Meat Loaf or Shepherd's Pie?

According to my girls, my Shepherd's Pie is not really Shepherd's Pie at all.   And perhaps they are correct.  Since every other version I've ever eaten is much soupier than mine.  Mine, on the other hand, is a solid meat loaf usually topped with buttery mashed potatoes and baked until the tops of the potatoes are golden and crispy and sprinkled with a little sweet paprika.  And that's the way I like it best!

I've made Moroccan Style Shepherd's Pie, with dried figs & apricots and some Ras El Hanout spice mixture topped with Sweet Potatoes.... also awesome and definitely not just "plain old Shepherd's Pie".

I've even made a very delicious and interesting Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie... shhhh, don't tell my Honey about the eggplant.  I think it's time to make some again very soon.

In fact, some version or other of meatloaf with potato + topping is often served up here.  In large part because I really don't have to THINK when putting it all together.  Not to mention a  great use of leftover cooked vegetables.

This time started out like that... meatloaf like this one,  topped with a roasted sweet potato and some leftover roasted parsnips, potatoes and... I swear, just half of one small beet which turned it a brilliant shade of red.     I served it with some Roasted Pecan Brussels Sprouts, drizzled with a little maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.   Comfort Heaven on a plate!

And, naturally, my daughters would tell me that no matter how delicious it was, I should stop calling my carb topped meatloaf "Shepherd's Pie".    So a little poll.... is your Shepherd's Pie soupy or firm?

Shepherd's Pie - Solid Or Soupy?

I admit it, I love my shepherd's pie to really just be solid meatloaf of ground beef with a mashed potato topping. It's what I grew up with, and what I want when I'm craving comfort. My younger daughter has told me (more than once) that it's one of the few dishes of mine that is really not a favorite. She prefers her shepherd's pie soupy. She'll really love this one.

As promised, I'm on the second pot pie dish from this month's Bon Appetit And for those of you who come back here time after time, you know that I'm all about fast and easy, so be warned. This Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie is certainly not difficult, but I did spend much of the day preparing it yesterday.

The flavor and texture was worth the effort and, according to BA you can prepare the filling (think stew) ahead and then it's just time to boil the potatoes and do the final baking - 45 minutes. It's so different to my mother's - lamb cubes instead of ground beef, adding salty chewy cheese to the potato topping, eggplant and diced tomatoes really keep it unique...there's no need to even try to compare.

Another caution...well two....1) the recipe calls for a lasagna sized baking dish 13x9x2", and that's what I used, but had to ladle off a couple of huge spoonfuls of sauce before topping with the potatoes and good thing I put the dish on a lined rimmed cookie sheet as it overflowed; 2) this serves 8-10 and I didn't even try to figure out how to cut it in 4-lots of ingredients and I'm math challenged. So we'll be eating this for a while and I will probably freeze the filling as stew and perhaps can salvage the topping and make some potato pancakes.

All that whining aside...it was awesome! Go ahead, broaden your horizons...but first...really which shepherd's pie to do favor...solid or soupy?

Shepherd's Pie with a Twist

Lamb Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
Okay, I admit, it's not the prettiest picture I've ever taken (although the dish did look that orange), but it sure tasted good.

My usual Shepherd's Pie is more like a meat loaf with potato topping. My daughter Sharron (after 20 years of eating it) finally told me she likes the "looser" kind. So when I saw a lamb version that looked very juicy in the latest issue of Olive Magazine - a great read, I decided to try it out. Of course, she's in Chile so she won't be eating any...maybe if she reads this, it will entice her to come home...a mom can wish, can't she?

Anyway, being on the South Beach Diet, I try to stay away from potatoes so I thought I'd do a version of the pie with sweet potatoes instead. It was delicious, so I thought I'd share. I rounded out the dinner with a side of sauteed broccoli and dessert was some low fat mocha mousse.

Menu

Lamb & Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes & Toasted Almonds

Related links: Food and Drink recipes South Beach Diet

Meat - Beef, Lamb, Veal & Pork

Jerked Honey Rum Glaze - perfect for grilling or roasting beef and pork

Maple Balsamic Dressing - a great marinade for any meat, chicken or fish

Fermented Black Bean & Garlic Sauce - great for marinade and stir fry

Beef
1000 Year old Steak (at least the recipe is)

BBQ Brisket

Brisket with Mushroom Rub & Gravy

Asian Style Rib Roast - awesome as alternative to the traditional

Roast Beef with Garlic Mustard Rub

Grandma Hazel's Garlic & Mushroom Crusted Roast Beef

Beef Kebabs

Easy Oven Stew

Regina's Roast

Hearty Beef Stew with Roasted Vegetables, Preserved Lemons & Olives

Beer Beef Stew

Asian Style Braised Beef Shanks

Beer Braised Short Rib Stew

Black Bean Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs - Hunter's Style

Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine (& Port)

Braised Short Ribs in Sherry

The Original Susan's BBQ Korean Ribs - first posted 2005 and still my favorite in 2013!

Susan's BBQ Korean Ribs - a variation

Choc Chip Chili

Blue & Black Steak

Chili Dry-Rubbed Grilled Steak South Beach Diet

East Coast Cowboy Steak 

Espresso & Spice Rubbed Steak

Frederique's Fabulous Garlic Steak

Awesome Grilled Mushroom Steak

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Brandy Butter Sauce

Chef Jason Lynch's Grilled Flank Steak

Grilled Argentinian Spice Rubbed Flank Steak

Grilled Mexican Spiced Flank Steak

Grilled Around the World Spiced Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak with Honey Soy Marinade

Grilled Flank Steak with Jeanne's Secret Marinade

Grilled Ginger Lime Steak

Grilled Asian Marinated Skirt Steak

Grilled Greece & Portugal inspired Skirt Steak

Grilled Maple Asian Skirt Steak

Grilled Rosemary & Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak 

Grilled Worcestershire Skirt Steak a la Jamie

Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak - great for camping

Grilled Steak with Mixed Mushroom Sauce

Grilled Steak with Robust Marinade

Grilled Strip Loin (or whatever your favorite cut is) with Spice Hunter Rub

Herb Crusted Grilled Steak

Julia Child's Tournedos Sautee Chasseur

Greece & Portugal Inspired Skirt Steak

Hoisin Plus Grilled Skirt Steak

Lemongrass & Ginger Marinated Skirt Steak

Marinated Hanger Steak with Dragon's Breath Blue Cheese

Marinated Grass-fed Beef Steaks

Marinated Strip Loin Steak

Michael Smith's Tuscan Steak Salad

Slow Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon

Surf 'n Turf

Steak & Shrimp Kebobs

Steak au Poivre

Tony Mantuano's Steak Tagliata & Arugula

Portuguese Steak

Mustard Garlic Flank Steak

Six Spice Flank Steak

Friday Flank Steak (another vinaigrette marinade - awesome)

Asian-style Flank Steak

Hoisin Garlic Flank Steak

Anna's Asian Grilled Flank Steak

Charmoula Flank Steak

Flank Steak in Vinaigrette Marinade

Honey & Red Wine Vinegar Marinated Flank Steak

MidEast Spiced Flank Steak

Spicy Lime Marinated Flank Steak

South of the Border Flank Steak

Another Mediterranean Grilled Flank Steak (this one with Dionysios Herb Blend from Epices de Cru

Vietnamese Marinated Steak

Ginger Garlic Beef with Crispy Noodles

Teriyaki Flank Steak

Latin Flank Steak

Lime Curry Marinated Hanger Steak

Chef Dennis Johnston of fid Resto hanger steak tutorial

Red Wine & Coffee Marinated Hanger Steak

Balsamic Vinegar Marinated Skirt Steak

Lime, Garlic & Chili Marinated Skirt Steak

Spice Rubbed Skirt Steak

Braciuolini -stuffed beef rolls

Beef Curry - Rogan Josh

West Indian Spicy Beef Curry - spicy but not "hot"

Crockpot Roast with Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Sunday Pot Roast

Anthony Sedlak's "World Famous" Burgers

Bobby Flay's Argentinean Burgers with Chimichurri Sauce

Bobby Flay's Wild Mushroom- Cheddar Burger with Chipotle Ketchup

Dana's Mushroom Swiss Burgers

Simon & Garkunkel Burgers

Spicy Indian-style Burgers (makes a great meatloaf, too)

David Rocco's Favorite Meatballs

Moroccan Style Meatballs

Holishkes - Meat Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

Argentinian style Meatloaf with Chimichurri Sauce

Barbecue Style Meatloaf

Chili Chipotle Glazed Meatloaf

Chimichurri Meatloaf

Chorizo & Butternut Squash Shepherd's Pie

Curried Meatloaf

Easiest Meatloaf Ever

Mushroom Meatloaf with Honey Chipotle Glaze (and other options from fineCooking)

Mushroom Surprise Meatloaf

Another Mushroom Spinach Surprise Meatloaf

Persian-style Meatloaf

Mediterranean Style Meatloaf

Moroccan style Shepherd's Pie

Sicilian Meatloaf

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Easy Oven Stew

Roast Tongue in BBQ Sauce

Norene's Tangy Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Sonia's Swedish Meatballs

Lamb

Allison's Moroccan-inspired Lamb Stew

Mellow Lamb Curry

Coconut Lamb Curry (another mellow choice)

Couscous, Herb & Lamb Loaf

Curried Lamb & Pumpkin Patties

Greek-style Lamb Burgers

Grilled Lamb Chops with North African Chermoula

Coriander Two Ways Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Butterflied Lamb with Anchovies, Rosemary & Garlic

Marinated & Grilled Lamb Chops with Herbs & Honey

Kofta B'siniyah (Israeli style meatballs in tahini sauce)

Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie

Lamb, Feta & Eggplant Burgers

Lamb & Mint Burgers

Lamb with Dried Fruit & Almonds

Lamb with Ras el Hanout & Honey - a delicious slow cooking stew

Dal Gosht (lamb with lentils & spices)

Indian Minced Lamb Kabobs

Lebanese-style Kebbe Lamb Burgers

Leek & Lamb Loaf

Lentil, Spinach & Lamb Loaf

Mideast Inspired Lamb Meatloaf

Mongolian Lamb Patties

Moroccan style Lamb Meatballs - Kofte Tagine

Grilled Lamb Chops

Cilantro, Honey & Spiced Lamb Kebabs with Cilantro Cream

Spiced Grilled Lamb Chops from Curtis Stone

Steamer William A Irvin Grilled Lamb Chops

Rosemary & Garlic Studded Roast Leg of Lamb

Roasted Leg of Lamb with Oregano, Citrus & Rosemary Rub

Grilled Rack of Lamb

Rack of Lamb with Honey Balsamic Sauce

Lamb Biryani

Lamb & Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Lamb Burgers

Lamb Chops, Beans & Strawberry Salad

Herb & Olive Lamb Chops

Lamb Merguez Pasta

Pakistani Lamb & Tomato Curry - Tamatar Gosht (mild but very flavorful)

Shrimp & Lamb Sausage Pot Pie

Spicy Lamb Burgers with Minty Tzatziki

Veal
Grilled Pesto Veal Chops

Roasted Veal Chops with Lemon Anchovy Aioli

Stuffed Veal Brisket with Ginger Apricot Glaze

Osso Buco

Veal & Mushroom Stew

Sausages
Chorizo & Romano Bean Soup

Chorizo & Shrimps

Chorizo & Bean Chili

Green Lentils & Garlicky Sausaages

Italian Sausages, Potato & Mushroom Roast

Pasta with Italian Sausages

Hot Dogs & Baked Beans

Ribs

Black Bean Beef Short Ribs

Cambodian-style Ginger & Honey Ribs

McCormick's Chipotle Cinnamon Ribs

Finger Lickin' Good Ribs

Bubbie's "Chinese" Honey Garlic Spareribs - made with veal

Sticky BBQ Ribs a la Donna Hay

Asian Sticky Ribs

Crispy Maple Ribs

Grandma Dolly's BBQ Ribs (great with chicken too)

Spicy Smoky Li-Smackin' Ribs

Hawaiian-style Kalbi

Hoisin Ribs

Spicy Herb Rubbed, Honey Lemon Glazed Ribs

Tamarind Glazed Ribs

Korean Style Short Ribs

Crockpot Easy Beef Short Ribs

Tuscan-Style Ribs with Balsamic Glaze

Marinades & Sauces Chimichurri - great spicy sauces for grilled meat, chicken, fish & seafood

Marinades

Simple Marinades

Pork
Cherry Ham

Crisp Cutlets with Caraway Sour Cream Sauce (great with chicken too)

Winter is Not Just for Soup

Don't get me wrong, I love soups and stews and the bazillion options are really what get me through the winter months. But this month's Bon Appetit magazine has added a new dimension to my winter cooking...the pot pie.

The photo at the top of the post, does not do The Shrimp & Seasoned Sausage Pot Pie justice...then again, without video how does one capture the heavenly moans around the table? I used local Lunenburg Lamb Sausages rather than the Andouille sausages the magazine recommended and so it was a milder, softer dish than the Cajun inspired BA version. One word....AWESOME!!!

Admittedly, I grew up on frozen St Hubert chicken pot pie and these days I swear there isn't a better store bought chicken pie anywhere than the one from Costco...it's worth the trip even if you don't get side tracked by everything else in the store. I'm ashamed to say, that the truth is...I've never made a chicken pot pie of my own. It always seemed like too much work, not to mention my intimidation at making pie crusts.

But something about the cover of this month's Bon Appetit - the comfort food issue (it's the Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Potato Topping that's on tap for tonight) had me drooling before I even turned the pages.

If you're like me, you have some favorite magazines and even though you love them, there are some months when there aren't really a ton of dishes that you'd want to try. Then again, there are some months which are not long enough to cook everything that make you're mouth water.

So tonight we'll be having Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie and later this week, Moroccan Style Chicken Pie...not what I grew up with, but the phylo pastry and glorious Moroccan spices will definitely transport me far from winter.

Funny Thing on the Way to Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

I spent a good part of the afternoon making a South Beach Diet friendly Shepherd's Pie. It has rye bread turned into breadcrumbs to keep the meat part moist. A thin layer of crispy onions gives a crunchy surprise once you add the sweet potato topping...but really, this isn't exactly about the recipe...

It started out to be Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie with salad and all was going well until I spilled a full glass of water as I was about to sit down. And how come a small glass seems like an ocean when it's all over the table and the floor? Naturally there was the frenzy to clean up - and move the computer and papers (the dining room table is also my office). Two rolls of paper towels later...plates reheated...and the phone rings. It's the in-laws asking if we'd like to go for Chinese Food.

Well - the Chinese food at King Wah was delicious and the Shepherd's pie will have to wait until tomorrow. Hey, what can I say.

Related Links:Food and Drink easy cooking recipes meat South Beach Diet

Moroccan Style Shepherd's Pie

Last week I missed out on Kalyn’s Weekend Herb Blogging, so this week I thought I’d enter twice. Haalo of Cook Almost Anything Once is hosting. Yesterday I shared a great recipe for spinach crepes and honored thyme. Today it’s parsley that takes herb stage but really it’s about the spices. A while ago I shared a recipe for Allison’s Moroccan-style lamb stew using her amazing Ras El Hanout blend of spices. I can still taste it and am transported to a Shuk somewhere in Morocco every time. I’ve been wondering what to do with the rest of the tin. So let me walk you through my discovery….

It’s been cold and gloomy (although today is sunny) and I’ve been craving Shepherd’s Pie…basically meat loaf with loads of mashed potatoes (with butter & cream) on top, but we’re doing well on the South Beach Diet and with holidays approaching, I’m really trying to save myself for parties. So no mashed potatoes for me! …and then it hit me…What if I made a Moroccan version using some Ras El Hanout and topped it with sweet potatoes? It was going to turn out one of two ways – absolutely disgusting or awesome and, I’m happy to report it will definitely grace our table again. So without further ado…

Recipe
Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie

If you really like Shepherd's Pie, but are staying away from potatoes, here's another version I've created...just top this Persian style meatloaf (it's got added oomph with chickpeas and termeric)and top it with some mashed roasted cauliflower. Who says dieting has to be boring!?!

Related links: Food and Drink recipes weekend herb blogging South Beach Diet meat

A Deja Vu Day

How weird was yesterday....let me tell you....

I went to the supermarket at 7am ...it's a 24 hour grocery and I often do my shopping for staples after dropping my Honey of at work. Yesterday, my intention was to get some salmon or some eggplant and cremini mushrooms to make a few dishes from some of my new cookbooks.

The fish section doesn't open until 8am...I forgot and the only fish, in packages, didn't look so fresh. Apparently the eggplants and cremini didn't make the delivery either, so what's a girl to do?

Suddenly, as I passed the ground beef, I had a craving...shepherd's pie, but not the standard variety I normally do. This time I wanted some Moroccan twist to it with, perhaps a good dash of Ras el Hanout (a wonderful Moroccan spice mix) and some chopped dried apricots.

So how "Twilight Zone" is this... November, 2006...Moroccan Style Shepherd's Pie...exactly how I wanted to make it. And I didn't even remember that I had created such a dish before!

Has your mind played tricks on you like that? And now I remember one very excellent reason for writing this blog!

Lamb & Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Lamb Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
Adapted from Olive Magazine, June, 2006 issue - not the prettiest picture, but it sure tastes good, and South Beach Diet, Phase 2 friendly, too.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 lb/450g minched lamb
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves, garlic, chopped
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 ½ cups/400 ml fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup beef stock or broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 lb/ 1 kg sweet potatoes
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp margarine or butter
Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C

2. In a large, non stick skillet, dry fry the lamb with the onions and garlic until the lamb is no longer pink on medium high heat. (about 8 minutes). Stir in the flour. Add the carrots, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cover for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. In the meantime, cook the sweet potatoes (I just stab whole sweet potatoes and put them in the microwave cooking on high until they’re soft to the touch (about 4-6 minutes, depending on the size). Cut them in half, scoop the pulp into a bowl and add the thyme, butter and salt & pepper. If it’s too thick add a little milk.

4. Pour the lamb mixture into an oven-proof dish (it should ¾ fill, leaving room for the topping). Spread the sweet potato mixture on top and bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with some green vegetable like spinach or broccoli and enjoy.

Related links: Food and Drink recipes

How Many Times Can I Say It....Love Food Magazines

I've already mentioned my latest batch of food magazines and I'm already Jonesing for more...how fickle I am. Don't get me wrong...I never throw old ones away and spend many a glorious hour flipping through them looking for the perfect recipe for... something or other.

The bottom two shelves of those bookcases are filled with great magazines and at the top of the photo (on the left) is my coveted Donna Hay Collection of cookbooks (5 so far) and magazines. There are actually two more shelves of cookbooks above, but this is a post about magazines.

There are certain times of the month when they all seem to appear on bookstore shelves and I can't resist. So, while watching mindless TV, I flip through them, turning down pages that look appetizing and, I admit, often put them aside for a time. That said...much more often, there will be one or two in a batch that just scream out to me every time I pass them by.

Bon Appetit March 2009 is just such an issue and it looks loved too...all wrinkly from when it fell into the bathtub (a perfect relaxing event...sweet smelling bubble baths and a glorious read of savory dishes). Thank goodness for the hair dryer! Usually only one recipe gets made immediately after purchase, but that issue won our hearts with four awesome meals:

Braised Short Ribs in Sherry

Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie

Moroccan-style Chicken Pie

Shrimp & Sausage Pie

But it was time to move on...and the latest Saveur(top of the pile on my table) has been making the most noise with those fantastic looking ribs on the cover...which, by the way, were everything I expected them to be and then some.

Hawaiian-style Kalbi

There are some lovely artichoke recipes that I'll be trying ...once we actually get some local artichokes. It is still very much winter here, remember. I think, however it's time to move on to the next magazine...

Donna Hay?...the roasted tomato, eggplant & haloumi burger has my mouth watering, as does the smoky chili chicken, chorizo and feta burger (it is getting on to lunch time here, although today we're eating out with the kids - two generations of them!) and the mint flat bread with green onion pesto is definitely a "must make soon".

The latest Bon Appetit (April, 2009)?...some very tasty looking dishes, but they really are more Spring friendly, so that one is on hold, except perhaps the halibut fillet on mashed fava beans with mint...that is if I can find the early spring fava beans here.

Delicious Magazine ?...February's issue has an awesome looking Spicy Prawn (shrimp in my neck of the woods) and chickpea curry that definitely is on the shortlist...not to mention the nutella mousse!

I guess it's time to hit the stores...not sure if it's for more magazines or ingredients for some of the above.

Which are your favorite cooking magazines? I'm always looking for new faves.

Chicken Recipes

Jerked Honey Rum Glaze - perfect for grilling or roasting

Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce - a perfect, thin & sticky glaze for chicken wings, etc.

Ancho Chicken Potpie with Cornbread Topping

BBQ Chicken Breasts with Honey Apricot Glaze

Chicken Schnitzel

Lighter Chicken Schnitzel with herbs & Cheese in breading

Chicken with Garlic, Capers & Lemon

Boneless Chicken Breasts with Crispy Rosemary & Chilies

Black Bean Chicken & Tofu Stir Fry

Bonnie's Chicken Fattah

Butter Chicken - Makkhani Murghi

Chicken, Bok Choy, Eggplant in Black Bean Sauce

Chicken with Cranberry & Ginger Orange Sauce

Chicken with Sherry Vinegar Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peanut Coconut Sauce

Chicken Dippers

Chicken in Julia Child's Sauce au Cari (light curry sauce)

Chicken on Lemongrass Skewers -South Beach Diet

Honey Lime Chicken Kebabs with a Kick

Chicken & Chickpea Pilaf

Chicken Loaf - Meat loaf with a twist (great SBD Phase II)

Chicken Meatloaf with Mushrooms & Beans - SBD phase I or whenever...

David Lebovitz's Awesome Chicken Mole

Chicken Piccata (substitute ground pecans or walnuts for SBD friendly version)

Chicken Salad

Chile Rubbed Chicken & Mango Salsa

Cider Vinegar Grilled Chicken

Citrus & Herb Chicken Kebabs

Classic Chicken Soup

Cranberry Couscous Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Crisp Cutlets with Caraway Sour Cream Sauce

Crispy Fried Chicken Wings with Asian Dipping Sauce

Crockpot Peking Chicken Wings

Dai Grilled Chicken -South Beach Diet

Ezekiel's Chicken

Farfel Stuffed Chicken Breasts in Blackcurrant Sauce

Ginger Chili Chicken with Cashews

Green Chicken Soup

Greek-style Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken with Adobo Paste - South Beach Diet

Grilled Chicken with Cherry Chipotle Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Ginger Marinade

Grilled Chicken with Spicy Cumin & Sea Salt Rub - South Beach Diet

Grilled Cilantro Citrus Chicken -South Beach Diet

Grilled Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Herb & Citrus Grilled Chicken - South Beach Diet

Hoisin Roast Chicken

Indian Spiced Chicken Breasts - South Beach Diet

Jerked Honey Rum Glazed Chicken & Veggie Kebobs

Marinades

Fermented Black Bean & Garlic Sauce - great for marinade & stir fry

Maple Balsamic Dressing - another great idea for a marinade

Middle Eastern Fried Chicken With Harissa & Rosewater Sauce

Moroccan-style Chicken Pie - absolutely awesome!

Moroccan Grilled Chicken - South Beach Diet

Olive & Herb Breaded Chicken

Orange Ginger Capon

Oven roasted Balsamic Chicken Breast

Pear Chutney Chicken Breasts

Pecan & Panko Crusted Chicken with Orange & Apricot Glaze

Poulet au Porto Vol au Vent

Rice Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken

Roasted Spatchcock Pesto Chicken

Roasted Herb & Garlic Spatchcock Chicken

Best Ever Roasted Chicken with Lemon, Garlic & Thyme ( I know they're all good, but this one is the best!  And because it's cooked in parchment, it's simple to clean up after too.  Save the roasted bones for making chicken stock)

Roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken

Roasted Rosemary, Lemon & Garlic Chicken

Roasted Chicken with Rosemary, Lemon & Garlic, version 2

Roasted Chicken with Lemon Chipotle Baste

Roasted Chicken Breasts with Ginger Marmalade & Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Chicken Breasts with Garlic & Rosemary

Roasted Chicken Breasts with Shallots & Gingery Glaze

Rosemary, Lemon, Baslamic & More Roasted Chicken

St Tropez Chicken

Simon & Garfunkel Turkey Burgers

Skinny Shepherd's Pie

Spicy Farfel & Pistachio Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Stir Fry Ginger Chicken with Snow Peas & Mushrooms

Sumac Coated Chicken - South Beach Diet

Sweet & Sour Chicken/Pork/Shrimp

Sticky Chicken Wings with Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Tandoori Chicken -South Beach Diet

Thai Cashew Chicken

Thai Chicken & Shrimp Curry

Thai Chili Chicken

Zesty Chicken Meatloaf South Beach Diet friendly and very juicy

Related links: Food and Drink Recipes Chicken

Another Awesome Trip to a Local Farmers Market

Even on a snow-or-is-that-rain kind of morning in January, it's wonderful to finally make it to our local farmers markets here in Halifax.  The spanking new Seaport Market and the Historic Market.   Both of which are open all year round.

True... it's winter and not much is growing... other than the herbs from hot house farm at Riverview Herbs.   This time the spicy arugula called out to me.  I'm sure a fantastic pasta with this as star is in the mix... or what about a Winter Salad?

True... there aren't nearly as many shoppers as there are from May through December.  Which means it's easy enough for me to stock up on Sweet Willliams Sausages to pop in the freezer and enjoy when I really don't want to brave the elements and want to dish up a chili or soup & meat balls.

It also means no long lineups for freshly baked breads from Julien's.  The brioche for my Honey's special French Toast and the Good Hearth for some awesome sandwiches.

Some awesome eggs - actually from two different vendors.   Ran-Cher Acres, my faves for ever for free range eggs, plus some feta and goat cheese with cayenne & garlic, perfect for so many dishes... from scrambles to soups to...

...plus some organically fed eggs (HUGE is an understatement) from Eastern Selected Farm that our friends swear by.

Last but not least before heading over to the other market.... my favorite place of all... Getaway Farm Butchers for some gorgeous skirt steak.... never picture worthy until after it's marinated and grilled, like this Rosemary & Garlic recipe.  My love affair with Getaway Farm started when I first tried their grass fed beef a number of years ago... even before the move to the Seaport Market and continues to this day.   I'm excited to say, next week, I'll be meeting up with their new butcher who is already butchering at the market for us!   So stay tuned.

But my market shopping would not be complete without a trip to the "Old Market" and visits to Bill of Wood 'n Hart farm for some ground lamb and some stewing lamb for more wintery recipes. like the Lamb & Eggplant Shepherd's Pie I mentioned yesterday.

And then some purple kale, leeks and spinach from Hutten Family Farm.

Now that I've made you drool... a question... are you lucky enough to have a local farmers market that's open all year?  And if you are, I do hope you take advantage.  The food is tastier than any that travel miles and miles to get to you.  You get to support local farmers and artisan bread, cheese and other makers and purveyors of local foods.   For me, there is no better feeling than preparing, serving and eating food that is locally grown and nurtured.  

Catching Up on Cookbooks & Recipes

Finally out of the fog called the flu and into the fog outside that's accompanying the wind and rain, I thought I'd catch up on sharing a couple of the new cookbooks to come my way and recipes.  This time the focus was on eating healthier.  You could tell I wasn't feeling well, when I turned to them for my cure.  That said, all the recipes were delicious for any time - sick or well.  

There was a time when the thought of any brown rice, or "weird" grain I couldn't pronounce (like quinoa, for example, which by the way - keen wah) had me at best, turning my nose up and at worst, running in the opposite direction.   I've matured and so have my taste buds.  And there are still times and dishes that I wouldn't dream of making with whole grained anything...

Like my mother's Creamed Salmon on Toast which is all about the comforting memories of my childhood.

While it's true that some grains are firmer, or have a distinctive flavor and you do have to find a balance for the flavors, it's easy to find great cookbooks to guide you through the learning process.   And I've written about two...

The Complete Whole Grains Cookbook, even sickly had me whipping up the gorgeous and oh-so-delicious Saffron Scented Shrimp over Chile Shrimp and some Oatmeal Shortbread Squares that we inhaled even before I got to take any pictures.

Then there's Joy Bauer's Food Cures with recipes for whatever ails you... seriously!  From weight loss to migraines, diabetes, cancer... you'll find delicious recipes like...

Skinny Shepherd's Pie

Gingery Pumpkin Muffins

or some Tuscan Bean Dip

Feel free to roam around and see which other great finds of mine I forgot to share here.