Kailyn's Birthday Dinner Picks

Headed back to school today and then came home to whip up a delicious Birthday dinner for a very special 17 yr. old - Happy Birthday, sweet Kailyn!

Kailyn selected two side entrees as her choice - typical for her vegetarian ways.  First on her list was a rice pilaf, which is a true keeper - easy, healthy & delicious!

Pecan Rice Pilaf
1 cup pecans
3 Tbsp butter, divided
small onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic *this wasn't in the recipe, but going to add in the future
2 cups long grain rice - I needed to use up wheat, so it was about 1 1/2 wheat & 1/2 white
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup shredded carrots

Use a large saucepan and cook pecans in 1 Tbsp of butter.  Remove from pan and melt remaining butter.  Add the onions and garlic.  Cook until tender and then add rice - I also added the seasonings.  You want to toast the rice before adding the broth.  Bring to a boil for about 12-14 min.  Add the carrots and cook for another 2-3 min.  Finally add back the pecans.

Next up was a great Parisian treat.  I was amazed how fancy this easy dish was!

Creamy Mushroom Tart
Puff pastry sheet
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove of garlic
2 cups of mushrooms *I added some fancy with regular ones
1 tsp herbs de Provence
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp white wine
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 425* and set out pastry sheet to start to thaw.  In a frying pan, melt butter and cook onion and garlic.  Next add the mushrooms and herbs.  Add the wine and let it cook down before adding the cream cheese and about half of mozzarella.  Use a piece of parchment paper and unfold the pastry sheet.  Spoon filling down the middle, leaving about an inch border.  Top with the remaining cheese add fold over the edges.  I used a knife to press in the edges and create a pretty pattern.  Cook for about 18 min.  Comes out looking pretty sophisticated for a Monday night!

Both dishes received great reviews, and I think the Birthday girl is pretty content with her special dinner selection.  Now it's time to eat some more of her cake!