punkerdoo

Since I spent the majority of Sunday planning this week’s menu (well, playing with a new program and planning meals), we needed to go grocery shopping and pick up all the items on my spiffy auto-generated list.   It was a surprisingly successful adventure.  Usually there are at least a few items that we cannot procure, but this time we did find everything on our list.  The trip was not without it’s trials.  In order to complete our mission we had to confront and defend ourselves against the Dill Troll, guardian of all that is fresh and natural.  We were shown to be worthy.

Originally, the plan was to complete our shopping and return home to cook dinner.  The well-thought out menu called for Eggplant and Smoked-gouda Open-faced Grilled Sandwiches with a side of Creamy Okra Casserole.  This dinner would use both the aging eggplant and okra in the fridge.  By the time, we had finished our shopping, the Royal Peasant sign nextdoor to Earth Fare was shining so brightly that it could not be ignored.  Giving in to our destiny, we stopped in for a few pints, Bangers & Mash, and Bubble & Squeak.  Curse you, who doth install a public house amongst  the places of errands.

Tuesdays, have the self-imposed added pressure of trying out a restaurant that we have never before visited. I know that sounds stringent, but we try to maintain. At some point last week we decided to try Ike & Jane, a bakery & cafe. I had a Ham and Gruyere on sourdough and Darren had the combo of Roast Beef on Black Pepper Baguette with a cup of chili. Our assement? Very good and the atmosphere of normaltown is always pleasant. I would very much like to go back for breakfast/brunch and to try their pastries & breads.

So, of course when I went to make the Okra Casserole this evening, the okra was too far gone and had to be discarded wasted.  Really a bummer, considering I still want to try the recipe and will have to buy more, risking a repeated occurrence.  Tonight’s dinner was Creamy Spinach-mushroom Skillet Enchiladas, Jerusalem Artichoke and Lima Bean Saute‘ and leftover Pot Beans.  The enchiladas were simple, quick and easy to make, so I will take that into considerations as I give them a rating of “just ok”.  They also had the added benefits of using up the rest of the salsa verde I made on Sunday. I have never cooked with jerusalem artichokes before so I was not quite sure what to expect. The dish was itself pretty good, but did not pair with the enchiladas at all. I suspected as much, but was trying to save all the veggies I could. I will definitely purchase them again soon and try some other recipes.