Feeling Crabby?

Creamy Crab Risotto

Crab meat is delicious and light, but who has time to steam, crack, and find all the little pieces.  This risotto is creamy and satisfying as either a light meal or the perfect side dish.  I used imitation crab meat because it's what I had but canned crab or fresh crab from your local fishmonger would be so much better.  Don't skimp on the fresh herbs, they're what makes this dish great, especially the sage.  Be careful not to leave the rice alone when cooking, it needs constant love and attention.

Crab Risotto Recipe

Birthday Cake Everything...

Birthday Cake Waffles, Cupcakes, and Frosting

I don't like to cheat but a little yellow cake mix added to desserts and breakfast never hurt.  Birthday cake flavor can be enjoyed any day of the year, not just for birthdays.  Don't use that "funfetti" frosting or cake mix ever again, add your own sprinkles and watch the magic happen.

Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta Skillet

As easy as hamburger help but minus the helper and all of its salt.  Take all the goodness of a taco and wrap it up in the comfort of a mac and cheese.  Add fresh tomatoes rather than canned if you have them.  For a lighter version, use light or fat free sour cream and cream cheese (who needs all the added calories anyway).

Taco Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Bunless Burger

Ramen Burger

 I heard about this through my cousin who visited NYC and said it was all the rage.  People would stand in line for hours just to get one of these burgers.  I find it funny because using ramen noodles seems far from gourmet.  They are the staple food for college students and people who are moving (which was us at the time).  I wouldn't wait in line for one because you can make them just as good at home.  The seasoned burger in between two ramen patties is a genius idea that I can't believe wasn't thought of sooner. The only semi-difficult part is forming the patties, just be sure to fry until crisp on one side before flipping them.

Burger Recipe

Stuffed Peppers- Philly Style

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

By far the best stuffed peppers I've ever had! Forget the bland rice and beef, that's what you feed your dog when they're sick.  The combination of shaved roast beef, caramelized onions, portobello mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese cannot be beat.  The use if a pepper instead of a carb-loaded roll makes you feel a little bit less guilty about this indulgence.

Philly Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Take-out at home

Easy Sesame Chicken 

This chicken takes about the same amount of time as driving to the local Chinese restaurant.  The catch is that is both cheaper and healthier.  If you're looking for that sticky rice that you get on the side, basmati or jasmine rice are the perfect match.  I made this recipe minus the seeds and it's still just as delicious!

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sesame Noodles with Shrimp and Snap Peas

This stir-fry is quick, light and easy.  Newmans brand sesame ginger dressing works great.  To jazz up the dish a little you can always add other vegetables.  I think sliced onions, peppers, water chestnuts, or any vegetables would add to this simple Asian dish.

Sesame Shrimp Noodle Recipe

Pork Scaloppine

Pork Scaloppine

This recipe only takes about 10 minutes, so if you're looking for a quick pork; this is it.  The Dijon sauce is a great touch but I made the mistake of using just regular Dijon mustard and I think that the grainy kind would make it that much better.  Be sure to pound the tenderloin thin and tenderize it, don't overcook or it'll be like chewing in leather.  Serve over couscous or with potato wedges.

Pork Recipe