Sunday Supper: Spicy Tomato Soup

Every home cook has their arsenal, mine is making something out of nothing - I am, literally, the Queen of this. Open the fridge, look in and figure it out. I finally got that nasty cold that was going around the restaurant, and on Sunday I woke up with the sniffles and a sore throat. 

Sunday Supper: Pot Roast

Sunday Suppers... a childhood memory... an adult obsession. As the leaves turn colors, and the days get crisp, it's time for a pot roast. Growing up in my family, and perhaps yours, we had a roast on the regular in these cooler months - pork - beef - lamb; whatever Mom could get her hands on. As a child, you couldn't get me out of the kitchen... somethings never change... as the aromas fill my home, I am instantly transported back in time.

The Oregon Coast & Sunday Supper: Roast Chicken...then Stock

Saturday was epic: we headed to Cannon Beach with a few of our friends to take advantage of the amazing weather - 61 and clear - almost unheard of at the coast.  Here in the Pacific Northwest during the month of October, you're hard-pressed to find a ray of sunshine or an empty beach. It was absolutely breathtaking. We stayed on the hidden bluffs overlooking a private beach with trail access to the sandy shore where I skipped in the sand like I was 10 years old. I experienced so many zen moments followed by utter joy that I practically cried at the beauty of it all. Yes, there is a small hippie living in a corner of my soul. After a glorious sunset and a delicious family dinner, we shared whiskey-laced stories under a star-studded sky 'round a blazing fire - a perfect evening and one to remember always. 

Sunday Suppers

I can’t think of anything better than this: being surrounded by friends, drinking wine, and preparing a meal together. Those who can cook prepare their specialties to share; those who cannot are responsible for topping the wine off; it’s a beautifully balanced ballet. I am always the cook, and besides the creative/controlling aspect, my favorite thing about being the cook is that my glass is always full; and then after, when my belly is singing with delightful hurt, I can simply sit back and relax as everyone else cleans up. I am totally winning.

I have decided to bring back Sunday Suppers at my house, and to get warmed up this week I went with a spicy seared salmon, fried jasmine rice and a cool cucumber and broccoli salad. This was one those meals that transpired out of nowhere and ended up being one to make again and again. One: it is super flavorful; two: it is easy; and three: it is healthy. Again, I am winning.