A QUICK TUESDAY DINNER FOR THE COOK

Every cook needs a break. So for Tuesday dinner, Barb reminded me we had some Feta cheese in the fridge. A Greek salad made with what. So off to Sobeys and bought a barbecue chicken with chunky seasoned potatoes and a baguette, dinner was simple and good. With the leftover chicken, I can even make Barb a chicken salad sandwich for her lunch. I have to keep my working woman or as I call her- my golden goose- well fed. Now what to make for a Wednesday dinner. The dilemma of being the cook!!

GNOCCHI FOR A BUSY WORK WEEEK

With good sales in potatoes, I decided to make some pans of gnocchi for Barb and me as well as the working girls, husbands and grandkids. Feeling a little under the weather, my sous cook Barb finished the rolling and imprinting before freezing them. Later the frozen gnocchi will be put in bags. So three large bags. All the gnocchi only cost about $1.00 worth of potatoes. The meaty- ragu sauce however cost about $15.00. Seems like a lot of money but for each family a substantial meal or side dish worth $5.00. The cute story from the family. I made a batch awhile ago for Natasha and family. She told her kids the gnocchi was for her husband Domi. Her little guy Damiano said- hey don't give it all to Daddy!! Some reverse psychology, tell kids the food is not for them and they want to eat it. Maybe Barb should add it to her Nana Says series on Wednesdays. I better be careful, I don't like her to tell me how to cook so I better not tell her what to write.!!

My little pile of potatoes and flour.

 

Gnocchi is always good as a side dish with meat and vegetables.

ROSMARINO-ROSEMARY- THAT WONDERFUL LITTLE MEDITERRANEAN HERB

Rosemary is a wonderful herb I learnt to use in my cooking from my mother. It can be added to many dishes. Now I grow fresh rosemary in my garden but it can be bought dried in any store food section that sells spices and herbs.
With a little internet research, I discovered some history of the herb. Apparently when the Virgin Mary spread her blue cloak over a white rosemary bush, the flowers turned to blue so from that time it became known as the "Rose of Mary". It is supposed to have some medicinal purposes. For me, I just like the taste on my food.
It brings back memories of my childhood in Italy- Cassino area. We used to grow it all along our driveway.

I use it on a variety of meat.

Lamb with potatoes roasted in the oven is a popular dish for our family. That little Ciociaria lady keeps popping up everywhere!

One of our Sunday favourites growing up, was chicken and potatoes with rosemary cooked in the oven. It is an easy dish- chicken legs and thighs or breasts with potoato wedges covered in rosemary- bake in 400 F about one hour and check when ready.
A small pork roast will benefit from additions of rosemary. Barb tells me she just loves the aroma in the house when any food is being cooked with rosemary!

Pan Fried potatoe slices- the way I like them or you can make wedges cooked in vegetable oil  with garlic and rosemary in a pan on the stove. It is another welcome addition to any meal. I make this dish with a summer barbecue. It can be greasy so I like to dab the oil off the potatoes before eating.