addROC's Kitchen: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Breakfast: French Toast

Ah...what better way to wake up than to your man-toy cooking you breakfast?

After making several loaves of Crusty French Bread, I discovered that it's hard to finish a whole loaf before it starts going stale. Being the innovator that he is, addROC proposed that the solution to this dilemma was nothing other than French Toast (see above).

So, we went to visit our neighbor, McDonald's, and grabbed a few iced coffees, pulled out the powdered sugar and 100% pure maple syrup, and went to town. Holla!

Lunch: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Homemade 'Slaw, Quick Pickled Relish, and White Shoepeg Corn

The cold days have finally come. And, there's nothing nicer than staying cooped up in the ol' homestead. So, addROC put a pork shoulder in the slow cooker and let that baby rock'n'roll.

Approximately 5 hours later...


Homemade pulled pork...and all the fixin's. So delectable. So southern.
Sooooo worth the wait!

Dinner: Steak Diane, Roasted Potatoes, and Roasted Green Beans and Shallots

Steak Diane, a true classic, was recently featured in Gourmet Magazine, and by one of my most favorite blog hostesses, Pinknest. So, addROC whipped it up, and, man was it tasty.

Three meals.
One awesome chef/boyfriend/man-toy.

Life is good.

addROC's Kitchen: A Trip to the Fish Monger

Ah yes, the "cold" season has arrived.

NOT.

It's November 15th and it was 61 degress when I stepped outside this morning.

Usually, when the weather starts to chill down, addROC turns up the heat in the kitchen. He'll put out all the stops and we'll hunker down for a long-Winter's-meal.

Well, it may be warm outside, but it's getting even warmer in addROC's Kitchen! Time to go gets us some fishies!


Pan Seared Tilapia
with Lime-Chile Butter


I'd never eaten Tilapia before. And no, I'm not kidding.
This was, um, UNGODLY delicious.
I love the mildness of this fish...and that butter, man-oh-man.
Tasty-ness.

Scallops in a Tarragon Cream Sauce
with Roasted Corn
and Red Rice with Roasted Garlic


Scallops are one of my all-time favorites.
This sauce was decadent and rich, but, was nicely balanced by the light flavors of the rice and corn.
But, that garlic man, so delicious...but, let's just say I needed a mint!

Mmm...seafood!

Thanks addROC, ol' buddy, ol' pal! Love those treats from the sea!

addROC's Kitchen: From Epicurean to Expedited Eats

The "Doctrine of the Clean Plate" is very easy to adopt in my apartment.

Why???

Because I have a live-in Chef.

I eat a great meal almost every night of the week.
In fact, usually, the disappointing night is take-out night.
addROC changes up his menu constantly, while saving a few favorites for possible second appearances.

Sometimes, he toils.
He's prepping when I get home: Chopping shallots, marinating steaks, slicing peppers, and roasting veggies.

And sometimes, he whips something up so quickly, so easily, it's like magic.
Even if it's a simple meal, he manages to make it look like restaurant fare.

The Epicurean:
Pork Medallions in Spiced-Tomato Pan Gravy
with Sliced Vegetables and Quick-pickled Cabbage


Delectable. This meal looked and tasted so fresh, and the pork melted in my mouth.
Sometimes I have to look at my plate for a minute and ask myself:
Is it really just a Tuesday night?

The Expedited Eats:
Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella Quesadilla
with Black Beans and Crystal Hot Sauce
Side of Sauteed Corn & Shallots


I remember saying the words, "I'm hungry," and having this plate in front of me what seemed like 3 seconds later. Sometimes a quick and easy meal can be a gourmet meal...all it takes is a little effort on the presentation!

Thanks to addROC for the eats...

addROC's Kitchen: A Little of This, A Little of That...

Clams Casino

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: One of the BEST things about having addROC in the kitchen is that, you'll never get bored. He's always trying something new, and somehow, it always turns out well.

I think that a constantly changing menu makes for a fun and interesting diet...it keeps your body and your taste buds alert and ready for action.

In this week's segment, I want to highlight the smaller treats that addROC has whipped up...'cause they're tasty and so gosh-darn CUTE!

Above, is addROC's Clams Casino.
Born in family tradition, addROC makes these every once in a while to remind himself of home...and to remind me of how much I can cram in my mouth if I am feeling determined.
Mmmmm...breadcrumbs, bacon, onions, shallots, peppers, and clams! How can you go wrong? Fabulous!

Poblano Poppers

Ah, scrumptious little Poblano peppers filled with: Cream cheese, onion, shallots, peppers...and then wrapped in BACON! Deeeeevine!

I love things with a kick! A great little appetizer before a delicious meal.

And finally, the addROC money shot:

Dinner For Two:

Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Yucca in a Garlic Lemon Dressing
Fresh Sweet Corn

Everything was stellar.
But, the yucca took me by surprise. So delicious. I'd had it before, but something about the tangy dressing just pushed me over the edge of taste-bud pleasure.
And, as for the steak, need I say there are very few items that surpass grilled steak, in my book?
(And yes! We did hop out on the roof, because, sadly, our days are numbered with the frikkin' cold months upon us!)

So wonderful.

Delicious food, made by other people...

Life is good.

addROC's Kitchen: Skewers, Salads, and Pie! Oh My!

Yet again, addROC made my week by feeding me and our friends.
I love addROC, especially in the kitchen, because, well, his dishes are constantly changing. It turns out, that variety actually is the spice of life and there's nothing like keeping your taste buds on their toes.

This week, addROC went with an Asian theme, and we all reaped the benefits...feast your eyes on this week's tasty treats.

Night #1: Just the Two of Us

Shredded Thai Chicken
with Peanut Sauce Over Soba Noodles

OMG! So frikkin' good. When addROC makes me soba noodles, it's pretty much in the bag, he's gettin' lucky.
This dish was outta this world and I can't wait for the next soba adventure...

Night #2: Entertaining Friends...

Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
Toasted Barley, Corn, Onion, and Pepper Salad
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes and Red Pearl Onions

De-vine. Anything from the grill is always a treat, and, I'm a huge fan of salads with grains.

and

Drumroll...

I actually cooked something for our guests! A Pie! Without any help! Looky here nesters, I'm not as domestically disabled as you all thought!

White Chocolate Pecan Pie

Very tasty, if I do say myself. Though, I do intend to further hone my baking skills, as I ended up buying a rather upscale mixer solely to make this little pie!

Clean plates said it all! Thanks again to addROC...I'm already looking forward to eating next week's editions!

addROC's Kitchen: 2 Nights, 2 Meals

Mmmm...veggies from Union Square's Greenmarket.
These were the colorful ingredients my boyfriend, addROC, chose to cook with this weekend.

Here at The Brooklyn Nester, Brooklyn Bitch does a lot of nesting, but, not a lot of cooking. I leave that task to persons with the know-how, and I'll do the dishes...I promise.

Join me as I highlight the delicious eats that we enjoyed this weekend here at The Brooklyn Nester in addROC's Kitchen.

Night #1: Just the Two of Us

Pork Chops with a Spicy Orange Glaze
Tomato, Fennel, Onion, and Ham Salad with a Parmesan Dressing
Fresh Sweet Corn


Absolute perfection. And, the colors were beautiful. Something pretty always tastes better!

Night 2: Grilling for Friends

Salsa Verde
Fried Fresh-Corn Fritters
Dirty Rice with Pork Sausage
Cucumber and Onion Salad with Thai Sweet-Chili Dressing
Grilled Garlic-Shallot Burgers Topped with Cheddar, Onion, and Tomato

Salsa Verde
Fried Fresh-Corn Fritters
Dirty Rice with Pork Sausage
Cucumber and Onion Salad with Thai Sweet-Chili Dressing

Grilled Garlic-Shallot Burger Topped with Cheddar, Onion, and Tomato


Huzzah for men who can cook, 'cause I sure can't!

Many thanks to addROC for another delicious weekend.

Enjoy the rest of yours!