Recipes | Dinner With Joy

May 31

Soups On

My Memorial Day was less crowded than planned because three of the younger guests were suffering from strep throat. Their mother was relieved they all came down with it within 12 hrs. It meant fewer trips to the doctor and a quicker return to normal schedules, but she was concerned about what to feed them that is nourishing, filling and easy to swallow. When I suggested soup, since one size fits all, she reminded me that it’s 90 degrees outside. I suddenly realized that, aside from Vichyssoise, Madrilene, Gazpachio and a brief interest in Tortilla Soup a few years ago, soup isn’t considered a summer food in the United States. In fact, soup, generally, doesn’t figure prominently in our menu choices as an entrée at any season, except as a hearty dinner on a cold winter night. But why, if it’s filling and nourishing served hot in winter, shouldn’t it be just as nutritious and satisfying chilled in summer? Read more

Apr 12

Let’s Get Seasonal

Probably the greatest amount of food knowledge we absorb growing up is when regionally or locally grown products become available, and when to anticipate produce from other places. I really believe that recognition of these seasonal changes is part of our survival instincts. We seem born with the understanding that there is a time of re-growth, a time to enjoy the bounty and a time to store provisions for a difficult season to come. Now, thanks to modern technology, preservation and transportation methods, the time lines have blurred. Foods from all over the world are readily available. Moreover, many produce items have been introduced in climates similar to their indigenous ones, making them obtainable throughout the year. Read more

Apr 5

Easter Favorites Recipes for Hams – Glaze – Sauce – Hash and Soup

It seems just last week I was talking about putting aside a ham for Easter, and here we are! Time to start getting it ready to star at the holiday dinner, and to consider the supporting cast. Don’t forget, for those on restrictive diets, Smoked Turkey can be substituted for the ham in any of these recipes. Read more

Mar 28

Tips to Stay Within Your Grocery Budget – Diet for the Food Dollar

As I mentioned last post, many people who freely state they can’t cook, are confusing ineptitude with lack of experience, interest and/or desire. On the other hand, most people, who are confident they can handle the marketing, are confusing grocery shopping with buying food. Shopping for a family’s weekly groceries is Provisioning on a domestic scale. Read more

Mar 15

Everything You Need to Know about Home Made Corned Beef Hash

Years ago, the mention of this holiday brought thoughts of Corned Beef and Cabbage. Men seemed to love it. A friend of my father’s, a sportswriter, arranged his summer schedule around a race track where the clubhouse caterer served it on Tuesdays. Read more

Feb 16

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Special Dinner Recipes for 2 – Affordable, Last Minute and Easy

I realize Valentine’s Day just passed, but I wanted to use the Super Bowl illustration while it was fresh. Hopefully, since the 14th was midweek, some of you waited until this weekend to celebrate and this post is in time to help you. If not, there’s always a birthday, anniversary or special occasion on the horizon. Read more

Dec 29

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Recipes Suggestions for Holiday Party’s on a Budget

It’s the height of the holiday season, the biggest party time of the year, and I’ll make book that if you entertain, and remember your costs last year, you’re going to have sticker shock this time. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports a 3% to 4% price rise in 2011—and predicts the same for 2012—but I don’t think they looked in the Dairy Counter. Many of the basic items there have gone up 25% to 50%. It’s only natural to look for ways to shave costs, while still making your guests feel welcome.

Food Suggestions And Preparation Tips For Christmas time left-overs

The holidays are here, and I suppose, like me, to be sure there’s enough, you’ve over bought for at least one meal, which means that in a few days you’re gong to be contemplating left-overs, but that’s O.K. If you’ve read my plan, you know my approach to over stocking, and leftovers are simply surplus in a prepared form. In fact, I like to stretch their use out. It offers chances to be creative and save money on food bills for the next week or so. To this end, and to keep my family from boredom, I only give a major meal one encore, and never with the full cast. For us, it’s turkey, stuffing and one green vegetable. We relax, enjoy the main entree, don’t feel stuffed ourselves, and appreciate the other dishes in future dinners.

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