Grilled Chicken & Peaches w/Green Beans & Orzo

by Irene Lindvall

Another warm night, another chance to use the grill, and another delicious recipe with orzo. Everything about this dish was perfect. I loved the use of chicken tenders instead of breasts. I loved the idea of a grilled peach, and I loved the topping of herb feta (or cheese curds w/herbs because that was all I could find). The combinations of sweet peaches, warm orzo & chicken, and cold cheese was delicious. I added fresh cut Italian parsley on top instead of the optional thyme and it was excellent. Nothing bad to say about this dish.

Things I learned from this recipe:

I added broccoli and cherry tomatoes to my dish for a little veggie boost. 

Would I make this recipe again?:

Yes

The recipe

Fresh Corn Salad

by Irene Lindvall

I used only fresh ingredients for this recipe and it tasted amazing. I got the corn, tomatoes, arugula, cucumber, and jalapeño from the farmer's market today. I used Bermuda onions and parsley grown on my deck which I pulled and cut right before dinner. I realized I'd ran out of basil so that didn't make it into the dish and I opted not to add sweet peppers since Eric doesn't like them. I didn't think it was lacking in flavor but I could see how adding basil would've been nice. We grilled up some burgers (beef for Eric and salmon for me) as our main dish and this salad was a perfect accompaniment. 

Things I learned from this recipe:

Someone told me awhile back to use a mellon baller to seed cucumbers - it really works. 

Sugar dissolves in red wine vinegar. 

I continue to not use all of the dressing that recipes ask for. It's always too much for our taste.

Would I make this recipe again?:

Sure

The recipe

Grilled Thai Chicken Thighs w/Spicy Broccoli Slaw

by Irene Lindvall

This is the best new dish I've made in weeks. I love a good Asian marinade and this one did not disappoint. The chicken thighs cooked really well on the grill and the extra basting with marinade really made them tasty. I used packaged broccoli slaw from Trader Joe's to cut down on time, but I could definitely see red and green cabbage with carrots being a good alternative. The dressing for the slaw turned out extremely spicy. I used a Microplane to grate the jalapeño and I can't tell if it was that which made it turn out so hot (I used only 1/2 a jalapeño instead a full one) or if it was all the fresh ginger. Regardless, it wasn't the end of the world, and everything worked so well together. 

Things I learned from this recipe:

Jalapeño seeds do not grate on a Microplane (see photo 6). This is incredibly fascinating to me.

Would I make this recipe again?:

Definitely

The recipe

Shiitake & Edamame Salad w/White Miso Vinaigrette

by Irene Lindvall

We went to the Mariners game tonight so I opted for a lunch dish. This salad really is meant to be just a salad to accompany another dish, but I added tofu and cucumbers to turn it into a meal. I loved how hearty and green the salad was, but the real highlight of the dish was the miso vinaigrette. It was fantastic. 

Things I learned from this recipe:

Cucumbers should've been a part of this recipe from the beginning. They are a must.

I think a couple more mushrooms would've been good.

Would I make this recipe again?:

Yes

The recipe

Spaghetti w/Turkey Meatballs

by Irene Lindvall

I have only made meatballs a few times, but for some reason, it is something I've always wanted to be good at. I feel like a lot of families have a great meatball recipe and I'm definitely on the hunt for a delicious recipe with the perfect seasonings. This recipe was fine, but it wasn't quite it. Please see the last photo for the seasonings I used (1/2 tsp/ea). Overall, I'd say this recipe has the beginnings of something that could be great.

Things I learned from this recipe:

I think the sauce could've used a touch of chili flakes and perhaps some other type of seasoning or even more oregano. 

Would I make this recipe again?:

Maybe

The recipe