Now that 2016 is gone, I’m feeling the need to catch up on loose ends, purge, and turn a new page. Accordingly, I need to finish up last year to move on to a brand-spanking new year. So, here’s what I made in November:
I started off November with this Pomegranate-Balsamic Glazed Salmon. I halved it for D and me, but I liked it more than he did. Perhaps I’ll try this again to see if it grows on him… or make it when he’s gone. 🙂
Next up was Israeli Couscous with Black Bean and Tomato. So good!! I loved the flavors with the addition of cinnamon and cumin. This was a really yummy healthy and meatless dish. Can’t wait to make this again.
Back on the healthy breakfast train, I made myself some Pumpkin Spice and Maple Granola. The flavor was nice and fall-ish, but the granola was not crispy enough. I was afraid it would burn, so it was still a little underdone. Need to tweak…
Trying to keep up the healthy facade, I made White Bean Salad with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Goat Cheese. Yums! I halved this for us and it was so good as a main dish salad.
I made another salad that I didn’t even pretend was healthy – Pesto Pea Salad. (The recipe in Barefoot Contessa at Home is similar to this one.) Pesto, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts? These things do not equal a really good-for-you salad… A delicious one, but not great for you. Ina Garten makes a delicious dish, but diet worthy? Not so much. 🙂
I made Roasted Rosemary Shrimp at least three times already because it is super easy and flavorful and I have access to a very prolific rosemary plant. Quick weeknight main dish!
I made this Caramelized Onion Tart as a main dish for dinner one night. I loved the caramelized onions and ricotta cheese, but I really didn’t care for the puff pastry – it was too greasy-ish / had a weird aftertaste. Maybe put it on pizza dough next time…
This year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation annual conference was held in Houston (YAY!) so I got to go home for a week and learn more about where I grew up. Before I left, I made sure the Misses had a sweet treat to last while I was gone – Oreo Cheesecake Bars. Honestly, I didn’t taste them before I left, but the Misses loved them and polished them off before they joined me in Houston for Thanksgiving.
While in Houston, I cooked for my mom and sister and made this Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushroom Ragout. The polenta took a bit longer than the recipe said, but the result was delicious and the mushrooms were just amazing!
D made the Misses Chicken Tetrazzini but, sadly, did not see the note I wrote to halve the recipe. Needless to say, it made a huge pan. Good news is that they loved it. We’ll make it again for sure. Just half of it. 🙂
As a side dish, I made Parsnips and Carrots with Orange Butter. The flavor was good, but I did the preparation all wrong. Need to try again the right way, because the flavor is worth it…
Last up for the month was Sweet Potatoes Topped with Vegetarian Black Bean Chili. I really loved this recipe. I halved the recipe for just D and me. Super easy, healthy, and great flavor. Nice healthy way to get ready for the holiday food fest that was to come!
I filed away 12 new cards this month bringing my grand total to 154 so far. Not too shabby!
That Pink House 