SUCCESS!

SO damn good! In fact, we've decided to make a cheesecake every month to satisfy our NEED.

 

An old dog teaches himself new tricks

This week has been one of 'firsts' for me. I've been really trying to expand myself in the culinary arena and I've attempted some new creations which have turned well I think. First was a beet-crust Paleo pizza (as described in an earlier post). I also made a nut butter made of almonds and other nuts and dried coconut. Not bad, but not as sweet and creamy as peanut butter. And tonight, I made my first cheesecake. I made a chocolate one for Sam's birthday, which is coming up, and I topped it with strawberries. It's cooling right now so I don't know how it'll turn out. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

The boys are back in town!

Jadhav is in town! He arrived today and his visit has really put us all in fun spirits. Cameron specifically, as you can see below, is in a particularly wily mood. I think it's because Adam is so easy to toy with (in a pranking kind of way). As for the food, Cam made a tasty veggie stir fry over rice, as demonstrated so elegantly by Adam below.

Winner winner, chicken dinner

I am perfectly happy with the semi-vegetarian lifestyle that we housemates lead.  I was even offered a burger this past weekend and chose a vegetarian option instead.  That said, when Casey told me he wasn't going to be home for dinner on Wednesday, I knew I really wanted chicken.  After some careful internet sleuthing, I found a recipe that not only looked good, but also didn't require a lot of prep time.  The simplicity of this dish was only in the preparation; the flavors themselves were rich and complex.  The chicken was coated in a spicy rub, the leftovers of which were used on the tomato/garbanzo topping.  There was a yogurt sauce that I put in the refrigerator and promptly forgot.  However, the chicken didn't really need a sauce.  It was tender and packed with flavor.  I'm a humble cook, but when everyone around the table says nothing but, "Mmmm," you know you've got a winner.  I was pleased. 

The finished dish

Roasted garbanzos and cherry tomatoes

 
Of course, no dinner of mine is complete without dessert.  I was in the mood for something light, and roasted pineapple served over plain yogurt was a great way to end our meal.

You can find these recipes here:
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2008/05/roast_chicken_breasts_with_garbanzo_beans_tomatoes_and_paprika

and here:

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2012/03/roasted-pineapple-with-honey-and-pistachios

Paleo Pizza

So we've been slacking and we haven't been staying on top of our dinner posts. Partly this is because people have been gone, Jess in Mal Pais and Casey in Jaco. Cameron and Amanda have been lounging at home, enjoying time off after last class session, and Sam and I have been doing UPMUNC (Model UN). What a long three days it was!

In any case, getting back on track: last Tuesday I made an almost Paleo meal with a peppery cinnamon-apple curry over cauliflower (which can be substituted for rice). The next day was a Spanish class pot luck at our house, so no family dinner. Thursday, Cameron made squash and massed potatoes with leeks. Very delicious! I used it for lunch a couple times after. Monday (3/5), Casey made a lentil stew which was really incredible. I mixed some salmon in with mine and couldn't stop grubbin'. Again, it made a great lunch the next day, too.

Which gets us up to speed. Last night I made an again almost Paleo pizza. Without the mozzarella, it would've been Paleo, but I think we'll let it slide. The crust was made from beets, nuts, seeds, parsley and olive oil. It was crumbly, so it needs some tweaking in the future (maybe blending it further in the processor). It was topped with nectarine, peach, red onion, garlic, basil, and a balsamic vinegar reduction.

Oh yeah, and here's a picture of a couple cool cats.