Tasty winter dishes

For James' birthday, we went to Salt and had a fantastic dinner. We have never been disappointed by our dishes - and the service is always superb.

James enjoyed the rabbit pasta (currently on the menu) and I had the ragu (no longer listed on the menu). Both dishes just melted in our mouths. The flavors were incredible. Need I say more?

Ragu (top) and rabbit pasta (below)

Need I say more?

New year, a little late

I am very behind in my new year's resolution to update my blog on a regular basis!

Since my last post, this runner has taken up yoga (namaste) and cooking. Life is good. I have stuck to my goal of cooking more in the new year, which has been fun - and relaxing.

I have been using the Smitten Kitchen cookbook and enjoying the tasteful creations inside. Yum.

One of the first things that I made from the cookbook was the broccoli slaw (pg. 72), which I paired with pork tenderloin. I have made it nearly a half dozen times since. The dish is well received and I expect it to be even more delicious (if that's possible) come summer.

Next, I made maya's sweet and sour holiday brisket and roasted fingerling and carrot coins (pg. 183 - see below), which was out of this world. It's pretty easy, just requires a few hours to cook (unless you use the crock-pot).

And the final result!

James and I had friends over for dinner one cold, January night and I made gnocchi in tomato broth (pg.177). I didn't realize how time intensive making her gnocchi recipe was (albeit delicious) until I had already started. The gnocchi did not turn out as beautiful as hers did in the photo, but it was still delicious. Next time, I will either find a less complicated gnocchi recipe or simply buy already made gnocchi and just make the awesome broth to go with it.

More to come!