Author Archives: Alicia

Print this Post Print this Post

Orzo and Spinach Salad

Leave a reply

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

What You Need

orzo salad

Orzo Salad

  • 12 oz. uncooked orzo
  • 2 tblsp. olive oil
  • 2  tsp. lemon juice
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tblsp. white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/8 tsp. dried thyme
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • ¼  tsp. ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 oz. Spinach torn into bite size pieces
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into matchstick size pieces
  • 2 scallions minced
  • 1 tblsp. capers rinsed and drained
  • 2 oz. feta cheese crumbled

    •  

How to Prepare

Cook orzo according to directions on packaging.  Rinse with cold water and drain again.  Combine with 2 tblsp. olive oil and toss to coat. 

To make the dressing combine lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil, wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, oregano, cumin, and salt and pepper.  Whisk until well combined.  Add to orzo and toss.

Add the spinach, olives, bell pepper green onions, and cappers.  Toss to combine.  Add feta and toss again.  Taste, correct seasonings, and refrigerate until time to serve.

Enjoy!!

Print this Post Print this Post

Chicken with Asparagus, Mushrooms and Water Chestnuts

Leave a reply

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

What You Need 

  • 1 lb. Chicken cutlets, cut into strips
  • ½ lb. Asparagus cut into pieces
  • 2 cans sliced water chestnuts
  • ½ lb. sliced mushrooms
  • 5 scallions chopped
  • 2 tblsp. Veg. oil
  • 1 teas. Chopped garlic
  • 2-3 tbl. Stir fry sauce (I use Kikkomans) or oyster sauce 

How to Prepare

Heat vegetable oil over a moderate heat in a saute pan.  Cook chicken until cooked through, add chopped garlic.  Add scallions and asparagus.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms, water chestnuts and stir fry/oyster sauce.  Cook until heated through.

I like to serve this with basmati rice, but it really works well with anything.

Enjoy!

Print this Post Print this Post

Asparagus with Bacon

2 Replies

This recipe may be used as either an appetizer, or side dish for dinner.

Preperation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time:  20 minutes

What You Need

  • 1 lb. Fresh Asparagus
  • ½ lb thick cut bacon
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

    •  

How to Prepare

Preheat oven to 425.  Cover a cookie sheet in non-stick aluminum foil.   Cut asparagus ends on an angle.  If using as an appetizer, wrap bacon around the asparagus as shown (sort of like a barber pole).  If using as a side dish, chop bacon into small pieces and sprinkle over asparagus.  Cook for 20 minutes or until bacon is cooked through and asparagus is lightly browned.

Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Print this Post Print this Post Print this Post Print this Post

Roasted Asparagus

Leave a reply

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

What You Need

  • 1 lb.  Fresh Asparagus
  • 1 teas. Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2-3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 teas. Chopped garlic
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste 

How to Prepare

Preheat oven to 425.  Cut asparagus ends on an angle (see picture).  Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil.  Lay asparagus in a single row-not touching.  In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil and chopped garlic.  Drizzle mixture over asparagus.  Sprinkle sea salt and pepper lightly on top.  Cook for about 20 minutes until lightly browned.

This recipe is very easily doubled or tripled.  Any extra asparagus can be used either cold in a salad or re-heated, but it will not be crisp.

Enjoy!