I love to cook and bake. I try to cook something new each time I put together our dinner. The new item can be a main or side dish, dessert, or even a drink. However, I do have a few rules before I try a new dish.

Below are "keepers" I've tried this year.

Breads

Raisin Scones
Great with coffee.
Lightly sweet and full of plump raisins.
I liked the cinnamon sugar on top.
(For Goodness Taste by The Junior League of Rochester)

2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 tblsps sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
6 tblsps chilled, unsalted butter, cut in pieces
1 cup golden raisins
6 ozs plain or lemon yogurt, or sour cream
1 egg, separated
Cinnamon Sugar
2 tblsps sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375F. Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and nutmeg. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins.

In a small bowl, blend yogurt with egg yolk. Add to crumb mixture, stirring until dough clings together. On a generously floured surface, place the dough, and pat into a 9-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges. Place wedges on baking tray. Brush top with egg white. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle on top of scones. Baking 15 to 20 minutes or until scones are golden brown.   Makes 8 scones






Cheese & Other Dairy

Mushroom Madness Quesadillas
Mushrooms and smoked gouda go together great.
I think grilled onions rather than green onion would be better.
(Quesadillas by Donna Kelly)

12 ozs mushrooms
2 tblsps butter
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, with tops
2 9" to 10" flour, wheat, or garlic tortillas
8 ozs regular or smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

Saute mushrooms in butter and garlic over medium-high heat in a 10-inch skillet until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are lightly browned. Remove from skillet and stir in green onions. Wipe skillet dry with a paper towel.

Lay 2 tortillas on the counter. Spread 1/4 of cheese on bottom half of each tortilla. Evenly split mushroom mixture over top. Sprinkle remaining cheese over mushrooms. Bring the empty half of tortilla over on top of the filling and press down.

Slide one of the tortillas into a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cover and cook 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently, until bottom of tortilla is crisp and browned. Turn over, cover, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until lightly browned. Repeat this process for remaining quesadillas. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.   Serves 2






Eggs

Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Tacos
The bacon and eggs are classic, but adding tomatoes and
corn tortillas made it interesting and tasty.
Instead of sprinkling ingredients on the eggs,
I mixed them all together then served.
(The Taco Tuesday Cookbook by Laura Fuentes)

1 tblsp vegetable oil
8 eggs, whisked (I only used 6)
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 corn tortillas (I used 4)
4 slices bacon, cooked and coarsely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
Chopped fresh cilantro

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and salt and scramble the eggs until cooked through. Sprinkle the cheese on top and remove from the heat. Divide the scrambled eggs among the tortillas and top with some chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.   Served 2 my way, but 3 the recipe's way






Rice & Grains




Pasta

Ditalini alla Vodka with Shrimp
Quite tasty, creamy tomato sauce with a kick.
Complete meal as it includes peas.
(Food Network Magazine, Feb/Mar 2025)

Kosher salt
3 tblsps extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, cut into pieces (I used large shrimp and left whole)
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tblsps tomato paste
28 ozs can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup vodka
8 ozs ditalini (about 1½ cups)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed (I used a 16 ozs bag)
Grated parmesan cheese, for topping

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the shrimp with salt, add to the pot and cook, tossing once, until pink and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate, reserving the oil in the pot.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until brick red, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir the heavy cream and vodka into the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.

Add the pasta, shrimp and 1/4 cup cooking water to the sauce; cook over medium heat, stirring until everything is coated in the sauce and the shrimp is heated through. Add more cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce if needed. Stir in the peas and season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with parmesan and more red pepper flakes.   Serves 4


Lemon, Parmesan and Pistachio Noodles
Pleasant side dish that includes both the carb and vegetable.
I really love lemon, butter, and crunch with pasta.
(Pimp Your Noodles by Sarah Cook)

1 nest of medium egg noodles (I used 2 bundles from 10 ozs pkg of Lo Mein Egg Noodles)
2 tbsp salted butter
4 tbsps chopped pistachios
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
2 cups packed chopped spinach

(I would break the noodles in half to make it easier to toss, later, with other ingredients.) Cook the noodles following the package instructions and reserve a ladleful of the cooking liquid before draining. Put the butter, pistachios, lemon zest and juice into a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of the cooking water. Turn up the heat while whisking together until the butter is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Grind in plenty of black pepper, then toss in the noodles. Take off the heat and mix through the cheese and spinach leaves. If the noodles look a little dry, add a splash more of the noodle cooking water.   Serves 2 - 3


Grab-Bag Tortellini Salad
Healthy and tasty. I enjoyed the crunchy veggies and chewy tortellini.
The dressing was light and tasty.
Make this a vegetarian meal by leaving out the meat.
(For Goodness Taste by The Junior League of Rochester)

9 ozs fresh refrigerated tortellini
1½ cups cauliflower florets
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 zucchini, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 carrot, sliced
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cooked beef, chicken, or ham, cubed

Dressing
2 tblsps minced fresh parsley
2 tblsps fresh basil leaves, slivered
1/8 tsp garlic salt
2 tblsps vegetable oil
2 tblsps chicken broth
2 tblsps red wine vinegar
2 tsps Dijon mustard
Freshly ground pepper
1 tsp oregano

Cook tortellini according to package. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain again, then place in a large salad bowl.

Place cauliflower and broccoli in a microwave safe container with 2 tablespoons water. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and allow to cool. Add to the salad bowl.

Add zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, peas, and meat to salad bowl. Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad. Toss, cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours (I served without refrigerating and it was fine.) Toss again before serving.   Serves 4






Salads

Fennel, Apple, and Chicken Chopped Salad
Pretty green and pink. Crunchy, yesss!!
Tastes of fresh bitter greens, salty cheese, and sweet apple.
Really good for lunch or a light dinner.
I've increased the ingredients to feed 4 (for leftovers).
(America's Test Kitchen: Best-Ever Cooking for Two magazine)

1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced 1/2 inch thick
Salt and Pepper
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed
4 tsps extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
2 tblsps cider vinegar
2 tblsps minced fresh tarragon
1 Fuji or Gala apple, cored, quartered, and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
1 fennel bulb, stalks discarded, bulb halved, cored, and sliced
1 Romain lettuce heart, torn into bite-size pieces

Toss cucumber with 1/2 teaspoon salt in colander and let drain for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Place chicken in skillet and cook until well browned on first side, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip chicken, add 1/2 cup water to skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and continue to cook until chicken registers 160 degrees, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to cutting board, let cool slightly, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

Whisk goat cheese, vinegar, tarragon, and remaining 2 teaspoons oil in large bowl until smooth. Add apple, fennel, cucumber, and chicken and toss to thoroughly coat. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes. Add lettuce to bowl and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.   Serves 4


Catalan Chickpea Salad (Ensalada Catalana de Garbanzos)
Easy to make. A tasty sausage and beans dish.
Add a fresh green salad and some bread to make it a meal.
(Tapas and other Spanish Plates to Share by RPS Publisher)

3 tblsps extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 ozs chorizo, sliced (I used 13.5 ozs smoked andouille)
2 bay leaves, bruised
2 tblsps pine nuts, toasted
2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, reserving 2 tblsps of liquid (I used one can)
coarsely ground black pepper
1 tomato, chopped

Heat the oil in a frying pan/skillet, add the onion, garlic, chorizo and bay leaves and saute over gentle heat for 5 minutes or until softened but not browned. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, if using, and chickpeas with their liquid. Heat until the flavors are combined, mashing a little with a fork. Sprinkle with pepper and the chopped tomato and serve hot, warm or cool, but never chilled.   Serves 2 as a meal or 4 as tapas






Fruits & Veggies

Crunchy Calico Peas
Nice looking veggie dish with different colors.
Interesting assortment of vegetables and a nice crunch mixed in.
(For Goodness Taste by The Junior League of Rochester)

3 tblsps olive oil
1 cup sliced celery
8 ozs sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped pimiento
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 can (8 ozs) sliced water chestnuts
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper
1 bag (16 ozs) frozen peas, thawed and drained

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, mushrooms, pimiento, onion and water chestnuts. Saute, stirring frequently, until celery is tender-crisp, approximately 6 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add peas; heat and serve.   Serves 4







Meats & Fish

Easy Cook Chicken Breast (2021)
This method seems reliable and easy any time you want to cook
chicken breast without getting fancy.
(unknown)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tsp vegetable oil

Pat chicken dry wth paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown chicken on one side, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip chicken, add 1/2 cup water to skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and continue to cook, 5 to 7 minutes longer.   Serves 3


Cook a Thick Cut of Meat (2016)
This technique worked great to cook a thick pork chop.
It was juicy, but still cooked through.
(Food Network Magazine, October 2015)

Cut of meat at least 1 inch thick
Vegetable oil for pan
Salt or seasoning salt

Bring meat to room temperature and pat it dry. Preheat the oven to 400° and heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little vegetable oil to the skillet, salt one side of the meat and sear it salt-side down until browned, about 3 minutes. Salt the top of the steak and flip it over, then place the pan in the oven until the meat is almost to your desired doneness. (To check the temperature, insert a thermometer sideways into the thickest part of the steak.) For medium rare, roast to 125°, about 7 minutes, then let rest 5 minutes; the internal temperature will rise.   Serves 1






Soups

Middle Eastern Vegetable Stew
Wonderful, warm spices, a bit of raisin sweetness,
and lots of vegetables in a vegetarian stew.
(Sweet Potato Recipes by Publications International)

1/4 cup olive oil
12 ozs (3 cups) sliced zucchini
6 ozs (2 cups) cubed peeled eggplant
12 ozs (2 cups) peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
28 ozs can crushed tomatoes in puree
1 cup drained canned chickpeas
1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)
1½ tsps ground cinnamon
1 tsp grated orange peel
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Hot cooked couscous or brown rice

Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add zucchini, eggplant, sweet potatoes; cook and stir 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.

Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, raisins, if desired, cinnamon, orange peel, cumin, salt, paprika, red pepper and cardamom; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 30 minutes (stirring every 10 minutes or so to keep vegetables from sticking to bottom of pan) or until vegetables are tender. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in water to thin. Serve over couscous or rice, if desired.   Serves 4


Jamaican Black Bean Stew
Very pleasant, tasty vegetarian stew.
Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
(Sweet Potato Recipes by Publications International)

1 cup brown rice (or 1 package precooked)
1 lb sweet potatoes
1-1/2 lbs butternut squash
14 ozs vegetable broth
1/2 large onion, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tblsp curry powder
3/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
15 ozs can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup raisins
1-1/2 tblsps lime juice
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup diced peeled cucumber

Prepare rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, peel sweet potatoes; cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Peel squash; remove and discard seeds. Cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Combine sweet potatoes, squash, broth, onion, garlic, curry powder, allspice, salt, and red pepper in large saucepan or Dutch oven; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes and squash are tender. Add beans and raisins; cook 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in lime juice. Serve stew over brown rice; top with tomato and cucumber.   Serves 4






Drinks





Desserts


Brownie Cookies
Small batch (just enough for two people).
Good for four people if you served a scoop of vanilla ice cream
with two cookies per person.
Makes a chewy, chocolatey cookie. Fabulous.
No oil or butter and easy to make.
(Dessert for Two by Christina Lane)

2 large egg whites
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp salt
3 tblsps chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium sized bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Ensure the mixture is free of lumps. Add half of the dry ingredients to the egg white mixture and fold until no streaks remain. Fold in the remaining dry ingredients, and finally stir in the chocolate chips.

Scoop eight equal-size portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes. The surface of the cookies will appear dry and they will start to crack around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
Makes 8 cookies