Tag: mushrooms

Valentine’s Day Beef Wellington

Well Dined | Beef Wellington

This year for Valentine’s Day we decided to stay in, and we both agreed that I should make Beef Wellington – a very special occasion dish of filet mignon and mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry.  You can find many recipes out there for this dish, but mine has some secret weapons to keep the puff pastry from getting soggy, the beef from getting overcooked (look at how nice and pink it is, even after 20 minutes in the oven), and to add extra flavor.  It is not difficult, but it is time consuming with many steps – which is why it is a special occasion dish (plus it’s soooooooo rich).  So read on!

Well Dined | Beef Wellington

First up, sear the filet.  (I made 4 servings because it would use a whole package of puff pasty – I have never had good luck with refreezing it.)  You want to get a nice sear on all sides, including around the edges, but don’t cook the steak all the way.  Remove the filets to a plate and allow to cool a bit, then cover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.  This step is what will keep the beef from overcooking in the oven. (more…)

Grilled Vegetable Flatbread

Well Dined | Grilled Vegetable Flatbread

This week Melissa and Sarah take their vegetarian lunch adventure to the grill!  Woohoo!  We’ve been meaning to grill all summer, but for some reason every time we pick a day it starts to rain.  This time was no exception – rain was forecasted starting in the afternoon – but we decided to try and grill before it started, and we succeeded!  Finally!

Well Dined | Grilled Vegetable Flatbread

This flatbread had been kicking around in our minds for a while, the product of brainstorming, and I am so pleased with the way it turned out!  Crispy grilled flatbread topped with pesto, grilled and fresh veggies, feta, and fresh basil – the epitome of Summer.

Well Dined | Grilled Vegetable Flatbread

First, we made the flatbread dough – which is very easy and requires no yeast or rising time!  Just flour, salt, baking powder, water, milk, and oil mixed together. (more…)

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash


When my friend Melissa and I get together it is usually to bake, or cook, or go out to eat – which is fitting for two food bloggers. We wanted to get together recently and cook up something satisfying and healthy. Melissa, who is a vegetarian, came up with a wonderful recipe for Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash – and you can read all about her take on her blog, Smells like Brownies.

This recipe is full of delicious veggies, packed with flavor and texture, and super healthy! Quinoa is not quite in the popular lingo yet, so for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, here is a brief rundown. Quinoa is a grain, similar in use to rice or couscous, but it is better than either of those because it is both a whole grain and a protein! It’s basically a super food. (more…)