Those Pesky Leftovers

Hi Foody Friends,

I don't know about you, but I love the holidays. It's the few times a year I can turn into an Elf on Christmas and a Bunny on Easter.  Prepare a feast of delicious foods and drink lots of wine. Sharing all my childhood traditions with my girls.  Not to mention, my O.C.D. issues when it comes to holiday decorating, coloring Easter eggs and decorating Christmas cookies.  But, the one thing that annoys the crap out of me are the leftovers!  What to do with my 10 pounds of ham still sitting in my refrigerator??  One can only make so many ham dinners before you start smelling like a ham.  Oh, don't get me started on the unknown amount of egg salad I consumed this past week.  Honestly, is that even safe?

Frittatas.  I love saying that word as much as I like eating them.  Bobby Flay, Giada and even the Barefoot Contessa are always making some crazy Frittata concoctions.  My they always look scrumptious.  I put together a tasty little recipe which is perfect for entertaining guests for breakfast or brunch.  Plus, they are simple to make. Quick for those hungry In-Laws staying with you during the holidays.  You can use just about anything in a Frittata, even wine.  I used some of our leftovers from Easter.  It was fabulous and even the kids enjoyed it!

So get that apron on, make some Mimosa's and get cooking! Enjoy the recipe below!

Ingredients: (serves 4)

8 large eggs scrambled
1 cup chopped ham cooked
1 cup of Collard Greens cooked and seasoned
1 shallot minced
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese
Couple of dashes of Hot Sauce
1 tbsp. Oregano
1 tbsp. Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. In a non stick skillet, melt butter and add shallots, cook until soft. Add ham and greens until warmed through. Add the seasonings, hot sauce, then pour in the scrambled eggs. Combine all ingredients.  Top with Cheddar cheese and let cook for about 5 minutes without stirring. Place the pan into the oven and finish cooking for 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Happy Spring!

Hi Foody Friends,

Happy Spring!  Well, I guess on the calendar it's Spring, but it sure doesn't look like it when I peek out of the window.  I don't know about you but I am ready for the Farmers Market, grilling and Margaritas!  The best part of warmer weather, is lighter foods.  We tend to be more comfortable in the cold weather eating a huge pot of Chili or a Pot Roast.  I started off this week's Date Night with a lighter version of dinner that made us craving for more.

Tilapia is one of my favorite fish to cook.  I buy the Cape Gourmet Tilapia Fillets at Shop Rite.  A bag will run you about $8.99 for 10-4oz. fillets.  I can easily get two meals out of the bag.  I used five fillets for our dinner and have plenty leftover for Fish Tacos next week. Sometimes, you can get a good deal on fresh Tilapia in your Seafood Department.  But, to get the most out of your buck, I would suggest frozen.

I visited Rachel Ray's Everyday site online and found a great recipe.  Parmesan Crusted Tilapia.  Yum! Anything with cheese has got to be good!  It was exactly what I was looking for and simple because I had everything else that I needed in my refrigerator.  Those are some of the best recipes, when you do not have to make a trip to the grocery store because you are one or two items short. Simple and easy, of course.  It was a 30 minute meal!  Plus, I have wine on hand....time to cook!

Enjoy the recipe below and try it for yourself!  Let's keep our fingers cross that the warm weather will be here soon so we can fire up the grills and blend our Margaritas!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Serves 2

1 bag of Cape Gourmet Tilapia Fillets (5 fillets only)
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups of Bread Crumbs
1 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan
Flat Leaf Parsley

Directions:

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.  Combine Bread Crumbs and Grated Parmesan.  Chop up some Parsley and add to mixture.  Lightly salt and pepper the fillets then drizzle will Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Coat eat fillet with the bread crumb and parmesan mixture and place in a baking dish.  Sprinkle Paprika over fillets when done.  I also added some Grape tomatoes to roast along with the Tilapia for a little extra taste.  Bake for 10-12 minutes until flaky.

Serve with a Rice Pilaf and sautéed Asparagus.

A Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach....

Hi Foody Friends,

February is the Month of Love.  You know how I love Date Nights! Not only every Wednesday, but we got an extra one this month with Valentine's Day!  But, we are not talking about Valentine's Day, we are talking Date Night.  My favorite day of the week.  I'm always rambling on to you about taking time out once a week, to enjoy a great dinner and catch up with the one you love.  Life gets hectic.  Work, kids, sports, DJ events, and just everyday life can get you nuts!  Good food, wine and a movie, at home?  Perfect!  Great way to unwind and realize why you do all the craziness that life brings to you all week long.   Now for a meal that will surely satisfy my husband's stomach and heart.

I visited my favorite store, Healthy Living Market.  I'm starting to become a little addicted.   Besides strolling through a Wine Store, which I love to do, strolling through the vegetables at Healthy Living Market is another love!  It's my favorite part of the store.  As I ventured towards another department, I came across a great Basil Pesto.  Meditalia Bail Pesto.  It was delicious.  I could always make pesto, but when the day gets away from you, this is the best alternative.  You can also use it as a marinade, too. Delish!  I knew exactly where I was headed with this dish. Elicoidali with Basil Pesto, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Pancetta.  I picked up a loaf of crusty Baguette and a block of Fresh Parmesan. Simple and elegant.  I left Healthy Living Mart with all my ingredients needed for a fantastic meal. Next stop, wine!  Then home to cook a fabulous Date Night Dinner.

I'm always excited to cook for my family, especially for my Husband.  He works hard for us to make sure we have everything we need.  Watching him succeed in just about anything he does, shows me I can succeed in my dreams and Cooking Wright with Donna.  He supports me in everything I want to do and my goals. It's easy to tell someone you love them, but it's best to show it through food.  The dinner turned out fabulous.  He loved the pasta and the night was just as I expected.  Wonderful.

Enjoy!

Donna

Ingredients:

Elicoidale Pasta 1 lb.
Meditalia Basil Pesto
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Parmesan
1 loaf Baguette
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp. Italian Seasonings



Preheat your oven at 450.  Toss and coat the cherry tomatoes with EVOO and Salt and pepper. Place the Pancetta on a baking sheet, in slices.  I usually buy the pre-packed and pre-sliced Pancetta. Cook the tomatoes until they start to pop and the Pancetta until crispy.

Pancetta

Slice the Baguette in half. Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle Italian Seasoning over the bread.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile boil your pasta and drain.   Add in your Pesto, roasted tomatoes and Pancetta. Toss and grate Fresh Parmesan over the pasta and serve.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

40 is not Fabulous, but Wine is!

Hi Foody Friends,

Funny thing.  I'm looking back through my blogs, and came across one I wrote about a year ago.  I explained how I hate dieting and counting calories is stupid. Look at me now, counting calories.  I think once the first number of your age turns to a 4, you start realizing, are you healthy or are you not?

I always believed I was "healthy".  Let me rephrase, I am healthy.  To a certain point of course.  I have always been an active person, never lazy, strong, athletic to a certain age, fun, amusing to others.  I have a good sense of humor, I like to laugh, joke and make fun of my kids. LOL.  2013 was a big year.  We had our third daughter, Ivy Olivia, born in May.  I turned the dreaded 40 in June.  I had my fist anxiety attack the end of August, and I had a "scare" when I had my first Mammogram in December.  Thankfully, it was just dried tissue, no sign of any Cancer.  Besides my daughter being born, I could not WAIT until 2013 was over!  By this point, I hated 40.  40 was not fabulous.  Where's the wine?

So, once I got my anxiety issues under control, with medicine, of course, I can now function almost like a human again.  I'm not quite there, but almost.  In the meantime, it was time for a change.  2014 is going to bring me two things, a healthier me and Cooking Wright with Donna is going to explode!  I am dead set on making both of my resolutions happen.

Our biggest issue, for all of us in the Wright Household, is portion control.  I love to cook, so the food is good, and you want more.  Always seconds.  Not anymore, one portion only.  My kids hate me at this point, especially when I make spaghetti.  My middle girl, is a pasta fanatic! She lives for pasta!  Less carbs, more veggies. More greens and salads.  It's been working and it feels great!  If I'm losing weight, everyone loses weight.

My next issue to tackle is wine.  This my friends, is hard. If you know me, you know I love wine, it's fabulous!  Especially, since I found a new wine that I fell in love with.  Montepulcciano D'Abruzzo!!!!!  I love saying that out loud!  I feel so Italian.  The first time I tried it was in New York City with my husband for our Anniversary.  We stopped at a little Italian restaurant in Manhattan to have some wine.  The Bartender had an awesome accent, we looked at each other and said,  "That's an authentic Italian accent, he'll know a good wine, wow"! Come to find out, he's from Brazil. No where near Italian, but he introduced us to Montepulcciano D'Abruzzo!  Dry red wine that makes your pallet explode! It's a must try.  Let's just say, the sidewalks in Manhattan were a little uneven when we left.

So far, 2014 is going well.  I may like 40 at some point.  I think it will take a little love, caring and wine.  Wine is, by the way, fabulous!

Ciao!

Here's to 2014 Healthy Living

Hi Foody Friends,

Happy New Year! It's 2014 and I'm sure you and many others have made that dreaded resolution to lose weight and get fit.  I am one of them and so far, it's great!  I'm actually surprised on how committed I am.  Is it because I turned 40 last year or is that I just over ate or over drank during the Holiday Season?  Well, it's both.

Usually I jump right in, and say, "I'm signing up for Weight Watchers, it's the only thing that works, I'm so fat!"  Followed by me persuading my husband how much I need this.  Where's the violin and cheese??  I found a great app on my IPhone called Spark People.  It counts calories for you and your fitness.  So far, so good.  My goal is to lose 2 pounds per week. I'm on track so watch out,  I am on my way to a lean, mean machine this summer!

On another note, eating right and not starving yourself is the key.  Recently, I was introduced to Organic Food.  I know, I know.  It's been here for years, but I never grocery shopped for it.  I went and visited Healthy Living Mart in Wilton.  First time there and was very pleased.  I spent about an hour in there, believe me I could have spent a lot longer.  Such a great variety of foods, some I have never even heard of which even sparked my palate!  I was looking for a family friendly meal, that kids especially would love, that was healthy in a tricky way.  You know, everyone has a picky eater in the family.  I have one that "claims" she's picky, but she can't pull one over on this Mom! But, we are all aware of when it comes to veggies and healthy foods, they look at you like a deer in headlights.  What? Where's my Happy Meal?  No, not here.  So, I found Turkey Breast Cutlets made by Misty Knoll Farms in Vermont, Fresh Organic Zucchini Squash and some yummy Organic Herbs.  My menu was coming together as I drove home.  Marinated Grilled Turkey Cutlets, Baked Zucchini Fries with a Dill Dipping Sauce and Black Bean and Corn Salsa. It sounds healthy and delicious all in one!  I couldn't wait to start cooking.

As you can see with the pictures, the dinner was a hit!  Husband and kids were satisfied and loved it!  The turkey cutlets were marinated in Lime juice, EVOO, garlic, salt and pepper.  Grilled to perfection!  Zucchini Fries were breaded with Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, dried Basil and Oregano. To top it off, a fabulous Salsa made with Black Beans, Corn, Tomato, Avocado, lime juice, salt and pepper!  What a great combination this dinner was.  Healthy, satisfying and kid friendly.  Check out the recipe below and visit Healthy Living Mart, you will not be disappointed.  By the way, they have a Beer aisle and sell Wine! Oh, I will be back!


Cheers to 2014!

1  Medium Zucchini Squash or 5 Small
1 cup Panko's
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp. of Dry Oregano and Basil
2 Eggs

Heat oven at 425.  Cut Zucchini into fries, lightly salt and set aside.  Mix Panko's, Parmesan and Herbs in a shallow bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk eggs.  Dip Zucchini in egg wash, let excess drip off, dip into dry batter and then place on a foiled covered baking sheet.  Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.                                                                                        



1 lb. Turkey Cutlets
1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
3 tbsp. EVOO
Generous amount of Salt & Pepper
Dash of Cayenne

Marinate in the above for about an hour.  Grill on each side for about 3-4 minutes depending on thickness of cutlet.

Salsa:
1 Can of Black Beans
1 cup of Corn
1 Avocado
1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes diced
Drizzle with Fresh Lime Juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Let's talk French...

Hi Foody Friends!

I can't speak a bit of French, but I have a sister who can speak French.  Ever since I was little, she would always say, "I can speak French,  Parles-tu français?"  Here's the kicker, that's the only bit of French she knew.  I can't count how many times over my course of growing up with this woman, has she said "Parles-tu francais."  Not to mention how many times I told her, " No, I don't know how to speak French!"  LOL.

Since French is not an everyday language in my home, the next logical thing to do is to cook it.  The Croque Monsieur.  Fabulous ham and cheese sandwich with a Bechamel sauce.  For you who don't know what Bechamel is, it's a white sauce, generally made with a roux of butter and flour, then cooked in milk.  Cheese is added to make a tasty sauce.  Most common cheese used is Gruyère, which is in the Swiss family.  The word "Croque" which means "crunch" and "Monsieur" which means "mister" was first introduced in 1910 in French Cafe's as a snack.   Another version of this sandwich, is the Croque Madame, which is served with a fried egg or poached egg on top.  The egg represents an old fashion woman's hat, which is when the Croque Madame was born.  By the way, there is also a Croque McDo sandwich.  That's correct, it's served in McDonald's locations throughout France.  Well, I guess the Croque McDo is like the  Big Mac here.  Big Mac attacks in the US and McDo attacks in France!  LOL

Over the years different variations of this sandwich was made. The Croque Bolognese, which is made with a Bolognese sauce or the Croque Senor which Salsa is added to the sandwich.   You can put a grass skirt on and make The Croque Hawaiian and add a slice of Pineapple or the Croque Gagnet which is made with Andouille Sausage.  The list goes on and on.  You can get very creative with this sandwich, as with most foods, but I think the original has to be the best!  So, no I did not make the original. LOL.  I did, however, make a few small changes.  I used a spicier ham, added tomato, and since I have a newborn plus two more, I cheated on the Bechamel and use Gruyère and Swiss to top my sandwich.  By the silence during dinner, I will say it was a hit!

Now that you got a history lesson on a French ham and cheese sandwich, are you ready to make your own?  It's a great Friday night dinner or any night of the week.  I usually pair a nice wine with my meals, but since I was out of wine, I had a nice ice-cold Coors Lite.  Check out the recipe below and next time you are in France, please don't say "Parles-tu Francais," most likely you'll get kicked out!

Enjoy!

1/2 lb. ham

1/2 lb. Swiss cheese

8oz. block of Gruyère, shredded

2 tomatoes sliced

1 loaf hard French bread ( I used the round loaf near the deli counter)

Mustard is optional. Best is Grey Poupon...but of course!

Slice bread about 1/2" thick, butter and grill both sides, top bread with a layer of ham, layer of Swiss, tomato, then top your sandwich with shredded Gruyère and any leftover Swiss.  Put under the broiler until cheese is melted and golden brown.  Serve open-faced.

A New Adventure in Cooking

Hi Foody Friends,

In about 8 weeks, there will be a new addition to our family.  We are beyond excited.  It's a whole new beginning, an extra person in the house, an extra seat for dinner, an extra person eating, and an extra person to cook for.  I can't wait for all of this to start.

So, I have a bright idea!  How about, I make my own baby food?  I have never done this in the past with my other two daughters.  Well, for one, I was working full time, two ...well there isn't a two.   At that time, I was raising two girls on my own,  working full time and making sure they had everything they needed on a daily basis.  Making baby food?  Oh hell no.  Excuse my language, but there was no way I could fit that into my schedule.  I was exhausted from working, I was exhausted at night, I was exhausted on weekends.  A quick trip to Price Chopper once a week was a lot more easier than making baby food.  Also, at that time, I was not much of Chef either, quick dinners, showers and bed was a daily routine.  I think I was sleeping during showers, I don't know, it was possible.

Now I can say,  I am happily married and have a fantastic family.  I am also blessed to be a SAHM, (Stay At Home Mom), thanks to my wonderful and hard working husband.   I am the Queen of my Castle, the CEO of the Wright Household, and this is when I became the magnificent Chef of my own kitchen.  I drive a Town and Country Mini Van and is one step away from wearing Mom Jeans and white Reeboks. LOL.

Now is the time I can endure in the adventure of making my own food for our new baby girl.  There is a really neat appliance called,  The Baby Bullet Food Processor.  Three different blades for pureeing and blending, and also one for milling cereals, along with lots of storage containers for me to freeze food in advance.   I can make big batches or little batches.  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and yummy snacks!   I basically can whip up a three course meal for her! LOL.  How awesome is that?   The best part is,  I know what my daughter will be eating and I believe this will save money in the long run.  Summer is coming, if Spring ever starts!  Farmer's Markets will be in season and fresh veggies and fruit is what I will be looking for!

So will I succeed in my new adventure? I believe so.  I will update you when the time comes for me to get cooking with The Baby Bullet.  In the meantime, if anyone has used The Baby Bullet or has made their own baby food, I would love to here how your experience went.  Please comment, I love feedback!

Cheers!