Parmesan Asparagus

The other night I wanted to make something different instead of having steamed Asparagus. I decided to jazz up my dish a bit by adding a few ingredients. This is a pretty easy side dish recipe that's great to make for even a weekday meal.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 teaspoons of grated Parmesan
1 bunch of Asparagus (bottoms removed), steamed

Materials:
Medium sized Corning Ware Dish with glass lid
Tablespoon
Teaspoon
*Frying Pan (optional)

Either sauté the asparagus in a frying pan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. or cook asparagus in corning ware (add a little bit of water to the bottom) in microwave for 2-4 minutes depending on thickness. 

If you cook them in the microwave, cook until tips are tender and drain water. Then add Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

If you cook them in a frying pan, remove from heat when tips are tender and place asparagus in corning ware.

Finally, add parmesan. Don't add Parmesan when asparagus is piping hot. Let it cool for a minute, then add parmesan. 

Cover with lid until you serve.

Dijon Mashed Potatoes

On Saturday, I realized that I didn't have milk in my fridge to make mash potatoes. All I had was butter,  dijon mustard, and white wine. Feel free to add a little bit of milk. Y'all these mashed potatoes were fantastic. I served them with Halibut and Parmesan covered Asparagus. 

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:
3 large Russet potatoes, peeled, cut in halves and boil until they are soft (and you are able to stick fork in it)
3-1/2 teaspoons of dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of butter (or smart butter)
2 tablespoons of white wine


Materials:
Large pot or sauce pan
Teaspoon
Potato peeler 
Sharp knife
Tablespoon
Large serving bowl
Potato masher or electric mixer

Peel potatoes. Cut them in halves. Place them in large pot or sauce pan and bring to a boil on medium high- high heat. Once they start to boil continue cooking until potatoes are soft and you are able to stick a fork in them about 15 mins.

Remove from heat and drain water. Then add dijon, butter, and white wine. Mix throughly. Serve.

Potatoes à la Cameron

I felt like I needed some "potato variety" in my diet besides the typical mash potatoes and maybe healthy home cooked fries as a treat every now and then. One night, I felt like making something different. I rummaged through my fridge to see what ingredients I had, and went from there. These potatoes were so delicious that I debated keeping this recipe a secret. Feel free to add another teaspoon of dijon mustard, if you feel the need to. 

Servings: 1-2 

Ingredients:

1 potato diced with skin on

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

Splash of EVOO 

Pepper & salt to taste

3 teaspoons (or to taste) of Parmesan Romano grated cheese

Materials:

Mixing bowl

Teaspoon

Tablespoon

Parchment paper

Cookie sheet

Cover a sheet with a layer of parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl.

Place potatoes on parchment paper.

Cook at 425° F for 8 minutes then flip the potatoes and continue cooking for 8 mins.

Mediterranean Vegetables

Feel like making a dish that's healthy and seasonal? I know that's what I've been craving lately. I made this recipe up one night because I was craving a dish with a lot of flavor that was composed of Summer vegetables. It goes really well with chicken, especially chicken topped with goat cheese or feta, which compliments this Mediterranean Vegetable recipe.  See last recipe on Cranberry, Feta, and Strawberry Chicken. 


Ingredients:
1 red pepper diced
2 zucchinis chopped into medallions
2 medium sized squash chopped into medallions
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
Balsamic Vinegar (enough to coat veggies)
Pepper

Materials:
Deep Frying Pan 

1. Sauté red pepper, zucchini, and squash in Extra Virgin Olive Olive on medium heat. 
2. Heavily Pepper vegetables front and back. 
3. Frequently stir Vegetables on Medium heat for 5-7 mins
4. Swirl Balsamic Vinegar around the pan one time. You want to have enough to lightly coat the vegetables. However, you don't want to have a lot of excess liquid in the pan (if you pour too much on accident, pour out excess.) 
5. Heavily pepper the vegetables 1-2 more times.
6. Cook for 7-10 more mins or until the vegetables soften, stirring frequently.
7. Drain any excess liquid. Put in serving dish and enjoy.