Eggsausted!
Happy Easter everyone!
Whew - this weekend was a whirlwind of yard and organizing mayhem.
We now have beach-front property. Heh. Wouldn't that be nice. But we do have an entire backyard covered in an inch or so of sand. Sure beats the black plastic decor we've been sporting for the last 5 months...
Too bad the rain came and spoiled the tilling fun. Next week, next week. Then the top soil, more tilling and then lawn! The grass is a semi-permanent solution until we figure out what to do in the back yard. I'm envisioning some sort of shaded, quiet retreat with lush foliage, easy to care for perennials and a little garden plot. Oh, and a big, fancy deck for entertaining. A girl can dream, yes?
We unloaded a boatload of things on craigslist, but sadly no one wants the giant fake Christmas tree. Could it be that I posted the ad the day before EASTER? Nah, PEOPLE, PLAN AHEAD!
This morning Flynno announced he was hungry and asked me if there was any "special stuff". Huh? Whut? He asked that question in such a mysterious way I couldn't tell if he was making an advance or if he really was looking for something to eat. He clarified. Oh. The special stuff. In the fridge. Why yes, we did have some (left overs from Friday's dinner). And here's what that special stuff is...and the story behind it.
Years ago I briefly dated a line cook that worked for a fantastic restaurant. Despite his little, um, wee problem with drugs and alcohol, he was a charmer. Big Time. And he was the kind of guy that could whip up an amazing dinner with what you might have on hand. Though he taught me a lot about what I didn't want in a relationship, but he did teach me some valuable cooking lessons. And one of those lessons was the "special stuff."
Now, I never really considered this little concoction special, as I'm sure many folks use it as their base too. But for those who don't, here is my favorite versatile base for cooking up more than a few meals.
1 clove garlic (or some bottled, in a pinch. Learned that from my cook buddy too...)
1 onion (red or yellow)
1 red bell pepper
4 or so oz. sliced mushrooms
Saute'.
So, that's my base. My go to.
To make quesadillas, I add canned black beans and corn. Heat a tortilla in pan, add jack and cheddar cheese, special stuff mix and add another tortilla. Flip when lightly toasted. Top with sour cream (or plain yogurt), salsa and guac. (avocado, sour cream and salsa, whirled in mini food processor).
To make omelettes, I add fresh spinach leaves, jack and cheddar. Top omelette with sliced tomatoes and sliced avocado.
To make pasta, I add capers, yellow bell peppers, some red pepper flakes and a large can of chopped tomatoes. Toss with spaghetti noodles and top with grated Parmesan. (I posted about that recipe here, before Flynn started calling this the "special stuff".
I've also used this base for enchiladas (add olives), rice (omit mushrooms, add tomato sauce and green pepper), pizza (add fresh tomatoes and Italian sausage), soups and other things I can't even think of right now.
When life is hectic, I whip up a batch of "special stuff" and it can see us through a week of varied meals.
Do you have a "go to" meal base? Please share!
Whew - this weekend was a whirlwind of yard and organizing mayhem.
We now have beach-front property. Heh. Wouldn't that be nice. But we do have an entire backyard covered in an inch or so of sand. Sure beats the black plastic decor we've been sporting for the last 5 months...
Too bad the rain came and spoiled the tilling fun. Next week, next week. Then the top soil, more tilling and then lawn! The grass is a semi-permanent solution until we figure out what to do in the back yard. I'm envisioning some sort of shaded, quiet retreat with lush foliage, easy to care for perennials and a little garden plot. Oh, and a big, fancy deck for entertaining. A girl can dream, yes?
We unloaded a boatload of things on craigslist, but sadly no one wants the giant fake Christmas tree. Could it be that I posted the ad the day before EASTER? Nah, PEOPLE, PLAN AHEAD!
This morning Flynno announced he was hungry and asked me if there was any "special stuff". Huh? Whut? He asked that question in such a mysterious way I couldn't tell if he was making an advance or if he really was looking for something to eat. He clarified. Oh. The special stuff. In the fridge. Why yes, we did have some (left overs from Friday's dinner). And here's what that special stuff is...and the story behind it.
Years ago I briefly dated a line cook that worked for a fantastic restaurant. Despite his little, um, wee problem with drugs and alcohol, he was a charmer. Big Time. And he was the kind of guy that could whip up an amazing dinner with what you might have on hand. Though he taught me a lot about what I didn't want in a relationship, but he did teach me some valuable cooking lessons. And one of those lessons was the "special stuff."
Now, I never really considered this little concoction special, as I'm sure many folks use it as their base too. But for those who don't, here is my favorite versatile base for cooking up more than a few meals.
1 clove garlic (or some bottled, in a pinch. Learned that from my cook buddy too...)
1 onion (red or yellow)
1 red bell pepper
4 or so oz. sliced mushrooms
Saute'.
So, that's my base. My go to.
To make quesadillas, I add canned black beans and corn. Heat a tortilla in pan, add jack and cheddar cheese, special stuff mix and add another tortilla. Flip when lightly toasted. Top with sour cream (or plain yogurt), salsa and guac. (avocado, sour cream and salsa, whirled in mini food processor).
To make omelettes, I add fresh spinach leaves, jack and cheddar. Top omelette with sliced tomatoes and sliced avocado.
To make pasta, I add capers, yellow bell peppers, some red pepper flakes and a large can of chopped tomatoes. Toss with spaghetti noodles and top with grated Parmesan. (I posted about that recipe here, before Flynn started calling this the "special stuff".
I've also used this base for enchiladas (add olives), rice (omit mushrooms, add tomato sauce and green pepper), pizza (add fresh tomatoes and Italian sausage), soups and other things I can't even think of right now.
When life is hectic, I whip up a batch of "special stuff" and it can see us through a week of varied meals.
Do you have a "go to" meal base? Please share!
posted by Wendee at 7:22 PM
4 Comments:
I have a personal chef as my special stuff? :D I actually can't cook. I bake, but I can't cook. Fortunately, IZ can!
And, I'm with you on the finished project thing. My goal is to finish ONE thing this weekend: it helps it's an order and I HAVE to finish it. The yarn your using is amazing. I adore that color.
Looks yummy! May I join you for dinner? ~~Your Knitters Treat Exchange Pal~~
I hope that you have received your Knitterly Letter Swap letter! And if you haven't received it yet, then please know that it has been mailed (last week) and that it definitely is on its way to you, and should arrive any day now!
Glad to have "found" your blog-- :)
Where fore art thou??? Did you finish that coral sweater yet?? :D
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