Summer Vegetable Bake Tian

July 30, 2013 by Monica in Baking, Quick Meal, Vegetable, Vegetarian, Savory

Originating in Provence, a tian is a French word that describes a shallow earthenware casserole and because why use another word for it? The food it contains. Traditionally it features a variety of vegetables, herbs and cheeses that are layered and then baked. Showcasing summer’s squash and tomatoes, I threw in some potatoes too – because well I’m crafty like that.

But if you search a tian can be made with pretty much any vegetable you like, onions, eggplant, herbs, and I can go on and on.

GCC: Risotto with Springs Vegetables, Tomato, and Basil

July 21, 2013 by Monica in Cooking Club, Gutsy Cooks Club, International, Main Courses, Quick Meal, Rice, Vegetable, Vegetarian

I’m late, late, late on this posting, so let’s jump to it. This month’s Gutsy Cook is Marie from Weekend Viands. She decided that all of her recipes would be coming from the Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan.

Speaks right to my Italian roots and I was super excited with her choices. This past weekend it was the risotto. I have made it before, my first try was for the Daring Cooks Challenge and I wrote all about it here. The second time was with this choice which, ironically was also a Gutsy Cook club choice.

Risotto is one of those meals that people think is super complicated, but in reality is not. The trick is to take your time, stir and in no time you will have this creamy rice creation – Italian comfort food at its best.

Shrimp in Red Curry – Thai Style

September 16, 2010 by Monica in Dinner, Main Courses, Quick Meal, Seafood, Vegetable

I love Thai food. And there is nothing that I love more in that cuisine that their Red Curry. But, then, I love anything that has coconut, or coconut cream or coconut milk - That is why my signature cake is a coconut cake – but let’s leave that one for another day in another post.

But, simply put, if it has coconut, I’m going to dig in and try it.

When I lived in Miami, I had a favorite Thai restaurant, called appropriately “The Thai House”, it was only a couple of blocks from my apartment in North Bay Village, over the bridge into North Miami Beach. This place was a bit out of the way; right on the causeway and only the local folks knew it was there. It did not stop them from having a pack house every night.