When The Weather Matters…

Morning after a storm on the Oregon Coast (Thanksgiving 09)

I admit it. I like to check the weather forecast. My morning ritual includes a cup of coffee and at least one cycle of Local on the 8s. This ingenious bit of programming from The Weather Channel features the current weather conditions and local weather forecasts within the US. The name comes from the timing of the segment, as the times it airs end in “8″ (such as 6:18, 6:28, etc.) and because of the timing of the segment, “Local on the 8s” airs in ten minute intervals. Like a morning snooze button….if you are so inclined.

While this weather information helps to start my day - I’ve become a huge of WeatherBug for updates during the day. WeatherBug provides local conditions and forecasts on your computer, mobile device, or website! To get started, simply download WeatherBug,  customize by adding your zip code - select a weather station near your neighborhood or location, check out the forecast and plan your day! Nifty! Yes, you can add other locations to travel the weather while traveling.

What more could a gal ask for…

Do you have a favorite app that indulges your quirks? It’s your turn to share in the comment section below…

Enjoy and thanks for joining us in the kitchen,

No Fuss Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Ingredients

Thrifty Thursday: Soup for Supper

There is nothing like a hearty soup and a salad for a super-easy, super-delicious meal. Here’s a savory soup that you can make in less than an hour. While I typically avoid soups with cream - this curried seafood chowder is worth the splurge. Don’t save this recipe for a fall evening, it is equally tasty on a spring or summer evening.

Curried Fish Chowder

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup half-and-half (light cream or 2% milk)
• 1 can creamed corn
• 3 red potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 pound white fish (cod, halibut, grouper, etc), cut into pieces

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat melt butter. Add curry powder; cook stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly add broth, milk, corn, potatoes, celery and carrots. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
2. Add fish; cook for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
3. Serve immediately.

Serving suggestion: Mixed green salad and bread.

Quick and Healthy Fish Tacos

This is my favorite go-to middle-of-the-week dinner. These fish tacos are quick-to-make, healthy and make any mealtime feel like a fiesta!  To jazz things up add a couple of ramekins with optional condiments like cheese, lettuce, cabbage, sour cream or plain yogurt. Almost any fish will work and you can  pan sear the fish if you prefer.

Tilapia Fish Tacos with Guacamole Salsa

Chicken paprikash is an old time Hungarian stew - rich in flavor, beautiful in color, and easy to make.  It’s a great weeknight meal, and if you make enough, you can have leftovers for another meal.  I like to serve it over rice, but the traditional way is to serve it over egg noodles.  Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS

1 cut up chicken

1 sliced onion

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon paprika

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 thinly sliced red bell pepper

1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce) with juices

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat.  Brown the chicken skin side down about 4-5 minutes.  Turn over for another 3 minutes.  Transfer to a plate.

3. Drain most of the fat from the Dutch oven.  Cook the onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes.  Add the broth and stir, cook for 1 minute.  Add the tomatoes and paprika.  Bring to a simmer.

4. Put the chicken back in the pot and put in the oven for 30 minutes.

5. Serve over rice, noodles, or polenta.