Leftovers

Some people hate leftovers but I like them, and being as I live alone now, when I do cook, it usually lasts me for several days.  I still end up wasting more food that I want to, so I have been trying to use up the things I have before making another run to the grocery store.  The internet sure does make that easier with all the cooking blogs and ideas for recipes.  Even when I don't follow the recipe all the way, it still gives me ideas for how to make sauces, and make foods more flavorful.

This was dinner tonight, made with some scallops and shrimp that were left in the freezer along with veggies from the crisper.  I got the idea from the Pioneer Woman's blog.  If you haven't checked out her website, you should go there now. Click here for PioneerWoman.com

Photo #331: Seafood Chowder

While almost everyone else in the United States was eating leftover turkey on the the day after Thanksgiving, I decided to make some Seafood Chowder. This involved a trip to The Waterfront Seafood Market. It's so nice that we have one in Ankeny now. It saves the time that it would take to drive to West Des Moines, and it's the best place to get fresh fish. This made a nice meal for Lisa, Colin and I before we headed out to the movies. This time I made the chowder without the bacon. Instead I sauted the onion in butter. I do think that the bacon adds some nice flavor, however.




Here's the recipe:

Seafood Chowder

3 slices of bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups of cubed peeled potatoes
1 cup of water
1/4 pound of bay or sea scallops, quartered
1/4 pound of fresh or frozen lobster or crab, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 pound uncooked medium shrimp
1 pound tilapia (or 1/2 pound cod, 1/2 pound haddock)
2 T butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
3 cups of soy milk (original recipe called for 2 c milk, 1 12 oz can evaporated
milk, but I use soy milk whenever I can.)

In a large soup kettle or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. Reserve drippings. Sauté onion in drippings until tender. Add potatoes and water. Bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes.

Add the scallops, lobster, shrimp and tilapia. Cook for 10 minutes or until scallops are opaque, fish flakes easily, and shrimp is pink. Add the butter, salt and parsley. Stir in the milk. Heat through. Garnish with bacon. Serves 6.

Photo #16: My Birthday at The Waterfront

The Waterfront
Originally uploaded by BarbaraLN

Today was my birthday, and I've had a great day. It was hard to decide what part of the day to represent in a photo. I enjoyed my morning here at home. I love leisurely mornings, sipping my tea or cappuccino. After a busy week, being able to turn off the alarm and get up when I want, is a gift in itself. It was a bright sunshiny day in the thirties, so in the afternoon I went downtown to explore the new Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I have driven past it many times, since its installation last summer, but this was my first time to walk around and explore. The Pappajohns have given a fantastic gift of all of the citizens of Des Moines. After that I spent some time hanging out at Starbucks. The highlight of my day, was being taken out to dinner by my sister. Jacci picked me up at 6 and took me to The Waterfront in Ankeny. Along with the restaurant, there is a fish market, and sushi bar. We had a delicious salmon dinner. I am so lucky to have such a great sister, and it has been a fantastic birthday!