Rustic Joyful Meant to Share by Danielle Kartes
Rustic Joyful is the first one of Danielle Kartes’ cookbooks that I have discovered, and I am so impressed! I will definitely be looking into her others and if they are anything like this one, I know I will love cooking through them. Like the title this book is filled with flavorful recipes (and cocktails) that are meant to share with friends and family. This book has a good variety of recipes, some healthier than others – but all flavorful and perfect for weeknight meals and special occasions. Here are some of my favorites…….
I absolutely LOVED the Beer Braised Chuck Roast with Glazed Carrots and Parsnips. This is not your regular old roast where the veggies and meat are slow cooked together. Danielle’s twist on this dish is that she sautés the vegetables separately in butter and braising liquid from the roast (which only adds about 15 minutes to the cooking time). Goodbye mushy vegetables because this last step creates an incredible culinary result that is so worth the extra effort.
Danielle’s take on chicken salad is brilliant. Her Italian Rocket Chicken Salad is MY NEW GO TO FAVORITE. Instead of the traditional chicken, grapes and mayonnaise-based dressing – she goes full Italian with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, slivered almonds, arugula and shredded chicken (rotisserie is perfect). These ingredients are covered with a pesto style dressing made with spices, fresh garlic, olive oil, parsley and cilantro. This is one to try, make and take anywhere!!!
In keeping with the Italian theme, the Pesto and Mozzarella Pasta Salad is another one of my MANY FAVORITES and again, in full Danielle style, is not your typical pasta salad. Not only is this dish fantastic but is flexible as well. The pasta salad can be eaten right away or chilled (I tried and liked both) and the pesto can be made up to three days ahead of time, making this an easy dish to pull together any day of the week.
On a much lighter note, my last recipe to share is the Fiery, Sweet Asian Salmon. I have to say I love the fact that this fish is both sweet and spicy (just enough) at the same time, it’s healthy and it only takes 22 minutes to make. How can you go wrong with that? Do not let the sambal chili paste discourage you from trying as this can be easily found in a small jar in the Asian aisle of your local grocery store. I served it with her Rice Noodles (which also use the chili paste) for a restaurant quality meal right in your own home.
| 1-3 Could not eat | |
| 4-5 Would not make again | |
| 6-7 Might make again | |
| 8-9 Definitely make again | |
| 10 Make again SOON |
| Recipe | Page | Rating | Difficulty | Notes |
| Pistachio Crusted Chicken Cutlets | 31 | 8 | easy | Served with dijon mustard. |
| Beer- Braised Chuck Roast with Veggies | 15 | 10 | easy | Prepped night before. Put in oven next day turned out great. |
| Asian Salmon with Rice Noodles | 107 | 9 | easy | Great flavor in both fish and noodles. |
| Apple Butter Crumb Cake | 179 | 10 | medium | My husband absolutely loved this cake. Perfect!! |
| Creole Shrimp | 51 | 8 | medium | Too much heavy cream- suggest cutting in half. |
| Ginger Rice Noodles | 50 | 8 | easy | Great flavor in both fish and noodles. |
| BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | 91 | 8 | easy | Needed a bit more sweetness – good affordable weeknight meal. |
| Zucchini and Fresh Corn Fritters | 91 | 8 | medium | Not super healthy but good flavor. |
| Short Crust Sour Cherry Cobbler | 148 | 5 | medium | Decreased the amount of sugar to less than a cup -could of been been even less. |
| Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos | 77 | 5 | easy | Disappointing – dry – turmeric gave chicken an odd taste. |
| Chili Lime Pineapple Spears | 78 | 8 | super easy | Great way to elevate pineapple. |
| Magic Shell & Pistachio Sundaes | 162 | 6 | easy | A bit thick and didn’t drizzle well – clump like consistency. |
| Stovetop Ratatouille | 30 | 9 | easy | Served with Chuck Roast. Fast simple ingredients. Even better next day |
| Shrimp & Chive Penne | 64 | 7 | easy | Lightened up dish by reducing cream by 1/2 cup and omitting cheese. |
| Green Beans | 47 | 8 | super easy | I haven’t cooked beans this way before -very simple better taste than boiling. |
| Double Peanut Marshmallow Treats | 150 | 9 | super easy | Nice twist on a classic. |
| Pesto & Mozzarella Pasta | 59 | 8 | easy | Versatile dish – basic and healthy. |
| Italian Rocket & Chicken | 60 | 9 | easy | Good combination of ingredients – versatile |
| The Last Meatball Recipe | 82 | 9 | easy | Use with Pesto mozzarella pasta. It’s the same pesto. Only need 1 batch for two recipes. |
| Creamy Orzo | 60 | 9 | easy | Meal of meatballs, creamy orzo & spinach basil pesto is restaurant quality. |
| Mom’s Wine Punch | 194 | 8 | easy | Perfect for a party |
| Beer Grapefruit Spritzer | 197 | 7 | super easy | Easy way to elevate beer & great presentation. |
| Limoellechio | 187 | TBD | super easy | TBD |
| Average | 8 |
