There’s nothing like sitting in a dentist’s chair for three solid hours to turn your mind to food (or anything other than the procedure for that matter). I think it’s no secret that I love to cook, specifically from scratch. I don’t indulge every night, I’m not that crazy, but over the years I’ve garnered some favourite things to make, all from different sources. If you are interested in any of the recipes, let me know and I’ll definitely oblige. Maybe you could even return the favour…?
1. Macaroni Cheese – Mum’s recipe (from somewhere)
Made with sautéed onion, sharp cheddar, bacon and Coleman’s English mustard.
2. Meatloaf – an adaptation of my Mum’s recipe
Made with green pepper, beef bouillon (stock cube) and tomato paste (in the mixture).
3. Mexican Style Rice – Rachael Ray
Love this, it’s filling and oh, so addictive. Plus, you can use this recipe to stuff peppers. Very versatile.
4. Barbecue Cups – from a friend
Minced beef in a rich barbecue sauce, nestled in a biscuit base, and topped with grated cheese and baked to yummy goodness. Quick, easy and delicious.
5. Beef-a-roni – Friend’s Mom’s recipe
One of the few casseroles I actually make. My Mum has her own version too.
6. Spaghetti Bolognese – Mum’s recipe from an Italian cookbook
Another old favourite, it never gets old.
7. French Bread Pizzas – Got the idea from a friend
Buy the French loaves from the wheeled metal rack at Wal-Mart that they display near the entrance. Start with a pizza sauce and top how you like. Finish it off in the toaster oven.
8. Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole – Mother-in-law’s recipe
Creamy, tangy and very filling. I love this.
9. Cranberry, Apple and Sage Stuffing – Robert Irvine
Okay, so technically not a main dish, but I’d make it one if you’d let me. It feeds twelve comfortably, but I’m not afraid of leftovers.
10a. Hot Crab Meat & Artichoke Dip – Got this from a SIL who got it from her boss
Rich, spicy and very addicting. (And since this is a dip, here’s another great one:)
10b. Baked Artichoke-Spinach Dip – Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
Total crowd pleaser. Served with crusty bread or crackers.
11. Beef/Chicken Enchiladas – Old Internet Friend
Although the prep time is a little longer than usual, it’s worth it. So good. I also make my own chili verde enchiladas with a different recipe.
12. One-Pan Sage and Onion Chicken and Sausage – Nigella Lawson
This dish makes you look like a domestic goddess with very little time spent in the kitchen. It’s very tasty and so easy and hassle-free to make. All the prep is done 24-48 hours before, and all you have to do is bang it in the oven. No one will ever know you didn’t spend hours in there.
13. Thai Chicken Curry – Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
Oh my, the first time I made this, I almost creamed it all off in the pan. I love, love this–and, you can control how hot you want it too. Excellent dish.
* * * * * * * *
Speaking of eating–get this: I got an e-mail from Bryan at work two days ago. He occasionally sends me work e-mails that I might find of interest: a colleague is pregnant, the Summer or Hallowe’en party plans, movie day…
This one mentioned that their new cafeteria was almost completed (they completed HUGE facility construction and remodelling changes about 6 months ago) and it needed a name. I read through it, mostly with half-eyed indifference. I am sure you could have heard me heave “blah, blah, blah” from your place. That was, until I got to this part:
“…As part of the preparation for opening, we are going to be holding a fun competition: Name Your Cafe! Please place your ideas in the suggestion box on the first floor of building 14 by 12 o’clock noon on April 18th! Grand prize will be the iPod Touch pictured below and 10 free meals at our new Cafe! In addition…”
Wah-wah-wah-WHAT?! iPod Touch-whosey-who?? I read it again. Holy cow, I love this company! It’s a huge, multi-national company, but due to the 200+ employees at the site, it has a small company, intimate feeling.
I have made it my mission to get my creative juices flowing and I think I have some really good ideas. That iTouch is mine ours. There. Is. No. Competition!
P.S. I promise I’ll get to that WOTW.
a Brit different 
Love your list… everything on this sounds so delicious. #13… oh I do love Thai food, the hotter the better. If it doesn’t make your lip sweat, it’s too mild!
OMG I think I need every single recipe! 🙂 As for the iTouch. Go for it woman! Is there anything else you could tell us about it and your readers could even possibly help?
Mmmm . . . macaroni and cheese!
Number 8 sounds soooooo yummy!
Thanks for making me salivate. I’m trying to lower the carb count, and I’m sitting here thinking chips & spinach dip. Yum.
Good luck. Go get ’em Tiger!
Can I come live with you?
I’m pleased that I was reading this while actually eating breakfast, therefor staving off any cravings that would have normally resulted had that not been the case. *munch crunch*
Um… if I say “pretty please” would you send me that Thai curry recipe? Pretty please? 😉
Yikes! Now I’m starving! I certainly don’t have anything for lunch that sounds as good as those on your list, but I guess I’ll have to make due with my Lean Cuisine!
I’d love the recipes for the Thai curry, artichoke spinich dip, and the chicken, broccoli, rice casserole if possible.
Seconding your recommendation of Nigella’s chicken and sausage dish. I love several of her chicken recipes, but the sausage one is my husband’s favorite.
My sentimental favorite is the chicken with lemon wedges and garlic because after I wrote about it in the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Magazine, Nigella got in touch with me–and this led to my spending a day shopping and cooking with her for a second article. Bliss.
Right now I’m working on a blog post about her Clementine Cake which had my dinner guests swooning last Saturday. Another great recipe for entertaining because it tastes best if made a full day ahead.
Love it. I make great macaroni too – like yours. My mum’ll chop up a tomato and fry it up with the onion and bacon too. I don’t like tomato but you might fancy it with some. And the mustard is the secret ingredient I think. Yum. I love it.
Spaghetti bolognese is the ultimate comfort food for me. I love that too.
Meatloaf is ok. My mum crushes up bacon crisps and mixes them in as her special ingredient…
I’m going to have to blog about my favorite food. I’m so hungry now.
I gained a few pounds just reading this post! Great idea for a TT. I may e-mail you for the Beef/Chicken Enchilada one especially…
Now I am hungry!!!
lol @ the contest. that food! yes!! love food!! and the fact that there’s a rach recipe included solidifies that fabulousness of that list!!!
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