There's Always Microwave Cooking

The weather's getting warmer and that means a stuffy, hot kitchen. Cooking whole meals like we did a couple of months ago is no longer appealing. Yet , there's still the need for hot meal. What to do? Turn to our trusty microwaves.

After weeks of using the oven, crock pot  oven  and air fryer on a constant rotation, it's nice to use an appliance that can give us a hot meal in seconds. It''s also a fun treat because we tend to buy what we like. There are some great brands out there. I've recently discovered Annie Chun's , surprisingly sold at CVS. This company has many Asian influenced meals that can be cooked for a quick lunch or dinner. I tried their Soy Garlic Noodle Bowl and was pleasantly surprised by just how good it was. I was also leery because the noodles come precooked which can sometimes mean salmonella. However  they came out perfect and I loved that it had dried veggies that plump out when water is added.  There was also a sauce that's mixed in afterwards. This is the perfect lunch or dinner, especially on a weekend. The company also has pad Thai and teriyaki flavors that I'd like to try too. Amy's Kitchen also has very good microwave meals. Their's is a little more natural along with offering vegan and gluten free alternatives.I enjoy their organic pasta,broccoli and potatoes bowl. This is a filling dish, full of baked tofu, red bell peppers and roasted potatoes and topped off with an English cheddar cheese.

Another aspect of microwave cooking is creating our own dishes. One is taking garlic knots made from frozen prepared dough and dipping them in warmed pizza sauce. Getting the dough is easy.  You can select Pillsbury or in store brands along with frozen dough. The simpler method is use your air fryer. Baking them in a hot oven on a hot day  is really not fun.  They'll bake up in just four minutes flat. Then it's taking sauce and just heating it until it's hot and bubble. Grilled cheese is usually the domain of ovens and toaster ovens however it can be made in a microwave too. Don't use  white bread because it will become soggy . Try heartier slices of rye or sourdough bread. Also pick a cheese that melts easily These would be any kind of cheddar. You can blend it with Parmesan for a different,  tangier flavor. Add ham for a croque monsieur vibe or sliced tomatoes and already cooked bacon.Another easy microwave is a baked potato. This can be fun because you can add a variety of different toppings from chili to just plain butter and sour cream. You just microwave the potato first for about four minutes, then scoop out the middle. Mix this with shredded ham or bacon along with sour cream, butter, and onion powder, and then put back into the hollowed out potato. Microwave for another two to three minutes.

After months of oven and stove top cooking,it's time to take a break. Try microwave cooking, whether with prepared or make your own meals. It's an easy way to have a hot , filling meal.

A Tweak Here, A Tweak There

Sometimes even the most delicious of recipes needs a little oomph.A tweak here , a dollop there can elevate any recipe from tasty to memorable.This is what makes a good cook, whether in a restaurant kitchen or in a home one.

This is my mantra.If I can make a recipe better,I will. Dishes and meals should not only be filling and nutritious but extraordinary . Even simple breakfast dishes can be turned into ambrosia with a tweak. Takes eggs for example. Even the simplest dish involving them can be boosted up by a dash of tarragon. Add this versatile herb to scrambled eggs for a nice brunch main dish. It can work wonders in an omelet au fine herbes. too.One of the best tweaks is adding club soda to beaten egg before scrambling. This results in the lightest, fluffiest scramble ever.I've also added whole cream to eggs which resulted in a more dense, custardy but insanely delicious dish. A cup of chopped ham also added oomph too.Waffle and pancake batters can also benefit from tweaks. Add a healthy dose of nutmeg or cinnamon  for a spicier , earthier flavor. Almonds and pecans are another great add in, giving both crunch and texture. Syrups can  be made special too. Add a squeeze of orange juice or  for a different spin. Drop in some blueberries and strawberries right before serving for color and flavor.

Lunch and dinner recipes always benefit from a tweak. Everybody loves a grilled cheese however make it like a croque Monsieur for a truly memorable meal. Instead of baking it in an oven or broiling it, fry it in butter . I do my own spin on it by buttering the inside, subbing in Gruyere along with a layer of sliced ham. The traditional recipe claims that  bread should be dipped in a flour and egg mixture before assembling but I feel this takes away from the crunch and flavor. Another favorite to tweak is the savory Italian bread pudding.The recipe has been in my family for decades. It's a flavorful layering of Italian or french bread,and Swiss cheese , baked or steamed with a good helping of beef broth. The last has been replaced by vegetable broth to be more vegan. Cabbage is added for crunch and color. Now I've been experimenting with aged Swiss will will give this usually mellow dish bite. Homemade Italian sauce is always deserving of a little twist. With mine , there comes a generous amount of oregano and vegan Iitalian sausage. The last is loaded with peppers so it gives the sauce a great zing.I love it on refried polenta but it can be perfect gracing rotelli too.

Tweaking here and there is perfectly fine.It add zings to everyday recipes, giving them pizzazz and zing. Go  off the beaten path and revamp that family or favorite recipe.

Simple Weekend Meals

With start of the school year weekend time becomes precious -too precious to waste in a hot kitchen cooking. You can still create healthy meals but in less time.That way you can spend more time cheering on the soccer field, enjoying an empty beach or visiting your college kid.

Instead of reaching for cold cuts which are overly processed,. try roasting a chicken or turkey during the week and using the left overs for sandwiches , salads or simply  with gravy. Freshly made soups are easy to whip up and all it takes is a good base. Use bouillon cubes or stock and have fun., Minestrone is not only a quick one two three soup but you can load it with good for the family and you veggies. Use tomatoes from the garden along with sliced zucchini , peppers and onions. Toss in some cannellini and red kidney beans for more flavor too.Another easy fave is stratichella or "rags soup". You can take either, beef  chicken or vegetable broth, and then add spinach and beaten egg. Serve with hot crusty Italian bread and a green salad.

Dinners can be simple too. For those too tired , after a day of apple picking or just cleaning house or the summer place, you want something,quick warm and delicious. Pasta fills the bill because it's easy to boil up and then throw on a homemade sauce. For sheer simplicity go with con burro  or just simply butter melted into any kind of pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also try aglia e olio, again , it's just olive oil cooked with garlic cloves or slices. You can also make a pasta fresco with tomatoes, and garlic sauteed in olive oil. If you want add pepperoni or sausage. chicken or steak grilled indoors is another easy supper suggestion. Serve with sauteed sliced squash and green beans for a well balanced but quick meal.

Late summer weekends are busy ones. Don't spend all day cooking up meals when you could be doing a million other things. Make something nutritious but make it simple and quick

Inn Food

This is the season to visit inns. There‘s nothing like a relaxing fall weekend at a bed and breakfast. You can enjoy the foliage, a walk on a crisp beach or invigorating mountain hike. You can go antiquing or pick up some fun knickknacks for your home. Bes tof all you can experience some good home made food thanks to the inn’s owners.

Most inns serve very homey breakfasts , brunches and sometimes lunches. You can wind up a huge helping of bacons and eggs plus fresh made waffles and pancakes. Some get a little fancier with their own muffins and scones. A few more ambitious B&B owners will create breakfast strata or French toast made with croissants. Some will also provide the eggs from on site chicken coops and fruits from their own trees. All are accompanied with endless cups of steaming coffee and hot tea. The breakfasts are also communal to you can chat and even help the owners or get to know other guests. This way you can also find like minded people to accompany you to the often quaint nearby towns or scenic vistas.

Some B & B’s do serve lunch and dinner but these are the ones that have onsite restaurants. Both meals will probably be served family style and will have many local recipes and specialties. There are some in the Chesapeake area that make wonderful crab cake sand crab fritters. Some Pennsylvania ones draw from their local product and some good solid Amish dishes.

This is not only the time to relax at a cozy B&B but to enjoy the good, homemade food to has to offer. After a relaxing night’s sleep you can fill up on a goody hearty and tasty breakfast. It’s the perfect start for a fall weekend away!