dinner – Page 2 – Raising Jordans

Paleo Chicken, Lime and Avocado Soup

April 10, 2015

Simple, one pot dinners are my jam. When we get home from the gym every night we are ravenous, and after we feast neither Jameson nor I have much ambition to tackle a lengthy clean up. So I am always looking to create flavorful meals that adhere to our dietary preferences, and can be accomplished quickly and painlessly. This soup meets all our lofty, stringent criteria. Also, if you are like me and don’t eat meat you can skip the chicken all together- it will still be spectacular. Or if you reside in a household (like ours) with a mix of herbivores and carnivores, simply cook the chicken in a pan on the side and stir into the soup when you add in your avocado. This is the perfectly effortless meal that is flexible enough to meet everyone’s needs. Continue reading “Paleo Chicken, Lime and Avocado Soup”

Vegetarian Quinoa Enchilada Bake

March 27, 2015

We were fortunate enough to have Jameson’s amazing brother and sister-in-law come spend a week with us awhile back. We had such a blast exploring our city, relaxing and just plain talking with them. By getting hitched and combining our families have Jay and I have amassed an incredible, dynamic, ragtag group of exceptional family members. We may have one of the largest immediate families in the history of mankind but we wouldn’t change it for the world. We so enjoy and cherish every second we have with any member of our brood. So having Eton and Angela here with us to experience how we do our Brooklyn lifestyle was such a joy.

We ate out a little, but we ate in a lot because I seriously love having new taste buds to impress. This Vegetarian Quinoa Enchilada Bake Quinoa (with meat options to appease my carnivorous brother-in-law) was a hit and had Ange asking for the recipe as a souvenir. I figured I shouldn’t keep the dish just to the family, but spread the love around. Lately with our hectic schedules, we Jordan’s are all about this dish because it requires little prep, virtually no mess and leaves us leftovers for days. It is the perfect, filling meal for the evenings when you need something quick but don’t have the time or energy to pull off a multi-course meal. Enjoy. Continue reading “Vegetarian Quinoa Enchilada Bake”

Paleo Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry with Kale, Broccolette & Homemade Peanut Sauce

March 21, 2015

I know I have mentioned the busyness of our everyday life recently, followed by sincere promises that we were still managing to cook all our meals from scratch and that it is merely lack of time that has kept me from sharing them with you. However, we have been trying to intentionally slow our pace and carve out time for the things and people that matter. For me that has meant allocating ample time for concocting new recipes, as well as to photograph and pen them. It has also meant connecting with the friends we love most. Sometimes we combine the two. So last Friday our nearest and dearest, Jens, wasn’t feeling well, and I have also just been getting over a cold so we decided to pit in, cook dinner and watch the latest hunger games. I know, we get real wild and real crazy on Friday nights 🙂 It was a perfectly quiet time of good food with even greater friends. Continue reading “Paleo Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry with Kale, Broccolette & Homemade Peanut Sauce”

Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey

November 18, 2014

Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, but luckily we Canadians live in America so we still have American Thanksgiving to look forward to. This recipe for Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey is my go-to for any meal intended to feed the masses. We hosted Canadian Thanksgiving a few weeks back where this dish was the main attraction. Next week, we will be cooking another bird for friends who remain in the city for American Thanksgiving, where again this recipe will take center stage. This non-traditional approach to prepping a turkey leaves you with a moist, succulent and flavorful meat that is always a hit. So be prepared to hide any remnants you want to keep for leftovers during your feast otherwise you may be disappointed to find nothing left once your guests depart. This thanksgiving we hope you enjoy your turkey, but most important savor those you share it with. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey”

Canadian Thanksgiving: (Vegan/ Gluten-Free) Curried Coconut Yam Casserole

November 3, 2014

Another treat from our Canadian Thanksgiving feast. Again, this vegetable accompaniment is a staple for large gatherings in our home. Actually, this dish extends well beyond our dinner table as it is my go-to dish when asked to bring something to my Aunt’s family meals. You may recall that my aunt is one hardcore host, and that the meals she crafts are bar none. In my family, once married along with your nuptials comes the responsibility of bringing an item to the table to share. One best bring their A-game if they want to fit in with the rest of the exceptionally talented family members whose food never ceases to amaze. On my first married Christmas Eve, I was asked to bring yam casserole. It seemed easy enough. Although, I am not a very conventional girl so I didn’t want my dish to merely be the standard marshmallow topped, overly sweet, candy-esque variation of this dish. So I began playing around with flavors and spices. Truth be told my first version of this side dish had orange juice and it was thoroughly underwhelming. It wasn’t awful but it wasn’t great either. However, by the time Easter rolled around I had refined my recipe and this truly awesome vegan, gluten and sugar-free casserole was born. So enjoy the fruits of my labour and have a happy celebration with those you love most. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: (Vegan/ Gluten-Free) Curried Coconut Yam Casserole”

Canadian Thanksgiving: Vegan and Gluten Free Stuffing

October 21, 2014

Another dish from our Canadian Thanksgiving feast. This stuffing is a staple in all our holiday dinners. Whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter if there is a turkey being cooked this stuffing is by its side as an accompaniment. I normally render this side with traditional, old fashioned fully glutenized bread. However, this year we had guests with different dietary needs. When I am hosting I want everyone to come and be able to eat to their breaking point. So I decided to play around with a gluten free version, resulting in a stuffing that Jay and I actually both liked a whole lot more! This stuffing is flexible in that you can use it to stuff a bird or you can cook it independently in a dutch oven or casserole dish. We normally do the latter because it allows you to prepare the dish the day before thus freeing up valuable kitchen real estate on the day of the dinner. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Vegan and Gluten Free Stuffing”

Canadian Thanksgiving: Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Pear

October 14, 2014

We all know how much I love to host, and that I jump at any opportunity to fill my home with those I cherish most. So needless to say I wrangled 15 of my nearest and dearest to come celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with us. Since moving to NYC I have only gotten more patriotic so naturally I love showcasing some of our Canadian culture (even if Canadian thanksgiving is merely a carbon copy of the American version save for the pilgrims and Plymouth rock). This year we were so, so fortunate to have two very exceptional Canadians in town visiting, bringing the Canadian representation up to five speculator people. We love guests, and getting a chance to connect with Rachel and Courtney was a real treat (thanks guys for playing with us!)

We had an amazing time eating ourselves into a turkey coma while savoring the exceptional company. Now undertaking an entire turkey feast is always a touch daunting because I have spent every Thanksgivings at an my aunt’s home. So this year not only was I longing to be there to snuggle all the new babies, but I was very rightfully concerned that my meal just wouldn’t be up to snuff. That woman knows how to host something fierce, and so the bar of excellence has been set high.

However, I managed to pull out a meal that was lauded by everyone. Not only was everyone angling for seconds (the highest form of praise) but is was a super healthy supper that met all the varying dietary needs of our beautiful guests. As such, most of the dishes were either vegan, paleo or gluten free. I will be be sharing a bunch of these recipes over the course of the next few days and weeks (some Americans you can steal them for your approaching Thanksgiving feasts). Furthermore, I would also like to give myself some self praise in that this was the first time I tackled homemade bread and cheese cake without my Kitchenaid mixer (which is safely stowed in storage back home) which is no easy feat. This whole meal was prepared from scratch the tech-free, old school way. So needless to say I got my upper body workout in. Overall the meal was a success, but by far the brightest part of the evening was being surround by our New York family. Although it didn’t completely erase my homesickness for those back home, at least my heart and home was filled with so much love nevertheless. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Pear”

Vegetable and Mango Curry with Basil-Ginger Quinoa

September 8, 2014

The new job is keeping me quite busy (and I am loving every second). The work is challenging and stimulating and exciting all at the same time. I am however still getting into a new life rhythm that juggles career, meal prep, exercise and cherished time with those who make my world go round. That being said by the end of my work day I am ravenous, thus resulting in a mad rush to prep, cook and get a healthy, mindful meal on the dinner table pronto. This curry accomplished just that. On top of the efficiency of this dish, is the added bonus there is still enough left over after dinner to pack up for lunch the following day (even for Jay and I who are notoriously large eaters). That being said, the hands down best aspect of this meal is it’s versatility. So regardless of the dietary restriction you adhere to you will be able to whip up a version that will leave you satisfied (and your house smelling simply delicious). So put away your seamless order, this curry is something you can handle yourself.

Continue reading “Vegetable and Mango Curry with Basil-Ginger Quinoa”

Skillet Shrimp and Chicken Paella

April 16, 2014

My mom makes excellent paella. It is bar none one of her unsung talents. So last weekend when I was meal planning and missing her a little extra I decided to try my hand at it. Now she is the master, and I the student so I do not in any capacity feign superiority in my dish. I have watched her whip it up on several occasions, but what is tricky is that my mom happens to be a wiz in the kitchen so she never follows a recipe directly. Thus no paella is ever rendered the same again. It is a dish only to be enjoyed in that moment, because next time it will be equally as wonderful but slightly refined. So as I crafted my version I tried to think back on what I seen her incorporate, and then substituted in and out a few items to suit our palates (like quinoa instead of rice, extra veggies instead of meat and turkey sausage instead of chorizo). I am sure I missed plenty of ingredients but the result was nonetheless stellar. Furthermore, pausing to enjoy my take on paella on this sunny New York Spring evening, whirled up all sorts of nostalgia as it left my feeling as if I was sitting on my mom’s back porch catching up over our days. I love you mom 🙂 Continue reading “Skillet Shrimp and Chicken Paella”

Spicy Fajita Soup

April 4, 2014

Clearly I am on a culinary roll this week. It is shocking what can be accomplished when I am facing of a daunting level of work, and thus in desperate need of a creative outlet. Today’s soup comes to you as an extra show of love for Jameson who has been so supportive and patient in the midst of all the crazy. Even taking the time to walk me around the Upper West side until 10:30pm last night as I breathed in the fresh air, cleared my head and tried to let go of the day. In the meal planning process I often tend to favor my dietary preferences, and rarely cook him anything with animal protein. So on days when I am feeling extra thankful for the emotional, physical and mental resource he is for me day in and day out, I tend to plan meals that have him in mind. What makes this soup extra special is that the chef can opt the meat in or out (or add it just to the carnivorous bowls at the end like we do), thus making it the perfect flex meal for differing palates and culinary restrictions. Meat or meatless you will still get ample protein from the black beans and the flavor isn’t hindered in either version. This is a substantial, hearty meal, so enjoy. Continue reading “Spicy Fajita Soup”

Raising Jordans

early and special education

Category: dinner