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Category: Starches

Sweet Bulgur Salad

Sweet Bulgur Salad

1 C. Bulgur

1 C. Boiling Water

1 C. Fresh Parsley, chopped

1 C. Fresh Mint, minced

1/2 C. Red Pepper, chopped

4 Scallions, chopped

2 T. Flax Oil

1/4 C. Lemon Juice

1/2 C. Orange Juice

2 T. Soy Sauce

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Basil

 

Dry roast the bulgur in a skillet on a medium flame for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Place bulgur in a bowl, cover with 1 C. boiling water. Let sit approximately 1 hour until the liquid is absorbed. Squeeze bulgur dry, add chopped vegetables. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Pour over bulgur. Refrigerate before serving.

 

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Drunken Cheesy Bread

Drunken Cheesy Bread

1/2 baguette, cut into 2-inch slices
1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
¼ – 1/8 pound thinly sliced cooked ham
3/4 – 1 C. white wine
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 C. (6 oz.) grated Gruyere

Heat oven to 400 F. Place the bread in a buttered ovenproof skillet, a 9-inch square baking dish, or a casserole. Scatter the onion and ham over the bread. Pour the wine over the onion and ham and sprinkle with the pepper and Gruyere. Bake until the cheese has melted and begun to brown at the edges, about 20 minutes. Spoon onto individual plates. Tip: If you don’t have Gruyere, you can substitute Swiss, Monterey Jack, fontina, or white Cheddar.

Olive-Onion Puffs

Olive-Onion Puffs

1 C. Chopped pitted Black Olives, drained
1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 C. Mayonnaise
2 Green Onions, finely chopped
1 Sourdough baguette, cut crosswise on slight diagonal into 1/2-inch thick slices

 

Preheat broiler. Stir olives, cheese mayonnaise and onions in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Mound 1 tsp. olive mixture on each bread slice. Arrange on baking sheet. Broil until topping is heated through and begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Serve hot.

 

Easy Garlic Parmesan Popovers

Easy Garlic Parmesan Popovers

Easy Garlic Parmesan Popovers2 tablespoons bacon fat
1 1/2 cups milk, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place a popover pan (or standard muffin tin) into the oven. In a large bowl, whisk together milk and eggs until frothy, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour, chives, garlic powder, salt, basil and pepper until just incorporated. Remove popover pan from the oven and generously grease with bacon fat. Working quickly, fill popover pan half full with egg mixture. Place into oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately with butter and Parmesan.

Fat Smash Garbanzo Beans with Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Broth

Fat Smash Garbanzo Beans with Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Broth

3 C. Garbanzo Beans, cooked

2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, julienned

1 T. Olive Oil

2 C. Broccoli, steamed and chopped

 

Marinade:

 

2 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Fresh Oregano, chopped

4 T. Fresh Basil, cut into chiffonade (thin strips)

1 clove Garlic

1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

Tomato Broth:

3 Roma Tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 T. Olive oil

1 bunch Basil stems (after leaves have been removed for marinade)

1 Bay leaf

3 C. Chicken Broth

2 ea Garlic cloves, whole

1/4 C. ea Carrot, onion, celery, chopped

1 T. White wine

To taste Salt and Pepper

 

To make tomato broth, heat olive oil over medium heat and sweat carrots, onions, celery and garlic cloves, approximately 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and basil stems. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside. Combine marinade ingredients, add chicken, and let stand in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Drain marinade. Heat 1 T. olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat and cook chicken until fully cooked (test one piece by cutting into it). Add garlic and briefly sweat until aromas are released. Add garbanzo beans and cook for 1 minute over high heat. Add tomato broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli. Heat through until all ingredients are hot. Remove from the heat, add fresh herbs, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

 

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Garlic Bread Muffins

Garlic Bread Muffins

Garlic Bread Muffins7 T. EVOO, divided
1 C. finely chopped Onion
5 cloves Garlic, minced
2 C. Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. each dried Oregano & Basil
½ tsp. Salt
1 C. Milk
1 Egg
1/3 C. plus 2 T. grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 12 muffin cups with aluminum or paper liners. Heat 1 T. oil over medium high heat in medium sized nonstick skillet. Add onions and cook while stirring often, until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 3-4 minutes, until onions just begin to brown and garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, oregano, basil and salt.
5.In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining six tablespoons of the oil, the cooled onion mixture, milk, egg and 1/3 cup of the Parmesan. Add the milk mixture into the flour mixture and mix well. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of the cheese evenly over the muffin batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs, 16 to 17 minutes. If desired, broil the muffins for 30 seconds to brown the cheese. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Potatoes with Bleu Cheese

Potatoes with Bleu Cheese

5 or 6 medium potatoes, peeled & sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp. salt
pepper
3 Tbsp Imported Bleu Cheese (crumbled)
Heavy Cream (approx. 2 to 2 1/4 cups)

Spray a rectangular casserole dish with cooking spray.  Put a layer of potatoes on bottom of dish.  Sprinkle half the onion, half the salt, half the cheese and some pepper over potatoes.  Repeat layering once more.  Pour cream over potatoes until it is about halfway up dish.  Bake at 350 for 2 hours.  Cover with foil once potatoes are browned.

 

Bulgur Salad with Green Onion Vinaigrette

Bulgur Salad with Green Onion Vinaigrette

3/4 C. medium-grind bulgur

1/2 small red onion, finely diced

2 plum tomatoes, finely diced

1 C. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/2 C. finely chopped fresh mint leaves

4 green onions, sliced, plus 1/2 C. chopped green onions

1/4 C. fresh lime juice

1 T. buckwheat honey

1 serrano chile, chopped

1/2 C. canola oil or olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

Place bulgur in a large bowl, pour 3 C. boiling water over, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well, squeezing out as much water as possible, if needed. Return the cooked bulgur to the bowl and mix in the onion, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and 4 sliced green onions.  Place the lime juice, honey, serrano, and 1/2 C. chopped green onion in a blender and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil until emulsified. If the mixture appears too thick, blend in a few T. of cold water, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the salad to a platter and drizzle with the green onion vinaigrette.

 

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Basil Mashed Potatoes

Basil Mashed Potatoes

4 large red potatoes (With skins on)
1/4 cup sour cream
salt and pepper
1/4 lb butter
light cream as needed
2 T. fresh basil ( if available)

Wash potatoes, cover with water and add basil. Boil until done and strain. Mash
with fork, fold in sour cream and butter.  Adjust consistency with light cream.

Bacon Cheese Muffins

Bacon Cheese Muffins

1/2 lb. bacon

Vegetable oil

1 beaten egg

3/4 C. milk

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 C. sugar

1/2 C. Grape Nuts cereal, (any crunchy nugget cereal)

1 C. cheddar cheese, shredded

 

Cook bacon- drain but reserve dripping, if necessary add vegetable oil to measure  1/3 c total.  In a small bowl combine dripping/oil, egg and milk- set aside. Crumble bacon, set aside. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients, make a well in center. Add wet mixture all at once; stir just until moistened.  Batter will be lumpy, stir in cheese, bacon & cereal. Fill greased or lined muffin C. 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 15-20 min. Makes 12.

 

Asiago Polenta with Garlic and Basil

Asiago Polenta with Garlic and Basil

2 T. olive oil

1/4 C. onions, chopped

2 tsp. chopped garlic

5-6 C. chicken broth

2 C. white cornmeal

1/2 C. Asiago cheese, grated

3 T. chopped basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

In a saucepan heat olive oil over high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook 1-2 minutes.  Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Slowly add in cornmeal and cook 10-15 minutes.  Finally, add cheese and basil; season with salt and pepper. Serve hot by the spoonful.

 

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Fireside Popovers with Brie

Fireside Popovers with Brie

fireside popovers2 eggs

1 C. all-purpose flour

1 C. milk

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 lb. Brie cheese, cut into 24 chunks

 

Heat oven to 450ºF. Generously grease 24 small muffin cups, 1 3/4×1 inch. In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly with fork or wire whisk. Beat in flour, milk, sugar and salt just until smooth (do not overbeat). Fill C. about two-thirds full. Bake 5 minutes.   Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF. Bake about 10 minutes longer or until crusty and golden brown. Cut a small slit in top of each popover. Insert cheese chunk in each popover. Bake 5 minutes. Immediately remove from pans. Serve hot.   Add extra flavor to the popovers by stirring in 1/2 tsp. dried basil or rosemary leaves or 1/4 tsp. grated lemon peel with the flour, milk, sugar and salt.

 

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Savory Herbed Potatoes

Savory Herbed Potatoes

4 (about 1 1/2 lb.) medium-size potatoes
1 16-oz. can whole tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves

Peel and slice the potatoes. Place in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish. Add the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle on the bread crumbs and thyme. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. To prepare in a conventional oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the ingredients in a lightly oiled 2-quart casserole dish, cover, and bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

 

Gram’s Baked Beans

Gram’s Baked Beans

1 1/2 C. Small White Beans

Small Onion, diced

1 Heaping tsp. Mustard

1/2 C. Catsup

2-3 T. Molasses

2-3 T. Brown Sugar

Ham Bone or Side of Bacon (not Sliced)

 

Soak beans overnight.  Pour off water discarding any husks.  The skins should peel when you blow on them.  Put beans in deep (not flat) baking dish.  Add water to 1 “ over beans.  Add all ingredients except ham bone.  Cook 1 hour. Add 1 tsp. salt (or to taste).  Add ham bone and bake slowly all day at 250-325.  Add water as needed so it doesn’t dry out and burn / stick.

 

Cheese & Corn Muffins

Cheese & Corn Muffins

 

½ C. drained canned Corn

3 Scallions, roughly chopped

¼ C. Greek Yogurt

2 T. Butter, melted and cooled

1 T. Maple Syrup or Honey

1 Egg

¾ C. Flour (or ½ C. Flour and 2 T. Cornmeal)

½ tsp. Baking Powder

½ tsp. Baking Soda

¼ tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Paprika

½ C. grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350.  Line 2 12 hole mini muffin tins with paper cases.  Add corn and scallions to food processor and whirl until chopped.  Add yogurt, butter, honey, and egg and whiz to combine.  Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and paprika; add to food processor and pulse 2-3 times.  Stir in grated cheese.  Spoon into muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.  Bake 12-14 minutes, until risen and firm to the tough.  Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool.

 

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

 

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Potato and Leek Gratin

Potato and Leek Gratin

1 lb. leeks
2 onions, sliced
1 oz. unsalted butter
1 pint double cream
1 lb. potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 small garlic clove, crushed
2 oz. Cheddar, grated
salt and freshly ground white pepper
freshly grated nutmeg

Pre-heat the oven to 180’C / 350’F or gas 4 and grease a shallow a shallow ovenproof gratin dish. Cut the leeks diagonally into 5 mm (1/4 in) slices and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain, rinse under cold water, drain again and dry. Cook the onions in the butter for 2-3 minutes until softened. Pour the cream over the sliced potatoes in a pan. Add the garlic and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to the boil then stir in the leeks and onions. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish to a depth of 4 cm (1 1/2 in), covering with all the cream. Place the dish into a roasting tray filled with very hot water and bake in the pre-heated oven for 1 hour until the potatoes are cooked through and golden brown on top. To check the potatoes during cooking, just pierce with a small vegetable knife. When it goes through easily you will know they are cooked. Remove the dish from the hot water. As a finish you can top with the grated Cheddar and glaze under a hot grill until golden brown.

Garlicky Chickpeas with Potatoes and Tomatoes

Garlicky Chickpeas with Potatoes and Tomatoes

Canned chickpeas, also called garbanzos, combine with canned diced potatoes and tomatoes for a flavorful meal seasoned with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. For a complete one-dish meal add a drained can of chopped spinach or even cooked fresh greens if you’re lucky enough to have some.

1 T. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried savory
1/4tsp. or more red pepper flakes (optional)
One 16-oz. can diced white potatoes, drained
One 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained (and rinsed, If possible)
One 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, basil, savory, and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes, and then salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook until the flavors are blended and the tomatoes are somewhat broken up and saucy, about 10 minutes.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed

1 egg

1/3 cup all-purpose flour (use graham flour for a nice taste!)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup milk (or more)

 

Mix sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl with egg. Stir in the flour and add the baking powder.  Add up to 1/3 cup of milk, stirring. Stir in 1 tbsp butter.  The mixture should have the consistency of thick, lumpy sauce like an “instant” pancake mix Place a non-stick or heavy iron skillet over medium heat on top of the stove and add 1/2 tsp butter.  Spoon batter into the skillet and cook until bubbles rise to the surface of the pancakes and break. Approx. 1 to 2 minutes.  Using a spatula, flip the pancakes and cook another 2 minutes. Remove pancakes from the skillet and keep warm on a covered plate in the oven. Freezes Well!

 

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Naan Bread

Naan Bread

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

4 T. white sugar

1 C. warm water

1 egg, beaten

3 T. milk

2 tsp. salt

4 1/2 C. bread flour

2 tsp. minced garlic (optional)

1/4 C. butter, melted

 

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Proof until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise until the dough has doubled in volume. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small amounts of dough to make 12 to 14 pieces. Roll into balls, and allow to rise again. While the dough is rising, preheat grill to high. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until done, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue cooking until all the naan has been prepared.

 

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Lemon Basil Pan Potatoes

Lemon Basil Pan Potatoes

2 medium-size red potatoes
1 medium zucchini
1 T. butter or margarine
1 T. olive oil
4 green onions, sliced
1 T. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/3 C. packed chopped fresh basil eaves or fresh parsley

 

Cut potatoes in half. Place halves cut side down, and cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Pat dry, and set aside. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Place halves cut side down, and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Set aside. Melt butter in oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add potato slices, and cook 6 to 7 minutes or until browned. Stir in zucchini, green onions, and next 3 ingredients. Cover and cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in basil. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

 

Cheesy Muffins

Cheesy Muffins

¼ C. Milk

¼ C. Vegetable Oil

½ C. Plain Yogurt

2 Eggs

1 ¼ C. Flour

½ tsp. Baking Soda

1 ½ tsp. Baking Powder

¼ tsp. Paprika

½ tsp. Salt

Pepper

1 C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

4 Scallions, sliced

1/3 C. grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350 and line a muffin pan with paper cups.  Combine milk, oil, yogurt and eggs in a bowl.  In another bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, paprika, salt and pepper.  Stir in cheese and scallions.  Add liquid to flour mixture and mix quickly before spooning into paper cups.  Sprinkle parmesan on top and bake for 20 minutes.

 

From Lunch Boxes and Snacks

 

 

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Pinto Beans

Pinto Beans

4 C. water

2 C. pinto beans, Or Black Beans, 1 lb

1/2 C. onions, Chopped

1/4 C. vegetable oil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin seeds

2 cloves garlic, Crushed

1 slice bacon

 

Mix the water, beans, and onion in a 4-quart Dutch oven. Cover and heat to boiling. Boil 2 minutes and remove from the heat; let stand for 1 hour. Add just enough water to the beans to cover. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat to boiling. Cover and reduce the heat. Boil gently, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, about 2 hours, (add water during the cooking time if necessary); drain the beans. Beans can be covered and refrigerated up to 10 days.

Patti’s Potato Salad

Patti’s Potato Salad

3 lb. red-skinned potatoes, well scrubbed Salted water to cover

6 large hard-cooked eggs, divided

1 medium red onion, peeled, finely chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 medium celery ribs, washed, finely chopped

2 tsp. celery seeds or more to taste

2/3 C. mayonnaise

2 T. yellow mustard

3 T. sweet pickle relish

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced, optional

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Paprika for sprinkling

 

Place the potatoes in a large pot.  Add enough salted water to cover them by 1 inch.  Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes until tender, but not mushy, about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Pour out most of the water and place the pot in the sink. Run cold water over the potatoes for about 2 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle. Drain well. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl. Chop 4 of the hard-cooked eggs and add to the potatoes along with the red onion, green pepper and celery. Sprinkle with celery seeds. Gradually stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, relish and, if desired, minced jalapeno, being careful not to smash the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Slice the remaining 2 hard-cooked eggs and arrange on top of the salad. Sprinkle the top with paprika.  Serve immediately, or chill, tightly covered, in the refrigerator, about 2 hours.

 

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Fat Smash Lentils with Grilled Mushrooms, Asparagus and Asparagus Broth

Fat Smash Lentils with Grilled Mushrooms, Asparagus and Asparagus Broth

2 C. Mushrooms

3 tsp. Olive Oil

3 C. Cooked Lentils

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 C. steamed and chopped Asparagus (save woody ends for broth)

2 tsp. Basil, chiffonade (reserve stems for broth)

Salt and Pepper

 

Broth:

2 tsp. Olive Oil

1/4 C. each diced carrot, onion and celery

2 cloves Garlic, whole

2 tsp. White Wine

1/2 C. asparagus ends, roughly chopped

3 C. Vegetable Broth

1 Bay Leaf

Basil Stems

Salt and Pepper

 

Broth: Heat olive oil over medium heat and sweat carrot, onion, celery and garlic for two minutes. Add white wine and cook another minute. Add asparagus, broth, basil, and bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Strain and set aside.  Meanwhile toss mushrooms with 2 tsp. olive oil and grill them on medium heat for two minutes per side. Let mushrooms cool, then slice. Heat one tsp. olive oil in sauté pan over high heat; add garlic and sweat until aromas are released. Add lentils, mushrooms and asparagus and cook for one minute over high heat. Add asparagus broth and bring to a summer. Heat through until all ingredients are hot. Remove from heat; add fresh basil; season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Cheesy Potato Fans

Cheesy Potato Fans

Peel or leave the skins on medium size baking potatoes. Slice them into about one-quarter inch thick slices, without going all the way through. Put a thin slice of onion and a small piece of cheese between the potato slices, give a brushing with some melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil and place on the grill about an hour and a half before serving time. When the potato feels soft through the foil, it’s done.

 

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Fat Smash Blueberry Banana Bread

Fat Smash Blueberry Banana Bread

2 Egg Whites

1 Large Egg

1-3/4 C. Gold Medal Enriched Flour

1 C. Mashed Banana

1-1/4 C. Blueberries

2 tsp.  Baking Powder

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1/4 tsp. Salt

5 tsp. Salted Butter

1/2 C. Sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder together in mixing bowl. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and gradually beat in sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and whites one at a time. Slowly add part of the flour mixture to butter mixture and mix thoroughly. Add part of the mashed banana mixture and mix well. Repeat process with flour and bananas until all is mixed together. Gently stir in fresh blueberries. Transfer to a greased 9″x5″ loaf pan. Bake 65-70 minutes. Remove from pan and cool before serving.

Bloomin’ Onion Bread

Bloomin’ Onion Bread

Bloomin’ Onion Bread1 unsliced loaf sourdough bread
12-16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced
1/2 C. butter, melted
1/2 C. finely diced green onion
2 tsp. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the bread lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through the bottom crust. This can be a little tricky going the second way but the bread is very forgiving. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Insert cheese slices between cuts. Combine butter, onion, and poppy seeds. Drizzle over bread. Wrap in foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

Bacon and Scallion Corn Muffins

1/4 lb sliced lean bacon

1/3 C. thinly sliced scallion

1 C. yellow cornmeal

2/3 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. double-acting baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

3 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 C. milk

 

Cook bacon until it is crispy. Blot with paper towels& crumble it. Drain off all but 1 T. of the fat from the skillet, and use remaining bacon grease to cook the onion over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened. Into a bowl sift together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, butter, sour cream, and milk. Stir in bacon, onion, and cornmeal mixture, and beat the batter well. Divide the batter among 12 well-buttered 1/3-C. muffin tins and bake the muffins in the middle of a preheated 425 degree F. oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden. Turn the muffins out onto a rack and let them cool.

 

 

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Fat Smash Lentils

Fat Smash Lentils

1 1/2 C. French Lentils

1 tsp. diced Carrot

1 tsp. diced Celery

1 tsp. diced Onion

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 tsp. diced Mushrooms

1 tsp. EVOO

2 tsp. Red Wine

2 1/2 C. Chicken Stock

1 Bay Leaf

Salt and Pepper

 

In saucepan over medium heat sweat lentils, carrot, celery, onion, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil. Add red wine and cook for two minutes. Add chicken stock and bay leaf. Simmer under tender and liquid is absorbed, approximately 60-90 minutes. Remove Bay Leaf and serve.

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

 

1 cup basmati rice

handful of lemongrass stalks obtained from 1 to 2 lemon grass stems

1.75 cups to 2 of water

salt (optional)

a few drops of sesame oil (optional)

 

Clean wash and soak the rice in water for 15 to 20 mins. Then drain the rice and keep aside. Rinse the lemongrass stem first. Chop the lemon grass stem. In a pressure cooker add the rice and lemongrass stalks. Add water, salt and sesame oil. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on a low to medium flame. I have kept the rice grains slightly sticky as that’s how we like this rice with Thai curries. If you want separate grains then cook for 2 whistles. When the pressure settles on its own, remove the lid. Fluff and discard the lemongrass stalks before serving. Serve the aromatic lemongrass rice hot with your choice of any Thai vegetable dish or stir fried dish.

 

Polenta with Tomatoes

Polenta with Tomatoes

1/2 C. Yellow Cornmeal

1/2 C. Cold Water

1 1/2 C. Boiling Water

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 C. chopped Onion

1 clove Garlic, minced

2 T. chopped fresh Marjoram, divided

1 Tomato, cut into 6 slices

2 T. finely crumbled Bleu Cheese or Gorgonzola

 

Mix cornmeal and cold water in 2 quart nonstick saucepan.  Stir in boiling water and salt.   Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils; reduce heat.  Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat.  Cool to room temperature.  Spray a 11 x 7″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Stir onion and garlic into cornmeal mixture.  Spread in baking dish.  Sprinkle with half the marjoram.  Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours.  Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Spray cookie sheet with  nonstick cooking spray.  Cut cornmeal mixture into 6 rectangles; place on cookie sheet.   Bake 5 minutes.  Place tomato slice on each rectangle.  Sprinkle with remaining marjoram and cheese.  Bake 5 – 7 minutes longer or until tomato is hot and cheese begins to melt.

 

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Marble Potatoes

Marble Potatoes

1 can whole potatoes, well drained

1 tsp. Olive oil

1 tsp. Butter

1 Garlic clove, chopped finely

Kosher salt

Black pepper, freshly cracked

Parsley, chopped finely

 

Using a melon baller, make rounded balls from the potatoes. They can be made the day before, covered and refrigerated. When ready to cook the potato balls, heat skillet on medium heat, add an equal amount of olive oil and butter. Sauté the potato balls in a large frying pan until done, shaking the pan periodically (this takes about 5 to 10 minutes). Add chopped garlic, salt and pepper to taste. DO NOT BURN THE GARLIC. Remove from heat, plate up on each individual plate, add parsley leaves and serve.

 

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Bacon Cheddar Bread

Bacon Cheddar Bread

Cheddar-Bacon-Bread6 cups all purpose flour

3 1/4 cups warm water

2 tsp. instant yeast

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

10 strips cooked bacon, chopped and divided

fresh ground black pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl combine water, yeast, salt and sugar. Allow mixture to sit for several minutes.  Add flour, two cups of cheese, 1/2 bacon and fresh ground black pepper. Stir with spoon until combined. Dough will be shaggy. Don’t stress if it looks messy. It will come together in the end.  Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour.  After an hour, turn dough out onto a floured board and knead for a few minutes. It does not need to be completely smooth. Just knead it long enough to come together and place dough into a loaf pan.  Cover loaf with remaining cheese and bacon. Cover with towel and allow to rest for thirty minutes.  Bake in a 400º oven for fifteen minutes. Cover loosely with foil and reduce heat to 350º and continue baking for another 25 minutes. Remove foil and allow to bake for another 5 minutes.   NOTE! Readers have alerted me that the pan I use is apparently larger than the standard 9×5. Therefore, either divide the batch in half and make two smaller loaves, or cut off about 1 1/2 cups of the dough for a taller loaf. Use the leftovers to make a couple of mini loaves or bake in muffin cups.

Angel Hair Pasta – Summer

Angel Hair Pasta – Summer

2 lb. fresh plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped

1 C. coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves

3 T. sherry vinegar

1 3-1/4 oz jar capers, drained and rinsed

salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. capellini or angel hair pasta

1/4 to 1/2 C. olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)

 

Combine tomatoes and basil. Marinate at room temperature 1 to 2 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Blend vinegar, capers, salt and pepper into tomato mixture. Bring large amount of salted water to rapid boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender but still firm to bite; drain well. Transfer to platter. Add enough oil to coat. Mix in tomato sauce. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Ann’s Craisin Muffins

Ann’s Craisin Muffins

4 eggs

2 C. sugar

2 C. milk

2-3 C. Craisins

1 C. vegetable oil

4 C. stirred flour

4-1/2 tsp. baking powder

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whip eggs, oil and milk until liquids are frothy. Stir together flour, baking powder and sugar; stir gently into liquid mixture. Add Craisins all at once. Stir gently but do not over mix. Spray two 12-cup muffin tins with vegetable coating, covering very well. Heap batter to top of C. s. Bake 30 minutes or until muffins are light brown and a toothpick comes out just moist. Makes 18 to 24 muffins.

Angel Biscuits

Angel Biscuits

2 packages dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)

2 cups buttermilk

5 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup shortening

 

Combine yeast and warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add buttermilk to yeast mixture, and set aside. Combine all remaining ingredients except shortening in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk mixture, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn biscuit dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times.  Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, for 1 hour. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until browned.

Amish Onion Cake

Amish Onion Cake

 

3-4 medium white onions, chopped

2 cups cold butter or margarine, divided

1 tablespoon poppy seed

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

5 eggs

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup sour cream

 

In a large skillet, cook onions in 1/2 cup butter over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir in the poppy seeds, salt, paprika and pepper; cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; set aside. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and sugars. Cut in 1-1/4 cups butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Melt the remaining butter. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sour cream and melted butter. Make a well in dry ingredients; stir in egg mixture just until moistened. Spread into a greased 10-inch springform pan. Spoon onion mixture over the dough. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Amish Friendship Bread

Amish Friendship Bread

Starter:
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
Bread:
3 eggs

2/3 cup oil

2 cups Flour

1 C. Sugar

1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup Chopped nuts or raisins, (optional)

Pour starter into plastic container and cover loosely. Do not refrigerate. Days 2, 3 and 4, Stir Day 5: Add 1 cup EACH of flour, sugar and milk. Stir. Day 6, 7, and 8: Stir. Day 9 Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar and milk. Pour out one cup of starter, and divide remainder into three portions. Add remaining ingredients to your portion of starter that you are using. Pour into well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes. Check after 45 minutes. Will fit in three small loaf pans.

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

 

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.  While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it’s free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.  Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.  Melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.  Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

 

Leftover baked macaroni and cheese, refrigerated for at least overnight

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 egg beaten with 2 ounces water

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Oil for deep frying, preheated to 375 degrees

 

Cut refrigerated macaroni and cheese into slices or bite size pieces.  Season the flour with salt, pepper and cayenne. Dredge each piece through the flour and gently tap off excess. Dip in the egg wash and then coat with the bread crumbs. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes so the crust can set. Very carefully drop into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet fitted with a rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving.