Blue Apron ~ Cumin-Sichuan Beef and Noodles

After a two week hiatus, I am back cooking again.  Tonight it was a lovely beef and noodle dish.  This dish is influenced by China's Xinjiang Province, which is in the Northwest.  The cumin sauce reflects the middle east influence on this northern cuisine.  

It was another delicious meal that was easy to fix.

Blue Apron ~ Fresh Lemon Linguine

This Fresh Lemon Linguine with Summer Vegetable Sauce and Seasoned Ricotta has got to be one of our favorites!  The pasta was infused with lemon, then it was tossed with a sauce made of fresh ripe tomato, sauteed red onion, summer squash and garlic.  The dish was then topped with a ricotta cheese - garlic mixture.  Absolutely fabulous!

5 Stars

Blue Apron ~ Thai Chicken Burgers

The secret of the Thai Chicken Burgers is the lemongrass and ginger that was sauted, then mixed into the ground chicken.  A hoisin-mayonnaise sauce was spread on the buns before adding the cooked burgers.  Top that off with tomato and fresh cilantro and ready to eat.  The meal was accompanied with roasted Russet potato wedges.

I supplemented this meal with a Caesar Salad, because I knew my hubby wouldn't be crazy about the potatoes.

I enjoyed the burgers, but this was not one of our favorite meals.

3 Stars

A Day at the Baton Rouge Zoo

It had been over 28 years since we had visited the Baton Rouge Zoo.  Although it was a hot day, we thought it would be fun to make a little trip.  The zoo truly is a hidden gem in East Baton Rouge Parish.  The animal exhibits are very well done, with lots of educational information.  The next trip will occur before another 28 years lapse.

Blue Apron ~ Crispy Catfish and Freekeh

Tonight's meal was crispy catfish and Freekah with Corn-Cherry Tomato.  Another tasty meal.  

I had never had Freekeh before.  It is a cereal made from green wheat that goes through a specific roasting process.  It reminded me of bulgar wheat.  After cooking the freekeh, it was mixed with a shallot and white wine vinegar marinade.  Also mixed in was chopped fresh parsley.

The cooked and crispy catfish was placed on top of the freekeh, which was then topped with a fresh corn and multi-colored cherry tomato sauté.  The combination of flavors was amazing.

The recipe called for fresh marjoram to be sprinkled over the entire dish, however, my box came with oregano instead.  I prepared the oregano, but forgot to use it.  Probably didn't matter.

5 stars.

Blue Apron ~ Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits

I am generally not a fan of grits, but Shrimp and Grits is a southern dish and I had never tired it before.  The shrimp was coated in smoked paprika, which is the secret of this dish, before being cooked.  Then it was added to a saute of fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes and served on a bed of cheesy grits.  The result was amazing!  The grits were very flavorful.  They were made with fresh corn and lemon zest to give it a nice twist.

5 Stars 

Blue Apron ~ Tomato-Basil Burgers

Tomato-Basil Burgers with Olive Aiolo and Green Bean-Tomato Salad

Another winner.  The burgers were served on toasted buns with tomato slices, fresh basil leaves and a creamy aioli sauce.  The aioli sauce, with the Kalamata Olives, was delicious.  The string bean and tomato salad was delicious.  The dressing was made with Dijon Mustard, minced shallot, lemon juice and olive oil.  The meal was delicious.

5 Stars