Madison House Chef

Baked Salmon with Fresh Baby Spinach

 
This is still one of our all time favorite ways to eat baked salmon; even the kids eat it.

When I first posted this recipe we were eager to eat and thus I missed the photo op prior to the first bite.  This time I clicked the shutter just prior to the first application of the fork.

The sauce has a pan asian flair with the sweet orange juice and the savory ginger balancing one another nicely.

 

Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro, Lime, and Peanuts

 

These Grilled Shrimp with cilantro, Lime and Peanuts are fresh with a great balance of flavors.

They’d be great as tapas, for lunch with a salad or simple light sandwich, or with cocktails.

We enjoyed these as part of a grilled tapas/small plates dinner (also made Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites and Mini Burgers on Chips)

 

Mini Burgers on Waffle Fries

 
bacon cheese burger

Bite size (or two).
Creative.
Personalized.

These would be great for a party, either served in a bzillion different condiment combinations OR served as a mini ‘burger bar’ set up.

 

 

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites

These bacon wrapped jalapeno chicken bites were extraordinary. 

The technique for preparation was quite easy and the result a combination of salty, creamy, and spicy. By grilling them over a medium heat the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken perfectly done without being overcooked or dry. The other benefit of the charcoal grill is the smoky flavor that impacts all three tastes.

 

Cardamom Cookies

When I think of cardamom, my waters for a Christmas time favorite cardamom bread.  But Gregory, hungry for cookies and eager to bake, discovered this recipe in the always faithful Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook. He’s a fan of the savory cardamom spice and decided to give these a try.

It’s also worth noting that this is a cookie with nuts for kids who don’t like nuts in their cookies.

 

Basic White Loaf

 

 

Back to basics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Onion and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza

 

 

Oh my!
Luscious. Delicious. Savory. Oniony.

Amazing!

Party Planning Hints – Party/Event Debriefing Cards

 
main table, right view

My husband and I enjoy entertaining: dinner, desserts and coffee, Sunday dinner or birthday celebrations, and at least one annual holiday party during Advent.  While I have a few recipes that I’ve come to be known for (cheesecake) and could serve at every party and no one would complain, I do like to mix things up a little. 

Question: How can I remember what was served and who attended?

Guinness and Bailey’s Cupcakes

 

I wasn’t a cupcake fan until I discovered these ...   Guinness and Bailey’s Cupcakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pepperoni Jalapeno Pizza

 
Here’s another version of the Pepperoni – Jalapeno Pizza I’m fond of.  This time, since we were out of fresh jalapenos, I used the jar ones. The jar peppers, while adding heat and spiciness, didn’t have the same fresh appeal that the unprocessed ones do. I’ll stick with fresh.

Ken did a great job on the crust (as always). The crust was thin, yet held strong with weighty, wet ingredients. Bravo!

Mace Cookies (Great for Cookie Cutters)

 

Written on the back of an old envelope, this is one of my favorite cookie recipes of all time, especially for making cut out cookies to decorate with colorful sprinkling sugar, like these Valentine's cookies.

Family: Can you identify this envelope? Hint below…

(HINT: In the original photo the envelope has the return home address of my cousin whose fiance’s home was in Virginia. (you should know already) They’ve been married over 20 years (you should definitely know now). Last hint: the zip code was 22031.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Yeast from Home Brewed Beer to make Bread

first loaf

The ongoing search for the best fresh bread.

These lovely loaves were created with the same basic bread dough recipe we use, but the yeast used was from the bottom of the fermenting barrel from the Belgian ale that Ken brewed.

When Ken first brewed the beer I wondered aloud whether or not the yeast would be suitable for baking – the answer: YES!

 

Red Cabbage

 
Cooking red cabbage reminds me of my grandmother’s dinner table with a vague recollection people, family probably, eating bone in pork chops. 

The warm savory cabbage comes through my family of origin as a German food – probably inspired by the peasants for whom simple meals of winter crops that would last through extended cold snaps was the norm.

 

Fudgy Brownies: Chewy Edge VS. Moist Center

 
Chewy edge or moist center? That’s the dilemma.

Do you realize that it is now possible to purchase a baking pan where every piece has an edge. Really! There’s no endorsement here, just a certain curiosity… though while I’m mentioning it, the website is hilarious.

These chewy and moist brownies tickle the taste buds in every bite.

 

White Bean Soup / Minestrone di fagioli

This flavorful White Bean Soup, served with fresh bread, provides a simple, hearty meal.  The recipe serves 4-6 people. If you’re cooking for one or two people, it’s still worth making a full recipe as it is easy to heat up the next day as an encore performance either as a meal itself or as a soup course to accompany a protein, a salad or a panini.

 

 

Basic Tomato Sauce / Sugo de pomodoro all napoletana

 

 

This very basic tomato sauce is quick, easy and most of all delizioso!  It works best with fresh tomatoes, but canned will also work.