March, 2012 | Kitchen Treaty

Slow-Cooker Easy Three-Bean Chili with Ground Beef (or Not)

Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2012 in One Dish Two Ways

I’ve tried many, many variations on chili over the years. Super simple chili, chili with a gazillion ingredients, chili with “secret ingredients” like unsweetened cocoa or brewed coffee (both very good, actually). But this chili recipe is the one that’s been floating around on a piece of paper with the title of “THE Chili.” My guy took a bite of his version (with meat) and said, “This is it. You can stop at this one. It’s perfect.”

Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2012 in Veggie Dishes Everyone Loves

Sometimes a vacation is really, really in order. Like a wonderful trip to Hawaii, for instance {pause for day-dreamy sigh}.

Unfortunately, the times when a vacation is very very much needed often coincide directly with the times in which it’s utterly impossible. This, I think, would be one of those times. So I’ll close my eyes and dream of swaying palm trees, sunlight on my face and sugar-sand beaches.

Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 in Foundations, Veggie Dishes Everyone Loves

This is one of those recipes that acts as a foundation for all kinds of great dishes. Lasagna, baked ziti, spaghetti, spaghetti pie. It’s even delicious as a breadstick dipping sauce.

About once a month, you’ll find a giant pot of Italian Tomato Sauce bubbling away on my stove, making the house smell scrumptious.

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef or Lentils and Crimini Mushrooms

Posted on Monday, March 19, 2012 in One Dish Two Ways

Shepherd’s Pie. At first glance, it seems like a humble, even somewhat ho-hum dish. Ground beef (or lamb, traditionally) mixed with a few veggies and topped with mashed potatoes. Comforting, sure. But amazing? Probably not. Except, actually, yes. It’s really, really delicious.

This version brings together ground beef with a little gravy, some onions, carrots, peas, and corn for the carnivores. Vegetarians get their own delectable version with diced crimini mushrooms and lentils in place of the ground beef. Both are topped with cheesy mashed potatoes then sprinkled with more cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked so the potatoes form a nice golden crust.