Dinner, Dinner, Dinner...

   I got a little under the weather and neglected the blog last week so this is my catch up post! There are four great dinners here, 3 of my creations and one from my friend Jamie,  who claims she can't cook "gourmet."  I'll let all of you decide for yourselves since Jamie's meal looks delicious and might be something I'll have to try!

Balsamic Chicken with Orzo

  My first creation is maple mustard glazed salmon with grilled sweet potatoes and a quick salad. I glazed the salmon and sweet potatoes with a simple mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. It was insanely good and something I have to give credit to Mr. Bobby Flay for. The salad had romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, candied almond slivers and my favorite homemade poppyseed dressing.

   Our second dinner was inspired by some of the Mexican ingredients that I have on hand Chipolte-lime glazed shrimp over Mexican rice. [I think I might be going through a "glaze" phase] I used chipotle peppers, lime, cilantro and brown sugar in the glaze and will probably use the glaze on lots of others things because Doug LOVED this dish. There wasn't a single grain of rice left.

    I've got a hint to get your shrimp to get a pretty sear like the restaurants do... Sprinkle a little bit of sugar on them right before you put them in the pan... You'll be surprised the difference it makes. [It works on the grill too!]

   The final part to my trio of dinners was tonight's Smoked Sausage Hash. I added some chipolte peppers and smoked paprika to it [can't imagine why...lol] I made the hash with a smoked chicken sausage [trying to be healthy where I can] red potatoes, green peppers and onions. The fried egg on top is integral to the dish because the yolk adds moisture and flavor. Doug didn't believe me at first but I converted him.