One pan salmon

Today we decided to eat some Salmon! I did a simple one pan salmon dish.
The potatoes were cut and boiled to cook easier in the oven. I seasoned with a lemon herb seasoning. The salmon was seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh squeezed lemon, and dijon mustard. The asparagus was season with olive oil and lemon herb seasoning. I cooked it at 450 degrees for 25mins.

Ravioli Casserole with Home Made Italian Pasta Sauce

I had some spinach and mozzarella ravioli in the fridge I bought from Costco that needed to be cooked. I saw a recipe that The Pioneer Woman did that inspired this dish.

I first made my own Pasta sauce. I cut up some yellow onion, and sauteed it in a pot with olive oil. Once nice and softened, I added a big can of tomatoes with the juice, a can of tomato paste to thicken the sauce and add more flavor. I wish I had some fresh garlic but I didnt have any on hand. I then added my seasoning. This you can customize to your liking but I did traditional salt, garlic salt, pepper, italian seasoning, a little dried parsley, and fresh chopped basil. I let that simmer for about 30 mins. Once done, I added some chopped up olives for a little extra flavor. I cooked the pasta till ready in a pot and in a Casserole dish, I layered the sauce, pasta, and parmesan cheese till filled up. I would have added mozzarella or ricotta cheese if I had it on hand, but I didn't. Just parmesan will have to do. I topped the Casserole with fresh chopped basil for color and garnish. I baked it at 350 degrees for 35 mins and dinner was served. Next time I do this, I will add the other ingredients since I will be better prepared.  Let me know if you've tried anything like this in the comments below!

The best Chicken Tikka Masala ever

One of my husband's favorite dishes I do is Chicken Tikka Masala. It's an Indian dish that has chicken with a sauce with Indian spices usually served over basmati rice. I've done it quite a bit trying out different ways to try to perfect the recipe.  The first time I cooked it, it had absolutely no flavor but my husband was a trooper and ate it. >_< We were at Aldi grocery store today and he spotted the masala sauce I usually use and asked me if I was going to cook it. I said yes and picked up chicken thighs to cook up with them. I did a couple things differently today. I used yellow onions and let them cook in butter. Once softened, I added the chicken thighs with the bone in. Something I never do. I usually debone them. I believe that made a huge difference today. The meat was so much more juicy. I then sprinkled salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin on both sides of the chicken and let them get a good sear on both sides. After, I poured in one jar of the masala sauce. This next part was a bit different. I usually add greek yogurt to the dish to make it creamy. Today I decided to add sour cream. That really in my opinion made the dish DELICIOUS. I let it cook on medium heat for about 20 mins with the lid over it. Boy did the house smell amazing. I served it over basmati rice, also found at Aldi. It has lemon and herbs infused into the mix already. I just added a pinch of salt. I made enough for left overs and let's just say the tikka masala has left the building... I'm quite happy that I feel like I finally mastered this dish! *happy dance* okay now time to do the dishes... *stops dancing*

Xoxo Bunny

Valentine's dinner at home

Who says you have to go out to dinner on Valentine's day? Since having a kid, my husband and I prefer including our little girl in our special day. We want her to feel loved on that day rather than being sent with a babysitter while we celebrate. I'm sure there will come a day when she gladly will stay home while we go out, but until then we will take what we can.

I decided to go traditional and do the steak. I would have included a lobster tail but being pregnant, I thought maybe I should avoid seafood. The steak was marinated in salt and pepper with olive oil. I then cooked it in a pan. I wanted to include a potato in our dish but didn't want to be basic. So I tried out a hasselback potato recipe and boy was it amazing. It's going to be a regular now in our home. I finished it off with fresh green beans cooked with red onions and garlic sauteed in olive oil. The cheesecake was store bought, and I made my own topping with black berries and cherries cooked in sugar. With a little help from the dollar store, I decorated our table and whalah! A candle lit dinner for 2... well actually 3 and a half...

Needless to say it was a fun and delicious dinner. 

What did y'all do for heart day? 

Xoxo Bunny