So You Think You Can Stuff?

Sunday night dinners are a regular thing around here. We go halfsies on purchasing ingredients, I generally do the cooking and, most of the time, someone else does the dishes. It's only fair. 


Some nights it's just the twos of us, the roomie and I. Well I should say the threes of us, puppy's there too but he usually doesn't get invited to the table. On these occasions we make a big one pot meal that'll last us through a couple of lunches for the week. Last week, we had beef stew. 


This past Sunday we added three more the the mix - the dancer, the Frenchie and the comedian. A fine group indeed. 


Aside from the fabulous company this Sunday night dinner was particularly fancy for three reasons.. 


First off, the Oscars served as the entertainment for the evening. The Cirque du Soliel show took the cake for me.


Secondly, our favorite guest sous chef rocked it out, as per usual and inspired the elevation of an old fav recipe into a must-have new truck menu item for Spring 2012 - GEM's Chicken Dumplings: Free-range ground chicken with ginger, cilantro and waterchestnuts - I promise, it's one of those oh-wow-gimme-more kind's of things. 


Finally, the spirit of doings things together really took of when the dancer joined the Frenchie in a fabulous stuffing assembly line of love. For an amateur cook, as the dancer calls herself, this girl got her stuff on and made some of the cutest little dumplings and she did it, fast. 

The comedian served as the photographer, the roommate made sure the habi (our pet name for habanero chilis) made it into the meal and the dog, wagged his tail. 


PS.. sorry kids, by the time we remember to photograph a finished product.... there was no more product left to be photographed. We'll getcha next time. 

Wrap it up, baby.

Lately we've been totally into anything wrapped - tacos and lettuce wraps being number one on the list. These meals can be as elaborate as you want, with multiple proteins, various toppings, with sauces and sides to boot -or- they can be a quick fix meal for one.

They are also perfect for date night. With your boo or for a one on one girls night, this meal is ideal for dinner pour deux. Duties can be divided up, based on skill and who was last to do the unwanted tasks (dishes).

There are a few rules associated with at an at home date night. Might we elaborate... Firstly, while the setting is far more relaxed, and rightfully so, don't go thinking you can slack on effort. Do your hair, don't do your hair. Put some makeup on, or don't. Stay in your sweats or dress it up. Whatever your ensemble, just be ready to get your hands dirty and collaborate. That's what it's all about.

Second, mix it up, why dontcha? Play around with fillings, a duo of proteins is undoubtedly fitting for date night. Oh, and get creative with your beverage mixology. After all, what's a date without a couple cocktails?

Finally, tuck away your day's frustration. Relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. Don't stress about the meal, it'll be the highlight of your evening. And hey, if it doesn't turn out exactly the way your tastebuds imagined it, remember there's always plenty of hot sauce to kick things up a bit.

This blog was inspired by two seperate, yet equally successful date nights.

The first features seared sesame ahi tuna tacos & sesame crusted tofu. They were served with blue corn tortillas, SS peppery Napa slaw, sweet fish roe (we seriously can't get enough) red onions, fresh cilantro, SS soy dipping sauce, and a side of sauteed spinach and baby carrots. This meal was paired with Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, from Whole Foods Market (so we like red with our fish) and ice cold Sapora cans for the boy.

The second date was sparked by a long overdue and much needed girls night featuring grilled hanger steak and tofu (inspired by our SS V3 dumpling) lettuce wraps, served with hydroponic bib lettuce. The wraps were served with smoky garlic bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, fresh cilantro & green onions with our green sour cream. This meal was paired with Four in Hand IPA from Whole Foods Market, which dually lived up to its promise of complimenting a spicy faire.


What are you wrapping up?

Cactus Cups

Already thinking about a tropical getaway? So are we. 

Unfortunately, after holiday work stands in the way. With no surprise, we find our escape in the tropical delights found in the produce section. While still taking full advantage of VA's winter produce, we find ourselves drawn to the imported fruits and veggies. 

This week's pick - prickly cactus pears. When still on the stalk, these babies bunch up in a similar formation as brussel sprouts and come equipped with some extra sharp horns. By the time they get to the consumer, the prickles have been removed and all that's left is a smooth, oblong delight, best if found when a bright red color. 

Reminiscent of the sweet, tanginess of nectarines (the textures are also almost spot on), with the vibrant coloring and painful seeding process of a pomegranate, cactus pears are good for you. These exotic treats come equipped with a low glycemic index, ideal for lowering blood pressure levels. Also, they're perfect for the no-food-waste mentality, both the tender exterior and fleshy interior can be consumed. Just trim off the ends. 

Our inspiration from this Mexico-grown cactus cousin resulted in a tangy and sweet Balsamic Cactus Pear & Apple Jam, a top Grilled Rib-Eye and Quinoa Lettuce Cups. Yum!