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Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Copycat Trader Joe’s Crackers with Raisins and Rosemary

1/2 C. raisins or currants

1/2 C. unsalted sunflower seeds

1/4 C. almonds

1/2 C. each white and whole wheat flour

1 1/2 T. fresh rosemary chopped

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 C. buttermilk

1 1/2 T. maple syrup

extra salt for top

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray one large bread loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine raisins, seeds, and almonds in a small bowl. Stir to combine – seeds and nuts will coat fruit and decrease stickiness. In a large bowl, combine flours, rosemary, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and syrup. Mix in fruit, nuts, and seeds. Pour batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle top with salt. Bake 35 minutes until top is firm. Let bread come to room temperature. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight. The cold bread helps with thinner slicing. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove bread from freezer. Let sit 10 minutes to thaw slightly. With a serrated knife, cut 1/8-inch slices. Slices should be as uniform as possible. Place slices cut side down on an ungreased pan. Bake 8-10 minutes until crackers are a deep golden brown and corners start to crisp. Let cool before breaking in half. Crackers can be stored up to five days in airtight container or bag.

Jalapeno Party Mix

Jalapeno Party Mix

2 C. chili cheese Fritos corn chips

2 C. Cheez-It crackers

2 C. small pretzels

2 C. bite-size bagel chips

1 1/2 C. sesame sticks (I used cajun flavor)

1 C. roasted shelled peanuts

1 C. corn nuts (soy nuts ok)

1/2 C. sunflower seed (without shells)

6 T. butter

1/4 C. Tabasco jalapeno sauce

2 T. hot pepper sauce (I used Franks)

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 T. dried parsley flakes

 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine Fritos, Cheez-Its, pretzels, bagel chips, sesame sticks, peanuts, corn nuts, and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl. In a small skillet or saucepan, combine butter, jalapeno sauce, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne, whisking until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle butter mixture over snack mix, tossing to combine, and trying to mix evenly. Toss with the parsley flakes to evenly combine. Spread snack mix on a large shallow baking pan and place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour (or until mixture is dry and crisp), stirring every 10 minutes to promote even drying. Remove from oven; cool, and store in an airtight container.

Wasabi Party Mix

Wasabi Party Mix

5 C. purchased wasabi-flavored dehydrated peas

4 C. bite-size toasted rice cracker mix

4 C. sesame sticks

4 C. honey-roasted peanuts

2 C. shredded coconut

 

In a bowl combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container  until ready to serve.  Mixture can be made ahead and stored at room temperature up to  weeks or in the freezer up to 4 months.

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

1 medium cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto

20 small mozzarella balls (ciliegine)

For serving, optional:

Chopped fresh parsley

Balsamic reduction

 

Onto small cocktail skewers, thread prosciutto, mozzarella and melon cubes. Place on a serving platter.  Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately after drizzling with balsamic reduction, if using.

Mix 1 C. Balsamic Vinegar with ½ C. brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until glaze is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Let cool and pour into a jar with a lid; store in refrigerator.

Truffled Devilled Eggs

Truffled Devilled Eggs

12 whole eggs hard-boiled and split lengthwise. Whites and yolks separated. 

1/2 C. mayonnaise

2 T. chives, minced

1/4 Tsp. dry mustard

1/4 Tsp. truffle oil

1 black truffle, minced & peeled 

salt & pepper to taste 

1 T. snipped chives

 

Mix egg yolks with Mayo and chives and remaining ingredients, except egg whites. Mash with a fork until mixture is creamy. Fit a pastry bag with a star tip and fill bag with egg mixture. Pipe yolks into the egg whites (A plastic sandwich bag can be used with a corner cut off if no pastry bag is available.). Garnish with snipped chives. Makes 24 eggs.

Black Olive and Blue Cheese Bread Spirals

Black Olive and Blue Cheese Bread Spirals

Nonstick cooking spray

1package (11 ounces) refrigerated French bread dough

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. dried red pepper flakes (optional)

1/3 C. finely chopped green onions

1/3 C. chopped pitted black olives (about 12 large)

1/4 C. finely chopped green bell pepper

1/4 C. crumbled blue cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Unroll bread dough on clean work surface. Sprinkle evenly with oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Top with olives, onions and bell pepper. Sprinkle cheese over top. Roll up dough; gently transfer to prepared baking sheet. Using serrated knife, cut 4 to 5 slits in loaf top. Bake 25 minutes or until deep golden in color. Remove bread to wire rack; cool completely. Lightly spray top of loaf with cooking spray. Note These spirals may be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

 

2 pears, cored and cut into two dozen slices

1/2 C. goat cheese

2 T. pistachio pieces

2 T. cranberries

1 T. orange or lemon juice

 

Toss sliced pears in orange or lemon juice to keep from browning. Spread goat cheese on the widest part of each slice and top with some cranberries and pistachio pieces. Alternatively, you can mix goat cheese, cranberries and pistachio pieces in a bowl and spread on each pear slice.

Wild Mushroom & Toasted Walnut Crostini

Wild Mushroom & Toasted Walnut Crostini

This recipe lends itself well to a picnic because it can be made a couple days ahead and can be packed easily. If you cannot find any type of wild mushroom, then use chopped portabellas or the white button mushrooms.

3-4 T. extra virgin olive oil

3 C. mixed, fresh wild mushrooms (chanterelles, shitaki, crimini), cleaned and coarsely chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1-8 oz. package low-fat cream cheese

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. non-fat sour cream

2 T. sherry

1/2 C. walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

1/4 C. chopped Italian parsley

Heat a heavy bottomed saute pan over medium for approximately 20-30 seconds. (The objective is to heat the pan enough before adding oil so the vegetables won’t stick). Add 2 T. of olive oil and tip pan to coat the bottom. Quickly add garlic and green onions and saute for 1-2 minutes then remove and reserve. Add remaining oil and mushrooms, shaking pan regularly. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until mushrooms release their juices. Remove from heat and cool. Meanwhile, place green onions, garlic and remaining ingredients except walnuts and parsley in the bowl of a food processor. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir into the cooled mushrooms, adding the walnuts and parsley as you mix the ingredients together.

Crostini

These easy toasts can be made several days ahead if stored in an airtight container. They are also wonderful to keep on hand to serve with marinated goat cheese for unexpected guests.

1 small baguette

small amount of extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 375F. Slice bread into 1/4 inch thickness. Lightly brush with olive oil on one side and place oiled side up on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes then turn over to lightly brown the other side. Remove and cool completely before storing. Will make enough for this picnic plus leftovers.

Pickled Shrimp on Crisp Baguettes

Pickled Shrimp on Crisp Baguettes

3/4 C. apple cider vinegar

1-1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. sugar

3/4 tsp. English-style dry mustard

1/4 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1/4 tsp. mustard seeds

1/4 tsp. coriander seeds

1 C. olive oil

3 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 bay leaf

1-1/2 lb. large shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. fresh dill or Italian parsley

1 thin baguette, cut into 1/2″ slices and lightly toasted in a 350 F oven for 2-3 minutes on each side

 

Whisk together the vinegar, pepper, salt, sugar, mustard, red pepper flakes, mustard and coriander seeds in a bowl and add the oil in a stream, whisking. Whisk until emulsified, then stir in the garlic and bay leaf. In a large pan of boiling lightly salted water cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Drain them well and add them to the marinade. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the onion and lemon slices. If desired cover and chill overnight. Stir in the minced dill or Italian parsley and transfer to a portable container. To serve, spoon on baguette slices or dip slices in the mixture and scoop up the shrimp.

Summer Kid’s Snack: Sharks On The Beach!

Summer Kid’s Snack: Sharks On The Beach!

Start your Summer off right with a sweet and tasty treat that is sure to please your little ones (and they can help you make it!).

 

 

Vanilla Pudding (can also use yogurt)
Nilla Wafers (can also use graham crackers)
Blue Sprinkles / sanding sugar
“Shark” fruit snacks

 

Crush nilla wafers or graham crackers in a plastic zip top bag with a rolling pin, heavy pan, etc.  Fill dish with pudding, sprinkle blue sugar sprinkles over half the top, and then use the crumbs to cover the remaining space.  Arrange a few shark gummies as if they were leaping out of the water and onto the beach.  Serve.

Martha’s Cheese Fondue Sauce

Martha’s Cheese Fondue Sauce

1 garlic clove

50ml / about 1/4 C. kirsh

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 lb Gruyère cheese (aged at least 8 to 12 months), shredded

1 lb. Emmenthaler or Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese, shredded (Swiss)

1 piece of ‘spreadable’ cheese, e.g. Laughing Cow

1 1/4 C. of young slightly sour white wine such as Chasselas or Sauvignon Blanc

 

Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic clove. Discard the garlic. (This optional step adds a little extra flavor to the sauce.)   Dissolve the cornstarch in the kirsch. Set aside.  Put the fondue pot on a medium-heat. Add the wine and cheeses. Heat while stirring, until the cheeses melt. Add the kirsch and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and bubbly. This takes about 20 minutes.  Now, set up your fondue pot stand and burner and transfer the pot to the stand. The burner flame (or tabletop cooker) should just be hot enough that the sauce stays how and just sort of seething on the surface. Any hotter and the cheese will burn on the bottom.  Take a piece of bread, and spear it firmly on the fork so that the crust is on the outside. You can optionally lightly dip it in kirsch at this stage.  Take your speared-bread fork and stir it around in the cheese sauce. Each person should scrape the sides and the bottom of the pot at least once with each go. This prevents the cheese sauce from sticking or burning on the sides. None of that namby-pamby dip-and-go!  Here the bread being used to scrape off the cheese bits that stick to the surface of the pot. Now you see why a rounded-sides pot is ideal; a pot with sharp angles is much harder to scrape around properly.  If you do insist on dipping other things into the sauce, you will just want to dip those lightly, but still use the bread for that stir-wipe action.  (A point of etiquette: Pull the bread off the fork with your teeth, trying not to touch the fork itself with your mouth. And absolutely no double-dipping!)  As the cheese sauce gets less and less, it will get thicker. It’s important to keep stirring-wiping. You may gradually want to lower the flame’s intensity if you can too.  When there’s just a little cheese left in the pot, turn off the heat. Keep scraping off the cheese. If you’ve done it right, you’ll just be left with a small circle of burnt on cheese, which you can carefully pry off. The burned bit is considered to be the final treat of a fondue. A generous cook may cut it up and share it, but a more selfish one (cough) will just pop the whole thing in her mouth.  So, there you have it. A proper Swiss cheese fondue, eaten the Swiss way.

Smoked Salmon & Spinach Roulade

Smoked Salmon & Spinach Roulade

Spinach Cake

1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1/2 C. chopped fresh parsley

1/3 C. flour

1/4 C. reduced-fat sour cream

Dash of Tabasco

Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 large egg yolks

6 large egg whites

 

Filling

6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese

3/4 C. low-fat (1%) cottage cheese

1 T. fresh lemon juice

8 ounces best-quality smoked salmon fillet

1/4 C. snipped fresh chives

3 T. drained capers, rinsed, or 2 T. prepared horseradish Freshly ground black pepper to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet with sides or coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and liberally oil or spray it as well. Set aside.  In a food processor, puree spinach, parsley, flour, sour cream and Tabasco until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add egg yolks and pulse to mix. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.  In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. With a rubber spatula, fold 1/3 of the beaten whites into the spinach puree to lighten it. Fold the spinach mixture into the remaining whites just until blended, and spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes.  Cover the work surface with a clean kitchen towel with the long edge toward you. Invert the spinach cake onto the towel. Peel off the parchment or wax paper and cover the spinach cake with another towel.   In a food processor, puree cream cheese and cottage cheese until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.  Uncover the spinach cake and sprinkle the surface with lemon juice. Leaving a little border to accommodate the filling, spread half of the cheese mixture on the spinach cake and distribute smoked salmon evenly on top. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the salmon. Sprinkle with chives and capers or horseradish. Season with pepper.  Starting at the long edge, gently roll the cake and filling as you would roll a jelly roll, using the towel to lift and assist in the rolling. Wrap the roulade in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  To serve, cut the roulade into 24 slices with a serrated knife.

 

Yield: 24 appetizer servers

Calories: 55

Fat: 2g

Fiber: 0g

Chicken Pot Stickers

Chicken Pot Stickers

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken

1/2 C. shredded green cabbage

1/3 C. chopped green onion (4 medium)

2 tsp. chopped gingerroot

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (1/2 C.)

1 egg white

1 package (10 oz.) round wonton skins

2 C. chicken broth

4 tsp. soy sauce

 

Mix all ingredients except wonton skins, broth and soy sauce. Brush each wonton skin with water. Place slightly less than 1 T. chicken mixture on center of skin. Pinch 5 pleats along edge of half of circle. Fold circle in half over chicken mixture, pressing pleated edge to unpleated edge. Repeat with remaining skins and chicken mixture. Spray 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Cook 12 pot stickers at a time in skillet about 3 minutes or until light brown; turn. Add 1/2 C. of the broth and 1 tsp. of the soy sauce. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook about 1 minute longer or until liquid had evaporated. Repeat with remaining pot stickers, broth and soy sauce.

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

12–24 sheets rice paper

Warm water

1 large carrot

2 large (or 3 medium) cucumbers

1/2 purple cabbage

1 avocado, thinly sliced

1 mango, thickly sliced

1 C. cilantro or Thai basil leaves

 

3 T. light miso

4 T. seasoned rice wine vinegar

1 1/2-inch knob ginger, grated (about 1/2 tsp)

1 T. sesame oil

 

Spiralize carrots using the “spaghetti” blade, or thinnest blade possible. Set aside. Spiralize cucumbers using the “spaghetti” blade. I like to drain my cucumber noodles after spiralizing by squeezing them through a cheesecloth or a stack of paper towels. Set aside. Spiralize purple cabbage on the “ribbon” blade, or thickest blade possible. Set aside. Prepare your avocado, mango, and cilantro and arrange them alongside your other prepared veggies for easy assembly. Submerge a sheet of rice paper in a bowl of warm water for 5 seconds. Immediately lay the wet sheet on a cutting board or large plate. Fill your roll (careful not to overfill!) with veggies. I like to start with cilantro so you can see the leaves lying flat through the roll, and then add the veggies from thinnest to thickest. I also like to add more cilantro on top before rolling. Roll each summer roll delicately while keeping it as compact as possible. Sauce: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

Hot & Sweet Deviled Eggs

Hot & Sweet Deviled Eggs

6 hard cooked eggs, peeled and halved vertically

4-5 T. Mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. Curry Powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1 tsp. Chives, minced

1/4 C. dried sweetened cherries, finely chopped

Chive Sprigs for Garnish

 

Scoop yolks into a bowl; reserve whites. Mash yolks with mayonnaise until creamy. Stir in seasonings and mix well. Add chives and cherries. Spoon yolk mixture into whites. Insert chive sprigs into each half for garnish

Chive & Chive Blossom Recipes

Chive & Chive Blossom Recipes

Chive Recipes

 

Sautéed Asparagus with Clive Blossoms

A great springtime combination. Trim off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus. If your asparagus is fat, you might want to blanch it for a minute or two. Heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a wide sauté pan, and when it’s hot, add the asparagus. Sauté for 3 or 4 minutes, tossing frequently. Add a handful of chopped chives and chive blossoms and sauté for another minute, then finish with a bit of butter, a squeeze of lemon juice and Kosher salt to taste. ​

 

Goat Cheese and Chive Blossoms Omelet

Sauté a handful of chopped fresh chives and chive blossoms and set aside. Then make a basic folded omelet with four eggs, and fill with goat cheese and the chive mixture. Garnish with additional chive blossoms. ​

 

Angel Hair Pasta with Chive Blossom Cream Sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter along with some minced garlic, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour to make a roux. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, then add 2 cups of chicken stock or broth, whisking until well blended. Cook for five minutes or until reduced by one-third, then add 1/4 cup of sour cream and whisk until smooth. Add a handful of chopped fresh chives and chive blossoms, then toss with one pound cooked angel hair pasta. ​

 

Sautéed Chicken Cutlets with Chive Blossoms

Season the chicken cutlets with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a pan with a knob of butter along with a tablespoon of oil, until the fat is sizzling hot, then add the chicken cutlets and cook for three minutes or until golden brown, then turn the cutlets and add a handful of chopped fresh chives and whole chive blossoms to the pan. Continue cooking another few minutes until done. Remove cutlets from pan and set aside. Add some chicken stock to the pan and reduce for a minute or so. You can add more butter at this stage if you wish and season the sauce to taste with salt. Drizzle the chive blossom sauce over the chicken and serve. ​

 

Chive Blossom Mashed Potatoes

Chives and potatoes: a classic combination. In this case, not only do the chive blossoms add flavor, but they also add color to the mashed potatoes, which otherwise don’t have much color to them. Just chop the chives and chive blossoms and stir into the mashed potatoes.

 

Chive Compound Butter

You may love garlic butter, but you haven’t lived until you make a compound butter using chive blossoms. Make it by simply chopping up chive blossoms and adding them to melted butter. Make it at least one hour ahead of time, which will allow time for the flavors to develop. You can then reharden the butter in the refrigerator to use as a spread. Chopped chive blossoms marry well with garlic and other spices, holding up the other flavors without becoming too overpowering.  Chive blossom butter makes a wonderful coating for any steamed vegetable. Simply slice off a pat and allow it to melt under the warmth of the fresh sauté. This butter can also finish a cheese sauce with a taste that your guests will enjoy immensely, even if they can’t identify it.

Pancetta-Wrapped Mushrooms

Pancetta-Wrapped Mushrooms

24 mushrooms (with 1-in.-wide caps; about 5 oz. total), rinsed and patted dry

Salt and fresh-ground pepper

24 fresh sage leaves, rinsed and patted dry

24 thin slices pancetta (about 6 oz. total) or 12 strips thin-sliced bacon

 

Trim and discard tough or discolored stem ends from mushrooms. Sprinkle mushrooms lightly all over with salt and pepper. Lay a sage leaf over the top of each mushroom, then wrap mushroom and sage leaf with pancetta. (If using regular bacon, cut each strip in half to form two shorter strips, and wrap each mushroom with a short strip.) If desired, leave tip of sage leaf protruding from wrapping. Spear mushroom with a toothpick, securing outer end of pancetta and leaving toothpick protruding to use for serving. Evenly space wrapped mushrooms in a 10- by 15-inch nonstick baking pan. Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven until most of the pancetta is crisp and browned, about 25 minutes. Serve hot, leaving toothpicks in.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Dough:

3/4 cup wheat starch

2 tablespoons sifted tapioca flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water

2 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil:

 

Har Gow Filling

6 ounces raw shrimp, rinsed, tails removed, chopped

3 tablespoons finely chopped bamboo shoots

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion

3/4 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Pinch of fresh ground white pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon)

1 egg white, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons cornstarch

 

Vegetable oil, as needed

 

In a medium bowl, combine the wheat starch, tapioca starch and the salt. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Add the oil and begin using your hands to shape into  dough. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of boiling water if the dough is too dry. Don’t overwork the dough, but continue shaping for about 2 minutes, until it is smooth and shiny. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. To prepare the filling, place the shrimp in a medium bowl, and add the other ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, to give the flavors a chance to blend. To make the dumplings: Coat a paper towel with vegetable oil and use it to oil your cutting board or work surface and the broad side of a cutting knife or cleaver (a cleaver works best). Keep the dough covered to prevent it drying out while preparing the dumplings.. Break off 1 teaspoon of the Har Gau dough, roll into a ball and then flatten it by pressing it in the palm of your hand. Lay the dough on the work surface and press down on it with the oiled side of the knife or cleaver to form a circle that is 2 1/2 – 3 inches in diameter. Add a heaping teaspoon of filling and place it in the middle of the wrapper, spreading it out evenly but not touching the edges. Carefully lift the upper edge of the wrapper and fold it over the filling. Use your thumb and forefinger to form pleats in the dough, and pinch the edges closed. Place the filled har gau on a plate and cover with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out while preparing the remainder of the dumplings. Prepared a steamer for steaming. Steam the dumplings in batches, on an oiled plate, until the wrapper is translucent and the shrimp appear slightly orange (13 – 15 minutes). Serve the Har Gau with hot chili oil and/or soy sauce for dipping.

Vampire Peppers

Vampire Peppers

15 large bell peppers

20 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

3 tsp. plus 1 tsp. sugar

1 1/4 tsp. salt1

1/4 cups cider vinegar

1 3/4 cups plus 2 tsp. oil

salt and pepper

 

Char peppers over gas flame over in broiler until blackened on all sides. Wrap in paper bag and let steam 10 minutes. Peel and seed. Cut peppers lengthwise into thirds. Transfer to bowl. Mix garlic, sugar, and salt in bowl. Stir in vinegar. Gradually whisk in oil in slow stream. Pour dressing over peppers. Refrigerate overnight. Bring peppers to room temperature. Using tongs, transfer peppers to large platter, discarding marinade.

 

Pineapple Gazpacho

Pineapple Gazpacho

4 oz diced tomato, canned

2 oz pineapple juice

2 oz Bloody Mary Mix

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. olive oil

1/2 cucumber (seeded), 1/4 peeled, 1/4 with skin

1/4 red onion (2 oz)

1/2 stalk celery (2 oz)

1/2 carrot (3 oz)

1/4 green pepper

1/4 pineapple (1/2 qt peeled and cored)

1 T. fresh basil leaves

3/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic, fresh chopped

1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce

1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 T. red wine vinegar

 

Dice tomato, pineapple, celery, red onion, cucumber, bell peppers and garlic. Put all ingredients into a bowl, mix well. Blend in batches with a blender or with an immersion blender.  Chill overnight (Note: the flavors really come together on the second day … by day three the flavors start to fade). Serve chilled.

Spam Wontons

Spam Wontons

Spam Wontons

 

Wonton Wrappers

1 can Spam (low sodium) grated

1 can water chestnuts, chopped

6 shiitake, chopped

1/2 lb. fresh shrimps, chopped

1 egg

2 T. oyster sauce

Chopped Scallions, Green parts

Shoyu (just a drop)

Oil for deep frying

 

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Wrap about a tsp. of mixture on wonton wrapper. Deep fry.

Love Letter Pastries

Love Letter Pastries

Love Letter Pastries

1 pie crust, refrigerated

Peaches, sliced

Strawberries, sliced

Pears, sliced

Raspberries, sliced

Sugar

Flour

Whipping cream

 

Sprinkle flour over the cutting board and unroll the pie crust. Cut off the edges of the pie crust to form a square, then cut the large square into four smaller, even squares. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut four small hearts from the leftover edge pieces of the pie crust. Place the four squares of pie crust onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange slices of peaches and strawberries on two of the squares, then place slices of pear and raspberries onto the other two. Sprinkle sugar and flour over the fruit, then fold three corners of the pie crust inward to form the “envelope.” Place the small heart-shaped piece of pie crust at the meeting point of the three corners and brush with whipping cream. Bake the fruit-filled love letters at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes, then share with the ones you love!

Flourless Savory Cheddar Zucchini Muffins

1¼ C. almond flour

3 large eggs

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. coarse salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. onion powder

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1 C. + 1 T. shredded cheddar cheese

1 C. shredded and squeezed zucchini (1/2 a large zucchini or 1 small zucchini)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Pulse the flour, eggs, baking soda and spices in a blender until smooth. Add 1 C. cheese and the zucchini. Pulse until the zucchini is evenly incorporated but not pureed. Here you should still see noticeable flecks of green throughout the batter. Spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin about 3/4 full. Top with the extra 1 T. cheese. Bake at 350°F about 25 minutes until the muffins are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  After about 3-5 minutes, or when the muffins are cool enough to touch, remove the muffins from the pan to cool on a cooling rack. Serve warm.  Refrigerate any leftovers. Reheat in a toaster oven or the regular oven.

 

Yield: 8 Muffins

Calories: 196

Protein: 10g

Fat: 15g

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Sausage Balls

1 pound spicy bulk breakfast sausage

3 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)

2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup maple syrup

 

Dipping Sauce

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 T. brown sugar

 

To make the sausage balls, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using your hands, mix together the sausage, baking mix, cheese, and maple syrup in a large bowl. Once the ingredients are well combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the sausage balls for 26 to 28 minutes, until they are slightly golden. To make the dipping sauce, mix together the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Serve with the sausage balls.

Fried Ravioli

Fried Ravioli

Parmesan Dipping Sauce:

1 C. grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 C. light sour cream

1/2 C. light mayonnaise

2 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 C. fresh basil leaves

 

Fried Ravioli:

2 large eggs

1/4 C. milk

3/4 C. Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne

1 package (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese ravioli (uncooked)

4 C. vegetable oil, for frying

 

Parmesan Dipping Sauce: Process cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper in food processor until combined. Remove 3/4 C. to small bowl. Add basil to remaining sauce in processor; process until sauce is smooth. To each sauce, stir in 2 T. water to thin slightly. Refrigerate until serving.  Fried Ravioli: In shallow dish or pie plate, lightly beat eggs and milk with fork until blended. On sheet of wax paper, combine bread crumbs, garlic salt and cayenne.  Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss ravioli with beaten egg gently to coat. Remove a few ravioli at a time, letting excess drip off. Coat ravioli in crumb mixture, shaking off excess. Place on prepared pan; repeat process.  Over medium-high heat, heat oil in 5-quart saucepan until 350 degrees F on deep-fat fry thermometer. Fry a third of the ravioli at a time, turning occasionally until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes for each batch. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Dipping Sauce. (Or refrigerate, then reheat in 500 degree F oven for 1 to 2 minutes.)

Wild Mushroom Toast with Brown Butter, Ricotta and Parsley 

Wild Mushroom Toast with Brown Butter, Ricotta and Parsley 

Wild Mushroom Toast with Brown Butter, Ricotta and Parsley

 

A simple mushroom toast with creamy ricotta, crispy caramelized wild mushrooms, brown butter and a splash of sherry vinegar. Top it with fresh parsley and parmesan for an easy appetizer.

4 1-inch thick slices crusty bread

6 T. olive oil, divided

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

1 lb. mixed wild mushrooms, roughly chopped

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, divided

2 T. butter, divided

4 tsp sherry vinegar, divided

1 C. ricotta

shaved parmesan, for topping

chopped fresh parsley, for topping

 

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Arrange bread on a parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle with oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat both sides. Bake until bread is golden on the edges but still springy in the center, about 8 minutes. Halve 1 garlic clove and rub the cut edges on the toasts. Set aside while you prepare the mushrooms. Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 T. of olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add half of the mushrooms and spread into an even layer. Cook without stirring, about 3 minutes, or until bottoms have browned and caramelized.  Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, toss in one garlic clove and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium, add 1 T. of butter and 1/2 tsp. of thyme. Cook and stir mushrooms until butter begins to brown and smell nutty, about 5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to a large bowl and discard garlic clove. Repeat process with remaining mushrooms, garlic, thyme and butter. To serve, divide ricotta across toasted bread slices and spoon mushrooms over top. Sprinkle a tsp. of sherry vinegar over each toast then top with shaved parmesan and parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Fried Ravioli

Fried Ravioli

 

 

Parmesan Dipping Sauce:

1 C. grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 C. light sour cream

1/2 C. light mayonnaise

2 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 C. fresh basil leaves

 

Fried Ravioli:

2 large eggs

1/4 C. milk

3/4 C. Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne

1 package (9 oz.) refrigerated cheese ravioli (uncooked)

4 C. vegetable oil, for frying

 

Parmesan Dipping Sauce: Process cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper in food processor until combined. Remove 3/4 C. to small bowl. Add basil to remaining sauce in processor; process until sauce is smooth. To each sauce, stir in 2 T. water to thin slightly. Refrigerate until serving.  Fried Ravioli: In shallow dish or pie plate, lightly beat eggs and milk with fork until blended. On sheet of wax paper, combine bread crumbs, garlic salt and cayenne.  Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss ravioli with beaten egg gently to coat. Remove a few ravioli at a time, letting excess drip off. Coat ravioli in crumb mixture, shaking off excess. Place on prepared pan; repeat process.  Over medium-high heat, heat oil in 5-quart saucepan until 350 degrees F on deep-fat fry thermometer. Fry a third of the ravioli at a time, turning occasionally until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes for each batch. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Dipping Sauce. (Or refrigerate, then reheat in 500 degree F oven for 1 to 2 minutes.)

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

ATK Farmer’s Cheese with Homemade Tomato Jam

If you can’t find farmer’s cheese, goat cheese works well, too. Fish sauce can be found in most supermarkets in the international foods aisle alongside other Thai and Vietnamese ingredients. If you want the jam to be spicier, add the reserved chile seeds. Serve with Garlic Toasts, thinly sliced baguette, or crackers

 

2 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and chopped

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 Cup red wine vinegar

1/4 C. fish sauce

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 large jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeds reserved, and minced

1 T. grated fresh ginger

2 star anise pods

8 ounces farmer’s cheese

 

Combine all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch skillet and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook until mixture begins to thicken, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and discard star anise. Mash mixture with potato masher until relatively smooth, then continue to simmer until spatula leaves trail through jam, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer jam to bowl and let cool to room temperature. (Jam can be refrigerated for up to 7 days; bring to room temperature before serving.) Transfer jam to serving bowl with spoon or spreader, and serve alongside farmer’s cheese.  (Makes 2 cups).

Sugar and Spice Seeds

Sugar and Spice Seeds

 

 

1 cup(s) pumpkin seeds

3 tablespoon(s) melted unsalted butter

3 tablespoon(s) sugar

1 teaspoon(s) pumpkin-pie spice

1 pinch(s) kosher salt

 

Clean pumpkin seeds: Rinse under cold water and remove all the pulpy strings. (This is best done before the pulp dries.) Dry seeds thoroughly.

Roast pumpkin seeds: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil. Toss seeds with melted unsalted butter, sugar, pumpkin-pie spice, and kosher salt. Place on prepared baking sheet and roast 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned.

Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie

1 12 ounce (6”) wheel of brie

8 sheets fillo dough, thawed

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

3 sprigs fresh thyme

sliced apples and bread

 

Cover a baking sheet with a layer of parchment paper. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unwrap the brie and have the cranberry sauce and thyme ready before you begin working with the fillo dough. Lay out one sheet of fillo dough on a clean work surface and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat with the additional sheets of fillo.  After the last layer, spread cranberry sauce in a circle in the center, as wide as the round of brie. Center the brie over the sauce and lay thyme sprigs over the top. Trim the corners off the fillo to make an oval shape. Working quickly, fold up the edges over the brie, brushing folds with melted butter as you go. Once it’s closed, gently flip over onto baking sheet and brush outside with butter. Bake for 25 minutes, until fillo is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 45 minutes, then serve with apples and bread. If you’re impatient like me and can’t wait to dig in, be prepared for a gooey gush of warm, melted cheese. Mmm. Enjoy!

Apple Cheddar Bagel Broil

Apple Cheddar Bagel Broil

 

1 bagel

1/2 apple – sliced

1 tsp. butter

2 thin slices of cheddar cheese (American works too)

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine cinnamon and sugar together. Split bagel in half and lightly toast in oven or toaster. Spread a little butter on each half. Top each bagel with apple slices and a sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Place cheese slices on top and broil until cheese is bubbly.

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

Three-Cheese Quiche Bites

 

40 Ritz or similar snack crackers – finely crushed

4 large eggs

2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

3/4 C. milk

1/2 C. chopped roasted red peppers

1/2 C. dijon mustard

1/4 C. shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese blend

1/4 C. chopped parsley

3 T. butter or margarine – melted

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with the butter or margarine. Lightly coat a 13 by 9 pan with cooking spray. Place crumb mixture in pan and press out to make a crust on the bottom. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes – until golden. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle half (1 C.) of the Mozzarella cheese over the crumb layer. Follow that with a layer of red peppers covered with the remaining (1 C.) Mozzarella cheese. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, mustard and parsley. Pour evenly over the last layer of cheese in the pan. Finally, sprinkle with the Parmesan and Romano cheese blend.  Bake (at 350 still) for 30 to 35 minutes or until set.  Let stand 10 minutes; cut into squares and serve warm. A perfect use for slightly stake crackers

Avocado Fries

Avocado Fries

Canola oil for frying

1/4  cup  flour

About 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

2  large eggs, beaten to blend

1 1/4  cups  panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

2  firm-ripe medium avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced into 1/2-in. wedges

 

1. Preheat oven to 200°. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/2 in. oil until it registers 375° on a deep-fry thermometer.

2. Meanwhile, mix flour with 1/4 tsp. salt in a shallow plate. Put eggs and panko in separate shallow plates. Dip avocado in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then panko to coat. Set on 2 plates in a single layer.

3. Fry a quarter of avocado slices at a time until deep golden, 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer slices to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm in oven while cooking remaining avocados. Sprinkle with salt to taste.

Gratinated Cherry Tomatoes with Hot and Herby Mozzarella Filling

Gratinated Cherry Tomatoes with Hot and Herby Mozzarella Filling

 

Cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes

Mozzarella, as fresh as possible

Rosemary, chopped

Thyme, chopped

Chili pepper flakes

Capers in salt

Salt

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

Cut the mozzarella in small pieces and put in a small bowl. Add herbs, chili pepper, salt and olive oil and stir really well. Leave to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Cut the tomatoes in two, scoop out the seeds and use them for something else. Put the mozzarella into the tomatoes and then put these in an oven-proof form. Bake in a pre-heated oven (175°C/350°F) until golden, it takes between 10-15 minutes. Top with an unwashed salted caper and serve hot or tepid.

Greek Flavored Deviled Eggs

Greek Flavored Deviled Eggs

 

6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, cut in half, and yolks mashed in bowl

1/4 cup crumbled imported feta cheese

6 large Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (about 1/4 cup)

3 sprigs oregano, chopped

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Black pepper to taste

Large oregano leaves for garnish

 

Mix the first 8 ingredients in a bowl.  Fill the whites evenly with the mixture and garnish each egg half with large oregano leaf.

Cheddar Crackers

Cheddar Crackers

 

6 ¼ ounces all-purpose flour

4 ounces (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar

1 teaspoon nigella seeds

¼ teaspoon powdered mustard

Generous pinch cayenne pepper

Several drops Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons water

 

Combine all of the ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low for about 3 minutes, or until the dough comes together. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a 2-inch log. Refrigerate for about 45 minutes, or until firm. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Unwrap the dough and cut into 3/16-inch slices. Arrange the slices about an inch apart on parchment-lined baking trays. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer crackers to a rack to cool. Makes 4 to 5 dozen crackers. This is an extremely versatile recipe; try experimenting with different cheeses and flavorings. For example, instead of nigella, try freshly cracked black pepper—a very coarse grind is best. Or substitute Parmegiano-Reggiano and 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary for the cheddar and nigella, omitting the mustard, cayenne, and Worcestershire.

Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast

Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast

8 Roma tomatoes (equal size, 1 1/2 lb. total), rinsed and cored

1 onion (about 8 oz.), peeled and finely chopped

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Lemon cheese (recipe follows)

Olive-oil toast (recipe follows)

About 2 cups arugula leaves, stemmed, rinsed, and drained

Salt

Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Lay halves cut side up in a single layer in an 8- by 12-inch oval or rectangular casserole (rim should be at least 1/2 in. higher than tomatoes). In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine onion, vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Pour over tomatoes. Roast in a 400° oven (convection not recommended) until tomatoes are dark brown and sauce is browned and thickened (bubbles will be large and shiny), about 1 1/4 hours; baste tomatoes with sauce and onions about every 15 minutes at first, then more frequently as mixture begins to thicken, to avoid scorching. Use hot, warm, or at room temperature. Spread lemon cheese equally on oiled sides of the olive-oil toast slices. Set on plates and cover equally with arugula leaves. Spoon tomatoes and juices equally onto toast slices. Add salt to taste. Lemon Cheese: In a food processor or bowl, combine 1/3 cup cream cheese (at room temperature), 1/3 cup packed fresh chevre (goat cheese), 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel. Whirl or beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until blended. Olive-oil toast. Lay 8 slices of rustic white bread such as sourdough or ciabatta (about 3 by 4 in., cut about 1/2 in. thick) in a single layer in a shallow 10- by 15-inch pan. Bake in a 375° oven until lightly browned on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn slices over and brush equally with about 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Continue baking until golden brown and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes longer. Use warm, or let cool on a rack.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-ups

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-ups

 

2 pieces soft lahvosh or flatbread (about 13 by 18 in. each)

1 carton (8 oz.) whipped cream cheese

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

12 ounces thin-sliced smoked salmon

1 English cucumber (about 8 oz.), rinsed and very thinly sliced

3/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion (about 4 oz.)

 

Place one piece of lahvosh on a sheet of plastic wrap. With a flexible spatula or a knife, spread about 1/2 cup cream cheese in a thin, even layer over entire surface of bread. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley, then lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange half the smoked salmon slices on top, leaving a 1-inch border along short ends of lahvosh. Arrange half the cucumber and onion slices evenly over salmon. Beginning at a short end, roll lahvosh as tightly as possible, taking care not to push filling forward as you go. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat to fill, roll, and wrap second lahvosh. Chill rolls for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Unwrap rolls and trim off about 1 inch from each end (save to eat later). Cut each roll into eight equal pieces and arrange on a platter

Shrimp Toast (Ha Toe See)

Shrimp Toast (Ha Toe See)

1 tsp. Salt

1/2 lb. Shrimp; fresh; raw

2 T. Sherry

6 sl White sandwich bread

1 sm Egg; lightly beaten

2 Fresh pork fat pieces

2 Green onion stalks; chop

8 Water chestnuts

Sesame seeds

3 T. Cornstarch

Paprika

Leave bread out on a platter for 2 hours to dry. Trim crusts and cut each slice into 4 squares. Shell, devein and clean shrimp. Mince them into a fine, pulp like paste. Chop pork fat and water chestnuts until fine. Then mix with shrimp, green onions, salt, sherry, cornstarch and beaten egg. Mix well and spread mixture on the bread, making a slight mound on each piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds and paprika on the filling and press lightly so they adhere to the mixture. COOKING: Heat 4 cups of oil in the wok. Drop bread, shrimp side down, into oil and fry for 30 seconds. Turn and fry on the other side for another 30 seconds. (This is estimated time, since it depends on how hot the oil is. Use your judgment.) Both sides should be golden. Drain on paper towel and serve hot. DO AHEAD NOTES: Deep fry bread and mixture until it becomes a light beige color, then cool and freeze. To reheat, preheat oven at 350 degrees, place frozen toast in a single layer on a cookie sheet and heat for 12 minutes. If toast already is thawed, reheat for 5 to 6 minutes. The toast will become a deeper brown as its reheated. COMMENTS: Another way to serve this toast is by cutting each piece of bread diagonally into 2 triangles and spread on mixture. Top with a halved prawn in a lemon twist fashion and deep fry as usual. Arrange toast on a round platter, pin wheel fashion. Top with cherry tomatoes or parsley sprigs in the center of the pinwheel.

Scallops and Chinese Radish Balls

Scallops and Chinese Radish Balls

 

1 ½ oz. dried Scallops

1 ½ C. Hot Chicken Broth

2 Chinese Radishes, about 2 lb.

2 T. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

1 slice Ginger Root

½ tsp. Salt

1 T. tapioca starch dissolved in 1 ½ T. Water

 

Soak dried scallops in ½ cup hot broth for about 30 minutes. Steam scallops with broth for about 30 minutes. When cool, shred scallops with fingers. Save broth for later use. Use a small melon ball scoop to cut the radishes into about 30 small balls. In a pot of boiling water, cook radish balls about 10 minutes; drain and soak in cold water. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat. Add ginger and radish balls and stir fry a few seconds. Add shredded scallops with their broth, the rice wine, salt and remaining 1 C. broth. Cook over low heat 1 minute. Stir in tapioca starch mixture and cook briefly, until thickened. Dried Shrimp can be substituted for the dried Scallops. Prepare the same way, but do not shred. From: Dim Sum Made Easy