Honey Garlic Carrots (Baked)

I'd been feeling too busy and stressed lately, so I determined that I needed to get back to my happiest place on earth - the kitchen. Now, getting caught up on the past week's recipes to file and share. :)

I decided to make a baked Honey Garlic Lime Salmon with baked Honey Garlic Carrots and Baked Broccoli & Parmesan. I first baked the carrots on half a cookie sheet for 15 minutes then added the broccoli for another 10 minutes. Then I used a second cookie sheet (with parchment paper underneath) for the salmon. Additional recipes posted separately.

https://diethood.com/honey-garlic-butter-roasted-carrots-recipe/

Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan

 I'd been feeling too busy and stressed lately, so I determined that I needed to get back to my happiest place on earth - the kitchen. Now, getting caught up on the past week's recipes to file and share. :)

I decided to make a baked Honey Garlic Lime Salmon with baked Honey Garlic Carrots and Baked Broccoli & Parmesan. I first baked the carrots on half a cookie sheet for 15 minutes then added the broccoli for another 10 minutes. Then I used a second cookie sheet (with parchment paper underneath) for the salmon. Additional recipes posted separately.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/roasted-broccoli-with-parmesan-recipe2-1948582

Caramelized Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Honey Pomegranate Glaze

The hubby bought me my first pomegranates last week. I'd been meaning to buy some and work with him, but never took the time. Later that day, he found this recipe which is probably one of the best side dishes I've ever eaten. I'd never roasted brussel sprouts or cooked them without bacon. I didn't have any pomegranate molasses, so I decided to make it from scratch (with 1 pomegranate). It turned out more like sauce/syrup rather than molasses, so hoping to try it again in the near future. In total it took about an hour and a half to make this dish, but for a holiday or get-together, it will wow your guests!

https://meatified.com/crispy-brussels-sprouts-with-honey-pomegranate-glaze/?fbclid=IwAR3wqX4apwJ9U6vwlqvTH_vgIRDMvddna5jmbSPV0V6EK0l7sqnNGfAjJ3Y

Memorial Day Menu

We have been so busy with moving to our beautiful 60 acre property and me with my new career (and endless amounts of studying) that I haven't been able to dedicate the time to give credit where credit is due in my day-to-day cooking. I will say, however, that I have been doing a lot of sheet-pan cooking during the move--it's so easy and minimal clean-up. Just stick it in the oven and come back an hour later.

Now that I am getting back in my groove, I was able to browse a few new recipes for this memorial day weekend which is being spent with our wonderful new neighbors.

The hubby smoked a brisket, ribs and brats with his own favorite seasonings--dee-licious!! We don't call him the "Grill King" for nothing. :)

I made fresh guacamole and salsa and then used google for Baked Beans, Potato Salad and Strawberry Pretzel dessert. [There are so many different varieties of baked beans and potato salad, it's fun to google a new one every time it's called for.]

First we start with The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond--Baked Beans:

I used canellini, navy and pinto beans for mine (rather than pork and beans). I also added garlic and black pepper, omitting the green pepper since the hubby can't eat it. Probably some of the best baked beans I've ever had. I cooked it on the stove for about an hour to thicken up and then used my rice cooker as a warmer since I didn't have a crockpot the right size.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/the-best-baked-beans-ever/

Next up from Food.com Dill Pickle and Mustard Potato Salad. 

I did half red potatoes and half russet (because that's what I had). I also used my french fry cutter to get quick cuts length ways then hand cut across the width. Cuts my time in half and makes nice (mostly) perfect cubes. I didn't add the cream and added black pepper and celery seed as well as at least a half cup of mustard. The hubby likes very mustardy potato salad so I'm always generous with the pickle juice and mustard. When I want to be extra healthy I use yogurt instead of mayo.

http://www.food.com/recipe/nans-classic-mustard-potato-salad-63017

Finally for dessert I can always count on Taste of Home to suggest delicious old fashioned recipes. I had tasted Strawberry Pretzel dessert when I was a kid, and after making it, realized it is still just as tasty. It's a great recipe particularly for a gathering with children and the elderly--ok, it's great for everyone. :)

I used Dream Whip, mostly because it stores on the shelf for a long time, saves space in my freezer and you don't have to wait for it to thaw. I didn't have six hours to let it set up, but it worked out well to keep in the freezer and turned out perfect. 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-pretzel-dessert

Sweet Potatoes Mashed

I know fall isn't until September 23rd, but I had sweet potatoes that I needed to use, so I decided to make this recipe from an insert in one of my Food Network Magazines. I've eaten mashed sweet potatoes many times, but this was my first time making it for myself (and my hubby). The Teenager, however, does not like sweet potatoes, so he's getting his own pan of mashed red potatoes. Tonight, the main dish is grilled ribs--a manager's special that was already pre-marinated with a honey chipotle sauce and grilled corn on the cob. I would say Sunday nights are our awesome dinner night, but since cooking is our hobby, every night seems to present itself with delicious treats. :)