In growing as a person, I have taken to cooking for my family on the weekends more often. This has turned out to not only be enjoyable for me, it gives my wife a small break from the burden of cooking. I started with the easy stuff, burgers, brats, and chicken on the grill, accompanied by baked beans & fries. Yea, I know that is a no brainer for a guy, but I had to start somewhere. I stepped it up just a notch a month ago & tried my hand at beef ribs, fresh green beens, and corn on the cob. The ribs were quite good, but a little fatty,and left me wanting to challenge myself even more. The next menu included bourban barbecue pork ribs with steamed broccoli, and again, corn on the cob. The ribs again were quite good, but did not fall off the bone like I hoped. Leaving room for improvement, I look forward to the challange of getting the cooking time just right next time! We then moved on to some meals compliments of the ocean. First was Chipotle Salmon, with fried red potatoes, fresh green beans, and some steamed broccoli. OK, I had some help with the potatoes & beans from my wife, but the rest I conquered. The salmon was perfect, and left my oldest son wanting more! This takes us to the menu from last weekend. What I like to call my masterpiece. I was so impressed with the results, that not only do I want to share the menu, I am providing the recipes. We had Fresh Steamed Maine Lobster, Steak, Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Corn on the Cobb. The corn on the cobb was just boiled and served with butter and the steaks were rubbed with barbecue sauce and cooked to well done. I overcooked my wife's steak, but to my defense, I had many dishes going at once. Next time I will get hers medium well just the way she likes! I was worried the lobster may not turn out right since I have never cooked a live creature before, but was pleased to see my family devour every last piece of meat we could coax from the little guy. I have to say, cooking is turning into a passion that I look forward to each weekend. I hope I can continue to please the family as well as provide healthy, tasty, meals for them all! Here are the recipes I used this past weekend:
Red Garlic Potatoes http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Red-Garlic-Mashed-Potatoes/Detail.aspx
Ingredients:
8 medium red potatoes, cubed
2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 cup butter - do not use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
1/4 cup half-and-half cream from Land O Lakes
2 tbsp white sugar
1/4 tsp steak seasoning - used A1 Steak Sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
1. Place the potatoes into large pot, fill with enough water to cover. Add 1 tsp crushed garlic for flavor. Bring to a boil & cook for 10 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
2. Drain potatoes, and add butter. Mash until butter is melted, then add half-and-half, sugar, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and remaining crushed garlic. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
Steamed Lobster www.cooking-lobster.com/cooking-lobster/steamed-lobster.html
Ingredients:
1 tbsp salt per quart of water added
2 2lb lobsters(only had 1 full lobster so steamed a tail along with it) Publix fresh fish
1 medium onion, rough chopped
2 stalks celery, rough chopped
1 tsp cracked peppercorns
2 bay leaves
whole branches of fresh dill
Directions:
1. Cover vegetables & seasoning with 1&1/2 inch water
2. Bring to a boil & add the steamer basket with the lobster in it & cover tightly
3. Cook for 15 minutes, making sure water remains in bottom of pot.
4. Check for doneness with one of the small legs. Then, remove from the pot & crack the lobster and enjoy!
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