J & J Cucina - The Pot Continues to Stew...

It's been a while since I've had a chance to blog...been busy preparing for our upcoming trip to visit our families and actually have been doing a lot of home-cookin'! Inspired by the change in weather and the fresh fall ingredients, here are a few dishes that J and I have been enjoying.....

1) Braised Beef Short Ribs

I found this recipe from Gourmet and absolutely loved it!!! I've tried this dish a few times (sometimes with ox tail) but this finally came out the way I imagined! J did not speak during the entire meal, except to gaze up from his plate to say "Oh wow...this is good...mmmm". I couldn't stop laughing cause he has never reacted like this before. I think this dish will be making another appearance very soon! But this is something that you really invest a bit of time and care into...as J said "You can really taste the love you put into this...it has soul!"



2) Lemon & thyme baked chicken

Simple, quick and tasty - this is a no frills dish that definitely pleases. Tossing a bit of fresh lemons and sprigs of thyme with the pollo and then baking for about 40 minutes. A great mid-week meal (served alongside some mashy tatters)....

3) Stuffed Chicken Breast with Potatoes

Another quick and easy dish that requires no time...actually, we got some help from our local Ralph's (hehe...). They have some terrific stuffed chicken breast in their poultry aisle...tastes homemade! A go-to dish for us after a long day at work and a workout at the gym...

4) Miso-glazed black cod with spinach

This was a HUGE hit! I was chatting with one of my coworkers and she mentioned that I should give this recipe a try. Simply mix some yellow miso with sake and coat it over some fresh black cod and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. After a quick bake, the fish is juicy and moist and melts in your mouth like butter. Be sure to pick a fresh cut of black cod...it makes all the difference in the world. I recommend going to Whole Foods cause they are so great with their fish and shellfish.

5) Crab Cakes, Meat Loaf and Sides from Whole Foods

I know that this is all about homemade cooking, but I have to give props to the unbelievable pre-made food at Whole Foods. J and I are devout followers of their meatloaf (both meat and turkey) and also loved their crab cakes. This place definitely lends a HUGE helping hand...should not be shy to accept help every now and then!
6) Mixed Berry Dollar Pancakes

J has been spoiling me with these little morning treats....as I was sitting there drying my hair and getting ready for work, he walks in with a plate of yummy pancakes...ok, I'll stop here...no more braggin ;)


So that's pretty much what's been cooking at J & J's...we're always trying new dishes and ramping up for holiday cooking and entertaining....can't wait!!!