Wednesday Fun #131 - Grocery "Get Me"s

Wednesdays (as we may have discussed earlier) are my normal shopping days. I write up my list and all that, keep an eye on the specials, maybe even have some coupons along. Virtuous shopper, right?

Cheetos are never on the list, yet somehow they manage to sneak into my cart a higher-than-my-scale-would-like percentage of the time. As do Sun Chips (do I thank Nectarine's husband or curse him for introducing me to the Garden Salsa variety? YUM!). And every now and again maybe some donut holes...

You get the picture. Make me feel better - tell me YOUR grocery "get me!" items!

Cous cous salad

1 box whole wheat cous cous
1 15 oz. can of kidney beans
2 medium scallions
1 cup fresh broccoli
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/3 c. tomato juice
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp olive oil

Prepare cous cous per instructions. When cous cous has cooled to room temperature, mix with beans (strained), scallions, and broccoli. In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Pour over salad and toss lightly.

The vegetables and beans can be varied for different flavors.

Wednesday Fun #130 - Favorite French Fries

Last night's recipes were both a big success! Hooray! Now, one was for oven-fried chicken and the other was garlic fries (minus the garlic step considering my audience!), so nothing too exotic or complicated, but both were delicious... and both were from Cooking Light.

It got me thinking... I'm usually a big ol' fat potato-y steak fries lover, or those Ore-Ida Crispers, but these were excellent (and yeah, I'll post the recipe), and maybe my new favorites. Who knew Yukon Gold potatoes, oil & salt could be so delicious?!

How about you? What's your favorite French fry?

Wednesday Fun #129 - Go Get Good Groceries!

Wednesdays are my grocery shopping day currently. That'll change once our CSA deliveries start up again this summer, but for now, that's the routine. Then, my menu planning will have to become a lot more flexible depending on what we get in our boxes, and with nobody in school and nice weather, we'll probably bike to the local store a few times a week and do smaller amounts each time. ('Cuz not that much fits in the back of the bike trailer!)

As I was putting away the groceries & pondering this week's Wednesday Fun, it got me wondering how you all do your shopping. Are you a once-a-week-big-trip? A pick-up-on-the-way-home-what-I-want-for-supper-tonight? Do a monthly big shopping trip, then only milk & such until the next month? Do all the shopping for your household yourself or share the duties? Shop early, shop late, shop on the weekend, shop during the week? Live for double-coupon day?

Lemme know - what's YOUR shopping routine?

Recipeeps Accolades

Maybe this doesn't belong here. I don't have the recipe or anything. But if any of you have the opportunity to bribe, beg, or otherwise convince Veggie to make you a small jar of her tomato jam this year, TAKE IT.

I've been eating it on baguettes with chevre, and I'd just like to say, YUM.

Wednesday Fun #128 - Moscow on the Hill Review

Well this is going to be the end. I've exhausted the TC restaurants I needed to mention... except for one. Moscow on the Hill is located in a great old neighborhood in St. Paul. The area (in driving and walking through it) really has the feel of an area you don't feel the need to leave to be entertained. However, I don't think I could live there because Moscow on the Hill would be the end of me... but what a great way to go!

I've only tried a few different dishes there because I can't stop getting the Czar's Medallions. These are so creamy and delicious... yum, yum, yum. I've also had the Beef Stroganoff which is also fabulous. I've really enjoyed everything I've had there though none of it is what I would call "light". Everything is rich and heavy and complex flavored. Great comfort/winter food.

One of the really cool things... They do Vodka Flights!!! I haven't had the chance to try one of these yet (no designated drive when I've gone) but I really want to. They are also one of the places I've heard about as a great Martini bar. Wow I want a drink.

The thing I think is coolest about Moscow on the Hill is the ability to make everything and everyone seem welcome and fun. I mentioned the Martini bar... well it has that hip feel... it also totally work for me to go to with my mom and a number of my friends (we would probably not be call hip in most groups). Of course I have also seen large families there, with three or four generations represented. The best recommendation I can give is that I've heard a number of older (grandma + aged) women speaking Russian (and drinking lots of vodka) and enjoying time at Moscow on the Hill.