Appetizers: Tomatillo Salsa, Hummus, and Roasted Eggplant Dip

When I'm preparing a meal for a large group of people, the last thing I want to make is a finicky, time-consuming appetizer.  That's why I like dips: they assemble quickly and are easy to make and refrigerate ahead of time.  Tomatillo salsa (aka salsa verde) is so delicious, and an exciting variation on that gloopy red stuff that comes in jars.  Although hummus comes prepackaged just about everywhere these days, nothing can beat the fresh taste of homemade, and it's deceptively easy to make.  Lastly, an unusual combination of roasted eggplants, spicy peppers, and garlic comes together in a chunky spread.

Peanut Butter Cookies with Honey-Cinnamon Filling

I love the idea of peanut butter cookies, but most are so one-dimensional and overly sweet with just an undertone of peanut flavor.  This recipe, though, is anything but bland.  Roasted peanuts are ground and added directly to the batter to boost the nutty flavor.  The crunchiness of the thin cookies is offset by a creamy honey and peanut butter mixture which can be used as a frosting or filling.

1.25 cups unsalted, roasted peanuts (6.25 ounces)

3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (3.75 ounces)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (1.5 ounces)

1/2 cup sugar (3.5 ounces)

1/2 cup dark brown sugar (3.5 ounces)

1.25 cups creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons milk

1 extra large egg

5 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup powdered sugar (4 ounces)

Dinner Menu: Crunchy Pork Chops, Roasted Potato Cakes, and Maple Mustard Green Beans

When I'm cooking a large dinner, I like most dishes to be super simple to make, and this menu definitely qualifies.  While the pork is a little work-intensive, the potatoes and green beans take no time at all and can be baked together at the same temperature.

For me, there's a lot to hate about most pork chops: bland pieces of dry meat with a soggy breading that falls right off (I hate soggy bread!).  This recipe defies all of that.  It features a crunchy herb coating and a quick brine which makes the meat retain both moisture and flavor.  The following potato preparation is my absolute favorite, good for dinner alongside meat and for breakfast the next day alongside eggs.  Finally, the inherent sweetness of the green beans is complimented by a splash of maple syrup and offset by the spiciness of mustard.