Have you ever participated in a recipe exchange? They are a lot like the chain letters we used to try to avoid in the 80′s (and probably long before that!). With the advent of e-mail came the “send this to … Continue reading
Category Archives: Main Dish
Mexican Chicken Chop Salad
Inspiration can come from anywhere. On a recent trip to our West Seattle Trader Joe’s, I discovered an incredibly delicious reduced-fat Cilantro Dressing in the refrigerator section. Just one taste of this creamy, garlicky, cilantro-filled sauce had me thinking about … Continue reading
Pasta with Anchovies, Capers & Black Olives
May is Guest Chef Month on A Passionate Plate! Today’s Guest Chef is my friend, Milton Pierce. Milton and I met about 10 years ago at a trade show. Since Milton lives in Virginia and I live in Seattle, we … Continue reading
Yogurt Chicken Skewers
May is Guest Chef Month at A Passionate Plate! Today’s post and recipe are from our good, foodie friend, Margretta. She is a lovely hostess, great writer and fantastic cook. Margretta makes everyone who enters her home feel comfortable and … Continue reading
Penne Pasta alla Vodka
May is Guest Chef Month on A Passionate Plate. Today’s Guest Chef is Michelle (Barberio) Hyde: proud Italian-American girl/past neighbor and close friend of Joy’s. Together we have enJOYed many great meals, including one special girls’ night when the two … Continue reading
Grilled Halibut Tacos
We’re getting a few days of sunshine this week with temperatures above 50 degrees! Time to get outdoors, soak in some much needed vitamin D and fire up the grill. My friend, Lori, invited me over yesterday to help cook … Continue reading
Kale & Artichoke Strudel
While my vegetable garden is just barely getting started (peas, radishes and carrots up, but not much else) my neighbors, Snowe and Nancy, are already harvesting a bounty of greens. A few days ago we were the lucky recipients of … Continue reading
Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Salad
One of our favorite things to do on winter weekends is to get together with our friends, Rob and Cathy, and drive up to the Cascade Mountains to let our doggies, Charley and Sadie, run and play in the snow. … Continue reading
Mushroom Pot Pies with Parker House Crust
This post has been in-the-works for several weeks now. I was immediately inspired when I first read Chef Michael White’s recipe for these vegetarian pot pies in Food and Wine magazine. You see, I usually cook dinner for our friends, … Continue reading
Quick and Easy Korean Beef
I’m pretty sure I’ve told you that I was born in Korea – right? And, I can make Bulgogi to prove it So, you can imagine that as I scroll through my favorite foodie blogs from day-to-day, I’m very attracted … Continue reading
Creamy Baked Orzo
Are you fan of breakfast casseroles? Well then, I’ve got a treat for you today. Bonus: it would also be lovely served with a salad for brunch, lunch OR dinner. Basically, it’s delicious any time of day. Typical breakfast casseroles, … Continue reading
Lamb Shepard’s Pie
St. Patrick’s Day is just a few days away. Usually I make corned beef and cabbage to celebrate – it’s kind of a family tradition and I’d always assumed we ate corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day because … Continue reading
Easy-Peasy Weeknight Baked Ziti
Yesterday, the weather here in Seattle looked like anything but Spring. It was a brisk 43°F and the rain was blowing sideways for most of the day. It’s days like yesterday that make me grateful that I’m not a mailman, … Continue reading
Salmon Sashimi with Ginger and Hot Sesame Oil
Oh, Boy! Have I got a luscious treat for you today. Now, before I get into it, I want you to keep an open mind. I did, and I’m soooooo happy about it. I read just a little tidbit about … Continue reading
Pennette with Cauliflower Ragu
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I crave macaroni and cheese. Occasionally I succumb to a box of Kraft (so good in a bad way) and sometimes I make macaroni and cheese from scratch. But most of the time … Continue reading
Brisket with Tzimmes & A Love Story
Marvin is such a romantic. And a great story-teller. Anyone who has ever shared a bottle of wine with my husband knows what I am talking about. For the rest of you, just take my word on this one. One … Continue reading
Clams with Chorizo
If you’ve been reading A Passionate Plate for a while, you’ve probably noticed that my husband, Marvin, and I don’t always crave the same food. I tend to be a little more “whole wheat” while Marv tends to be a … Continue reading
Shakshuka – שקשוקה شكشوكة
Thanks to fellow Seattle food blogger, Sarah Randall over at Cook Can Read, I discovered a new recipe yesterday. Shakshuka. Sarah’s post about one of her favorite weeknight dinners was so enticing I just had to try it myself. If … Continue reading
Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Last Thursday I received a box of apples from our friends at Stemilt Fruit Company in Wenatchee (thanks, Brianna!!). These were no ordinary apples, but a beautiful new variety called Piñata. A cross between Golden Delicious and two heirloom varieties, … Continue reading
Korean Style Beef Wraps
Hello and Happy New Year, everyone! Yesterday I said goodbye to my sister and my two beautiful nieces… time for them to head back to Japan after our two weeks of holiday fun. And, time for me to get back … Continue reading
Easy Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish and, like many French dishes, it’s got a great name. Beef Bourguignon sounds so much more elegant than beef stew. But, honestly, Beef Bourguignon is a stew – an absolutely delicious one, made … Continue reading
Slow-Cooker Weeknight Chili
People often ask me how Mary and I work together. “Do you have meetings to plan your posts? Do you have everything on a shared calendar? Do you get along?” The answer to all of those is “YES!”. Listen. We’re … Continue reading
Easy Chicken Marsala
We had some friends over on Saturday and I wanted to make something really delicious that wasn’t too complicated or labor intensive. My menu: Chicken Marsala served with a side of cavatappi pasta tossed with pesto, hazelnuts & gorgonzola, and … Continue reading
Curry Turkey Salad Sliders
Happy post-Thanksgiving eating, everyone. Yes, it’s time for leftovers and a trip to the gym. But first a HUGE congratulations to WSU for wining the Apple Cup yesterday. After 8 straight loses, the season ended on a positive note and … Continue reading
Thai Steak Salad
This salad recipe is for my friend, Travis. A few weeks ago, Travis spent the night at our house. We sat around in the evening drinking wine and talking, and, as often happens in conversations with me, the subject turned … Continue reading
Butternut Squash Thai Curry
All week long I’ve been asking Marvin, “Hey, what do you think about trying some butternut squash curry?” and all week long he’s been turning me down. Vegetarian can be a hard sell in this house. What have we been … Continue reading
Orecchiette with Turkey Sausage & Kale
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed this month? Maybe the kids are back to school with activities galore and the entire family is going in 100 directions at once. Or, maybe like me, your work schedule has gotten crazy and … Continue reading
Grilled Black Cod with Cherry Tomato Salsa
Time and time, again, I learn the lesson that the BEST meals come from the best SEASONAL ingredients. And not only does this philosophy result in a lovely meal, but it is typically quicker and healthier since it does not … Continue reading
Grilled Chicken with Peaches, Walnuts & Feta
Joy and I are sharing some of our favorite quick-and-easy dinner ideas this month. Grilled Chicken with Peaches, Walnuts & Feta recipe is definitely one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners – especially when ripe, local peaches are available. Like … Continue reading
Steak Tacos with Pico de Gallo
It’s here! That time of year where we all get back to a schedule. The days get a little more hectic and we find ourselves realizing that planning ahead and getting organized is the key to sanity. Isn’t it funny … Continue reading
Zucchini Boats
This idea has been around for a long time. My sister-in-law, Natalie, remembers a summer when her mom made zucchini boats for weeks-on-end to stretch a tight budget. (I don’t think Natalie will be making this recipe. Apparently she’s eaten … Continue reading
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
I think I’ve mentioned that I’m not a huge fan of left-overs? I just find it boring to eat the same thing over and over, again. But, I’m also not a fan of wasting perfectly good food. Since I’m often … Continue reading
Corn Dog Bites
A couple of my favorite kids came over for lunch yesterday. Natalie and Kiki were in town for their Irish Step Dance Camp (they recently danced at the Miss Washington pageant), and Justin was along for the ride (and lunch!). … Continue reading
Roasted Tomato Galette
Are you looking for a new way to eat your greens? Is your garden bursting with fresh herbs? Are the tomatoes at the local farmer’s market calling your name? Then it’s definitely time to try this Roasted Tomato Galette. Oven-roasted … Continue reading
Thai Grilled Chicken
I have ALWAYS dreamed of becoming an astronaut! Just one year after I was born, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon. A few years later, I watched from the beach as … Continue reading
Vietnamese Style Fresh Rolls (+Video)
Vietnamese Style Fresh Rolls are one of my favorite summer foods. Paper-thin wrappers hold tidy bundles of fresh vegetables, herbs, rice noodles, tofu and shrimp. Add a little nuoc cham and peanut sauce, and Vietnamese Style Fresh Rolls are the … Continue reading
“Chicago-style” Hot Dogs
“Hat dawg, please, and drag it thru da garden!” Now that’s how you order a “Chicago-style” hot dog in the Windy City. I grew up there, and this is my favorite way to celebrate the Fourth of July. I have … Continue reading
Pasta Primavera Verde
I recently hired a “color consultant” to help Marvin and me settle a disagreement. We’d been living with a bright red Merlot wall in our living room for many years and I thought it … Continue reading
Rice Vermicelli Salad with Spicy Korean Grilled Pork
Remember that Spicy Korean Grilled Pork from last week? Well, look what happened to the left-overs! This Rice Vermicelli Salad with Spicy Korean Grilled Pork is light and refreshing, yet satisfying with the addition of the pork. Let me just … Continue reading
Mini Lasagna Cups
Aren’t these Mini Lasagna Cups adorable? If you don’t think so, then this recipe just isn’t for you… but for the rest of us, here is a fast and super easy way to make individual lasagnas that are fun to eat … Continue reading
Spicy Korean Grilled Pork
“I was born in Seoul, Korea!” I happily exclaimed to the man behind the counter. I was enjoying an authentic beef Bulgogi and thought I’d try to impress the owner of this restaurant. I went on to impress (not!) by … Continue reading
Cod in Coconut-Tomato Curry Sauce
Last night I made a really delicious Cod in Coconut-Tomato Curry Sauce. Not quite Thai, not quite Indian… it was really more of a what’s in my cupboard tonight kind of thing, which has always been my favorite way to … Continue reading
Caramelized Onion Burger Stuffed with Blue Cheese
My new favorite creation is this Caramelized Onion Burger stuffed with Blue Cheese. Yes, the Arugula, Edamame & Fennel Salad I made earlier this week was pretty delicious, but this burger was just crazy good. I wanted to make stuffed … Continue reading
Oven Roasted Halibut with Caper-Basil Sauce
My wonderful friend, Mary Jordan, first served this halibut recipe to our book group about 15 years ago. I remember calling her up right after to get a copy of the recipe, and I still have it – scribbled on … Continue reading
Asparagus Pancetta Tart
As many of you know, I love easy recipes that look amazing and taste complex. This Asparagus Pancetta Tart is just that. So good in every way. (And the perfect antidote to my 2-hour fava bean salad earlier this week.) … Continue reading
Buttermilk Chicken
I’ve finally found it! The PERFECT, EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNER recipe that makes everyone (especially my 6 and 8 year old nieces) happy. It seems to have made it to our table at least four or five times in the past … Continue reading
Pastitcio
The Greek version of baked meat pasta with béchamel sauce is called Pastitcio. That’s a fun word to say. Come on, channel your inner Greek and say it. Pas-teet-see-o! I must admit that until last night I had never made (or eaten) … Continue reading
White Wine Spaghetti
Hey! Waddaya do when you find the perfect item on the menu at a restaurant, but it has anchovies in it?! Ask the server if it can be made without anchovies and make her go talk to the chef … Continue reading
Asian Lettuce Cups
Asian Lettuce Cups are low-carb, healthy, delicious and virtually gluten-free. Serve these as a light lunch, a starter course, or a low-calorie dinner. Asian Lettuce Cups Print Recipe type: Starter or Main Dish Author: A Passionate Plate Serves: 4 Low … Continue reading
Guinness Marinated Flank Steak
Guinness Marinated Flank Steak Print Recipe type: Main Dish, Meat Author: A Passionate Plate Ingredients 2 lb. flank steak, trimmed of excess fat 14.5 oz. bottle of Guinness beer 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced into ½ inch rounds … Continue reading
Easy Tagine-Style Lamb Stew
If I owned a restaurant, this would be on the menu. And, I would tell you to order it. Why? Because Easy Tagine-Style Lamb Stew is the most delicious lamb stew I have ever made. Bite sized pieces of lamb … Continue reading
Chicken Picadillo with Quick Pickled Carrots and Jalapenos
Last night was The Amazing Race night! Our friends, Rob and Cathy, join us every Sunday night to cheer on our favorite couples, and jeer at the ones that production obviously doesn’t want to let go because they make for … Continue reading
Juicy Pork Dumplings
JOY: The Juicy Pork Dumplings at Din Tai Fung are little bites of heaven. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could figure out how to make them ourselves? MARY: Seriously? I don’t know… wouldn’t it be easier to just go … Continue reading
Salad Nicoise
It’s cold outside. I should be craving something warm and thick, like chowder or stew or curry. But I’m not. I’m hungry for summer. Ripe tomatoes, baby new potatoes and green beans. Tuna, olive oil, anchovies, hard cooked eggs and olives. … Continue reading
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Bake
Let me just get a few things out of the way… This is not an authentic enchilada recipe. It is not a spicy dish. It is not the right thing to serve at a fancy dinner party. It requires no … Continue reading
Penne with Ham, Onion & Green Peas
I have been craving pasta in the worst way this week! What is it about February?? It started on Sunday when I made a big pot of spaghetti with marinara and Italian sausage. We had friends over for dinner and … Continue reading
(Heart-shaped) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
My mom taught me that showing LOVE through food doesn’t have to be time-consuming and complicated. My nieces were SO excited when I picked them up from school and informed them that we were going to have Grilled Cheese and … Continue reading
Salty, Sweet, Sticky Wings
Happy Super Bowl XLVI Weekend! To be honest, I really don’t care that much about the game, but I LOVE the commercials and the excuse to eat “snack-y” food while wearing my “snack-y” pants. It’s a pretty good reason to … Continue reading
Easy Asian Noodle Salad
Are you looking for an easy, healthy lunch idea you can pack up and take to work? Or a simple dinner you can pull out of the fridge when you get home after a busy day? Here is an idea … Continue reading
Steph’s Baked Tofu
West Seattle is a great place to live… we’ve got views, water, parks, beaches, a casual neighborhood vibe, and several really amazing grocery stores, including PCC Natural Market. PCC is the kind of place where you want to shop in your yoga pants without … Continue reading
Bacon, Tomato & Kale Pizza
This is a bacon pizza. That’s right – Crispy, smokey, salty, bacony goodness… with juicy tomatoes, sharp and flavorful Pecorino Romano cheese, and vitamin-charged dinosaur kale. Bacon pizza. Need I say more? I don’t think so. -Mary Bacon, Tomato & … Continue reading
Chinese BBQ Spareribs
These Chinese BBQ Spareribs can be summed up in one little word: YUM… and I mean lick your fingers YUM. The five-spice powder is what gives these ribs their distinctive flavor. Look for Chinese five-spice in the Asian section of … Continue reading
Stir Fried Shrimp & Pea Pods
Here is a simple stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp and crisp pea pods. If fresh pea pods are not available in your grocery store or your garden right now, you can substitute a bag of frozen – just thaw them slightly … Continue reading
Wild Alaskan King Salmon Burgers
Do you love salmon but feel let down when you eat a salmon burger? I often do… because most are made with fillers, like bread crumbs, which leave them dry and unappetizing. Well here is a recipe that will change … Continue reading
Pomegranate Orange Chicken
If I was a chicken recipe, I think I’d be jealous right now… because this Pomegranate Orange Chicken has everything going for it. It’s pretty and sweet and fancy enough to introduce to company; it’s easy to make and full … Continue reading
Avocado Grapefruit Salad with Seared Scallops
Avocados and I have only recently become friends. Like just in the last year, which is strange since I grew up in California – a place where everybody loves avocados! I used to tell people it was the texture that I … Continue reading
Thai Curry Chicken
Do you have a recipe that you crave frequently? Our go-to, craved-often meal is one we’ve made for about 20 years now. Thai Curry Chicken is one of our favorites. The truth is: it has become a recipe that … Continue reading
Walnut Crusted Salmon Filets
Wild Pacific Salmon is a true super food. It is uniquely high in omega-3 fatty acids, and loaded with protein, vitamin D, B-12, and other important vitamins and minerals. If you are concerned about sustainable fishing (as I am), it’s … Continue reading
Chinese Braised Garlic-Ginger Tofu
I am one of those people who actually craves tofu. Especially extra-firm, organic tofu. I like to eat it cold, right out of the package (which I have been told is disgusting, but I completely disagree). Extra-firm tofu has a … Continue reading
Roast Chicken with Apples & Onions
Last night I made a scrumptious roast chicken dinner to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with Marvin and our wonderful friend, Cheri Cohen. Since I hardly ever roast a whole chicken, the first thing I did was call my … Continue reading
Kung Pao Chicken
My step-grandma made this for me years ago, when Chinese food still seemed exotic and we hadn’t yet discovered Thai or Vietnamese or Korean BBQ. I love this recipe. The Chicken is flavorful and spicy, without being too hot, and … Continue reading
Italian Style Sweet & Sour Pork with Pappardelle
Tonight we had dinner with some very close friends who happen to be carnivores. And red wine drinkers. Wooo Hooo! It was the perfect opportunity to try this recipe… it’s from Mary Linhart of Catherdral City, CA. I’ve never met … Continue reading
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Our good friend, Jackie, stayed with us last night. She is a vegetarian (sometimes vegan) and I wanted to make something for dinner that she would love, but would also appeal to Marvin who is, quite frankly, the opposite of … Continue reading
Recipe: Rustic Chanterelle Mushroom, Leek & Bacon Tart
The combination of ingredients in this free-form tart are incredibly satisfying! Serve it to a few good friends, with a simple salad, and a bottle of red wine. Recipe: Rustic Chanterelle Mushroom, Leek & Bacon Tart Print Recipe type: Entree, … Continue reading
Recipe: Best Ever Tuna Sandwich
After writing about what’s for lunch, I decided to make myself a tuna sandwich. I know I’m going out on a limb calling this the best ever tuna sandwich… but try it and see what you think! Recipe: Best Ever Tuna … Continue reading
