Side Note for this week's menu...

Hi All, just letting you know that the last several times that I have done the corned beef and cabbage, I have had an EXTREMELY difficult time getting the briskets that I like to use. I use the point cuts and not the flat cuts. The point is vastly superior to the flat in flavor and tenderness and I am just not satisfied when using the flat cuts, it is just not good enough to put out there. Go ahead and sign up for Thursday if you like and then if I run into a problem, I will let you know. I should know by the Tuesday prior if I am able to get the briskets that I need to do this. Thanks everyone.

Menu for the week of January 30 to February 2

Monday, January 30

Baked Spaghetti

Garlic Bread

This flavorful dish is a fun twist on a favorite entree. Think traditional spaghetti assembled lasagna-style. To begin, my meat sauce is made from scratch. Starting with a classic tomato base, I add fresh onions, peppers, garlic, and parsley. After the sauce simmers for a few hours so all the flavors combine beautifully, I layer the cooked noodles, sauce, and cheese and bake it to perfection. Served with my famous garlic bread, this meal will be a huge hit with everyone in the family.

Tuesday, January 31

White Bean Chicken Chili

Bread

Made with tender white chicken breast, this chili is packed with flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. I use three different peppers, onions, garlic, and hearty white beans. After all of the flavors have infused beautifully through a slow simmering process, I add lime juice and cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch. You can lose yourself in a number of toppings for this delicious chili: shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, cilantro, and fresh lime.

Wednesday, February 1

Chicken Breast with a Light Cream Sauce

Penne Pasta

I start with white-meat chicken breasts and poach them with handfuls of fresh vegetables and herbs. The result is a tender, gorgeous piece of chicken infused with flavor. Then, I create a light, delicate cream sauce featuring thinly sliced mushrooms and a touch of garlic. Served over penne pasta and topped with fresh parsley, this luscious dish is one of my most requested.

Thursday, February 2

Irish Brisket with Horseradish Sauce

Sauteed Cabbage

For those of you who haven't tried this, I want you to forget all your pre-conceived ideas about corned beef. This is probably my signature meal, and I have mastered the process so that nothing but tender, flavorful meat emerges. By sauteing the cabbage, I am able to present a side dish that is fresh, colorful, and slightly firm. The corned beef and cabbage is definitely a delicious combination. I top the meat with my homemade horseradish cream sauce which still has a kick without overwhelming the taste buds.

Menu for the week of January 23 to January 26

Monday, January 23
Chicken Parmesan

Pasta

When cooking this Chicken Parmesan, my kitchen is transformed to a quaint little town in Southern Italy. On my cutting board, you'll find: tender chicken cutlets, tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. I lightly bread the cutlets, then saute and bake the chicken to ensure luscious, juicy meat with a crunchy exterior. Served over al dente spaghetti noodles, the cutlet is topped with fresh marinara and cheese. Everything is homemade, from the bread crumbs to the sauce. Delizioso!

Tuesday, January 24

Corn Chowder

Bread

Traditionally, chowders tend to turn out thick and weighted-down. My "secret" to achieve a fantastic, "not too heavy" texture to this delicious soup involves sweet white corn and a little half-and-half. I add red potatoes, more corn, and a touch of bacon to this sweet, succulent base to create a creamy, flavorful, and beautiful chowder.

Wednesday, January 25

Succulent Old-Fashion Roast Pork

Smashed Potatoes

For all of those "Pork Skeptics" out there, who believe that all pork turns out dry and unappetizing, you have to give this dish a try. Cooking all afternoon at a low heat creates a moist, savory pork roast. On it's own, this meat melts in your mouth! My gravy has just enough zing to it that it only enhances the natural flavor of the pork. My chunky, hearty smashed red potatoes makes the perfect companion.

Thursday, January 26

Sesame Chicken with White Rice

Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies

Sesame chicken is a Chinese takeout favorite. Everyone seems to crave these crispy pieces of chicken tossed in a sweet, rich sauce made of ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of chili paste for just enough spice to wake-up your taste buds. Topped with roasted sesame seeds and green onions, this dish rivals any Chinese restaurant. Finish off this delectable dinner with my chocolate-dipped fortune cookies.

Menu for the week of January 16 to January 19

Monday, January 16

Spaghetti Marinara and Meatballs

Garlic Bread

This traditional Italian meal is made with my homemade marinara sauce and topped with large, juicy meatballs. Using a variety of tomatoes and herbs, the sauce simmers slowly to create a light, sweet sauce that compliments the meat perfectly. This dish is served over noodles with a side of my subtle, succulent garlic bread, gently broiled to create a crunchy outside and soft interior. Add a green salad to complete the meal.

Tuesday, January 17

Homemade Wonton Soup

Crisp Wontons
Fortune Cookies

The soup itself is created from a very simple base. After making my own Asian chicken stock, using handfuls of fresh vegetables and herbs, I start building the soup. I add cabbage, carrots, green onion, and snow peas for a colorful, gorgeous, delicious soup. Finally, I add the crowning jewel: homemade pork wontons. I combine the pork with fresh garlic, ginger and a handful of flavorful seasonings. Encased in a delicate wrapping, these wontons make the soup outstanding! Served with a side of crispy wontons so you can soak up the last drop.

Wednesday, January 18

Glazed Chicken Breast with Cranberry Sauce

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This luscious chicken turns out sweet and juicy after hours of preparation. The glaze is created with orange juice and honey and a handful of other ingredients that perfectly compliments the chicken breasts. Topped with a tart cranberry sauce, the sweet-to-sour ratio is exquisite! My garlic mashed red potatoes are the ideal companion to this succulent chicken dish.

Thursday, January 19

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Coleslaw

The pork is seasoned with smokey spices and sauces and cooked at a low heat all day to create a tender, tasty meat filling that falls apart at the touch. My coleslaw is a fan favorite! The sauce is made early in the day to allow the flavors to really mesh, but I combine the cabbage and sauce at the last minute. As a result, the coleslaw emerges crisp and flavorful without being soggy. Delicious!

Menu for the week of January 9 to January 12

Monday, January 9
Shepherd's Pie

Don't think "traditional" Shepherd's Pie when you read about this menu item, my Shepherd's Pie could be served in a gourmet restaurant. I start by slow cooking the roast beef until it is so tender that it practically falls apart on its own. I add chunky, colorful, beautiful carrots, green beans, corn, and onions cooked to perfection. I top the meat and veggies with homemade mashed potatoes. A layer of cheddar and parmesan cheese finish off this incredibly flavorful dish.

Tuesday, January 10
Chicken Noodle Soup
Bread

The base for this chunky soup is a boneless, skinless chicken breast and flavorful chicken broth. Then, I pack the pot with gorgeous vegetables: onions, carrots, celery, basil, peas, and corn. I finish it off with big, thick noodles. The perfect comfort food!

Wednesday, January 11
Chicken Cacciatore
Buttered Egg Noodles

I use dark meat as the base for my Cacciatore, slow-roasted to perfection. The combination of onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and rosemary give the sauce a rich, deep flavor. The sauce is served over a bed of lightly buttered egg noodles with a pinch of parsley and a touch of Asiago cheese.

Thursday, January 12
French Dip with Au Jus
Macaroni Salad

Tender beef, melted cheese, and a drenching in flavorful au jus...what's not to love? Unlike most french dips, this sandwich is not filled with deli sliced meat. My sandwich is stuffed with lean beef that has been roasted to perfection juicy and flavorful. A chilled, elbow macaroni salad makes the perfect companion to this amazing sandwich.