Sometimes I Cheat Too

As much as I pride myself on making most everything from scratch most of the time, there are times when even I don’t feel like it. Granted, these days are few and far between, but they do happen. Last night was one of those nights when I just really didn’t feel like cooking up a storm, so I made an easy-peasy meal combining leftovers, and God forbid, even using something from a box. Scary thought, I know, coming from Jeanne, from “A Jeanne in the Kitchen“, but it does happen. Rarely, but it does happen. 🙂

• 

I have a knack for being able to dress up even the simplest of dishes so they don’t look like they are either leftovers or that they came from a box. It’s a gift. 🙂

I had some leftover squash butter Crostini with Squash Butter and Ricotta Cheese and Caramelized Shallots that I wanted to use, but I wasn’t quite sure how. I decided to use it as a base that I put my pork chops on top of, then added some of vegetables and a bit of Parmigiano cheese. I do actually have a little bit leftover, yet again, that I already have another fantastic idea in mind for. Stay tuned. You will soon see how creative I can be, if you haven’t already. I made a boxed pasta (a very rare thing) but again, you would never know it, because I sauteed some vegetables and added them to the pasta. All of this was finished off with a light white blend on the side, and it made for a simple, easy-peasy delicious dinner in a flash.

I coated my pork pieces (they were not pork chops) in flour mixed with salt, pepper and Cajun spices, then seared them until they were browned and crusty. I finished them in the oven until they were completely cooked.

• 

• 

For the vegetables and pasta mix I sauteed some green beans, garlic, onions and red peppers along with salt and pepper in some olive oil and butter and just added those to my boxed pasta. Simple, but dressed up.

• 

• 

And that, added with a bit of bread, the last of my crusty cob bread, and wine, was dinner. A Crusty Cob

• 

Did you know it was partially from leftovers or some of it came from a box? If the answer is “NO”, then that means I did my job well. If the answer is “YES” then I still have some work to do. 🙂

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.