Side Dish Ideas n’ Stuff!

Hi all!

I’ve received quite a few emails and social media questions wondering if I’m still alive.  I am.  So sorry! 

Yep!  Totally alive!  All is good.

I’ve been working on my upcoming cookbook, which … has been interesting, to say the least!  The world was a very different place when I concocted this crazy Italian idea.  The concept, menu and photos were all shot mere seconds prior to the pandemic taking root. 

I, DJ Foodie, have always prided myself on peppy, poppy, effervescent writing.  However, about 10 months ago, a dark cloud began to loom.  Digging in and tapping into my informed inner clown has been tough.  I hate to say it, especially to y’all, but… anything other than this incredibly true truth would be… untrue!

So, I’ve made a bit of a pact with myself.  I’m going to blog again, no matter what.  It may start off a bit blurry, but… pure perfection right out of the gate is too monumental a task. I’ve decided not to hold myself to it.  I’m ok with starting “anywhere”, provided I start.  Interestingly, one of my big motivations behind this was in reading one of my most oldiest posts, entitled “How do you drain a lake?” 

Answer?  One drop at a time…

Somehow it was just what I needed to read!

So, I’m going to start simple, with a ludicrously simple recipe.  It’s just a side dish, but it includes some tips on sautéing and working with a hot pan, vs. “steaming” or “sweating” your goodies in said pan.

My point?  My point is… sometimes it’s just better to start, than to wait for the perfect moment.  If you’ve been itching to start a project, a plan or concoct kind of scheme, don’t wait!  Join me in rolling down the path towards a bright blurry future. Let’s get rolling!

Progress, not perfection.

Lemon-Thyme Zucchini

This is such a quick and simple little side dish.  This approach also forms the foundation for a wide variety of dishes I make at home, in large part, warm salads.

The technique:

Pre-heat a large sauté pan, over high heat.  The wider, the … More >

A Look Back …

While I’m at it, here are two older favorite sides of mine!

Stir-Fried Sesame Green Beans and Mushrooms

This recipe makes certain assumptions. It assumes you have frozen blanched green beans and cooked mushrooms. It’s also intended to be wicked fast and a nice little side dish. Throw a piece of fish on this and it’ll be an outstanding little dinner! Green Beans: To get to the point… More >

Simple Buttery Brussels Sprouts

This dish is about as basic and simple as can be, but with what may be an unclear twist. I’m unsure. It’s a very technical approach to cooking these things, and probably only ever really done like this in restaurants. However, it’s a fantastic way to do it. You’ll get a sweet and… More >

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