salt & pepper Archives

Easy, Complete Side Dishes

October 23, 2017 by Kristin 4 Comments

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Alexia.

I can’t seem to find the time for intricate side dishes lately. Whenever we cook at home, it is pretty much guaranteed that we’ll serve a protein with a sautéed green veggie. Sometimes I’ll go above and beyond with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash. But I seriously can’t imagine preparing a protein and TWO lovely veggie sides {especially on a weeknight}. Which is why I was so excited to try Alexia’s complete side dishes.

Alexia used to be my go-to brand for dinner rolls {bring them back, please!}. And they’re the only brand of sweet potato fries on my radar. So when I saw they started making complete side dishes that are VERY similar to what I’d make at home, I couldn’t wait to try them!

Other than the flavor profiles being very similar to what I would cook, I appreciate that Alexia products are non-GMO, gluten free, and contain organic dairy ingredients. And, since we try to steer clear of the microwave, I liked that a handful of the complete side dishes have reasonable stovetop cook times. But for those who depend on the microwave, all of the side dishes cook in less than 10 minutes.

The two side dishes that we sampled were the cauliflower risotto with parmesan and sea salt and mashed butternut squash with butter and brown sugar. And, served along side homemade pork tenderloin, they made for quite a special Sunday supper. So special, that we brought everything outside and dined al fresco to celebrate the slow-approaching Texas fall weather.

The mashed butternut squash was the family favorite. I let Haven sample a spoonful before I plated our meal and she couldn’t stop asking “when is it going to be time for squash?”. Even while we were taking pictures, she couldn’t keep her hands off that squash! And I really enjoyed the cauliflower risotto because it’s so creative. There are plenty of frozen cauliflower rice options available, but then you’re left to find and make a recipe on your own. Alexia complete side dishes are just that – complete. And because they’re complete, you can put all your focus into a delicious main dish.

And that brings me to our pork tenderloin! I used this FoodFash recipe for the brined and seared pork tenderloin within this post. And then I sliced the pork and served it on a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms. And together, with the cauliflower risotto and mashed butternut squash, it made for a delicious veggie-filled meal!

Alexia complete side dishes can be found at Giant Eagle, Kroger, Meijer and other fine grocers. In Austin, I’ve purchased Alexia products at Whole Foods and Central Market.

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Alexia.

Bacon & Toasted Sesame Oil Broccoli

August 19, 2015 by Kristin Leave a Comment

These days, there is no other veggie that trumps broccoli in the FoodFash world. I can’t help but to cruise right past the other usual suspects: asparagus, spinach, kale.

Even if I’m making my favorite simple dinner or serving along side a protein, new ways to prepare broccoli is a subject that’s always on the brain.

That’s how bacon and toasted sesame oil broccoli came together. I started one night solely with sesame oil, which was excellent with pan-seared pork. But I was ultimately looking for something heartier, something good for when that 3pm hunger rolls around. Adding a bit of bacon {and the associated grease} allowed the broccoli to satisfyingly stand on its own. This addition, along with the slight smokiness of toasted sesame oil, may even get your broccoli-hatin’ friends to enjoy this veggie as well!

Pineapple Wrapped Halibut & Chipotle Peppers

July 26, 2015 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Twice this week and probably eighteen times this year, the same gentleman in the Whole Foods seafood department has helped me with a seafood selection. I walked away today feeling ridiculous that I don’t know his name. Next time I’ll be in less of a hurry and will take the time to ask. Especially since he took the time to inspire this dish.

The pre-made pineapple wrapped fish at Whole Foods has always caught my attention. But since I have an aversion to pre-prepared things, I insisted on making my own. When I told Mr. Whole Foods Seafood Man {wouldn’t it be so much easier if I knew his name?} about my plan, he, with excitement, said that if I was going to make my own I should definitely use chipotle peppers because chipotle and pineapple are meant for one another.

He was right. I was surprised by how much chipotle and pineapple flavor the fish soaked up while broiling. But I wasn’t surprised at how well sweet pineapple and spicy, smoky chipotle paired. It was so delicious I ate both pieces. In one sitting.

Shrimp & Grits For 2

November 19, 2014 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I woke up over the weekend with a massive craving for homemade breakfast. Homemade waffles to be exact. But when I went into the kitchen, I realized I used up the last of the coconut milk and waffles just weren’t in the cards. And it was freezing outside, so going to the store just wasn’t an option.

But what I did have was all of the ingredients for shrimp and grits {super odd, right?}. So never having made shrimp and grits before, I mixed and stirred until I had myself a warm breakfast that was way more delish than I could have ever anticipated. I posted a proud picture on Instagram and thought about one thing that would transform this already fab dish into something amazing – lobster stock.

And I was right. Lobster stock was a game changer. The grits were creamy and complex without feeling heavy like restaurant grits {filled with milk and cheese} and they balanced perfectly with simple shrimp and eggs.