Pepper and Garlic Steak

Well, the steak part of this cooked up really juicy and tender. However, the seasoning tasted a little...strange. And therein lies the adventure of making up recipes when you don't really know what you're doing!

Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Cheese

I got the idea to bake eggs this way from the many posts about it that I've read on the blog For The Love Of Cooking, which by the way is an amazing work of art that you should definitely check out. I decided to make these specifically because I had some leftover fire-roasted diced tomatoes from the mini casseroles I made. Unfortunately I didn't quite remember the directions I'd read on how to bake eggs, so this was my attempt. It turned out pretty well, but next time I think I'll cook it 5 minutes less. I'll also drain the tomatoes.

Individual Macaroni and Cheese with Panko Topping

This macaroni was simple, yummy and comforting! The recipe makes 2 servings, so you can stick one in the fridge and have it another day.

Chicken, Rice and Tomato Mini-Casserole

I made this casserole essentially because I had nothing else in the house but wanted something simple, easy, and warm. I also happened to have these nifty 1-cup casserole dishes I bought with a Christmas-gifted gift certificate to Archambault. This recipe makes 2 casseroles: one for now and one for another day. If you cook it after keeping it in the fridge, add about another 10 minutes to the lid-on cooking time.

Herbed Pork Medallions with Sweet-and-Sour Onions

This was honestly some of the best pork I've ever had -- and it was so easy to make, too! There's nothing particularly innovative about this, but it is delicious, and the onions are simple and satisfying as well. Give it a try: you won't be sorry!

Lime Pie in a Bowl

These don't look like much -- and probably would have been prettier if I made them in jars instead of custard bowls -- but they were pretty good. Light, refreshing, limey. A little light on the limey side for me, but still lime. The downside of waiting months to make this recipe was that I had a cold dessert in the middle of winter, and that canning season was over so I couldn't purchase small jars. This was supposed to make 6 serving in 3/4 cup jars, but I made 4 in 1 cup custard dishes.

Spicy Chicken and Orange-Ginger Stir-Fry

Okay, I admit it: I purchased a pre-made bottle of sauce rather han making my own. It was probably more expensive and less healthy. But it enticed me! It wasn't my fault!! I had a coupon!!! [insert more excuses here]!!!! I also had a recipe that called for it in a conveniently commercial calendar full of recipes calling for specific products. And, might I add, full of handy cupons for things I would normally be too cheap to buy. As it turned out, the meal was tasty and easy. Sometimes, it's okay to let the cupons win out. This makes 2 modest servings.