About This Blog

The idea for this blog came from my attempt to improve the variety in my family's evening meal after my second pregnancy, during which I made little or no effort to cook. Since I have two small children, I focused on my easiest recipes to minimize time in the kitchen, and aimed to go at least one whole calendar month without repeating a dinner menu. I did re-use a few side dishes, but I didn't repeat entrees, and I rarely spent more than 30-40 minutes making dinner. Ultimately, I found I could go way beyond one month!

I thought other folks might benefit from my little experiment, so I decided to go ahead and publish "a month of menus," including calendar, menus, recipes*, and notes. I've made some adjustments to my actual calendar to take out nights we ate out, spread out the chicken dishes, etc. (Once I get the first month complete, I may try to post a second month's worth.) I've posted each recipe as a separate posting for ease in searching, and the calendar appears at the bottom of the page. (My apologies that a few recipes are out of order. A blog is a difficult format for this, but it's a heckuva lot easier than a website!)

I hope someone out there will find this information useful! Bon appetit!

*Many of my recipes are from cookbooks or were published in a magazine or on a website. I have done my best to be respectful of copyrights, so in some cases I don't reprint a recipe here, but I point you to the book or link you to the website. I have attributed all other recipes as best I could, but I don't always have the original source noted in my own files. My apologies to anyone who isn't properly credited for a recipe!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Pan Roasted Asparagus

The original recipe I used is from a cookbook, but I've now made so many modifications to it that I can claim it without worrying about copyright (especially since I have no idea which book it came from):

1 lb. bunch of asparagus, woody bases trimmed, and depending on your skillet size, halved
canola or olive oil, depending on your preference (for this, I prefer canola)
about 4 Tbsps butter
kosher salt and pepper

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add asparagus, tossing gently to coat in the oil, keep the pan hot but not smoking.

Season asparagus with salt and pepper; you can add other spices for additional flavor - marjoram and thyme are good choices. Cook the asparagus for about 15 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. When pan begins to look dry, add butter a tablespoon at a time, enough to keep the pan moist and not smoking. When asparagus is done, serve immediately, sprinkled with additional salt or sea salt, if desired.

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