77/365 Potato frittata

Deep in my cook-something-new-each-week project, I was a bit of an overachiever last week and made two new recipes in one night.

It didn't really happen intentionally -- I didn't think to myself, "I think I'll spend a couple hours in the kitchen tonight and go for two new things at once." Instead, I found myself 1) cooking something new for dinner and 2) making a new dish to share with friends at our next Symphony on the Prairie picnic.

Item #1: A cheddar-potato frittata -- my first-ever frittata, if you can believe it! I made my first quiche just a couple months ago, too. This frittata was a recipe from a borrowed 1995 Cooking Light collection. (Bonus: I used my brand-new cast-iron Lodge skillet for the first time, which I just bought on my recent road trip through Tennessee.)

The frittata turned out perfectly, and I was able to stash a couple slices in the freezer for future quick dinners or breakfasts. It will be a repeat item.

Item #2: A greek pasta salad, with homemade dressing. This also turned out perfectly and will be one I'd like to make again. I actually might make some of the dressing to have on hand in the fridge for everyday salads.

Whew! What's next?

Camera: Canon 40D with 60mm macro lens and 430EX Speedlite, 1/125s, f/4 at ISO 500

46/365 Cooking up some new recipes

I've been in a cooking mood lately. In my book, that's a really good mood to be in! The increasing availability of fresh produce certainly helps encourage that state of mind.

Some of my recent creations? My first quiche, for one -- I felt like fixing something new, had some eggs on hand, and wanted to use up some mushrooms and spinach. I found four or five quiche recipes and picked out what things I wanted -- no crust, various seasonings. And, voila! It turned out great, and I ended up with some to freeze for later, too.

Pictured here is a simple cucumber, tomato and goat-cheese feta salad that was a fantastic side dish. The next night I made portobello mushrooms "stuffed" with tomato, red pepper, and spinach.

If nothing else, it makes the kitchen smell fantastic. And now I'm ready to find some more new recipes!


Camera: Canon 40D with 430EX Speedlite, 1/125s, f/4 at ISO 640.