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Showing posts from April, 2013

Grilled Skirt Steak with Herb Chimichurri - Caity

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I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can use the grill without getting soaking wet! I was very fortunate to have a couple hours of sunshine the other day and used it appropriately to make some grilled skirt steak. The steak is enhanced by the tangy chimichurri and pairs perfectly with the  Cuban Rice , a nice, fresh salad and Brazilian Lemonade .  If you happen to have any leftover chimichurri, mix it with a couple tablespoons of sour cream and it makes a fabulous salad dressing (perhaps with leftover pieces of steak?). Or use the leftover rice and steak with chimichurri to make burritos with cheese, guacamole and fresh Pico de Gallo .  Get out and celebrate Spring with this tasty meal!  The recipe is adapted from Rafael Palomino and Arlen Gargagliano's "Latin Grill" cookbook.  One year ago: Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole Two years ago: Texas Sheet Cake , PB&Strawberry Sandwiches

Thai Grilled Chicken - Cathy

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We just finished with another fun 2-day trunk show/open house for the 2 Vagabonds this weekend. We always have a great time at these serving a sampling of food from almost all of the 14 or so countries that the 2 Vagabonds have visited, and they always have s o many beautiful things to offer for sale!  This is one of the recipes that we have served several times and everyone seems to really enjoy. This is an easy, but amazingly flavorful and delicious grilled chicken recipe only very slightly adapted from the cookbook, "James McNair Cooks Southeast Asian", available here .  The chicken marinates in a thick, seasoned coconut milk mixture, then is grilled and served hot with a Sweet Chili-Garlic Dipping Sauce on the side.  So, so good!  For f amily dinners, I serve chicken pieces, but for hors d'oeuvres or for the open houses I have done skewers and also chicken wings; I think the wings worked best to keep warm for a long time (plus they're easier to do).

Sunrise Shirley Temple/Mimosa - Caity

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There is a restaurant in San Francisco called the Buena Vista Cafe that is famous for their Irish Coffees. It is close to Fisherman's Wharf and worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood, especially if you're over 21.  I remember going a couple of times when I was little when my family was in San Francisco. My parents would both get an Irish Coffee (even my dad who doesn't usually drink coffee; he doesn't really need more energy) and Erin, Keegan and I would get a special (non-alcoholic) drink that was so delicious and colorful! A couple of years ago I was talking with my mom about our San Francisco trips and the amazing drink we used to get at the Buena Vista Cafe, and she said it was a Shirley Temple with orange juice. I think I went out that day and bought all the stuff to make it and enjoyed them all afternoon long!  I like making these Sunrise Shirley Temples for brunch parties because they look so pretty and it looks like you worked really hard to

Open-Face Egg Sandwich - Caity

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  I like mayonnaise as much as the next person, but not in egg salad. I was excited to find this recipe because it uses no mayo, only plain Greek yogurt. The egg salad is bright, simple and flavorful and is served on top of some garlic rubbed whole wheat toast. Tasty!  You can make it and serve immediately, or make the egg salad ahead of the time and use it straight from the fridge.  This recipe is from Heidi Swanson's "Super Natural Every Day" cookbook.  One year ago: Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole Two years ago: Green Posole with Chicken , Texas Sheet Cake

White Pizzas with Arugula - Caity

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The first time I had a pizza topped with arugula was during our first family trip to London. My mom will never let me live it down because I said "Why is there a forrest on my pizza?!? I don't want all this salad!". And now I'm obsessed with pizza topped with salad which makes my mom wants to strangle me (her words, not mine).  Brendan and I initially made them for a Meatless Monday meal but now we make them on a regular basis just because we love them. This recipe is based on the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for white pizzas in her "Back To Basics Cookbook". I haven't followed her exact recipe for them and I'm sure they're delicious but most nights I don't feel like making my own pizza dough, so I've created some short cuts. For example, I buy whole wheat pizza dough from my favorite Portland bakery, Grand Central Bakery, just down the street from my apartment. Buying high quality dough from a bakery or grocery store like

Caramelized Grapefruit with Yogurt - Caity

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I wasted the majority of my childhood hating grapefruit until I discovered broiled grapefruit with caramelized brown sugar. Mmmmmm! I loved it as a light breakfast with a piece of toast before an active day. I didn't think broiled grapefruit could get any better... I was wrong.  This recipe is the best broiled grapefruit I have ever tasted! It takes only slightly longer than a regular broiled grapefruit to make, but it is tastier, more satiating and easier to eat.  From Paul, Stella and Mary McCartney's cookbook "Meat Free Mondays".  One year ago:  Wild Rice Broccoli Casserole ,  Marinated Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomato Two years ago:  Green Posole with Chicken