Lot's of Recipe testing going on!

Having had the weekend off I was able to spend some quality time in the kitchen. Working two jobs, I struggle to find the time to maintain my recipe testing along with everything else and for the first time since I started this blog, I am running low on written recipes in need of testing. It was definitely a much needed time in the kitchen and I was able to get a few things done.

1. Roasted Red Pepper Scalloped Potatoes -- Potatoes any which way are amazing. Find someone who doesn't enjoy potatoes and I'll show you a liar! There is something so satisfying about them regardless of how they've been prepared. Scalloped potatoes are one of my favourites, super rich and creamy and full of glorious cheese. I decided to switch things up with this recipe by infusing a roasted red pepper in to the cream sauce giving it another layer of flavour. A nice blanket of mozzarella cheese on top and baked until brown around the edges and bubbling away. It tastes like perfection and really hits all the right notes leaving you completely satisfied.
2. Cauliflower & Carrot Curry over Pot Barley -- I love the texture of barley. It's hearty, tender, and offers a little chew making every bite special. I've prepared a batch of barley and ladled over it some delicious cauliflower and carrot curry. What a delicious and aromatic meal this turned out to be. Look for this one on the blog in the next few weeks!
3. Mediterranean Potato Salad -- Again with the potatoes. I just love them. This potato salad takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavours with fresh peppers, onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in a flavourful lemon and herb vinaigrette. The vinaigrette compliments the salad immensely making it extremely enjoyable. Make sure to remove the salad from the fridge for a few minutes prior to serving it. Vinaigrettes really shine at room temperature!

Also, I was able to write out a few ideas that I can't wait to test this upcoming week. Here's a sneak peek!

1. Creamy cheese, spinach, artichoke, and mushroom stuffed potatoes -- This idea came to me as I was looking over my potato situation and realized I purchased far too many potatoes and needed to come up with a few creative ways to use them up. My idea will see the potatoes roasted to perfection and hollowed. The potato's insides are then mixed with creamy cheese, spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms and restuffed back in to the potatoes. Slip them back in to the oven with a bit of melty mozzarella on top and I think this dish will be a hit!
2. Cauliflower Mash -- I want to boil some cauliflower along with potatoes and use the ricer to combine them into a mixing bowl. Add in some butter, seasonings, and fresh herbs and I think things will be delightful. I feel like the cauliflower will add a lightness to the potatoes while also adding in some additional nutritional value to the mash. 
3. Mashed Potato Croquettes -- What is a croquette? Usually consisting of meat, potato, and/or vegetables as the main ingredients, they are then coated in egg and crumbs and deep fried until crispy and delicious. My idea is to obviously go the mashed potato route and add in some veggies and cheese to really jazz them up. I think these will be such a treat and they are also so fancy sounding they'll be a great way to impress your guests!

What do you think of what's coming up? I hope these ideas really speak to you and get you salivating a little. Make sure to visit the blog often to see the newest recipe posts!



HAPPY VEG