Life with Katherine

Winter Inspirations!

It’s true, Michigan is cold and snowy today. Old man winter is holding strong; the snow rests defiantly on the bark of bare trees…the herb garden is dormant under the blanket of white, and our flower pots are filled with red twigs and dried hydrangea flowers instead of colorful daisies and bear grass. Winter in Michigan.
The good news? Seasonal entertaining and cooking is at its best, because I’m inspired and moved to cook more than ever,

Here are some ideas for your family dinners this week…
Pan Fried Chicken Breasts…dip in egg, then dust the chicken breasts with oregano, basil, Parmesan, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a skillet, then add the breasts. Sauté on both sides until beautifully browned, and squeeze lavishly with fresh lemon juice. Turn off burner, place lid over skillet and allow the breasts to sit 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a heaping pile of brown rice and steamed broccoli and carrots.
Breakfast for Dinner…sautéed red skin potatoes with paprika and chile powder , turkey bratwurst, scrambled eggs with feta and scallion, stewed tomatoes (cook onion, green pepper, chopped tomatoes, salt and a dash of your favorite hot sauce) , hot mocha (coffee with some spoonfuls of Ghirardelli double chocolate works perfectly!) and sliced grapefruit dried cherry salad.
The Ultimate Stir Fry…cook some tortellini, sauté some beef tips and mushrooms of any sort..deglaze with a bit of red wine…thaw some shelled edamame…then heat a tablespoon of olive oil, sauté the above ingredients, add a dash of soy sauce and some toasted sesame seeds and enjoy this quick and hearty winter meal.

Remember..Keep your pantry stocked with plenty of grains, beans and canned goods. Buy some hearty whole grain bread (or bake it!) Fill your fruit bowls with mounds of Clementine’s and pears…apples and mango..and eat plenty of dried fruits and nuts. Stock your fridge with lots of produce and diary..you won’t have to weather the snowy roads if you have what you need on hand!