Comfort Food Weekends

Weekends have become the only time that I leave my computer in my bag and phone in my room. I don't grade, choreograph or think about all the administrative work for my companies (Light Switch Dance Theatre & Jazz Is.....Dance Project). As an artist weekend can be like any other work day, but I have been trying to be a human and not a droid. With this in mind I find  all I want on the weeks is comfort food! However, still trying to keep my Mommy dancer figure and be economical (cause dancers are not going to pay themselves) I have had to be creative in what I choose to cook. These meals also still have to function as dinner, lunch, and then hopefully lunch again for at least the beginning of the week. Let me highlights the my favorites from the last couple weekends.

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole....yes! Started with olive oil, tsp of butter, chopped garlic and half on a huge yellow onion (seriously huge!) in a hot pan. Once, the onions became a little translucent the frozen broccoli florets (a bag and a half) entered the game and then covered the pan and let them steam a bit. In the meantime, I made some pasta (bow tie my fav with this). In to one pot went pasta, light cream (pint), one tbsp of butter, tsp of dijon, cheddar (extra sharp), salt and pepper (to taste). I let them mingle with the broccoli, garlic, onion and then pour everything into a casserole dish that was lightly buttered. Then, topped it with more extra sharp cheddar then into the oven it went (about 350 degrees for 15mins) to get nicely golden with a bit of crunch from the cheese on the top. Oh my DAMN! It was amazing and meal just got better each day. if you need a side, simple salad...you do not need for more with this meal.

Sausage Sage Poor Man Risotto! When you cook this one you will want to stick your whole face in the pan with no shame. Now, this idea came from my friend Samantha Widder of the Four Wild Boars (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Four-Wild-Boars/324632864316471). I have a tons of Jasmine and Brown rice and I could not think of anything that would last to make with it. There are plenty of rice recipes but nothing was making me excited...until Sam sent me this idea. Here we go....get excited! Started with olive oil three cloves of chopped garlic and one large yellow onion. Then, I added to the hot pan chunks of turkey mild sausage (4 sausages...a pound and half) (cause as we have discussed,I don't eat pork, but please feel free to use pork....pork it up!). As they start get  a little brown I added one tbsp of butter and 2 cups of jasmine rice (cause that is what I had) and then a palm full of dried sage (did not have fresh sage, but if you do use it). I let the rice take in all the flavors in the pan before pouring in two cups of water and two cups of chicken stock (get all the bits off the bottom) and salt & pepper to taste. I turned down the heat, covered and let it cook (please, let it cook..don't mess with it). Once the rice was almost cooked I poured in a cup of light cream. Seriously, PEOPLE, seriously! This meal...was...there are just no words! BOOM THERE GOES THE DYNAMITE!  Thank you, Samantha Widder...this meal made tears come to my eyes. Even now just thinking about it...so good!