Welcome Spring! Menu
This is just the perfect menu to say good-bye to winter and welcome in spring. It is still a little brisk out at night so this braised chicken dish will warm you up and help take off the last of the winter’s chill. The salad and dessert are light and colorful as the flowers that are starting to pop in my garden. Here’s to looking ahead to brighter, warmer, longer sunshine-filled days.
What are we cooking?
Roasted Beet & Fennel Salad
Roasted beets really need a cape because they truly are a super food! They look so unassuming, kinda like a piece of coal before it is transformed into a sparkling diamond. But once you roast them, you will uncover what a true gem they are. Since we eat with our eyes first, I’ll begin by saying that the beets’ color is absolutely stunning. Then, there is their delicious sweet, earthy taste; to top it off, they are so good for your health, packed with vitamins and rich in nitrates that aids in better circulation and lowering blood pressure. I try to add a beet a day to my diet!
Braised Chicken, Artichokes & Mushrooms
Braising is one of the most useful cooking techniques to learn. Once mastered, it turns tougher cuts of meat and vegetables into a hearty meal that warms your stomach and your heart. Also, it makes your casa smell fantastic. Braised dishes are always a crowd pleaser and perfect for entertaining, as they can be made a day in advance. In fact, I try to always cook mine a day ahead because it allows the flavor to enhance and deepen. What could possibly make this dish any better? To serve it on top of creamy, cheesy polenta.
Creamy Polenta
Making polenta is usually a labor of love that requires a lot of time stirring. This method has you stirring for just a few minutes and finishing it in the oven. You still end up with a creamy and delectable cheese dish with not as much work.
March 2019
Olive Oil Orange Cake
I call this cake a grownup cake. Not because it is not fun and childlike, but because the flavors are a little bit more subtle and mature like a grown up. HA!! No, seriously, this is a knock out cake! It’s dense, with just a hint of sweetness to it. The flavor of orange comes shining through, especially when it’s served with some beautifully sliced oranges that we toss with a little Cointreau, just to make the cake extra orangey. It is the perfect way to end a meal, but is also a way to start your day accompanied with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea. No matter which way you slice it, this is a cake to add to your baking repertoire.