picky cook

i love asparagus and peas. they taste good and are so easy to make. this side got some heat from red pepper flakes. Read More

mustard roasted potatoes

these potatoes are near perfect. the tanginess of the mustard and the bite of the garlic go so well together. the result is a vivid mustard flavor on the crispy roasted potatoes. it is a match made in food heaven. Read More

parmesan crash potatoes

these potatoes are my new favorite way to make potatoes. by boiling them on the stove and then "crashing" and baking them with olive oil creates an incredibly crispy crust on the outside. the parmesan adds that buttery & nutty flavor that puts this preparation of potatoes at the top of my list.
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parmesan roasted asparagus

i am a bit surprised that i haven't posted this recipe before today. this is my go - to vegetable side dish. i love asparagus and when i start seeing the good asparagus at the market in the spring i get giddy. these parmesan roasted asparagus take minutes to prepare and the oven does the rest of the work for you. all you need is some olive oil, salt & pepper to go to work with the asparagus in the oven. you could stop there and they would be incredible but add some parmesan and lemon - look out. it really is a combination of flavors you will go back to time and time again. Read More

the best buttermilk mashed potatoes

these mashed potatoes are perfect because you can make them how you like them. i prefer mine not too wet and a bit chunky with lots of black pepper. you can adjust the amount of whole milk, butter and buttermilk to get the consistency you love. you could even mash in some parmesan, roasted garlic or lemon zest. the great one sends her potatoes through a food mill but i use an old fashioned regular potato masher. Read More