Lemon Thyme Roasted Cornish Hen By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert If there are only two at your Thanksgiving table this year, start a new tradition and roast a Cornish hen instead of a turkey. Cornish hens are the perfect size for two. Coarsely ground peppercorns and chopped thyme add flavor and color. Complete the meal with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Kitchen twine can be used to tie the legs together but I\’ve discovered silicone cords that lock together and make it easier. After roasting the hen, remove the cords and wash them in the dishwasher and then you... Read More

Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon Scented Sweet Potatoes and Apples By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Pork tenderloin is a lean, healthy cut of pork and is just the right size for two servings. This time of year select a fresh locally grown apple that keeps its shape when cooked, like a Haralson or Honeycrsip. Golden Delicious and Braeburn apples are good choices year round. Because the pork and the sweet potatoes bake at the same temperature and require about the same time, once they\’re in the oven, dinner is almost done! Just add a salad or a green vegetable for a complete... Read More

Meringues with Summer Fruit By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The meringue shells for this light summery dessert can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, loosely covered, if you only want to serve two at a time. Use summer fruits at their peak of freshness and arrange over the yogurt. You can also substitute sweetened whipped cream for the yogurt for a special occasion but I like the flavor contrast between the sweet meringue and the tangy yogurt. Greek-style yogurt is strained removing some whey making it creamier and thicker. It contains twice as much protein... Read More

Bulgur Pilaf with Dried Apricots By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert For me, the best meals in the summer start with juicy grilled chicken, pork or seafood. To complete these easy meals, prepare a simple summer side dish made with bulgur. Bulgur, a nutritious whole grain, is often found in the organic or health food area of the supermarket. Because it has been precooked, it cooks quickly. I like the sweet/sour tang of the apricots with chicken, pork and fish. Try adding dried cranberries or raisins. The cinnamon stick adds a subtle Middle Eastern spiciness to the dish. SIDEBAR:... Read More

Chopped Cobb Salad with Crab or Chicken By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Salads make great dinners because there are so many variations. Just include your favorite ingredients. Adding crabmeat to this classic salad makes it a dish for a special occasion. Use 1 to 2 cups of  a high quality canned crab or fresh crabmeat from the fish counter. You can also use 1 to 2 cups cubed cooked chicken instead of crab. If you want to use diced chicken instead of crab, cook two extra boneless chicken breasts the next time you grill. All this main dish salad needs to make a meal is warm... Read More

Savor the Flavors of Spring: Ham and Asparagus Linguini By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The fresh bright flavors of spring pop from this quick and easy entrée. Crisp pale green stalks of asparagus are appearing in the supermarket, a sure sign of spring. For this dish, I select thinner stalks because I find it easier to cook them quickly. Use ham leftover from an Easter celebration or omit it and try cooked shrimp or chicken instead. Goat cheese forms the basis for the sauce but doesn’t use a whole package. Crumble any remaining cheese over salads. Makes 2 servings 4 ounces... Read More

Delicious Spring Dessert for Two — Lime Panna Cotta By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Whether you are planning an Easter brunch or dinner for two, this light dessert is tangy finale. Panna cotta is Italian for “cooked cream” and light and refreshing. I like to serve it in wine glasses or small dessert dishes topped with fresh berries. You can also make it in lightly greased ramekins or custard cups and unmold it. Unfortunately locally grown fresh berries won\’t be available for a while but the strawberries in the supermarkets have been sweet, and you could... Read More

Serve Fish Twice a Week as Part of a Healthy Diet By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Food experts agree that eating fish twice a week is an important part of a healthy diet because of the many benefits it provides. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids present in fish reduce the risk of heart attack, the build-up of plaque in arteries and the incidence of strokes in people with cardiovascular disease. Possibly its most important effect is reducing the risk of dying from a heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been significant in reducing hypertension and preventing cancer.... Read More

Scandinavian Classic Baking Author: Pat Sinclair http://pelicanpub.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9781589808973 Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW Scandinavians are known for their warm hospitality, welcoming family and friends into their homes with coffee and baked goods. Drinking coffee is almost the national pastime, and delicious breads and cookies are always served alongside the coffee. In Scandinavia, “Coffee tables” are a popular means of celebration, loaded with hearty breads, delicate sweets like Desert Sand Cookies, and whipped cream cakes such as Strawberries and Cream Cake.... Read More

Enjoy a Valentine’s Dinner for Two By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert With the economy recovering so slowly, this might be the year to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. Take time for a quiet meal for two and spend an evening enjoying a special dinner and a bottle of wine. Set the scene, maybe in front of a blazing fire, and use your best china and crystal. Easily prepared ahead, shrimp scampi is perfect for a meal for two. Watch for specials on shrimp, especially on wild American shrimp. They are safe to eat and you’ll be helping the Gulf region recover. You’ll only need... Read More