What's Cooking Bermuda?

with Barry Cohen

 

Whats for dinner in 2010

A new decade is now upon us (in most people’s eyes anyway). While an arbitrary landmark, it also coincides with (hopefully) a convincing end to this recession and a return to prosperity and growth … though not business as usual. The instability of the economic climate has affected Americans in countless ways, including in the kitchen. Early on in the economic downturn, it became apparent that Americans were headed back into the kitchen, cooking more meals at home to cut spending. But as the economy stabilizes, how will Americans’ cooking habits re-adjust? Despite early indications that the recession may be easing, a recent national survey reveals that Americans will be remaining in the kitchen.

When asked how their eating habits have changed since the recession began, more than half of Americans (56%) say the recession has motivated them to cook more of their meals at home. During a typical week, the majority of Americans (83%) report cooking dinner at home four to seven times a week.

It seems as though cooking at home is less of a trend, and becoming more of a lifestyle change, as 90% of Americans say that they will still cook at home as frequently as they do now once the economy bounces back.

And it’s not just baby boomers cooking at home. More so than any other generation, 18-24 year old Americans have been motivated by the recession to cook more at home. Nearly three quarters of 18-24 year-olds (67%) feel this way, compared to roughly half (54%) of Americans aged 25 and older.

What’s on the dinner menu? Americans eat sandwiches (11.1 percent) at dinnertime in their homes more than any entrée, including chicken (10.7 percent), beef (8.4 percent), Italian dishes (5.5 percent) or a homemade family recipe (5.5 percent). So here is one of my latest delectable creations, which wins my vote for the best sandwich you’ll have in 2010.

Chicken Pomodoro Panini Recipe

Ingredients:
1 Chicken Breast
1 Tbs. fresh Basil, chopped
5 or 6 leaves of fresh Baby Spinach
2 small Roma Tomatoes
1/2 slice Provolone Cheese
1/2 slice Smoked Gouda
1/4 of Red Onion, chopped
2 Tsp. of Mayonnaise
1 Tsp Sour Cream
1 Tsp Pesto
1 clove Garlic, mashed
2 slices of San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Pan fry chicken breast with seasonings in a small amount of olive oil; add onion and spinach to pan. Sauté lightly.

Slice tomatoes, place on cookie sheet and oven roast them at 350 for about 10 minutes; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, pesto, and garlic.
Butter one side of each slice of bread; place buttered side of bread on grill until very lightly browned. Spread mayonnaise mixture on bread.

Put both cheeses on bread.

Layer the rest and enjoy!!

May your year be filled with happiness as you layer each sandwich that you make with love, peace and tenderness. I hope 2010 brings happy memories, time with friends, and good reflection.