Spicy Pumpkin and Miso Soup

This soup is hearty with just a hint of miso, and a nice spicy kick as it goes down. I used this recipe, but didn't put nearly as much basil as it called for, and used water instead of the soy milk.

To accompany this pumpkin miso soup, I made a dish reminiscent of my childhood, stuffed cabbage rolls. Click here for the recipe. I used brown rice instead of white, and made my own tomato sauce from scratch.  Next time, I want to double wrap the cabbage rolls (in two cabbage leaves instead of one) since I love cabbage so much.

Hunger Games Dinner: Katniss's Lamb Stew with Dried Prunes

This recipe is a winner. It took about 4 hours from start to finish (most of it is down time while it simmers on the stove top) but it was just outstanding.

It took me 3 days (actually, 3 sleepless nights) to read the entire Hunger Games trilogy. I couldn't help it--the story was so intense that I couldn't put the books down! Obsessed with all things Hunger Games, I scoured the internet for recipes from the book until I found this one. The Vancouver Sun had the brilliant idea of having a recipe contest for Hunger Games-inspired meals. This was the winner in the "Capitol foods" division. Being Katniss's favorite dish, I knew I had to try it. It's comforting and luxurious at the same time.

Even Better Oven Fried Chicken

I made oven fried chicken again, but this time dipped the drum sticks in buttermilk first, then a seasoned flour/breadcrumb mixture (flour, paprika, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs). I baked them in pyrex dishes containing a pat of melted butter on the bottom of the dish and then turned them half way through the cooking process. The breadcrumbs made them crunchier, and Brad declared them better than the other night's drumsticks.

Provencal Rack of Lamb

Tonight I made Provencal Rack of Lamb, but instead of potatoes I used parsnips that I picked up at the Farmers Market. It reminded me of a rustic meal that Katniss of the Hunger Games would enjoy.

Caprese Salad, Oven Fried Chicken and The Barefoot Contessa's Granola Bars

 I have two weeks off because my students are on Spring Break, and one of my goals for these two weeks is to cook something new every day.  I made a simple Caprese salad, Oven Fried Chicken and Ina Garten's Granola Bars.

With a 5/5 star rating on the Food Network's website, I had high expectations for the bars. I loved the flavor, but the bars kind of fell apart--they weren't packed enough. Maybe that was my fault and I didn't pack it well enough in the pan (although I did press down pretty hard with my spatula). Still, the taste was definitely there. I want to try more Barefoot Contessa recipes soon!