This Week's Menu

Dear Friends,

I don't know how to break this to you. I've been searching for the right words. But, as "they" say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Last night, I became...



























a carnivore. Don't get too excited, Mom. This is an experiment.

Basically, this book that I'm reading, makes a very compelling case in favor of a carbohydrate-restricted (no sugar, or refined carbohydrates), high protein, high fat diet. I'll blog about it later.

I shared a steak with Tony (cooked as recommended by the lovely Alton Brown). I'm still alive. It wasn't even gross. Keep in mind, I don't think I've eaten any meat in the last 15 years.

Shopping for cow was quite an adventure. Who knew there was so much meat in the world? Not I. The nice man at Target was very helpful, and even wished me good luck (I had shared my personal eating journey with him...we bonded).

Here's what we're having for the rest of this week:

• Tuesday: yummy Jaime Oliver salad
• Wednesday: tofu/bok choy stir fry (I LOVE this stuff)
• Thursday: spinach salad with sugared walnuts, feta, dried cherries, and balsamic vinaigrette (we had something like this at Pizza Lucé and I'm trying to re-create it)
• Friday: lentils with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions from this cookbook
• Weekend: ? we're off to a concert on Saturday night.

What are you having?

Leave me a comment or send an e-mail to request a recipe.

This Week's Menu

I got this wonderful idea from City Mama. Enjoy this new weekly feature! Please shoot me an e-mail if you'd like any of the recipes.




What are you having this week?

P.S. How do you spell portobello? portabello? I think it's portObello. Sorry I spelled it wrong.

Vegetarian Cookbooks: Jeanne Lemlin

I first discovered Jeanne Lemlin's cooking via the Food Network almost 10 years ago. She was preparing three different vegetarian dishes: a sweet potato/vegetable tian, couscous/spinach/pine nut casserole, and some yummy baked ziti. After trying all three dishes, Tony and I ran out and bought: Simple Vegetarian Pleasures immediately!

As Lemlin states in the forward to this book, her approach to cooking changed dramatically after the arrival of her son. She wanted to prepare delicious vegetarian fare, but no longer had the time and energy to spend hours in the kitchen every night. Thus the concept behind this cookbook, and her James Beard Award-winning Quick Vegetarian Pleasures was born (also on my bookshelf!).

I have yet to be disappointed in any of the recipes (she covers everything from breakfast to dessert) from this book. Here is a Lauren/Tony favorite:

Tortellini with Leeks and Cream

1 lb. frozen cheese tortellini
1 T butter
1 T olive oil
2 large leeks, thick greens and roots removed, thoroughly washed and thinly sliced
(leeks are very sandy! slice in half lengthwise, and fan the layers under running water to clean)
1/2 c heavy whipping cream
salt/pepper


Sauté leeks in butter and olive oil over medium heat until soft (about 10 minutes). Stir frequently, and do not allow leeks to brown. Add cream, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Meanwhile, prepare tortellini according to package directions. Drain, and toss with leek/cream mixture. Serve with cheese from Parma!

Pretty cinchy, and SO delicious! Also try this recipe for 10-minute chilaquiles.

What's for Dinner?

Thanks, Everyday Food!

What are you having?

P.S. I think I want to make this yummy pie on the weekend.

This Week on Sweet Bean's Blog: 100th Post!!!!!!

Homemade Samoas. Thanks, Lindsey!

P.S. Don't you love how I always make sure to do my hair for these vid-casts?

Yum

I love bread. I also love this book! So far, I've tried recipes for 100% whole wheat sandwich bread (pictured above), and CHOCOLATE BREAD. Wow. Let me tell you, chocolate bread is not for the faint of heart.

The premise behind the book involves creating a really high-moisture dough (no kneading!), that can then be stored long-term, almost like a sourdough starter. This dough, however, doesn't require the maintenance that sourdough would. It's pretty sweet.

If you get the book, you may also want to buy a pizza peel and a baking stone. You need them for many of the recipes in the book (not the ones I made!).

Check out lovely Jenna Lou's blog for a much prettier picture of a boule made from the same premise.

Really Good (and QUICK) Soup

I've been making this soup pretty frequently. It's super-easy, and very yummy.

recipe via Martha Stewart Living

I grind up the spices with a spoon, replace the chicken broth with water (add a little more salt), add a bit more roasted red pepper, blend with an immersion blender, and serve with sour cream (light works great) and cheese from Parma.