Langostino Chowder

With the recent weather in Indiana being in the below zero temperatures, it is perfect soup weather. I have been wanting to make a chowder for quite some time. After a trip to Trader Joe's and a purchase of their frozen Langostino tails, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. This was a perfect cure to help us defrost.

Salmon Casserole

I bought some canned salmon thinking it would be easy to make something with it and yet I never found anything other than salmon cakes until now. I have always enjoyed mac'n'cheese with tuna and so this recipe is basically a fancier version of that. It was quite delicious and easy to make. I enjoyed the flavors involved and it could work as a really good meal for a quick and hearty meal something other than chicken or beef.

Shepherd's Pie

One of Nick's favorite new dishes is shepherd's pie, apparently he has always liked it but it wasn't something that I grew up with nor was it something I had ever had or thought to make. Our favorite restaurant in town is called Nine Irish Brothers and they serve a delicious shepherd's pie and so I decided to make it for him and I have fallen in love with this recipe. I have learned to love the element of tomato paste and the flavor that it adds to recipes and it works really great for this one in particular.

African Curried Rice (Vegan - Gluten Free)

I decided to make this meal for a friend who is currently vegan and gluten free. This is a very flavorful vegan and gluten free dish that does not require the additional shrimp, I only made those because my hubby prefers meat, plus it makes the meal more filling. But truly this is a delicious meal that makes me think I could be vegan and gluten free, but then I remember that I love cookies and hamburgers way too much ;)

Beef Wellington

Nick and I love watching Chef Gordon Ramsay cook on TV, we always make effort to watch his cooking and competition shows when they are on the air. Over the years we have noticed his love for serving Beef Wellington and so when we had the opportunity to eat at his restaurant in Las Vegas, that is exactly what I ordered; especially once I found out it is made with Duxelles (a mushroom blend) rather than liver for the inside. It was so very delicious and so when my parents booked a trip to come visit us in Indiana for Christmas, I knew exactly what I wanted to make them for our special Christmas dinner. This was absolutely delicious and fun to make.