Please spam me

[theatokos]

I would like three things:
1. Any spring time recipes you have. I am beyond bored with my usual repetoire. Fruits, veggies, salads, fish - all those lighter things are calling to me. But I'll take anything awesome at this point.

2. I was given some dried chipotle peppers today. I took one sniff of them and decided to make mole sauce. But I've never done it before. Do you know how? Please guide me.

3. I want to start to garden. I've never done it before. I think starting with a tub of herbs would be wise. Help!

Thank you. I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Comments

[eelsalad.livejournal.com]

OMG HERBS! I have an herb garden in a big pot I got from Costco. It has oregano, thyme, chives, and basil (when I remember to replant it. It's an annual. You can get it to last longer by taking off any flowers before they go to seed). They grow together just fine. Oregano is a friggin' weed and REALLY easy to grow.

I'm a fan of mint, too. Easy to grow and smells great. Pro-tip: chocolate mint, minced, is fantastic over vanilla ice cream. Also, lemon balm has a really soothing scent and is (iirc) related to mint.

Recipewise: I love these two.

Turkey Waldorf
2-3 c. chopped cooked-and-chilled turkey
3-4 chopped green apples
1-1.5 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
8oz plain yogurt
1/4 c. mayonnaise (wossname works too, salad dressing? the mayo-like substance)
3 packets Equal (or any other sweetener, really)
1-2 tsp lemon juice

Mix the mayo and yogurt together, then add the lemon juice and sweetener. Chop everything up and pour the dressing over it, toss to cover, and enjoy! It's tangy and taaaaasty. Great to get rid of leftover turkey/chicken with.

Three-Onion Casserole
1 onion, chopped
3/4 c. sliced leeks (just the white part)
1/4 c. sliced scallions
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup skim milk
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
8oz swiss cheese, cubed

Cook onions until translucent in 1/2 tsp oil. Mix together milk, eggs, pepper, and paprika. Grease a large 2-qt casserole, layer half the rice, half the onions, and half the cheese; repeat. Pour milk/egg/spices mixture over all. Cook uncovered at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.