Lean on Lamb – The Supper Club. [lamb pizza w. red peppers, arugula & goat cheese]

November 21st, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

I was recently contacted by the Tri-Lamb Group, “a collaborative initiative of lamb producer organizations from the U.S., New Zealand and Australia which focuses on educating Americans about lamb.” The company selects food and lifestyle bloggers in LA, Boston and Washington, D.C. to host lamb supper clubs.

They asked if I’d be interested in hosting a two-part supper club series for 10-12 people, and having never tried lamb before, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to give it a try. The Tri-Lamb Group provided me with a recipe and all the ingredients–I was just in charge of covering side dishes and dessert.

We started the night with my friend Maria’s stuffed Portobello mushrooms with mozzarella, tomato and basil, and my Italian cheese platter complete with three different cheeses, salami, prosciutto, roasted red peppers etc. The main course consisted of the lamb, arugula and roasted red pepper pizza and fettuccine Alfredo. I kept the Italian theme and served a lemon and orange ricotta cheesecake with a lemon glaze for dessert.

The dinner was an absolute success, and I can’t wait to host my second supper club in February.

simple gourmet. [pork chops w. ginger-soy glaze]

November 17th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

As if this week couldn’t get any busier, my schedule for the rest of the week/weekend is jam-packed. So, I’ve relied on simple homemade meals, like these light pork chops with a ginger-soy glaze.

The craziness begins tonight when I host my first of two ‘Lean on Lamb‘ Supper Clubs. The Tri Lamb Group contacted me a few weeks ago asking if I’d like to host a supper club series, and I gladly accepted. The company selects food and lifestyle bloggers from LA, Boston and Washington, D.C. I’ll post about the dinner soon.

I’m spending Saturday and Sunday visiting with friends and family here in LA, then I’m working a post AMA party Sunday night/Monday morning. Let the fun begin! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

gone bananas. [banana bread w. toasted walnuts]

November 14th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

Ever since Kristy over at Eat, Play, Love started her ‘Quest for the Best Banana Bread,’ I’ve been on the hunt to find some contenders . Though I wouldn’t know if this is the best bread out there, as I haven’t tested multiple recipes like Kristy, this one has to rank pretty high up there.

The prominent flavors of banana and cinnamon pair wonderfully with the toasted walnuts. Even the texture of the bread is spot on, with an incredibly moist interior and slightly crunchy exterior. Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a mid-day snack or late night treat.

in no time. [shredded Mexican chicken]

November 11th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

I’m sure you’ve all had those weeks where you barely have time to breathe. That was definitely the case for me this week. Work was insanely busy (though I did get to spend the day with Jackie Jackson yesterday!), so cooking gourmet meals was out of the question. I did, however, find time to make this simple shredded Mexican chicken.

Though there’s few ingredients, the recipe doesn’t lack in flavor. The chicken is even more delicious after letting marinate in the juices overnight. This is great served for lunch or dinner. :)

warm me up. [chicken & potato corn chowder]

November 8th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in California, so I’m taking full advantage–donning boots, hats and scarves, and cooking/eating hearty meals. This chicken and potato corn chowder is the ideal comforting dinner on a chilly night.

For you soup fanatics out there, check out my potato and carrot soup, or my butternut squash soup. Or, head over to Sweet Pea’s Kitchen and check out Christina’s soup roundup.

let the preparations begin. [sweet potato-pecan casserole]

November 3rd, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

With Thanksgiving seemingly right around the corner, menu planning and day-of preparation are in full swing. Every year, we attend our family friend’s house with 20 plus other people. The day is complete with mass amounts of food, from delicious appetizers to various side dishes to giant gravy boats to three, yes three, turkeys. We obviously have to have a smoked turkey!

The sweet potato-pecan casserole is one of my favorite dishes every year (I still need to figure out who brings this dish). So, I decided to try replicating the casserole. Although my dish didn’t quite rank with the one on Thanksgiving, it held its own and was still delicious.

Note: If you want your casserole to have that bright orange color, use yams, which are often used in ‘sweet potato’ casseroles.

Check out Linda’s Thanksgiving check-list over at Savoring Every Bite if you’re worried you might forget something this year. :)

health kick. [white bean salad w. red pepper, capers, jalapeno & cayenne]

November 1st, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

Since last week, I’ve been in a bit of a funk, which resulted in a lack of cooking over the weekend. I bought some cannellini beans at the market, only to find that I already had two cans in the pantry. So, I decided to whip up this healthy and simple side dish starring the beans, including ingredients I had on hand.

Though I prefer to eat this dish chilled, it’s delicious hot or cold. Serve alongside grilled chicken breast, or keep it vegetarian and serve with a salad.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. :)

always remember. [eggplant parmesan lasagna]

October 27th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

I’m going to keep this short today, as I honestly can’t think of anything to say. We lost a wonderful and genuine person yesterday who will be truly missed.

Rest in peace, Mikey, you’ll always be remembered. Love always, ‘Stegler.’

“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” – John Taylor

refreshing. [couscous salad w. chicken, vegetables & basil dressing]

October 24th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

I’m taking a short break from hearty fall recipes to feature this refreshing and healthy couscous salad. I know I often rave about recipes being the ideal appetizer/side dish/main course to serve dinner guests, but I’m pretty sure this one trumps all.

The salad is fresh and full of flavor. It can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and cheese, and making a basil vinaigrette, instead of a mayo-based dressing. The basil dressing is one of my favorite components; however, I use it sparingly, as it defeats the healthy aspect of the dish. :)

not your typical taco. [spiced lentil tacos w. adobo chile sour cream]

October 20th, 2011 by Caroline Stegner | comments

Lately, I’ve tried to make recipes using ingredients already on hand. I’ve had a huge bag of lentils sitting in my pantry for a few weeks, so I figured it was time to put them to use. I decided to make this simple and delicious recipe for spiced lentil tacos with an adobo chile sour cream.

Upon each bite, the palette is hit with the mild taste of the cumin soaked lentils, followed by the kick of the adobo chile sour cream. These tacos are perfect for weekday nights when cooking a gourmet meal isn’t in the cards.

Natalie, you can easily make the tacos vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth–I just didn’t have any in the pantry. :)