side dish

Roasted Vegetable Asian Orzo

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Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoThis roasted vegetable Asian orzo was an INSTANT winner in our house. Travis and I were fans when this was hot off the stove top and I’m pretty sure we were even bigger fans when we had it as leftovers. I find it thrilling when something is even better in leftover form! Probably because I’m a complete dork, but that’s okay. I think in this case, the orzo just absorbs all the delicious dressing a little bit more after it sits so the flavor packs even more punch the second go-around. YUM.YUM.YUM!

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoIt not often that the little guy will eat whatever we put in front of him when he’s never had it before. Usually it takes like 2 or 3 attempts before he really enjoys something (especially when that something contains vegetables). I was *shocked* to look over and see him not only devouring the orzo the first time he had it, but also literally PICKING OUT the vegetables to eat them. I think I gave him like every pea that was in the stuff one day because that just doesn’t usually happen. It is that good.

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoVegetables, when roasted, form this unique sweetness that’s just lovely paired with the slightly sweet, salty, and spicy dressing. I’m literally finding it hard to come up with words to describe how good this roasted vegetable Asian orzo is…It’s my new favorite thing to eat. I probably say that a lot but this time I can tell it’s favorite status is going to last awhile 🙂

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoI would eat this warm or cold. I would eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or midnight snack. I would make this for a family dinner or fancy dinner party (which, I don’t really ever have…but I would TOTALLY serve this if I did). Just give it a whirl. PLEASE! And hopefully you will love it as much as I do!

Roasted Vegetable Asian Orzo

Roasted Vegetable Asian Orzo
Serves 4
Roasted vegetable and orzo tossed in an Asian-inspired dressing
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 large carrots, diced
  2. 1 medium onion, diced
  3. 1 red bell pepper, diced
  4. 3 cloves garlic, whole and unpeeled
  5. 1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon olive oil, divided
  6. 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
  7. 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo
  8. 1 cup frozen peas
  9. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  10. 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  11. 3 tablespoons honey
  12. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  13. 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  14. 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Combine diced carrots, onion, and bell pepper with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Wrap 3 whole garlic cloves (unpeeled) and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon olive oil in foil. Place on the baking sheet with the other vegetables.
  4. Bake vegetables for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. While the vegetables are baking, bring the vegetable stock to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium to large pot.
  6. Add the orzo, stir, and reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, until the orzo is cooked, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove the lid, stir in the frozen peas and heat through.
  8. Once the vegetables are finished roasting, stir in the carrots, onion, and bell pepper.
For the dressing
  1. Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Once the vegetables are done roasting, take the cloves of garlic and squeeze the garlic out of the peel. Mash it slightly with a fork before whisking it into the dressing.
  2. Add the dressing to the vegetables and orzo and heat until everything is warmed.
  3. Serve warm or cold.
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Corn Casserole from Scratch

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Corn CasseroleI’m pretty sure any blog is incomplete without the obligatory corn casserole recipe around this time of year. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy I call it a corn souffle. Because, you know, casseroles get a bad rap a lot of times (they really deserve more, if you ask me). And maybe sometimes I call it spoon bread. Just because. Who knows?! Regardless of whatever I decide to call it at the moment, I have to admit that I find myself drooling a little bit every time I see corn casserole/souffle/spoon bread. SO, SO GOOD! Most recipes use a corn muffin mix as a base, which is scrumptious. BUT this one is just as amazing and made completely from scratch! YAY!

Corn CasseroleI haven’t made this recipe more than like one other time in our marriage because I was SURE that Travis wasn’t a fan. It’s funny how notions like that get stuck in our heads because as it turns out he really does like it. He even asked why I haven’t made it more. At that point I wasn’t sure if I should cry a tear for all the missed corn casserole opportunities or jump for joy for the many corn casseroles in our future. I just played it cool in reality. Didn’t want to seem like a total food dork, even if I am one.

Corn CasseroleThe real test was on our 1-year-old son, who has decided corn is on the “do not eat” list. He literally finds every piece of food he doesn’t like (a.k.a. almost every vegetable) and promptly drops them on the floor. I like to tell myself he’s a future scientist and is testing the laws of gravity, but I think I have to accept that he just likes dropping food he thinks is disgusting on the ground. We ate this casserole 3 times during different meals. The 1st two times the corn casserole ended up on the floor. BUT, 3rd time is a charm because….SUCCESS! My child actually ate corn! Without any sort of manipulation or begging on my part. Major win.

So I’ve learned a few lessons here. First, make sure to ask your husband/significant other/whoever you cook for if they like or dislike something before assuming one way or another. Next, persistence is key with a 1-year-old. Finally, I’ve learned that my love of corn casseroles is for reals and I will be making many more variations in my near future. 

Corn CasseroleSide note…We ate a random helping of sides with this including orange pomegranate coleslaw and my recently posted Thanksgiving dinner rolls. Sometimes side dishes are where it’s at! I just realized my “side note” talked about sides. HA! I crack myself up sometimes.

Corn Casserole from Scratch
Serves 8
Traditional corn casserole from scratch
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Ingredients
  1. 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  3. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 15.25 ounce can sweet corn, drained
  6. 14.75 ounce can cream style golden corn
  7. 1 cup sour cream (plus extra for garnish)
  8. 2 eggs
  9. 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
  10. 3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt).
  3. Mix together wet ingredients in a medium bowl (corn, cream style corn, sour cream, eggs, butter, and sugar).
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  5. Pour mixture into an 8x8" greased baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top just starts to lightly brown.
  6. Serve warm with sour cream on top.
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce

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Unsweetened ApplesauceThis could not be any easier, folks. There are some super tempting, most definitely delicious applesauce recipes out there that have all sorts of ingredients in them, including loads of sugar. Nothing against those applesauce recipes, but a couple of things to remember about unsweetened applesauce:

  1. It’s Fall, so the apples are fresh and naturally sweet and AMAZING! Let the apple flavor be the star ingredient, not added sugar!
  2. When you cook the apples low and slow, they literally melt apart and form into the most magical applesauce ever.
  3. I have a 1-year-old and sometimes the simple, no sugar added option is the best for little bodies (and for big bodies too, really).
  4. I can’t even concentrate anymore because my house smells like I live in a ginormous apple pie…I’m seriously having a brain fart here.

Unsweetened ApplesauceI used McIntosh apples because they’re so naturally sweet. If you use another variety of apples (such as Jonathan or Braeburn), or if the apples aren’t at all sweet for some reason, there’s a chance you MIGHT need a touch of sugar. However, I beg you to try it without the sugar first! You might just be surprised. I mean, I have a SUPER sweet tooth and 9 out of 10 times I don’t need to add sugar. If it needs a little something, try cinnamon first. Sometimes that gives it just the boost it needs to be perfect! Then, if it really does need the sugar, so be it. You can call me liar forever. I accept this possibility as long as you give it a try.

Fun fact about McIntosh apples that I learned from my sister — I guess McIntosh apples make an applesauce with a slightly pinkish tint to it. It makes sense since they turn a little pink once you peel and dice them. So interesting, though! Yeah, I know. I’m a nerd for being fascinated by simple food facts like that.Unsweetened ApplesauceP.S. I heated some of the applesauce up until it was warm and just starting to bubble. I sprinkled some granola on it and ended up with a healthy little dessert. It was so, so satisfying!

P.P.S. Extra credit if you noticed that the apples in the final pictures are Gala, not McIntosh apples, like I used for the applesauce. I got so carried away, I used all the McIntosh apples I had for the applesauce and left none for the pictures. Oops!

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
The simplest unsweetened applesauce possible!
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 pounds McIntosh apples
  2. splash of water (enough to barely cover the bottom of the pot)
  3. cinnamon, optional, to taste
Instructions
  1. Peel and dice apples into 1/2" pieces.
  2. Put a splash of water in the bottom of a large pot (enough to barely cover the bottom) along with the apples. Cook on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes. The applesauce should be slightly chunky but tender.
  3. Add cinnamon, if desired, to taste.
  4. Serve warm or chilled. Store in refrigerator.
  5. Makes about 3 cups of applesauce
Notes
  1. You can use other kinds of apples to make applesauce, such as Braeburn, Cortland, Jonathan, etc. However, I love how naturally sweet the McIntosh apples are. If you use a variety that is more tart, you may have to add a pinch of sugar.
  2. If you want completely smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or blender to blend until smooth. Make sure the applesauce is cooled before transferring to a normal blender.
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Rosemary Focaccia

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focacciaI’ve had a handful of meals that I would consider particularly memorable in my life. The meal after Travis and I got married in Savannah, Georgia immediately comes to mind as well as the meal Travis and I ate in a revolving dining room overlooking Niagara Falls. Then there’s the meal I shared with my family at Pinocchio’s restaurant at Disney World overlooking the It’s a Small World ride. Hey, just because I was probably 8 and eating chicken fingers doesn’t mean it wasn’t life changing.

I’d have to say that definitely in the top 5 most memorable meals in my life so far was the meal Travis and I shared in Rome in a little plaza overlooking the Pantheon. There are things that just don’t fade in your mind such as the red gingham tablecloth, the fact that it was probably 45 degrees but the heat lamp next to us kept us warm, the view (of course), and the FOOD. Focaccia was served along with my entree of Fettuccine Alfredo in a Parmesan cheese bowl. Yes, best day ever. 

focaccia

prepared biga (I could have used a larger bowl)

Let’s think about this a little longer to let it sink in. There was a basket of focaccia served to us, perfectly crisp from being smothered in olive oil before baking. There was Fettuccine Alfredo, possibly one of my most favorite dishes. There was a BOWL made out of Parmesan cheese. A BOWL, people. It was wonderful and I loved it. I ate it all. You don’t let focaccia and Parmesan bowls go to waste when you’re in Italy. You just don’t.

focacciaI won’t pretend that this focaccia can come close to the memory that I have of that meal. I have to face the fact that I do not live in a plaza next to the Pantheon so it’s a bit hard to recreate the mood. BUT, I will say that the time that goes into this bread is worth every last mouth-watering bite. You will not be disappointed. The ingredients are so simple but scrumptious when combined the right way. The bread isn’t greasy from the olive oil. It’s rich and crisp and wonderful. I have nothing more to say than go now. Go now, and make this bread. Now. Please.

focaccia

Rosemary Focaccia
Yields 2
Rosemary, olive oil yeast bread
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Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
10 hr 50 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
10 hr 50 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups lukewarm water, divided
  2. 2 teaspoons dry yeast, divided
  3. 4 1/2 or 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  4. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
  6. 2 teaspoons rosemary
  7. 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
  1. Prepare the biga the night before baking the focaccia - combine 3/4 cups of lukewarm water and 1/4 teaspoon yeast in a medium bowl. Stir to dissolve. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in warm spot for at least 8 hours.The biga should be light and airy when it's ready.
  2. Combine the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons of yeast and 1/4 cup water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the biga, 1 cup of water, 3 cups of flour and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix for about 2 minutes on low, add 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt, and mix for another 3 minutes on low. If the dough is sticky, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour in small increments until it is no longer sticky.
  3. Place the dough in a large bowl coated with olive oil and cover with a damp kitchen towel.
  4. Let it rise is a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Knock down the dough and fold it over a few times before covering again and letting it rise another 45 minutes.
  5. Coat two 9" metal* cake pans with olive oil (about 1/2 tablespoon each). Split the dough in 2 and place half in each of the cake pans. Spread the dough out until it reaches the edges. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise for about 45 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your fingers to poke indentations in the dough. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each focaccia (this will pool in some of the indentations). Sprinkle the rosemary and sea salt (I used pink sea salt but regular sea salt is good too) over the focaccia and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
  7. Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
  1. Make sure to start the biga for this recipe the night (or at least 8 hours) before trying to make the bread. It's a long process, but worth it!
  2. Pretty much everything in this recipe is divided! Please note the amounts needed for the biga and for the bread-making process in the directions.
  3. *I tried this recipe in a glass baking dish and it did not come out as crispy as when I used the metal pans. However, you could use an 8x8" or 9x9" metal baking dish if you do not have round cake pans.
Adapted from "Baking Boot Camp" by The Culinary Institute of America and Goldstein via A Chookie Cookie
Adapted from "Baking Boot Camp" by The Culinary Institute of America and Goldstein via A Chookie Cookie
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Roasted Kohlrabi and Potatoes

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Kohlrabi and PotatoesHaving a newborn has completely changed my view of food. My food thoughts these days consist of things such as: “How can a little baby pack away that much food? He must be a magician,” and “I’m SOO hungry…I will eat anything. Seriously. Anything.” (Breastfeeding moms, are you with me there? I can eat all day and still be hungry). Oh, and my favorite recently pondered question is whether or not I have somehow turned from human to milk-making machine. Because sometimes I feel like that’s my new job. Actually, that is my new job along with professional cuddler, diaper changer and swaddler. I’m learning on the job. I think my client is happy but he doesn’t talk yet.

Kohlrabi and PotatoesAlong with these very deep and profound thoughts (hey, they’re profound if you’ve been sleep deprived), there’s just no more TIME! I was always the person that used cooking and baking as my calming factor after a busy day. Kind of like yoga for someone who can’t balance on one foot. No joke, I made a hot dog the other day on an indoor electric grill and was proud of myself for the amazing feat I accomplished…I don’t even like hot dogs! Well, except for at a good summer cookout. But that was one good hot dog because I made it myself! One step at a time…I’ll get back to making full meals I’m sure!

So I guess where I’m going with all this rambling is that despite the fact that the next several recipes I’ll post, including this kohlrabi and potato recipe, are fairly simple and 100% delicious, I was smart enough to stock up on recipes and photos prior to baby’s arrival. I don’t feel like you all would be impressed with a recipe on how to make a hot dog. Just a hunch.

Kohlrabi and PotatoesBack to the reason you’re here…I’m pretty sure everyone has heard of potatoes so let’s jump right to the kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a mystery ingredient for many. I must admit I had no clue what it was or how to use it prior to acquiring this fine specimen from VanScoy Farms awhile back (again, I made this before the little guy arrived). After some research, I found a simple recipe and was on my way. I personally think kohlrabi kind of tastes like brussels sprouts a little. You can disagree though. I won’t take it personally.

Kohlrabi and PotatoesTo prep the kohlrabi, remove any stem or leaves. Slice it into quarters and cut the core out. Peel the kohlrabi through the outer fibrous layers (if you have a bigger kohlrabi like I did, make sure to get through all the outer layers to the completely white part or you’ll end up with tough sections. I learned from experience). After that, you’re ready to dice and use!

Kohlrabi and Potatoes

Roasted Kohlrabi and Potatoes
Serves 4
Simple and tasty roasted vegetables
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 kohlrabi, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  2. 1 pound petite potatoes, halved if large
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. zest from 1/2 lemon
  6. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1.5 teaspoons fresh)
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1.5 teaspoons fresh)
  8. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place diced kohlrabi and potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Sprinkle olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, herbs, salt and pepper over the top and toss. Spread out vegetables into a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes, toss, then bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork tender.
Notes
  1. You can use larger potatoes, such as red potatoes. Just cube them into pieces the same size as the kohlrabi.
Adapted from Sweet Phi
Adapted from Sweet Phi
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/
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