Baked Cod with (Turkey) Chorizo & White Beans September 18, 2008

Okay bloggy world open your mind. The following dish may not sound incredibly appetizing at first but let me tell you this… IT IS. Not to mention that it was incredibly easy to make.  I found this recipe on EatingWell.com and it is actually quite healthy. I’m sure you could even use soy sausage as a substitue. If you do use an alternative I would add a little paprika along with the fresh thyme for some smokey flavor.

 

I used wild pacific cod in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. My only other revisions to the recipe are that I used smoked turkey kielbasa instead of chorizo and I also added one chopped zucchini to the mixture at the same time as the grape tomatoes.

 

I served this meal with brown rice and it was very tasty. The classic Spanish flavors were also complimented by a nice glass of red wine. Yum, yum!  

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cod_chorizo_white_beans.html

Cooking for One September 10, 2008

One might think that if there is only one person eating and that one person is YOU; then it isn’t worth your while to create a meal plan or cook creative meals. I am here to tell you different! Ditch the Lean Cuisine, branch out from the ol’ Progresso Classic Chicken Noodle, and maybe it is time to ease up on the speed dial to your favorite local take-out. Cooking for one just takes a little creativity which doesn’t necessarily mean more work.

 

This week I am cooking for one. My boyfriend is off on the East Coast for a week riding his bike for an amazing charity (www.tourdeforceny.com) Although I am solo doesn’t mean either of the following a.) that I didn’t plan my meals for the week or b.) that I am not going cook something tasty and creative for myself.

The key to cooking recipes for one has to do with two main principles;

1. Can the recipe be cut in half or in quarters to satisfy and accommodate just one person?

2. Is the recipe in question “leftover appropriate” or can it be evolved into another meal?

 

It’s really that simple. For example… If you are making a  grilled chicken breast for dinner one night to be served with steamed vegetables and rice. Instead of grilling just one you should grill two breasts instead. The next day you can use the leftover rice and vegetables tossed with a light vinaigrette and turn them into a veggie rice salad topped with the second chicken breast. See what I am talking about?

 

Another thing to keep in mind is this… if you are used to cooking for other people and you finally have an opportunity to think about no other special requests besides your own… make something that you wouldn’t normally make. Something that maybe your family, significant other, etc… wouldn’t like. FOR EXAMPLE… I LOVE curry! Love, love, love it! But my dude… not so much. So guess what is on my meal plan this week. CURRY! Yay! I am reducing the recipe in half for dinner tonight and I plan to have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.  (I’ll probably blog about the curry later in the week)

 

If you have any “cooking for one” questions or suggestions, please let me know. I would love to hear from you!

 

One is not always the loneliest number! So turn on your Project Runway (that’s what I plan to do tonight. What can I say… Guilty Pleasure!) or curl up with a good book, pour a nice glass of wine and enjoy your meal for one!