Archive for pesto

Pesto-encrusted Chops

Posted in Food with tags , , , on August 27, 2012 by David McInerny

There’s nothing to this entree, and it’s perfect for autumn. First, cut up some red russet or yukon gold potatoes into a casserole pan with olive oil and roast, covered, in a 350 degree oven for fifty minutes. Meanwhile, make a small amount of pesto – one rounded tablespoon per chop (easy recipes abound online – fresh basil, garlic, parmesan, pine nuts (or walnuts), olive oil and a blender).

Grill your chops until they are almost done. Spoon and spread pesto on top of each chop, and cover the grill for five minutes, until the pesto just begins to bubble and brown. Ten minutes before the potatoes are done, stir in chopped fresh rosemary, salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes.

A quick vegetable side is grated fresh carrots seasoned with pepper, parsley and olive oil. It’s nice to grate ahead and refrigerate. This is a wonderful meal with lean protein, an arsenal of vitamins, and complimentary flavors and textures. Serve with a light Rhone red wine and sparkling water.

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A Night in the Kitchen

Posted in Food with tags , , , , , on August 12, 2012 by David McInerny

Cooking with friends is the apex of civilized society. Gathering to catch up on the lives of people you love, solve the world’s problems, and show off your cooking chops is a great way to spend an evening. Participants in the Middle East peace talks should meet in a kitchen and be made to cook for each other.

Or maybe cooking together is so primordial that doing at strikes a basic genetic chord. A fire in the cave to keep the saber-toothed tiger ‘out there,’ as well as to sear the flesh of the kill ‘in here.’ Bending ruthless nature successfully to our will, and making it through another dark night together.

In any case, who can argue with three kinds of crostini with a chilly manhattan, soft mozzarella in a balsamic glaze with greens and praline pecans, perfectly grilled lamb chops smothered in pesto, and blueberry cobbler? Lots of laughter, wine, and mostly true stories spun into the early hours of the next day. It was a great night in the cave. Let’s plan another!

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