100000077597/index.html?xid=dailyrecnews-04-19-2013

The FamMenu is back to attack!!!

2013-04-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

So here it is for NEXT week:

SUNDAY: BBQ Chicken drumsticks-homemade bbq sauce, but of course! (I'll post the recipe on the blog Monday!), twice baked potato salad (recipe ON the blog!), veggies & penzey's ranch, fruit salad (yummy~ yummy, c'mon old school WIGGLES fans, I know you're out there!!!:-)

MONDAY:Buffalo Chicken Chili(Look for this recipe to be posted by next week, too!) with kettle chips and Da Bomb dip

TUESDAY: Roast Pork with sage & apples, mashed taters, green beans, corn & rolls

WEDNESDAY: Baked Penne Pasta with Italian sausage, spinach salad, italian bread

THURSDAY: black bean, corn & sweet potato Flautas (follow this link http://www.peasandcrayons.com/ ) , tortilla chips with guacamole & salsa, fruit

FRIDAY: PIZZZA!!! It's Family Movie Night! (any suggestions?)

SATURDAY: Lumberjack Vegetable Soup (foolw this link: http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes/9-healthy-crockpot-recipes-try-winter ) I will be substituting something else for the rutabaga, as I don"t have any on hand!)

Look for all these recipes and more next week! Enjoy your Fam Friends and GOOD food! Bon Appetit!

FamMenu for 1.14-1.20

2013-01-13T19:27:00.002-08:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Last weeks menu worked pretty well, a few nights didnt go as planned, but that is to be expected, as life happens! One night, we were invited out to dinner with my parents. Another night the salmon I had pulled form the freezer was, well....less than spectacular smelling....needless to say it went in the trash (GAG!). So I made the chicken from what was supposed to be Sunday's Stir Fry-into BBQ"d chicken for Dinner Saturday, and then made some of that chicken into Chicken Nachos for lunch Sunday-gotta' be creative! We opted for turkey burgers Sunday night :-)

We shall see how this week goes!

MONDAY: Chicken Breasts grilled and topped with crumbled bacon, avocado, tomato & basil, smashed redskins with roasted garlic, sauteed broccoli

TUESDAY: Chipotle Beef and Bean Chili with corn muffins, fruit salad

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti with italian chicken sausage, green olives & marina, homemade parmesan peppercorn bread

THURSDAY: Corn & Potato Chowder, salad, roasted red pepper bruschetta

FRIDAY: Pizza! Movie night!

SATURDAY:Penne pasta with mushrooms,artichokes & pesto sauce

SUNDAY: Pulled BBQ Pork on buns, braised red cabbage, baked beans & some crazy dessert for my TEN year old Tonce:0)

Have a super de duper week!

Finally, a FamManu again!

2013-01-06T12:54:00.001-08:00

I'm not going to call this a New Year's Resolution, I'm going to call this a decluttering and organizational cleaning frenzied year! With five kids and a busy family, too many things get lost, forgotten, sidetracked and just downright discombobulated, ENOUGH!!!
So heres the first of weekly FamMenus to be seen this year!

MONDAY: My mom & dad just gave me two cool cookbooks, one on Irish cooking, the other on French. Sunday I made a split pea soup and some Irish Soda bread (both out of the Irish cookbook!) Leftovers with some honeybutter tonight!

TUESDAY: Ethiopian Beef Wat - a super delish beef stew made in the slow cooker with a huge bevy of fragrant spices, including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, curry, cumin, pepper, etc..- traditionally served with "Injera"- a sour, vinegary flatbread- but I am guessing the kiddos wouldnt be big fans, so we will have it over rice and have a nice crispy salad on the side.

WEDNESDAY: Baked Macaroni & Cheese- using up some odds & ends cheeses that have been crowding out our deli drawer- all mixed up is always better! Steamed broccoli & carrots.

THURSDAY: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie - made with leftover shredded chicken and gravy that I had frozen awhile back. mixing in some veggies and topping it with pastry dough- yumm-0!

FRIDAY: Movie night! A movie and Pizza for the Toldos!

SATURDAY: Herbed salmon with maple dijon drizzle, quinoa pilaf, veggies of some sort...

SUNDAY: Stir Fry! Chicken marinated in soy sauce, ginger & garlic served up with some crunchy carrots, peppers & sugar snap peas over rice. Orange wedges for dessert.

Hope you enjoy your week!

FamMenu...

2012-12-05T10:24:00.002-08:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Ok, so life has been a tad more hectic than usual as of late, so my FamMenu pstings have been far from regular. We will call it sporadic, at BEST!:)
Life is certainly simpler when no one is whining for dinner, and its already been planned! I post FamMenus online, but my goal this week, is to post it on our FamCalendar! I'll take a pic when I accomplish this small goal, I promise!
So this week has been kind of boring in the creative department, plan to amp that up next week!

MONDAY- we had turkey, kale & brown rice soup, with lots of veggies in it, whole wheat rolls.

TUESDAY-pan seared cod with herbed butter, steamed green beans, roasted Italian style redskin potatoes, bread & butter.

WEDNESDAY- grilled organic chicken thighs with sautéed mushrooms, BBQ sauce & melted Swiss cheese, brown rice, honey-cinnamon glazed carrots.

THURSDAY-homemade beef chili, cornbread, veggies & dip (homemade ranch- with my herbs that are STILL growing in this crazy weather! The Cilantro is going nuts!)

FRIDAY- pizza & a movie!

SATURDAY- working at the shop- then either out with hubs or easy food- turkey burgers with guacamole, oven baked fries, broccoli salad (he loves this stuff! Broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds & raisins-classic!)

SUNDAY- PASTA! Sunday Spaghetti & Meatballs, italian bread with pesto sauce, salad of mozzarella, black olives, tomatoes, cannelini beans& red wine vinaigette. Ice cream!

Have a sunny stupendous week!

Winter Cooking Class Schedule

2012-12-04T14:29:00.003-08:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Deliciously Good For You
Everyone wants to healthier, but who wants to discard flavor? If you tend to shy away from creating healthy recipes because they turn out bland, boring & tasteless, then this is your class! Learn how to use herbs, spices & delicious whole foods to create irresistible meals with beautiful colors & textures! The stars of the show: Baked Goat Cheese with pesto, marinara sauce & crispy whole grain crostini, Savory Potato, Leek & Dill Soup, Baby Kale, beet & butternut squash salad with pine nuts. Grilled Herbalicious Salmon with green tzatziki sauce over quinoa & beans. For dessert- frozen yogurt with warm spiced berry compote. YES! I told you this was your class! To top it off- perfectly paired wines for all the savory concoctions!
Friday January 25, 6:30-9pm
$45 per person
$10 wine tasting fee (optional)

On the go with a Fam Menu Plan
The one thing that I am constantly asked for is suggestions on how to throw together healthy & quick meals for the Fam (that's seven at our house!). It's a struggle, that's for sure, BUT with a little forethought & a stocked pantry/fridge/freezer, it IS possible! Otherwise it's take-out city USA! 5 quick meals are the stars for this evening. Artisan Grilled Cheeses with creamy tomato basil soup, grilled honey lime chicken fajitas with fresh guacamole, peppers & onions on corn tortillas', greek style frittata- eggs with spinach, sundried tomatoes & feta cheese- side of fruit & power muffin, pork cutlets with sautéed apples & raspberry balsamic smashed sweet taters, quick herb-grilled fish with couscous & veggies. Wine tasting available.
Friday February 22, 6:30-9pm
$45 per person
$10 wine tasting fee(optional)

Bistro Night!
Who doesn't love a great might out at a bistro? The intimate ambience. The great local fresh food, I feel as if we are in France already! This evening will be a classic- delicious food paired with delicious wine- a match made in heaven! The five star recipes: hand roasted marinated pepper bruschetta, French onion & mushroom soup, rouquefort & walnut salad over endive with mustard vinaigrette, bistro steak with sauce bernaise, and to tip the proverbial scales? Magnificent bread pudding with creme anglaise. This class is the Perfect time for wine pairing!
Friday March 15, 6:30-9pm
$45 per person
$10 wine tasting fee (optional)

All classes held at DreamMaker Kitchen and Bath Showroom

Fam Menu for this nutzo crazyish week!

2012-10-15T10:14:00.002-07:00

I am looking at my calendar, and am simply dumfounded by how busy we get. Holy cow. So just realized conferences are this week, yay. also that the kids get out at noon Friday. (this is the day that I have a catering party for eight and need all the time I can get to multi-task, OY!) No Doctors or dentists appointments this week- that's saved for next week...WHEW> But it's another MEAP week, Oh boy oh boy.... here goes the plan, stan...

MONDAY: Leftover yummalicious Penne pasta with meatballs & Sauce, Italian style green beans, and some iitalian bread

TUESDAY: POSOLE....huh?! I have a VIVID "smell memory" of this dish cooking all day at my besties house when I was a TWEEN. (yup, contrary to my children's popular belief, I WAS a tween at one point!) So I can NOT wait to make it! A slow cooked pork shoulder with mexican spices, garlic, green chiles & hominy. I'll serve it with a dollop of greek yogurt and fresh grilled tortillas, oooo and some chunks of avocado, too!

WEDNESDAY: I'll be at the store, so the kiddos can come up and have some dinner and homework time with momma, FUN-0!!!! (hmmmm.... not so sure about that, but hey...:)) grilled crazy good gourmet cheesies, broccoli & Cheddar soup, fresh fruit

THURSDAY: LONG delivery day for Hummaliciousness, so probably leftover beef stew in the crockpot-oh wait, my crock pot cover SHATTERED in my hand this weekend....and then while washing the stoneware insert i found a fracture all along the bottom and up one side-sheesh. Guess it's stovetop time in a regular old pot!

FRIDAY: The kiddosa and Daddy get Pizza while I cater a super cool gourmet delish dinner!:0)

SATURDAY: I'll be at the Farm Market, then the store, so I am thinking something easy like LEFTOVERS!!!

SUNDAY: Haven't made quiche in a while, so I think I shall- along with crispy american fries and thick cut bacon. Maybe some homemade applesauce too!

A Fall FamMenu!

2012-10-08T09:01:00.003-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!
Ok, so sorry It has been two weeks without a FamMenu. I have been ridiculously busy with Kidstuff, Hummus Stuff, FOOD ARTS of Belmont (Yes, this IS a plug for my new storefront! :0) Stuff, etc. Hey, at least you know I'm BUSY!!! So a crazy quick menu for you is on the docket! Its MEAP testing week people!!! (for those non-Michiganders, that's the Michigan Educational Assessment Program). Three of my five fall into the MEAP tests realm this week. So we've been told to give them plenty of rest and NUTRITIOUS FOOD- now that's what I'M talking about!!! Yay!!! will do :0) Monday is a stretch on healthy...but Leftovers are a must do sometimes!
Have a GREAT week! Snuggle up with your lovies! :0)

MONDAY: Leftover Healthed up Mac N'Cheese- Lowfat milk, greek 0% fat yogurt, 2% milk cheese, etc. Super yummy! White Chicken Chili from Saturday-Brrr, a good one for this chilly weather. Blueberry Buckle bars. Yup, Yum.

TUESDAY: Roasted Butternut squash, Apple bean bake, Grilled pork chops with honey Dijon glaze, quinoa pilaf

WEDNESDAY: Grilled Skirt steak-marinated in cilantro pesto. roasted redskins with walnuts & blue cheese, Spinach salad with dried blueberries & Wild Blueberry balsamic vinaigrette

THURSDAY: My GRAND OPENING for the store- so I would think that the kids will be sampling all night! :0) at least it will be gooood local goodies! :0)

FRIDAY: Movie Night- going with pizza!

SATURDAY: It is supposed to be icky, wet and cold. How about something in the crockpot, like Beef Stew, some potato rolls, a crisp salad with mustard vinaigrette and the grand finale: apple crisp with cinnamon & vanilla bean ice cream & dulce de leche

SUNDAY: Italian Dinner, baby: Meatballs and sauce with Penne pasta, green beans with tomatoes, basil & garlic, asiago bread

Stay Warm! :

This weeks insightful Musings & Menu

2012-09-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

So, I was being very insightful (at least I think so...) this morning as hubs left at 4:30 am

for work- after a great long and lazy Sunday with the Fam...

We slept in, kids brought us breakfast in bed, we hung out at the library for an hour and

investigated some of the kids interests-Caroline was looking into how to keep things

organized and be minimalists(gotta' love that from a thirteen year old!:) Fred, on the

other hand, was looking into the mechanics of how to make a bike similar to the one the

boy rides in "The Lorax"- he's my engineer minded creative thinking inventor, alright!

Constance was into mysteries and totally navigated the library by herself like a pro-matching

up an Andrew Clements book with one on a little audio player so she could

listen and read at the same time...(this one is DESTINED to be a pit boss or CEO for a

fortune 500 company!) Cristina's sole concern was animals-as always- my little

veterinarian to be! We had just left our friend Kelly's house- who works at an animal

rescue house in GR- she was feeding several red & black baby squirrels with a syringe so

of course Christina picked out a squirrel book!:) Anthony was zigzagging all over the

place looking for games to play, puzzles to put together, books to read, etc. he's

ALWAYS busy doing something- good- bad or messy!(this is, of course, the most likely

of the three...) what will this little guy grow up to be???

Then we had a happy jaunt through the woods- a one mile trek through the

Conservatory in Belmont- so fun! We pushed through that, walking sticks and all, &

chose to hit downtown Rockford for dinner & treats. The arguing over what candy to get

at Rudy Kazoody's and the "me first" attitude of eating the sampler platter at The Corner

Bar- led me to this: I would much preferred to have spent that over $70 smacks on

groceries, a picnic by th Dam- and more FREE fun time with the kiddos.

SOOOOo... My insightful thinking was this, and REALLY think about this. Where will you

be and what will you be doing in FIVE years? Time surely does fly. I can remember the

feeling of just finding out I was pregnant with each of my sweet babies.... And they are

13,11,9.5,7.5 & 3.5 now. I will treasure the moments with them at home, cooking

together, watching them play, grow and learn...and of course argue, because, let's be

realistic here, five kids lends to A LOT of that!!! But I'll treasure those moments, because

as many dear old cute little grandparent types have told me, since day one, "appreciate

the time when they are little, because time flies, and before you know it, they're gone!"

So, in 5 years, I will have an 18 year old in her senior year, making the final decisions

about her career choice, a 16 year old boy, who will be driving and will likely even have

to shave, and be a tenth grader (yikes my baby boy!). A 14 year old eighth grader with I

am certain, a very dominant head on her shoulders, a teeny Tina Tina Tween, being in

her first year of middle school. And alas, a sweet eight year old boy who, HOPEFULLY,

won't change much- for this sappy mom's sake! :)

The busyness of this family won't change much, in the near future(at least let's hope!)

So I hope to reflect healthy, sensible, not to difficult to prepare dinners on a budget for

my FamMenu... And I hope it helps some of you to think outside the culinary box! :)

MONDAY

: we had leftover white chicken chili, garden of Eatin' blue corn tortilla chips,

black seedless organic grapes .... And... Drumroll.... flu shots at 6:30, yay!!! (not)

TUESDAY

: potato broccoli cheese soup- made from leftover mashed potatoes & gravy

from last week, plus some fresh broccoli and a few slices of organic Colby jack melted

down. Utilization, I say!:) potato rolls, wedge salad with homemade thousand island

dressing, sliced up local honey crisp apples, middle school curriculum night, fun stuff.

WEDNESDAY

: honey BBQ pulled pork(this is like a 3-4 meal of a deal- i'll make burritos

out of it next week, and freeze more for the crock pot on a busy night, even some for

green chili!) on ciabatta rolls with cole slaw, poached pears? (I have like ten mini pears

to use up, if I have time!:)

THURSDAY

: Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, basil roasted garlic & basil. Toasty Vienna

bread, cucumber, bean & tomato salad. Hummus Delivery crazyness day...

THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY

!: pizza with the kiddos:)

SATURDAY

: tasty tacos with fresh salsa & guacamole, fresh fruit from the farm market!

SUNDAY

: a picnic in Rockford, if the weather cooperates!

Have a superb-0 week. Enjoy the limited time you have with your families, I know, that

even amid the CHAOS, I will :) ciao for now!

FamMenu for 9.10-9.16

2012-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!
Are you LOVING this gorgeous weather, or WHAT? Cool evenings that are jeans and sweatshirt worthy, and warm sun filled days that require shorts, t-shirts & sunglasses- Boy, have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall??? It seriously does not get any better than this! :0)
I have a pantry fridge & freezer full of food that needs to be created into memorable, healthy & delish meals for the Fam this week. So here goes!

MONDAY: Meatless Mondays!!! Tonight we are going for triple bean smashed tostadas I posted the recipe for these on the blog last week:0) , yum. Along with them I made some roasted tomato salsa last week and hope to pick up some yummy local apples today!

TUESDAY: Stuffed Shells- Grandma Toldo style, delish, but of course! A crisp salad with lots of local tomatoes, cukes, mozz cheese chunks, canellini beans & a white wine vinaigrette. Vienna Bread- toasty warm!

WEDNESDAY: Roasted Chicken with Fennel, carrots, garlic, garden fresh herbs, lemon & onions, smashed Redskin potatoes, broccoli, pickled beets.

THURSDAY: Hot & Sour Soup, Beef stir fry with green beans, over jasmine rice, orange wedges. (sounds like takeout but its not! )

FRIDAY: The girls are planning a special dinner for daddy, it's hush hush as to what they are making!

SATURDAY: CHILI! yum. chicken chili with white beans, pepperjack cheese, chunks of chicken, yum. Chips & salsa, local watermelon...

SUNDAY: Quiche, fresh fruit, chicken sugar maple sausage- A new Sunday tradition, it seems, Breakfast for dinner! Hey, we did it at the Visser house as kids, always had Fried Egg Sandwiches-fried eggs on white bread with Miracle Whip- potato chips & dill pickles- almost every Sunday evening!

Hope you all enjoy this beautiful week!

FamMenu For THIS WEEK!!!

2012-09-05T08:43:00.002-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

The wonder of September begins! School is in session, a change of seasons, football, cool nights, Indian summer days surrounded by the gorgeousness of the falling colorful leaves... Add in the crunch a fall stride through the woods, fresh apple cider and sugary cinnamon crisp donuts- ahhh my all time favorite season- Autumn!

One more HOT week is upon us, for sure, though, so we won't be roasting anything in the oven quite yet this week!

Here's what we've had and are having for the hectic week FamMenu:

MONDAY: after a farewell to "the Cobbage" .... :( it was leftover city USA around here- buffalo chicken chili, da' bomb dip & tortilla chips.... Then it was in to bedtime for the school & working' crew!

TUESDAY:we had a freezer/cupboard clean out meal- I made spaghetti from a few opened, half empty boxes, and rallied two sets of two different kinds of turkey burgers out of the depths of the freezer to make a meat sauce, a few herbs and some tomato sauce, and voila, dinner was served! Rounded out with a delish heirloom tomato & basil -both fresh from the herb garden & my Tonce's garden- salad and a leftover loaf of Italian bread from the weekend, crisped up under the broiler.

WEDNESDAY: doesn't this look yummy? Very fall harvest like!- lean chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, Brussels sprouts & yummy spices- I stumbled upon it in my fave catalog, Penzey's Spice:) how can you go wrong with the motto: "Love People, Cook them tasty food"

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/recipes/r-penzeysChickenSweetPotatoSkillet.html?id=H7YXHh9H

I'll let you know if it's a hit!

THURSDAY: grilled wild caught salmon, with herbs & honey Dijon drizzle, sautéed organic broccolette & portabella mushrooms, quinoa pilaf- Christina in particular LOVES quinoa:) (my cute lil' first grader!)

Friday: pizza of some sort, probably Papa Murphy's.... AftEr a long day of deliveries, Ant's official first day of day are, an out of town working week for hubs and a short yet long first week of school for the other four kiddos, a relaxing night at home is what I am banking on!:)

Saturday: Caroline has been asking if she can make a recipe out of one my plethora of cookbooks- I think this is the night! Some sweet & sour type meatball recipe from my KitchenAid cookbook... Will add in some great local finds from the Rockford Farm Market- will be there from 8am-1pm with Hummus!:)

SUNDAY: breakfast for dinner perhaps, pumpkin pancakes with Michigan maple syrup & yummy streusel, sautéed zestar apples(a GREAT variety that literally taste like fresh apple cider, yumola), a new Amylu chicken breakfast sausage- sugar house maple! The label shows a nice short list of ingredients, no nitrites or nitrates- woohoo!

Hope you all had a great start to the school year! :)

Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe- by popular demand!

2012-08-27T06:33:00.003-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

Buffalo Chicken Chili

My fam loves to eat buffalo wings, so I decided to make that flavor into chili. I end up topping this spicybowl of yummy stuff with “da’ Bomb!” dip and kettle style potato or tortilla chips, for a yummy salty crunch.Chef Robin Gourmet Cooking Classes, 2010.

½ C. butter

2 C. finely chopped onion

1 C. finely chopped celery

1 C. finely chopped carrot

4 cooked chicken(make it easy, use rotisserie chicken!)

4 C. chicken broth

1 C. Frank’s Red Hot sauce

1-29oz. can tomato puree

1 can light red kidney beans(or pinto beans)

In a large soup pot, melt butter. Add chopped onion, celery & carrot. Saute until vegetables are soft. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer, for 30 minutes. Servepiping hot, topped with the dip n’ chips. Yum, it’s got a nice kick!

"DA BOMB DIP"

This dip is a mix of blue cheese dressing & ranch dip, it is truly delish! Try it with veggies, warm sofet pretzels (my fave), pitas, chips, you name it! Chef Robin Gourmet Cooking Series, 2010.

Makes about 2 cups dressing

2 C. mayonnaise

1 C. Buttermilk

¼ C. red wine vinegar

½ C. blue cheese crumbles

2 T. dry ranch dressing mixture(Penzey's is preferred)

Pour all ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. Store in a glass canning jar in the refrigerator. Will keep for 2 weeks.

FAMMENU 8.27-9.2.... School is right around the corner!!!

2012-08-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!

FAMMENU for the week- going to be busy! The kiddos are excited for back to school shopping- pencils, notebooks, backpacks, lunch boxes, crayons, etc... NOT CLOTHES!!! We have so many kind friends & family members, that kids literally have clothes pouring out of their drawers! So only the classic school basics this year!:) appointments, open houses, hummus production & the ever usual busyness of our family of seven will keep us on our toes all week, PLUS the last weekend at my parents cottage this weekend:0( they are opting out of the 8 year cottage co-owning and deciding to travel. YAY for them! They have worked hard for a LONG time & deserve the fun trips they are planning!(see... Some things DO get better with age!:)
Anywho.... Here's what it looks like we will be doing for dinners this week:

MONDAY: chicken corn chowder- yummy fresh & local sweet corn paired up with poblano peppers, onions, potatoes, organic chicken broth & cream- topped with crispy bacon. Cornbread, watermelon

TUESDAY: grilled herbed sockeye salmon, quinoa pilaf, sautéed Zephyr squash with tomatoes, fresh basil & garlic

WEDNESDAY: crockpot city USA, baby... Buffalo chicken chili- a KIDFAVE! Chock full of chicken breast, carrots, onions, celery & RedHot! Topped off with "DaBomb dip" - a Chef Robin mix of Penzey's Buttermilk ranch & tangy blue cheese crumbles zippity yum-da!

THURSDAY: linguine with shrimp, garlic , parsley, tomatoes & olive oil, yum! Crusty Italian bread, a nice crisp salad with a white wine vinaigrette

FRIDAY: cottage bound??? If so... Or even if NOT so- Papa Murphy's ready to bake pizzas- gotta love this option! Plus there's always plenty of coupons to use!

SATURDAY: Rockford Farm Market- then for sure off to the cottage! Our kids & golden retriever will be living' it up for the last time at Pickeral Lake! It's been a good eight years! (I was pregnant with my SEVEN year old the first Summer up there, whew, time FLIES!) the usual grilled fare, plus some great fresh fruit & veggie finds from the Farm Market:)

SUNDAY: cottage food!!! No clue what- ill leave that up to my Momma:)

Have a stupendous LAST week of Summer... Boo:( Start of school, Yay!:)

FAMMENU! 8.20-26.12 It's Baaack!

2012-08-20T08:46:00.003-07:00

Here's What's New....Straight Off The Chef's Knife!
A new FamMenu this week!
I've taken the Summer off from my weekly family menu, but since class lists go up for the kids and orientations start this week, plus the cool night spells we've had, I've decided it's time to stArt Em' back up!
So here we go!
Monday: Arroz Con Polo- a super yummy Spanish style chicken & rice. Saffron Infused rice, with bell peppers, onions, parsley tender chicken thighs and green olives, YUM!
Watermelon wedges...
Tuesday: we find out teachers today for elementary! Cool! The kids have parts in our meeting tonight, so a big night! Rigatoni with lots o basil, tomato sauce & cheese, salad, & a super delish recipe from the last Penzey's Spice catalog- called "Tomato Bread"- which is glorified garlic bread with farm market fresh tomatoes & toasted mozzarella cheese- the whole Fam LOOOOVES it! (a great use for that 1/2 price day old French or Italian loaf of bread!)
Wednesday: supposed to be a beautiful day- middle school orientation day! I think we will be grilling out- probably some yummy grilled steaks with a quinoa white bean, provolone & tomato salad. Corn on the cob, fruit.
Thursday: Cheddar Potato, red pepper & broccoli Soup. Potato rolls, a big veggie full salad with yummy Penzey's buttermilk ranch.m
Friday: chicken fajita pizza, yum!
Saturday: after the Rockford Farmers' Market-burgers on the grill, crock pot baked beans, grilled fingerling potatoes, watermelon & corn on the cob!
Sunday: roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beaners, pickled cukes, farm market tomatoes & homemade creamed corn- like an afternoon & Gramma & Grampa Vissers! :0)

Enjoy these last SPLENDID weeks of Summer!