Rainbow Fruit Salad Jars

Rainbow Fruit Salad Jars

Rainbow Fruit Salad Jars

 

350g natural yogurt

1 T. honey (optional)

100g green grapes

2 kiwi fruits

½ 400g tin apricot halves in light syrup

2 easy peel oranges

8 medium sized strawberries

100g fresh blueberries

 

Mix the yogurt with the honey, then divide between the 4 jars, carefully spooning into the bottom of each jar and avoiding dripping it down the sides if possible.  Prepare the fruit – wash and halve the green grapes, peel and roughly chop the kiwi fruits, roughly chop 4 apricot halves (reserve the syrup), peel and break the oranges into segments, wash, hull and roughly chop the strawberries, wash the blueberries. Carefully divide the fruit between the 4 jars, layering in rainbow order – the order I used was kiwi, green grapes, apricot, orange segments, strawberries and blueberries.  Drizzle a spoonful of the reserved syrup from the tinned apricots over the fruit in each jar and serve immediately.

Peruvian Green Arroz con Pollo

Peruvian Green Arroz con Pollo

Peruvian Green Arroz con Pollo

 

1/2 yellow onion

3 garlic cloves, peeled

1 bunch of cilantro leaves

1/2 jalapeño pepper

2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground paprika

3 C. of chicken stock or water, divided

2 bone-in thighs

3 bone-in drumsticks

Kosher salt

Pepper

1 T. neutral oil

1 C. medium or long-grain white rice

 

Salsa Criolla:

 

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Juice from 2 limes

1/2 jalapeño, diced

1 T. minced cilantro

Kosher salt

 

To Make the Green Arroz con Pollo: To a blender, add the onion, garlic cloves, cilantro, jalapeño, cumin, paprika and about 1 1/2 C. of chicken broth. Pulse until completely smooth. It will smell crazy spicy—don’t worry! It’ll mellow out as it cooks. Set aside.  Sprinkle the chicken with a liberal amount of salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven or medium pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken, skin side down, until browned, about 5 minutes. If you have a screen guard for the pot, use it because the oil may jump out of the pot. Flip the chicken, using tongs, and cook on opposite side until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. You want to practically cook it all the way through. Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate or cutting board.  To the pot, add the rice and toast it for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Next, pour in the cilantro mixture. And then pour in about an additional C. of broth/water. Place chicken atop of rice mixture. Bring the pot to a simmer and then reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for about 45 to 50 minutes, and until rice is tender. Note: Throughout the cooking process, I checked on it every 15-20 minutes or so and topped it off with about 1/4 C. of stock each time, if needed. In the end, I added 3 C. of chicken stock total. Also, in the last 15 minutes, I salted to taste, adding about 1 tsp. more of salt. To Make the Salsa Criolla:

To a medium bowl, mix together the red onion, juice from 2 limes, jalapeño and minced cilantro. Add a few pinches of salt and let marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes. Give it a taste just before serving and adjust the salt to your liking. To Serve: Divide the arroz con pollo amongst bowls and top with a spoonful of salsa criolla.

Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower

Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower

Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower

 

1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets)

1 T. olive oil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

1 T. olive oil

3 cloves garlic (finely minced)

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp. chili flakes

1 C. vegetable broth (low sodium)

1/2 C. cream (use coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/2 C. chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/3 C. Parmesan cheese (grated)

1/4 tsp. black pepper (or more to taste)

1 T. fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

 

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, take the cauliflower and cut it into uniform florets. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Rinse the cauliflower under cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure it crisps up when roasted.  Once dry, remove any leaves from the cauliflower head and trim the stem so the florets break off easily. You want the florets to be a bite-sized size, as this will allow for the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interior.  Now it’s time to season your cauliflower! Place the florets in a large mixing bowl, then add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well coated in the seasoning. This step is crucial for ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Next, spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the florets aren’t overcrowded so they can roast properly and get crispy on all sides. Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The cauliflower should be golden brown and tender when done. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can broil the cauliflower for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. While the cauliflower is roasting, it’s time to make the creamy sauce that will bring everything together.  In a medium saucepan, heat 1 T. olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This will release the garlic’s natural oils, adding a wonderful aroma to the sauce. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors. Now, stir in the cream, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can blend together perfectly. Once the sauce is done simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional pepper if needed.  When the cauliflower is finished roasting, remove it from the oven and transfer the florets into the saucepan with the sauce. Toss everything together so that each piece of cauliflower is well-coated in the creamy sauce. The cauliflower will soak up the flavors, and the sauce will provide a rich, velvety texture.To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately.

Turkey & Stuffing Rollups

Turkey & Stuffing Rollups

Turkey & Stuffing Rollups

 

8 slices good quality Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

1 package (5 ounces) dry Stuffing Mix (turkey or cornbread flavored) or use homemade stuffing

2 packets (0.87 ounce, each) Turkey Gravy mix

1 can (10 ounces) Cream of Chicken Soup

2 C. Water

 

Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions. Prepare gravy by dumping gravy mix into a medium-sized sauce pan. Mix in water and cream of chicken soup. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for a couple minutes until thickened. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon 1/4 C. of stuffing onto each turkey slice. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased 9×13 glass baking pan. Repeat with all turkey slices. Pour about 1 C. of gravy over the turkey rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with mashed potatoes, veggies and remaining gravy. Enjoy!

Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta

Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta

Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta

 

1pound spaghetti or linguine

3 small Meyer lemons (about 8 ounces total), see Tip

3 T. unsalted butter

6 large garlic cloves, sliced thinly

1tsp. fennel seeds, coarsely ground

1¼C. heavy cream

½ C. lightly packed dill leaves and tender stems, very coarsely chopped

Black pepper, for serving

 

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water (about 2 T. kosher salt to about 6 quarts water) to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, occasionally stirring, until al dente. Reserve 1 C. of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, trim the tops and bottoms off two of the Meyer lemons and slice into ¼-inch discs, discard any seeds, then very roughly chop into small pebbly pieces. Cut the remaining lemon into wedges for serving. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, season with salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped lemon pieces and ground fennel seeds, season again with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally until very soft, but not mushy 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in the cream, turn up the heat to medium, bring to a simmer, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat with tongs. Add about ½ C. pasta liquid, toss again and cook, tossing often, until the sauce thickens but still pools a little at the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. If more sauce is desired, add a little more pasta liquid, toss again and continue cooking until the desired sauciness is reached. Turn off heat, season with salt and stir in dill (reserving some for serving on top). Serve the pasta while hot, sprinkled with reserved dill, freshly ground black pepper and lemon wedges, as desired. Tip: If you cannot find Meyer lemons, regular lemons can work, but be sure to simmer the chopped pieces in salted water for 3 to 5 minutes or until most of the bitterness has gone away.

Sheet Pan Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Veggies

Sheet Pan Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Veggies

Sheet Pan Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Veggies

 

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts , sliced into 1 1/4-inch thick strips

1/2 C. plain bread crumbs

1/4 C. + 2 T. slightly packed , finely grated parmesan cheese

3/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp each dried oregano , thyme and crushed rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 T. olive oil , divided

2 cloves garlic , minced

1 lb fresh green beans , tops trimmed

1 C. grape tomatoes , sliced into halves

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow dish whisk together bread crumbs, parmesan, basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 4 T. olive oil to a separate shallow dish and stir in garlic. Working with one chicken tender at a time, dredge both sides in olive oil then immediately transfer to bread crumb mixture and coat both sides, while pressing to adhere. Transfer to one side of the baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining chicken tenders and placing them in a row along one side of baking sheet. Spread remaining bread crumbs over tops of chicken and gently press. On opposite side of baking dish, toss green beans with 1 T. olive oil. Spread beans to edges of baking dish, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in preheated oven 23 – 25 minutes, tossing green beans once halfway through cooking, until chicken is golden brown and green beans are crisp-tender (if you want the tomatoes roasted too add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking). Remove from oven, sprinkle tomatoes over green beans. Serve warm, garnish chicken with fresh parsley if desired.

Homemade Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Homemade Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Homemade Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

 

¾ C. light mayo

¾ C. Greek yogurt

2 T.  lime (juice from)

1 T. olive oil

1/3 C. milk

1/3 C. cilantro,  chopped

2 T. fresh chives, roughly chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

 

Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and bend until smooth and creamy. Leftovers can be kept in air tight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Easy Italian Chicken Bake

Easy Italian Chicken Bake

Easy Italian Chicken Bake

 

3-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

4-6 T. Prepared Pesto

1-2 Roma Tomatoes

1 C. Mozzarella Cheese grated

 

Trim the chicken and lay them in a glass baking dish in a single layer. Spread 1-2 T. of the pesto on top of each chicken breast. Cut the roma tomatoes into slices approx 1/2″ thick and lay 2 slices on top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the chicken breasts. Bake at 400?F for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is done and the juices run clear. Serve over a bed of rice or a plate of pasta. Enjoy!

Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini Parmesan

 

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, smashed

4 ounces pancetta, cubed

2 large or 3 small zucchini (about 1 pound), julienned (see cook’s note)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 large egg plus 1 large yolk

1 ounce Pecorino Romano, finely grated (1 C.), plus more for serving

¼ tsp. finely grated lemon zest

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

½ C. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

 

In a large skillet or braiser, heat oil, garlic, and pancetta over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pancetta is just crisp, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini; season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together egg, yolk, cheese, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 1 minute shy of package instructions). Reserve 1 C. pasta water; drain. Slowly whisk 2 T. hot pasta water into egg mixture, then transfer pasta and egg mixture to skillet. Cook over medium heat, tossing vigorously and adding more pasta water as needed, 1/4 C. at a time, until sauce is silky and thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in basil; season to taste. Serve, topped with more cheese.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme: Herb Laminated Biscuits

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme: Herb Laminated Biscuits

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme: Herb Laminated Biscuits

 

With this herb-laminated technique, you blanch your herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme) in boiling water 5 to 10 seconds and then plunge them in ice water to set the color & stop the cooking process.  Drain your herbs on paper towels and top with additional paper towels. Weight down the herbs with a heavy skillet or pan to flatten them neatly. (I used a baking sheet with a heavy dutch oven on top). Let stand 5 minutes.  Lightly brush tops of your biscuits with beaten egg; arrange herbs on top of biscuits, keeping herbs flat. Gently brush a little more egg on top of herbs to seal or laminate the herbs in place. Bake according to your biscuit recipe or instructions.

Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Belly Strips

Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Belly Strips

Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Belly Strips

 

1 pound pork belly

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. olive oil

3 large garlic cloves minced

2 T. chili paste

3 T. light brown sugar

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

Remove the skin from the pork belly and slice the meat into 1/8″ – 1/4″ wide strips. Stir together the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, chili paste, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Place the meat in the bowl with the marinade and toss with your fingers or tongs to coat thoroughly. Marinate for 1 hour. Preheat the grill to HIGH. Grill the strips of pork belly for 2 minutes, flip and grill another 2-3 minutes. When the pork has cooked through, remove from the grill and place it on a paper towel lined tray. Enjoy! Serving suggestions:  For tacos like we enjoyed at Salty Sow, place a strip of pork belly into a small flour tortilla, add a sprinkling of cheese (Asiago, Feta, Cotija all work well), some greens (Arugula, Spinach, or Crispy Brussel Sprouts), and then top with a fried egg. Alternatively, serve the grilled pork belly strips with roasted potato wedges and a salad. The grilled pork belly strips would also be delicious alongside scrambled eggs and toast. Slice the pork belly as thin as possible, aiming for between 1/8″ and 1/4″ in thickness. The slices closer to 1/4″ will likely require an additional 1-2 minutes on the grill. The slices closer to 1/8″ will be done in the time listed below.

One-Skillet Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

One-Skillet Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

One-Skillet Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

 

1 T. light olive oil

2 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 clove garlic chopped

salt and pepper to taste

3-4 chicken breast cutlets (about 1 pound)

1/4 C. BBQ sauce

6-8 thin slices ham

1/2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

3-4 sliced pineapple rings

sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Heat a large cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.  Add the oil to the skillet, then add the zucchini, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.  Turn off the skillet and remove from heat.  Place the chicken cutlets over the vegetable mixture and season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.  Add about 1 T. BBQ sauce over each chicken cutlet and use a spoon to spread it evenly over the chicken.  Top each cutlet with 2 slices ham, 2 T. cheese, and a pineapple ring.   Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.    Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers

Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers

Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers

 

1½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into 1½ inch cubes)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

¾ C. beer

⅓ C. honey

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

¼ C. soy sauce (low sodiumgri)

1 T. olive oil

2 T. fresh cilantro (chopped)

 

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This helps to prevent the skewers from catching fire or burning while grilling. In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic, beer, honey, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, olive oil and low-sodium soy sauce. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 24 hours for best results. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). A hotter grill ensures a nice sear on your skewers, locking in those succulent flavors. Thread about 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Do not throw away the leftover marinade.  In a small saucepan, bring the leftover marinade to a boil for at least 5 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook, turning every couple of minutes. If desired, you can also brush the pre-cooked leftover marinade over the chicken for added flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once off the grill, garnish your skewers with chopped cilantro and serve.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

 

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 T. Olive oil

Salt Pepper

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

 

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:

1/4 C. butter

2 garlic cloves minced

1 T. flour

1/2 C. chicken broth

1 C. heavy cream or half and half

1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1 C. spinach chopped

 

In a large skillet add olive oil and cook the chicken on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until brown on each side and cooked until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until tender. Remove and set aside. To make the sauce add the butter and melt. Add garlic and cook until tender. Whisk in the flour until it thickens. Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Add the spinach and let simmer until it starts to thicken and spinach wilts. Add the chicken and ,mushrooms back to the sauce and serve over pasta is desired.

Best Chicken and Leek Casserole

Best Chicken and Leek Casserole

Best Chicken and Leek Casserole

 

olive oil, for cooking

8 chicken thighs, (with or without skin)

1 shallot, finely diced

3 medium sized leeks, thoroughly washed and chopped into rounds

250 g button mushrooms, sliced

several stems fresh thyme, de-stalked

zest of half a lemon

80 ml (1/3) C. dry white wine

250 ml (1 C.)  chicken stock

250 ml (1 C.) fresh cream

salt and freshly ground black pepper

flat leaf parsley, to finish

 

Heat 15 ml olive oil in a large based frying pan. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the shallot and leeks to the pan and sauté for several minutes or until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook on a medium-high heat until all the liquid has reduced. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme and lemon zest. Deglaze the pan with the wine. Reduce down by half and then add the chicken stock and cream. Return the chicken pieces to the pan, cover partially with a lid and simmer for about 40 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. (I usually turn the chicken over once during the cooking time to ensure the flavours is evenly absorbed) If you’re going to be eating the skin, I’d suggest you place the dish under the grill for several minutes to crisp up the skin. Scatter with plenty of flat leaf parsley and serve immediately.

Olive, Feta and Herb Muffins

Olive, Feta and Herb Muffins

Olive, Feta and Herb Muffins

 

2 tsp baking powder

8 3/4 oz of plain flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1 1/2 oz of cheddar, grated

3 free-range eggs, beaten

8 T. of semi-skimmed milk

1 2/3 fl oz of extra virgin olive oil

3 1/2 oz of black olives, pitted and sliced

1 T. of tarragon, chopped

2 T. of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1/4 bunch of thyme, leaves only

3 1/2 oz of feta

1 3/4 oz of cream cheese

1 1/2 oz of pumpkin seeds

butter for greasing

 

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas mark 4 and butter a standard-size 12-hole muffin tin.  To make the muffin mixture, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper together with the cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl Stir the eggs, half the milk, oil, olives, parsley, tarragon and thyme together, then add the dry ingredients, prepared in Step 2 and lightly mix together until just combined Separately mix the feta, cream cheese and another 2 T. of milk together to form a paste. Half fill each mould in the muffin tin with the muffin mixture, add one twelfth of the feta mixture to each muffin, then top each with the remaining muffin mixture Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, then place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave the muffins to cool in their tin

Citrus Salad with Spiced Vanilla Syrup

Citrus Salad with Spiced Vanilla Syrup

Citrus Salad with Spiced Vanilla Syrup

 

1/2 C. sugar

1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped out and reserved

4 whole allspice

2 green cardamom pods, crushed to release seeds

2 grapefruit, preferably 1 pink and 1 white

1 1/2 pounds blood oranges (all one variety, or a mix of Moro, Sanguinelli, and Tarocco, if available)

Zest of 1/2 lime (use a five-hole zester)

 

In a small saucepan, heat sugar with 1/2 C. water, the vanilla-bean pod and seeds, and spices over high heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, steep 30 minutes, then strain. Meanwhile, cut peel (including all white pith on outside of fruit) from grapefruit, following curve of fruit. Slice grapefruit crosswise into rounds about 1/4 in. thick, removing any seeds. Arrange on a large platter. Repeat with oranges. Drizzle citrus with about 1/3 C. spiced syrup. Scatter lime zest on top. Serve with a little more syrup if you like.

Mini Tarte Tatins with Caramelized Shallots

Mini Tarte Tatins with Caramelized Shallots

Mini Tarte Tatins with Caramelized Shallots

 

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. butter

1 ⅓ pounds shallots, peeled, trimmed, and halved lengthwise

1 ½-2 T. honey

3-4 fresh thyme sprigs

½ tsp. dried tarragon leaves

1 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

4 ounces goat (or feta) cheese

¾ of 1 (14-ounce) package frozen all-butter puff pastry dough, defrosted and cut into 12 squares (or frozen puff pastry rounds can also be used)

Caramel

¼ C. sugar

1 T. water

1 ½ tsp. butter

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Grease a muffin pan or silicone mold with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add butter and olive oil, swirling to melt and blend together. Add shallots, honey, herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté until shallots are golden brown and nicely caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Add 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.  To prepare the caramel, place sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan to blend; do NOT stir. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, swirling occasionally as the sugar melts and begins to bubble and the mixture begins to gain color. Watch carefully – caramel can burn quickly! When caramel turns a deep amber color and becomes fragrant, immediately remove from heat and add butter and vinegar. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Return to heat and whisk quickly to blend for a minute.  Divide caramel amongst greased muffin C. (about 1 tsp. per C.).  Place 3-4 of the shallot halves round-side down in each muffin C. on top of the caramel. Top with a small slice of cheese. Place puff pastry squares (or rounds) on top of the shallots, using the tip of a knife to tuck in the corners and edges. Bake for 15-20 minutes — pastry should be nicely browned on top. Cool for 10-15 minutes. Use a mini-spatula to help unmold each Tatin (or easily pop them out if using silicone), inverting the Tatins onto a platter.  Serve warm or at room temperature with a green salad.

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies

 

6¼ C. cake flour

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. cream of tarter

1 C. butter, softened

1¼ C. sugar + ¼ C.

¾ C. powdered sugar

¾ C. canola oil

2 T. fresh orange juice

1 T. orange zest

⅛ tsp. orange extract, optional

1 tsp. vanilla, optional

2 eggs

 

6 ounces white chocolate chips

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

¼ C. butter, softened

2 T. fresh orange juice

⅛ tsp. orange extract

3 C. powdered sugar

orange food coloring, if desired

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a medium size mixing bowl, mix your flour, salt, baking soda & cream of tarter. Set aside. In a stand mixer, cream the butter, 1¼ C. sugar & the powdered sugar for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the oil, orange juice, orange zest, orange extract & vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients (scrape the sides of the bowl as needed). Roll the dough into 2″ balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Add the remaining ¼ C. sugar to a bowl or small dish. Use the bottom of a drinking glass (about 2½” in diameter) & dip it into the sugar then press (the sugar coated, bottom of the glass) into the ball of cookie dough until it’s about ½” thick (the dough will form a jagged edge). Bake the cookies for 8 minutes (you don’t want to over bake or they will be dry). Gently remove the cookies from the pan onto a cooling rack to let them cool. When cool, place in an airtight container and place in the fridge. FOR THE FROSTING: Place the white chocolate in a medium sized microwave safe dish. Melt according to the package directions. Let the chocolate cool for 3 minuets then beat in the cream cheese, butter, orange juice & orange extract. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat well. Add food coloring if desired.(If the frosting has small clumps, microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for 30 more seconds. The frosting will be slightly more runny but will set up firm again.) Frost the cookies, then let them chill in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Cookies are best cold.

Gorgeous Veggie Board

Gorgeous Veggie Board

Beet Hummus

 

1 roasted beet peeled and chopped

1 can chickpeas (15 oz) drained

2/3 cup tahini

2-3 zest & juice lemons about 1/3 cup of lemon juice

2 cloves garlic chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin or more to taste

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 handfull chopped herbs

 

Combine the chickpeas, tahini, beet, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin or salt as needed. I like mine extra garlicky and lemony! Serve in a bowl and sprinkle parsley, za’atar, lemon zest, nuts, big salt flakes or anything else your heart desires. I think swirls of olive oil look dreamy in the dish and taste fantastic. See my pics for different topping options are omit toppings all together.

 

Everything Bagel Hummus

 

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 teaspoons garlic

¼ cup tahini

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning

 

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and mix until smooth. You may need to add a touch more water to get the consistency you want. After the rest of the ingredients are smooth add in the Everything Bagel Seasoning. Mix together but don’t break apart the spices too much. Serve with an additional sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning on top.

Broken Glass Jello

Broken Glass Jello

Broken Glass Jello

 

(4) 3 ounce boxes Jello gelatin, assorted colors

4 C. boiling water

(2) .25 ounce envelopes unflavored gelatin

2 C. hot water

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla

 

Dissolve each 3 ounce box of jello into its own individual container, using 1 C. of boiling water per flavor (no more than 1-inch deep.) Chill until solid, about 3 hours or overnight.  Once solid, cut each of the different flavors into small square cubes. Using a 9×13 glass dish, gently mix the cubes together in an even layer (being very careful not to break or tear them.)  In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin in 2 C. of hot water. Let the hot mixture cool slightly and then whisk in a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Let mixture cool to the touch (If it’s too warm, it could melt the Jello cubes.) Then evenly pour the mixture over the cubes of Jello. Chill in the refrigerator overnight. Cut into squares and serve. 24 servings:  Calories: 54kcal |  Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g

French Dip Braid

French Dip Braid

French Dip Braid

 

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1/2 C. beef broth

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 can crescent sheet or rolls

2 T. mayonnaise

1 T. fresh horseradish, grated

7 slices Swiss cheese

8 ounces roast beef deli slices

Egg wash (1 egg plus 1 T. water)

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and line with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté onions until golden brown and caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove onions from skillet and deglaze pan with beef broth, scraping up any brown bits. Add a 1 pinch of black pepper. This liquid will be our “jus.” Allow onions to cool slightly before using. On the prepared baking sheet, roll out the crescent dough. Use a pizza cutter to cut 10 slits on either side of the dough. They should go about 2 inches toward the center of the dough. Spread mayonnaise along the center of the dough then sprinkle with fresh horseradish.

Lay 3 pieces of Swiss cheese followed by the roast beef on top. Next, add the remaining 4 pieces of cheese and the onions. Wrap up the braid by alternating each side of the dough, laying one piece over the other to give a braided effect. Crimp to close the top and bottom of the loaf. Brush the entire braid with egg wash, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cut slices and serve with “jus,” or drizzle “jus” over entire braid. Enjoy!

Cheddar Cheese and Rosemary Biscuits

Cheddar Cheese and Rosemary Biscuits

Cheddar Cheese and Rosemary Biscuits

2 C. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking
10 ounces of cold butter cut into cubes
1/2 C. buttermilk (buttermilk)
2 eggs
1 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
2 T. minced rosemary
1 egg, beaten

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a blender container mix table, the dry ingredients in medium speed, then add the diced butter until the butter pieces reach the size of a pea.. Add cheddar cheese and rosemary to the flour mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk with the eggs and beat slightly. Add this to the original combination of flour and butter and continue mixing until the hydrated flour, not mix too. Remove the mass and took a floured surface. The knead about 5 times to finish incorporating ingredients. Stretch the dough to a rectangle approximately 2 inches thick and with a circular mold cookie biscuits we get the quantity, possible. Form another rectangle and repeat the same process. Get a tray and baking paper and put some dusted flour on the tray. Place the C.cakes and brush paint a coat of beaten egg. Bake for about 25 minutes.

Caribbean Green Seasoning

Caribbean Green Seasoning

Caribbean Green Seasoning

 

1 bunch cilantro

1/2 bunch parsley

2 stalks celery

3 green onions/scallion

10 cloves garlic

1 small onion

1 inch ginger

8 sprigs thyme

 

To prepare green seasoning you can use a blender or the food processor, if you use a blender then you will need to add a little water to get the blender going. Roughly chop up the cilantro, parsley, celery, green onions, remove stems from the pepper and add to the blender, along with the garlic, onion, ginger, thyme. Process until the mixture looks pureed like baby food. If you are using a food processor then you will not need to add water, process until the seasoning looks like pureed baby food, scrape down sides and process again. If you are using a food processor then you will not need to add water, process until the seasoning looks like pureed baby food, scrape down sides and process again. To use your green seasoning, use about 2 T. of green seasoning per recipe. You can prepare in large batches and freeze them in ice cube trays, after they are frozen, remove the cubes from the trays and store in freezer bags.

Golden Garlic Parmesan Cruffins

Golden Garlic Parmesan Cruffins

Golden Garlic Parmesan Cruffins

 

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

3 T. unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 T. fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.  Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and brush it with the melted butter. Sprinkle the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the puff pastry. Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then slice into 6 equal pieces.  Place each piece into a greased muffin tin cavity, with the cut side facing up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy!

Crispy Puff Pastry Garlic Twists

Crispy Puff Pastry Garlic Twists

Crispy Puff Pastry Garlic Twists

 

3 sheets puff pastry, defrosted

60 grams softened butter

2 T. garlic seasoning mix

40 grams finely grated parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a large tray with a baking mat, ensuring it’s ready for the pastry twists. Lay out the first sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface. Brush it liberally with melted butter to give the twists a rich flavor. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture evenly over the buttered pastry sheet, followed by half of the Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Take the second sheet of puff pastry, brush one side with butter, and place it buttered side down on top of the first sheet.  Brush the top of the second sheet with more butter, then sprinkle the remaining spices and Parmesan over it. Butter one side of the third pastry sheet and lay it on top of the existing layers.  Lightly use a rolling pin to compress and combine the layers; be gentle to ensure you only reduce the height by 1mm or less. This step will help integrate the flavors across all layers. Cut the layered pastry in half lengthwise for easier handling, then cut into 1cm-wide strips crosswise. Carefully twist each strip into a corkscrew shape and place it onto the prepared baking tray, making sure to leave a small gap between each twist for even baking. Bake the twists in the preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes. After the initial baking time, rotate the tray for even cooking and return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the twists are evenly golden brown through all layers. If the tops are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 180°C (356°F). Allow the twists to cool slightly after removing them from the oven to help them set and become crisp. Serve them on their own or paired with your favorite dip or condiment. Enjoy the savory flavors and flaky texture of these delightful pastry twists!

Orange and Poppy Seed Friands

Orange and Poppy Seed Friands

Orange and Poppy Seed Friands

 

1 1/2 C. icing sugar mixture

1 C. almond meal

1/2 C. plain flour, sifter

1/4 C. poppy seeds

2 oranges, finely grated zest

185 gram melted butter

6 egg whites

Syrup

1 C. sugar

1 C. water

1/2 C. orange juice

1 orange, peeled strips of zest

 

Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a 12-hole friand pan. In a bowl, combine icing sugar, almond meal, flour, poppy seeds and zest. Mix in butter, stirring gently, until just combined. In a clean bowl, lightly whisk egg-whites until frothy. Fold through almond mixture. Divide mixture evenly between friand recesses. Bake 20-25 minutes, until cooked when tested. To make syrup: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Stir over a low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, without stirring, 4-5 minutes, until reduced slightly. Pierce each hot friand in several places with a wooden skewer. Slowly pour over warm syrup, allowing to soak into friands. Serve warm.

Spaghetti Pasta Salad (with Italian Dressing)

Spaghetti Pasta Salad (with Italian Dressing)

Spaghetti Pasta Salad (with Italian Dressing)

 

1 16 oz pkg thin spaghetti, halved

1 C. cherry tomatoes, halved

1 C. cucumber, diced

1 C. Salami slices (or pepperoni, or both), cut into small pieces

1 medium green pepper, diced

½ small red onion, diced

½ C. black olives, drained, thinly sliced

1 bottle Italian salad dressing, OR MAKE YOUR OWN (recipe below)

1 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

 

1 ½ C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. dried oregano

1 ½ tsp. dried basil

1 T. fresh squeezed lemon, plus more to taste

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 T. Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, usually 1 minute less in time (el dente); drain and rinse. Add a drizzle of olive oil so pasta does not stick together. Refrigerate until cool. Place in a large bowl; add tomatoes, cucumber, salami, pepper, red onion, and olives.  Combine remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese; gently stir together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; serve!

German Cabbage and Dumplings

German Cabbage and Dumplings

German Cabbage and Dumplings

 

For the Dumplings:

1 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. dried thyme or parsley

3/4 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder optional

1/4 tsp. baking soda optional

2 large eggs whisked and at room temperature

1 –3 T. milk as needed

For the Cabbage:

4 T. unsalted butter divided

1 large onion roughly chopped

1 medium cabbage chopped into large chunks

1/4 C. vegetable or chicken stock

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1 T. fresh parsley roughly chopped (for garnish)

 

To Make the Dumplings: In a large bowl, combine the flour, thyme (or parsley), black pepper, and salt. If you prefer lighter dumplings, mix in the optional baking powder and baking soda. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the whisked eggs. Stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add milk, one T. at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop T.-sized portions of dough into the boiling water. Dip the spoon in hot water between each scoop to prevent sticking. Once the dumplings float to the surface, they are fully cooked. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

 

To Make the Cabbage: In a large pot, melt 2 T. of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 8–10 minutes. Add the remaining butter, chopped cabbage, stock, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook until the cabbage is tender. Once the cabbage is cooked, gently fold in the dumplings. Toss everything together to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Prosciutto Rolls

Prosciutto Rolls

Prosciutto Rolls

 

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 T. fresh lemon juice

6 ounces soft goat cheese, at room temperature

2 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed through a garlic press (or finely minced)

12 slices (not paper-thin) prosciutto, halved crosswise

½ C. fig preserves

½ bunch arugula, trimmed

Freshly ground black pepper

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the goat cheese and garlic together until well blended. Set aside. Spread a layer of the goat cheese mixture on each piece of prosciutto, then spread a layer of fig preserves over the goat cheese and top with a few arugula leaves to cover the preserves. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette down the length of the prosciutto and add a light sprinkle of ground black pepper. Roll the prosciutto up around the filling and arrange on a platter, seam side down. Garnish with a slice of lemon if you wish.

Italian Sausage & Shell Pasta Soup

Italian Sausage & Shell Pasta Soup

Italian Sausage Soup

 

8 ounces hot Italian turkey sausage or 8 ounces sweet Italian turkey sausage

2 C. fat free chicken broth

1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic

1⁄2 C. uncooked small shell pasta

2 C. bagged baby spinach leaves

2 T. grated fresh parmesan cheese or 2 T. romano cheese

2 T. chopped fresh basil

 

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove casings from sausage. Add sausage to pan, and cook about 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble.

Drain, return to pan. Add broth, tomatoes and pasta to pan, bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Remove from heat, stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and basil.

 

4 servings (1 ½ C.), 218, 7.1g fat, 1.6 fiber

Mix-In-The-Pan Frittata

Mix-In-The-Pan Frittata

Mix-In-The-Pan Frittata

 

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1⁄2 C. mayonnaise

1⁄2 C. milk

2 C. frozen hash browns

1 C. chopped meat, any variety

2 C. broccoli florets (or any veggie)

1 medium onion, chopped

4 ounces green chilies

1 C. cheese, shredded

seasoning salt

pepper

 

PREHEAT oven to 400°F Combine eggs, mayo and milk in greased 3-qt. baking dish. Add hash browns, meat, vegetables, seasoning salt, pepper and 1/2 of the cheese; mix until well blended. SPRINKLE with 1/2 cheese. BAKE 35 to 40 minute or until center is set.

Crostini with Peaches, Ricotta, Prosciutto, Honey and Basil

Crostini with Peaches, Ricotta, Prosciutto, Honey and Basil

Crostini with Peaches, Ricotta, Prosciutto, Honey and Basil

 

1 large baguette

2-3 peaches, depending in their size; sliced thinly

about 1/2 C. ricotta, depending on how large your bread is

4oz prosciutto

honey for drizzling

chopped fresh basil for topping

lemon; optional to squeeze over top of the crostini

 

Slice the baguette on an angle to cut about 1/2 inch slices. Drizzle both sides with olive oil. Place on a grill and grill both sides until both sides have slight grill marks. Allow to cool. Scoop some ricotta onto each slice. Top with a small piece of the prosciutto. Then top that with a slice of the peach. Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with chopped basil. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice; optional.

Gruyere Cheese Crackers

Gruyere Cheese Crackers

Gruyere Cheese Crackers

 

4 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature

8 ounces gruyere, finely grated

½ tsp. salt

1 C. all-purpose flour

1-2 T. cold milk

salt for dusting

 

In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and grated cheese until smooth. It shouldn’t take long. Mix the salt together with the flour, then add it to the mixer. Mix on low-speed until mostly incorporated — it’s okay to be a little bit crumbly. Add milk, one T. at a time, until the dough comes together. It should not be sticky, but should hold together in a ball. Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30+ minutes. When the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 400 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out very thin — ⅛” or less. Cut it into your desired shape, prick a hole into the middle of each cracker, sprinkle salt all over, and bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 10-11 minutes. Let the crackers cool at least 5 minutes before eating.

Hamburger Mushroom Bake

Hamburger Mushroom Bake

Hamburger Mushroom Bake

 

1 pound of lean ground beef

6 ounces of cream cheese

3 eggs

5 C. of sliced mushrooms

2 T. of butter

1 tsp. of dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated cheese of your choice (optional)

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease casserole dish. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Using a food processor, blend the cream cheese and add the eggs one at a time until a smooth mixture forms. Pour this creamy mixture over the ground beef and stir well to combine. Transfer the ground beef and cream cheese mixture into casserole. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, and cook the sliced mushrooms until they soften and turn a golden brown color. (Optional: add some garlic to mushrooms in this step.) Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Place the sautéed mushrooms on top of the hamburger and cream cheese mixture in the casserole dish. If you prefer, you can also add grated cheese on top. Bake the casserole for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until it sets. Be careful not to overcook it.

Hibiscus Lemon Bars

Hibiscus Lemon Bars

Hibiscus Lemon Bars

 

1/2 C. 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 C. sugar

1 C. flour

pinch of salt

1 tsp. vanilla bean paste

 

1/2 C. fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 T. dried hibiscus or hibiscus tea

3 large eggs

1 1/2 C. sugar

1/2 C. flour

garnish

confectioner’s sugar

 

Set oven to 350F. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla together. I did this in my stand mixer. Add in the flour and salt, and mix just until combined. Press the dough into a 9×9 baking pan. I lightly flour my fingers so they don’t stick to the dough. Press it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Chill for 15 minutes. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it is just lightly browned. Set it aside to cool, but leave the oven on. Meanwhile make the filling. Stir the hibiscus into the lemon juice and let sit for 15 minutes until it is a dark pink color. Then strain it and discard the hibiscus. Whisk the eggs and sugar together until well blended. Stir in the lemon juice and then blend in the flour. Pour the filling over the crust and return to the oven to bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the center of the filling is set and not jiggly. Let cool fully before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.