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Category: Vegetables

Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Casserole

Cooking oil spray
1 C. mushrooms, chopped
3 C. chopped cauliflower
1/2 C. chopped sweet onions
1 T. canola oil
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. fresh ground white pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C. chopped chives

Preheat oven to 350�F. Spray baking dish with cooking oil spray. Mix all ingredients and spread in baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring twice. Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 45
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Spicy Corn Pancakes

Spicy Corn Pancakes

2 C. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 C. corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 chipotle chili peppers, canned in adobo sauce, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 scallions, diced
1 C. nonfat milk

Mix whole wheat flour with salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix corn, chipotles, garlic, scallions, and milk. Gently blend wet ingredients with dry until well mixed. Spray skillet with vegetable cooking spray and preheat until it is moderately hot. For each pancake, use about 1/4 C. batter. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 3 three-inch pancakes
Calories: 287
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 9.5g

Japanese Coleslaw with Sesame Seeds

Japanese Coleslaw with Sesame Seeds

2 T. sesame seeds
1 1/2 T. each: fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
1/4 small red cabbage, finely shredded
1/4 medium napa cabbage, finely shredded
6 small carrots, cut into fine strips
1/4 lb. daikon radish, peeled, cut into fine strips
1/2 tsp. each: salt, freshly ground pepper

Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk the lemon juice with the soy sauce, vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small bowl. Mix the cabbages, carrots and daikon in a large bowl. Add the dressing; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 95
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2.4g

Fiesta Vegetable Cups

Fiesta Vegetable Cups

olive oil vegetable spray
1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
2 scallions, white part only, thinly sliced
1 lb. small zucchini, diced
1/2 C. frozen corn kernels
1 sprig fresh cilantro, chopped
freshly ground pepper to taste
6 lettuce C. from Boston or romaine lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, 8 oz. seeded and chopped
sprigs of cilantro for garnish (optional)

Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saut� the garlic and scallions for 2 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the zucchini and corn. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the zucchini is hot, but still crisp. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cilantro and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat. To serve, place a lettuce cup on each plate. Pile the warm vegetables into the cups and top with chopped tomatoes. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if using.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 34
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g

Apple and Beet Slaw with Horseradish Dressing

Apple and Beet Slaw with Horseradish Dressing

Dressing:
1/2 C. nonfat sour cream
1/4 C. fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 C. plain nonfat yogurt
3 T. prepared horseradish
3 T. red wine vinegar
chopped parsley for garnish

1 6-ounce package shredded cabbage
1 15-ounce can diced beets, drained well
2 medium Granny Smith apples, 10 oz. total, cored and chopped

In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Stir until well blended; set aside. Place the shredded cabbage in a large salad bowl. Set aside 2 T. of the diced beets. Top with cabbage with remaining beets and the apples. Pour the dressing over the salad and lightly combine. Garnish with the reserved beets and chopped parsley. Serve at once.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 53
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g

Artichokes with Vegetable Stuffing

Artichokes with Vegetable Stuffing

2Artichokes with Vegetable Stuffing large artichokes
3 T. margarine or butter
3/4 C. finely shredded carrot
1/2 C. chopped onion
2 T. snipped fresh parsley
1 T. snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 C. soft bread crumbs (2 slices)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Wash artichokes. Trim off stems to 1 inch or less and trim loose outer leaves. Trim tips of remaining leaves, if desired. Cook artichokes, covered, in a large amount of boiling salted water for 20 to 30 minutes (depending on size) or until a leaf pulls out easily. Invert artichokes to drain. (To prevent discoloration, do not use aluminum or cast iron pans; use stainless steel, nonstick-lined, or enamel-coated cookware.) When cool enough to handle, halve each artichoke lengthwise. Pull out the prickly purple-tipped leaves in the center of each artichoke to expose the fuzzy choke. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, scrape out the choke and discard. In a medium saucepan melt margarine or butter. Add carrot, onion, parsley, dried basil (if using), garlic, and pepper; cook over medium heat until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in bread crumbs and snipped fresh basil (if using). Spoon the vegetable mixture in the center of each artichoke half. Place artichokes in a 2-quart square baking dish. Pour boiling water around the artichokes to a depth of 1/2 inch. Cover loosely with foil. Bake in a 400 degree F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. To serve, carefully remove artichokes with a slotted spoon to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 170
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Eggplant, Yellow Squash and Tomato Casino

Eggplant, Yellow Squash and Tomato Casino

2 small eggplants
2 pieces yellow squash, small to medium size
4 Roma tomatoes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic powder
2 T. real bacon bits
1 T. red bell pepper, small diced
1 T. green bell peppers, small diced
1 T. red onion, small diced
3/4 C. grated Parmesan
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut off ends and slice in half lengthwise both the eggplants and yellow squash. Lay cut side up and close together on a small greased sheet pan. Then cut the tops and a very small piece of the bottom off the Roma tomatoes and stand them up with the squash. Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, bacon bits, peppers, and onions. Next, carefully pile high the Parmesan over every piece, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 12 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 165
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 6g

Little Mama’s Side Dish

Little Mama’s Side Dish

4 slices bacon
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
1/2 head cauliflower
1/4 C. sliced stuffed olives

Chop the bacon into small bits. Spray a large, heavy skillet with nonstick cooking spray and then add the bacon and begin frying it over medium-high heat. When some fat has cooked out of the bacon and it is starting to brown around the edges, add the pepper and onion to the skillet. Saute until the onion is translucent and the pepper is starting to get soft. After the bacon starts frying, chop the cauliflower, including the stem, into 1/2-inch chunks. Transfer to a microwaveable casserole with a lid and add a couple T. of water. Cover and microwave on high power for 7 minutes. When the cauliflower is done, add it to the skillet, without draining, and stir (the extra little bit of water is going to help dissolve the bacon flavor from the bottom of the skillet and carry it through the dish). Stir in the olives. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring. Serve.

Yield: 5 servings
Calories: 84
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce

Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce

2 tsp. olive oil
14 oz. bok choy, rinsed and roughly torn
1 tsp. grated fresh root ginger
1 tsp. garlic stock powder
2 T. oyster sauce

Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok. Add the bok choy and stir fry over a high heat for 1 – 2 minutes. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add to the wok and stir fry for a further 30 seconds. Serve immediately.
Serve as an accompaniment to a main meal.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 55
Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 1g

Italian Baked Eggplant

Italian Baked Eggplant

 

6 large slender eggplants (aubergines) (~700 g / 1lb 7 oz)

1/3C. olive oil

1 T. olive oil, extra

2 onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

14oz can diced tomatoes

1 T. tomato paste

3 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

1 T. chopped fresh oregano

1 tsp sugar

4 1/2 oz mozzarella, grated

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Cut the eggplants in half lengthways, keeping the stems attached. Score the flesh by cutting a criss-cross pattern with a harp knife, being careful not to cut through the skin. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan, add half the eggplant and cook for 2-3 minutes each side, or until the flesh is soft. Remove and repeat with the remaining oil and eggplant. Cool slightly and then scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/8 inch border. Finely chop the flesh and reserve the shells.  In the same pan, heat the extra oil and cook the onion over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomato, tomato paste, herbs, sugar, and eggplant flesh, and cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and pulpy. Salt and Pepper to taste.  Arrange the eggplant shells in a lightly greased baking dish and spoon in the tomato filling. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.  Leftover Tip:

We had a few left over, so the next day I scooped out the filling (tossing the shells) and heated it with some leftover, plain pasta I had. Topped with a touch of Parmesan cheese – and it was delicious.

Baby Bok Choy with Cashews

Baby Bok Choy with Cashews

 

2 T. olive oil

1 C. chopped green onions, including green ends

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 pound baby bok choy, rinsed, larger leaves separated from base, base trimmed but still present, holding the smaller leaves together

1/2 tsp. dark sesame oil

Salt

1/2 C. chopped, roasted, salted cashews

 

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add onions, then garlic, then bok choy. Sprinkle with sesame oil and salt. Cover, and let the baby bok choy cook down for approximately 3 minutes. (Like spinach, when cooked, the bok choy will wilt a bit.) Remove cover. Lower heat to low. Stir and let cook for a minute or two longer, until the bok choy is just cooked.  Gently mix in cashews.

Tasty Mushrooms

Tasty Mushrooms

 

Since mushrooms release liquid as they cook, it’s important to get the process right, or the results can be pale and watery instead of deeply browned. The trick is high heat.

 

TO PREP: Trim discolored stem ends from 1 pound mushrooms. Either wipe the mushrooms clean or rinse briefly and pat dry, then thinly slice.

 

TO COOK: In a 12-inch frying pan over high heat, melt 2 T. butter. Add mushrooms and stir until all the moisture has evaporated and mushrooms are browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

 

TO SERVE: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, then use sautéeed mushrooms to liven up anything from chicken breasts to eggs Benedict. Mix with chopped tomatoes for a bruschetta topping, toss into a spinach-feta salad, or stir into polenta.

 

Skillet Cauliflower

Skillet Cauliflower

1 large cauliflower (white, purple or orange)

1/4 C extra-virgin olive oil

4 plump garlic cloves, peeled and sliced

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp salt

 

Tear off the outer leaves of the cauliflower and core it, separating it into florets. Next, cut the florets into slices roughly 1/2″ thick.  Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat. Scatter the garlic slices and pepper flakes into the oil, and cover them with the cauliflower; sprinkle the salt over the florets, toss everything together well, and cover. Let the cauliflower sweat for about 4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, then toss thoroughly with a spoon. Cover, allow to cook for another 3 minutes or so, and toss again. The edges of the cauliflower should be starting to brown; if not, turn up the heat a little. Continue cooking in this fashion until the cauliflower is tender and beautifully caramelized, about 12-15 minutes total time.

Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

 

1 T. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered

1/4 C. vegetable broth

2 T. toasted pine nuts

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 T. freshly grated parmesan cheese

 

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add garlic and brussels sprouts, and cook until brown and softened, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add broth and cook until sprouts are tender but not soggy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add pine nuts and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small dish and sprinkle with parmesan.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

 

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 T. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 shallot, chopped

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed, small sprouts left whole, larger sprouts halved

Salt and pepper

1 C. chicken broth

 

Brown bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add EVOO to the pan, about one turn of the pan. Add shallots to the pan and sauté 1-2 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and coat in EVOO. Season with salt and pepper. Cook Brussels sprouts 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, then add broth. Bring broth to a bubble, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 minutes, until tender. Transfer sprouts to a serving dish with a slotted spoon and top with cooked bacon bits.

Roasted Summer Vegetables

Roasted Summer Vegetables

3 zucchini

3 yellow squash

1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt

½ black pepper

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

 

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Peel vegetables and slice into ¼ inch thick slices.  Assemble vegetables to your preferred dish and drizzle olive oil on top. Finish preparation with kosher salt and black pepper. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta

Shaved Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta

 

2 lbs Brussels sprouts

1 T. vegetable oil

8 ounces pancetta, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch wide strips

Salt, to taste

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

3-4 T. toasted & chopped cashews

1/4 C. freshly grated parmesan cheese, romano cheese or asiago cheese

 

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice brussels sprouts crosswise, discarding root ends. (The “shaved” sprouts should resemble confetti.). Pour vegetable oil into a large pot over high heat; add pancetta and stir until slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high, add brussels sprouts, and cook, stirring often, until sprouts are bright green and tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, & cashews and toss to warm. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese. Serve hot.

Marinated Cauliflower

Marinated Cauliflower

1 very large head of cauliflower (or 2 medium), broken up into bite sized florets

1/4 cup chopped shallots

2 tablespoons capers, drained

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

 

Steam cauliflower until just tender.  You want the cauliflower to still have a bite to it, so don’t overcook.   Transfer to a large bowl.  Whisk together vinegar, shallots and mustard in a small bowl.  Add some salt and pepper.  Pour in the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly.  Pour vinaigrette over warm cauliflower.  Add the capers and parsley.  Stir to combine.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Serve chilled or at room temperature.

 

Chili-Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Chili-Garlic Roasted Broccoli

 

1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), (eyeball it)

5-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 T. chili powder

1 T. grill seasoning blend (such as Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick brand Grill Mates)

1 large head broccoli, cut into thin, long spears

 

Pre-heat oven to 425°F. Place EVOO, garlic, chili powder and grill seasoning in the bottom of a large bowl and add the broccoli spears. Toss to coat broccoli evenly then transfer to a large nonstick baking sheet. Roast the broccoli until ends are crisp and brown and stalks are tender, 17-20 minutes.

Zucchini and Arugula Salad with Lemon-Anchovy Dressing

Zucchini and Arugula Salad with Lemon-Anchovy Dressing

1 garlic clove

3 oil cured anchovies

1 oz lemon juice

1.5 oz Fonterutoli extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

8 oz green zucchini (whole)

8 oz yellow zucchini (or yellow crookneck squash) (whole)

2.5 oz arugula

 

Crush the garlic in a mortar and pestle. Add the anchovies and crush them too. Add the lemon juice and combine with the garlic and anchovies and then add the olive oil, stirring it all together to emulsify the dressing.  If you have a mandoline slicer, (I particularly like the Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer), now is the time to use it. Wash and dry the zucchini and cut off the ends. If the zucchini is less than 7″ or 8″ leave it whole, otherwise cut it in half, making two shorter pieces.  Using the medium tooth slicer for the mandoline, cut julienned strips of zucchini, down to the center portion where the seeds are. Discard the centers or use for something else. When you are done with both squash, you should have approximately 3 cups of julienned zucchini. If you don’t have a mandoline, cut the zucchini into very thin strips and then julienne (matchstick) slices.  In a large bowl, toss together the julienned green and yellow zucchini and the arugula. Whisk the dressing if it has separated and then dress the salad with all of it. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Rustic Summer Squash Tart Recipe

Rustic Summer Squash Tart Recipe

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb mixed summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash and pattypan), cut in 1/4-in. rounds

2 shallots, thinly sliced

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or marjoram, plus sprigs for garnish

1 tsp. chopped garlic

Freshly ground pepper

1 refrigerated pie crust (from a 15-oz. box)

4 oz Roquefort cheese, Gorgonzola or other good-quality blue cheese

1 roasted yellow or red pepper (freshly roasted or from a jar), cut in strips

1 large plum tomato, sliced, seeds removed

1 large egg, beaten

 

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add squash and shallots and cook, turning pieces as they start to color, 7 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from heat; stir in thyme, garlic and pepper to taste. Cool to room temperature. Heat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; unroll or unfold pie crust on the parchment. With a rolling pin, roll crust to a 13-in. round. Crumble half the cheese over crust to within 2 in. of edge. Arrange squash mixture, pepper strips and tomato slices on cheese; fold edge of the crust over filling and brush crust with egg. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until pastry is golden. Slide tart, still on parchment, onto a wire rack. Crumble remaining cheese over top. Let cool before serving.

 

Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 144

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 1g

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

 

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 green onions, finely chopped

4 bacon strips, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T. plus 2 tsp. butter

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1-1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2-1/2 C. milk

3 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1/2 C. half-and-half cream

 

In a large skillet, cook the onions, bacon and garlic in butter over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in spinach and cream; cook 3-5 minutes longer or until spinach is heated through.

 

Company Corn

Company Corn

 

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen corn

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 C. chopped celery

1/3 C. butter, cubed

2 T. minced fresh parsley

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried savory

1/2 tsp. white pepper

3/4 C. sour cream

1 tsp. lemon juice

 

Cook corn according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté onion and celery in butter until tender. Stir in the parsley, salt, savory and pepper. Drain corn; add to onion mixture. Stir in sour cream and lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Broccoli with Burrata, Pine Nuts and Warm Anchovy Vinaigrette

Broccoli with Burrata, Pine Nuts and Warm Anchovy Vinaigrette

3/4 C. (about 80g) fresh breadcrumbs (preferably from sourdough bread)
1/3 C. (80ml) plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 C. (70g) pine nuts
1 tsp. flat-leaf parsley, chopped
about 1 lb. (450g) Italian broccoli, sprouting broccoli or broccolini, trimmed
4 tsp. (60g) unsalted butter
2-3 anchovy filets
pinch dried chili flakes
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1 lb. (450g) burrata or fresh buffalo mozzarella
1 medium shallot, sliced
juice of 1 lemon, plus more for serving
salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 375F/190C. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Toss the breadcrumbs with one tsp. olive oil. Spread them on a baking sheet, and toast 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden brown and crispy. Spread the pine nuts on another baking sheet, and toast them 4-5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and smell nutty. Crush half the pine nuts in a mortar and combine them with the whole pine nuts, breadcrumbs and parsley in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Blanch the broccoli in the rapidly-boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1/3 C. olive oil and the butter in a large sauté pan over low heat. Add the anchovy and chili and cook 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon as the anchovy melts into the sauce. Add the garlic and thyme and turn off the heat. The garlic will finish cooking in the hot oil. Pour out into a small bowl and season with a generous pinch of salt. Don’t wash out the pan. Cut the burrata or mozzarella into 6 slices, and then cut each slice in half. Place the sauté pan over high heat. Add the anchovy butter, shallots, and broccoli, and season with salt, pepper and a squeeze or two of lemon juice. Toss well to warm the broccoli and coat it with the anchovy butter. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper and lemon juice as needed. Arrange half the broccoli on a large platter in one layer. Tuck half the burrata slices among the broccoli and continue layering the remaining broccoli and burrata. Shower the pine nut breadcrumbs over the top. Serve with additional lemon slices for squeezing.

Creamy Cabbage

Creamy Cabbage

 

4 C. Shredded cabbage

1/2 C. Diced bacon

1 T. Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Paprika

1/8 tsp. Pepper

1 C. Milk

1 C. Soft bread crumbs

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Boil cabbage 7 minutes; drain and place in a 1 quart casserole.. Fry bacon; remove and drain all but 2 T. drippings. Stir in flour, salt and paprika; add milk slowly and cook until thickened. Pour sauce over cabbage, top with bread crumbs and sprinkle with bacon. Bake 15 minutes

Nell’s Fried Cabbage

Nell’s Fried Cabbage

1 head cabbage

8 to 16 ounces bacon

1/2 C. chopped onion

Garlic salt

Salt and pepper

Pimiento — optional

Dash Worcestershire sauce

Fry bacon. Add onion and chopped cabbage to the bacon drippings. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle with garlic salt generously. Add salt and pepper according to taste. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and serve.

Butter Baked Cabbage

Butter Baked Cabbage

 

1 head Cabbage

½ Stick Butter (or more)

Salt and Pepper

 

Preheat a very hot oven. Bring a large pot of water or stock to a boil. Remove a minimal amount of the outer leaves and quarter the cabbage, leaving the core intact. Place quarters into pot and boil for 8 minutes or so. While this is going, melt some butter separately in a small saucepan. After the cabbage is done, drain well and take out a baking dish. Pour in a small amount of the melted butter to coat the bottom and then place the drained quarters cut side up in the dish. Pour over the remainder of the melted butter and season very well with salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes. The cabbage is very sweet and so the bottom and the upper parts should blacken and caramelize.

Perfect Buttered Cabbage

Perfect Buttered Cabbage

 

Cabbage – 1, any size

Butter – 50g (2 oz)

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Cut the cabbage in quarters, wash well and remove the stems with a sharp knife. Plunge the cabbage into the boiling water, cover the pan only until the water returns to the boil, which must be as fast as possible. Remove the lid and let the cabbage cook gently until just tender and still a vibrant green. Drain in a large colander, slicing through the chunks with a knife until all the water has drained away and the pieces are a manageable size, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) or so across. Return to the pan. Smother with at least 50g (2 oz) of butter, season and stir over a very low heat for 5 minutes. Serve piping hot.

Braised Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Shallots

Braised Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Shallots

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

6 shallots, peeled and quartered

3 baskets cherry tomatoes, stemmed and washed

1 C. vegetable stock or chicken stock

1 T. sherry vinegar

Sea salt and cracked black pepper

 

Preheat oven 375°.  In a large ovenproof sauté pan heat olive oil until very hot. Add the shallots and cook over high heat until the shallots brown about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Cover and place in the oven. Cook about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and add the vinegar and season well with sea salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Golden Roasted Cauliflower

Golden Roasted Cauliflower

 

Preheat the oven to 400F. Break up a head of cauliflower into small florets, smaller than thumb size. The smaller the pieces, the higher your ratio of golden roasted bits to white will be. In a bowl, toss the florets with (at least) 2 tsp of oil and salt with 2 large pinches of salt. Spread out on a half sheet pan. Cook in the preheated oven, tossing and stirring up the florets every 10 minutes till golden brown.

 

Flavor Variations- toss raw with Parmesan cheese, or chili flakes, or lemon zest, or garlic, or rosemary, or sliced onions, or curry powder or …

Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad

Marinated Heirloom Tomato Salad

 

3 T. balsamic or red wine vinegar

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

3 pounds mixed firm-ripe heirloom or other tomatoes

3 T. chopped fresh mint leaves

3 T. chopped fresh basil leaves

Salt and cracked black pepper

 

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Rinse and core tomatoes and slice 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Arrange in layers in an airtight container or on a serving dish, drizzling vinegar mixture and sprinkling mint, basil, salt, and pepper evenly over each layer. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Spinach Sticks

Spinach Sticks

2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 

8 ounces feta cheese 

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 

Pepper to taste 

1 package phyllo dough, defrosted (40 sheets, 14 by 9 inches) 

2/3 C. olive oil 

 

Heat the oven to 375° F. In a food processor fitted with the steel S blade, combine the spinach, feta, and cream cheese. Pulse the mixture until it is smooth. Season with pepper if desired.  Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag and snip a 1/4-inch piece from one corner (you can also use a pastry bag).  On a clean work surface, lay out 1 sheet of the phyllo. Brush half of the sheet widthwise with olive oil and fold it in half to make a 7- by 9-inch rectangle. Brush the folded side with oil. Squeeze a thin line of the spinach mixture (approximately 1 T.) along the folded edge. Roll the dough and filling the long way, into a 9-inch-long cylinder. Place the roll on a cookie sheet and brush it with oil. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

Spinach Phyllo Triangles

 

10oz. Frozen Chopped Spinach

1/2 C. Chopped Onion

1 Clove Garlic, chopped

6oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled

1/2 tsp. Dried Oregano, crushed

12 Sheets Phyllo Dough

1/2 C. Butter, melted

 

For filling cook spinach, onion, and garlic according to spinach package directions.  Drain well in sieve.  Press the spinach with the back of a spoon to release excess moisture.  Combine spinach, Feta, and oregano.  Lightly brush 1 sheet of phyllo dough with some of the melted butter.  Place another sheet on top, brush with butter again.  Place a third sheet and repeat with the butter.  Cover remaining phyllo with damp cloth to prevent drying.  Cut the stack of phyllo dough into 6 lengthwise strips.  For each triangle, spoon about 1 tsp. of the spinach mixture about 1 inch from the end of the strip. Fold end over filling at 45 degree angle.  Continue folding into triangle shape that encases filling.  Continue with rest of phyllo dough and filling.  Place triangles on baking sheet.  Brush with butter and bake in 375F oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden.  Serve warm.

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

 

1 lb. Mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 C. All-purpose flour
2 lg. Onions (about 1 3/4 pounds), sliced very thin
6 tsp. Heavy cream
1 C. Grated Gruyère
1/4 C. Fresh fine bread crumbs

 

In a skillet cook the mushrooms in 2 1/2 tsp. of the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until they are softened and most of the liquid they give off has evaporated. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. In each of six 1 1/2-cup gratin dishes layer the onions, the remaining butter, cut into bits, the mushroom mixture, and salt and pepper to taste, beginning and ending with a layer of onions, and pour 1 tsp. of the cream over the top of each gratin. In a small bowl combine well the Gruyère and the bread crumbs and sprinkle the mixture over the cream. (Alternatively, the gratin, layered in the same manner, may be prepared in one 2-quart gratin dish.) Bake the gratins in the middle of a preheated 325°F. oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the onions are tender and the tops are golden. The gratins may be prepared 3 hours in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated in a preheated 400°F. oven for 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Buttermilk Onion Rings W/Grilled Tomato Aioli Sauce

Buttermilk Onion Rings W/Grilled Tomato Aioli Sauce

1 C. all purpose flour

3 C. buttermilk

Pinch of cayenne

Salt

4 large Vidalia onions, peeled and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices

4 C. peanut oil

4 C. all purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper

 

Combine buttermilk, flour, cayenne and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Soak the onion rings in the batter for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Using side burner. Heat oil in a large saucepan to 375 degrees F. In batches, remove onion rings from batter and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.

 

Grilled Tomato Aioli:

 

2 plum tomatoes, grilled, seeds and skin removed and coarsely chopped

2 C. good quality mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

2 T. fresh lime juice

Pinch of cayenne

Salt

 

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with cayenne and salt.

Pimped Root Vegetable Hash

Pimped Root Vegetable Hash

Pimped Root Vegetable Hash

1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (2 C.)

Preheat the oven to 4OO°F. Combine the parsnips and sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a simmer and cook until both vegetables are firm-tender (just shy of al dente), about 10 minutes. Drain the vegetables and set aside. Meanwhile, heat 1 T. of the oil over medium-high heat in a large ovenproof skillet (such as cast iron). Add the onions, salt and pepper to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and charred in places, about 15 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl. Add the remaining T. of oil to the pan. When hot, add the vegetables and cook until browned in spots, turning just once or twice, about 10 minutes. (If you fiddle with the vegetables too much, they’ll stick, so seriously, hands off.) Spread the onions over the vegetables, then top with the cheese, and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble. Serve hot.

Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce

Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce

Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce

1/2 medium green cabbage about 1½ pounds

1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil or regular olive oil

salt & pepper

Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons minced fresh onion

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

optional: chopped chives or parsley for serving

 

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone. Cut cabbage half into four equal wedges and set on prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat the cut side of each wedge with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn wedges and repeat. Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the wedges and roast until nicely browned, 8-10 minutes more. Meanwhile, make the sauce by adding all the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the butter is completely melted. Keep warm (alternately, place ingredients in a microwavable container and cook on high for about 1 minute – warm again before using). To serve, place the wedges on a plate, whisk sauce again and drizzle over wedges. Sprinkle with chives or parsley, if desired.

Deviled Cauliflower

Deviled Cauliflower

Deviled Cauliflower

 

1 lb. cauliflower florets, trimmed, cut into florets

2 T. unsalted butter, melted

1-1/4 T. all purpose flour

1/2 cup plus 3 T. skim milk

1/2 bay leaf

dash of ground nutmeg

2-1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup plus 1 T. breadcrumbs

 

Place cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover pan and steam 5-7 minutes or until just tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well and transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Combine 1-1/4 Tbs. Melted butter with flour in a heavy saucepan over medium low heat. Whisk about 3 minutes, or until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk. Add bay leaf and nutmeg and whisk often until mixture simmers. Cover partially and simmer 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire and salt and pepper to taste. Discard bay leaf. Pour sauce over cauliflower and stir until well coated. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.) Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over cauliflower. Drizzle with remaining butter. Bake 35-40 minutes, until cauliflower is heated through, sauce bubbles at edges and breadcrumbs are golden.

Fiddlehead Fern Fritters with Ad Hoc Green Sauce

Fiddlehead Fern Fritters with Ad Hoc Green Sauce

fiddlehead fern fritters with ad hoc green sauce

3 cups (about 2 bunches) leafy herbs: any combination of cilantro, basil, mint, and/or parsley, washed, dried, and stemmed

1 clove garlic, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons finely chopped peeled ginger

Juice of 1 lime, plus more as needed

1/4 jalapeno pepper, seeded (optional)

1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

1/4 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

 

1 cup chickpea flour (also sold as gram flour)

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

A few pinches of ground cayenne

3/4 to 1 cup cold water

1/2 pound Ladyfern or Ostrich fiddlehead ferns (50 to 60 pieces)

2 cups neutral oil

Coarse sea salt, for finishing

 

To make the sauce, combine the herbs, garlic, ginger, lime juice, jalapeno, and oregano in the bowl of a food processor or blender and whiz until smooth and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add V4 cup of the olive oil, and process again until blended. If the sauce seems too thick, add the remaining olive oil gradually. Season with the salt. Taste and add more salt or lime juice as needed. To make the fritters, in a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, salt, dill, coriander, baking powder, black pepper, and cayenne with a fork until well mixed. Add % cup of the cold water, stirring until absorbed. Add more water as needed; you want it to resemble pancake batter—neither too thick nor too thin. Stir in the fiddlehead ferns until well coated and let sit until you’re ready to fry. Place a wire rack on a sheet pan or arrange a few paper towels under the rack to catch any oil. Heat the oil in a 10- or 12-inch skillet over high heat to 275 to 300 degrees F. (A candy thermometer is helpful here.) The oil is ready when a drop of batter bubbles immediately upon contact. Using tongs and in small batches, drop the battered fiddleheads into the oil and fry until golden and crispy, about 90 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to the rack to drain. Skim and discard any burned bits floating in the oil.

Sprinkle the fritters with the salt and eat while still warm, served with the sauce.

Okonomiyaki: Cabbage Pancakes

Okonomiyaki: Cabbage Pancakes

Okonomiyaki: Cabbage Pancakes

5 eggs

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning

1/3 cup flour

8 cups finely shredded cabbage

1 bunch scallions, trimmed and chopped, to yield about a heaping cup

For the soy dipping sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. mirin

1 teaspoon hot chili sauce or Sriracha, optional

½ teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

Grapeseed or other neutral oil for frying

 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Gradually add the flour until incorporated. Fold in cabbage and scallions. Make the sauce: combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Add 1 T. of water. Set aside. In a large sauté pan, warm a couple T. of oil over medium-high heat until glistening. Pinch batter with hands and carefully drop the mounds into the oil—in a large skillet, you should be able to fry 4 at a time. Lower the heat to medium. Cook on each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and season lightly with salt. Serve with soy-dipping sauce.