Smoked Gouda, Avocado and Tomato Panini

Smoked Gouda, Avocado and Tomato Panini...with a Stella

Smoked Gouda, Avocado and Tomato Panini…with a Stella

This simple meal really hit the spot on a Friday evening after a long work week. The girls were with their Dad, and it was time to unwind and relax. Makayla was the one who originally made this yummy sandwich for her home economics class last year. I happened to have a good crusty loaf of Italian herb bread and the other  ingredients on hand. We have one of those little indoor grills that works great as a panini maker. You could add bacon to this to make it more decadent, or keep it vegetarian, which is what I did. Pair it with a nice cold beer and you have your own little happy hour of peace and quiet…ahhhh… (read more)

Pine Nut and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Pine Nut and Parmesean Crusted Tilapia Coda Pic 4_5

For the Crust: 

1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/4 c. ground pine nuts. I used a mortar and pestle

1 tbsp. dried Italian herb mix. Mine had rosemary, marjoram, oregano and sage in it

1 egg

4 Tilapia filets

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Grind the pine nuts with a mortar and pestle till mostly ground. There will be big pieces of pine nuts and it will form somewhat of a paste.

Mix the first 4 ingredients together on a plate

Beat the egg and pour onto a plate

Dredge the the tilapia filets into the egg, then into the dry mixture (read more)

Pork Loin Chops with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce

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This luscious smokey sweet raspberry sauce was a spontaneous invention. Tom and I decided to make dinner an event with video instruction. Lights! Camera! Action! Check out our video and let me know what you think.

Ingredients for the marinade:

Juice and zest of half a lemon

1 tbsp. garlic paste (or finely minced garlic)

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 fresh rosemary sprigs

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the sauce: (read more)