I think we should...

do restaurant review here, too.

Turkey Burgers with Grated Zucchini and Carrot

I opened up the most current issue of Real Simple yesterday and decided to try this recipe. It was SO GOOD. I used a full lb. of turkey, which I think would work better than what the recipe called for.

I'd highly recommend this. It was fast and great for kids (my kids anyway) because you can hide veggies in burgers and cover them with ketchup.

good mango alert

for those in omaha, just wanted to report that whole foods has absolutely great mangoes right now. i don't usually like mangoes, but these are amazing.

My quick and easy dinner stand-by.

Daphne mentioned her love of goat cheese in the comments section. I love that stuff, too. Here is a way we use it for a really quick meal (In fact, we had it for dinner last night, wish I would have taken a picture)

Goat Cheese Omelet (serves 2)
serve with crusty bread and lettuce salad

Preheat skillet over med. heat with a bit of olive oil.
--
3 eggs, beaten with generous pinch of kosher salt and a splash of water
1/8-1/4 c. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and the water pressed out
--mix together--

Pour into hot pan, swirl to cover pan bottom. As it cooks, lift out omelet and let egg run underneath to cook. I don't flip it, if you want the top cooked more, you can put a lid over the pan.
--
Next, drop crumbles of goat cheese onto omelet. Last night we also added parm cheese and chopped roma tomatoes. Fold over and serve. Yum!

Recipe requests

We're having company Monday, and I'm looking for two things:

a cold side dish to accompany grilled meat and veggies
a recipe or idea for an egg-free dessert (our friend has an egg allergy)

i'd be grateful for any suggestions!

Italian Muffins

Caron requested this recipe. These are savory muffins, by the way-- better to be served with dinner than with orange juice at breakfast.

Italian Muffins

1/4 c. dried tomatoes, soaked in boiling water to soften
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
2 T. sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg
1/4 c. oil
1 c. fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/2 c. hard cheese, grated
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
3/4 c. milk

Oil 12 muffin tins.

In skillet, cook mushrooms and garlic in a bit of oil until most of liquid is evaporated.

In med. bowl, mix flour, cheese, sugar, powder, salt and soda. Make a well and pour in the combo of egg, milk, and oil. Stir in mushrooms and chopped tomatoes (drained) just until moistened.

Spoon batter into cups. Sprinkle with more cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Simplify.

A while back on the WhoCares blog, I remember a discussion about trying to simplify meals. Well, we've really been trying to do that at our house as an effort to make meal times less stressful. We had this for dinner last night-- it was SO delicious and most of it was from our back yard.

Pasta w/ Fresh Herbs

1/2 lb. whole-wheat fettuccine
1/8 c. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1/4 c. minced fresh basil
1/4 c. minced chives
(also can use others-- I added a bit of dill)
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
grated Parmesan

Cook pasta. While pasta cooks, warm oil over low heat. Add garlic and cook for about a minute. Add herbs and cook 30 more seconds. Add 1/4 cup pasta water and set aside. After pasta is done, drain and put in large bowl. Toss with herb mixture and grate cheese on top.