Rack of Lamb Persillade with Rutabaga Mash and Crispy Shallot

Succulant little lamb abed Rutabaga Puree'

In early December, Chris got a call from the Seminary to inform him that we had been selected to recieve 20 pounds of meat.  WHAT?!  "Do you know who you're talking to here?  Mr. Meat and Mrs. Blogger?!"  It couldn't have come at a better time for us.  We were beyond excited and felt so blessed by this Christmas gift.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: The Magical Soup

Who doesn't just LOVE Mexican food?  

I first had this soup over Christmas break at my girl friend's home.  We decided to walk to the store to get the ingredients (walking to the grocery store- Portland style).  You know... burn the calories before consumption.  Makes for much more enjoyable eating.

French Yogurt Cake with Nutella

Nutella.  The stuff is to die for.  OK, maybe not die... but it's like nut meets chocolate in a spreadable form- how can you not like that?!

Dining Out: Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries

Several years ago, my new years resolution was to not eat fast food with the exception of In-n-Out Burger.  Aside from a few Carl's Jr. salads on desperate road trips with high school students to Mexico, I've stuck to this commitment without regret.  Life is WAY too short for fast food.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Thought I should post something simple.  A quick "go to."  I love asparagus.  It defines that balance between bitter and sweet in a vegetable.

Some of you know that Chris, my husband, is an independent book seller.  He brought me home one of Ina's Garten's older books after a recent estate sale.  I immediately littered it with posted notes.  I usually grill my asparagus, but this roasting technique with my favorite ingredients to pair with this lovely veg, proved to be quite successful on plate and palate.

French Onion Soup

Martin Luther King Day.  Worked one hour.  Then home, to clean (first), then cook (my little reward to get the cleaning done).

Decided to take a stab at Ree’s French Onion Soup (Pioneer Woman).  It called for Chardonnay, so it can’t be that bad right?  The real test would be Chris… could he handle a soup with no meat in it?!   He was studying all while it cooked, and I think the scent helped him decide well before he tasted it… but even then, he was genuinely impressed.

Winter Stew

I think I’m getting used to the rain.  It’s keeping me indoors a little more, which probably equates to more reading (including my cook books), a little more Food Network, and more hot meals.  And I’m getting used to those too.

Nutty Pesto (Inspired by Ina Garten)

Homemade Pesto with left over chicken

OK, I love Ina Garten.  I could give up food and watch her show and probably be OK.  She’s very Hamptons, but I don’t mind.  I’d love to be a guest in her home on any day!  Her pesto was one of her first shows I ever watched.  I was intrigued by the mixed nuts used and oh the texture it gives the pesto.  I’ve altered a few things, but it has become a staple in the Ritter home.  I know you’re probably on Italian overload from these last few months- but really, just one more won’t kill either of us.

Tide Pool Pasta

I found this fun little bag of ocean friends at Traders.  It reminded me of Cioppino, and for years in my family Cioppino was for New Years Eve.  Our main man Terry who lived all the way on the other side of town (less than 4 miles) would host half the town (small town, you know everyone) and feed every belly full of the best Cioppino any of us had ever had.  Note to self: Get Recipe From Terry!!!

Guest Post: Chris' Classic Creme Brulee

Happy New Year Everyone!  Well my husband struck again with a surprise in the kitchen.  I told him, I'd like him to be my guest writer since he's becoming a pro at this fabulous dessert.  I hope you enjoy him as much as I do... :-)