fettuccine w/ prosciutto & orange

Sounds odd, right? Prosciutto and orange do not seem like they're two things that should really go together. Cheese and orange doesn't sound quite right either. Well strangely, they're all lovely. Whodathunk? Go easy on the cheese though. It may seem ridiculous to say that, but trust me: lesson learned. Here's what you'll need:

• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 lb. sliced prosciutto, chopped
• 1 orange, zested (is that a word?) and juiced
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• Black pepper

salmon w/ hoisin, orange and bok choy

I don't know what to call this. It seems like a pseudo-salad, but that's just because it's over a leafy green (one making it's debut on Bon Chap). Whatever it is, it was pretty damn good. I'm chalking this one up to the hoison-orange super team in the dish. I don't know why they go together, but they really do - deliciously so. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 head of bok choy, chopped
• 1 salmon fillet
• 1 orange
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon hoison sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger (or just use the powder stuff like I did)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

southwestern chicken casserole

While most people aren't so thrilled with the end of Summer, I really don't mind it. I love the chilly weather, the layers and the coats, the return of hot coffee, and the change in seasonal cuisine. I've said it before and I'll say it again - casseroles are one of my all-time favorites. You really can't screw them up, and they're almost always delicious. I tend to make the same ones over and over (ahem, tuna noodle), but I do like to brand out. For my first new casserole of the season, I made a Southwestern version. Is there anything Southwestern about it? I have no idea. Readers from New Mexico - feel free to weigh in! It has salsa, and I think to those of us out on the East coast, anything with salsa in it is "Southwestern." Whatever. It's good, try it out. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 servings rice, cooked
• 1 large chicken breast
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Dash of black pepper and salt
• 1 package cheddar/monterey jack shredded cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or chicken, your choice)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 jar medium, chunky salsa