Oven Roasted Potatoes

Greek Lemon Chicken With Artichokes - from the Mama Says, "No More Frozen Pizza!" recipe collection www.mamasays.us

Last weekend I ran into the daughter of a dear friend who is in her mid-twenties. As we caught up on her new job and recent engagement (so much excitement)…she gushed that she and her fiance enjoy making the Greek Lemon Chicken with Artichokes from the Mama Says, “No More Frozen Pizza!” recipe collection.  They make it so often that it has become one of their “dishes.”  You can only imagine how thrilled I was to hear her talking about cooking, the cookbook and glowing (most likely due to the engagement). The Mama Says recipe collection is all about encouraging busy people to get into the kitchen to cook for themselves - it’s always a plus when they find a special someone to cook with…

One of my favorite side dishes to serve with the Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is oven-roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano.

Greek Lemon Potatoes perfect side dish for the Greek Lemon Chicken - from the Mama Says, "No More Frozen Pizza!" recipe collection www.mamasays.us

Greek-style Lemon Potatoes

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450° and spray a 9- by 13-in. baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, toss diced potatoes with lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, lemon zest, garlic, and salt; layer slices in baking dish.
3. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the prepared potatoes and bake, uncovered, until most of the water has evaporated and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Top with feta (if using) and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Note: I’ve modified the recipe to included diced potatoes and a mixture of russet and sweet potatoes, optional feta cheese and often use more lemon zest.

Recipe inspiration: Sunset, FEBRUARY 2007 Photo Credit: myrecipes.com/ Annabelle Breakey

You can purchase the Mama Says recipe collection online at Target and Amazon.

Thank you for joining us in the kitchen.

After several weeks of cooking Mediterranean dishes, it was time to shake things up so I went to the local Asian market in search of Thai basil. As luck would have it they were out so I picked up some lemon basil and made the most delicious baked flounder with soy vinaigrette.

Lemon basil is grown primarily in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. It is aromatic with a fragrant lemon scent. It is a popular herb used in Lao, Indonesian, Thai, Arabian, and Persian cuisine.

Baked Flounder Fillets in Lemon Basil-Soy Vinaigrette
Serves 2

• two 6-ounce flounder fillets
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, minced fine (approx 1 Tablespoon)
• 1/4 cup lemon basil leaves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup flour
• pinch white pepper
• 1 - 2 Tablespoons of peanut oil
• cooking spray

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl combine garlic, ginger, lemon basil, lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk in oil until emulsified and set aside.
3. In a small bowl whisk egg seasoned with a dash of white pepper; in a shallow bowl or dish place flour and fluff with a fork. Dip fish first in the egg wash then dredge in the flour. In a medium skillet heat the peanut oil over medium high heat, add fillets and cook 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
4. Arrange prepared fillets in a ceramic or glass baking dish, coated with cooking spray, just large enough to hold them in one layer. Whisk vinaigrette once again and then pour over the fish. Bake fish in middle of oven until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.

Inspiration: Gourmet June 1998

Suggested Side Dishes:

Bok Choy ala Black Tie Barbecue in Atlanta

This bok choy recipe is divine. The sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, savory and it you add the red pepper flakes - a little kick.  Like spinach, bok choy cooks (way) down so plan accordingly.

Oven Roasted Asparagus

Preparation: Spray baking sheet with cooking spray, arrange asparagus spears on the tray, drizzle with 1 -2 Tablespoons of the sauce from the Bok Choy. Bake at 400°F for 20 - 30 minutes (depending on the thickness of the spears).

Bon Appetit.

One of my all time favorite summer salad recipes is the Mojito Salad.  It combines sweet juicy summer fruits with a few vegetables, and a great lime based dressing. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Appetizers made from items in your pantry and fridge - along with a couple of splurge ideas!

This week we are featuring recipes and menu ideas for dinner parties and special meals. Next time you invite people over for a glass of wine or an iced tea al fresco consider serving a delicious and quick appetizer. Here are three appetizer ideas to help you make the most of your summer time - with easy entertaining ideas that allow you to spend more with your guests….

Poolside Entertaining Made Easy

1. WOW your guests with an artisan cheese. Either select a local variety or try Cypress Grove Chevre.  At Fresh Market we found this creamy and luscious Humbolt Fog ripen goat’s milk cheese. Handcrafted in California, our guests raved about this cheese - it’s splurge worthy!

Serving suggestions: spread on crackers, apple or pear slices, or crusty whole-grain bread slices

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2. Radishes with Butter and Salt. Sounds so simple - and it is. But this fresh, little combo is a real treat. Last spring the Mama’s ventured out for dinner at Floataway Cafe in Atlanta. One of the appetizers was farm fresh radishes, local butter and sea salt. The trio was artfully arranged on the plate. Our server suggested we dip a radish, into the room temprature butter then sprinkle lightly with sea salt. What a delightful nibble - perfect for outdoor entertaining.

We splurged on the butter (we made shortbread cookies and held a little aside for this appetizer) and purchased Vermont Cultured Butter from the Vermont Butter And Cheese Company while at Fresh Market. As you may have guessed, this European-style butter is made in Vermont. The butter rich and creamy was perfect with the radishes we found at the market. To add a twist to the dish we had both sea salt and Casina & Rossa Truffle & Salt options on the table. The butter in your fridge and the salt in your pantry will also be divine!

3.  Greek Salad Skewers - a modern twist on the classic Greek Salad. Simple, healthy, quick and delicious. And fun!

Enjoy!