Tuesday, January 18, 2011

CWP Episode 5 - The Challenge


Really no recipe here, but here is a blueprint for how I like to do these quick meals:
  • A Foundation (usually whole grain pasta or eggs)
  • 1 protein
  • 2 vegetables
  • Extra flavor
So you can really substitute anything you can think of in there and get a lot of different dishes from this one blueprint.  Here are some items that I try to have at all times that really help when time is short.
  • Whole grain pasta - in a variety of shapes and sizes
  • Eggs
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Potatoes - I recommend fingerlings for their superior flavor.  Small red potatoes are good, too.
  • Red Onions
  • Garlic
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms - normally just white button mushrooms, but also other varieties
  • Asparagus
  • Frozen greens, such as spinach, brocolli or peas
  • Fresh ginger root
  • Soy Sauce
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Hoisin Sauce - These 4 Asian-inspired ingredients can help the monotony that may come from making this a lot.  Use them with pasta to make an asian noodle dish or stir fry.
  • Canned white beans
  • Canned chick peas or garbonzo beans
  • Frozen chicken breast strips - I like the strips because they thaw quicker and I usually cut them into small pieces anyway, so who needs a whole breast?
  • A good quality smoked sausage
  • Parmigiano Reggiano - from Italy, not Kraft.  No exceptions...at least not here :)
  • Lemons
  • Fresh herbs - basil and thyme are my two biggies
  • Kosher salt
  • Whole black pepper in a pepper mill
I'm sure there are probably some items I forgot, but that will do for now.  I really hope this helps you to make meals that taste good and won't leave you feeling awful afterward.  Enjoy!

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12 comments:

Teri Dufilho said...

i loved watching this......and i loved your special guest appearance!!.....and i agree with the notion of "down with faux food, and up with real food"..... thanks for the good list of staples to have on hand.....i would love to see something in the future about brining and cooking a turkey.....or a turkey breast by itself..... i love CWP(&B)!!

Bethany said...

By the way, I learned that lactic acid isn't actually bad for you...oops. But there's still some bad stuff in there.

Teri Dufilho said...

hahahahaha!.....i didn't know there was an outtake at the end, but bill just called and asked if i had seen it...... funny!.....and also, kudos to charlie for opening up the show!......maybe norah could have a cameo appearance on the next one.....she could feature "how to make mashed sweet potatoes and bananas"!!!

Anonymous said...

Seriously, y'all are SO CUTE! I am just not catching up on your shows and this is the only one I've seen so far. Love this episode, it's so helpful! I'm always looking around at everything I have and can't put it together, but you've given me some great ideas!

I also have an idea for a show I would like to see. I need help with SOUPS ... I love them, but don't know how to make a good hearty soup and I need some ideas! :) Thanks!!!

Unknown said...

what a great challenge! i love easy meal ideas like this! the 2 special guests on CWP today were awesome. . .i hope we see more of them (and the little sis!)

No Free Bits said...

Thank you for your cooking show. I find I get stuck in a rut cooking the same ole thing... I really liked how Paul used fresh herbs... You are both great, with a down to earth approach.

Please keep posting cooking shows!

meganlagoy.blogspot.com said...

I feel very inspired by this. I don't think I'm ready to give up the blue box completely, not because my kids love it, but because I still do (ah, comfort food)! But I really like the simplicity of that dish you made, Paul. Here's a new recipe I'd like to see you make: homemade mac and cheese.

Unknown said...

Another good video - told the students about it today -

just. us. said...

Looks super yummy and I love how quick it is! Really-the viedo was worth it just to get the tip on cutting the lemon the correct way:)

Oh, and thanks for the list- great idea!

Unknown said...

Very cute video and it made me feel bad for eating ole mac and cheese...maybe I will try something like this! Miss yall!

Lacey said...

You guys are so cute!!! :) Loved the video. I had no idea that you never cook!!! You should try it, it's a great stress reliever. :) :) :) Pauls Pasta looks yummy!!

Kerri said...

Excelente! That looked delicioso... muchas gracias