The Hungry Wife

I can remember the exact moment when my love affair with Cheese and Beer Soup began.  I was 16 years old when I found a fantastic little German restaurant, it was in an old plaza with no sign on the outside, and it was fantastic.  Unsure of what to order, the waitress suggested to start with the Cheese and Beer Soup, and ever since that moment I’ve been hooked.  I’ve spent years trying to find another soup that even came close to that one, and was unsuccessful until I found this recipe.

Cheese and Beer Soup, continued…

Mashed Potatoes are my favorite side dish, they go along with nearly everything (I think so at least).  I like them hand mashed so they are still chunky, with butter and salt.  That was true unti I found Wasabi and Green Onion Mashed Potatoes.  I never thought that wasabi would be something I wanted mixed in foods other than sushi, but it really adds something extra special to the potatoes.  The amount called for in this recipe is the perfect amount, just enough to add some flavor, but not overpower the other delicate flavors.  The amount of “heat” can be adjusted to you taste, if you wish.
Wasabi and Green Onion Mashed Potatoes, continued…

With the anticipation of fall food and Thanksgiving around the corner, I have been craving traditional comfort foods like your favorite bird, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry relish.  In order to satisfy my desires I decided to cook up a mini Thanksgiving feast.  Herb and Mustard Turkey with Green Onion Gravy is the ultimate (and my favorite) recipe that meets this criteria.  To scale it down to size for a dinner for two, I used a whole chicken instead of a turkey.  This helped provide enough leftovers to make an amazing chicken salad and homemade chicken stock.
Herb and Mustard Turkey with Green Onion Gravy, continued…

I used to think that I wasn’t capable and it wasn’t worth my time to make homemade Tomato Sauce, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  There is something extremely gratifying in making your own sauce, and I’ve come up with a recipe that is pretty simple, perfect for first time Tomato Sauce makers.  Using canned crushed tomatoes and a jar of ready-to-use peeled and minced garlic, makes this recipe a snap to make.  Due to the 5 hour simmer time, I decided to call this Weekend Tomato Sauce, because you can make it on a weekend when you have some free time.
Weekend Tomato Sauce, continued…

It is finally fall, even though it doesn’t quite fell like it down here in South Carolina.  With it still reaching 100 degrees during the day down here, hot soup is generally not on the menu.  But I just can’t wait anymore, I love soup and I’m gonna make it.  Soup season is officially on and what way to ease ourselves into it but with something hovering in the delicious middle-ground between broth and stew.
Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup, continued…

Every now and then I like to go meatless for dinner.  It is a great way to pack in all those veggies and vitamins, and get a super healthy and filling meal.  One of the best things about The Greek Salad Baguette is that you can make it as a sandwich like the recipe suggests, or you can serve it as a side salad.  It is so good both ways.  I particularly like to make Greek Salad Baguette with a sourdough loaf and serve with a side of couscous.
Greek Salad Baguette, continued…

Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.  The gravy gives me this warm cozy feeling, and this simple dish is full of subtle flavors that make my mouth water.  Slow cooking the chicken not only saves you from having to make a big meal at the end of the day, but it makes the chicken pieces so tender they melt in your mouth.  Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms is perfect for a chilly day or anytime your looking for some of that special feeling that only comes from food made with the heat.
Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms, continued…

I don’t think I can ever have too many casserole recipes.  The great thing about casseroles are that they are really easy to make, and often can be assembled ahead of time.  There is a casserole recipe for everyone, whether your a vegetarian, meat lover, or on a restricted diet.  Ham and Cheese Noodle Casserole is The Hungry Wife go to recipe for a delicious, quick meal.  It is also great to serve for when guests are over, serve it with a nice side salad and crusty bread, so good.
Ham and Cheese Noodle Casserole, continued…

Recently, my husband has been asking me to make some pulled pork.  The first thing that popped into my head, was that I get to use my slow cooker again!  I love cooking with the slow cooker for so many reasons, but mainly because it’s easy and everything comes out tasting amazing.  This is a recipe for North Carolina Pulled Pork, which has a vinegar based sauce.  If you are not a fan of this type of sauce, feel free to use your own favorite.

North Carolina Pulled Pork, continued…

Cantonese Steamed Chicken is something I came up with by combining a couple different recipes.  The steaming process leaves the chicken so moist and juicy, and the flavors meld together very well.  This Cantonese Steamed Chicken dish has a delicate flavor that even the most picky eaters will love.
Cantonese Steamed Chicken, continued…

Steamed Garlic Shrimp with Chili Sauce is super healthy and packs some heat.  I love using my two tiered bamboo steamer, it makes everything so tender and just taste awesome.  Steaming is easy to learn, delivers wonderful flavor and tenderness, and works well with seafood, veggies, and more.
Steamed Garlic Shrimp, continued…

Grilled Fajitas are one of my husbands favorite things to eat.  They are easy to make and taste amazing, perfect for a family of four or two.  Don’t let the Barbecue in the title throw you off, it is not talking about the saucy, messy barbecue.  Using the barbecue spice rub on the sirloin and grilling it adds a delicious subtle flavor that totally enhances the Fajitas.
Grilled Barbecue Sirloin Fajitas, continued…

Grilled Fish Tacos are absolutely one of my favorite things to make and eat ever!  I can think of no better way to kick off my 100th post, then by share my special Grilled Fish Tacos with Tomato-Green Onion Salsa with you.  I use Halibut in these tacos, it is my favorite fish and has a delicious non-fishy flavor.  Halibut can be a little pricy, unless you are fortunate enough to live near the fishery.  Any white fish will work well with this recipe, tilapia or cod would be a good option.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Tomato-Green Onion Salsa, continued…

Perusing some vegetable soup recipes on weight loss program menus inspired The Hungry Wife to develop one of our own.  The Zero refers to the fat content and the calorie count is also fairly negligible.
The Zero Soup, continued…

Roasted vegetables served on a bed of pasta puts a new spin on classic comfort food.  Try them topped with a spinkling of Parmesan or feta cheese.

To ensure even cooking and a pleasing appearance, cut all of the vegetables into approximately 1-inch cubes or pieces.  Seed the zucchini if it has a very seedy center.  Roasted vegetables are best served soon after baking.  If you’re not serving them right away, leave them on the baking sheet; when hot roasted vegetables sit in a serving bowl for too long, they steam and lose some of their special roasted texture.
Roasted Vegetables for Pasta, continued…

This is a wonderful Grilled Corn Salad that appears in our house every summer when corn is super sweet and in season.  Grilled Corn Salad really showcases what summer corn is all about.  Sure, you could add some tomatoes, avocados, and other vegetables that are in season, but I like to keep this simple.  This dish will complement any summer outing and will last the test of time.  You can transform this Salad into many different things, a salsa on your burrito, or made more complex with some additional ingredients (I like avocado if you have one).
Grilled Corn Salad, continued…

Old Dominion Ham Biscuits:  Ask any savvy host in the South what the most popular special occasion menu item is and you’ll likely get one answer – the Ham Biscuit. Take notice and you’ll find them everywhere. They’ll show up at tailgating and football parties, on the holiday cocktail circuit, with breakfast, on the brunch buffet, for New Year’s Eve and again on New Year’s Day.
Old Dominion Ham Biscuits, continued…

The Hungry Wife is kicking off Summer Salad Week with this traditional family favorite, Classic Macaroni Salad.  All this week, I will be bringing you our favorite summer salads.  Everyone has a classic side dish that no summer get-together is complete without.  These salad recipes I am providing, will be perfect for any summer time event.  Some of them, like this Classic Macaroni Salad, are simple and remind you of childhood Bar-B-Que’s and family reunions.
Classic Macaroni Salad, continued…

Here comes the heat, and that often means adjusting the type of cooking we do.  Cool Lemon Chicken Salad fits right into summertime cooking.  When it’s hot outside, I like to eat things that are light, cool, easy to prepare, and taste wonderful.  Cool Lemon Chicken Salad is one of The Hungry Wife’s favorite summer meals.  The lemon and basil makes this Chicken Salad super refreshing, and perfect to eat rolled up in a lettuce leaf.
Cool Lemon Chicken Salad, continued…

Sicilian Eggplant Pasta:  Eggplant Parmesan, is there nothing better?  And if you love to eat that dish, then you’re going to love this Sicilian Eggplant Pasta!  The Hungry Wife version of a rustic Southern Italian specialty pairs the crunchiness of fried eggplant with smooth fresh mozzarella that melts into the hot pasta.  The eggplant’s crisp egg coating prevents it from absorbing excess oil when frying.
Sicilian Eggplant Pasta, continued…