Boeuf Bourguignon for Sunday Dinner

 

Ina Garten's boeuf bourguignon recipe is absolutely amazing. This is the second time that we've had it and I made a couple of changes to suit our family. Instead of an entire bottle of red wine in the sauce, I used only one cup to give it a hint of wine rather than an overpowering one (I did use the full amount of cognac, however). I doubled the buerre manié (butter and flour mixture to thicken the sauce) so that the stew was lovely and thick to serve over mashed potatoes. This really is the perfect autumn and winter dish! 

Tortellini Pasta Salad

 

 

We're going to the beach tonight to visit with friends and eat dinner together, so I put together a tortellini pasta salad to share. It's just a combination of lots of yummy things: tortellini, jarred artichokes, fresh basil, tomatoes, kalamata Olives, chopped onion, salami, and fresh mozzarella peals. The dressing is Olive Garden Italian. 

Greek Pascha Bread

 

 

I have been using the Food Network's Greek Easter Bread recipe for years and we love it! I think that this year's bread turned out the best it ever has! 

Trifle

 

 

Our traditional Pascha dessert is always trifle! I make Paula Deen's pound cake recipe, mix up some vanilla pudding, make a fruit salad (this was strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), and make lashings of homemade whipped cream. Layered all together in a Trifle bowl, it is a quite a sight! 

Pascha in the Kitchen

 

 

Cheese Pascha joins the 'finished column' along with three kulichi, red eggs, and potato salad for tomorrow's meal. 

The Greek Vegan's Roasted Potatoes

 

Do yourself a favor and Google The Greek Vegan's Roasted Potatoes. They're delicious. I doubled the marinade and made a whole 5lb bag of russet potatoes. Delicious and filling! 

Maldon Sea Salt & Maple Syrup Pecans

Maldon Sea Salt & Maple Syrup Pecans

Lightly toast pecans in a dry cast iron skillet. Drizzle maple syrup over pecans and mix to coat. Spread on parchment paper and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Enjoy! 

Bellocq's Jasmine Pearls

Tuscan Fries

 

I made Nigella Lawson's Tuscan Fries this afternoon and they were just okay. If I do this again, I think the potatoes need to be cut bigger. But, honestly, it would just be easier and tastier to buy fries. 🤔

Cherry Galette

 

This is probably my favorite dessert.  Find the recipe HERE. 

Fast-Free Friday

 

 

I popped by the bakery (that sounds better than saying Panera, doesn't it?) on the way to school today to treat the older children to a pastry and I brought home this delectable chocolate croissant for our youngest and a bear claw for myself.  We will be doing this more often! 

French Onion Soup

 

 

Making French Onion Soup is a bit of a labor of love, but it is worth it! I made this batch late last night after taking the children ice skating, which meant that it got to age a bit and was just perfect for today's lunch. We'll have plenty to enjoy over the next several day and I plan to give some to Father Joseph, a retired priest in our parish, as he loves French Onion Soup!

Recipe HERE.

Tiktok Pasta

 

 

I don't want a middle part, but I am not above making lunch using a viral TikTok recipe.

 

This pasta was so delicious. It was like an elevated baked ziti. It was such a quick dish and I think that I will use it when we have guests and need something special, speedy, and filling. I think it would also be wonderful with spinach and chicken or sausage.   

 

Recipe HERE.

Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

I made a roast chicken with all of the trimming s for Sunday dinner today. It's one of our favorite meals and perfect for eating round the table and visiting after everyone has departed in peace after Liturgy and Coffee Hour.

 

We walked a path that we've never been on today, which was nice. Our county now has a website listing all of the 'hikes' available here.  They're not arduous walks, but they're very pretty and many are near the water.  As a child, my family always took walks (to school, to the shops, to the library, just around the neighborhood). My husband and I took many walks while we were dating, too! Our home isn't situated in a place where we can really walk anywhere, so we have to get in the car and drive somewhere to walk. It takes more planning, but it just as nice. 

Potato Gems

No School

 

 

A leisurely breakfast must be had when there is no school. 

Vanilla Syrup

 

I made some vanilla syrup for coffee yesterday after trying a Madagascar Vanilla Latte last week. It's quite delicious. Adding 'remove pills from sweaters' to today's to do list after seeing how badly this one needs it in this photo.  

 

Vanilla Syrup

Combine 2.5 cups of water, 2 cups of white sugar, and 3/4 cups of brown sugar in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and let boil for at least ten minutes. Let syrup cool and add 4 tablespoons of vanilla. Mix well and store in fridge.

Super Bowl Eats

 

Who cares about football when there's spinach artichoke dip?  

 

Recipe HERE. 

I Love Days Off

Celebrating Friday

 

 

Dark chocolate covered strawberries for no reason as all.