Salmon Cakes

I was a little scared of this recipe, because ground up fish with crumbs, mayo, and lemon sounds a little bit gross. I tried it anyway, and I’m so glad I did! They were surprisingly amazing, something I would want to make in giant batches to impress guests for dinner, as an appetizer for a cocktail party, or even just a topping for a light salad for lunch. If you decide to make these for a little change of pace at your 4th of July party, they won’t disappoint. Just make sure to double the recipe!

I’ve never had a crab cake, but now I can see why they’re so popular.

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Fried Smashed Potatoes

I usually don’t fry things, but the other day I happened to be really hungry and had hardly anything in the house to eat (which happens pretty often, believe it or not). I found some mini potatoes on the counter and remembered watching Giada make potatoes by smashing them and frying them. They looked great on her show, so why not try it!

This  dish is in no way filling, but it works as a snack, a side dish, or something to fend off hungry husbands until dinner time. I like it best as a side with eggs – they’re easier to make than hash browns, but still crispy like that breakfast potato we all love. Continue reading

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

This simple dish is a healthier version of mac and cheese. I adapted it from Giada’s version, but she uses way more cheese and adds sauce. I decided to omit the sauce and make it more like mac and cheese, less like baked ziti. Her recipe also calls for 4 mushrooms, which is nothing. I left them out, though they probably would have been a great addition to the meal. Next time I’ll definitely use them.

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Mushroom “Parmesan”

Okay, I have to admit that I don’t like parmesan cheese. So when I say parmesan, I mean muenster. It’s delicious, anyway. If you do like parmesan cheese, feel free to sprinkle some on top. I got the idea for this dish while watching Giada make vegetarian meals for her mom. It’s super easy and very delicious! When I make this, I make one mushroom per person. Serve with a side of pasta and a light salad for an easy weeknight meal.

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Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter sauce

I like to cook with real pumpkin when it’s in season. About once every year I get my hands on a pumpkin, and after roasting the seeds, I cook with the flesh. Usually I make chocolate-chip pumpkin bread. This year, I decided to try a recipe I saw a lot of online: pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter sauce.

Does anyone serve dairy for Thanksgiving? Instead of (or in addition to) a traditional pumpkin pie, this would be a great seasonal recipe for anyone whose menu wasn’t filled with turkey and meat. Try this for a vegetarian (or your unkosher) Thanksgiving feast!

After pureeing and flavoring the pumpkin for the inside of the ravioli, I made my own dough to wrap it in, and rolled it out by hand. I only got about as far as 20 raviolis before I broke my rolling pin. I suggest using a pasta maker or the pasta Kitchenaid attachment. I have neither, so I went out and bought some wonton wrappers the next day (for less than $3) to form the rest of my raviolis, which I threw into the freezer to save for another day.

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