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.
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.