Unlikely Find

One of my favorite cook books right now is Donna Hay's Modern Classics, Book 1. I say it's an unlikely find because I picked this cookbook up years ago on the super clearance shelf at my local book conglomerate (aka Barnes & Noble) when I didn't really cook anything except casseroles. I schlepped this book with me from State College to York to my apartment in Tysons to Arlington then to Annandale (during the flood period) and then back again to Arlington. All the while not even cracking open the book until last summer when I was looking for a good ribs recipe.

But after making the American-style Ribs, I fell in love with this cookbook. The ribs are my definite go-to recipe when we're at the beach with B's family or anytime during the Summer. The marinade is so easy (approx. 8 pantry staple ingredients) and so yummy. Honestly, I make ribs anytime I see them at the grocery store on sale. I've made them with beef and pork ribs, and pork ribs are definitely the way to go. I even tried them last night with country style pork ribs. But wouldn't really recommend it. They're very fatty! And I think there's just something weird about eating ribs with no bone.

The other thing I love about her cookbook are the pictures. There's practically a picture for every recipe. I don't know why, but I feel much more confident using a recipe for the first time if there's a picture involved! I also like that there are some instructional guides within the book. Like how to clean, stuff, and tie a turkey or chicken. And her recipes are simple yet gourmet and all have been very tasty.

Some other recipes I've tried from this book include babaganoush, french onion soup, potato rossette's, garlic prawns, and some others that I can't think of right now. But I'm dying to try her souffle's and quiche recipes. But B's not really a quiche kind of guy :)

p.s. Saw that Amazon now has a newer version of the Kindle...the Kindle DX. I've been dying to get a Kindle and secretly hoping B will get it for me for our anniversary...the new modern paper gift!! So if you could, drop a couple of hints to him for me! :)

Semi-Homemade with Blondie

I usually try to cook a homemade meal Monday through Thursday each week. Usually by the time Thursday rolls around, I'm ready for a break from the kitchen and dishes and we either go out, order take-out, or have sandwiches for dinner. But I have now found my favorite 10-minute meal! I was so excited by the ease and taste I almost called my sister immediately to tell her she needs to make this for her kids.

So here's my newest "concoction:"

1 bag of Contessa Shrimp Stir Fry

Flour tortillas

Brown Rice (preferably the microwave cups)

Fresh salsa (not the canned or jar kind, I mean the real stuff)

Cheddar Cheese

Prepare the shrimp stir-fry according to the back of the package. When it's almost finished, microwave the rice and warm the tortillas. When it's all ready fill your "burrito" with the rice and shrimp stir-fry topping it with some salsa and freshly graded cheddar cheese. And voila' a super tasty (low-cal) 10-minute meal! This would also be super easy to pack for lunch and reheat in the office microwave.

Sandra Lee would be so proud! :)