@Commons Cooks: Simple Suppers

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf.

This week’s Commons Cooks is dedicated to the back-to-school/end-of-summer change of pace. When September rolls around, planning meals takes place while juggling after-school activities, busy work schedules and the new fall workout regimen. In the spirit of Virginia Woolf’s famous quote, Common Cooks offers a trio of recipes that ensure eating well will not take a back seat to a busy life. These tasty and satisfying meals are ready in 30 minutes or less. That’s just what everybody needs when the busy fall season kicks into gear.

30-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8-12 servings

Ingredients

·         3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

·         14 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

·         14 ounce can corn, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn)

·         7 ounce can chopped green chiles

·         29 ounce jar or can of green chile sauce

·         1/2 cup sour cream

·         1 teaspoon garlic powder

·         1 teaspoon onion powder

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         1 teaspoon cumin

·         1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·         1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

·         4 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese

·         8-10 white corn tortillas, cut into 6 pie  shaped wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.      Chop chicken breast into ½ inch pieces

3.       Combine chicken, beans, corn, green chiles, 1 cup of green chile sauce, sour cream and spices, then place into large skillet over medium high heat and cook for 5 minutes

4.      Pour a 1/2 cup of green chile sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan, then layer tortillas over sauce

5.      Layer chicken mixture (13rd) on top of tortillas then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese

6.      Add two more layers of tortillas, chicken mixture and  shredded cheese

7.       Finish with layer of tortillas, then pour remaining green chile sauce and cheese on top

8.      Bake for 20 minutes

Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite sized florets

·         ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

·         1 teaspoon ground coriander

·         1 teaspoon ground cumin

·         1½ tablespoons  kosher salt

·         1 teaspoon black pepper

·         Dash of chili powder or red pepper flakes

·         1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined

·         1 ¼ teaspoons lemon zest (grated peel of 1 large lemon)

·         Lemon wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2.      In large bowl, toss broccoli with half of oil, coriander, cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper and chili powder (or red pepper flakes)

3.       In separate bowl, combine shrimp, remaining half of oil, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of salt and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper

4.      Spread broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 10 minutes

5.      Add shrimp to baking sheet and toss with broccoli. Continue to roast for 5 minutes and then mix

6.      Continue to cook for 5 minutes

7.       Serve with lemon wedges, or squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and broccoli before serving

Spaghetti and Corn Frittata

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 wedges of frittata pie

Ingredients

·         4 ounces spaghetti (whole wheat recommended)

·         5 eggs

·         1/3^rd cup milk

·         3 tablespoons grated cheese (parmesan recommended)

·         ½ teaspoon nutmeg

·         ½ cup chopped fresh basil

·         Two ears corn, kernels removed from cob with knife

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

·         3 ounces sliced cheese (cheddar or muenster recommended)

·         Salt and pepper, to taste

Required equipment

·         Cast iron skillet  or baking dish

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Boil large pot of water and break strands of spaghetti in two, then cook according to directions, drain and set aside

2.      In a bowl, whisk eggs, grated cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper

3.       Stir in corn, spaghetti and all but 2 tablespoons of fresh basil

4.      Heat oil over medium high heat in skillet

5.      Turn heat to low, add egg mixture, cover and cook for 10 minutes 

6.      Turn on the broiler. NOTE: Move oven shelf about 5 inches from the heating element before lighting oven

7.       Arrange the tomato slices on top of cooked egg mixture.

8.      Tear cheese slices into large pieces and place on top of tomatoes in a single layer

9.      Place skillet in oven and broil for 3 minutes or until cheese is golden

10.   Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons basil and cut into wedges

Grocery Guru Advice

Supermarkets: Super Stop & Shop, 700 Middle St.  Shaw’s, 610 Middle St.

Local Farm: Christopher’s Garden Shop & Farm Stand, 689 Washington St, Weymouth. Hingham’s Farmer’s Market, 75 Middle St. (Saturdays)

Get Up & Go! Five More under $25!

Earlier this summer, Get Up & Go shared some amazing low-cost, mostly-FREE local events to enjoy. With the last few weeks of summer upon us, we found five more local things to do for under $25 before the fall weather really sets in. If you have a few dollars in your pocket, be sure to get up and go have some fun!

Beantown jazz!

On Saturday, September 27^th, Boston’s South End comes to life with the sounds of jazz at the 14^th Annual Beantown Jazz festival. This FREE street festival on Columbus Ave. (between Mass. Ave. and Burke Street) starts at noon and goes all afternoon as musicians from across the world (including Sheila E.) play on three stages while visitors enjoy world cuisine, inflatables, photo booths, a musical instrument ‘petting zoo,’ and more than 70 vendors selling jewelry, clothing and art.

Mary Poppins-inspired fun!

No need to wing it this fall. You, your friends and your family can go fly a kite at the 9^th Annual Kite Festival in Chelsea at the Mary O’Malley Park (pavilion near the tennis courts) at noon on Saturday, September 13^th. This FREE event is open for all. Featuring free kites, juice boxes, water bottles and snacks, the site of dozens of kites filling the sky with the Tobin Bridge and Boston skyline in the background is glorious.

Sock Hop Sunday!

Revere is hosting a “Remember The 50s and 60s” event at the Susan B. Anthony School on Sunday, September 28^th between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This free event will feature Rockabilly and performances of 1950s and 1060s tunes made famous by the likes of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson and Buddy Holly. The North Shore Old Car Club will be on hand with plenty of vintage muscle cars and chrome. Guests are encouraged to dress up in ‘50s and ‘60s sock hop (or greaser!) fashion—and the People’s Choice award will be presented for best outfit. There’s even a free BBQ!

Isle Play Too!

19^th Century Lawn Games at Georges Island happen every Sunday at noon through October 12^th. For the price of a ferry ride to the amazing Boston Harbor Islands, families can play lawn games that kids and adults used to play during the Civil War. Bonus: The games feature free tours and information about the role that Georges Island played during the Civil War as a prison where Confederate Army soldiers were held.

Art-tastic!

Boston celebrates Art Week beginning on September 26^th with a week filled with celebration of culture and the arts. From a Lego Park party to a 30^th Anniversary showing of the Talking Heads film “Stop Making Sense” to a film/fashion/performing/makeup/photography showcase by the indie artists from RAWBoston, there’s something for every art aficionado – more than 60 events in all.

Get Up & Go! Boats Ahoy!

Life in Massachusetts offers many recreational activities – including easy access to boating during the beautiful summer weather months. No ocean view outside your apartment home? No problem! A taste of the nautical life awaits—no kayak, canoe or jet ski needed! This week’s “Get Up & Go!” provides suggestions for nearby facilities where you can enjoy boating on a lake, river or the ocean—of course! Whether you are an experienced boater or a novice, there’s nothing like a day on the water when it comes to family fun or recreational pleasure with friends. When you go, don’t forget to tag a digital snapshot on our Facebook page! 

Nantasket Kayaks – Located at Steamboat Wharf Marina in Hull less than 30 minutes from The Commons, guests here rent kayaks and standup paddleboards (SUP) for use in the Weir River Estuary and access to the Boston Harbor Islands. The amazing World’s End in Hingham is also accessible via kayak . Novices and beginners take note: calm estuary waters offer a safe, scenic spot to perfect kayaking skills or give SUP a try!

Fishing fanatics will love the Nantasket Kayaks’ “Redfish Anglers” service, which allows kayakers to fish from deck-mounted rod holders. Some of the larger bass are rumored to give fisherman free kayak rides!

REI – Hingham’s REI Store at the Derby Street Shoppes offers an Outdoor School that includes standup paddle boarding (SUP) and kayak tours.  This month and in September, the shop is offering a “Full Moon” paddle tour (August 10^th and September 7^th) where, weather permitting, an entourage of kayakers and SUPs will take an evening tour of the Charles River Peninsula after completion of introductory kayaking lessons. Visit REI’s website for a full listing as well as times and pricing. 

Plymouth Water Sports – Fun is the operative word at Plymouth Watersport, located on Town Wharf Drive on the harbor. Especially when it comes to the single, double, and triple jet ski rentals that PWS offers to guests. Instructions and life vests are included in all rentals, but drivers must be 18 years of age with a driver's license (any age can ride as a passenger.)  PWS offers an amazing “Fly Board” rental with Jet Skis (see picture below) that is all the rage in water sports. Users literally fly “Iron Man” style up to 25 feet in the air while leaping headfirst through waves like dolphins!

Boston Sailing Center – The Sailing Center gives beginners a chance to learn sailing in the open waters of Boston Harbor. In addition to free Sailing Open Houses (including 30-minute sail cruise around the harbor), BSC’s Learn-To-Sail program starts covers nautical sailing and on-the-water experience. The program offers students use of boats outside of class as well!  

Paddle Boston – This canoe and kayak rental service has five different locations along the Charles River in Boston, Cambridge, Newton and Waltham. Offering guided tours, lessons and rentals, Paddle Boston also has Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Check out their SUP yoga classes, which provide a full workout on the water!

Courageous Sailing – Courageous Sailing (CS) offers another opportunity to learn to sail on the Boston Harbor but has special focus on children and families.  Visit their website for a full listing of courses, camps and activities.

@Commons Cooks: Seasonal Summer Corn and Tomato Dishes

Summer is at its best and brightest right now with delightfully mild temperatures and an abundant summer harvest offering fresh seasonal veggies. New Englanders everywhere rejoice as corn and tomatoes sprout up around farmer’s markets and grocery stores, ripe and ready for a Labor Day BBQ or an easy family dinner.

Break from tradition and go lettuce-free with salad recipes that celebrate these crowned jewels of summer. Please your palate with a savory corn salad or indulge in a flavorful Greek inspired tomato salad. As a bonus, these salads are healthy too. Tomatoes are full of fiber and aid in regulating blood pressure while corn is antioxidant rich and helps to stabilize blood sugar-- a-maize-ing! For the perfect complement to any summer meal, we have also added in a bonus recipe link to delicious chilled corn soups to cool off with.

As always, don’t forget to check out the Grocery Guru section, listed below, for nearby grocery stores and farmer’s markets selling fresh summer veggies in your area!

(Image via foodnetwork.com)

Summer Corn Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         5 Ears of Corn (boiled, grilled, or oven roasted)

·         3 tablespoons Olive Oil

·         1 Tomato (seeded and diced)

·         1 Red Onion (chopped)

·         1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)

·         Juice of 1 Lime

·         Salt and Pepper

·         Fresh Cilantro, to taste

Directions

1.     Use a knife to remove corn kernels from the cob.

2.     Transfer to large bowl.

3.     Add tomato, red onion, bell pepper. Toss to combine.

4.     Add olive oil and lime juice.

5.     Season with salt and pepper and garnish with cilantro just before serving.

This dish is great to serve at a summer cookout or as a vibrant side dish any time of year. Feel free to swap out cilantro for the milder flavor of parsley.

* Recipe credit: FoodNetwork.com

(Image via foodnetwork.com)

Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         5 Medium-sized Plum Tomatoes (halved lengthwise, seeded, thinly sliced)

·         1/4 Red Onion (peeled, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced)

·         1 Kirby Cucumber (halved lengthwise, thinly sliced)

·         2 tablespoons or more Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

·         2 Splashes Red Wine Vinegar

·         Coarse Salt and Pepper

Directions

1.       Combine tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber together in a bowl.

2.      Generously drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

3.       Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4.      Let stand for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

This salad provides a great base for adding in extra ingredients, such as feta cheese or olives for a decidedly Greek spin.

* Recipe credit: FoodNetwork.com

(Image via bostonglobe.com)

Chilled Corn Soups

Hearty soups are great for satiating hunger but not so great for keeping a cool kitchen in the summer months. Thanks to this past Sunday’s Boston Globe Magazine, here are a variety of chilled corn soups that offer cozy comfort on the hottest of days. Check out the recipes here:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2014/08/23/recipes-for-chilled-corn-soups/UgkeLBsNOCUXiaV5cyjHQO/story.html

Grocery Guru Advice

Supermarkets: Super Stop & Shop, 700 Middle St.  Shaw’s, 610 Middle St.

Local Farm: Christopher’s Garden Shop & Farm Stand, 689 Washington St, Weymouth. Hingham’s Farmer’s Market, 75 Middle St. (Saturdays)

Congratulations! Get Up & Go! Facebook Photo Contest

The ideal Get Up & Go! experience is one that creates fond, lasting memories. Weymouth Commons contest winner Stacie Vitale recently took a very short trip (to Marlboro, MA) but the experience of sharing in a family wedding as a member of the bridal party will leave the longest and happiest recollections. Congrats Stacie for placing love at the heart of your entry!

Commons Ground: Indoor Green Thumb, Made Easy

Plants offer an inviting, friendly touch to any apartment home. While maintaining healthy green plants may sound like a pain, many plants thrive indoors—and are easy to sustain. Check out some vegetation that will add vibrant and natural warmth to your home with a minimum of fuss.

Peperomia, a.k.a. the “Radiator Plant”

Any plant that is described as “easy care” is a great place to start your apartment home ‘garden.’ That starts with Peperomia, a small houseplant defined by waxy, textured leaves. This species adds a pop of color to any room but better still, grows with a minimum of light exposure and tolerates temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees. As for watering, the plant requires just one wetting per week. There is only one caveat about Peperomia – the plant is poisonous for cats and dogs, if eaten, so they must be kept out of reach from curious pets.

Scented Geraniums
Thanks to scented geraniums, residents don’t need aerosol spray or air fresheners to enjoy a fragrant smelling home. These beauties can be found in a variety of delicious scents like apple and chocolate mint. They are great to look at as well, as the geraniums grow small, vibrantly colored flowers. Scented Geraniums come in different sizes, so be sure to ask for one that fits on a countertop or windowsill. These plants do need four hours of sun on average, but only need to be watered two times per week.

Fiddleleaf Fig

Saying fiddleleaf fig five times fast is a real feat but making a green statement to brighten up a room is easy-peasy with this tall, leafy plant. The “ficus lyrata,” know for a twisted trunk, is a popular houseplant because it tolerates low levels of light and requires minimal watering (every third day.) The only challenge is the plant’s size, which requires occasional pruning.

African Violet

The African Violet is a gorgeous plant that is easy to maintain. The plant blooms and thrives in filtered sunlight as much as bright light, so any window sill will do. When it comes to water, touch the soil and if it is moist, there’s no need to water. Usually watering every other day does the trick.  

Garlic Greens

How to grow garlic in five easy steps. 1) Buy garlic bulbs from the local grocery store. 2) Buy small plant pot with drainage holes and small bag of potting soil. 3) Fill pot with soil until it’s almost full. 4) Peel bulbs into cloves and push into dirt until pointy end sits just above the soil line. 5) Place in sunny spot and water every other day. One note: cloves will sprout in short order, but harvesting new cloves requires patience, up to six months … plenty of time to find a great recipe for spring harvest!

All of these plants and many more require occasional maintenance beyond sun and water such as fertilization and pruning. For more info, check out the links below.

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/

http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/house-plant-care-tips.html

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/houseplants.html

Commons Ground: Three Ways to Frame

There is no better way to spruce up a bland, empty wall than with photos of friends and loved ones. Taking the first steps toward making an eye catching wall of art can, however, be intimidating. Between choosing the right frames, photos and their arrangement, there is so much that goes into making a beautiful display of memories and art. Luckily, crafty people on the internet have done all the leg work for you! Here are three different ways to frame and arrange art on you wall to take your apartment home’s décor to the next level.

1. 3x3

This classic 3x3 arrangement has a clean, elegant feel that would look wonderful displayed along the walls of a hallway. Talia from Pieces of Me explains how she bought inexpensive IKEA frames, printed photos at home and hung them in this square shape to create a vibrant, fresh display. Get details on this arrangement here.

2. Asymmetrical Magazine Art

Just about everyone has a stack of old magazines lying around, collecting dust. Here is an easy and creative way to repurpose some of the images from those magazines. Flip through the pages and pull out any art-worthy images, run them through a scanner and frame. Then, scatter the scanned and framed images amongst some of your own photos and arrange in an asymmetrical, playful display. Visit the Baby Center blog for details on how to create this whimsical photo arrangement.

3. Picture-less Frames

Pictures aren’t the only things that can say 1000 words. This trendy display made up of antique frames found at tag sales is a stunningly cool way to display some of your vintage treasures. Hang similarly colored frames with varied shapes and sizes in an asymmetrical design to create a unique arrangement and a definite conversation starter. Design stand-by, Martha Stewart has the scoop on how to achieve this look.