Back in December, I vowed to keep a New Year’s resolution to cook a fancy dinner at least once a month.  I’m happy to report that my resolution is still in tact.  This Sunday, I am sharing some of my summer dinner successes, in case you’d like a new recipe to try out in your kitchen.

1.) My Dad’s famous twice baked potatoes: Wash potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour.  Remove from oven, slice in half, and scoop out the baked potato (leaving the skin on the baking sheet).  In a large bowl, mix together the baked potatoes, butter, sour cream, a little bit of Velveeta cheese (this is the secret ingredient), shredded cheddar cheese, and sprinkle in Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning to taste.  After mixing, scoop the potato mixture back into the potato skins on your baking sheet.  Return to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until slightly crispy on top, at 350 degrees.  This is my absolute favorite side-dish!

2.) Caprese salad: Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on dish.  Slice fresh tomatoes and arrange alongside mozzarella.  Sprinkle cheese and tomatoes with leaves of fresh basil, salt and pepper, and olive oil.  Enjoy!

3.) Rice with chicken and shrimp: Using a dutch oven, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and brown the skin of about 1 1/2 lbs of chicken.  Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 chopped tomato, 1/2 cup of chopped onions, 2 chopped bell peppers, and slices of 1 zucchini and squash to the olive oil.  Add spice with 1/2 tsp. of paprika, 1/2 tsp. of cumin, 1/2 tsp. of saffron, and 1 tsp. of salt.  Pour in a bottle of lager beer, 2 cups of arborio rice, and wait until it boils.  Then, add chicken back to the pot, 1 lb of shrimp, and simmer for 20 minutes. Delicious!

4.) French Nougatine: Buy roasted pistachios from the supermarket and place on a greased baking sheet.  Cook 4 oz of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water until it turns a nice amber color.  Immediately pour carmel over pistachios.  Let the brittle cool, and then break into small pieces.  Separately, whip 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff.  Set aside.  Then, whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp. of vanilla extract, and 1/4 of almond extract.  Fold egg whites, whipped cream, and pistachio brittle together.  Place mixture into a saran-wrapped bread loaf pan and freeze for 8 hours. You will love this homemade ice cream kind of dessert!  French Nougatine recipe

I promise to share more fancy dinner recipes as the year continues.  We welcome any comments with your favorite recipes!  Have a lovely Sunday, friends.

~Think on These Things~

Natalie