Eve/2 recipes

So to start off with the first post, I decided to make a meal that screams of comfort food. Whilst it does take a bit of a while to get the meal done, once you take that first bite, heaven couldn’t seem closer if you were Adam trying to touch God’s finger in the “Creation of Adam” fresco created by Michaelangelo. The meal I speak of is Cottage Pie. There is much debate as to what exactly a cottage pie is and how it is different to a Shepherd’s pie...I don’t know. The dominant theory is that Sheperds pie uses lamb mince, whilst a cottage pie uses beef mince. I don’t know about you, but the term “Sheperds Pie” does not get my tastebuds going quite as well, so I prefer the term cottage pie. Besides, comparing the price of ground (mince) beef to ground lamb, a student would pick up the beef mince in a heartbeat without even so much as glancing at the lamb in the meat section. This cottage pie that I made is full of flavour, and just makes you want to cuddle up next to a fire and watch TCM movies all day either by yourself, or with a significant other. Here is the recipe:

Nightcap coffee mix with instant coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, non-dairy creamer, and sugar. A spiced coffee blend you stir into hot water for a cozy evening cup.

This is the best turkey recipe ever!! Comes out very juicy, tasty. I placed a red apple into the cavity...the smell in the kitchen was wonderful!!

The laziest, most crowd-pleasing dessert you'll ever make. Cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, melted butter, coconut, and pecans. Just layer, dump, and bake.

Mom said we had to have this even if Melissa didn't send it in. She's right, there is no way to each just one piece. So....easy.

Chocolate chip fruitcake with candied cherries, dates, walnuts, and chocolate chips bound by a light egg-and-sugar batter. A modern fruitcake that converts even fruitcake skeptics.

White bean chili with turkey, tomatillos, green chiles, and a cilantro yogurt cream. A leaner Southwest twist on red chili that tastes even better the next day.

Grilled corn and tomato salad tosses smoky charred corn kernels with sweet cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light rice vinegar dressing. A make-ahead summer side that's even better the next day.

Rotel chicken spaghetti with diced tomatoes and green chiles, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. A Southern potluck classic that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Greek-style green beans and potatoes braised slow in tomato until meltingly tender, finished with a fresh hit of mint. A vegan side or light main that's even better the longer it simmers.

Gulaschsuppe (German goulash soup) with tender beef cubes, sweet peppers, paprika, and a hint of caraway in a rich beef broth. The Austrian-Hungarian classic that tastes even better the next day.

Authentic Cajun dirty rice, ground beef, pork, and chicken giblets slow-simmered with the holy trinity of onion, pepper, and celery, then finished with cream and rice. Deeply savory, and even better the next day.

Paper bag apple pie: a vintage baking trick that wraps the whole pie in a brown paper bag during baking. Tender apples, golden streusel top, and an evenly browned crust without scorching.

Brown rice side dish using a 6-hour soak method for faster, more even cooking, then finished with slivered almonds and bright lemon zest. A simple, diabetic-friendly low-fat recipe.

So good. Teenage son who is a picky eater said "Best chicken ever!" Next time I'll add more veggies. Yum. Everyone enjoyed it including my 2 year old.

Caldo Verde: Portuguese green soup with kale, chorizo, white beans, potatoes, turnips, and smoked ham in chicken broth. One pot, one hour, and even better the next day.