Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Sauteed Peas with Mushrooms

The other day I made a pretty decent dinner. But these peas? Yeah. They totally stole the show.

In about 10 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of Sauteed Peas with Mushrooms on your dinner table. Sure it's a tiny bit more effort than my usual pea routine, which involves throwing a bag into the microwave, but, oh, is it worth it.


Sauteed Peas with Mushrooms
Adapted from America's Test Kitchen

2 teaspoons olive oil
6 ounces sliced button mushrooms
1 small glove garlic, peeled and minced
3 cups frozen peas (No need to thaw!)
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
Salt and pepper

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in peas, chicken broth, and Herbes de Provence. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from Thanksgiving. I ate so much stuffing. And so much cranberry sauce. And SO MUCH pecan pie. Good gracious, the pie.

But since I'm in the holiday mode, I'll keep on with the holiday food. Sound good?

Today we're making ham. Every time I smell ham roasting in the oven, I'm immediately transported to Christmas Eve at my parents' house in Buffalo. Ham, cheesy potatoes, five or six feet of snow. Those were good times. 

I've made ham on several occasions, and Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham is both the simplest and tastiest in my humble opinion. Sweet, salty, and just a tiny bit tangy thanks to a dollop of grainy mustard, it's the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. 


Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
5 pound semi-boneless ham

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, mustard, preserves, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside. Line a baking dish large enough to fit the ham with foil. Place ham cut-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour glaze over the ham. Bake until ham is heated through, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with pan juices several times. Thinly slice and serve.