Turkey Chili By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Recently my husband and I took a brief trip “up North” to Duluth to view the brilliant colors of autumn. The aspen trees and poplars covered hillsides in shimmering shades of yellow that were a strong contrast to the red maples. As we left Duluth we took a few photos from the top of the hill overlooking the harbor and the St. Louis River. On a cool blustery fall day, Chili is always welcome and the scent of simmering spices fills the house with warmth. Ground turkey contains less cholesterol than ground beef and is... Read More

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Country French Green Bean and Potato Salad By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. Time for lazy days, easy cooking, less baking and lots of icy beverages. Easy cooking means more cooking on the grill, a method that produces great tasting food and doesn\’t heat up the house. When I don\’t know what to fix for dinner, my husband is always ready to cook something on the grill. The problem with that is someone still has to figure out the rest of the meal, that would be me. One of my go-to side dishes is an easy potato salad... Read More

Chicken Marsala By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert If you are planning a special dinner for two, a sautéed chicken breast surrounded with a Marsala wine spiked sauce is easy and fast. Marsala, a fortified Italian wine, is available in three styles: dry, semidry and sweet. I keep an inexpensive bottle in my pantry so I can prepare this often, but you can substitute chicken broth or sherry in this recipe Shallots have a subtle flavor that is a combination of garlic and onion but mellower and are found with the garlic at the supermarket. Serve with egg noodles and steamed broccoli... Read More

Cincinnati Chili Makes a “Super” Winter Supper By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert Outside of the state of Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio is the most chili-crazed city in the United States. In fact, the community prides itself on being a true chili capital, boasting more than 180 chili parlors, proudly serving “Cincy Chili.” In recent years, Cincinnati-style chili has developed a cult-like popularity. If you\’re not familiar with it, the first thing you need to know is that it is very different from its more familiar Texas cousin. The people of Cincinnati... Read More

h1>Scottish Shortbread- Classic and Easy! By Pat Sinclair NABBW’s Cooking for Two Expert The holiday season is my favorite time of year. Although, the days are very short, the lights on Christmas trees and fronts of houses brighten the darkness. There are many times that I\’m standing in a hot kitchen in the summer, alone, while other are out enjoying the day. But this time of year, almost everyone does some baking. Do you try to add one new cookie every year or go back to all your tried and true recipes. Here\’s a recipe for Scottish Shortbread from Baking Basics and Beyond... Read More

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

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