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Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Zucchini-and-Pepper Gratin with Herbs and Cheese

Zucchini-and-Pepper Gratin with Herbs and Cheese

Zucchini-and-Pepper Gratin with Herbs and Cheese

3 large zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds), 1 finely diced

Kosher salt

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 small onion, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. tomato paste

1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced

1 medium yellow bell pepper, finely diced

1 large tomato-peeled, seeded and finely diced

Piment d’Espclcttc (see Note)

1 T. chopped mint

1 T. chopped oregano

1 T. chopped basil

2 ounces freshly grated Sbrinz cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 2/3 cup)

 

Cut the 2 whole zucchini into twelve 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices each and season with salt. Transfer to a rack and let stand for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Meanwhile, heat 2 T. of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook over low heat, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the red and yellow peppers along with the diced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 6 minutes. Add the diced tomato and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and piment d’Espelette. Stir in the mint, oregano and basil. Preheat the oven to 400°. Heat the remaining 2 T. of olive oil in a large skillet. Season the zucchini slices with salt and piment d’Espelette, add them to the skillet and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned in spots, about 4 minutes. Arrange the zucchini in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in a single layer and spoon the pepper mixture on top. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake in the upper third of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve hot or warm. Note: Piment d’Espelette is a spicy ground red pepper from the Basque region of France. It’s available at specialty food stores.

Roasted Radishes with Burrata & Arugula Pesto

Roasted Radishes with Burrata & Arugula Pesto

Roasted Radishes with Burrata & Arugula Pesto

1 bunch of radishes, trimmed and quartered

1 T. of olive oil

Salt

Pepper

 

2 C. fresh arugula leaves

1/2 C. Italian parsley leaves

1/2 C. walnuts

6 T. olive oil

1 tsp. lemon zest

2 T. lemon juice, from about 1/2 large lemon

2 T. minced shallot, from about 1/2 shallot

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

 

1 ball of fresh burrata (about 3 ounces) cheese (if you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella would also be delicious) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small baking dish or baking sheet, add the radishes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss together until evenly coated. Transfer to the oven to roast for 20 minutes, until slightly softened and until some of the edges have turned light golden brown. (We still want them to have a bite so no roasting for too long!)

 

Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, add the arugula, parsley, walnuts, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot and salt. Pulse until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Give it a taste and adjust the salt. I added a few pinches more of salt.

 

Slice a ball of burrata down the center and open it up like hoagie roll (this was the best analogy I could think of, sorry!) and place it in the center of a shallow set bowl or plate. Spoon the roasted radishes atop the cheese. OR, psychotically arrange them neatly like I did. Top with dollops of pesto and add a few pinches of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Bacon-Grilled Onion Rings

Bacon-Grilled Onion Rings

Bacon-Grilled Onion Rings

 

Note: You need firm outer onion rings, so choose large sweet onions, which will provide this. You will also need wooden toothpicks.

2 large sweet onions such as Vidalias, Walla Wallas, or Texas Sweets

1/2 c. of your favorite hot sauce, such as Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot

1 1/2 lb. thin-sliced bacon

Vegetable oil for oiling the grill grate

 

Set up your grill for indirect grilling and heat to medium-high. Trim the ends off the onions and peel off the thin papery skins. Slice each onion crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Carefully pop the centers out of each slice, keeping the 2 outermost layers together. (Two layers make a sturdier foundation for the bacon.) Set aside the largest onion rings. You should have 8. Save the remaining onion pieces for another use. Pour the hot sauce into a mixing bowl or shallow dish. Brush each onion ring with the sauce. mSpiral each onion ring with bacon, slightly overlapping each strip, until the ring is covered. (You’ll need 2 to 3 strips of bacon for each onion ring.) Use toothpicks to secure the ends of the bacon. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well. Arrange the onion rings on the grill grate, away from the fire (using indirect heat), and close the lid. Cook until the bacon is golden brown and sizzling, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the onion rings on a wire rack spread with paper towels. Variation: Use barbecue sauce instead of hot sauce, if you prefer. Or brush the onion rings with melted butter and season them with your favorite barbecue rub. Or brush them with warm maple syrup and dredge the onion rings in brown sugar before wrapping them with bacon.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 260

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 1g

Crispy Apple Chips with Sage and Maple-Vanilla Yogurt Dip

Crispy Apple Chips with Sage and Maple-Vanilla Yogurt Dip

Crispy Apple Chips with Sage and Maple-Vanilla Yogurt Dip

 

2 medium to large crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Crispin)

Grapeseed oil (for frying)

1/3 cup fresh sage leaves

4 ounces low-fat plain Greek-style yogurt

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Peel apples and remove stems. Using a mandolin, thinly slice apples, discarding any seeds. Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet or other heavy skillet to a depth of 1/2” and heat over high heat. Working in batches, fry apple slices until golden brown and crisp at the edges, 1–2 minutes; turn and cook until other side is golden brown, 1–2 minutes longer. Add sage to pan with final batch of apple slices. Transfer fried apples and sage to paper towels to drain. Mix yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl to blend. Serve alongside apples.

Prosciutto Rolls with Arugula, Fennel and Mint

Prosciutto Rolls with Arugula, Fennel and Mint

Prosciutto Rolls with Arugula, Fennel and Mint

8 slices prosciutto

Extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Finely grated zest from one lemon

2 C. (packed) arugula leaves

2 medium fennel bulbs, cores and fronds removed, bulb. halved lengthwise, each half thinly sliced lengthwise

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler

16 medium-large mint leaves

 

For a smaller roll, halve the prosciutto slices lengthwise, so you will have 16 strips, each about 1 inch wide. Place one strip of prosciutto on a work surface, with a short end closest to you. Lightly brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with black pepper and a pinch of lemon zest. Lay 4 to 6 arugula leaves, horizontally, at the base. Place a few shards of fennel and Parmesan over the arugula. Top with a mint leaf. Roll up from the base, wrapping the prosciutto tightly around the vegetables, and continue to roll, placing 1 or 2 additional arugula leaves in the fold as you roll up. Place the roll seam side down on a platter. Repeat with remaining ingredients. The rolls may be prepared up to four hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let them stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, lightly spritz with olive oil or lemon juice, if desired. Ingredient variations: Baby spinach, sweet pepper, goat cheese, melon, mozzarella, figs, brie, rosemary, shredded radicchio, pear, manchego cheese, parsley

Pear & Blue Cheese Toast

Pear & Blue Cheese Toast

Pear & Blue Cheese Toast

 

2 slices Hearty Bread

2-3 T. Soft Butter

1 Ripe Pear

1 ½ – 2 oz. Blue Cheese

 

Preheat the grill (broiler) to high. Meanwhile, toast the bread in the toaster. Core & slice the pear. Crumble the stilton. When the toast is lightly done, spread the soft butter all over it – right to the edges. Place on a baking sheet. Arrange the pear slices on the toast, and sprinkle the crumbled stilton over. Cook the toasts under the grill for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling in places.

Crispy Stinging Nettle and Mozzarella Rolls

Crispy Stinging Nettle and Mozzarella Rolls

Crispy Stinging Nettle and Mozzarella Rolls

 

8 cups (2 L) stinging nettles

1 T. (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

8 sheets phyllo pastry

2 T. (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil (or hazelnut oil), for brushing on pastry

¼ cup (60 mL) hazelnuts, finely chopped

1 package (7 oz [200 g]) fresh mozzarella

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°F). Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the nettles. Cook for 1 minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water. When cool, drain the water. Take the drained nettles and squeeze into a ball. With a chef ’s knife, chop the ball into slices and chop the slices into a rough dice. Transfer into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place a phyllo sheet on a clean work surface. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle one half with an eighth of the chopped hazelnuts. Fold the sheet over to make a long, narrow rectangle. Lay a thin line of chopped nettles along the left (short) side of the sheet. Cut the mozzarella into slices and cut each slice into strips. Lay a few strips of cheese over the nettles to cover. Working from the left, fold the phyllo overtop of the filling. Compress the filling to make a tight log. Roll the filling a couple of times in phyllo until a very tight log is formed. Fold over the top and bottom edges of the phyllo sheet to seal in the ends of the log. Continue rolling the filling into a tight roll. When you get to the end of the sheet, brush the edge with a little oil and fold to seal tightly. Place on a tray covered with parchment (or silicone) paper and refrigerate until needed. Repeat with remaining filling and phyllo. Brush chilled rolls with a little olive oil and place in the oven. Bake for 10– 12 minutes, or until the pastry is browned and crisp. Transfer to serving plates and serve

Pickled Cattail Shoots

Pickled Cattail Shoots

Pickled Cattail Shoots

 

Cattail shoots are found at the base of young cattails. The shoots should separate easily from the roots. Use the bottom whitish portion of the stalk. Peel off the outer layers until the solid white core is reached. Trim the core into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces. Soak well in cold water before using.

 

4 cups (1 L) pickling vinegar

2 cups (500 mL) sugar

⅓ cup (75 mL) sea salt

2 T. (30 mL) pickling spice

2 slices fresh ginger

1 stick cinnamon

4 cups (1 L) prepared cattail shoots (see recipe headnote)

 

Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high. Add the pickling vinegar, sugar, sea salt, pickling spice, ginger, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and add the cattail shoots. Return to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon the cattails into a 1-quart (1 L) canning jar. Ladle hot pickling brine to within ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of the top of the jar. Tap the jar to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the jar rim, removing any residue. Place a lid on the clean jar rim. Screw the band down until resistance is met, then increase to gently tighten. Cool upright, undisturbed until cool to the touch. Label the jar and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 week before opening.

Roasted Garlic Chickpeas

Roasted Garlic Chickpeas

Roasted Garlic Chickpeas

1 – 15 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup fresh parsley [chopped]

1/2 T. olive oil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. fresh black pepper

 

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Preheat the oven to 415°. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel. They should be slightly damp – not sopping wet. In a large bowl or Ziplock bag, combine parsley, oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper. Add the chickpeas and mix until well-combined. Empty the chickpeas onto the baking sheet and spread them out. Try to situate the chickpeas mostly together in the center of the pan. Outliers tend to burn. Bake for 25 minutes, tossing every 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and cool. Then enjoy! Notes: If you want to save them for later snacking, keep them fresh by storing them in a glass jar. No need to refrigerate!

Conserva of Porcini Mushrooms, Capers and Lemon

Conserva of Porcini Mushrooms, Capers and Lemon

Conserva of Porcini Mushrooms, Capers and Lemon

 

¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil, divided

1 cup (250 mL) finely diced onions

1 lb (450 g) porcini mushrooms (or buttons, chanterelles, etc.)

2 T. (30 mL) minced garlic

1 cup (250 mL) stewed (and crushed) tomatoes zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 T. (15 mL) small capers

2 T. (30 mL) chopped fresh marjoram, thyme, or flat-leaf parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

 

This combination of fresh porcini, garlic, and lemon will transport you to the tapas bars of Spain. A great accompaniment to a tapas table, conserva is excellent with crusty bread or spooned over a piece of pan-roasted fish. In a skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the oil and then add the onions. Sauté until the onions soften and begin to brown. Add the porcini and garlic and sauté until the mushrooms lose moisture and begin to brown. Add the tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, capers, and herbs. Cook, stirring constantly until the tomato reduces to a thick paste. Add the reserved olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Let cool and serve at room temperature over grilled bread or oysters. tapas, mezes, and pickles

Mushroom “Bacon”

Mushroom “Bacon”

Mushroom Bacon

 

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce

½ tablespoon maple syrup or agave

½ teaspoon liquid smoke

8 oz cremini or other type of mushrooms, sliced

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke. Add the sliced mushrooms to the bowl and gently toss to evenly coat the mushrooms.

For Fried Mushroom Bacon (the quicker method): Heat a large skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot add the mushrooms and any leftover marinade. Tip: If your pan is not that large, you may want to work in batches as you will get the best results if the mushrooms are in a single layer on the bottom of the pan. Fry 5 – 10 minutes letting them get golden on one side before flipping. Try not to stir the mushrooms too much as letting them rest will allow them to really brown up. It may get a little smoky, so be sure to turn on your hood fan. Remove from the pan and enjoy! For Baked Mushroom Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mushrooms slices in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet, and pour over any leftover marinade. Add to the oven and bake for 18 – 25 minutes until dark golden and reduced in size.

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

 

2-3 T. alfalfa seeds

Bottled water

Nori (sheets of dried seaweed)

1 can of asparagus

1 can of crab

Low-sodium soy sauce

Wasabi powder, mixed with water per directions to form wasabi paste

 

To sprout seeds: Place in a jar or container with holes poked in the lid. Add l C. water and soak for 8-12 hours. Rinse and drain; repeat this process for 3 days. Then place jar and seeds in a space that has light (even a little bit of light will work). Keep rinsing and draining for 2-3 more days; you will have a lot of sprouts at this point! Lay out nori sheets. Drain cans of crab and asparagus. In the first 1/3 of the sheet lay out sprouts, asparagus and crab. Roll everything up and seal the outer edge of the nori sheet with a little bit of water. Cut each roll into 5-6 pieces. Serve with soy and wasabi paste.

Applegurt

Applegurt

Applegurt

1/2 C. plain yogurt

1/2 C. unsweetened applesauce

1 T. honey

1/2 C. granola or whole grain cereal (recommended: Grape Nuts)

 

Mix together yogurt, applesauce and honey. Chill for 20 minutes. Top with granola.

Hurricane Popcorn

Hurricane Popcorn

Hurricane Popcorn

 

6 T. salted butter

8 to 9 C. freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 C. unpopped kernels)

1/4 C. nori komi furikake (see this page)

1 C. mochi crunch or Japanese rice crackers (arare)

 

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the butter until it becomes foamy, then turn the heat to medium-low and let it simmer and bubble for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bubbling stops. At this point, you should see lightly browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the butter, being careful to avoid pouring out the browned bits, over the popped popcorn. Sprinkle with the furikake and toss with the arare. Hurricane Popcorn is best eaten the same day

Baked Ricotta

Baked Ricotta

Baked Ricotta

1 pound (about 2 cups) whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried

1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic (2-4 cloves)

Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated

1/4 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 egg, lightly beaten

Ground paprika, for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (19O C). Use a drizzle of oil to grease a 2-cup baking dish. Combine the ricotta with the oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and a few grinds of pepper. Mix well and season generously7 with salt (I usually start with 1/4 teaspoon). Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with paprika and a drizzle of oil. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top puffs up slightly and the mixture is hot and bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The ricotta has to be well drained; if it is too liquid, the finished product will be soupy. Most ricotta comes strained, but if the ricotta you have has any’ liquid on top, pour it off rather than mixing it in.

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini

 

Golden yellow chanterelles grow in abundance in the forests surrounding Portland, and those in the know have their own secret foraging spots. But even if you are not a forager, you can easily find these delicacies in local markets every spring and fall. I add these buttery beauties to all manner of dishes, but I especially love them simply sautéed with brown butter to let their subtle flavor shine through. Here I have added a touch of cream to increase their luxe quotient.

3/4 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Olive oil

4 T. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 large shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, one cut in half, one minced, divided

1 pound chanterelles, cleaned and roughly chopped

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves or more as needed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. dry vermouth or white wine or more as needed

1/2 C. heavy cream, plus more to taste

Garnish: freshly grated Parmesan

 

Heat the oven to 425°F. Place a bowl or measuring C. near the stove. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast until just golden, about 10 minutes. Rub the cut garlic on each slice twice. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids turn brown. Remove from the heat and strain into the bowl; using a spatula, scrape the brown butter bits out of the pan and into the strainer. Reserve the contents of the strainer. Wipe the pan with a paper towel and place over medium-high heat. Add the melted butter and the shallot. Sauté until tender. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add the mushrooms and thyme, season with the salt and black pepper, and sauté until the mushrooms are tender and have given off their liquid. Add the vermouth and stir, scraping any brown stuff off the bottom of the pan (add more vermouth if necessary, to deglaze the whole pan). Cook until the pan is mostly dry. Stir in the cream and browned butter bits from the strainer and simmer until the mixture is thickened and sauce-like. It if seems dry, add a little more cream. Taste and season with more salt, black pepper, and thyme.

7 Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread and garnish with the Parmesan.

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bruschetta Bread (Olive oil toasted artisan bread)

4 oz. fig jam

6 oz. plain goat cheese

4 slices of cooked bacon crumbled

2 T. fresh basil finely chopped

 

Spread goat cheese on each slice of Bread. Spread fig jam over the goat cheese. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the fig jam. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve at room temperature.

Herbed Cucumber Bites

Herbed Cucumber Bites

Herbed Cucumber Bites

 

1 C. soft goat cheese

3 T. chopped marjoram

1 T. freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

2 peeled cucumbers, sliced crosswise into 1-inch rounds (about 8 rounds per cucumber)

12 radishes, each cut into 4 slices

16 fresh herb tips (oregano, marjoram, savory, or thyme)

 

In a small bowl, combine cheese, marjoram, and lime juice. To assemble bites, spread 2 tsp. of the cheese mixture on a cucumber. Arrange 3 slices of radish over cheese. Spread 1 tsp. of cheese on top of a radish slice and top with an herb tip. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

1 head cauliflower or a 16 oz. bag of frozen cauliflower

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 C. parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1 C. bread crumbs panko or Italian, I used panko

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning optional

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper more of less to taste

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic or onion powder

olive or canola oil

 

Cut cauliflower into florets and cook in boiling water until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, then process the cauliflower in the food processor until it become the texture of rice. This can also be done using a knife. Combine the minced cauliflower, cheeses, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Heat skillet to medium/high heat. Coat with oil (about 1/2 inch) Form cauliflower mixture into patties about 3 inches across. Cook until golden brown & set, about 3-4 minutes per side. Enjoy with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce!

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

 

1 T. + 2 tsp. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. crumbled dried sage

Pinch of salt

Pinch of ground red pepper

1 C. cooked cannellini beans

1/2 C. canned diced tomatoes in juice

20 thinly sliced rounds whole wheat baguette, toasted, or whole wheat crackers

 

In a nonstick skillet, combine the oil, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the beans and tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes, mashing occasionally with a fork, or until thickened. Spread the mixture on the baguette slices or crackers. Serve right away. The bean topping can be prepared and refrigerated several days in advance of serving. Reheat in a microwaveable dish for about 2 minutes on high power before spreading on the toast or crackers.

 

Yield: 10 servings

Calories: 84

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

 

10 C. peeled, cored, sliced apples

1/2 C. packed brown sugar

Juice of 1 1/2 -2 lemons {plus zest if you like it extra lemony}

1 vanilla bean, seed it and throw in both the seeds and cook with the pod

 

Place all ingredients in a large stock pot and cook for 30-ish minutes or until apples are soft and begin to break apart. Mash with a hand masher or just stir until a good chunky consistency is reached.

Baked Brie with Balsamic Cherries, Pistachios & Cinnamon Balsamic

Baked Brie with Balsamic Cherries, Pistachios & Cinnamon Balsamic

Baked Brie with Balsamic Cherries, Pistachios & Cinnamon Balsamic

2 T Cinnamon Pear Balsamic or your favorite!

2 T hot water

1/2 c. dried cherries (or could use dried cranberries)

1/3 c. pistachios, chopped (or your favorite nuts)

200 g. brie cheese wheel

2 T honey

 

Preheat oven to 350F. In a small bowl, add Cinnamon Pear Balsamic and hot water to dried cherries. Set aside and allow to soak for 15 minutes. While cherries are soaking, warm honey slightly in microwave or saucepan (to make it thin for drizzling).  Using a brie baker or a baking sheet lined with parchment, place unwrapped brie. Using a fork or a vegetable peeler, lightly score or peel top rind of brie (leave sides and bottom intact). M Drain balsamic-soaked cherries, then place on top of brie. Sprinkle the pistachios and drizzle the warmed honey. Bake for 15 minutes or until brie has just started to ooze. Transfer brie to a serving platter if desired, and drizzle with extra Cinnamon Pear Balsamic. Serve warm with crackers, crostini or baguette slices.   Chef’s Note: Try with your favorite flavored Balsamic! We would recommend Black Currant, Blackberry Ginger, or Cherry Balsamic.

Crudités with Garlic and Anchovy Dressing

Crudités with Garlic and Anchovy Dressing

Crudités with Garlic and Anchovy Dressing

This punchy anchovy-based dressing – similar to the Italian classic bagna cauda – is a year-round favorite of mine and easy to whip up from the sort of ingredients you’re likely to have in your pantry and fridge. It’s a superb accompaniment to all kinds of vegetables – raw or cooked. I love it as a dip for crunchy summer crudités, but I also serve it as a dressing for steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It will keep happily in a jar in the fridge for at least a couple of weeks. It will probably separate but can be re- emulsified by shaking or whisking.

 

For the dressing:

2 anchovy fillets, drained

2/3 C. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled

Leaves from a sprig of thyme

A few fresh basil leaves (optional)

1/2 small red chile, or a pinch of red pepper flakes

1 tsp. Dijon or English mustard

2 tsp. cider vinegar or wine vinegar

A few grindings of black pepper

 

A selection of raw baby vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, beets, lettuce hearts, radishes, fresh young peas in pods, and tender celery stalks

 

For the dressing, simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender until completely smooth. Or, if you are using fresh chile, you might prefer to chop it very finely by hand, then stir it into the blended dressing to give it a little texture. Let the dressing stand for half an hour or so, to allow the flavors to mingle and develop, then transfer to a bowl. Prepare the crudités: Halve or quarter lengthwise the lettuce hearts and larger baby vegetables, such as zucchini and carrots. Leave the smaller ones, such as pea pods and radishes, whole. Arrange them on a platter and serve with the dressing.

ATK Spanish Tortilla with Garlic Mayonnaise

ATK Spanish Tortilla with Garlic Mayonnaise

ATK Spanish Tortilla with Garlic Mayonnaise

2 large egg yolks

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

¾ C. vegetable oil

1 T. water

½ tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1.4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

 

1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and sliced  crosswise 1/8 inch thick

1 small onion, halved and sliced thin

6 T. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

8 large eggs

1/2 C. jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 1/2-inch 2 pieces

1/2 C. frozen peas, thawed

 

FOR THE GARLIC MAYONNAISE: Process egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in food processor until combined, about 10 seconds. With processor running, slowly drizzle in vegetable oil, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to medium bowl and whisk in water, salt, and pepper. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil. (Mayonnaise can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Makes 1 1/4 cups.) FOR THE TORTILLA: Toss potatoes, onion, 1/4 C. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in large bowl. Heat 2 T. oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add potato mixture and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, 22 to 28 minutes. In now-empty bowl, whisk eggs with 1/2 tsp. salt. Fold in hot potatoes, roasted red peppers, and peas. Heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in now-empty7 skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add egg-potato mixture and cook, shaking pan and folding mixture constantly, for 15 seconds. Smooth top of mixture and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook, gently shaking pan every 30 seconds, until bottom is golden brown, and top is lightly set, about 2 minutes. Using rubber spatula, loosen tortilla from pan. Shake pan gently until tortilla slides around freely, then slide tortilla onto large plate. Invert tortilla onto second large plate, then slide back into skillet, browned side up. Tuck in tortilla edges and continue to cook over medium heat, gently shaking often, until second side is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Slide tortilla onto cutting board and let cool for 15 minutes. (Tortilla can be held at room temperature for up to 4 hours.) Cut into wedges or squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese

 

2 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane

1 whole roasted red bell pepper, peeled, seeded, and chopped (1/2 cup)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 C. mayonnaise

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)

8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated (2 cups)

 

Combine the garlic, bell pepper, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cayenne, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-low speed until well mixed, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and beat on low speed until the cheese is evenly distributed. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and preferably overnight. The garlic will mellow over time and the flavors will meld.

Garlic Flan

Garlic Flan

Garlic Flan

1 head of fresh garlic with large cloves

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 egg yolks

Butter for the ramekins or dish

2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish

Equipment:

Six 3-1/2 inch ramekins or a soufflé dish

Potato masher

Whisk

Baking pan that’s as deep as the ramekins/dish

 

Preheat the oven to 350º F (175º C). Start boiling 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Pull the head of garlic apart, but leave the cloves unpeeled. Have the water boiling, and drop the garlic cloves in. Lower the heat, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain the garlic onto a medium bowl and allow it to cool. In the meantime, butter the ramekins or soufflé dish well. Beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Put the saucepan aside for later (no need to rinse). Start boiling 4 cups of water in a kettle for the final baking in a bain-marie. Squeeze each garlic clove – the cooked garlic will emerge from the root end, not the pointy top. Discard the peels. Mash the garlic with a potato masher until you obtain a paste. Pour the cream into the saucepan and add the garlic paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the thyme, salt and pepper. Take the saucepan off the heat. Add the beaten egg yolks to the cream mixture and whisk to distribute them well. Spoon the cream into buttered ramekins or soufflé dish. Place in the baking dish and put the whole thing in the oven. Pour enough boiling water into the baking dish to come up halfway up the sides of the ramekins/dish. This is important: less than halfway up, and the cream won’t cook all the way through. Bake for 25 minutes. Peek into the oven after 15 minutes. The top will caramelize, but if it looks like it might burn, place a layer of tin foil lightly over the tops of the ramekins/dish. If serving in ramekins, wait 10 minutes before turning them upside down to serve. If using a soufflé dish, serve the flan out of it in generous spoonfuls. Either way, garnish with chopped chives

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus with Crudités

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus with Crudités

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus with Crudités

 

1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

2 T. tahini

1/4 tsp. chile flakes

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt

1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

Crudités, for serving

 

Pulse the black-eyed peas in a food processor until finely ground. Add 3 T. water and pulse until very smooth. If needed, add another T. water to get the beans to a very smooth consistency. Add the tahini, chile flakes, vinegar, and V2 tsp. salt and process until incorporated. With the machine running, add the oil in a steady stream through the feed tube. Season to taste with salt. Serve with crudites.

Lemony Zucchini on Toast

Lemony Zucchini on Toast

Lemony Zucchini on Toast

 

3 to 4 zucchini, about 1 pound in total

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 small garlic clove, crushed

1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Grated zest of ¥2 lemon and i¥2 tablespoons juice

2 thick slices of bread

10 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Extra-virgin olive or more canola oil, to finish

 

Slice the zucchini into thin disks. Heat the oil in a large flying pan, add the zucchini with a large pinch of salt, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until their moisture evaporates and they are just beginning to brown a little. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute or so, until the zucchini are a little softer and a little more colored. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with a few grinds of pepper and some more salt. Toast the bread. Remove the zucchini from the heat and add the basil. Tip the zucchini mixture with all its juices over the toast, drizzle on a little olive or canola oil, and dive in.

Fried Wontons

Fried Wontons

Fried Wontons

4 dried shiitake mushrooms

1/2 C. hot water

4 ounces medium (41/50) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

12 ounces ground pork

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 T. oyster sauce

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

Half 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained and finely diced

1/2 C. finely chopped green onions, white and green parts

1/4 Maui onion, finely chopped

48 wonton wrappers (pei)

Neutral oil, for deep-frying

Plum sauce, for serving

Chinese hot mustard powder, for serving

Soy sauce (shoyu), for serving

 

Begin by soaking the shiitake mushrooms in the hot water in a bowl for 10 minutes. Use a smaller bowl to weigh down the mushrooms, if necessary. Finely mince the shrimp with a heavy knife until the shrimp becomes paste-like; alternatively, pulse the shrimp in a food processor until the same paste-like results are achieved. After the shiitake mushrooms have soaked for 10 minutes, drain, press out any excess liquid, and finely dice the mushrooms, discarding the stems. Combine the shiitake, shrimp, pork, garlic, oyster sauce, salt, pepper, water chestnuts, green onions, and Maui onion in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Do not overmix. Place a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface, arranging it so that points are at the top and the bottom. Place 2 tsp. of filling in the center of the wonton wrapper. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and use it to lightly moisten the two top sides of the wrapper. Bring the bottom two sides up to meet the top moistened sides. Press the sides together to seal. If desired, pinch the outer edges from the longer sides of the triangle together. Repeat the process until all the filling and/or wrappers are used. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and top with a wire rack. Fill a wide Dutch oven or pot with 2 inches of neutral oil. Warm the oil over medium heat to 35O°F. Fry the wontons in small batches until golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet to drain. Repeat until all the wontons have been fried. Sen e warm with plum sauce or Chinese hot mustard paste (whisk together equal parts dry mustard powder with cold water until smooth) mixed with soy sauce.

Pepper with Jeweled Feta

Pepper with Jeweled Feta

Pepper with Jeweled Feta

 

1 red bell pepper

Olive oil

1 ounce feta, diced

1 T. chopped mint

1 T. chopped cilantro

1 scallion, finely chopped

1 T. chopped pistachios

4 cherry tomatoes, halved

2-inch piece cucumber, diced

Seeds from 1 pomegranate

Juice of 1/2 lemon

 

Preheat the broiler. Halve the bell pepper and remove the seeds. Brush the skin with the oil and place skin side up on a baking tray. Broil the pepper for 5 minutes. Combine all the other ingredients in a bowl.

Remove the bell pepper halves from the broiler and stuff with the feta mixture.

 

Yield: 1 serving

Calories:  220

Hungarian Snacking Tray

Hungarian Snacking Tray

Hungarian Snacking Tray

A proper snack tray in Hungary is teeming with sweets—doughy and poppy seed laced, or crumbly and tart. There might be butter cookies in a tin or savory cheese biscuits wrapped in a linen, and flaky stuffed strudels that disappear in a breath. No matter how unaccomplished at baking your hosts consider themselves, there will always be something deliciously home baked and there will be zero rules about eating your vegetables first. This jives with my children rather well. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to Hungary, or never will; you can adopt this way of life as your own. Here’s how to make like a Hungarian and really live a little.

 

MEAT: If you can find it, goose liver pâté is a hallmark of Hungarian cuisine, but any pâté works great, or even liverwurst if that’s what you can find. Add ham, and plenty of sausages, thinly sliced; both csipos (hot) and edes (sweet) are welcome, though any dried Hungarian, French, or Italian sausage will do the trick.

 

CHEESE: Semisoft Trappist monk cheeses go splendidly with this spread, but there is plenty of room for interpretation. A round of soft and funky tomme, or a wedge of harder German or Alpine cheese would be right at home here. Consider your crowd and work from there.

PEPPERS: You can hunt down pale green and slightly spicy Hungarian wax peppers, as they are distinct and delicious on top of buttered bread. In their stead, use banana peppers. They’re milder but have the same crisp edge.

 

OTHER VEGETABLES: Radishes, cucumbers, and fresh spring onions or scallions, sliced thinly or served whole (with a knife handy for DIY slicing), are a must for layering with cheese and meat into open-faced sandwiches.

 

EGGS: Hard-boiled or pickled eggs are great pick-up-and-eat foods and beautiful in the mix.

 

BREAD: White bread, brown bread, rye bread, cheese biscuits—anything works here.

 

BUTTER: European-style or cultured, lightly salted butter is a treat, or use a fresh local butter (a small splurge, but think of it like cheese). Butter the bread in advance or let guests DIY.

 

MUSTARD: A single pot of strong mustard, like smooth or grainy Dijon, goes a long way.

 

FRUIT: Anything perfectly ripe and in season belongs. In Hungary, wine grapes, small apples, plums, sweet cherries, figs, pears, and apricots are usually included, depending on the season. Add your favorites, fresh or dried.

 

SWEETS: They are a must. Our favorites: poppy, apple, or sour-cherry strudel; walnut beigli; Russian tea cakes; or any other nutty, fruity, not-too-sweet pastry

Spring Stuffed Peas

Spring Stuffed Peas

Spring Stuffed Peas

A dozen shelling peas

1/4 cup of Neufchatel cheese

2 T. of plain yogurt or crème fraiche

1 T. of fresh dill

Zest from a small lemon

Salt, pepper to taste

Dash of cayenne pepper

 

Mix your cheese, yogurt, dill, lemon and spices in a small bowl until creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you’d like. Split the tops of the peas open with a dull knife. Open the peas into little pockets. It would be faster to pipe in the filling but works perfectly well with a kitchen knife. Decorate with tiny sprigs of dill.

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

 

4 cups seasonal mushrooms (chanterelles, oyster, shiitake, or cremini), roughly chopped

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing bread and drizzling

¼ cup minced garlic

1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

12 pieces of sliced baguette, cut 1/4 inch thick diagonally

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the mushrooms, oil, garlic, onion, rosemary, and parsley in a large bowl. Stir to combine, then salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mushroom mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet, and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are lightly caramelized. Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with oil on both sides. Sprinkle lightly with salt. When the mushrooms are done, toast the bread for about 5 minutes, turning once, or until light golden brown on both sides. Arrange the warm baguette toasts on a serving platter. Top with the warm mushroom mixture, drizzle with additional oil, and garnish with chopped chives and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Marinated Goat Cheese with Honey and Hazelnuts

Marinated Goat Cheese with Honey and Hazelnuts

Marinated Goat Cheese with Honey and Hazelnuts

4oz. log Goat Cheese

¼ C. Hazelnut Oil

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the goat cheese in a serving dish just a little deeper and wider than the log itself. Pour the oil over the cheese, then drizzle the honey on top. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, turning once or twice. Sprinkle the hazelnuts, salt, and pepper on top, and serve spread on bread or crackers.

Grilled Nopales with Cheese

Grilled Nopales with Cheese

Grilled Nopales with Cheese

1 Pound Fresh Nopales (small to medium size preferred)

6 ounces Queso Fresco

 

For grilling: Grill nopales for 4 to 5 minutes over a low flame until lightly charred and cooked through on one side. The nopales will darken in color when completely cooked. Turn nopales to continue cooking the other side and immediately season lightly with salt. Top nopales with 1 to 2 slices of queso fresco. Grill nopales for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat. For stove-top cooking: Roast the nopales on a comal, griddle, or grill pan over low heat for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly charred and cooked through on one side. Turn nopales and immediately season lightly with salt. Top nopales with 1 to 2 slices of queso fresco. Cover and let cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until lightly charred and the cheese has melted. Remove from heat

Caramelized Onion Tarts with Blue Cheese

Caramelized Onion Tarts with Blue Cheese

Caramelized Onion Tarts with Blue Cheese

1 (17.3 oz.) package puff pastry, thawed in the fridge overnight

2 1/2 lb. white or yellow onions, halved, then sliced 1/8″ thick

1 T. butter

1 T. olive oil

1 tsp. granulated sugar

1 T. dry white wine

Kosher salt

1 egg, beaten

9 oz. fig jam

5 oz. crumbled blue cheese

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

honey for drizzling

 

Heat butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and stir to coat in oil. You will cook the onions for 60 minutes total, stirring every 4-5 minutes or so. After they’ve cooked for 10 minutes add a pinch of salt. After they’ve cooked for 30 minutes, turn the heat to medium low. Don’t forget to keep stirring! After they’ve cooked for 40 minutes add a tsp. of sugar. Be sure to keep stirring them every 4-5 minutes so they cook evenly. After they’ve finished cooking for 60 minutes and are a gorgeous dark brown color, pour in the wine and deglaze the pan (scrape all the bits off the bottom) and set aside. When the onions are nearing the end of the caramelizing process, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unroll both sheets of puff pastry and cut along the seams of each sheet, creating 6 rectangles total. Cut each rectangle into 3 squares. Use a knife to score a half inch crust around the outside of each tart. Transfer tarts to (2) parchment lined baking sheets. Arrange tarts on the two baking sheets about an inch apart.

Brush the crust portion of the tart with the egg wash. Spread a tsp. of fig jam in the center of each tart. Top that with a tsp. of caramelized onions. Top that with a tsp. of blue cheese.  Bake tarts for 18-20 minutes or until the crust is dark golden brown. Remove tarts from the oven, sprinkle each with a few leaves of thyme and drizzle with honey. Serve warm or at room temp and enjoy!

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers

24 mini fresh mozzarella balls

24 olives

12 slices of salami, cut in half

24 small basil leaves

2 roasted peppers (or 1 jar)

1 jar artichoke hearts

½ lb. fresh tortellini, cooked

Bamboo skewers

 

Using 3″ bamboo skewers or similar, layer your ingredients starting with the mozzarella balls, then the roasted peppers (I used a mix of red, yellow and orange), tortellini, basil, artichoke heart, salami and olives. I opted to pick up mozzarella and olives that were already marinated and seasoned, but I would suggest tossing yours in a bit of olive oil with a pinch of Italian seasoning if you can’t find those that are already pre-seasoned. I also roasted my own peppers, but you can easily pick up a jar to make things simpler. Line a tray with your finished skewers and refrigerate until serving. Make them the night or the morning before and keep chilled. (Leftovers will keep for a few days!) Plan for 2 – 3 per person.

Chardonnay Italian Sausage Bites with Spicy Mustard Dip

Chardonnay Italian Sausage Bites with Spicy Mustard Dip

Chardonnay Italian Sausage Bites with Spicy Mustard Dip

5 lb. Italian sausages (sweet, mild or hot), cut into fourths

1 bottle chardonnay wine

 

3/4 C. mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought

1/4 C. plus 2 T. prepared yellow mustard

2 tsp. to 1 T. Sriracha hot sauce, more or less to taste

2 small to medium size cloves of peeled garlic, finely grated

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the quartered sausages into a large pot and pour in the whole bottle of chardonnay. Cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile whisk together the mayo, mustard, sriracha, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes or until fully cooked. Stir the sausages occasionally to keep them from sticking. Once the sausage bites are fully cooked, remove and place them onto a rimmed metal baking sheet that is lined with aluminum foil. Arrange your oven rack so it is 4-inches below the broiler and preheat your oven to broil (on high). Slide the pan of sausage bites underneath the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, rotating the pan at 1-1/2 minutes or until all are evenly browned on top. Remove the pan and carefully turn each sausage bite before sliding the pan back under your broiler for another 2 to 3 minutes, again, rotating the pan at the 1-1/2 minute mark to ensure even browning. Remove and let cool slightly before transferring the sausage bites to a clean platter. Serve with the spicy mustard dip and toothpicks!

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

½ baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices (You should have around 25 slices.)

4 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided

5 cloves garlic, divided

2 8-ounce pieces beef tenderloin

Salt

Fresh ground pepper

1/3 C. pesto of your choice (I used my kale pesto, but rustic basil pesto would also be bomb if you want to go the homemade route.)

For the Whipped Goat Cheese:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 ounces goat cheese, softened

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Pinch of salt

 

Start with the crostini. Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil (you’ll need about 2 T. of oil for this) and sprinkle with a little salt. Place bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly brown. Peel 1 clove of garlic, and slice the tip off. Rub the clove on one side of each toasted baguette slice. Briefly set crostini aside to cool. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and fresh ground pepper. Heat 2 T. olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. When you turn the steaks (after the first 4 minutes), smash 4 garlic cloves in their skins and add them to the skillet. Periodically use a spoon to baste the steaks with the oil/juices in the pan. Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing them against the grain. While the steaks are resting, make the whipped goat cheese. You have two options here: 1.) Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and process for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. 2.) Place all the ingredients in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy and smooth. Assemble the crostini! Spread each toasted baguette slice with whipped goat cheese. Top with a slice of steak and a small dollop of pesto. Serve immediately.

Mini Tortellini Kabobs

Mini Tortellini Kabobs

Mini Tortellini Kabobs

1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 C. red wine vinegar

3 tsp. honey

2 tsp. lemon juice

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

pinch of cracked red pepper flakes

pinch of black pepper

For the Kabobs

8 ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini

4 ounces provolone cheese (6 thin slices), cut into small squares

50 thin slices salami

50 pimiento-stuffed green olives

toothpicks

 

To make the dressing, put all of the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake vigorously until well blended and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a plastic ziploc bag, combine the tortellini and salad dressing; seal bag and refrigerate for 3 hours (or overnight.) Drain tortellini and discard the marinade. On each toothpick, thread pasta, salami (folded in half, and then in half again), and 1-2 slices of cheese, followed by an olive. Serve and enjoy!