Everyday Food Blog

Country-Fried Steak with Green Beans and Rice

Kellee Miller — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:09:05 +0000

It's Friday—a great day to indulge in a Southern specialty like country-fried steak. And it will be on the table in half an hour. The affordable minute steaks get a double dip in flour with egg in between, which creates a crunchy, light crust. The steaks rest in the oven while you prepare the gravy and green beans. Rice is a great accompaniment but mashed potatoes would also be delicious, too (start them ahead of time). I love how the the sautéed green beans balance the rich flavors of the steak and gravy.

What do you indulge in on Friday nights?

Trout with Olives and Brown Butter

Natalie Neusch — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:03:31 +0000

The season for hearty comfort food is totally on, but if you're feeling like you need a bit of a break from the stews and the steaks, try this delicate Mediterranean-inspired fish dish. Flaky trout is topped with a nutty, aromatic butter sauce, and chopped olives and nonpareil capers (the really small ones) add a salty tang that's reminiscent of a warm ocean breeze. If you can't find the small variety of capers, buy the large ones and roughly chop them. This dish of pleasing sunny flavors will be a vacation in and of itself.

What's your favorite fish to cook at home?

30-Minute Chili

Kellee Miller — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:50 +0000

My grade school always hosted a chili supper as its fall fund-raiser, and so come colder weather, chili is the dish I start longing for. This version is great because it's ready in 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal. There are lots of chili recipes out there, each with a secret ingredient that makes it shine: Here, chipotle chiles in adobo (found in the Mexican section of the supermarket) provide some smoky spice. Cheddar cheese is a great garnish, but I also put sour cream, chopped scallions, and corn chips on the table, so everyone can add their favorite topper.

What is your favorite chili's secret ingredient?

Beef-and-Potato Burritos

Adina Steiman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Quick-cooking, affordable ground beef is such a smart dinnertime solution. Here, it's cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and spices to make hearty homemade burritos. I especially like this recipe since I think potatoes are much tastier in burritos than rice is! If you're feeding a crowd, they're sure to please -- and you can set out bowls with cilantro, sour cream, and cheese for folks to top their burritos as they please.

What do you love to have in your burritos?

Sesame Shrimp and Noodles

Kellee Miller — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:17:00 +0000

This a quick, flavorful weeknight shrimp dinner. While the pasta is boiling, you can prep and cook the rest of the ingredients. Orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a sweet and salty sauce for the dish. The pepper and scallions are cooked just until the shrimp is done, so they stay crisp and fresh tasting. And if you prefer rice to pasta, feel free to make the switch.

What 20-minute meal do you turn to on weeknights?

Chicken Cacciatore with Crisp Polenta

Adina Steiman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:54:14 +0000

Chilly weather and Italian food go together perfectly. Maybe it's because dishes like chicken cacciatore are so simple, so comforting, so satisfying. This recipe is even more reassuring than usual, since it's so simple. Once you've made it a couple of times, it's easy to recreate by heart: just sear chicken thighs, put together a quick sauce of tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and olives, then return the chicken to the pot and let it all simmer together until it's done. Crisp rounds of polenta (made by broiling slices of the premade polenta you'll find in the produce section of the supermarket) make the perfect partner.

What's your easy take on a comforting Italian classic?

Sole with Lemon-Butter Sauce

Adina Steiman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:05:56 +0000

After a few days of indulgent meals, I start craving something lighter. And for a healthy supper, nothing beats simply cooked fish. Paired with a lemon-butter sauce spiked with white wine, it's ready in 20 minutes. Even better, this recipe is as easy as can be -- no need to stress over the fish sticking to the pan or overcooking. Served with steamed greens and new potatoes, it's light done right.

How do you like to cook fish at home?

Seared-Chicken Salad with Green Beans, Almonds, and Dried Cherries

Kellee Miller — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:02:08 +0000

This salad takes just 30 minutes to put together and the flavors really pop. Spicy arugula and bitter radicchio get balanced by sweet dried cherries and the Dijon–apricot jam dressing. Almonds add crunch, and seared chicken adds a warm note to the combination.

What is your favorite salad combo?

Roasted Pork Loin with Carrots and Mustard Gravy

Natalie Neusch — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:31:40 +0000

Nothing spells fall comfort like a pork-loin dinner. So as temperatures begin to drop, make things warm and cozy at home with our version of pork and roasted vegetables. Roast the meat and seasonal veggies on the same baking sheet--the oven's high heat will intensify the sweetness of the carrots and make them the perfect complement to the juicy, delicious pork. Whip together a quick pan sauce and give it a bit of kick with a couple spoonfuls of grainy mustard. It's the perfect dish to usher in family fall nights at home.

Three-Cheese Skillet Lasagna

Alison Sickelka — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:19:11 +0000

Let your skillet do double duty for dinner tonight with this twist on a classic comfort food. Use the skillet to make the sauce first, then layer noodles and sauce right in the same pan and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. You'll have a bubbling, delicious dinner sure to satisfy.

What's your favorite comfort food?

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Get the Recipe: Three-Cheese Skillet Lasagna