The Spiceman Cometh

You probably can't see it, but the guy sitting across from me at the airport is from McCormick spices...check out the logo on the bag. I should ask him for samples.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies!

The recipe is from America's Test Kitchen.  It was somewhat different because you melt and brown the butter first, instead of creaming the butter and sugar.  The cookies were crisp on the edges, but chewy in the middle.  I also used a bittersweet chocolate chip (Ghirardelli) rather than a semi-sweet one.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

8 - 1/2" thick pineapple rings
1/2 red onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro or parsley
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. lime zest
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
salt
pepper

1. Grill the pineapple over medium heat until it has distinct grill marks (about 5 minutes).  Let cool and chop into 1/2" pieces.
2. Mix the chopped pineapple with the cilantro, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
3. Refrigerate for at least one hour.  

Turkey Bolognese - An American Bird in Italy

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I had some leftover turkey in the fridge, so I made this bolognese (meat sauce) to use it up.  It's an interesting twist on a classic pasta sauce.

Turkey Bolognese

2 Tbsp.olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 c. grated carrots
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 lb. mushrooms quartered (I used white mushrooms, but cremini would be good too.)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. red wine
1 -  28 oz.can crushed tomatoes
1 c. chicken broth
3 c. shredded, cooked turkey meat
1 c. parmesan cheese
1 c. basil, chopped
1 lb. cooked tubular pasta (such as rigatoni or ziti)

1. Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven or other large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrot and celery.  Cook, stirring occasionally,  until they are just beginning to brown (8-10 minutes.)
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning.  Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the milk.  Cook until it is reduced by half (about 5 minutes.)
6. Stir in the wine.  Cook until it is reduced by half.
7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
8. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add chicken broth as needed to reach your desired consistency (I liked it a little thick.)  
9. Stir in the coked turkey meat.  Cook for an additional 20 minutes.  
10. Stir in the cooked pasta, basil, and parmesan cheese.  Heat for 5 minutes and serve.

Herbaceous Dinner

Herb roasted (sage, rosemary,parsley) turkey breast, asparagus with lemon, garlic, and parmesan, and sweet potato ravioli in a sage brown butter sauce.  Yum.