Delicious, crunchy coconut chicken strips dipped in apricot almond ambrosia dip! For the Coconut Chicken: 2-3 lb chicken breasts, thawed, cut into strips 1 and 1/2 cups plain, dry bread crumbs or panko 1 and 1/2 cups flaked coconut 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 egg, beaten For the dip: In…
Six Senses Saturday
by Melissa • • 6 Comments
~Tasting~ Maple Bacon doughnuts from Red Wing’s Hanisch Bakery mmmmmm…. photograph by Melissa Placzek ~Hearing~ Mindy Gledhill’s sweet voice over the iPod dock… This music is just my cup of tea. Take a listen for yourself… Anchor Hourglass All About Your Heart ~Smelling~ French press brewing… ~Seeing~ These beautiful, inspiring books by Amanda Blake Soule-…
Candied Broccoli Salad
by Melissa • • 26 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek ~Candied Broccoli Salad~ Fry 1 lb honey-maple bacon until crisp. Blot with paper towels. Chop up bacon and set aside. In a big bowl, combine: 1 big bunch broccoli, chopped 1 cup sunflower seeds 1 heaping cup raisins 1/2 small onion, chopped fine 1 cup mayonnaise (lite, if you wish) 1/2…
Day Zero Update
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek “Though pleased to see the dolphins play, I mind my compass and my way.” ~Matthew Green I’ve been checking things off of my Day Zero list! Some of you are paying attention to my progress, and some of you have made lists of your own! Isn’t this an exciting adventure? If…
Cooking With Wine~A Recipe Collection
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.” ~ Anthelme Brillat-Savarin photograph by Melissa Placzek I’ve enjoyed cooking with wine pretty much since I started cooking. A splash or red wine in spaghetti sauce elevates the flavor from merely “good” to “fantastic.” Cooking with wine adds depth to your dishes. I was going…
Thai Honey-Chile Drummies
by Melissa • • 1 Comment
photograph by Melissa Placzek ~Thai Honey-Chile Drummies~ 4 lb chicken drummies or “drumette” wings 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup white wine 1 teaspoon crushed, red chile pepper 1/2 cup honey 2 Tablespoons soy or teriyaki sauce 2 scallions, thinly sliced Toss fresh or thawed chicken…
Trattoria Melissa Antipasto
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek What is antipasto?… “means “before the meal” and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Some have compared antipasto to hors d’oeuvres, but there are several distinctions. Hors d’oeuvres are served while guests are still standing, and tend to be served off trays in the most formal settings,…
Cantaloupe & Port
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
An elegant, refreshing dessert. ~Cantaloupe & Port~ 1/3 cup water 4 Tablespoons fresh mint 3 Tablespoons honey 1/3 cup ruby port 3 cantaloupe fresh mint sprigs for garnish Combine 1/3 cup water, 2 Tablespoons minced mint and honey in a saucepan. Stirring over low heat, bring to gentle simmer. Remove from heat. Cover. Allow syrup…
The Mysteries of Tea~Pearl Gunpowder
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek :: Tea of the Week :: Pearl Gunpowder-Temple of Heaven Grade (Zu Cha) This week I’ll be talking a little bit about a common Chinese green (unfermented) tea called “gunpowder.” Almost all gunpowder teas are made in Zhejiang province. They’re called gunpowder because of their appearance; Tightly rolled little “pearls” or…
“Chinese Takeout” Sesame Chicken Salad
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
photograph by Jeffrey Placzek ~Sesame Chicken Salad~ 8 chicken breasts (bone in, skin on) extra virgin olive oil dash of Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning 1 lb. asparagus, ends removed, cut into thirds diagonally 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and cut into thin strips 4 scallions, white and green parts, sliced diagonally 2 teaspoons white…