Taco Soup

A hearty soup, perfect for winter. I got the idea from work... but I'm a meat-eater so this recipe uses the good stuff. :-) No soy crumbles here! Also a good alternative to a traditional chili if you're sick of the same 'ole! Super easy, filling, and well-rounded meal you can throw in the crock pot before work!

Taco Soup via Food Network:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/taco-soup-recipe/index.html

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a fond memory of my childhood. We used to get giant scoops of it for dinner from the hot deli at Gerrard's Market in Redlands when my Dad would take us grocery shopping with him. It was always so simple, yet hearty and delicious. This time around I tried to convince myself it was healthy and packed full of lean meat and veggies. :-) I did use 96% lean ground beef instead of the lamb. I doubt that made any difference. The end product was a success. I've been eating it for the last 3 days. So satisfying! I also added 1/3 cup grated parmesan to the mashed potatoes & garnished the top of the pie with paprika. (That's how Gerrard's used to do it!) Do a taste test for spices before you assemble the pie. I ended up adding some salt and cayenne. I always add cayenne!

Shepherd's Pie via Epicurious:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Shepherds-Pie-240224

Best Lasagna Ever + Oven-Roasted Asparagus

This was the last meal I cooked in my Redlands apartment before the big move to San Jose. It didn't disappoint! This is also one of those great meals that you can make ahead. The lasagna was equally as good the next day. This was paired with some Yellowtail Bubbles Champagne & Peach Cobbler, (recipe to follow.) Hopefully I can find a Norcal crew that will be equally as appreciative of my cooking. Parting is such sweet sorrow!

The Best Lasagna Ever via the Pioneer Woman:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/the_best_lasagn/

Oven-Roasted Asparagus via the Pioneer Woman:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/oven-roasted-asparagus/

The Most Perfect Meal EVER

This is the ULTIMATE surf & turf. If you are planning on any kind of celebration feast, this is your meal! Pick your favorite dessert & wine and you are set for the ultimate feast. The flavors in this combination are undeniable. Each component is completely unique, but at the same time pairs together elegantly. Try this out for your next celebration and let me know about your response. Mine was a true crowd pleaser! Happy Valentines Day!

Lemon Risotto via Smitten Kitchen:

http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/06/catch-up-solstice-edition/

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Red Pepper via Epicurious:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Broccoli-with-Garlic-and-Red-Pepper-351031

Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp via Food Network:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/surf-and-turf-for-two-recipe/index.html

Porcini Crusted Filet Mignon with Fresh Herb Butter via Epicurious (& my previous blog entry)

http://ovenphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/11/porcini-crusted-filet-mignon-with-fresh.html

Braised Beef Short Ribs over Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta

Stop your salivating now... I KNOW. Delish! I made this as a main course for my Dad's birthday dinnner and everyone (myself included) was super impressed. This meal will definitely impress the best man in your life. :-) This is super hearty, satisfying, fulfilling, delicious, melt-off-the-bone-good! It is super simple also, so try this out ASAP! I promise you will not be disappointed! I didn't even change the recipe on this one too much. I did add about 3 chopped celery stalks with the rest of the vegetables and a good heaping tablespoon of minced garlic. I used Chianti for the red wine. Send me some feedback, this is a KILLER!

Braised Beef Short Ribs via the Pioneer Woman:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/braised-short-ribs-heaven-on-a-plate/

Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta via the Pioneer Woman:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/creamy-polenta-with-goat-cheese-heaven-on-a-plate-part-2/