Week 10 - recipe reviews

Artichoke Soup
Jalousie
Artichoke Tart
Artichoke Stir Fry
Asparagus Puffs

Another good week for this cookbook!

Per the side note in the Book, I switched from Jerusalem Artichokes to Sweet Potatoes. I didn't care for  the orange flavor in the parsnip soup, but it was GREAT in this recipe! The kids didn't like it, B didn't taste it. But I'd eat it again!

The jalousie was tasty! I couldn't find puff Pastry, so I substituted Phillo Dough instead. The kids are on an asparagus kick, so they liked it too!

Artichoke Stir Fry. The taste was great, but no one was a fan of the texture of the Tofu. Despite ten years of being a dedicated vegetarian, I have to admit I'm not a fan either. I just eat it because I know it's good for me. The flavors in the recipe were good though.

Asparagus Puffs became an Asparagus Napoleon, as I still was unable to find some puff pastry. Very good, I liked the sweet potato in it, it added something different and fun. We are big sweet potato fans here, but I usually roast it into "Orange Fries" or into sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving!

I don't have a picture of the Artichoke tart, but I made the crust the same day as the watercress tarts. That left the crust too thick, but they were still delicious!

Week 9 recipe reviews - redemption

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup
Veggie Crepes
Veggies with Vermouth
Watercress Tartlettes
Veggie Pasta Nests
Cauliflower Bake

After a week of terrible recipes, I'm so happy that this week was full of deliciousness!! There was a lot of new ingredients and techniques, and I really enjoyed trying new things.

The soup was delicious. Admittedly, I am a huge soup fan, I make soup ALL the time. but I've never been about to make a creamy soup without it getting that curdled texture. Even if it tastes good, it's not appetizing. This one was different. It was creamy and delicious, and just needed a bit of salt and pepper. The husband and kids were not impressed, although Bren did love the broccoli.

The Vegetable Crepes were a hit with everyone though. The family wasn't sure about savory crepes at first,  but they "tried it, and then they liked it!" Thank you, Yo! Gabba Gabba, for the encouraging song.

Veggies with Vermouth was a slight dark spot in the week. I loved the "en papillote" technique, but not the flavor from the vermouth.

The Watercress Tartlettes became Spinach Tartlettes. They were very good, I think I made the crust too thick, but other than that, I look forward to eating them again. The family, not -so- much.

The pasta nests were cute, and tasty, but probably more work ( and more oily) than they need to be. They were a success with the whole family, and the kids especially liked slurping the spaghetti noodles.

I liked the Cauliflower Bake, but I'm the only cauliflower fan in this house. I tried to convince them that it was just white broccoli, but they were having none of it. B liked they potatoes and sauce.

Week 8 Recipe Review

Curried Parsnip Soup
Indian Spiced Potatoes
Spicy Peas and Spinach
Lentil and Rice Casserole
Lentil Pate
Lentil Croquettes

This was a rough week for recipes. I won't be making any of them again. Here's pictures of the Spiced Peas, the Parsnip Soup, and the Lentil and Rice casserole. This week I also discovered why chefs cook in Restaurants, and not in a little kitchen with two small children underfoot. I burned the casserole and the croquettes. Burning them didn't really affect the flavor, they were still yucky.

I realize nobody is really reading/following/commenting on this Blog, so I thought "ehh, I don't need to blog this stuff anymore." I have still been cooking through this cookbook...slowly, but surely. I have decided to go ahead and write about the rest of my experiences anyway! This is part of my New Year's resolution as much as the cooking part is, and I like going back to see my notes. If you have decided to read this, THANKS!

While I have struggled with liking most of the recipes, I have really learned a lot about technique and commitment. I am far behind, but I'm glad I'm still going! Anyway...Enough about me...here's the review of week 7

Fava Bean and Mint soup. The picture I took was BEAUTIFUL. Buuuuttt....It got lost when I upgraded my phone. It was ok. It needed a LOT of salt and pepper. Most of these recipes do. I probably won't make it again. 

The Greek Green Beans picture has been lost too. I have no idea why it is called greek Green Beans. It's not particularly greek. It's not Green. It doesn't call for Green Beans. It does have beans though, and was a yummy side dish. It would also be great blended, like hummus, for a dip.

Next, Onions A La Greque. this is the first time I've used shallots. They were OK, but I'm not an onion fan. So I don't really think I'll make this one again.

Hummus and Falafel....Always one of my favorite things to eat! These recipes were great, the Tatziki sauce was delicious, and I even fried the falafel without burning them. I used the recipe for the Herbed Pizza Dough again, to eat with the Hummus. I will ABSOLUTELY make this again!

Lastly, Olive, Pepper, & Cherry Tomato Pasta. This was a big hit! B and the kids liked it, and Brian said it was a great alternative to my usual Marinara or Meat Sauce. Unfortunately, This picture has been lost as well.