Pot Roast

By Anne Burrell

This is a very flavorful dish. The star anise adds somewhat Asian taste. The orange peel and pepper flakes create spiciness without being too spicy for children. I did not have figs or Jerusalem artichokes but would like to try the recipe with both. I think the squash would make the dish too sweet. I used only one smaller star anise and it was plenty. I would use just two peels of the orange since it is pretty strong. I added a branch of rosemary. I did not have the red wine vinegar and substitute with red wine. I did not add more stock as the roast was cooking which made a thick onion source, but it would be ok to use the full amount of the stock to create more liquid juices.

Should tie a bigger roast and rest seasoned overnight for the seasoning seep in inside. Sprinkle with a little of flour before browning. Serve with peas and pearl onions warmed with butter.

I would use a cheaper cut of meat since the recipe adds so much flavor. I would use a more simple recipe with a more expensive cut. I cook a lot of vegetables 3 carrots, 6 potatoes) with the roast to have plenty of leftovers.

Special Ingredients:
- star anise
- figs
- Jerusalem artichokes

Will I make it again? - yes. Lots of flavor, great recipe for a cheap cut of meat.

Pozole Verde (tomatillo soup)

http://www.thedefineddish.com/pozole-verde/

This is a very exciting and also soulful soup. I used a different recipe, and it had some raw aftertaste to it, so I like the Food&Wine recipe to cook the puree in the skillet for 12 min. Also should roast poblano peppers and tomatillos drizzled with olive oil on parchment paper for 15 min at 375. I used 1/2 of stock to make the soup thicker.

Special Ingredients:
- 3 poblano peppers
- 1 lb tomatillos
- hominy
- cilantro
- toppings

A photo from Merchant restaurant with more ideas for the toppings. Also can use sour cream.

Sauteed Chicken with Olives

From Tuscany The Beautiful Cookbook

Another great recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks. This is a variation of the Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Olives. 

Special Ingredients:

- fennel seeds

- white wine

- olives

Chicken and Rice Casserole

by Food Network Kitchen

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-2111696#

This is my favorite week night comfort food recipe. Instead of rotisserie I use skinless chicken fillets with spicy rub and fry on cast iron pan. Once I substituted milk for sour cream and it turned out dry. Sour cream adds the creaminess to the dish. I used 4 canned tomatoes, but would use 2 or 3 next time, since I could feel some sourness. I also added green peas at the end. I would love to try the recipe with mushrooms - I would cook them at first with the onions and garlic. The spice rub on the chicken was not enough to make the dish spicy. I would add chili, flakes or cayenne next time.

Will I make it again? - yes. I can make it every week as a weekly staple dish.

Asparagus Fettuccine Carbonara

By Food Network Kitchen

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/asparagus-fettuccine-carbonara-3886424#reviewsTop

Great recipe to have the spring asparagus. Full of flavor and still well balanced. Fairly hearty, but still a lighter dish. I like the spice in it. I doubled the red flakes, but can triple the amount next time. Bacon was not overpowering, but I did drain the bacon fat as recipe says, to reduce it’s flavor.

Besides the asparagus, the remaining ingredients are normally in my pantry, so an easy weeknight dish. I used a wide grader to slice the asparagus. The dish had plenty of it’s flavor due the whole pound of asparagus used in the recipe.

Will I make it again? - yes. I should make it every year for the asparagus season. It is different from the prosciutto dish, but I also like the heartiness that the bacon and yolk bring to this dish.

Keema Matar with pickled onions and homemade Naan

Authentic recipe by Anjali

Pickled Onions
https://cookieandkate.com/2018/quick-pickled-onions-recipe/

Naan
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/homemade-naan.html

This is a very easy recipe for a weekday night, if you have all spices on hand. The tomatoes add nice freshness. The spices were mild but complex. I believe I had 2 lb of meat and should have doubled the spices. Other recipes suggest adding ginger, garam masala and tomato paste. I want to try this recipe with ground turkey next time. Pickled onions added great flavor and all the flavors went very well together. Naan was fairly easy to make. Next time half portion would probably be enough. I would also use instant yeast rather than dry yeast, as it rises faster and easier.

Butter Chicken

By New York Times

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016754-butter-chicken?regi=1&join_cooking_newsletter=true&register=facebook

This is a delicious recipe and will definitely make it again as it has been hard to find a good Indian recipe that’s not too simple and not too difficult. Chicken had to cook much longer than recipe called, so I would brown it more before adding the liquids. This is not a spicy recipe so I added chili garlic paste.

Special Ingredients:
- heavy cream
- tomatoes, fresh
- tomato paste
- spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick
- Greek yogurt
- ground almonds