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Category: Vegetables

Spicy Pickled Rhubarb

Spicy Pickled Rhubarb

This spicy, sweet-tart pickled rhubarb is infused with the flavors and aromas of juniper, allspice, coriander, black pepper, bay leaf, and star anise. Perfect as an accompaniment to roast pork or chicken, as a topping for goat cheese-slathered crostini, or even with creamy desserts, such as panna cotta or custard.

Testing Note In testing the source recipe, I found that the amount of syrup specified fills two 1¼-C. (290 ml./9.8 fl. oz.) canning jars, rather than two 2-C. canning jars as indicated. It worked perfectly for my small Weck canning jars. Technique Note To crush spices, seal them in a Ziplock bag, and crush with a few light whacks of a mallet.

1 C. rice vinegar
1 C. water ½ C. sugar
½ tsp. fine sea salt

1 tsp. juniper berries, lightly crushed
1 tsp. allspice berries, lightly crushed
1 tsp. coriander seeds, lightly crushed
½ tsp. black peppercorns, lightly crushed
1 small dried red chile (or pinch red pepper flakes)
2 small dried bay leaves
2 star anise

12 oz., ¾-inch thick (or thinner) trimmed rhubarb stalks, cut into 3-inch lengths, or 1-inch shorter than canning jars (peel, and halve or quarter thicker stalks)

Pack prepared rhubarb snugly into two 1¼-C. canning jars. Reserve. Set a small saucepan over medium heat, and add vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat below the simmer until syrup clears, 3-5 minutes. Add juniper, allspice, coriander, peppercorns, chile, bay leaf, and star anise. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and distribute syrup with spices between the two canning jars. Cover the jars and refrigerate for 1 to 8 weeks before serving. Serve whole or sliced or chunked. Fills two 9.8 fl. oz. canning jars (Weck 900–1/5 L Mold Jar–tall)

Lemony Pickled Cauliflower

Lemony Pickled Cauliflower

Lemony Pickled Cauliflower

 

2 lb. cauliflower

1 C. apple cider vinegar

1 C. water

2 tsp. sea salt

1 small lemon, sliced

1 large garlic clove, sliced

1/4 tsp. peppercorns

 

Wash cauliflower and break it into florets. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water and sea salt. Bring to a boil. Place two slices of lemon in the bottom of a quart jar and top with garlic clove slices and peppercorns. Set aside. When brine is boiling, add cauliflower to the pot. Stir until the brine returns to a boil and remove from heat. Using tongs, pack cauliflower into the prepared jar and top with brine. Place 2-3 slices of lemon on top of the cauliflower and put a lid on the jar. Let pickles sit out on counter until cool. Once they’ve reached room temperature, refrigerate jar. Pickles are ready to eat within 12 hours, though they will continue to deepen in flavor the longer the rest.

Hillbilly Heirloom Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Hillbilly Heirloom Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Hillbilly: This slicer dates back to 1880, when it first wowed kitchen gardeners with its 1- to 2-lb., heavily ribbed fruits. The flesh is orange-yellow and mottled with red, with an almost peachlike texture.

In a small bowl, mix 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 T. balsamic vinegar, and 1 T. minced shallots. Rinse and core about 1 1/2 lb. firm-ripe Hillbilly or similar tomatoes. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange tomatoes, overlapping slightly, on a rimmed platter or plates. Drizzle dressing over tomatoes; add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with baby arugula leaves, if desired.

Grilled Portobella Mushrooms with Spinach and Cheese

Grilled Portobella Mushrooms with Spinach and Cheese

3 portabello mushroom caps
1 tablespoon canola oil
4-ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
2 cups firmly packed fresh spinach, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean off any dirt. Dry well. Do not rinse under water. Using a spoon, take out the black gills of the mushrooms. Also, remove the stems. Using your hands, rub oil onto the outside of the mushrooms. In a mixing bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, garlic and spinach. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until combined. Divide cheese mixture between three prepared mushroom caps. Put on the grill, cover and cook until cheese is melted and mushroom is cooked, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Braised Winter Greens, Ham, Shallots, and Cream

Braised Winter Greens, Ham, Shallots, and Cream

Braised Winter Greens, Ham, Shallots, and Cream

 

3 T. butter

4 large shallots

1 bunch Swiss chard

1 bunch cavolo nero (Italian black chard or tuscan kale)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 oz. sliced ham,

1 C. heavy cream

 

Melt butter in a large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add shallots and chopped chard stems and cook, stirring often until soft, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add ham to skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add chard leaves and ½ C. water. Stir to mix well, then cover and cook until leaves are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove cover, add cream, stirring to mix well, and cook until cream has thickened slightly.

Cheese-Topped Mushroom Caps with Spinach

Cheese-Topped Mushroom Caps with Spinach

8 very large mushrooms
1 small onion, minced
1/4 C. grated carrots
1 tsp. olive oil
1 C. packed spinach leaves, finely chopped
2 T. toasted sunflower seeds
1 T. minced fresh parsley
1/4 C. shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese

Carefully remove the stems from the mushroom caps. Finely chop the stems and set aside.
Arrange the caps, stem side up, around the edge of a large microwave-safe plate. Cover with wax paper and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Give the plate a half turn. Microwave for another 2 minutes, or until the caps are softened. Turn the caps over to drain any liquid that has accumulated in them. In a large no-stick frying pan over medium heat, sauté the onions, carrots and mushroom stems in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes, or until wilted. If there is any liquid remaining in the pan, cook the mixture for a few more minutes to evaporate it. Stir in the sunflower seeds and parsley. Divide the mixture among the mushroom caps. Sprinkle with the Swiss cheese. Arrange in a pie plate or shallow baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 43
Fat: 2.4g
Fiber: 1g

SpicySweet Pickled Ramps

SpicySweet Pickled Ramps

12 oz. ramps with greens (about 3 bunches)
3 C. cider vinegar (5% acidity)
2 tsp. pure kosher salt
1/2 C. sugar
2 tsp. fennel seeds
2 tsp. yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp. whole black peppercorns
1 tsp. hot pepper flakes, or more to taste

Prepare for water-bath canning: Wash the jars, keep them hot in the canning pot, and put the flat lids in a bowl. Wash the ramps well and trim off any damaged leaves. Cut the tops off so that the bulb ends will fit upright in your canning jar with 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Arrange the leafy tops into four stacks. In a saucepan, bring the vinegar, 1 C. water, the salt, sugar, and spices to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Using a jar lifter, remove the hot jars from the canning pot, carefully pouring the water from each one back into the pot, and place them upright on a folded towel. Working quickly, pack the ramp bulbs into one of the hot jars. Roll up each stack of leaves and stuff two rolls into each of the other two hot jars. Ladle the hot vinegar mixture into all the jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Use a chopstick to remove air bubbles around the inside of each jar. Use a damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars, then put a flat lid and ring on each jar, adjusting the ring so that it’s just finger-tight. Return the jars to the water in the canning pot, making sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes to process. Remove the jars to a folded towel and do not disturb for 12 hours. After 1 hour, check that the lids have sealed by pressing down on the center of each; if it can be pushed down, it hasn’t sealed, and the jar should be reprocessed or refrigerated immediately. Label the sealed jars and store.

Fried Padron Peppers

Fried Padron Peppers

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lb. Padron peppers
Coarse sea salt

Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet large enough to hold all of the peppers in a single layer. Add the peppers. Fry over medium heat, turning often, until they are soft and blistered slightly, about 5 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a bowl. Discard the olive oil. Toss the peppers with salt and serve immediately.

WIW: Waffled Polenta

WIW: Waffled Polenta

WIW: Waffled Polenta

1 (18 oz.) sleeve pre-cooked polenta cut into 8 equal slices (or thinner if you are using a standard waffle iron)

cooking spray

8 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)

1 large zucchini (chopped into bite sized pieces)

S & P

1 to 2 oz. Parmesan (for garnish and flavor)

 

Heat your waffle iron. Coat the heated iron with a thin layer of cooking spray. Place slices of polenta on iron. Using oven mittens (The slices are thick so you will have to use a little force, use oven mittens so you won’t burn yourself!), press iron down until it closes all the way. Let the polenta cook about 2 minutes past the point of the waffle iron indicator. Remove from iron with a spatula and fork. Place, on a pan, in a warm oven while you cook the other polenta rounds and the topping. While the polenta cooks coat a medium sauté pan with cooking spray. Sauté zucchini and tomatoes over medium high heat until they just barely starts to brown (you want to retain the shape of the tomatoes and the crunch of the zucchini). Season with Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Place two polenta waffles on each plate, top with tomatoes and zucchini, and garnish with Parmesan

Bacon & Kale Adobo

Bacon & Kale Adobo

Bacon & Kale AdoboBacon, onion, garlic, and coconut vinegar add tremendous flavor to this nutritious kale side dish. Feel free to experiment with other greens as well.

6 ounces applewood-smoked bacon, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 large garlic cloves, lightly crushed
2 bay leaves
1 pound kale, stems and ribs removed, chopped fine
2 to 3 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 to 3 tbsp. coconut vinegar or 1 to 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 Thai or serrano chile, crushed (optional)

In a 4- to 5-qt. pan over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Pour bacon and fat through a fine strainer into a bowl. Return 5 tbsp. fat to pan; discard the rest. Add onion, garlic, and bay leaves and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until onion is pale golden, 5 minutes. Toss in kale; cook, stirring, until wilted. Add 1 C. water, half the bacon, 2 tbsp. each soy sauce and coconut vinegar, the pepper, and chile. Simmer, covered, adding water if pan gets dry, until kale is very tender, 60 minutes. Add soy and vinegar to taste. Serve sprinkled with remaining bacon.

Lemon Marinated Mushrooms

Lemon Marinated Mushrooms

60 small fresh mushrooms (about 1 lb.)
½ C. fresh lemon juice
¼ C. water
2 T. minced fresh parsley
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. olive oil
¼ tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper

Clean mushrooms with damp paper towels. Place in a 13x9x2 inch-baking dish. Combine lemon juice and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir well. Pour over mushrooms, stirring to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain well before serving.

Stir-Fried Pea Shoots

Stir-Fried Pea Shoots

2 T. vegetable oil
2 whole dried hot red chiles
3-4 cloves garlic peeled, smashed
¾ pound mature pea shoots, thick stems removed, torn into 2″ pieces
Kosher salt

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chiles and garlic and cook, tossing, until chiles are darkened in color and garlic is barely golden, about 30 seconds. Add pea shoots and cook, tossing often, until stems are crisp-tender and leaves are just wilted, about 1 minute; season with salt.

Sesame Spinach Salad

Sesame Spinach Salad

spinach-salad-su-635747-x1 1/2 pounds spinach, stemmed and rinsed well
1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add half the spinach and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove spinach from water with a strainer and place in a large bowl of ice water until cool; lift out and drain. Repeat process to cook and cool remaining spinach. In a large bowl, mix sake, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Squeeze or roll spinach tightly in a kitchen towel to remove as much water as possible. Place in bowl and mix with dressing to coat. If making salad ahead, cover and chill up to 4 hours. Divide spinach into six cylindrical bundles and squeeze each tightly to compact the leaves. Arrange bundles on a serving plate or in individual small, shallow bowls. Spoon a little of the dressing left in the bowl over each bundle. Sprinkle each bundle with about 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.

WIW: Zucchini Parmesan Waffle Fritters

WIW: Zucchini Parmesan Waffle Fritters

WIW: Zucchini Parmesan Waffle Fritters

2 C. shredded zucchini (roughly 2 medium zucchini)

1 large egg

¼ C. milk

½ C. grated Parmesan

½ C. all-purpose flour

Neutral oil or nonstick cooking spray

Salt

Black pepper

Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with about ¼ tsp. salt. Let the salted zucchini sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse well with cold water and press out as much of the water as possible. Blot dry with a lint-free towel or paper towels. Preheat the waffle iron to medium and the oven to its lowest setting. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and ¼ C. of the grated Parmesan. In a small bowl, combine the flour with about ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Mix the contents of the small bowl into the large bowl and then add the zucchini and toss until everything is well-combined. Coat the waffle iron with nonstick spray or brush it with a neutral oil. Place rounded T. of the batter on the waffle iron, leaving room for the fritters to spread slightly. Close the lid and cook until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. (You may need to turn your waffle iron up or down slightly, depending on how powerful it is.) Transfer finished fritters to the oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining fritters. Serve topped with the remaining ¼ C. Parmesan.

Creamy Crunchy Pea Salad

Creamy Crunchy Pea Salad

Creamy Crunchy Pea Salad

1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas, thawed

1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/4 C. light mayonnaise

3 T. plain nonfat yogurt

4 green onions, sliced diagonally, divided
1/4 tsp. salt

6 T. shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 T. real bacon bits

In a medium bowl, gently mix together peas, water chestnuts, mayonnaise, yogurt, % of the green onions, and salt. To serve, top with cheese, remaining green onions, and bacon bits.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 100

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 5g

Winter Gruyere Gratin

Winter Gruyere Gratin

Winter Gruyere Gratin

 

Butter

1 large butternut or kabocha squash

2 shallots, chopped

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese, divided

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. chopped fresh sage

1 tsp. salt

¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

 

Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. Peel squash and cut in half; remove seeds and discard. Cut squash halves into ⅛-inch slices. Arrange half of squash pieces on bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle with shallots and 1 cup cheese. Top with remaining squash slices and remaining 1 cup cheese. Whisk together cream, mustard, sage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour over squash slices. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 1 hour or until squash is tender and almost done. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubby.

Sesame-Miso Squash

Sesame-Miso Squash

Sesame-Miso Squash

 

1 large acorn, large delicata, or small butternut squash

1 T. sesame oil

⅓ cup white or yellow miso paste

2 T. maple syrup

2 T. butter, softened

½ tsp. rice vinegar

GARNISH chopped fresh celery leaves

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. (Acorn and delicata skin is edible, but peel butternut if using.) Cut halves into large pieces and toss in sesame oil. Place on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake 35 minutes or until tender. Stir together miso paste, syrup, butter, and vinegar in a small bowl. Remove squash from oven and brush with miso mixture. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes or until sticky and golden brown. Garnish, if desired.

Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes with Burrata

Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes with Burrata

Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes with Burrata

 

2 lbs asparagus

2 C. cherry or grape tomatoes

Olive oil

Sea Salt

Freshly ground pepper

8 oz. Burrata

Balsamic glaze (or vinegar)

Fresh basil (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and place on a rimmed sheet pan (I like to line with parchment paper). Add tomatoes to the pan. Drizzle the asparagus and tomatoes with olive oil and toss to coat. Top with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast for 20 – 25 minutes until asparagus is tender and tomatoes have begun to prune. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Place the asparagus and tomatoes on a large platter. Cut the burrata into pieces and arrange over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with a little more salt & pepper, and top with basil leaves.

Summer Corn Cakes

Summer Corn Cakes

Summer Corn Cakes

 

2 C. yellow cornmeal

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

4 T. + 3 T. unsalted butter

1 C. whole milk

1 T. honey

2 C. of fresh corn kernels, cut from the cobs

2 ounces fire-roasted green chiles

2 large eggs, separated

1 large egg white

 

In the food processor, process the cornmeal until finely ground and resembles corn flour. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne. Combine the 4 T. of butter, milk and honey and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until the butter and honey are melted. Set aside to cool. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the milk mixture along with the 2 egg yolks, the corn and the green chiles. Using your electric mixture beat the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks, then fold them into the corn mixture. Heat 1 T. of butter in a large sauté pan. When hot, spoon 2 T. of the batter for each corn cake into the pan, making as many as will fit in the pan without crowding. Cook the corn cakes cook until browned on the bottom and starting to bubble around the edges. Flip the corn cakes and cook on the other side for about minute more. Repeat using the remaining butter and batter.

Creamed King Trumpet Mushrooms & Spring Onions

Creamed King Trumpet Mushrooms & Spring Onions

Creamed King Trumpet Mushrooms & Spring Onions

 

8 spring onions (or 2 bunches scallions)

Extra-virgin olive oil, for sauteing

8 ounces king trumpet (aka king oyster, royal oyster, or royal trumpet) mushrooms

1 tablespoon salted butter

2 garlic cloves, finely grated (preferably on a Microplane)

1 1/3 cups heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill

Flaky salt, for sprinkling

 

Trim the ends of the onions or scallions, then halve them crosswise. If you’re using onions, halve the bulbs lengthwise. Slice the mushrooms about ¼-inch thick lengthwise. Using a paring knife, score one side of each slice with a crosshatch pattern. Set a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Sear the mushrooms in a single layer (do them in batches if needed), pressing them flat if they start to lift or curl. Turn after 4 to 5 minutes, once burnished and golden, then season with salt. Cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until burnished and golden. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and repeat if needed until all of the mushrooms are cooked. (If your mushrooms are unevenly sized, just flip and remove the smaller ones as soon as they’re ready.) Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once foaming subsides, add the spring onion or scallion bulb ends and season with salt. Press down to establish good contact with the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, until starting to brown, then flip and add the green tops to the pan. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or so, turning everything halfway, until soft and browned in parts. (The scallions will cook faster than the spring onions, so just keep a close eye.) Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn the heat to low, then stir in the grated garlic. Add the cream and reduce for about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally, raising the heat if needed, until slightly thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes (the sauce will thicken a bit further). Transfer the creamed onions to a platter or serve straight from the skillet. Add the mushrooms and spoon a little cream on top. Sprinkle with parsley or dill, then season with freshly ground pepper and flaky salt.

Esquites

Esquites

Esquites

 

2 cups fresh corn kernels, just cut from cob

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 serrano pepper, diced (about 2 tablespoons)

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise (low fat is fine) or Mexican crema

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoons queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled

1 lime cut into wedges (optional)

 

Heat the butter in a medium pan. Add the serrano pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the corn kernels and salt. Sauté for another 4 minutes and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly and stir the mayonnaise in. Move to a serving bowl. In a separate small bowl mix the cayenne pepper and chili powder. Sprinkle as much of the powder mixture on top of the corn as you want. Top with queso fresco and lime juice (optional). Serve immediately.

Roasted Peppers with Capers and Mozzarella

Roasted Peppers with Capers and Mozzarella

Roasted Peppers with Capers and Mozzarella

 

6 bell peppers

1/4 C. red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. capers, drained

2 T. flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)

1/2 pound ball of mozzarella, sliced

 

Roast the peppers: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line peppers on a large baking sheet and roast them for 45 minutes to 1 hour, using tongs to rotate them 1/4 of the way, rotisserie-style, every 15 minutes. It’s safer to extend the cooking time than shorten it, as the skins will only come off easily if they’re fully cooked. Once they’re fully roasted, cover the pepper tray with another piece of foil and let the peppers cool. When they’re cool enough to handle, remove the skins. Remove seeds and slice sections of pepper into 1/4-inch wide strips. Toss peppers with red wine vinegar, garlic and a few pinches of salt. Cover and let marinate for an hour or overnight (and up to 4 days) in the fridge. To serve, arrange peppers on a plate. Adjust seasonings, adding salt, freshly ground black pepper or additional vinegar, to taste. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with capers and parsley and arrange mozzarella over salad. Eat with some crusty bread and a glass of wine, preferably al fresco.

Pickled Fiddlehead Ferns

Pickled Fiddlehead Ferns

Pickled Fiddlehead Ferns

 

½ cup sugar

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup water

1 T. salt

1 tsp. red pepper flake

Rind of 1 orange peel

6 each black peppercorns

½ pound fiddlehead ferns, cleaned, trimmed and blanched for 1 minute

 

Two days before making dish, boil first six ingredients for pickle liquid. Cool. Pour over blanched fiddleheads. Chill.

Honey-Glazed Onions

Honey-Glazed Onions

Honey-Glazed Onions

 

2 T. melted butter

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup cider vinegar

2 T. low-sodium chicken broth or white wine

2 T. honey

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. ground pepper

4 medium red or yellow onions (1 1/2 pounds)

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine butter and oil in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Whisk in vinegar, broth (or wine), honey, salt and pepper. Leaving onions whole, remove the papery outer skins. Cut the onions in half from stem through root end. Place the onions in the baking dish, cut-sides up. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil. Using tongs, carefully turn the onions, keeping them intact. Bake, uncovered, until the onions are very tender and the honey mixture has thickened, 25 to 30 minutes more.

Roasted Lotus Flower Onions

Roasted Lotus Flower Onions

Roasted Lotus Flower Onions

 

4 Red Onions

50ml Balsamic Vinegar

50ml EVOO

½ T. Salt

 

(It’s important to cut the onion in the right way so you get the lotus-flower results. Cut from the top down, being careful not to cut all the way through. You should aim for about 12-16 sections. Once the onions are cooked, you can gently pull out sections of the onions to form separate petals.) Cut the top end of the red onions. Make a cut in half without reaching the bottom end, make another cut in half again and repeat until you have four cuts. Repeat with the other onions. Place the onions in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add the balsamic vinegar, mix, and let stand for 10 minutes. Place the onions in an oven-safe baking dish, and drizzle with the oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes at 200°C/400°F. Remove the aluminum and return to the oven for 10 minutes. To make a sweet and sour variation, mix together red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, dark brown sugar, and olive oil. Drizzle over the onions before baking. Store leftover roasted onions in an airtight container (or plastic bag), in the fridge, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze roasted onions. Allow them to cool completely, then place them on a baking tray, and freeze for a few hours. Once they are frozen, transfer to a sealable plastic bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature (or in the fridge if you’re thawing them overnight) and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Cauliflower Gratin with Tillamook Aged Cheddar, Caramelized Onions & Applewood-Smoked Bacon

Cauliflower Gratin with Tillamook Aged Cheddar, Caramelized Onions & Applewood-Smoked Bacon

Cauliflower Gratin with Tillamook Aged Cheddar, Caramelized Onions & Applewood-Smoked Bacon

 

1 medium-large head white cauliflower (1 pound 2 ounces or 6 cups trimmed florets)

4 slices applewood-smoked bacon, fried or baked until crisp, drained, and crumbled

2 T. unsalted butter

1½ cups chopped onion (1 medium onion)

½ cup pale ale or dry white wine (or chicken stock and a tsp. or two of fresh lemon juice)

½ cup chicken stock

2 cloves garlic, peeled, and pressed or minced

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

½ tsp. fine sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 cup cream

2 cloves garlic, peeled, and pressed or minced

2 ounces (about 1 cup) shredded Tillamook Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar (or Tillamook Smoked Cheddar or other medium-firm aged cheese with good melting quality)

 

2 T. unsalted butter

2 cups fresh bread crumbs

1 clove garlic, peeled, and pressed or minced

¼ cup grated Parmesan

 

2 T. chopped Italian parsley

 

Bring a large pot of water to a full rolling boil and add the cauliflower. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the cauliflower has a bit of tenderness but is still decidedly crunchy. Drain into a colander set in the sink and refresh the cauliflower under cold running water until cool. Reserve. Prepare the bacon as indicated above. In a large sauté pan set over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the onions. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions are softened but nicely caramelized, about 20 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high, add the wine and chicken stock, and simmer briskly until the liquid is nearly evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Toss and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add the cooked, crumbled bacon, toss, and transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered or oiled baking dish. Put the flour into a large measuring cup with a pouring spout and add a few T. of the cream, whisking to achieve a smooth paste. Gradually add the remaining cream, whisking to dissolve the flour. Add the garlic, season the cream with salt to taste, and then pour over the cauliflower mixture. Top the gratin with the cheddar cheese. To make the breadcrumb topping, in a small sauté pan set over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the fresh bread crumbs. Sauté, stirring, until the bread crumbs are lightly toasted. Remove from the heat and add the garlic. Remove to a small mixing bowl and combine with the parmesan. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the gratin. Bake, uncovered, in the upper third of the oven at 350º for approximately 25 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling through the top edges. The top should also be nicely browned and the cheddar melted by this time. If not, broil the top briefly to brown the top and melt the cheese. Sprinkle the top of the hot gratin with chopped parsley and serve.

Seared Radicchio with Creamy Miso Vinaigrette

Seared Radicchio with Creamy Miso Vinaigrette

Seared Radicchio with Creamy Miso Vinaigrette

 

For the vinaigrette:

3 T. mayonnaise

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 T. rice vinegar

1 clove garlic, pressed in a garlic press

1 T. white miso

Herbs, finely chopped (I like tarragon or thyme as well as chopped chives)

1 tsp. honey (optional)

 

For the radicchio:

2 T. olive oil

2 smaller heads of Chioggia, Verona or Treviso radicchio

1/2 c. roasted hazelnuts, crushed

 

To make the vinaigrette, combine the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk together. Slice the heads of radicchio in quarters, leaving the core intact so the leaves will stay together. (The cores will soften while searing and be quite lovely.) Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and place the quartered wedges cut-side down and sear until very dark brown (don’t worry if they look blackish…that’s good). Turn and sear the other cut side, then turn onto the back and sear. Remove to a serving plate and drizzle with vinaigrette and sprinkle with crushed, roasted hazelnuts. Serve warm.

Crunchy Gochujang Fennel

Crunchy Gochujang Fennel

Crunchy Gochujang Fennel

 

1 large fennel bulb, stems and dark green parts removed

Kosher salt

1 ½” piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped

1 small garlic clove, finely chopped

2 T. gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)

1 T. plus 1½ tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar

1 T. honey

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1½ tsp. gochugaru (coarse Korean hot pepper flakes)

1½ tsp. toasted sesame seeds

 

Slice fennel bulb into quarters lengthwise through the core. Cut out core; discard. Slice bulb lengthwise ¼” thick. Cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until just beginning to soften and turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water and let cool. Drain; pat dry with paper towels. Whisk together ginger, garlic, gochujang, vinegar, honey, oil, gochugaru, and sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Add fennel and toss to coat; season with salt. Do Ahead: Fennel can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Charred Shishito Pepper

Charred Shishito Pepper

Charred Shishito Pepper

 

1 T. safflower oil (or other high-heat cooking oil)

12 ounces shishito or Padrón peppers, washed and dried well

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

 

In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, warm the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add peppers and cook, tossing frequently with tongs, until soft and blistered in many spots, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with lots of flaky sea salt and serve (with spicy mayo if you like).

Carrot and Daikon Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Carrot and Daikon Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Carrot and Daikon Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

 

2 medium carrots

1 daikon radish (use about a 1:1 ratio of carrot to daikon)

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 T. rice vinegar (see notes)

1 large garlic clove grated or minced

1 1 inch piece of ginger peeled and grated

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 T. sesame seeds

 

Prep the veggies: Clean and peel the daikon radishes and carrots. Using a vegetable peeler, ‘shave’ slices of the radish and the carrots. This is easiest to do by pressing the vegetable against a cutting board and using the peeler to slice away from your body. Place these in a large bowl. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, vinegar, minced garlic clove, and grated ginger. Add some salt (1/4 – 1/2 tsp.) and pepper to taste. Combine the dressing with the sliced daikon and carrots, add the sesame seeds, and mix well. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Brown Sugar Glazed Onions

Brown Sugar Glazed Onions

Brown Sugar Glazed Onions

 

2 cups pearl onions fresh peeled or frozen

1/4 cup salted butter

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 T. apple cider vinegar

 

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium low heat until it just sizzles. Pour in onions, add thyme and sauté about 4-5 minutes until they begin to brown. Add chicken stock and let simmer until about half. It should be a bit syrupy. Add brown sugar, and apple cider. stir and mix to coat well. Pour into small casserole dish and serve immediately, or cover with foil and set aside for later. To reheat place in a 350 oven, covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes. NOTES: To peel fresh pearl onions, trim off root end and place onions in a large heat proof mixing bowl.  Bring enough water to cover onions to a boil.  Pour over onions, and let blanch for about 30 seconds, using a slotted spoon transfer onions to a bowl filled with ice. With your fingers, pinch the root end of the onion, which should slip off the outer peel. If not, use a paring knife to remove it.