Homemade Croutons and Italian Dressing

Crouton ingredients

1 Tbsp butter
5 Tbsp light oil (EVOO)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tsp oregano
1 Tsp thyme
5 slices day-old white bread

Melt butter in a skillet and then add the oil.  Mix in the remaining ingredients except for the bread.  Cut the crust off the bread and then cut them into 1/2 inch cubes.  Fry slowly until lightly brown.

Italian Dressing ingredients

3 Tbsp oil (EVOO)
2 Tbsp vinegar (white wine)
salt
black pepper
1/2 Tsp minced garlic
1/2 Tsp italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix together well.

Our review

The croutons were not exciting but they were eatable.  The salad dressing tasted like a traditional Italian salad dressing.

Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1/2 C olive oil (EVOO)

3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp minced shallot

1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

1/2 tsp sugar

Mix all ingredients and then season with salt and pepper.  

Our Review

It was very lemony.  Not in a sour way, but just lemony.  Guest thought it tasted very good.

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Quick Potatoes

Ingredients

1/2 lb small red skinned new potatoes

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 tbsp olive oil

coarse salt, to taste

fresh ground pepper, to taste

1 tsp chopped fresh dill leaves

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the potatoes and cook until tender, but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes.  Drain the water and then toss with butter and oil.  Season with salt and pepper and toss with dill.

Our Review

I actually didn't follow this recipe but I used to to help me figure out how to make a quick potato side dish.  I boiled the water, added the potatoes and cooked them for about 10 minutes.  I drained them and then I added salt, pepper, garlic, and a little olive oil into a bowl and tossed the potatoes to coat everything.  The kids asked for second so it must have tasted good.  They were quick and easy and I did enjoy them as well.

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Mediterranean Salmon

Ingredients

1/2 C olive oil (EVOO)

1/4 C balsamic vinegar

4 cloves garlic, pressed

4 salmon fillets (3 ounces each)

1 Tbsp chopped, fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

Mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.  In a shallow baking dish, rub the garlic on the salmon.  Then pour the olive oil and vinegar mixture over them, turning to coat.  Season with cilantro, basil, and garlic salt.  Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

Preheat the broiler.  

Place the salmon about 6 inches from the heat source and broil for 15 minutes, turning once, or until browned on both sides and easily flaked with a fork. Brush occassionally with the sauce from the pan.

Our Review

I used dried cilantro and basil and one large salmon fillet instead of 4 smaller pieces.  This was really good and both boys really liked it (which says a lot since the younger one hasn't been liking salmon lately.)

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Italian Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/4 Tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/4 C red wine vinegar
• 3/4 C extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 Tsp salt
• 1/4 Tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 Tsps honey

Mid all ingredients well.

Roast Potatoes

Ingredients

2 pounds red potatoes cut into quarters

2 Tbsp vegetable oil (I used olive oil)

1 Tsp salt

1/2 Tsp freshly ground pepper

1/2 Tsp dried rosemary, crushed

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Place potatoes in a large roasting pan and toss with the other ingredients.  Spread into a single layer and bake for 20 minutes, tossing occassionally.

Our Review

These were good but I had to cook them for almost 40 minutes.  I also didn't measure any of the ingredients.

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Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

Olive Oil

Rosemary

Salt

Pepper

Bone-in Chicken pieces

Toss chicken to coat it with the other ingredients.  Bake it at 450 degrees for 40-50 minutes until cooked thoroughly.  

Our Review

I made this recipe to go along with the Roast Potatoes recipe.  I didn't measure the ingredients.  It tasted pretty good.