Cuisine Eric

This is a MUST KNOW recipe for anyone who's busy and wants to eat healthfully, fast.  Canned chili beans such as pinto or black beans in spicy sauce are available from many manufactures.  Unlike baked beans, they are not full of sugar, and are a great ingredient when you need plant-based protein fast. Mix with whole grains and a dash of dairy and you have complete protein, high fiber, and great taste in a plant-based meal, on the double. This is a go-to meal for us on busy nights. 4 whole wheat tortillas 1 cup Tex Mex rice pilaf, cooked 1 can beans in chili sauce 1 cup Tex Mex cheese mix, grated about 3/4 cup green salsa Garnish: Spicy Ranch dressing to taste (I used Whole Foods 365) Fresh cilantro leaves plain Greek Yogurt Lay out tortillas on large plates.  Top each tortilla with 1/4 cup pilaf and then about two tablespoons chili beans.  Top with two tablespoons cheese mix.  Wrap tortillas and place seam-side down...

This rich and hearty stew can be cooked up in one pot and it's quick.  Leftovers also save well in the refrigerator - and you might find it tastes better one or two days later! 1 large carrot, peeled and diced 1 small onion, peeled and diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 quart chicken broth 1/4 cup dry white wine 2 Tbsp pesto 1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained 1 lb cod cut into 1-inch pieces Heat a dash of olive oil in a soup pot and sauté the mirepoix - onion, carrot and celery - until softened and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook it down for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat, to darken the color and develop the flavor. Add a dash of olive oil if it gets too dry. Add the broth, wine, pesto and chick peas and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, to soften the chick peas and enrich the flavor. Ju...

Cooking fresh ravioli takes minutes.  Make this sauce over the weekend and its ready to go when you get home from work one night.  Freeze some for yet a second round of fast weeknight comfort food. About 1-2 dozen fresh mushroom-filled ravioli, serving 4 fresh herbs, if you have them 1 lb fresh, ground chorizo 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp herbes de Provence, or Italian herbs 2 Tbsp anchovy paste (from a tube), optional 1 6-oz can tomato paste 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes grated Parmesan or Romano cheese Get the Bolognese going by tossing the chorizo into a large wide skillet. Brown the chorizo for about 8-10 minutes and then add the garlic and herbs. Cook another 2-3 minutes. Now add the anchovy paste and the tomato paste. Cook another 5 minutes. Be sure there is enough oil so that the mixture does not burn. Cook another 5 minutes or so until the mixture matures and the color develops. The flavor will follow. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir. Simmer ...

Look - let's be honest that a simple grilled cheese sandwich can be the perfect solution to a late night arrival at home.  If "I'm home from work too late to cook, and REALLY have to get to bed soon", you could do take-out, but that's not necessarily faster, nor healthier, nor a better sleep-inducer... Bread can be frozen in the fridge for a long time.  Veggies like beets and carrots also last for a long time in the 'fridge and can be grated for a fantastic salad to accompany a simple cheese grill for a complete meal. 4 slices favorite, whole grain, or whatever, bread butter, to taste anchovy paste, to taste 1 Tbsp grated horseradish (from jar), drained cayenne pepper, to taste lemon wedges Heat a dash of butter in a large non-stick skillet. Spread a dash of butter on one side of two slices of bread, and place down on the skillet. Place cheese slices on top of bread. Repeat for the second serving on the other side of the skillet. Distribute ho...