Archives | Grownup Kitchen

Chef’s Salad Thursday, May 1, 2025

Apr 30, 2025 | Chef's Favorites, Dinner Salads, egg dishes, Featured Vegetable Meals, Recent Recipes, Recipes

You’re “Puttin’ on the Ritz” tonight. In the 1940s, Chef Louis Diat, chef of the Ritz Carlton in New York City, created this salad for customers requesting a light, off-menu dinner salad. He probably got his inspiration from the 17^th century cold-cut-laden family-style salad plate called Salmagundi.

Today, chef’s salad is easily recognizable and something we can get our heads (and appetites) around. Hard-boiled egg, cold cuts and crisp fresh salad ingredients make up these individual dinner salads.

Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Old-world Marinara Sauce: Wednesday, April 30,, 2025

Apr 29, 2025 | Comfort Food, Italian, Pasta, Recent Recipes, Recipes

Hey folks, remember those sailors we talked about back in January who felt better when they ate pasta and red sauce after a long voyage? Well, they’re back in town, so feed your inner sailor with this delicious old world version of Pasta Marinara. (Add some white beans or plant-based sausage for a little extra protein.)

Cauliflower/Potato Curry: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Apr 28, 2025 | Curry Dishes, Featured Vegetable Meals, Indian, Recipes

A terrific flavor burst is in store tonight. This satisfying mix of savory, citrus and spicy cauliflower/potato curry puts flavor and freshness on one plate. There’s a little extra texture with the addition of peas at the end of the cooking process. 

The homemade Masala Curry Spice Mix used for seasoning this dish will really light up your taste buds.

Baked Salmon Salad: Monday, April 28, 2025

Apr 27, 2025 | Dinner Salads, Fish/Seafood, Recent Recipes, Recipes

As the days grow longer and warmer, put a little “spring” in your step with this salmon dinner salad. This one has a chorus of textures and flavors. Tonight crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumber, popping cherry tomatoes and refreshing sliced fennel harmonize with zingy mango. The salmon delivers a melody line to savor while the Asian dressing provides a memorable accompaniment.

White Chili: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Apr 26, 2025 | beans/lentils, Mexican/Latin, Recent Recipes, Recipes, Soups

White bean chili is on the menu. You’ll get a kick out this delicious and unique chili. I’m offering it as a weekend entree.

A specially seasoned “Red Swirl” will add a decorative appeal while providing an extra chili kick.

Assemble the soup early in the day and let it rest for at least an hour.

It’s Saturday, April 26th! Time to check out next week’s menus. Tonight you’re on your own. Cook an old favorite or try something new.

Apr 25, 2025 | Recipes

It’s Saturday, April 26th.

Menus and shopping lists for ‘April 27 – May 2 and May 4 – 19.

Another great week of dining lies ahead. It’s time to plan ahead and create your grocery orders.

Special Note: Tomorrow you’ll be making a delightful white chili recipe. If you’re cooking dry beans for the recipe, be sure to soak them overnight. I usually make a note to remind myself to soak beans after the kitchen is cleaned up.