Sweet Potato and Bacon Gratin
November 21, 2011
Sweet potatoes are not very popular at my family Thanksgiving gathering. There are a few of us that enjoy them, but by and large they are passed around the table and politely declined. Even I, a professed yam lover, took years to warm to this tuber. It was not until I had them roasted and unsweetened for the first time that I took a liking to them. I think the added sugar is what gives sweet potatoes a bad name in some circles. If you love those super-sweet marshmallow-covered casseroles, then more power to you, but I cannot stand them. In my opinion, the key to a delicious sweet potato dish is to let the sweetness of the potato itself shine through and season it in a savory way instead.
Lentil Soup with Yams
January 13, 2011
Good food is very important to me. It’s not that I’m a picky eater, it is more that there are just soooo many foods I love to eat! I have to admit though, sometimes I find it a challenge to fit in creative, inspired dishes especially during the busy week. Did I mention I have two young kids? That I work full-time? So, I depend on a weekly meal plan.
At the end of each week, I dedicate a bit of time to write out dinner ideas for the following week. There is a general formula I follow: 1 soup meal, 1 stir-fry meal, 1 salad meal, and pizza on Fridays. The other meals are up to my whim. Once I have the meals planned out, it is easy to construct my shopping list and take care of all the food shopping for the week in one trip out. It is a relief to return home after a long day at work and know that I have a plan for dinner and all the ingredients required.
My Pantry Shelf 