Happy Thanksgiving

Thanks to a full family effort, this year’s bird came out both beautiful and tasty. I am thankful for good food and wonderful family.

Pizza pursuit, Part 3, The Finale

Having pulled the par-baked crusts out of the freezer (from the edible batch of course), I loaded on the pizza toppings and preheated the oven. After the cheese had appropriately melted, we tasted the piping hot pizzas. I have to say, the pizza making was (finally) a success - even my husband agreed. Quite an improvement from the pizza pita of first attempt.

On the menu: Italian turkey sausage with homemade pesto pizza and BBQ sausage with caramelized onions pizza

Pizza pursuit, Part 2

My mom always says a recipe is a guideline, except when baking. I was thinking this explained the flop of my first pizza attempt. I altered the recipe. I subbed half of the white flour with whole wheat. But now I am thinking it was more in the kneading and rolling out process. I left the dough too thick, resulting in a dense pita pocket emerging from my oven.

This time, I rolled the dough into thin crusts and remembered to spread with olive oil before putting it in the oven. I also experimented with some seasoning a la herbs of Provence. My second effort was better. So much better that it was actually edible.

Pizza pursuit, Part 1

I am married to a pizza lover, thru and thru. I’ll confess that I am not a huge fan of pizza myself. Yes, I said it, I don’t love pizza. But I do love my husband and indulge in the occasional pizza dinner to satiate his craving.

While not my favorite to eat, making pizza is first about baking and I do love to bake. So, I’ve been on the hunt for a pizza dough recipe. I found a promising one in Bon Appetite and gave it my first effort. As I left my dough to rise, there was great anticipation of pizza ahead. But, I’ll be honest with you and admit that it was not a success.

Together, my pizza-longing husband and I laughed at the results. As you can see, my first effort resembled more of a pita or naan than that of pizza crust. It was a great failed attempt. The pizza mission continues … until then, we order delivery…

Dine & Dish: Venue

This busy little restaurant is nestled in the heart of the Highlands neighborhood. We’d heard great things about Venue through my culinary momma who went to school with the proprietor, Holly. With starving stomachs, we happily over-ordered the St. Louis Pork Ribs and Mussels to start. Next time, I’d pass on the ribs and consider ordering the mussels as a delicious and savory entrée.

For the main dish, we ordered Shrimp and Grits and the Gnocchi. Both of which were flavorful and recommendation worthy. Actually, I don’t know what drew me to order the Gnocchi as it’s not something I normally enjoy. I must have been lured in by the promise of parmesan flavor and was not disappointed. It was the best dish of the night.

Of décor note, I particularly appreciated the unique kitchen utensil art. Even the lighting was in this clever food décor style with upside-down teacups and saucers as pendant lights. Clever décor amuses me.

Need a bigger helping?:
Venue

Fish fry ...

Well, not exactly a fish fry in the way a Midwesterner might imagine but certainly a lighter version of a fish dinner was served. I am partial to preparing fish as my quick and healthy option for cooking at home during the work week. So much so that fish dinners show up in my menu planning on a weekly basis.

On the menu: Pan seared halibut with pistachio pesto and sautéed vegetables