Recipe for Pork and Peanut Stir Fry

I've yet to make a Mark Bittman recipe that I didn't like.  This recipe was adapted from one of his in "The Food Matters Cookbook" which I have and love.  The recipe can also be found on line. 


The flavors in this dish are Asian fusion in my estimation.  Sort of a fried rice, pad Thai, stir fry cousin.  The recipe originally called for chicken but I used pork. The basic recipe can be customized to your preferences and ingredients.  I made the rice in a rice cooker the day before and kept it in the fridge until needed.

Recipe for Simple Biscuits-Daring Bakers

Mmmm, fresh out of the oven!  We don't eat biscuits as a general rule although I used to eat them frequently enough when I lived in the South.  I was surprised how much we both enjoyed these when I made them for our monthly Daring Bakers challenge.

Black and White Wednesdays: Beef and Veggies

Making short ribs.

Submitted to  Black and White Wednesdays.

Check out all the great black and white photos at The Well Seasoned Cook.

Recipe for Black Bean Salad

This is a great side dish for chicken fajitas. If you don't want to bother roasting the peppers, I've also made this successfully using store bought roasted red peppers.

Recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

This was my first time, but not my last, cooking short ribs.  I don't know why I've stayed away.  Mr. ELEB loves them and I have enjoyed them at restaurants from time to time.  He has dropped subtle (actually, not so subtle) hints about having them at home. When I saw a recipe in October's Bon Appetit I decided to bite the bullet.  I found some nice looking short ribs at Whole Foods and served this at our Boxing Day get together along with olive oil mashed potatoes and roasted squash.  It was a lovely rustic meal and the ribs were so tender and flavorful.  You really can't mess this recipe up!

Black and White Wednesdays-Backyard Lime

Submitted to Black and White Wednesdays

Recipe for Roasted Squash with Mint and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

We sure enjoyed this roasted squash dish when I served it on Boxing Day for ourselves and some of our friends. The recipe is an interesting combination with mint and balsamic vinegar flavoring the lovely roasted flavor of the squash.

Recipe for Blue Cheese, Apricot, and Pistachio Phyllo Cups

This is the pupu (appetizer) I took to a neighborhood New Year's Eve celebration.  It couldn't be easier and, as long as you like blue cheese, you'll love it.

Black and White Wednesday-Rustic Ham Loaf

Rustic Ham Loaf

Submitted to Black and White Wednesdays

Recipe for Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sesame Salmon and Spinach

Here's a great recipe for when you want to get something on the table quickly but you want to stay on the healthier side of things.  In under thirty minutes you can put this dish together, serve it, and be ready to receive the accolades that will surely be sent your way!

Recipe for Smoky Fried Chickpeas

Hummus is one of those things you'll always find in our fridge.  But other than that, I'm not a big fan of chickpeas.  I have tried them on salads, in casseroles etc. and I'll eat them but they don't wow me.    These smoky fried chickpeas, however, WOW!

Black and White Wednesday-Vanilla Bean

Vanilla Bean

Submitted to Black and White Wednesdays

Top Recipes of 2011

#1 Healthy Egg White Breakfast Treat; #2 Lemon Parmesan Pork; #3 Slow Cooker Pork Verde; #4 Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake

Welcome to 2012!  I hope you had a safe and Happy New Year.  


I often get asked "what are the most popular recipes on your blog?".  Good question-I went back through 2011 and looked at the posts garnering the most page views, shown in the collage above.  Does that mean these are my best recipes from 2011?