http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:35:19 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Fresh pesto is quick and easy to make, and has much better flavor than store bought jars of pesto. What's more, it's a great way to use up any basil from the garden before the temperatures get any colder. 'This recipe omits tree nuts, an ingredient typically found in pesto. For ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/10/07/pesto-perfection-or-how-to-use-up-the-rest-of-your-basil-before-winter-sets-in/ Last night we had fish sticks for dinner. I know what you're thinking: I am quite the gourmet cook, right? We all need a break, and last night was my night. However, fish sticks are not complete without a side of tartar sauce for dipping and, since we have never ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/08/06/fish-sticks-with-homemade-tartar-sauce/ When a nasty cold hits, nothing soothes and comforts like soup. Most times, we simply open a can of Campbell's and heat it on the stove top, but a recent epiphany (not to mention the frozen whole chicken taking up way too much room in the freezer) led me to ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/06/30/easy-homemade-chicken-noodle-soup/ I used to grow rhubarb, but when we moved, decided it was too much of a hassle to uproot and move with us. Fortunately, our neighbors grow rhubarb by the bushel and are generous with it -- we exchange rhubarb for asparagus, and everyone's happy! Last week they brought over 5 ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/05/29/easy-strawberry-rhubarb-jam/ [caption id="attachment_1061" align="aligncenter" width="415" caption="Espresso Rub"][/caption] It's no secret that I love espresso. But espresso combined with red meat seemed a little, well, weird. Until I tried it. At a fancy little steakhouse, the hubs and I decided to try an espresso rub steak, figuring that since we like espresso and ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/05/25/espresso-rub/ We love using marinades as an easy way to add flavor and zip to grilled or baked meats - they are so easy to whip up, and can even tenderize a tougher cut of beef. Just mix the ingredients in a zip top bag, put the meat in, and refrigerate ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/05/03/lemon-herb-marinade/ Nothing says spring to me more than asparagus. The first vegetable to pop up out of my garden, those tender green stalks of goodness are a welcome change to the winter vegetables we've been enjoying. Always looking for a new way to enjoy the potently delicious veggie, I decided to ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/04/29/springtime-asparagus-salad/ With spring comes outdoor grilling -- and what better to grill than burgers? Looking for something different to use to top our burgers, we whipped up a batch of simple guacamole to dress up the burgers with a new flavor. Use a microplane or garlic press to get the garlic minced ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/03/28/simple-guacamole/ [caption id="attachment_991" align="aligncenter" width="415" caption="Pot Roast"][/caption] As the new owner of a shiny new Dutch oven, I immediately went through my stash of recipes to try out and found this one for an easy pot roast. The meat is browned in the Dutch oven, then the other ingredients are added and ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/03/11/pot-roast/ [caption id="attachment_981" align="aligncenter" width="415" caption="Italian Sausage and Tomato Pasta"][/caption] Weeknights are all about quick and simple meals in my house. Not only is my time at a premium, but recipes with few, simple ingredients mean I don't have to make a run to the grocery store. This recipe from Real Simple magazine ... http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com/2009/03/05/tomato-pasta/