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Category: Sandwiches & Lunch Dishes

Green-On-Green Sandwiches

Green-On-Green Sandwiches

Green-On-Green Sandwiches 

4slices whole grain bread

2T. Herb Pesto (recipe below)

1/4 C. Pickled Red Onions (recipe below)

1/2C. large spinach leaves

1medium tomatillo or tomato, very thinly sliced

1/4 avocado, thinly sliced and brushed lightly with lime juice

1ounce thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2C. scored and thinly sliced English cucumber

4 leaf or bibb lettuce leaves

 

Place bread slices on a cutting board. Spread slices evenly with the Herb Pesto. Arrange Pickled Red Onions evenly over two slices. Layer the spinach, half of the tomatillos, the avocado, cheese, the remaining tomatillos, cucumbers, and lettuce over onions. Top with the remaining two slices bread, pesto side down. Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

 

Pickled Red Onions

 

1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced (2 C.)

1/2C. red wine vinegar

1T. sugar

1/4tsp. salt

 

In a medium bowl combine vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stir in onion. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Chill for longer storage (up to 3 days). Drain before using.

 

Herb Pesto

 

1 1/2 C. packed fresh basil leaves

1/4C. slivered almonds, toasted

2T. snipped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley

2 T. snipped fresh tarragon

1 large clove garlic, quartered

3T. olive oil

1/4tsp. cracked black pepper

1/8tsp. salt

 

In a food processor or blender combine basil, almonds, parsley, tarragon, and garlic. Process until herbs are finely chopped. Add oil, pepper, and salt; process to a coarse puree. Transfer pesto to a small bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto. Chill. May be made up to 1 week ahead.

 

 

Yield: 2 sandwiches

Calories: 302

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 7g

Waffled Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Waffled Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

Vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray

1 quart leftover or uncooked stuffing (stuffing made with egg works best)

2 C. leftover gravy

8 oz. grated Comté or Gruyère cheese

1 lb. sliced roast turkey breast

1 T. butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T. chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, tarragon, or chervil

 

Adjust oven rack to 5 inches below broiler element and preheat broiler to low. Preheat a four-well Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and add 1 C. of stuffing to each well. Close waffle iron and cook, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Set waffles aside. While waffles bake, make the gravy cheese sauce. Heat gravy in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in 6 oz. of cheese. Continue whisking until completely smooth. For a glossier sauce, blend with a hand blender until shiny, about 1 minute. Keep warm. Place the waffles in a large oven-safe skillet or on a foil-lined broiler pan. Top with sliced turkey. Ladle half of cheese sauce over turkey, followed by remaining grated cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, fry the eggs. Melt the butter in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and cook until whites are cooked through but yolks are still liquid, about 2 minutes. Top broiled turkey waffles with fried eggs, ladle remaining gravy over the whites of the eggs, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with herbs, and serve immediately.

 

BLT Corn Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

BLT Corn Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

BLT Corn Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

1/2 C. yellow cornmeal

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

2 eggs

1 C. whole milk

1 C. fresh sweet corn kernels or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed and drained

Nonstick cooking spray

2 large green or red tomatoes, sliced

8 slices thick sliced applewood smoked bacon

3 T. packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 C. fresh mesclun mix

1 recipe Buttermilk Dressing

1 C. cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. For corn cakes, in a small bowl combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, lightly whisk together eggs and milk. Add cornmeal mixture to egg mixture; mix well. Stir in corn. Evenly coat a griddle or skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat on medium-high heat until hot. Pour about 1/3 C. batter for each cake onto the griddle, spread to about 4 inches in diameter. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to platter; cover and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter. (Yields about 8 corn cakes) Meanwhile, for candied bacon, line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil. Arrange bacon strips about 1 1/2 inches apart. In a small bowl stir together brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Spoon mixtures evenly oven bacon. Bake 14 to 16 minutes until bacon is browned and crisp. Transfer to paper towel; cool. Halve slices. To assemble, place one corn cake on each of four plates. Layer half of bacon pieces, the tomato slices, some mesclun, and remaining corn cakes. Drizzle with Buttermilk Dressing, and top with remaining bacon, mesclun, and cherry tomatoes.

 

Buttermilk Dressing: Combine 1/3 C. buttermilk, ¼ C. fat free Greek Yogurt, 2 tsp. snipped dill, 1 tsp. Lemon Juice and a bit of pepper to a mason jar and shake until well combined.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 442

Fat: 16g

Fiber: 4g

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Thai Lettuce Wraps

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 T. Asian Fish Sauce

Finely Grated Zest of ½ Lime

1 tsp. fresh Lime Juice

1/2 tsp. honey

1/8 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed

1 T. peanut oil

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 fresh Thai, serrano, or jalapeno chile, seeded and finely chopped

1 scallion (white and green parts), finely chopped, plus more for serving

1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed, outer layers removed, inner core minced (optional)

1 pound ground pork, not too lean if possible (or use ground turkey)

5 C. (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach

1/2 C. fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

Chopped cashews, for serving

Thinly sliced shallots, for serving

Shredded Carrots, for Serving

Lime Wedges for Serving

Lettuce Leaves, for Serving

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime zest and juice, honey, and the 1/8 tsp. salt. Heat the peanut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, chile, scallion, and lemongrass if using. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Then stir in the pork and cook until it is well browned and most of the juices have evaporated, about 7 minutes. (Use a flat spatula to press down on the pork so it can get very browned and crispy on the bottom. This adds great flavor and texture.) Add the soy sauce mixture and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Toss in the basil. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Baked Brie Strata

Baked Brie Strata

Baked Brie Strata

2 small Zucchini, cut crosswise into ¼” thick slices, about 2 C.

Salt & Pepper

Olive Oil Pam

6 slices Whole Wheat Bread, dried, and torn into bite sized pieces

4.4oz. pkg. Brie, cut into ½” cubes

1 C. halved Cherry Tomatoes

4 Eggs

2/3 C. evaporated Fat-Free Milk

1/3 C. Scallions, sliced

3 T. chopped fresh Dill

Salt and Pepper

 

In covered medium saucepan, cook zucchini in a small amount of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and transfer to medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Meanwhile, coat a 2 quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange 4 C. of the bread in the baking dish. Arrange zucchini and tomatoes on top. Cover with remaining 2 C. of bread pieces. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, green onions, dill, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over bread mixture in baking dish. Lightly press down layers with the back of a spoon. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 325. Remove plastic wrap and cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and then back an additional 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 216

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 3g

Beefy Hand Pies

Beefy Hand Pies

Beefy Hand Pies

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

1/2 small red onion, chopped

1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves

1 slice white bread, crusts removed

1/4 pound ground beef

1 T. ketchup

2 T. freshly grated parmesan

Salt and pepper to season

One 7.5 ounce store bought refrigerated piecrust

1 egg, beaten with a pinch of salt

Put the oil in a small frying pan, add the onion, and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme and set aside. Put the bread in a food processor and whiz into crumbs. Add the sautéed onion, beef, ketchup, and parmesan, plus salt and pepper to taste and whiz again to combine.  Preheat the oven to 400’f. Roll out the piecrust to 1/6 inch and trim into two rectangles about 7 x 5 inches. Halve the meat mixture and roll into two 7 inch sausages. Put one in the center of each rectangle and brush the edges of the crust with the egg. Roll the pastry over the meat to enclose it, and cut each roll into two pieces with a sharp knife (wipe the knife between each cut), crimp the open ends of each with a fork to seal. Put the pies on a baking sheet, seam side down. Cut decorations, such as hearts or stars, from the left over piecrust. Brush the pies with the egg and attach the decorations, then brush the decorations with the egg.  Bake the pies for 18-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Use a thin spatula to transfer the pies to a wire rack to cool. They are most delicious served warm but can be served cold. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Suitable for freezing, unbaked, for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

Turkey, Muenster, and Cranberry Sandwich

Turkey, Muenster, and Cranberry Sandwich

Turkey, Muenster, and Cranberry Sandwich

 

3 thin slices Roast Turkey

1 small slice Muenster Cheese

2 slices Whole Grain Bread

1 T. Mayonnaise

2 tsp. chopped Dried Cranberries

1 tsp. finely sliced Scallion

Salt and Pepper

Small handful shredded Lettuce

 

Lay turkey and cheese on one slice bread, mix together mayonnaise, cranberries, scallion and seasonings.  Spread over the cheese, then scatter lettuce on top.  Add second slice of bread and cut into 4 pieces.

 

 

From Lunch Boxes and Snacks

Pea and Ricotta Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons

Pea and Ricotta Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons

Pea and Ricotta Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons

5 T.  extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, to drizzle

2 spring onions, trimmed, finely chopped

2 1/2 cups  frozen peas

4 C. firm full-milk ricotta

1 cup finely grated parmesan, plus extra shaved, to serve

1 1/2 cups plain flour

1 egg

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 zucchinis, peeled or shaved into ribbons

4–6 slices Prosciutto

2 tablespoons small basil leaves

 

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and stir for 3 minutes or until soft. Add peas and stir for a further 5 minutes or until peas are soft. Process mixture in a food processor until almost smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cool. Add ricotta, 40g (1/2 cup) parmesan, flour and egg to pea mixture, season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Line a large oven tray with foil, then drizzle with oil. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Using a tablespoon, scoop a spoonful of pea mixture. Using a second spoon, scoop under the mixture and gently push the oval-shaped scoop (quenelle) into the water. Working quickly, repeat to make 10 gnocchi. Cook for 2 minutes or until gnocchi float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on tray. Repeat process 3 more times; makes 40 gnocchi.

Zucchini Noodles with Bacon, Ricotta & Peas

Zucchini Noodles with Bacon, Ricotta & Peas

Zucchini Noodles with Bacon, Ricotta & Peas

2 large zucchini, spiralized into spaghetti noodle shapes

3 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped

1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1/2 cup frozen peas, defrosted

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

 

Heat a large skillet with the olive oil over medium high heat. When the skillet is hot add in the spiralized zucchini noodles, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the skillet for no more than one minute, just long enough to warm the noodles. Remove from the heat and top with the chopped bacon, peas, dollops of ricotta cheese, chopped basil, and more salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

Absolute Best Roast Beef Sandwich

Absolute Best Roast Beef Sandwich

Absolute Best Roast Beef Sandwich

1/2 cup good-quality sour cream

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

2 tablespoons unsweetened all-natural applesauce

2 tablespoons panko or plain breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

Salt and coarse black pepper

8 slices white or peasant bread from a large round loaf

8 slices rare roast beef or about 2/3 to 3/4 pound thinly sliced leftover steaks of any cut

1/4 cup minced red onion or 1 large shallot, finely chopped

A handful flat-leaf parsley, very finely chopped

1 small red chile pepper, such as fresno or cherry, seeded and finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

1 small bunch watercress–trimmed, cleaned and dried

1/2 pound brick of the sharpest white cheddar available to you, thinly sliced (itll be crumbly if its very sharp)

 

Combine the sauce ingredients. Heat a panini press, cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat.   On a work surface, spread the horseradish sauce liberally over 4 slices of bread. Arrange 2 slices of rare roast beef over the sauce. Combine the red onion (or shallot) with the parsley, chile pepper and lemon zest and sprinkle liberally over the roast beef. Arrange a layer of watercress over the beef. Divide the cheese evenly among the sandwiches and set the remaining bread slices in place. Press the panini 2 at a time on the panini press or in a hot skillet with a pan weighted on top.

 

Wiggly Rice Noodle and Herb Salad with Sweet Shrimp

Wiggly Rice Noodle and Herb Salad with Sweet Shrimp

Wiggly Rice Noodle and Herb Salad with Sweet Shrimp

1 cup snow peas

2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal

2 scallions (white and green parts)

4 ounces thin rice-stick noodles

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, or more to taste

1 teaspoon honey

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Fill a large saucepan with salted water, and bring to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Add the snow peas to the boiling water, cook for 1 minute, and remove with a slotted spoon to the ice bath to cool. Repeat with the carrots. Thinly slice the peas, and cut the carrots into similarly sized matchsticks. Cut the scallions into 1½-inch sections and then thinly slice lengthwise into matchsticks.  Keep the pan of water on the stove but turn off the heat underneath it. Add the noodles and let steep in the hot water for 5 minutes, then drain well, and put in a large bowl. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the shrimp, sugar, 2 teaspoons of the lime juice, 1 teaspoon of the fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of the sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro.  Add the snow peas, carrots, scallion, mint, and remaining ½ cup cilantro to the rice noodles.  In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice, remaining noodles and stir to mix in the shrimp, or let the shrimp cool, mix into the noodles, and serve the dish at room temperature.

Roast Beef Rubens with Horseradish Russian Dressing & Sauerkraut

Roast Beef Rubens with Horseradish Russian Dressing & Sauerkraut

Roast Beef Rubens with Horseradish Russian Dressing & Sauerkraut

3/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup (a small handful) fresh dill, chopped

About 3 tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped

3 tbsp. ketchup

3 tbsp. relish

2 rounded tbsp. beet horseradish

Salt and pepper

Softened butter

8 slices Jewish marble rye

8 slices smoked Gouda

1 jar (16oz.) or 1 sack (1lb.) traditional refrigerated sauerkraut

1 tsp. each caraway and cumin seeds

1 1/4 lbs. rare roast beef, deli cut

8 slices Jarlsberg cheese

Half-sour or garlic deli pickles

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, dill, chives, ketchup, relish and beet horseradish. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.    Butter one side of each slice of the bread and heat a griddle pan over medium.    With the buttered side facing down, top 4 slices of the bread with some of the dressing and 2 slices each of the smoked Gouda.     In a small saucepan, heat the sauerkraut with the seeds over medium just to heat through, about 5 minutes.  Top the Gouda with the roast beef and sauerkraut, then the Jarlsberg. Top with the remaining bread, buttered side up. Griddle until the cheeses melt and the bread is deep golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Cut the sandwiches from corner to corner and serve with the pickles.

Sandwich Bread Waffles

Sandwich Bread Waffles

Sandwich Bread Waffles

2 eggs (separated)
2 C. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C. buttermilk (or add 1 tsp of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 min)
2 T. melted butter
1/4 C. of green onion, chopped
3/4 C. of grated cheese (I used Tillamook White Cheddar – so good!)

Beat the egg whites until just firm; set aside. Add all the dry ingredients to a clean mixing bowl; whisk to combine. Beat the egg yolks and add them to the milk. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ones. Add melted butter and beat on low until just combined. Add the shredded cheese and the green onion and mix in. Fold the egg whites into the mix and stir gently until just combined. Preheat your waffle iron. Add batter and cook according to manufacturers’ directions.

Use these waffles to make a sandwich, instead of regular sandwich bread. Excellent as bread for a BLT or a Turkey, Bacon, Swiss sandwich.

Green Chile Waffled Quesadillas

Green Chile Waffled Quesadillas

Green Chile Waffled Quesadillas

4 flour tortillas
1 C. shredded Mexican- style cheese, such as queso Chihuahua or Monterey Jack
1⁄4 C. chopped canned green chiles

Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Coat both sides of the waffle iron grid with nonstick spray. Place a tortilla on the waffle iron and, taking care because the waffle iron is hot, spread half of the cheese and half of the green chiles evenly across the tortilla, leaving a margin of an inch or so around the edge of the tortilla. Top with another tortilla and close the waffle iron. Check the quesadilla after 3 minutes. When the cheese is melted and the tortilla has golden brown waffle marks, it is ready. Remove the quesadilla from the waffle iron. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the remaining ingredients, cut into wedges, and serve. Notes: For a more substantial meal, add one of the following to the tortilla in Step 2: • 1⁄2 C. shredded chicken or pork • 1⁄2 C. sliced steak • 1⁄2 C. refried beans Garnish with one or more of the following: • Chopped scallion • Crumbled bacon • Sour cream • Salsa • Guacamole

WBLT (Waffled Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato)

WBLT (Waffled Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato)

WBLT (Waffled Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato)

3 strips bacon
1 T. Butter, room temperature
2 slices sturdy Sandwich Bread
1 small ripe tomato, cut into ½ inch slices
2 leaves lettuce, washed and dried completely

Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Place the bacon strips in the waffle iron and close the lid. To ensure the bacon cooks thoroughly and evenly, make sure no part of the bacon is hanging out of the waffle iron. After 4 minutes, check the bacon—thin-cut slices could be ready, though thicker cuts may need I or 2 minutes more. When the bacon is crispy without being blackened, remove it from the waffle iron and set aside. Turn the waffle iron down to low. Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each piece of bread. Spread the mayonnaise on the other side of one slice of bread and place it—mayo side up—on the waffle iron, as far away from the hinge as possible. (This allows the lid to press down on the sandwich more evenly.) Distribute the bacon, tomato, and lettuce evenly across the sandwich. Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up. Close the lid of the waffle iron and cook until the bread is golden brown, 2 minutes. About halfway through, you may need to rotate the sandwich 180 degrees to ensure even pressure and cooking. Remove the sandwich, slice it in half diagonally, and serve. Variations: Add a slice of Avocado; Sub Arugula for Lettuce, Sub smoked salmon for bacon, Add sliced hard boiled egg, sub roasted red pepper for the tomato, sub pesto for mayo.

Pizza Waffles

Pizza Waffles

Pizza Waffles

1 package crescent rolls (8 pieces)
1 1/3 C. mozzarella cheese
pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
pizza sauce for dipping

Preheat waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Unroll crescent rolls. You will have 8 triangles. Pinch seams to connect 2 triangles so you form 4 rectangles. Place 1/3 C. mozzarella cheese and pepperoni in each rectangle. Fold over and pinch to seal all sides. Repeat with remaining sections. Place each piece of dough on the preheated waffle iron. Close and cook 5 minutes or until browned. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.

Mexican Cauliflower Chili Scramble

Mexican Cauliflower Chili Scramble

Mexican Cauliflower Chili Scramble

Olive oil cooking spray
½ head cauliflower, grated on the large side of a box grater (about 3 cups yield)
2 tablespoons minced onion
½ cup small-diced red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup crushed tomatoes
Salt
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup very small broccoli florets
12 large egg whites or 1 pint of liquid egg whites
1 avocado, cut into bite-size chunks

Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook until browned; transfer to a bowl. Add the onion, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder and garlic powder to the skillet and cook until the onion and bell pepper have softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until the mixture is soft and thick. Add the cauliflower, season with salt and red pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Transfer the vegetable “chili” to a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean, lightly coat again with cooking spray, and place over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg whites and cook, scrambling them, about 2 minutes. Season. Spoon the eggs and cauliflower chili onto four plates; top with avocado and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 185
Fat: 5.5g
Fiber: 7g

Club Salad

Club Salad

Club Salad

2 slices deli turkey, cut into ribbons
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 slice crumbled bacon
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
1 tablespoon low-fat mayo (or other under 50 calorie dressing)

Toss lettuce with mayo or dressing and arrange on plate. Top with remaining ingredients. Serve with 5 pita chips for 245 calories.

Skinny Welsh Rarebit

Skinny Welsh Rarebit

Skinny Welsh Rarebit

4 slices Crusty Wheat Bread, Toasted
2 T. Butter
2T. flour
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup beer
1 tsp. dry mustard heaping
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 whole egg yolks
fresh chives Chopped

Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk together until combined. Cook for about 2 minutes. Pour in milk and beer, whisking constantly and cook another minute. Add mustard, paprika and cayenne and whisk. Add cheese and continue to whisk slowly, cooking and whisking until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat, whisk in egg yolk and serve over crusty bread. Top with chives for garnish.

Skewered Buffalo Mozzarella Parcels

Skewered Buffalo Mozzarella Parcels

Skewered Buffalo Mozzarella Parcels

Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic, crushed
Rosemary Sticks, for skewers
Ciabatta bread, cut or torn into small pieces
Buffalo Mozzarella, cut or torn into pieces the same size as the bread
Smoked Pancetta
Arugula
Lemon Juice

Add garlic to olive oil in bowl along with a few rosemary leaves. Toss bread and mozzarella in bread and let marinate for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Take 1 piece bread and 1 piece mozzarella and stack them on each other. Wrap a piece of pancetta around them and push onto a rosemary stalk. Repeat until its mostly full (probably about 4 balls per skewer). Preheat grill while you finish for all bread and mozzarella. Grill for 5-6 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Squeeze lemon into bowl that held the olive oil, cheese and bread, and whisk it. Add arugula and toss with your hands to lightly coat. Place arugula on plate, top with skewer and enjoy.

Waffled Ham and Cheese Melt with Maple Butter

Waffled Ham and Cheese Melt with Maple Butter

Waffled Ham and Cheese Melt with Maple Butter

1 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 slices sandwich bread
2 oz. Gruyère cheese, sliced
3 oz. Black Forest ham, sliced
1 T. Maple Butter

Preheat the waffle iron on low. Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each piece of bread. Pile the cheese and ham on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, and put the open-face sandwich in the waffle iron as far away from the hinge as possible. (This allows the lid to press down on the sandwich more evenly.) Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side up, and close the waffle iron. Check the sandwich after 3 minutes. About halfway through, you may need to rotate the sandwich 180 degrees to ensure even pressure and cooking. If you’d like, you can press down on the lid of the waffle iron a bit to compact the sandwich but do so carefully – the lid could be very hot. Remove the sandwich from the waffle iron when the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is melted. Spread the Maple Butter on the outside of the sandwich. Slice in half diagonally and serve. Makes 1 sandwich. Maple Butter: Combine 8 T. (1 stick) salted room-temperature butter with 1 T. maple syrup in a medium-size bowl and whip with an electric mixer or a whisk until well-blended.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2 slices sandwich bread
3 oz. cheddar cheese
2 T. salted butter, at room temperature

Preheat the waffle iron while you assemble the sandwiches. Spread one slice of bread with butter, only on one side (this is the side that will have direct contact with the waffle iron). Place the cheese slices on top of this slice of bread, then spread the other slice of bread with butter, only on one side. Place the unbuttered side against the cheese, then place this entire sandwich on the waffle iron. Close the top of the waffle iron, but do not press down and smash the sandwich. Let this cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Enjoy!

Wild Mushroom and Brie Quesadilla

Wild Mushroom and Brie Quesadilla

Wild Mushroom and Brie Quesadilla

1 C. Crimini mushroom, sliced
6 oz. oyster mushroom, sliced (approx. one head)
1 small shallot, diced (approx. 2 T. cooked)
1 T. white wine
1 – 8 oz. package brie
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 T. fresh sage, chopped
2 T. fresh rosemary, chopped
2 T. fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
8 Tortillas

Preheat 10″ sauté pan over medium heat. Add butter and mushrooms in sauce and cook until lightly browned- about 5-7 minutes. Add salt and pepper, shallots and prepared herbs and cook 3 minutes more. Pour wine in pan to deglaze for 2 minutes. Take mixture off heat and strain well in colander. Cool mixture. Place about 2 T. mushroom mixture in center of top half of each tortilla. Cut the cheese in eight slices. Pull slices of cheese apart with your fingers and spread equal portions over mushroom mix. Fold empty tortilla half over half with filling to form half moon shape. Pan fry quesadillas in 10″ nonstick pan with a T. of olive oil until golden brown on each side. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges and serve.

Vegetarian Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Olive Tapenade

Vegetarian Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Olive Tapenade

Vegetarian Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Olive Tapenade

1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into large pieces
6 scallions, trim off bottom root and top (6-inch slice)
1 Japanese eggplant, thinly sliced
1 head Belgian endive, slice root off, keep leaves whole
2 whole wheat rolls

Tapenade:
10 calamata olives, pitted
½ shallot, peeled and sliced
1 tsp. capers
½ tsp. olive oil

Sandwich: Grill carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant and scallions until soft and caramelized. Tapenade: In a food processor, chop all ingredients into a fine paste. Cut rolls in half and toast until light golden brown. Spread tapenade on both sides of rolls and build a great vegetarian sandwich with all of the grilled vegetables.

Fishy Bento Lunch

Fishy Bento Lunch

2 Pieces of Bread
Tuna
3 Carrots
1 Pretzel Rod
1 Twizzler String
Gold Fish Crackers
Blue Jell-O
1 Clementine
Heart Sprinkles (optional)

(This is never going to stay like this if you were really packing a lunch.  You need filler for the sandwich side, and that yellow?  Yikes, what a mess.  Easy lunchboxes aren’t leak proof.  I have several small boxes of different types to fit into the various wells of our multitudinous lunch boxes.   And I would probably exchange the crackers for little fish cut from carrots; I have a cutter for that.  It’s way carb / sugar heavy)

Cuban Pulled-Pork Sandwiches with Caramelized Onion & Thyme Mayo

Cuban Pulled-Pork Sandwiches with Caramelized Onion & Thyme Mayo

2 C. orange juice
2 tsp. dark rum
2 tsp. fresh lime juice (1 lime)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh oregano leaves

1 2-pound pork shoulder
3 tsp. orange juice
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4C.)
2 tsp. sugar
Pinch of salt
1 large crusty baguette (about 16 inches long), sliced in half lengthwise and cut into 4 equal
portions
2 C. finely chopped romaine lettuce, for serving
1/2 C. packed chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
Thvme Mayonnaise

For the marinade, in a small bowl, combine the orange juice, rum, lime juice, minced garlic, and oregano. Cut l-inch-deep slits all over the pork and place it in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the top, seal the bag, and shake it gently to coat the pork. Refrigerate overnight, for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours. Remove the pork from the bag and transfer it to the base of a standard 6-quart slow cooker. Pour 1/2 C. the marinade in the base of the slow cooker and discard the rest. In a food processor, pulse the orange juice, garlic, thyme, oregano, cumin, the 1/2 tsp. salt, pepper, and oil until smooth, about 3 pulses. Rub the paste all over the pork and into the slits. Cook on low until the pork is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 8 hours depending on the settings of your slow cooker. Using two forks, pull the pork into large chunks. For the caramelized onion, in a 12-inch nonstick skillet set over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 10 minutes. Add the sugar and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is a deep golden brown, about 12 minutes more. If the onion starts to burn, add a tsp. water to the pan. The caramelized onion will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. To assemble the sandwiches, lay the 8 baguette pieces on a clean work surface, cut sides up. Spread 2 tsp. the Thyme Mayonnaise on each of half of the baguette pieces. Divide the pork among half of the baguette pieces and top first with the lettuce, then with the onion, then with the fresh cilantro and the other halves of the baguettes. Serve.

Thyme Mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
1/2 C. mayonnaise
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme

In a small bowl, using a fork, mash the garlic with the salt and lime juice. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the acidity of the lime to soften the garlic. Stir in the mayonnaise and thyme. The thyme mayonnaise will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Owl Lunch

Owl Lunch

1 Babybel
2 Raisins
2 pieces of whole wheat bread (sandwich of choice)
2 Baby Carrots
Pretzel Spoons or Mini Pretzel Twists
1 Pretzel Rod
Kale Chips (or you could use green grapes)

Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Avocado Quesadillas

Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Avocado Quesadillas

3 T. grapeseed oil or olive oil
2 large yellow onions, halved and sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
10 oz. baby spinach
2 C. shredded Monterey jack cheese
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced
4 large flour tortillas

Add the oil to a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deep golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. (If the sides of the onions begin cooking too fast, lower the heat to medium-low, add a little more oil, and stir. Your goal is to have the onion slices cook as uniformly as possible.) Remove the onions from the pan and place them in a bowl. In the same sauté pan over low heat, add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the spinach to another bowl, then carefully wipe the pan dry with a paper towel. Return the pan to the stove and increase the heat to medium-low. Lay one tortilla flat in the pan. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 C. of cheese over the top. To the bottom half of the tortilla, add 1/4 of the caramelized onions, followed by 1/4 of the wilted spinach. Heat until the cheese melts and the tortilla is browned and crispy. Add the avocado slices (about 1/2 of an avocado per quesadilla), and immediately fold the tortilla in half, onto itself, and flip it over. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Using a spatula, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Cut into fourths. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients and serve with your favorite salsa or cilantro pesto.

Welsh Rarebit with Wild Onions

Welsh Rarebit with Wild Onions

Welsh Rarebit with Wild Onions

 

2 T. (30 mL) butter

½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped wild onions

2 Tbsp (30 mL) flour

1 tsp (5 mL) French’s mustard powder (or 1 Tbsp [15 mL] prepared mustard)

1 cup (250 mL) milk

½ cup (125 mL) apple cider (or beer)

1 tsp. (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce

½ cup (125 mL) blue cheese (like Stilton)

½ cup (125 mL) aged white cheddar cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices good rustic bread

additional chopped wild onions, for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to broil. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the wild onions and sauté for 1– 2 minutes. Add the flour and mustard powder and whisk until a smooth paste is formed. Add the milk, cider, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Grate the cheeses. Add to the sauce and stir until melted and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Toast the bread lightly and place on a baking tray, top with the cooled sauce, making an even thick layer. Sprinkle with the additional raw wild onions. Place under the broiler and cook until the sauce begins to brown and the onions slightly char, about 3– 4 minutes. Serve immediately. Reserve any extra sauce; it makes a great topping for tuna or salmon melts.

Tortas de Came a la Mostaza con Queso Suizo y Chiles Toreados (Dijon Steak and Swiss Cheese Tortas with Matador Chiles)

Tortas de Came a la Mostaza con Queso Suizo y Chiles Toreados (Dijon Steak and Swiss Cheese Tortas with Matador Chiles)

Who doesn’t love a great steak sandwich? This hearty version is one of my boys’ favorites. Simple to make, it packs a punch with the Dijon and garlic marinade, the strong cheese that melts into the bread, and the spicy, bright, salty, extra-hot, lime-soaked chiles toreados and their marinade.

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce or Maggi
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
2 pounds flank steak
6 bolillos. teleras, Portuguese rolls, or small baguettes or 2 or 3 baguettes cut into 4- to 6-inch lengths, split in half
6 thick slices Swiss or Muenster cheese
Matador Chiles

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil. soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and pepper. Place the steak in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Turn a few times to make sure that the meat is completely coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours. If marinating for more than 30 minutes, cover and refrigerate. Preheat the broiler. Place the baking dish with the meat under the broiler. 3 to 4 inches from the heat, and broil for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on how cooked you want it. For medium-rare, 5 minutes per side; for just over medium, the way I like it, 6 minutes on the first side and 7 minutes on the other. (Alternatively, you can grill the meat over medium-high heat on an outdoor grill or a grill pan for 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on how well done you like it; I go for 6 minutes per side.) Transfer the meat to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the meat against the grain. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the split rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. And place a slice of cheese on each bottom half. Bake until the bread crisps and the cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Top the cheese with the meat and let diners spoon on as much of the Matador Chiles, along with their sauce and onions, as they want (or do it for them if you know their tastes). Cover the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls and serve, with more Matador Chiles on the side.

Feta, Eggs, and Dandelion Greens

Feta, Eggs, and Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are very nutritious: they are high in calcium, rich in iron, and loaded with antioxidants. They are best harvested in springtime when the young greens are still tender and their flavor is mild. But blanching them in boiling w’ater first will remove some of their bitterness. Cultivated dandelions from the store are less bitter than wild ones, but in both cases it’s best to taste test them first. If you’re foraging your own, be careful not to gather them in areas that have been sprayed with pesticide.

4 C. chopped dandelion greens, thick stems removed
2 T. ghee (or butter)
1 leek, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
4 large pasture-raised eggs
1/4 C. crumbled feta cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dandelion greens and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the greens thoroughly, patting them as dry as possible with paper towels. Melt the ghee in a 10-inch sauté pan set over medium heat. Sauté the leeks in the ghee until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the dandelion greens one handful at a time. Cook each handful until wilted, then add more. When all the greens are wilted, crack the eggs into the pan on top of the greens. Top with feta cheese and cook uncovered until the whites of the eggs are set, about 5 minutes.

Roasted Turkey with Avocado, Bacon, Onion Marmalade and Mayonnaise Sandwich

Roasted Turkey with Avocado, Bacon, Onion Marmalade and Mayonnaise Sandwich

Roasted Turkey with Avocado, Bacon, Onion Marmalade and Mayonnaise Sandwich

 

6 fresh sage leaves

3.5 LB boneless turkey breast

2 T. unsalted butter, softened

kosher salt

black pepper

12 slices bacon

4 ciabatta rolls

0.5 C balsamic onion marmalade

1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and

sliced

4 T. mayonnaise

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slide the sage leaves under the skin of the turkey breast and place the turkey on a sheet pan. Rub the skin with the butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baste the meat with its juices throughout. (Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook even after it’s removed from the oven, so be careful not to cook it too long.) Allow the meat to rest before slicing, or cool completely. 3 In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Slice the ciabatta rolls in half. Place the turkey slices on the bottom halves and top with the marmalade. Place the bottom and top halves of the rolls in the 350°F oven and remove once the marmalade is heated through and the bread is toasted. Top the marmalade with the bacon, followed by the avocado. Evenly spread the mayonnaise on the top halves of the rolls. Close the sandwiches, cut into halves, and serve.

Smoked Salmon with Avocado, Green Mango and Basil Sandwich

Smoked Salmon with Avocado, Green Mango and Basil Sandwich

Smoked Salmon with Avocado, Green Mango and Basil Sandwich

 

1 small unripe mango, peeled and julienned

Juice from 1/2 lime

Kosher salt

8 thin slices pullman white bread, or other firm-texture bread with a soft crust

1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced

Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced

12 to 16 basil leaves

 

In a bowl, lightly toss the mango in the lime juice and season with salt. Lightly toast the bread. Place the avocado on 4 slices of the bread and gently mash and spread with a fork. Drizzle the avocado with the oil and season with pepper. Top with the mango, smoked salmon and basil. Add the top slices, cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters, and serve. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Boucheron with Grapefruit and Crispy Olives Sandwich

Boucheron with Grapefruit and Crispy Olives Sandwich

Boucheron with Grapefruit and Crispy Olives Sandwich

 

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/3 cup pitted Nicoise olives

1/4 pound slice of Boucheron goat cheese

1 large grapefruit

8 round slices from a french baguette

1 sprig fresh thyme

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss the olives with the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or casserole pan. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until crispy. Turn your exhaust fan on here, it might be a little smoky. While the olives are roasting, take the cheese out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature. Cut the grapefruit into supremes. (Cut off the top and bottom. Sit the grapefruit with one of the cut ends on the counter or cutting board. One section at a time, start at the top of the fruit and cut down the side removing the peel and white pith. Do this one section at a time, rotating around the fruit until you’ve removed all the white and peel. Now pick up the grapefruit and hold it in your hand. Carefully, use the knife in the other hand to remove the sections of fruit from the membrane, cutting at an angle. If you’d like to see a demonstration of how to make supremes, check out Ming Tsai’s tutorial here. It’s a lot easier after you’ve seen someone do it.) Remove any seeds from your grapefruit sections and set them aside in a bowl. When the olives are crispy, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool. Once they’ve cooled, put them on a cutting board and crush them lightly with the back of your knife. You just want to smoosh them a little.  Spread your bread slices on a baking sheet and toast lightly. When you’re ready to assemble, spread the softened cheese on your bread. Top with a grapefruit section and a few crispy olives. Sprinkle with a few thyme leaves. Serve immediately. Makes 8 little open-faced sandwiches.

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

Yields one 9- or 10-inch tart

 

One unbaked tart dough, placed on the tart pan (see recipe, below)

Dijon or whole-grain mustard, to taste

8 ounces goat cheese, sliced into 1-ounce rounds

2 pints of cherry tomatoes (or 2-3 large tomatoes, sliced)

1/4 cup olives, pitted (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or your favorite herbs

 

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Spread an even layer of mustard on the bottom of the tart dough.  Place 4 rounds of goat cheese on top of the mustard.  Arrange tomatoes (and olives, if using) on top of the cheese. Place remaining 4 rounds of cheese on top of the tomatoes.  Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, season with salt and ground pepper, and sprinkle chopped thyme.*  Bake the tart for 30 to 40 minutes, until the dough is cooked and the cheese is nicely browned.

 

*Note: I usually add chopped herbs after about 20 minutes of baking time so that they don’t burn.  For this recipe, I added some additional chopped thyme to the dough for extra flavor.

 

Tart Dough

Yields dough for one 9- or 10-inch tart

 

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 generous tablespoon chopped thyme (optional)

4 1/2 ounces unsalted butter, chilled, cut into cubes

1 large egg

2-3 tablespoons ice cold water

 

Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme in a medium-sized bowl. Add the butter and using your hands, pastry blender, or two forks, cut the butter into the flour/thyme mixture until it resembles a crumbly, cornmeal-like consistency.  Mix the egg with 2 tablespoons of the water. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten egg, stirring gently until the dough holds together. Add the additional tablespoon of ice water, if needed.  Gather the dough into a ball and roll the dough on a lightly floured surface, adding only the minimum amount of flour to keep the dough from sticking to the counter. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and then unroll it over the tart pan with a removable bottom. “Dock” the dough by pressing the tart dough firmly with your fingertips to make a few indentations. Be careful not to press too hard to tear the dough.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

jalapeno popper grilled cheese4 Jalapenos (small)
1 T. Cream Cheese
½ T. Ranch Dressing
1-2 T. Chives (chopped)
Dehydrated Tomato (two slices)
Cheese
Butter
Bread

First roast your jalapenos. You can do this on the barbeque, but since I was out of propane I roasted them on my stove element on medium-low heat (gotta make do with what you have!). While the jalapenos are roasting combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, chives and dehydrated tomato in a bowl, mixing until smooth. Once the jalapenos are done roasting, place them in a Ziploc bag for a few minutes, then peel the skins off, cut them in half and remove the seeds and spines. On one slice of bread spread the cream cheese mixture and lay out your jalapenos, then top with plenty of cheese (I just used Kraft Tex-Mex shredded cheese). Generously butter the outside of your sandwich and cook in a pan on medium heat until golden brown. Slice it In half and dig into this AMAZING grilled cheese sandwich!

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw

pulled-chicken-apple-cucumber-slaw-med108372_vert1 rotisserie chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1 Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks
2 English cucumbers, cut into matchsticks
2 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 hamburger buns

Shred chicken, discarding skin. In a large skillet, heat chicken, mustard, vinegar, honey, and 1/4 cup water over medium-high, tossing to combine, until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, stir together apple, cucumbers, scallions, and mayonnaise. Divide chicken mixture among buns and top with apple-cucumber slaw.

Sheet Pan Supper: Smoked Salmon Egg Boats

Sheet Pan Supper: Smoked Salmon Egg Boats

2 sourdough bâtard loaves or 4 sourdough demi baguettes
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (about 2 ounces)
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon
12 large eggs
1/2 cup crème fraîche (or sour cream in a pinch)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 scallions (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

eggboat

Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, cut a V-shaped section from the top of each bread loaf, stopping the knife about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the loaf. Remove the loose bread tops, and scoop out a bit of the inside, too, to form the boats. Discard the scooped bread (or save it to make homemade breadcrumbs). Place the boats on the prepared pan. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese and smoked salmon between the cavities of the boats. Whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, salt, pepper, and scallions in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the egg mixture into the boats, distributing it evenly between them. Scatter the capers atop the egg filling. Bake until the eggs are puffed and no longer jiggle when you shake the pan gently, 30 to 40 minutes. (If using demi baguettes, check for doneness around 20 minutes.) Let the boats cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle them with the fresh chives, slice into 8 pieces total, and serve warm.

More Egg Boat Fillings: Not into smoked salmon and capers? Try one of these other combinations to dress up your own perfect egg boat. Just place the ingredients in the bottom of the boat before adding the eggs.

Gruyère cheese + crumbled bacon + sautéed mushrooms
Feta cheese + halved cherry tomatoes + chives
Cheddar cheese + crumbled cooked sausage + chopped scallions