I figured it out!

I went with the stir fry. If you can get over all the chopping (which wine helps with) its such an easy dish.
I opted for a veggie version. I'll happily leave meat out of dishes whenever possible. Not because I don't like meat, but just because it automatically simplifies the cooking.
The only thing that can be good or bad about dishes like stir frys is that the end result is always different. This one happened to be really yummy. I used a little chili garlic sauce, lots of garlic and ginger and a little teryaki sauce. It was perfectly spicy and not too saucy.
Clutterbuck, who had previously decided he would have only salad for dinner (weirdo), even opted to have a full serving.

What should I make for dinner?

I haven't been very creative lately and have been relying heavily on old familiar recipes. I want to make something new tonight, but there are conditions:

• Must be simple on the lighter side of prep time
• Preferably heavy on the veggies
• Nothing too heavy but still filling

I was hoping posting this will help me think....nope I'm still drawing a blank.

At the moment I'm thinking a veggie stirfry...maybe I'l search for a new recipe for a stirfry sauce...maybe I'll have lunch first.

Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Very Yummy and incredibly simple. I sauteed some mushrooms and cooked asparagus in some garlic oil and chilies. Tossed in some cooked pasta, a bit of the asparagus water, lots of parmesan cheese and an egg yolk. Voila a creamy but not CREAMy sauce.
Can't wait to try this again with whatever other veggies I have on hand.

Oven Fried Paprika Chicken with Mushrooms and Roasted Cauliflower

I don't think the picture is very flattering but the whole meal was quite tasty. Roasted Cauliflower is better than french fries or anything similar. For such a tasteless vegetable it really comes to life when roasted. Its like this nutty crispy goodness and tossed with a little Parmesan cheese there is no stopping it.

The Chicken cutlets were breaded in some crunched up saltine crackers with a bunch of paprika and a bit of salt and pepper. They were quite good and since they were so thin only took a few minutes in the oven to cook. I topped them with some sauteed mushrooms with a little white wine and chicken stock to make a little sauce.

Good times and this will definitely be enjoyed again in the Smart-Clutterbuck household.

Chana Masala and Roses

I made Indian last night. Chana Masala with onions and peppers, some steamed veg. and of course Naan (why else would anyone eat Indian?)

It was great and very easy.

However, the best part was being surprised with some beautiful flowers from Clutterbuck. He's a keeper!

Healthy Risotto and Honey Garlic Salad

I made a healthy risotto the other day. I don't really know how extra healthy it was but I didn't use any butter and only 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Plus I loaded it up with mushrooms and peas. It was so good. Risotto is just so good and I really enjoy making it. Once you do it a few times you realize how really simple it is.

The salad was a basic garden salad with whatever veggies I had on hand (red onion, yellow pepper, toasted almonds, sauteed mushrooms and mixed baby greens). The dressing was what made it great. Its recipe is as follows:

• 1 part oil
• 1 part vinegar (i used apple cider)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• salt and pepper to taste

I emulsified it in my food precessor and stuck it in the fridge to hang out for as long as possible. It was so good! Try it! You won't be disappointed.

High Class!

I made my own version of General Tsao's Chicken last night (yet another dish that seems to have multiple spellings).

• Chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• White wine vinegar
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Hot pepper flakes
• Served over brown rice

It was really good. A perfectly proportioned meal...I love when that happens.

Anyway, it didn't look all that great so I didn't snap any photos, but I did take this one of the view I had while cooking. I think its much more entertaining.

Sanchez doing the "bunny rabbit". A pose he normally saves for the middle of the bathroom floor in the mornings. Apparantly last night he was felt it was appropriate for the counter during dinner preparation.