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Category: Starches

Cranberry and Chestnut Dressing

Cranberry and Chestnut Dressing

 

Cooking spray

1 C. chopped onion

3/4 C. chopped pancetta (about 5 ounces)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 C. dry white wine

1 C. dried cranberries

1/2 C. coarsely chopped bottled chestnuts

1 T. chopped fresh sage

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces day-old Italian or French bread, torn into 1-inch pieces

2 1/4 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, pancetta, and garlic; cook 8 minutes or until onion is tender and pancetta is browned, stirring frequently. Stir in wine; cook until liquid evaporates, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Remove from heat. Add cranberries, chestnuts, sage, salt, and pepper to pancetta mixture; stir until combined. Combine pancetta mixture and bread in a large bowl. Pour broth over bread mixture; toss to combine. Spoon into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

 

Chanterelle-Potato Salad with Pancetta, Shallots, and Thyme

Chanterelle-Potato Salad with Pancetta, Shallots, and Thyme

 

12 ounces fresh chanterelle mushrooms or 10 oz. shiitake mushrooms

6 ounces slab pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced

3 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved lengthwise (if potatoes are longer than 2 in., cut into quarters)

4 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. butter

1 medium shallot, minced

1/3 C. Chardonnay or other white wine

2 T. chopped fresh tarragon

1 T. chopped chives

1/2 C. White-Wine Vinaigrette

 

Preheat oven to 375°. Wipe chanterelles with a damp cloth or scrape with a knife to remove dirt; cut away dry, woody parts. Tear mushrooms into 1-in. pieces. Cook pancetta in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until crisp and browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels, reserving drippings. Toss potatoes with 3 T.. reserved pancetta drippings (see Notes), garlic, thyme, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Divide potatoes between two 9- by 13-in. glass baking pans. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until tender, well browned, and crispy, 25 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and keep warm. Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook until soft, 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add Chardonnay, remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper; scrape up browned bits and cook until liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. In a large bowl, toss together potatoes, mushrooms, pancetta, tarragon, and chives. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve warm, with fennel-spiced wild salmon.

Kamut Salad

Kamut Salad

 

 

Cook in chicken broth:

 

1 1/2 Cups Kamut or Wheat Berries

 

Drain and cool completely.  If using Kamut, cook at least 2 hours on low.

 

In large mixing bowl combine kamut along with:

 

1 Cup assorted Toasted Nuts & Seeds I used a quarter cup of each: Flax Seeds, Almond Slices, Sunflower Seeds and Walnuts

1 Cup assorted Dried Fruits cut small – I used a quarter cup of each:  Currants, Craisins, Dates and Figs

1/2 Cup Chopped Parsley

1/2 Cup Thin Sliced Green Onions

1-2 T. Minced Garlic

1 T. Oregano.

 

In separate mixingb owl or in a small cuisinart combine

 

2 T. Balsamic Vinegar

2 T. Soy Sauce

2 T. Worcestershire

1 T. Honey

2 tsp Dijon Mustard

Fresh Ground Black Pepper

 

Start whisking or turn on blender and slowly pour in

 

3 T. Olive Oil

 

Once combined, add dressing to salad – stir it up and let it sit in the fridge over-night for optimal flavor.

Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola

Gnocchi with Spinach & Gorgonzola

 

2 17-ounce packages gnocchi

Salt

3/4 C. walnut halves, roughly chopped

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

4 large cloves garlic, grated

2 10-ounce boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 pound gorgonzola crumbles

1 C. chicken or vegetable stock

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat to cook the gnocchi. Once boiling, add some salt and the gnocchi, and cook according to package directions. Place a small skillet over medium heat with the chopped walnuts. Toast the nuts, tossing them frequently in the pan until they are golden brown and smell toasted. Remove from the heat and reserve. While the water is coming up to a boil and the nuts are toasting, place a medium-size skillet with EVOO over low heat. Grate the garlic over the pan and gently cook in the oil for a minute or two, shaking the skillet every now and then. Add the spinach and toss to combine with the oil, then season with a little bit of salt and a lot of pepper. Add the chicken stock and bring up to a bubble. Once the stock is simmering, add the gorgonzola crumbles and toss until the cheese is nice and melted. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat. Ladle gnocchi into serving bowls, sprinkle with the toasted chopped walnuts and serve.

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Herbs

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Herbs

1 large clove garlic, minced 

1 fat shallot, minced 

2 cups chopped tomatoes, any ripe and juicy variety (or a combination) 

⅓ cup loosely packed herbs, chopped (a combination of at least two: basil, marjoram, thyme, Italian parsley, fennel fronds) 

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 

Zest of 1 lemon 

⅛ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 

 1 lb. tagliatelle or fettucine (fresh or dried egg pasta) 

 

n a medium bowl, combine the garlic, shallot, tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, a big pinch of salt, and a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine, then cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rest at room temperature at least 30 minutes or up to several hours. When ready to eat, put a large pot of salted water on the stove to boil. Cook pasta to al dente, then drain. Taste tomato sauce, adding more salt if necessary. Toss drained pasta with tomato sauce and serve immediately.

Extra Cheesy Crescent Mozzarella Wedges

Extra Cheesy Crescent Mozzarella Wedges

1 (8 ounce) package Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 T. Italian Seasoning

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Place dough out on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet.

 

Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Brush with butter; sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian Seasoning and cheese. Bake at 375 degree oven for 15-17 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is lightly browned. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Farro Salad with Bacon & Cauliflower

Farro Salad with Bacon & Cauliflower

 

 

To enhance this version, add a handful or two of walnuts or pecans. Some crumbled goat cheese might also be nice here.

 

4 cups farro, cooked according to package instructions*

10 slices good-quality bacon, thinly sliced

1 head cauliflower, florets roughly chopped

4 large handfuls of arugula (or other leafy green, such as spinach)

3 tbsp. olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

2 tsp. salt

freshly ground pepper

1 cup pecan halves

 

In a large skillet, sauté the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel with a slotted spoon, but leave the fat in the skillet over the heat.  Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet and sauté for about 7 minutes, or until they become tender and begin to brown slightly. Remove the florets to a paper towel with a slotted spoon. Let the bacon and cauliflower cool, then toss with the farro and arugula. Drizzle with the olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss until the salad is evenly coated. Top with pecan halves.  Variations:  walnuts or pecans can be added.  Try with crumbled goat cheese.   *I buy pearled farro from Whole Foods (in the bean section for some reason). The package asks you to soak it overnight. I just add about 6 cups of water to the 16 oz. that come packaged and boil for 30 – 40 minutes, or until the farro is tender, but still somewhat chewy. Drain off any excess water, cool and you’re ready to make a salad.

English Batter Buns

English Batter Buns

 

2 packages (1/4 ounces each) active dry yeast

1 C. warm milk (110° to 115°)

1/2 C. shortening

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs, beaten

3-1/2 C. all-purpose flour

Butter, melted

 

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Add shortening, sugar, salt, eggs and 2 C. of flour; beat 2 minutes. Stir in remaining flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Stir batter vigorously for 25 strokes (dough will be slightly sticky). Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups. Tap pans to settle the batter. Cover and let rise until batter reaches tops of cups, about 20 minutes. Bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter. Yield: 1 dozen.

Savory Orange Dressing

Savory Orange Dressing

 

1 C. sliced celery

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/3 C. butter

2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules

2-1/2 C. boiling water

1 package (14 ounces) seasoned stuffing cubes

1/2 C. shredded carrot

1/4 C. orange juice

2 tsp. grated orange peel

 

In a small skillet, sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. In a large bowl, dissolve bouillon in boiling water. Stir in the stuffing cubes, carrot, orange juice, peel and the celery mixture. Spoon into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings.

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing

 

2 medium acorn squash

1/4 C. chopped celery

2 T. chopped onion

2 T. butter

1 medium tart apple, peeled and diced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 C. fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 C. sugar

2 T. water

 

Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of squash halves so they sit flat. Place squash hollow side down in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Add 1/2 in. of water. Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. Add the apple, salt, lemon juice and pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat until apple is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cranberries, sugar and water. Cook and stir until berries pop and liquid is syrupy. Turn squash halves over; fill with cranberry mixture. Cover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until squash is tender.

Rich N Creamy Potato Casserole

Rich N Creamy Potato Casserole

 

6 medium potatoes

2 C. (16 ounces) sour cream

2 C. (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

4 T. butter, melted, divided

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. Peel and grate potatoes; place in a bowl. Add the sour cream, cheddar cheese, 3 T. butter, green onions, salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Drizzle with remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Lemony Alfredo-Style Fettuccini

Lemony Alfredo-Style Fettuccini

 

2 C. loose-pack frozen broccoli, green beans, pearl onions and red pepper (or California, oriental or Italian blend)

8 ounces dried spinach fettuccine or plain

2 ounces cream cheese, cut up

1/2 C. evaporated fat-free milk

1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Dash ground nutmeg

 

Cook the mixed vegetables according to package directions, except omit any salt. drain and keep warm.

Cook the fettuccine according to package directions, except omit any oil or salt. drain fettuccine. return to pan. cover; keep warm. Add cooked vegetables, cream cheese, evaporated milk, parmesan cheese, lemon peel, pepper and nutmeg to pasta in pan. Heat through, tossing gently until cream cheese is melted and fettuccine is well coated. Serve immediately.

Sweet Beans and Noodles

Sweet Beans and Noodles

 

8oz. dried Linguine

1 ½ C. frozen shelled Edamame

1 C. shredded Carrot

10oz. container refrigerated Alfredo Sauce

2 tsp. snipped fresh Rosemary (or ½ tsp. dried)

 

Cook linguine according to package directions, adding soybeans and carrot in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Drain and return to pan. Add alfredo sauce and rosemary to noodle mixture in pan; toss to combine. Heat through and serve.

Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes

Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes

 

 

1 pound spinach, washed, dried, stems removed

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

2 lemons, zested

1 1/2  C. orzo, cooked to al dente

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the bowl

24 basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced

Salt and pepper

 

Pile spinach leaves in stacks 1 on top of the other. Thinly slice stacks of leaves to make spinach confetti. Pile shredded spinach into the bottom of a medium sized mixing bowl. Halve grape or cherry tomatoes with a paring knife and add them to the mixing bowl. Add the zest of 2 lemons to the bowl and save the lemons in the refrigerator to juice for another recipe. Add hot cooked and drained orzo pasta to the mixing bowl. The heat of the pasta will wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes at the bottom of the bowl and get the juices flowing from veggies. The heat of the pasta will also release the flavor and oils in the lemon zest. Drizzle 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta and toss to combine the veggies and orzo. Add basil and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Taste your orzo to adjust seasonings and serve.

Bulgur Wheat with Dried Cranberries

Bulgur Wheat with Dried Cranberries

1 C. water

1/2 C. dry bulgur wheat

1 1/2 T. chicken bouillon granules

1 tsp. butter

1/4 C. dried cranberries

 

Bring water to a boil in a pot, and mix in bulgur, bouillon granules, and butter. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes.  Fluff cooked bulgur with a fork, and gently mix in the dried cranberries.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Spinach Lentil Sauté

Spinach Lentil Sauté

1 C. lentils, sorted and rinsed
1 C. long grain rice
2 quarts water
1 C. onion, diced
2 tsp. garlic, chopped finely
1 T. olive oil
1 pound fresh mushrooms, washed and quartered
1 package (lO-oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 C. grated Swiss cheese

Bring water to a boil; add lentils and rice. Simmer until lentils are tender; drain and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, spinach, salt, pepper and cayenne. Sauté mixture until mushrooms are almost cooked through. Stir in reserved lentils; heat through. Remove from heat to a serving dish and sprinkle with cheese.

Braided Herb Bread

Braided Herb Bread

1 T. Salt

1 T. Rosemary

4 tsp. active dry yeast

7 C. All-purpose flour

2 1/2 C. Water

1 T. Butter

1 Egg, slightly beaten

 

In a large bowl, combine salt, rosemary, yeast and 2 1/2 cups flour. In 2 quart saucepan over low heat; heat water and butter until very warm (120 to 130 degrees F). Butter does NOT need to melt completely. With mixer at medium speed, gradually beat liquid into dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1 cup flour or enough to make a thick batter; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. With spoon, stir in 3 1/2 cups flour to make a soft, sticky dough.  Place in a greased bowl; cover with towel. Let dough rise in a warm place, away from draft, until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.  Punch down dough and turn onto well floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Divide into 6 equal pieces; roll each piece into an 18 inch rope. On one side of a large cookie sheet, braid 3 ropes. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover with towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Brush tops of loaves with egg. bake 30 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped with fingers. Remove to racks to cool.

Asiago Potatoes

Asiago Potatoes

16 small red bliss potatoes (about 2 inches in diameter)

12 garlic cloves

1/2 C. olive oil

10 large basil leaves

1/2 lb Asiago cheese, grated

1 C. mayonnaise

Garnish:  paprika

 

Generously cover potatoes and 1 T. salt with cold water in a medium pot, then simmer until tender, about 12 minutes.  Drain potatoes and rinse with cold water.  Cool to room temperature in refrigerator, about 40 minutes.  Meanwhile, cook garlic in oil at a bare simmer in a small heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 12 minutes.  Drain garlic, reserving oil for another use, then mash to a paste.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in middle.  Mince basil, then stir together with garlic paste, cheese, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste.  Using a small melon-ball cutter or a tsp., scoop out a hole in each cooled potato, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.  Stuff potatoes with cheese mixture and bake in a pan until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Red Beans & Rice

Red Beans & Rice

Red Beans & Rice1/2 pound dry kidney beans, sorted and rinsed
7 C. vegetable stock or chicken broth
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 C. celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
4 C. hot cooked rice
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper

Cook and drain beans. In a large pan, heat vegetable stock (or chicken broth). Add the beans, onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. While beans are cooking, prepare rice according to package directions. Continue cooking the beans until they become tender. Watch the pot carefully to prevent scorching of beans. Add more water to the pot as needed. When beans are tender, remove bay leaves, and serve over hot cooked rice in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste.

Garlic-Cheese Toasts

Garlic-Cheese Toasts

 

1/2 C. cream cheese, softened

1-1/2 T. chopped fresh chives

1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. bottled minced garlic

24 (1/2-inch thick) slices slender French baguette, toasted

 

Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Spread 1 tsp. cream cheese mixture over one side of each toasted baguette slice.

 

Yield: 24 servings

Calories: 51

Fat: 1g

Fiber: 0g

Dinner Rolls

Dinner Rolls

 

4 1/4 – 4 3/4 C. Flour

1 pkg. Dry Yeast

1 C. Milk

1/3 C. Sugar

1/3 C. Shortening or Butter

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 Eggs

 

Combine 2 C. of flour and the yeast; Set aside.  Heat and stir milk, sugar, shortening, and salt just until warm and shortening almost melts.  Add to flour mixture along with the eggs.  Beat with an electric mixer on low speed  30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.  Beat on high 3 minutes. Using spoon, stir in as much flour as you can.

 

Turn dough on lightly floured surface and knead enough remaining dough to make the dough stiff and elastic.  Shape dough into ball.  Place into greased ball and turn to coat.  Cover and let rise until double.  Punch dough down.  Turn onto lightly floured surface.  Divide dough in half and allow to rest 10 minutes.  Shape dough into desired rolls.  Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until nearly double.

 

Butterhorns: roll dough into circle.   Cut like a pizza, and roll crescents up.  Brush with melted butter

 

Rosettes:  Divide each dough half into 16 pieces.  Roll each piece on lightly floured surface.  Roll into 12” rope.  Tie in loose knot.  Leaving 2 long ends.  Tuck top end under roll.  Bring bottom up and tuck into center.

 

Parker House Rolls:  Roll dough and cut into round pieces.  Make an off-center partial cut with a dull knife.  Fold so larger piece hangs over the lower.

 

Cloverleafs:  Roll small pieces into small balls.  Place 3 in greased muffin cup.

 

Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown

 

Tomato Bacon Cups

Tomato Bacon Cups

 

1 small tomato, finely chopped

1/2 C. mayonnaise

1/2 C. real bacon bits

1/2 C. shredded Swiss cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tube (12 oz.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separated into 10 biscuits

 

In a small bowl, combine the tomato, mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, onion and basil; set aside. Split each biscuit into three layers; press each layer into an ungreased miniature muffin C.. Spoon tomato mixture into C.. Bake at 450° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Spinach Balls

Spinach Balls

2 (10 oz.) pkgs. Chopped Spinach, cooked and Drained
2 C. Seasoned Stuffing Mix
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. Butter, softened
1/4 tsp. Pepper
6 Eggs, Beaten
1/2 tsp. Salt

Combine spinach, stuffing mix, 1 C. Parmesan cheese, eggs and butter. Roll balls in remaining Parmesan cheese to coat lightly. May be frozen and baked later. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Serve warm on small plates.

Roasted Garlic on Baguette

Roasted Garlic on Baguette

 

4 whole garlic bulbs

2 tsp. olive oil

1/4 tsp. salt (sea salt) preferred

1 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper

1 whole French baguette sliced

Some dried rosemary or thyme — crumbled
1/4 cup chicken stock or

1/4 cup water and 1 cube chicken bouillon or white wine

Prepare garlic by removing some of the silk outer leaves from the heads and cut off 1/4″ tips off the heads to expose clove. Place heads in a garlic baker or in a small baking dish, place them snug together. Drizzle each head with 1/2 tsp. of oil and sprinkle with the salt. Pour the stock/wine around the garlic. Cover and bake at 350 oven for 30-45 minutes. Remove cover, baste with more oil and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 min., until garlic is tender and husks are golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper. Serve by squeezing the warm cloves out of their skins or with a small pointy knife, whip the gloves from their skins, and spread onto crackers or slices of French bread (baquette). Serve on a board or plate, garnished with sprigs of chives, cilantro or Italian parsley and slices of Norwegian or Greek Goat cheese. Roasted bell peppers (red, green and yellow), olives make a good addition to the plate.

Red Onion Crostini

Red Onion Crostini

 

3 tsp. plus 6 tsp. Olive oil
2oz. Pancetta (Italian Bacon), finely chopped
3 lg. Red onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. Minced garlic
T. Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Fennel seeds, crushed
2 tsp. Sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar

6 5 x 3 x 1/2 -inch slices country-style bread, toasted
Chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat 3 tsp. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta; sauté 3 minutes. Add onions, garlic, lemon juice and fennel seeds; sauté until onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook until onions are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over medium-low heat before continuing.)  Drizzle each toast slice with 1 tsp. oil. Divide onion mixture among toasts. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Pesto Appetizer Squares

Pesto Appetizer Squares

 

4 C. Original Bisquick® mix

1 C. milk

2 eggs

1/3 C. pesto

Marinara sauce

 

Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.    Stir together all ingredients except marinara sauce. Spread in pan.   Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; cut into 2-inch squares. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.   Pesto Appetizer Squares are also delicious dipped in olive oil. Pour a small amount of olive oil in a saucer, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and pepper. It’s a tasty alternative to marinara.

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs

 

1 1/4 C. water

1/3 C. shortening

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

4 eggs

3/4 C. finely chopped pepperoni

3/4 C. finely shredded Romano or parmesan cheese

2 T. snipped fresh parsley

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Grease 2 large baking sheets; set aside. In a large saucepan combine water & shortening.  Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously.  Cook & stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Stir in pepperoni, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, & pepper. Drop dough by rounded tsp. 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake at 450~f for 15-17 minutes or till golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

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.

Mozzarella Cheese Puffs

Mozzarella Cheese Puffs

 

1 cup flour, sifted

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. Paprika

1/2 cup butter or margarine

6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Sift the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and the cheese. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1″ in diameter. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Also substitute different cheeses. I might use cheddar with chopped walnuts or provolone, sun-dried tomatos, and basil.

Fireside Popovers with Brie

Fireside Popovers with Brie

 

2 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.

Holiday Italian Herb Crescent Christmas Trees

Holiday Italian Herb Crescent Christmas Trees

 

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup prepared sour cream and chive dip (I use recipe 101256)

10 medium cherry tomatoes, sliced into 30 slices

1 medium yellow bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll cans of dough and separate into 4 long rectangles; firmly press perforations together. Sprinkle each rectangle with 1 tablespoon cheese and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle, forming 4 rolls (like a jelly roll). With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices (now they look like pinwheels). To form 1 tree, on cookie sheet, (I line mine with parchment paper it’s easier to move trees to cool and to final decorating plate), Place 1 slice, cut side down, for top of tree. Arrange 2 slices below, sides touching. Continue arranging rows of 3, 4, and 5 slices. Use remaining slice for trunk. Bake first tree 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on wire rack. Repeat for 2nd tree on another cool cookie sheet. Place trees on serving platter. If you do not have a decorators bag and tip, spoon the dip into a zip lock bag. Cut 1/4 inch hole in bottom corner of bag; and pipe over tree like garland, and a dollop of dip in on each pinwheel except trunk. Place tomato slice on each pinwheel except top and bottom ones. With 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch star shaped cutter, cut 2 stars from yellow bell pepper; place one on top of each tree. Chop remaining bell pepper; sprinkle over trees. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving time.

Cheese Twists

Cheese Twists

1 C. Flour

1/4 tap. Garlic Powder

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Ground Red Pepper

1 C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

1/4 C. Butter

3-5 tsp. Cold Water

1 Beaten Egg

2 tsp. Toasted Sesame Seed or Poppy Seed

 

In large mixing bowl combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper.  Cut in cheese and butter until pieces are the size of small peas.  Sprinkle 1 tsp. water over part of the mixture.  Toss gently with a fork to coat.  Push to side of bowl.  Repeat until all flour mixture is moistened.  Shape dough into ball.  On lightly floured surface, flatten dough with hands.  Roll out dough from center to edges, forming a 10” square.  Brush with egg.  Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed.  Cut dough into 5 x 1/2” strips.  Twist each strip.  Place on lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake in 400F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheese-Stuffed Bread

Cheese-Stuffed Bread

1 lb round or oval French bread, unsliced

12 oz cheese, shredded or diced

1 oz blue or any soft cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup chopped fresh (or 1-2 TBS dried) herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, dill and/or parsley)

1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped

 

With curved knife, remove center from loaf of bread in one piece, leaving 1-inch shell; set aside. In bowl combine cheeses, herbs and onion and mix thoroughly. Spoon about 1/3 mix in bottom of bread shell. Using serrated knife, carefully cut reserved center of bread into 2-inch squares, keeping shape intact. Replace in bread shell. Press remaining cheese into all openings between pieces. Place on baking sheet and heat in 325F oven for 15 minutes or until cheese melts.

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws

8oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 C. butter, softened

1 C. Flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and butter. Blend in the flour and salt. Form the mixture into 6 balls. Roll the balls into slender “snakes.” Cut each “snake” into 4 straws. Bake the straws for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Parmesan Witches’ Broomsticks

Parmesan Witches’ Broomsticks

2 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix

2/3 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  

Heat oven to 350°F. Stir Bisquick mix and milk until soft dough forms. Place dough on surface dusted with Bisquick mix; gently roll in Bisquick mix to coat. Shape into ball; knead 10 times.  Shape dough into 30 one-inch balls. Roll 15 balls into 15 six-inch ropes to make broomstick handles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Pat remaining balls onto 1 end of each broomstick handle. Dip fork into Bisquick mix; press fork firmly on balls to make bristles.  Brush egg over dough. Sprinkle cheese over dough bristles. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.   High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Bake 13 to 18 minutes.

Parmesan Cheese Straw Twists

Parmesan Cheese Straw Twists

 

2/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. paprika

1 package (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, slightly beaten

 

Heat oven to 425ºF. Cover 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper or heavy brown paper.    Mix cheese and paprika. Roll 1 sheet of pastry into 12×10 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface with floured cloth-covered rolling pin.    Brush egg over pastry. Sprinkle with 3 T. of the cheese mixture. Press cheese mixture gently into pastry. Turn pastry over. Repeat brushing with egg and sprinkling with cheese mixture.    Fold pastry lengthwise in half. Cut pastry crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. Unfold strips and roll each end in opposite directions to twist. Place twists on cookie sheet.     Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Repeat with remaining sheet of pastry, egg and cheese mixture. Serve warm or cool.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

1 loaf french bread

6 cloves garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

6 roma tomatoes

1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

4 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried basil

 

Slice the bread lengthwise once and cut each half in half the short way. Process the garlic and olive oil in a mini chopper until it is blended and brush it on the open faces of the four bread pieces. Slice the tomatoes into rounds, and cover the bread. Sprinkle the oregano and basil evenly over the pieces and then do the same with the cheese. Cook on a cookie sheet or foil under the broiler until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread just start to brown (5-15 minutes).

  

  

BRUSCHETTA, CROSTINI and CROSTONI

 

Bruschetta originated in the central part of Italy, and has now spread to other parts. In Tuscany it is called “Fettunta”, that literally means oiled slice.

 

In the regions of Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio, Marche and the Abruzzi the original basic bruschetta was always the same 1/2″inch slice of home-made bread, at least 2 days old, unsalted close type of bread with a good crust. It was toasted on a grill over a wood fire, rubbed with garlic while still hot and seasoned with sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil.

 

Crostini and Crostoni are variations in size of Bruschetta. Crostini are thinner and Crostoni are thicker. They evolved from the original basic Bruschetta recipe to their present day forms. Some recipes can be quite sophisticated, pretty far away from the original peasant roots.

 

TIPS

 

1. Bruschetta, Crostini and Crostoni are very quick and easy to prepare, but please always remember to use only the best quality extra-virgin olive oil and good bread.

 

2. If you don’t have time to bake your own bread, buy a good firm loaf.

 

Never use a loaf which, when you squeeze the crumbs between your fingers, becomes a ball of dough. The bread should spring back after being squeezed.

 

3. Traditionally, bruschetta was cooked over charcoal; today it is more often toasted on a ridged cast iron griddle. These methods give the bread a slightly charred flavour as well as an attractive ridged pattern.

 

4. Crostoni are either toasted under the grill (Us broiler) or in the oven. Crostini are cooked in the same way. The meaning is clear: an antipasto come before the meal (il pasto), and its function is to prepare the stomach for the courses.

 

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

5 oz dried linguine

2 mixed-color zucchini

1/2 a bunch of fresh mint (Â¥2 oz)

1 oz Parmesan cheese

1 lemon

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the package instructions, then drain, reserving a cupful of cooking water. Meanwhile, slice the zucchini lengthways, then again into long matchsticks with good knife skills or using the julienne cutter on a mandolin (use the guard!). Place a large non-stick frying pan on a medium-high heat with 1 T. of olive oil, then add the zucchini. Cook for 4 minutes, tossing regularly, while you finely slice the mint leaves, then stir them into the pan. Toss the drained pasta into the zucchini pan with a splash of reserved cooking water. Finely grate in most of the Parmesan and a little lemon zest, squeeze in all the juice, toss well, then taste and season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper. Dish up, finely grate over the remaining Parmesan, and drizzle with 1 tsp. of extra virgin olive oil before tucking in.

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.

Bleu Cheese Crisps

Bleu Cheese Crisps

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tsp. grated onion

3/4 cup crumbled bleu cheese

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

3/4 cup flour, sifted

 

Preheat oven 450 degrees. Mix all ingredients well. Shape into small balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Press with fork to form small wafers. Chill 2 hours. Bake in 450 degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown.