Category: simple side dishes

1. Friday, June 11

   Grilled Crostini with Goat Cheese and ‘wichcraft Tomato Relish

   

   Grilled Crostini with Goat Cheese and ‘wichcraft Tomato Relish
   From Williams-Sonoma
   - 1 baguette, sliced int 1/4-inch-thick rounds
   - 1/4 C extra-virgin olive oil
   - 8 oz goat cheese, at room temperature
   - 1 jar (8.8 oz) ‘wichcraft Tomato Relish
   - 1/4 C fresh basil leaves

   Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Preheat a Calphalon Unison Grill pan with Sear Nonstick over medium heat. Working in batches, place the baguette slices in the pan and cook until light golden brown and toasted on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. (If you don’t have a grill pan, you can bake in a 400 degree oven for 5-10 minutes, until nice and crispy.)

   Transfer to a serving platter. Spread about 3 teaspoons of goat cheese on each crostini and top with ‘wichcraft Tomato Relish. Sprinkle with basil and serve. Makes about 24 crostini.

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 5:58 am   4 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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2. Grilled Radicchio with Orange & Balsamic

   I’m so bummed. I totally forgot to photograph this recipe! And it was beautiful! Oh well. You can kind of see it in that bowl next to the small bouquet of pink roses.

   

   Grilled Radicchio with Orange & Balsamic
   From Michael Symon
   - 6 heads of radicchio, quartered through the core (I think I used only 3 heads)
   - 3 Tbsp. olive oil
   - Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
   - 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
   - 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
   - Grated zest and juice of 3 oranges

   Drizzle the radicchio with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

   Preheat Calphalon Unison Grill pan with Sear Nonstick over medium-high heat. (I actually did use the grill pan for this recipe…but you could use a regular griddle, too.)

   Place the radicchio in the pan and cook for 2 minutes per side.

   Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle the radicchio with salt and pepper. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic, orange zest and juice together and drizzle over radicchio.

   Once the radicchio were grilled, I salt and peppered them as directed, but then I cut out the hard piece of core near at the bottom and then sliced the radicchio. I then put the radicchio into a bowl and drizzled with the oil dressing.

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 5:57 am   2 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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3. Thursday, June 10

   Lots o’ Grains Salad

   For my party last week, I made this concoction, which I’ve decided to name the “Lots o’ Grains Salad.”

   

   It’s a rice-like dish that you can serve hot or less hot, i.e. mine sat out for a little while before the party started and still tasted great. It’s super easy and I thought a nice compliment to a summery meal, and a great side dish for the pork tenderloin (recipe tomorrow).

   Lots o’ Grains Salad
   From Jane Maynard, This Week for Dinner

   Ingredients:

   • Harvest Grains Blend from Trader Joe’s (if you don’t have a TJ’s, here are the grains so you can replicate: Israeli Style Couscous, Orzo, Baby Garbanzo Beans and Red Quinoa)
   • Brown Rice Medley from Trader Joe’s (if you don’t have TJ’s, here are the grains: Long Grain Brown Rice, Black Barley, Daikon Radish Seeds)
   • Olive Oil
   • 2 shallots, diced
   • Chopped parsley, to taste
   • Fresh grated parmesan cheese to taste (prob. ~ 1/2 C)

   Directions:
   Cook all grains according to package directions. While grains are cooking, sauté shallots in oil over medium heat until soft and translucent (use a large 12-inch skillet with higher sides or a large saucepan). Add cooked grains to shallots, then stir in the parsley and parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and serve!

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 9:54 am   9 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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4. Tuesday, April 20

   Simple Side Dishes: Roasted Cauliflower

   Today I just have a healthy and easy recipe for you. It’s so easy, in fact, I hesitate to even call it a ‘recipe.’ This roasted cauliflower is to die for. Trust me. I’ve been popping these florettes like candy for the last two days. Yum!

   

   Roasted Cauliflower
   – Cauliflower, broken up into small-medium sized pieces
   - Olive Oil
   - Salt & Pepper
   - Handful of fresh, grated parmesan cheese

   Place cauliflower on a baking sheet or in a 9X13 baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over cauliflower, then salt and pepper. Toss cauliflower to lightly cover all pieces with oil and seasoning.

   Roast in a 400-degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir once or twice during cooking. Check for doneness with a sharp knife, to the point where you can pierce the cauliflower fairly easily but not to the point of mushiness. Remove from oven and toss with grated parmesan cheese.

   Sit, eat and enjoy the simplicity and buttery goodness that is cauliflower!

   

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 6:11 am   19 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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5. Monday, November 23

   Thanksgiving Prep: Sweet Potato Souffle

   

   You ask, I deliver. Here is the recipe for the sweet potato souffle that my friend will be making this week for our feast. A nice alternative to the usual marshmallow concoction. My friend got the recipe from her sister who got it from a friend who got it from…well, you get the picture.

   

   Sweet Potato Souffle
   Base – mix together and put into a buttered glass cake pan:
   - 1/2 c. sugar
   - 2 eggs
   - 3 c. mashed sweet potatoes
   - 1 Tbsp. vanilla
   - 1/2 stick melted butter

   Topping:
   - 1 c. brown sugar
   - 1/3 c. flour
   - 1 c. chopped pecans
   - 1/3 c. butter (softened)

   Note from reader Matty: Use softened butter and mix with the flour and brown sugar (like a crumble). Once that is sprinkled over the sweet potatoes, cover with chopped pecans.

   Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 1:23 pm   8 Comments
   Categories: thanksgiving prep

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6. Tuesday, October 20

   Grilled Vegetables, Part Deux

   When I first wrote about grilling vegetables, someone mentioned asparagus was one of their favorites to grill. I can see why…I tried it, and the asparagus cooked so nicely on the grill, resulting in a really great texture. I still think roasting asparagus in the oven is a great way to do it…but grilling is now my favorite method for this vegetable.

   

   Did I mention the girls INHALED their asparagus? And mine? And Nate’s? I think Nate & I only got to eat a few spears in the end!

   Believe it or not, you’re going to have to endure another grilled vegetable post…I ordered a grilling basket and it arrived this week!  My next veggie venture on the grill? Broccoli!

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 8:36 am   6 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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7. Wednesday, May 6

   “New” Favorite Method for Cooking Corn on the Cob…the Old Fashioned Way!

   I’ve been cooking corn on the cob in the microwave for years.  Wrap it in plastic wrap (or put on a plate covered with plastic), pop in the microwave for a few minutes and you’re done!  But I have to admit, cooking the corn in plastic in the microwave makes me a little nervous.  So, the other night with cobs of corn in hand, I got out my big pot and started boiling some water.

   

   I did a little research online and found this unbelievably SIMPLE method on Epicurious. Of course it takes longer than the microwave, but it was just as easy and the corn came out perfectly.  So, without further ado, my “new” favorite way to cook corn on the cob!

   

   Corn on the Cob
   Adapted from Epicurious
   Bring pot of salted water to a boil (enough to cover the corn). Drop already husked corn into water. Cover pot, return to a boil, then turn off heat and keep the pot covered. Corn is ready in about 5 minutes. Voila!  (You can keep additional ears of corn warm in the water for up to 10 minutes without it getting tough.)

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 9:01 am   9 Comments
   Categories: simple side dishes

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8. Wednesday, March 25

   Costco’s Orange Chicken, Short Grain Brown Rice & Leftover Asparagus

   Today’s post is a doozie.  Get ready.  So many good things to share from one simple dinner!

   

   #1: Mandarain Orange Chicken in the Costco freezer section is back!
   About a year ago, I wrote about how I love the Mandarain Orange Chicken from Costco’s freezer section…even more than Trader Joe’s (sorry, Joe!). Then I kept getting comments on the post asking if I knew the brand, people couldn’t find it and, horror of horrors, a Costco rep said they had removed it from inventory.  It was a sad time.

   I went to Costco last week…look what I found tucked in the freezer?  Yippee!

   

   The brand is Crazy Cuisine, in case they discontinue it again and people need to track it down.  It was as yummy as ever.

   #2: Short Grain Brown Rice
   Last week I asked for tips on how to make brown rice like PF Changs. Quick update: I found short grain brown rice in the bulk section at our grocery store.  It wasn’t exactly like PF Chang’s, but it was what I was looking for (I’m pretty sure PF Chang’s is, in fact, using short grain brown rice, just a different variety).  The short grain brown is stickier, making it perfect for Chinese food.  It is definitely good enough to be the healthy replacement for my all-time favorite Calrose rice.

   #3: Simple Side Dish – Leftover Asparagus
   When I went to Berkeley Bowl, I bought a few million pencil asparagus (I love skinny asparagus!).  Of course we couldn’t eat it all at one sitting. While I love freshly cooked asparagus, leftover cooked asparagus?  Not so much.  But I have discovered a good use for this soggy leftover!

   I chopped the asparagus into smaller pieces, sauteed over medium heat with soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, and a spoonful of sugar (you know, to help with the medicine).  It was DEEEE-LISH and the perfect side dish for Chinese food.  Very simple and easy.

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 9:20 am   24 Comments
   Categories: the goods

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9. Thursday, March 12

   The Goods: Girard’s White Balsamic Salad Dressing

   Girard’s White Balsamic Salad Dressing is my new favorite.  Mmm mmm mmm. It’s slightly sweet and just plain yummy.

   

   Last night I whipped up a salad with baby greens, fresh parmesan, grape tomatoes, candied pecans and this dressing. Nate and I couldn’t get enough.  (PS…I also love their Light Champagne and regular Caesar dressings. Both are AWESOME.)

   Posted by Jane Maynard at 10:35 am   9 Comments
   Categories: the goods

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10. Monday, November 10

    Simple Side Dish: Spinach Salad Variation

    
    I threw together this little spinach salad variation the other day for lunch. Spinach, Raspberries, Candied Pecans & Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette. Easy and delectable! I’ve thrown all kinds of fruit into spinach salad but never raspberries. They were delish!

    Posted by Jane Maynard at 8:00 pm   2 Comments
    Categories: the goods

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11. Friday, October 10

    Simple Side Dishes: Spinach Salad a la Lindsay

    I’ve decided to start a new category here at This Week for Dinner – Simple Side Dishes. I don’t always put much thought into side dishes, and I would guess that I’m not alone.  Sometimes all it takes is for someone to remind me of a side or point out an easy way to prepare a vegetable and I’m good to go.  So, whenever I discover or re-discover a simple (e.g. fast, minimal ingredients, easy prep) side, I’ll be sure to share it with you!

    How about a nice salad today?

    

    Spinach Salad a la Lindsay
    From Lindsay Rutman
    - Spinach
    - Candied pecans (yes, candy-ing them is pretty easy, but to keep it really simple, jut buy them!)
    - Feta cheese
    - Strawberries, sliced
    - Poppyseed Dressing (or Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette)

    Mix together!

    Poppyseed Dressing
    From Lindsay Rutman
    Feel free to just buy poppyseed dressing (Brianna’s is AWESOME, by the way)…but if you WANT to make your own, this is some dang good dressing
    - 3/4 T. poppy seeds
    - 1/3 c. vinegar
    - 1/3 c. sugar
    - 3/4 c. vegetable oil
    - 3/4 T. grated red onion
    - 3/4 t. salt
    - 1/3 t. dry mustard

    Mix all the ingredients, and preferably let it sit a few hours before serving so the flavors can combine.

    Posted by Jane Maynard at 4:23 pm   5 Comments
    Categories: the goods

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12. Tuesday, September 23

    Crispy Garlic Potatoes

    I am SO loving my subscription to Everyday Food. It’s the BEST.

    
    I made these Crispy Garlic Potatoes from the September issue. They were simple and fantastic. Just wanted to share the recipe with you!

    A few notes…I used a little more than 1 Tbsp of oil and I put my garlic through a press instead of mushing it with a knife. Oh, and the thinner the potato slice, the yummier they were.

    Posted by Jane Maynard at 10:00 am   11 Comments
    Categories: simple side dishes

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13. Thursday, September 18

    Featured Recipe: Stewed Green Beans

    When we first got married, I never planned side dishes. And my salads consisted of lettuce. Pretty sad. And funny. I’ve come a long way, baby. I almost always remember to do a side dish these days, and I may even throw a carrot in the salad.

    Anyway, side dishes are pretty important and can really make or break a meal, wouldn’t you say? And it’s amazing how much better they can be with just a TINY bit more thought and effort. And I mean tiny…I’m as lazy as the next guy, so don’t be scared.

    
    Instead of just steaming your green beans tonight, try this!

    Stewed Green Beans
    Adapted from a recipe in Everyday Food, Sept 2008 (p. 80). I changed it up, and my version was quite tasty, if I do say so myself! Here’s my rendition.
    - 2 T butter
    - 1/4 medium yellow onion, cut into skinny crescents
    - A bunch of fresh green beans
    - A bunch of baby tomatoes, halved
    - Seasoning (S&P, or a seasoning blend…I used Onera, my favorite!)

    In a medium saucepan or large, deep skillet, melt butter and saute onion over medium heat until they begin to soften. Add green beans and tomatoes. Season. Cook until beans are done to your liking, stirring occasionally (probably around 15 minutes).

    Posted by Jane Maynard at 11:59 am   8 Comments
    Categories: simple side dishes

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