YumSugar

Fast & Easy Dinner: Sole With Lemon-Shallot Brussels Sprouts

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:50:50 -0800

With an epic feast only a few days away, shun poultry (you'll be having it for days!) in favor of something on the opposite end of the flavor spectrum, such as a flaky white fish. Not only does sole make for a lighter dinner alternative and a great source of protein, but it's also extremely affordable. Keep the preparation super simple by dredging the fillets briefly in a mixture of flour, lemon, and white pepper, then pan-sauté in olive oil.

Serve with market-fresh Brussels sprouts that have been tossed with parsley and shallots. The resulting dish is straightforward, yet elegant. For the recipe, read more.

Monday's Leftovers: Pork Cutlets With Cranberry Port Sauce

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:07 -0800

I just found the perfect use for my leftover cranberry sauce and boneless pork chops: this balanced dinner of sautéed pork cutlets.

I'll pan-fry some pork chops, then deglaze the pan with a combination of cranberries and port wine, for a sauce that's both sweet and tart.

The result? A mouthwatering meal that's full of flavor, not fat. Want to see the recipe? Then read more.

Monday's Leftovers: Lamb and Polenta "Lasagne"

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:42 -0800

With a little leftover ground lamb and even less time, you can make a layered lamb and polenta dish that rivals anything you could order at a restaurant.

The key to speedy success is to take smart shortcuts. Use already-stewed tomatoes, grated mozzarella, and ready-made polenta for easy layering.

Employ the oven for a final browning touch, and you'll have a dinner that can't be beat on the busiest night of the week. To see the recipe, keep reading.

Monday's Leftovers: Thai Beef With Coconut Rice

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0800

Last night I made an Eastern European-inspired ground sirloin stew with egg noodles, and tonight I'm going to use the leftover beef to make something on the opposite end of the spectrum! I'm craving takeout, but - inspired by my recent successes - I'm going to continue my pattern of preparing Asian foods at home.

Spice up the sirloin with the help of minced garlic, lime, and Asian fish sauce, and wake up your senses with freshly-torn basil and julienned chiles. Complement the fiery protein with a soothing side of milky coconut rice. The result, which is healthier and cheaper than takeout, after the break.

Monday's Leftovers: Quick Cioppino

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:01 -0700

The beginning of the workweek is always on the strenuous side, so keep Monday nights as effortless as possible by selecting a swift dinner recipe that calls for ingredients you've already got on hand.

By doubling up on the amount of halibut and clams that you needed for last night's meal, you won't have to worry about hitting up the supermarket again.

Take a stab at a stress-free riff on cioppino, the classic San Francisco stew. With a mere 30 minutes, you can make a savory soup that's sure to allay any of your weekday stresses. See the recipe when you read more.

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:58 -0700

I can't always find ground chicken at the store, so when I do, I stock up on it, and use it in various dishes. Last night, I busted out the wok for a spicy and speedy Thai noodle stir-fry, and tonight I'm using the rest of the ground meat to create a newfangled twist on a familiar favorite: meatballs.

Rather than the typical pork-and-beef mix, I'm taking the meatball to a different level with a mixture of chicken, scallions, and ginger - then tossing in shelled edamame, snow peas, and rice to the mix for a balanced supper. A simple teriyaki sauce ties the whole meal together. Ready for the recipe? Then keep reading.

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken With Onions and Garlic

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:01 -0700

As I mentioned before, my favorite way to buy chicken on a budget is to get it whole and cut it up into pieces, so I enjoy a taste of every part, from the wings to the drumsticks to the breasts and thighs.

Yesterday, I simmered the chicken in a cacciatore sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and herbs, and tonight I'm using another one to make a straightforward roast that can be shredded into salads, soups, and pastas, or simply enjoyed on its own.

For a roasted chicken recipe that you can count on again and again, keep reading.

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken and Dumplings

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:30 -0700

The start of the week can often be so harried that I don't have time to stop somewhere for takeout or go shopping for groceries. My saving grace? Leftover chicken thighs from yesterday's lightened-up cassoulet.

With the poultry I've got remaining and only a few other pantry staples like onions, dried herbs, and frozen vegetables, I can create a shockingly pulled-together dinner presentation of down-home chicken and dumplings. See how it all comes together after the jump.

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken & Spinach Pesto Soup

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Crazed start to the week? Then reassure your stomach and soothe the mind by using yesterday's chicken breasts to make a poultry riff on Provençal soupe au pistou.

This dish consists of assorted vegetables, with pistou, a sauce made of garlic, basil, olive oil, and Parmesan.

Serve it at room temperature, or piping hot, with fresh croutons for an element of crunch. If you're coveting the recipe, read more.

Monday's Leftovers: Pinto Bean Molé Chili

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:50:19 -0700

For dinner tonight, I'm continuing yesterday's veggie streak, making a molé-flavored chili that's so complex, no one will even realize it's a meatless Monday. I'll start with onions and garlic, add in a ground mixture with chiles, cumin, cinnamon, and other seasonings, and then stir in a bounty of leftover yellow squash, kale, tomatoes, and chocolate for an extra-roasted taste. Unlike most molé dishes, I'll be able to serve it in under an hour. To make this your next homestyle meal, read more