Your "Go To" Dish

Hi all,

I should be posting this in the recipes section, but I was hoping to get as many responses here as some of the surveys get!

What is your "go to" recipe? The one recipe (or series that make an outstanding multiple course meal) that has been tested, and became your "tried and true" go to recipe. You know... the "impress him/her/them" dish!

I'm asking, because I still haven't found mine, and also because these always tend to come a long with great stories.

Love to know!

Ok, so no go tos?

It's easy to make something made of cream and such taste good.  So my go to dishes are cream of mushroom soup, and alfredo pastas.   Completely non-offensive.

Omelet. I know it sounds simple, but I have made it so much and so many variations that I can make an amazing one for any occasion. 

Hmmm...I'm generally not trying to impress anyone (my husband will eat just about anything), just make something fast, easy, and nutritious that all my guests will actually eat! So, here are my "go to" dishes:

Winter dinner:

• black bean burritos
• ravioli with homemade puttanesca-style sauce

Summer dinner:

• fish tacos with homemade mango salsa
• tortellini salad

Breakfasts:

• omelettes and homefries
• french toast with homemade fruit syrup

Anyway, let me know if you want the recipes for anything, I'll be happy to share!

I didn't know we were doing breakfast as well!  I worked in a breakfast place for about 5 years, so my omelets are bomb.  Not that there's much to an omelet apart from being able to flip it, and knowing what order to put in the ingredients.

Baklava, vegan and awesome. Some have suggested I open a place that serves only this. A lot of things I bake get really good responses, but baklava and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies always get the most attention.

For a main course I'll make tofu and cabbage salad or lasagna or some other veggie/pasta dish. And for breakfast "Fronch Toast" from Vegan with a Vengeance.

Dinner- Roasted acorn squash stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, nearly any leafy green (spinach or chard is best), cumin, salt and a dash of cayenne pepper. Then, topped with a tablespoon or two of fresh grated parmesan

or

Roasted brussel sprouts with some roasted salmon

Breakfast-Plain yogurt with strawberries and blueberries

Lunch-Fennel and apple or pear tossed in a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice on a bed of arugula or mache (pronounced mosh) 

Snack-I make a loaf of wheat bread on Sunday and enjoy a slice of wheat bread with some homemade preserves throughout the week

I guess I don't really know what you mean.  I depend on using fresh ingredients and learning to cook them perfectly.  I plan my meals to be balanced and delicious.  I like variety and hate leftovers.

For myself it's simple - just a serving of protein, one of a whole grain and two of vegetables. 

Typical menus when I'm cooking for more than just myself

Perfect roast chicken with roasted carrots and potatoes, served with a green salad.

Amazing black bean chili, garnished on the side with lime wedges, Greek style yogurt (instead of sour cream) reduced fat shredded cheese, and guacamole.  This is served with warm corn tortillas and lettuce & tomato salad.

For a quick, pick up meal I do Spaghetti alla Carbonara and a salad.

For big groups or when I'm asked to bring a dish, I like these

Pasta Primavera Salad

Calico Bean Salad

Wild Rice Pilaf Salad

Since I have to be careful of sodium for medical reasons, I never use canned ingredients like creamed soups and I avoid bottled dressings.