FamMenu 12.26-1.1 JANUARY ALREADY!

Hey everybody, hope you had a joyous time with your families this weekend! We have all been battling the Phlegm Monster and Hacking cough bug, around here, so we took it easy :0) Watched movies, including "The Help"- what a great one- and an oldie but goodie, "Crocodile Dundee"...


On with the last FamMenu of 2011!


Monday: Spiral Ham, Baked sweet taters, braised red cabbage, sauteed broccoli, Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies :)


Tuesday: Chicken Lasagna, homemade sourdough bread, Roasted Brussels sprouts, waldorf salad


Wednesday: Homemade Baked Mac n' Cheese- (those of you who know me, are going WHAT???)  Cavatappi pasta, a cheesysauce made with asiago, sharp cheddar and parmesan, chunks of spiral ham and a crunchy cheesy panko-parm-parsley topping.... sauteed organic spinach with garlic, roma tomatoes and crushed red pepper


Thursday: Chinese beef & green bean stir fry, jasmine rice, fresh pineapple slices


Friday: BBQ chicken pizza, baby!


Saturday: Staying home with the monkeys, too many DDrivers out there for this mom of five to feel safe! So I'll let the munchkins help plan dinner, and hope they won't actually stay up til' midnight (but I'll let em' try! :0)


Sunday: Ring in the new year with a healthy dinner...what shall I prepare??? I'll give you the scoop later this week! 


Enjoy the great SUNSHINE out there this week! I don't believe I've ever seen so much sunshine in MI in December!!! I do miss the beautiful blanket of snow, though...so I had all five kids, and one neighbor, successfully sitting at the kitchen table for almost TWO hours making paper snowflakes! 


Anywho, have a great week!!!

REGISTER FOR CHEF ROBIN COOKING CLASSES!

Time to sign up for Winter classes! all classes will be demonstration style, @ DreamMaker:



Vegetarian Specialties Friday January 13th


Fresh Salads & Entrees Friday February 17th


Italian Faves Friday March 9th


All classes start at 6:30pm. Register online @ www.rpssignmeup.com , or call the RCE office 616.863.6322 OR you can email me

with Questions! Chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com


All classes include a packet of six + recipes, a food and wine pairing guide, demonstration of recipes, and of course tons of food! Cost is $45 per person....if you choose to do the wine pairing, as well, it is an additional $10 at time of class. Sign up with a friend- it's super dooper fun, I PROMISE!

Creme Brulee Recipe

Check out my Creme Brulee recipe I just added to my blog, it is soooo delicious! A simple recipe that WOWS every time!

Belated FamMenu 12.19-12.25

Holy Helen, it has been crazy around here,so my menu is a wee bit late this week! I am sure you alllll understand! :0) I'll keep it short and sweet, as I know you are all crazy busy, as well....

Monday: We had a Beefy Enchilada Skillet Dish, and a late night!

Tuesday: Hubby and I had Mu-Shu and Sesame Chicken, kiddos had Papa Murphy's with Gigs & Gramps, and got to go to the Holland Aquatic Center! They had a goood time :0)

Wednesday: We were  On the road to Plum Market in Ann Arbor to do Hummus sampling, so it was crashing with Despicable Me (sooooo funny!) and Pizza for Hubs and the kids, veggie sub for me- Thanks for saving dinner, Vitales (not the healthiest option, but sometimes....)

Thursday:Mongolian Beef and Broccoli with Jasmine Rice, Navel Orange Wedges

Friday: My Bff's Baby Shower, YAY!!!!! Congrats Lish! (due in April) Tacos with the kiddies

Saturday: Maple Mustard Glazed Spiral Ham, Roasted sweet potatoes, braised red cabbage, green beans with lemon & hazelnuts, FAM TIME!!!

Sunday:Chicken Lasagna,Garlic Bread, Salad

Have a wonderful time with your families this week, enjoy eachother's company!

FamMenu for 12.12-12.18

Recovered yesterday from a crazy busy weekend, was out at a hummus tasting at The Crushed Grape Friday, then had a catering event at the Gantz Chateau Saturday, and a busy family day yesterday- now on to more hummus, a super cool vegetarian and organic class (wines, too!) for a friend Friday, Hummus tasting at Kingma's Saturday-come see me 10-1ish!- and a busy week for the hubster and entire fam, as well! Whew! Hope you all have a marvelous week dahhhlings!


Monday- Hearty Toasted Quinoa & Vegetable Soup au Pistou, with crostini and some apple slices for dessert


Tuesday-Whole grain penne pasta with sundried tomato pesto and parmesan cheese, baby spinach and crimini mushrooms italian bread


Wednesday-Zippy chicken Fajitas with peppers and onions, guacamole and salsa ,some clementines, perhaps?


Thursday- Creamy Tomato Soup with artisan grilled cheese paninis, veggies & dip 


Friday- English Muffin Pizzas by Caroline :o)




Saturday-  falafel on pitas with garlicky aioli, tomatoes and cukes, shredded romaine, ooooh, I think maybe some quick baklava-yum!


Sunday- swiss steak (one of hubs' faves) mashed potatoes, green beans, maple & brandy glazed carrots, atleast that's the plan, Stan!!!


Monday starts Winter break, woop woop! Gingerbread houses, grandma's golf ball recipe making (YAY!!!) and hopefully some snow for the kiddies to go sledding! Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious  week!!! LOVE Mary Poppins!!!

Chef Robin's hummalicious Hummus Store Locations

Where can you find my fresh, delish, gourmet preservative free hummus???


Kingma's Market...on Plainfield


Art of The Table...on Wealthy Street


Grand Central Market...on Monroe Center


The Crushed Grape...on Knapp


Harvest Health Foods...on Eastern in GR & on 32nd in Hudsonville


The Grist Mill...in Cannonsburg


Ninth Bridge Market...in Ada

This Week's FamMenu 12.5-12.11

Whew, we managed a VERY busy week last week, this week should should be somewhat quiet! Could we possibly get some of the white fluffy stuff??? I wouldn't mind- the kids have only worn their snow pants once (and the next day was 60, all the snow had melted!....as well as this cute snowman Tonce made!) AND that would also give me a chance to break out the Penzey's Hot Chocolate (THE best) and my AWESOME Hot Chocolate maker-thanks to Shirley K. :0) ALSO- CANNOT wait to make some of these delish cookies...Thanks to my KitchenAid mixer from Marie and Judi :0)-Believe you me, I am giving it the ultimate workout!!! 
Anywho, on to the menu:


Monday: Venison BBQ on Buns with sharp chedda', sweet tater fries, broccoli salad, apple slices with yummy caramel apple dip


Tuesday: Aborio rice with lemon vinaigrette, tomatoes and basil, grilled chicken, spinach salad


Wednesday: Lasagna, homemade Parmesan Peppercorn bread, chopped salad


Thursday: Roasted butternut squash, Whole grain spaghetti tossed with sesame salt, green beans, garlic, ginger and almonds and soy sauce


Friday: PIZZA! yum. LOVE Fridays:0)


Saturday: Mac N' Cheese with Maddie, veggies and dip, cookies- We will be catering a party at the Gantz Chateau!~Sauteed garlicky Shrimp, lobster bisque, oriental express salad, Panko-Asiago crusted Red snapper, Hearts of Fire Chocolate Souffles!~


Sunday: Something easy- just not sure what yet! 

Have a marvelous week dah-lings!!!

Homemade Hummus

Hey Everyone! Click on the the link below to see my segment on eightWest today!

Homemade Hummus

My Hummalicious Hummus Line can be found at all of these great local grocers, and more are soon to come! WootWoot!!!

Art of The Table-I'll be there handing out samples December 1st, 4-8

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-of-the-Table/140191247271

MIni Ada Village Farmers' Market December 2nd 6-9

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ada-Village-Farmers-Market/89483161035

Grand Central Market- I'll be there handing out samples December 3rd 12-3

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Central-Market-Deli/138599932820692

The Crushed Grape- I'll be there handing out samples December 9th 4-6

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crushed-Grape/106008179430490

Harvest Health Foods (Hudsonville for now)

http://www.facebook.com/HarvestHealthFoods?ref=ts

FamMenu for Monday the 28th through Sunday the 4th

Holy Macaroni, it's been 60, raining and we are only a few days away from December...crazy!!!Definitely Oddball for Michigan! (although it will turn to 28 by the am, AUGH!)


 So...busy week for Chef Robin's Hummalicious launch! A big production day this week and lots of Hubby and I doing samplings around town! Should be fun....and hectic...so easy breezy dinners are going to be my strategy this week!  Don't miss my segment on Wood Tv 8's eightWest at 11 am on Monday! I'll post it on my Facebook page, too:0) 


I have a great Entertaining Greats class this Friday, as well! Can YOU make it? Three great Appetizer recipes, Three great Dessert Recipes and some wonderful crowd pleasing, easy to fnd inexpensive wines! Sign up at www.rpssignmeup.com or call 616.863.6322 for more info, I have a few spots left! :0)
Have a great week!


Monday:Curried Grilled fish with brown rice, sauteed green beans with crimini mushrooms, key lime tarts for the kiddies!

Tuesday:Brazilian Style Feijoda-a yummy black bean stew served over jasmine rice, spinach salad with fresh blackberries, spiced pecans, feta & wild blueberry balsamic vinaigrette


Wednesday: Chicken in the crockpot with mushrooms and rice, dinner rolls, apple slices


Thursday:Venison Chili with Daddy- I'll be @ Art of The Table with my Hummus!

Friday: Pizza for the kiddies with Gigs and Gramps, I will be at my Entertaining Greats class, Hubs will be at the "Mini" Ada Village Farmers' Market, need a gourmet Triple Pack of Hummus to bring to your next event??? Go see him! Need great recipes for entertaining??? Come see ME! 

Saturday: During the day, I will be at Grand Central Market, in GR on Monroe, sampling my Hummus...easy dinner of grilled venison steaks, baked potatoes, salad :0)

Sunday: Meatloaf-healthed up, of course! With spinach, carrots, red bell peppers and onion...Smashed taters, steamed broccoli and cinnamony baked apples...MMMM it will smell like Grandma's house! :)

Have a great week, and I'll see you around town!

FamMenu for the week...

Hope you all have a wonderful week filled with Food & Fam! :0)

Here is my menu for the week...

Monday: Chicken & Dumplings Soup-the recipe is on my blog, too! GREAT with leftover Turkey, too! :)
Veggies and homemade ranch dip, apple & orange slices

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken smothered with BBQ, mushrooms & onions, toppedwith cheddar and melted under the broiler, Brown rice, sauteed green beans

Wednesday: Tortilla crusted Tilapia, spanish rice, corn, yellow squash and tomato saute

Thursday: .....What are YOU having? Guessing it's a gobbler of some sort! ;)

Friday: Pizza- have you noticed my routine for Fridays? Always pizza. Sometimes I make yummylicious fancy pizzas, sometimes I make empty the fridge ones! AND sometimes I go buy pizza. Its our Fam movie night, and that's just how we roll!!!

Saturday: A special Mexican Foods night for my very special BFF who will be here from Kentucky! Some yummy tostadas, with chicken and beans and cheddar, chips with my Smokey Guacamole and Fresh Salsa, and most likely a deLISH dessert

Sunday: BUSY week coming up, two hummus demos, one demo classand a lot of travelling to bring my hummus to stores in Ann Arbor and Lansing, so we may just do leftovers...

Have a super week, and don't eat too much Turkey!Hehe...

Lunch Menu for 11.17.11

“Chef Robin’s Tastes to Your Door”

~~Always made from scratch! You can count on it!~~

Delivery to the Rockford area at 12-12:15-please order before 10 am Thursday!

Chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com 

Soup:  Chicken and Dumplings

A savory thick brothed soup with hearty chunks of carrots, celery, onions and chicken! Fresh herbed dumplings, tooooo!

Bowl: $4.50

Cup: $3.50

Salad: The Oriental Express

Shaved romaine, & red cabbage, cucumbers, carrots  & mandarin oranges – topped with chopped almonds and sesame scallion crackers.

Sesame Soy Vinaigrette

Large: $7

Small: $4

Sandwich: Homemade Chicken Salad

Delicious chunks of tender roasted chicken breast mixed with sundried tomato and basil aioli over organic romaine lettuce, served on toasted sourdough.

Whole: $7.50

Half: $4

Sweet Treat:  Pumpkin Chocolate Cupcakes

Moist pumpkin spiced cake with chocolate chips and slathered with Cream Cheese Frosting

 $2.50

Combo Packs:

½ Sandwich + cup soup + sweet treat

OR

½ Sandwich + small salad + sweet treat

OR

Cup soup + small salad + sweet treat

$10

Time to Entertain

Click on the link below to see a video clip of me on a local TV show, eightWest! Pretty cool!

Time to Entertain

FamMenu for the week of 11.14 to 11.20

Hello all, excitement is in the air! Michiganders can tune in to Wood TV 8's "eightWest" on Monday November 14th at 11am to check out a Chef Robin segment-featuring a recipe from my December 2nd class @ DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen! I will post a link to the segment as soon as I get my hands on it! :0)


Another busy week of appointments, errands, Chef Robin Shstuff, and the usual busy-ness of this fam of seven!


That being said, here is my FamMenu for the week ahead:


Monday: Leftovers from my Soups class from Friday-Hungarian Goulash, Beef Burgundy, clam chowder and chicken and dumplings-now that's some choice! :)


Tuesday: YUM-Mongolian Pork & Broccoli with Jasmine rice and orange wedges


Wednesday:Looks to be a bit chilly this day, so what else but Buffalo Chicken Chili? some corn muffins too... & applesauce


Thursday: Pan grilled venison steaks, baked potatoes, salad with homemade croutons yummylicious homemade buttermilk ranch


Friday: Mooooovie night!a nice glass of pinot noir and some bbq'd chicken and roasted potato pizza


Saturday: vegetarian night- smashed triple bean chipotle tostadas on homemade corn tortillas with cheddar and black olives-some smokey quacamole and chips and salsa, too plus cut fruit!


Sunday:Hubby's FAVE- Nana Rosie's "Hot Dogs n' Peppas'" sounds wierd, tastes GREAT! Sauteed crushed red pepper, garlic& fresh basil tossed with seared hot dogs and green peppers-served with Italian bread for dipping- so not healthy....But Nana DID live to just a few months shy of 100!!!-so hmmmm- and she taught me how to make this when I stayed with her for six weeks when I had only one munchkin! :) Love and miss her!


Have an AWESOME week everyone! 

Hearty Chicken & Dumplings

I whipped this recipe up 15+ years ago at Kent Country Club, and to this day it is revered as a family, friend and Chef Robin student FAVE! Enjoy!

Hearty Chicken and Dumplings

Chef Robin Gourmet Cooking Classes

Soup

1 ½  stick butter

¾  C. flour

2 C. chopped carrots

1 C. chopped celery

1 C. chopped onions

1 T. chopped Fresh rosemary

1 t. chopped fresh thyme

1 t. chopped fresh sage

Salt & pepper to taste

3 quarts chicken stock

Cooked leg & thigh meat from one chicken (boneless)

Dumplings

2 C Flour

¼ t baking soda

1 T baking powder

1 t Salt

1 T Dried parsley

3 T cold Butter

3 T cold chicken fat from top of stock- if you have it!

1 C buttermilk

Melt butter in large soup pot  over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for a few minutes. Add celery, cook for another few minutes, then add onions & herbs, salt & pepper and continue to sweat vegetable until vibrant in color and starting to soften, about 15 minutes. Add flour and cook this roux mixture, stirring constantly, until it is starting to turn a golden brown color. Add stock, one cup at a time, waiting for mixture to bind together after each addition. (this will prevent lumps) When all stock is added, then add chicken and bring mixture to a slow boil (a few bubbles), then turn down to a simmer. While soup is cooking, make dumplings, as follows:

Preheat oven to 450. In a food processor, mix together flour, soda, baking powder, salt and dried parsley-pulse to combine. Add chicken fat and butter and then pulse until combined. Add buttermilk and pulse just until combined. Bake in a greased 8x8 pan for 12 minutes, or until done. Cut warm dumplings into one inch squares and add to simmering soup at the last minute before serving, DELISH!!!

Menu for class Friday!

Hearty Soups Stews & Breads

New England Clam Chowda’

A creamy, briny cup filled with chunks of potatoes, onions, celery and clams. So delicious!

`Roasted Garlic Potato Bread`

~14 Hands Chardonnay~

Chicken & Dumplings Soup

I started making this recipe at Kent Country Club 15+ years ago, and people have always LOVED it! The fresh herbs give it a wonderful flavor.

~Cupcake AngelFood~

Homestyle Burgundy Beef and Mushroom with Noodles

This is like your fave pot roast whipped into a delish soup! Thick noodles give it a hearty backbone!

`Artisan Caraway Rye Bread`

A classic bread, with caraway and a little dill seed added for culinary flair! Would be awesome for a reuben!

~La Crema Pinot Noir~

Hungarian Goulash

Hearty chunks of chuck roast team up with carrots, potatoes and plenty of paprika to make a stick to your ribs meal standby!

`Cottage Dilly Bread`

A Challah based braided bread, fortified with yummy minced dill, onion and cottage cheese.

~Hungarian Egri Late Harvest~

NO "Chef Robin's Tastes to Your Door" this week

....SoRrY!!! Tooooo busy! See you at my class Friday night!

FamMenu for November 7-13

Hey everyone, I have quite the busy week this week, how about you?Filming for a local TV show, THREE parent teacher conferences, a FULL class Friday, plus a plethora of other appointments and things, yikers! On weeks like this, I am happy to have double cooked and frozen soup last week, made an extra roasted chicken recently to turn into a chicken pot pie this week, and that I also made extra pie dough to make some quiche this week with some delish local organic eggs the Hubster picked up for me! Hope you enjoy this glorious burst of warm Fall weather the last few days-I sure am!


Monday: Homemade Broccoli Cheddar soup with yummy Cottage dill bread (making this bread at my class Friday, will YOU be there?!) Fuji apple slices


Tuesday: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie-kids love it! a nice crisp salad with homemade ranch, orange slices


Wednesday:  Brrrrr.... the chill sets in for this Michigander! Hungarian Goulash (making this at class Friday, too!) Artisan Caraway rye bread (and this! :0))applesauce- made with apples from my friend Benny, he ROCKS!


Thursday: Good Ol' Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, some sort of green veggie-whatever looks good at the store, and another FamFave- honeyed carrots-  Going to be a great hunker down and drink hot cocoa kind of day:0)


Friday: NO SCHOOL!!! That means I will have five munchkins chomping at the bit for something to do! (But I have a FULL class on Soups, Stews & Breads at night! ) SoOooo...looks like it's going to be time to head to the  library to check out some great FREE movies & books! My Fave invention lately is the audio books on mp3 players-the kiddos can plug in and listen to some great books, all they need is their ear-buds! (and no fighting over the CD player!)
The Fam gets Pizza with Daddy-probably Papa Murphy's- Yo can get a  Free cheesy bread every time you order if you just call in for their survey!!! 


Saturday: Chillaxin' time! Yummy Quiche- I am thinking swiss, spinach and bacon!! apple crisp!


Sunday: Braised Beef Brisket, Braised red cabbage, Mashed potatoes, green beans, does that say "Sunday Dinner" OR WHAT??? 


Have a GREAT week!!!

Lunch Menu for Tomorrow, 11.3.11

“Chef Robin’s Tastes to Your Door”

~~Always made from scratch! You can count on it!~~

Lunch menu for Thursday 11.3.11, please email orders to me : chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com by 10 am Thursday- delivering to Rockford Administration Building between 12-12:15, or schedule for a pickup in Belmont between 11:15-11:30

Soup:  Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

Sweet yet savory, creamy & dreamy! Butternut squash and Mutsu apples are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, then pureed and combined with a roasted garlic broth and Michigan maple syrup. Topped with crème fraiche & spiced walnuts

Bowl: $4.50

Cup: $3.50

Salad: The Greek Goddess

Chopped organic romaine tossed with savory pickled beets, feta cheese, kalamata olives, zesty banana peppers, grape tomatoes & chunks-o-cukes, Zahtar spiced pita chips (baked-not fried! J)

Lemony-oregano vinaigrette

Large: $7

Small: $4

Sandwich: California Club Sammies
 Smoked turkey, crispy bacon & Arugula sandwiched between toasted Asiago bread slathered with Sundried tomato aioli & fresh guacamole

Whole: $7.50

Half: $4

Sweet Treat:  Dutch Apple Pie

A wedge of homemade pie filled with juicalicious chunks of fresh Michigan apples tossed with cinnamon sugar and then nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a delish streusel

$2.50

Combo Packs:

½ Sandwich + cup soup + sweet treat

OR

½ Sandwich + small salad + sweet treat

OR

Cup soup + small salad + sweet treat

$10

Zee Veekly Menu for the Fam :0)

UGH> My Computer and phone have been royally slow when it comes to Internet Access, so sorry this menu comes a few days late, I would SOoOoO rather be outside enjoying this FAB weather than dealing with technological stuff, but here I am!
Anywho...here is the FamMenu:


Monday: Smashed pinto bean and cheese quesadillas, chips n' salsa

Tuesday: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, oriental salad, dutch apple pie

Wednesday: Roasted Chicken, Mashed potatoes, honeyed carrots, broccoli

Thursday: venison burgers, roasted potatoes, veggies with homemade ranch dip

Friday: Meet me for lunch...by MOI...at Gild the Lily in Rockford 11:30-1:30- gonna be tasty~!!!
Pizza for dinna'

Saturday: leftovers! (or as Nana Rose always said, "Must Goes" :0)

Sunday: Hungarian Goulash, cottage dilly bread, yum! Salad

Enjoy the GREAT Fall weather!!!!

"Chef Robin's Tastes to Your Door" FOR 11.1.11

"Chef Robin's Tastes To Your Door"
Lunch menu for Tuesday November 1st

(please order by 10 am on Tuesday... The sooner the better!:) Thanks!
 
Email orders to Chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com or text me if you have my #!

Soup:Creamy Cheddar & Broccoli- a thick & creamy pot of savory goodness! No fake stuff here- made with organic broccoli, chunks of redskin potatoes, onions and of course- REAL cheddar cheese!
Bowl:$4.50
Cup:$3.50

Salad: The Oriental Express- fresh romaine, shaved red cabbage & carrots, cucumbers, mandarin oranges, topped with homemade sesame crackers & almonds
Sesame Soy Vinaigrette
Large:$7.00
Small:$4.00


Sandwich:The GreatGreek Wrap-
A spinach wrap spread with herbed aioli and then stuffed with marinated grilled chicken breast, baby spinach, roasted peppers, kalmata olives & feta cheese.
Whole:$7.50
Half:$4.00

Sweet Treat:Homemade Dutch Apple Pie- Juicilicious chunks of fresh golden delicious & Mutsu apples from a local Michigan orchard nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a delish cinnamon streusel.
$2.50

Combo Pack:

1/2 sandwich, cup soup, sweet treat
OR
1/2 sandwich, small salad, sweet treat
 OR
Cup soup, small salad, sweet treat

$10


Schedule pickups between 11 & 11:30- deliveries to Rockford are around noon-12:30

~PLUS~
I am also selling double crust and Dutch apple pies for Thursday!
Homemade from scratch! Delivery or pickup @ lunchtime 11/3- great for your weekend get togethers!!!

What's Cookin' for Lunch this Thursday?

"Chef Robin's Tastes To Your Door"
Lunch menu for Thursday, October 27
(please order by 10 am on Thursday! The sooner the better!:) thanks!

Email orders to Chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com or text me if you have my #! ***ALSO***
To have  your order delivered, it needs to be a minimum of a $35 order (and needs to be in the Rockford/Belmont area) otherwise pick up, times are variable, so please order ASAP for the best pickup time window! 
Get your whole office to order! :0)

Soup:Roasted pumpkin & Mutsu Apple soup -made with a roasted onion garlic broth, topped with a dollop of creme Fraiche, Michigan maple drizzle & snipped chives -spiced walnuts on the side, spiceriffic!

Bowl:$4.50
Cup:$3.50
(FYI- this is a vegetarian soup and is gluten free , as well!)

Salad:Organic Baby Spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries, shaved red onion, spiced walnuts & Mutsu apple slices
Wild blueberry balsamic vinaigrette

Large:$7.50
Small:$4.00
***Add grilled chicken breast $2.50

Sandwich:Grilled thick & hearty honey whole wheat bread with smoked ham, Swiss cheese, thinly sliced apple, shredded green cabbage & homemade honey mustard

Whole:$6.50
Half:$3.50

Sweet Treat:Jumbo Pumpkin Chocolate Cupcake
With cream cheese frosting, does that scream decadent fall treat or what???

$2.50

Combo Pack: $9
1/2 sandwich, cup soup, sweet treat OR

1/2 sandwich, small salad, sweet treat OR

 Cup soup, small salad, sweet treat

Can always add a 16.9 oz water bottle for $1!

FamMenu Chez Chef Robino 10.24-10.30

Feels like Autumn in Michigan, doesn't it? What's fall without apples, pumpkins and corn stalks, oh my?!? Hope you are all enjoying the weather and fun fall activities this week! Here is my famMenu:

Monday: grilled venison steaks, rosemary roasted redskins, salad with bacon, cheddar, loads of veggies and homemade ranch

Tuesday: beer cheddar brats(one of hubs Faves:), baked beans, veggies and dip, apple slices with peanut butter caramel dip, yum!

Wednesday: Homestyle Chicken & Dumpling Soup, spinach salad with spiced walnuts, some sort of dessert bar

Thursday: Chicken and black bean Empanada, chips and salsa, homemade applesauce

Friday:pizza and a movie, maybe go to see Shrek @ Flick Family Film Festival, because it's freeee!

Saturday: feelin' the need for some grilled fish, maybe wild cod or salmon, stir fried veggies, jasmine rice

Sunday: going to a skating party @ good ol' Tarry Hall for the kiddies:) let's hope my Fred fares better this time... Last time he bonked his head hard enough for a good dose of Ibuprofen!!! - so dinner-wise, it'll be grab-n-go! Maybe Pannini's???

Only one more day until November, Holy cow!!! I have some great Chef Robin stuff lined up, for sure:) details next week!

Anyone else need lunch today?!

I have a delish menu posted yesterday, here on my blog! Check it out, and if you're hungry and live in Rockford or Belmont - email me with your order!
Chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com

NEW "CHEF ROBIN'S TASTES TO YOUR DOOR" starts tomorrow!!!

Hummus is in the wings while we perfect our new labeling and get our vendors lined up, so this week I am starting a great Rockford Area Lunch series... called "Chef Robin's Taste's to Your Door" -I'll be scheduling deliveries and pickups of GREAT tasty Lunch specials...here is tomorrow's Menu & Pricing:

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Soup:
Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings- Tender chicken, veggies and savory herbed buttermilk dumplings in a velvety, stick to your ribs broth, home cooking at it's best!
Cup: $3.50
Bowl: $4.50

Sandwich:
The Bistro- Grilled Panini made with Ciabatta bread, smoked turkey, sundried tomato pesto aioli, roasted peppers, fresh spinach and smoked provolone, ooey gooey, yummy!!!
Half: $3.50
Whole: $6.50

Salad:
The Steakhouse Classic-Organic Romaine, grape tomaters, cukes,  shaved red onion, sharp cheddar, bacon crumbles, hard boiled egg & homemade croutons, balsamic vinaigrette or Penzey;s buttermilk ranch
Small: $4
Large:  $7.50

Sweet Treat:
Nutty Salty Caramel Apple Crumble Bar- a peanut butter bar base topped with delish apple medley, crunchy peanut crumble and swirls of caramel, HELLO!!!
$2.50 large square

Combo pack:
A cup of soup, half sandwich or small salad and a sweet treat $9

Add a chilled water bottle for a buck! :0)
Email orders by 9pm today,  Monday: 10/24/11 chefrobinpersonalchef@hotmail.com

French Onion Soup Recipe Added!!!

YUM! Especially on a chilly night! I LOVE this soup, and so do the kids! The best thing about it is the fact that it doesnt have as much sodium in it as the usual restaurant fare...bon appetit!

FamMenu for the official cool down of Fall! 10.17-10.23

I feel like I am coming out of a Winnie the Pooh story...a blustery weekend in the Hundred Acre Wood! It's getting down to the chill factor here, for sure!Time to make some great hearty soups and stews and healthful dinners that will stick to your ribs and keep your belly satisfied! Here is my plan for the week:

Monday: Fresh Catch from Lake Pickeral! Well...actually, it's from a month ago, or so...but I froze a bunch of fish that Hubs and Freaky Fast Fish Finding Freddy caught and we are gonna' eat em' up tonight!...Potato dill crusted bluegill and perch, maybe a walleye and catfish too, it's a mystery! Along with some broccoli sauteed with roasted garlic, maple & almond- cinnamon glazed carrots,homemade oven fries

Tuesday: Roasted Chicken, mashed taters, corn, salad of some sort, homemade applesauce

Wednesday: White Chili and corn muffins, some warm apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream...just to round out the meal!

Thursday: Whole wheat Rollatini- lasagna noodles stuffed with a blend of ricotta, mozz and parm, as well as  sauteed mushrooms and spinach, smothered in tomato sauce, homemade asiago bread

Friday: Pizza- maybe taco, yum... what movie shall we watch????

Saturday: Grilled stuffed burritos- these guys are so easy, quick and delish! Served up with guac, salsa and greek yogurt (I stopped using sour cream eons ago!)

Sunday: I think venison steaks, simply grilled, served with a great salad with blue cheese, tomatoes & espresso balsamic vinaigrette, homemade bread

Have a great week and stay warm!!! :0)

FamMenu 10/10-10/16:0)

So who is LOVING this awesome weather? It rocks:) I gotto enjoy it to the fullest extent last week by going to Robinettes with my Kindergartener! We had a beautiful day at the orchard, and the BEST part was that she came up to me after school and gave me a big hug and said..."Mom, do you know what my favorite part was today Mama? It was spending time with you!" could you ask for anything better than that???:)
So on with my fall, money crunching menu!

Monday: apple Gouda chicken sausages in Little Rooster buns with caramelized onions, homemade honey mustard, roasted sweet taters with fresh rosemary, walnuts & garlic

Tuesday: Carolines pasta- penne pasta, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and shredded Asiago cheese, broccoli, great harvest honey whole wheat

Wednesday: pork teriyaki , grilled pineapple, Asian slaw, jasmine rice

Thursday: black bean chipotle chili, tortilla chips, jonagold apples

Friday: pizza, baby!

Saturday: venison stroganoff, egg noodle with butter and fresh parsley, salad

Sunday:
Delicata squash stuffed with savory turkey sausage, wild rice blend, broccli or Brussels sprouts

Have a wonderful week!!!

The FamMenu for the week...October 3rd-9th

Hello all, what a gorgeous Autumn day we are having today!!! I do love Fall. I do NOT love poison ivy, which my Fred has, and is now home from school because of the extreme itchiness! Took him to the doc's today and she put him on steroids for a few days and some clairitin and some strong hydrocortisone cream
:( I happened to "catch" some from him, as well, oh joy of joys! Anthony is itching his neck like crazy, too, hoping it's just a skeeter bite!
So we had an uneventful weekend- movie night, farmers' market, wanted to sneak in an orchard visit, but the kiddos needed to help daddy with firewood, so maybe next week!
Jared caught two huge salmon up north yesterday, so those are brining and he will put them in the smoker tomorrow!
A busy week this week, so I am busily prepping on this gorgeoso day....Here' s the eats this week at the Chef's house!

Monday: Beef & Pinto Bean Chili- a great recipe from Cooking Light Magazine, I love it! Here is the link:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/beef-pinto-bean-chili-10000001949758/

Homemade corn muffins (a delish recipe from my mother in law:) with maple butter, honeycrisp apple slices for dessert!

Tuesday: Mongolian Pork with Broccoli  over Jasmine rice, orange wedges

Wednesday: Fall vegetable & Chicken Curry, with cauliflower, carrots, squash, peppers, rutabaga and Chick peas, in a coconutty broth, served with rice

Thursday: My own French Onion Soup Recipe...((FYI- going to add that to the blog for October! :0)), complete with homemade croutons, "phocus" cheese from Little Rooster Bread Company (like gruyere, but LOCAL!), and a crisp salad with local tomaters

Friday: Pizza Pizza!

Saturday: Grilled Stuffed Burritos- filled with zesty pork, black beans, corn,scallions and cheese, yummmmmYlicious!

Sunday: I am thinking a whole roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, Challah from Great Harvest Bread Co., and some honeyed carrots

So there you have it, make it a GREAT week!!!

My FamMenu for the week 9/26-10/2

Hey everyone! Had an ultra busy "Chef Robin" week- last week. Hoping things are a little more "normal" FOR US THAT IS!!!-this week. No classes, just Hummus busy-ness and the normal kids/fam routine. so yay- excited to be back in the groove again! Going to make applesauce, yum, and pad the freezer with some great soups and pasta dishes for those crazy hectic upcoming weeks.

 The harvest is in! Come to the last Ada Village Farmers' Market this Tuesday and get some Triple Herbed Hummus for your work/school week! Also, honeycrisp apples are in, tons of tomatoes, winter squashes, beets, carrots, greens, potatoes and much more! Yummy granola, fudge, sludge, green salsa, you name it, it's there!!! :0)

Alrighty, dighty, it's a clean out the fridge/cheap eats week at the chef's house, so  here is the menu:


Monday: Zesty Pork & refried bean tacos, tortilla soup, chips and salsa

Tuesday: Chicken, wild rice and squash soup, homemade applesauce, rosemary rolls from Little Rooster Bread Company

Wednesday: Stuffed Shells, homemade asiago bread, kale and mushroom salad with blueberry balsamic- it's AWESOME! ....and I get a new haircut, YAY!!!! Thanks bridget:0) (I know...nothing to do with a menu, but, hey, I am EXCITED!!!)

Thursday: Chicken Corn Chowder, corn muffins, fruit from the Plainfield Farmers' Market, 2-7 Today!

Friday: Moooovie night! Pizza

Saturday: Come to the Rockford Farmers' Market and see me! Only three more weeks of the country's FAVORITE FARM MARKET!!! Come out and support the local farmers, plus get delish breads, cookies, pies, dip mixes, flowers, hummus, pasta, etc., etc., etc.!! Mealwise, I want to create something delish from what I can find at the market!! 

Sunday: Chili sounds perfect!!!!!

Have a super-de-dooper week!!!

Fresh Mexican Class tonight!!!

@DreamMaker at 6:30- gonna' be delish!

FamMenu for September 19th-25th

Ok, so had a BUSY weekend!  I had two Food and Wine pairing events, plus Hummus at the Rockford Market, plus my Constance had an allergic reaction from the amoxicillin she was on for her strep throat! So...never a dull moment! Hubby has been keeping busy with selling firewood and the kids are helping him out with that...looks like everyone wants to be WARM for Winter!
 Now I am looking forward to two classes this week....Monday night is "A Week full of Dishes...September"
I'll be up at RHS with Ten others to make five dishes for the fam for the week, cooooool beans! Then, after curriculum night, and a few other events this week, I'll have my Fresh Mexican class Friday @ DreamMaker- making some tasty treats, zesty pork tamales with roasted tomato salsa, smokey guacamole with fresh salsa, chiles rellenos, and even spiked mexican chocolate cake with caramelized bananas and ice cream for dessert! YUUUUMMMM! SOOOO. here's the FamMenu:

Monday: Tortilla soup made with roasted tomato salsa,  fresh sweet corn and leftover carne asada  from a few days ago :0) Tortilla chips, peaches

Tuesday: Baked Penne pasta with asiago bread, salad, honeycrisp apples

Wednesday:  Herb Seared Salmon with Maple dijon drizzle...my fave...sauteed zucchini and yellow squash,  roasted sweet taters

Thursday: Chiles Rellenos, spanish rice, smashed chipotle black beans with roasted peppers, cilantro and shredded cheddar

Friday: Pizza for the kiddies, I'll be at class!

Saturday: Juicalicious Chicken thighs with bbq, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, twice baked potato salad, watermelon (a tribute to Summer- which was officially over YESTERDAY !)

Sunday: ...probably bacon and smoked gouda quiche, the fam LOVES it, they pick it up like slices of pizza! And some fresh fruit from the farmers' market!

That's all folks. Have a great week...

One CrAzY week! (out of many)

So... My FamMenu is a tad late this week....due to the whole fam getting treated for Strep Throat, Ugh! A little sooner than I thought the school germs would kick in! Well, we are all non-contagious and life can proceed! Whew! So it's a busy Chef Robin week, had a Rockford Chamber event Monday, hummus Tuesday, shopping galore will be happenin' today, as tomorrow we have two farm markets, I have a food and wine event, Friday is doctors' appointments & Ram Football! Then Saturday farmers' market, and another food and wine event. I'm a gonna' be one tired chef! So here is what the Fam has been and will be chowing on:

Monday: my sweet Caroline made some delish pasta with sauce, Popeye bread, apples

Tuesday: I made venison chili, and we had some chips with guacamole and green salsa

Wednesday: flat iron steaks, baked potatoes, fresh salad, peaches

Thursday: going to give Caroline control... Probably Mac n' cheese- cuz the kiddos and Daddy love it and I'll be gone!

Friday: who knows! I'll be racing from a Dr.'s appointment to home to a football game- maybe I shall put the hubster in charge:)

Saturday: pizza!

Sunday: roasted chicken, mashed taters, honeyed carrots, sauteed spinach

That's it for the week! Enjoy this beautiful fall weather! Indian Summer!:)

Banana Bread Smooothies

For breakfast, yum yum!!!! Check out the recipe on the blog and make your own today!:)

Crazy Fall begins! Here's the FamMenu!

Ok, so technically it is fall- school starts tomorrow and the temp already dropped to 44 overnight- so I am feelin' it! Bring on the apples, pumpkins, beautiful fall leaves, crisp air, Friday night football games, cozy sweaters...(all you Summer lovers...sorry:() I LOVE Fall- by far my fave season!
So- with four kids heading back to school tomorrow, a crazy Triple Herbed Hummus schedule, as well as a busy Chef Robin-ness and fam biz in general, today is going to be a food prep day- holiday- schmoliday... I'll be "laboring" for sure today! All the in season tomatoes, peppers, corn, peaches, etc... Will be plugged in to the week! Gotta take advantage when you can! So woomp, here it is:

Monday:Carne Asada with warm cafe tortillas and roasted tomato salsa, smokey guacamole, peppers and onions (making brownies and cookies for kiddos lunches today, too)

Tuesday: Hubs will be at Ada Village Farmers' Market from 12-6 with Chef Robin's Triple Herbed Hummus- get yours!!! Great for school lunches(add a baggie of veggies or pitas, crackers)- or for work:) Easy Tortilla Soup- see the recipe at the bottom of the blog! I'll be plugging in Fresh local sweet corn & my roasted tomato salsa,too! Fresh fruit

Wednesday: bbq'd Chicken Thighs(on sale at Meijer this week) sweet corn, slaw, watermelon

Thursday: the plan is to be at three farmers' markets, Wealthy Street, 8-2, MetroHealth, 9-1, Plainfield 2-7... Dinner will be Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with yummy local tomatoes and homemade croutons,and some local gigantor peaches!

Friday: Papa Murphy's Pizza... Movie for the kiddos, hummus making for me n' the hubster!:)

Saturday: I will be at the Caledonia Farmers' Market doing a few Chef Demos- fresh salsa, roasted salsa, and smokey guacamole- yum! 9-1, and don't you worry my Rockfordites- Hubby will be at the Rockford Farmers' Market from 8- with plenty-o- hummus (after selling out two weeks in a row!) so dinner will be some yum mapledijon, Herbed sockeye salmon, wild rice and veggies from the market, zestar apples

Sunday:A Nana Rose classic( and fave of the fam) hot dogs n' peppas'- sauteed garlic, green peppers, kosher all beef hot dogs, crushed red pepper and olive oil- don't mock it til' you've tried it!!! Italian Bread, and whatever else I feel like throwing together!:)

Thas' my week- the following week is about 5 times as crazy, Chef demos galore!!! Enjoy your week!

FamMenu for August 29th to...SEPTEMBER 4th (ouch!) (and some other stuff!)

Can you believe how Summer is coming to a screeching halt?! NOOOOO!!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Fall, the great abundance of superb produce here in Michigan rocks, and I love the return to routine with the kids and school, but I will surely miss lounging by the pool and Pickeral Lake, BooHoo!
Ok, my whining is officially done....My Chef Robin's Triple Herbed Hummus sales are going phenomenally well! Everybody is loving it, Hummus lovers, Hummus haters, Hummus What?ers, they are all digging it!
So here's the scoop-We will be at:
Tuesday: Ada Village Farmers' Market , noon-6pm
Thursday: Wealthy Street Farmers' Market, 8am-2pm
                MetroHealth Farmers' Market, 9am-1pm
                Plainfield Farmers' Market, 2pm-7pm
Saturday: Rockford Farmers' Market, 8am-1pm
                and POSSIBLY Grand Haven Pier Farmers' Market, 8am-2pm

Busy busy Hummaliciousness!!! See you there!

Soooo, the FamMenu is going to be quite crazy this week, with all the Hummusness, kids school curriculum and open houses and life in general, I'll be whipping up stuff on the fly, as well as making food ahead of time, going to be crazy (kind of the way I like it!!!)

Monday: homemade tamales, with chicken, onion garlic and more, chips and salsa, Peach crumble pie (thanks for the peaches Benny!)

Tuesday: BuffaloChicken Chili- the kids are superpsyched about  this, they LOVE it! I am going to add the recipe to the blog this week, great huh? corn muffins, blue cheese dip with veggies

Wednesday: Fish tacos with mexican crema, slaw and salsa with avocado, watermelon

Thursday: Crouton Chicken Casserole (yes, I am ACTUALLY making a casserole---we will be at THREE farm markets this day, HELLO!)

Friday: Pizza and hummus making craze!

Saturday: Rice and venison stuffed bell peppers, and whatever else I decide to put in there! probably some delish bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. (the POPEYE is fantabulous) or Little Rooster (the Wild Rice and Onion is awesome! tastes and smells like an everything bagel...but has a great soft texture) some fresh fruit from the Farmers' market

Sunday: Venison Roast with lotso' crimini mushrooms and caramelized onions, sweet potato bake (it's topped with a pecan streusel, and you can eat WAY too much of it!) steamed green beans, rolls

And that's it! Have a grrrrreat week!

FamMenu for August 22nd-28th

Well, it has been a crazy week (gee, that NEVER happens!!! :o))! I wasat the Rockford Farmers Market on Saturday selling my hummalicous Triple Herbed Hummus, and it went very well, so we (my hubby, me and the fab five chitlins) will be hitting a few more this week! Plainfield on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2-7 and Rokford Saturday am from 8-1, so come see us!
We have lots of other goings on this week, so dinners will be crockpot creations, or quick and simples, or leftovers, or prep aheads!!! So on with the menu...

Monday: Chicken Corn Chowder, yum yum:0) with THE BEST corn from the farm market from Saturday, fresh peppers from my Fancy Nancy (;-) and some yummalicious corn bread

Tuesday: Busy day...so venison chili and tortilla chips, SEEDED watermelon- hey they were the same price as seedless at the grocery store, and the seeded one was GINORMOUS comparatively speaking, so we will have seed spittingcontests!

Wednesday: Pepperand onion brats from Bird's crazy market...they are delish! and some homemade baked beans, fresh fruit and chips and dippy do

Thursday: Cheese and beaner tostadas with all the fixings, chips and salsa

Friday: Pizza, of some sort!brownies, yum. 

Saturday: Grilled Chicken Shwarma on pitas with garlic sauce, fresh veggies, fresh fruit from the farm market

That's alllll folks! Don't forget, registration is open for my fall set of classes! Go to www.rpssignmeup.com or call the Rockford Community Services office at (616)863-6322.
Sunday: A pasta dish, Maybe pesto with whole grain penne...homemade bread,

Look! An article on me in The Rockford Squire!

How very cool is this...

http://rockfordsquire.com/2011/08/18/chef-educates-rockford-with-culinary-expertise/

FAMMENU for 2nd week of August, PLUS registration OPEN for Fall Cooking Classes!!!

Hello all! Had a great last three weeks with my brother, nieces, and the rest of the fam...now it is onto business as usual! SO what exactly does that mean for a family of SEVEN?!?! Controlling the chaos....earlier bedtime (tried that last week while at the cottage and cousins were here...UM, did NOT happen!!!) so we are getting back at it this week. Back to the gym, YAY this makes me very happy:)) earlier dinners and a cleaner house, YAAHOO for routine!!!!
......................AND I am very excited that everyone can now register for my fall classes! go to http://www.rpssignmeup.com/ and click on "Adult Enrichment"...then "cooking/home/gardening"...and you will find all of my Cooking Demonstrations at DreamMaker, as well as my Hands-On Cooking classes athe High School... or  call the Rockford Community Education Office at (616)863-6322

Here is what the Menu is looking like for the week........

Monday: We had tacos and watermelon, easy peasy lemon squeezie!!!

Tuesday: Chicken Shwarma....yum, in pitas with yummy garlic sauce, and some tabouleh, DElish, fruit...((AND hopefully we find out the kid's teachers!!!))

Wednesday: English Roast with roasted garlic mashed taters and honeyed carrots, cauliflower salad

Thursday: Mongolian Pork with broccoli over rice, nectarines (during the afternoon, I just may be at the Plainfield Farmer's Market, seeling my One of a Kind Triple Herbed Hummus...chock full of garlic, parsley, basil, mint, lemon....and topped off  with toasted pine nuts, smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil.....DELICIOUS!!! details to come soon...)

Friday: Pizzzzzza! and a movie

Saturday: Pasta, baby,...maybe fresh basil, tomato, mozzarella, garlic with linguine: quick and delish!...Bread & nana's salad, too! Mmmmmmm

DON"T forget! Mitchell's Run Through Rockford is this Saturday AM in Rockford!!! I hope to be at the Farmer's Market there, as well, selling my hummus! Come see me and say hello!!! You can also buy all kinds of wonderful Michigan produce and local breads, yummy kettle corn, beautimous boquets of flowers, jerky, and MORE!!! 8am to 1 pm   see you there!