As the holidays approach, life is probably a bit hectic and you’re looking for something quick and easy to have for lunch or dinner. While you could run out to the local Subway, last time I did that I was so disappointed by the lackluster flavor of a sandwich I used to adore, the Italian BMT. A quick pass through the local grocery store, though, and I have all of the makings to put together one quickly at home. (more…)

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Quick and Easy, Sandwiches by Courtney

I’ve been on a bit of a Thai kick lately. Earlier this week I played around with a couple of recipes for Thai beef salad, and while I was perusing my Thai recipes, I came across a recipe for Tom Khaa Kai, or Chicken, Coconut and Galangal soup.

As I read through the recipe, I realized I had most of the items I needed already in my pantry or freezer to make the tropical-flavored soup. Originally I was going to make the soup to go with the Thai beef salad, but I ended up not being that hungry the other night, so I decided to put my soup and sandwich tray to good use, making monster spring rolls to go with the soup.

And that’s how this recipe became more than a variation on the cookbook recipe. (more…)

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Dairy free, Dinner, Gluten free, Sandwiches, Soups, Thai, Vegan, Vegetarian, World traveller by Courtney

Yesterday I picked up my CSA fruits and veggies, and among other things, there were peaches, a variety of tomatoes, the cutest little red onions, and basil in my box. Last week I remember seeing a panini somewhere that used peaches (not sure what else), which inspired me to make my own peach panini.

One of my favorite Italian restaurants around here has a peach, tomato, and red onion salad on their menu that I love. I know it may sound weird to some, but think of peach salsa – similar ingredients and oh so savory. So I popped by the store to pick up a loaf of French country bread (soft and larger than a baguette) and some fresh mozzarella. (more…)

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Dinner, Italian, Lunch, Sandwiches, Vegetarian by Courtney

A couple of weeks ago I was craving an Italian BMT from Subway. So off to Subway I went, a place I hadn’t been to in 8 or 9 years, to get the sandwich I so loved. Luckily, footlong subs were on special for $5, because I about had heart failure upon seeing the normal price was $9 (yes, apparently I’ve become the old person who can’t believe how much things cost now).

I came home, opened up my sandwich, and blech! While it wasn’t bad, it was tasteless. I’m not sure if my tastes have changed, or their food has become more bland, but needless to say, it’ll probably be more than another 8 years before I think about trying Subway again. However, I still had the nagging craving for a BMT, so I went to the store and procured the ingredients to make my own.

What does this have to do with the Pizza Sub? Well, the Pizza Sub was my other favorite Subway sandwich. If I wanted a cold sandwich, I went with the BMT; if I wanted a hot sandwich, the Pizza Sub was my go-to. The night after having a BMT, I realized I had all the makings for a Pizza Sub, so into the kitchen I went. (more…)

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Dinner, Lunch, Sandwiches by Courtney

It doesn’t really get much simpler than a Nutella and banana sandwich, even if you slightly doll it up as I have here. Today is a gray day, and I can’t think of anything better than some quick comfort food. Since my hubby bought me a breadmaker for Christmas, we’ve had fresh bread available at all times (a nice honey whole wheat, mmmmm!). So I sliced off a couple of pieces, slathered Nutella on both sides, sliced up a bit of banana to squish in the middle, and grilled my masterpiece in a non-stick pan with just a spritz of olive oil. To add a little sweetness and a lot of visual interest, I dusted the sandwich halves with a bit of powdered sugar before sitting down to devour my sweet, sweet lunch.

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Comfort food, Dairy free, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian by Courtney