In my kitchen there is much laughter. Laughter at the antics of puppy Shanna who is now four months old. Watching her encounter new things is almost as much fun as watching a two year old’s first sight of a giraffe. She likes carrots, and pears, and red pepper. Cauliflower, not so much. A small piece of raw cauliflower fell on the kitchen floor when I was making a sheet pan dinner of cauliflower, broccoli and potatoes. Of course she immediately pounced on it as a prize, only to spit it out and stare at it. She tried it again, same result. After three tries she proceeded to attack it, growling as if it were alive. I couldn’t stop laughing.

Shanna – I can’t believe you expected me to eat that thing

The cauliflower, potatoes and broccoli came from the garden. I am having trouble eating them before they bolt as everything was ready at the same time. I wish you could buy variety pack starts. Maybe each with 2 broccoli, 2 cauliflower and 2 kale.

Sheet Pan Cauliflower, Potatoes and Broccoli – ready for the oven

They were delicious though, roasted until slightly charred with crispy bits.

Sheet Pan Cauliflower, Potatoes and Broccoli

I served it with a dollop of whole milk ricotta on the side.

I am not a big fan of the pumpkin spice craze but I do love the scent of cinnamon, especially with our current chilly fall evenings. This braised chicken dinner with cumin and cinnamon was a big hit. The house smelled amazing while it was cooking. It was simply served with a side of steamed rice and an arugula salad.

Braised Chicken with Tomatoes, Cinnamon, and Cumin

In my kitchen bookcase I have a variety of new cookbooks. Melissa Clark is one of my favorite writers and I couldn’t resist her books featuring the electric pressure cooker or the Instant Pot. I don’t use that appliance much during the spring or summer. But once the cooler and wetter weather of autumn comes around, I find it an invaluable resource for quick meals or soups or braised dishes.

October 2021 new cookbooks

The Milk Street Cookbooks were purchased on a whim but I find them more useful and interesting than I first imagined. The others were gifts for my birthday (as my mother used to say…”to me, from me, love me”). I have a weakness for cookbooks and quite a collection. There is nothing better than sitting by the fire with a cup of tea and a new cookbook to peruse, although seed catalogs are also excellent in that situation. They are both the stuff of dreams.

I will be posting from them. Stay tuned.

I’ve had the Sheet Pan Chicken cookbook for several weeks, the chicken roasted with baharat came from it.

Sheet Pan Chicken with Baharat

Also the idea to add a crown of kale to the sheet pan for the last few minutes to crisp.

crown of roasted kale

I love it when a cookbook results in new ideas.

I look forward to sharing my favorites with you.

Lastly in my kitchen I have a puppy who is always ready for a belly rub. Forget the cauliflower.

Shanna begging for a belly rub – who could resist

I am contributing this kitchen catch-up to Sherrys Pickings: In My Kitchen, a monthly summary from kitchens around the world. Please join us and consider adding your own notes.