We just had dinner at my good friend Kelly’s house and this is the dish she made for us.  This Moroccan dish was exotic and delicious, plus it is so easy to make because it all goes into the crock pot.  This chicken dish goes wonderfully with couscous.
In a slow cooker, layer:
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1 inch pieces)
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 dried apricots, coasely chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons …

My friend Tina, who is an amazing cook, just sent me this wonderful recipe for feta cheese and spinach rice.  It is a very easy recipe but is so flavorful and full of great vegetables.  Since this dish has a Mediterranean flair because of the feta cheese, spinach, and tomatoes, this is a great side dish to serve along side Herb Crusted Roasted Rack of Lamb.
In a large saucepan, over medium, add:
3 tablespoons olive oil
Once oil is warm, add:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring …

I made these ribs last night for my family and they were delicious.  The meat was so tender and flavorful.  These ribs are so easy to make because it all goes into the crock pot.
In a small bowl, combine:
2 tablespoons peppercorns, coarsely ground
2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds, coarsely ground
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Rub peppercorn, mustard seed and salt mixture onto 5 lbs of beef short ribs.  In a large pot, over medium high heat, add:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Once heated, add ribs and brown on all sides.  Should take about 10 minutes …

This hearty pasta dish is sophisticated enough to serve to guests, but easy enough to cook any night of the week.  It is packed full of vegetables and the shiitake mushrooms give it such a rich flavor you won’t believe there isn’t any meat in the sauce.

In a large food processor (or small food processor, working in batches), add:
3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 oz. of shiitake mushrooms
6 oz. of assorted mushrooms (white, brown, or cremini) cleaned
3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh …

This is a wonderful cornbread recipe and so easy.  The jalapeno pepper really makes the taste more interesting and the cheddar cheese keeps the bread moist and delicious.  This is a great side dish for chili, soup (try Taco Soup or Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder), or any mexican dish.

In a large bowl, combine:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
In a separate smaller bowl, combine:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1 stick melted butter
Using a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the dry …