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Category: Condiments & Extras

Sunchoke Pickle

Sunchoke Pickle

1½ lbs sunchokes (a.k.a. Jerusalem artichokes), thoroughly scrubbed and cut into ½-inch dice

1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric

1 ounces garlic (about 8 cloves), chopped

½ ounce fresh ginger, minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 teaspoons pickling salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1½ cups water

 

Toss together sunchokes, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cumin. Pack the mixture into a jar with a capacity of at least 6 cups. Dissolve salt and sugar in the water. Pour brine over sunchoke mixture; it will not cover them at first. Add a brine bag (a gallon freezer-weight plastic bag containing 1 tablespoon salt dissolved in 3 cups water) or another suitable weight. The next day the brine should cover the sunchokes. If it doesn’t, add more brine mixed in the same proportions. Wait several days before tasting the pickle. After a week, the brine will be still sour, and the Jerusalem artichokes pleasantly, mildly spicy and still crunchy. When the pickle has fermented enough to suit your taste, store the jar in the refrigerator. Keep sunchokes weighted and under the brine so they won’t take on a grayish cast.

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

 

4 mini jelly jars with lids, 1.5 to 2 ounces (45 to 60 ml) in size

½ tsp. chopped fresh basil

½ tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

½ tsp. chopped fresh thyme

½ tsp. chopped fresh oregano

Salt, to taste

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

1 log goat cheese, 4 ounces (113 g)

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

Remove the lids of the jars so that the jars are ready to fill.  In a small bowl, mix together the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Cut the goat cheese log into fourths, and then cut the fourths into smaller pieces. Alternate layering the goat cheese pieces and herbs in each jar. Slowly pour olive oil into each jar until filled. Fasten the lids on the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. The olive oil will become firm in the refrigerator, so let the jars sit at room temperature until the olive oil becomes liquid again before serving.

Agave Caramel Corn  

Agave Caramel Corn  

Agave Caramel Corn

 

1/2 cup agave

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Dash salt

1 tsp. grated orange peel

1/4 tsp. baking soda

3 quarts popped popcorn

 

Melt butter in large saucepan; stir in sugar, agave and salt. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; boil without stirring about three minutes to 265°F. Remove from heat; stir in orange peel and soda. Place popcorn in large oven-safe bowl; slowly pour syrup over popcorn while stirring. Turn onto greased 15-1/4 x 10-1/4 x 1/4-inch baking pan. Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes; stir every 15 minutes. Cool. Break into serving-sized pieces. Store in airtight container.

Green Tomato Glaze

Green Tomato Glaze

Green Tomato Glaze

This all-purpose glaze made from slow-cooked unripe tomatoes, sugar, spices and local honey pairs well with any cut of pork—brushed onto seared pork tenderloin before roasting, as the base for a subtly-sweet low-acid BBQ sauce or even basted onto ribs in the smoker. A delicious way to use up green tomatoes from a home garden at the end of the season.

6–8 medium-sized green tomatoes

2½ cups cane sugar

½ tsp. salt

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

⅓ cup local honey

2 cinnamon sticks

Lemon zest

 

Roughly chop the tomatoes, and place in a medium-size saucepan. Add the salt, sugar and lemon juice, and begin to cook over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a soft boil, stirring often to break down the tomatoes. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium/low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring regularly so glaze doesn’t scorch. Once the glaze has reduced slightly, after about 40 minutes, add the cinnamon and lemon zest and stir to incorporate. Let simmer for another 15 minutes and remove from the heat to cool. Once cooled slightly, transfer the glaze to a container. Store in the fridge to get the final texture, which should be thick but still a little jiggly.

Shiso Pickled Cucumber

Shiso Pickled Cucumber

Shiso Pickled Cucumber

 

16fl oz white wine vinegar

3oz caster (superfine) sugar

2 T. sea salt

12 black peppercorns

a few thin slices of ginger

1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

1 thin red chilli, sliced lengthways and deseeded

1 good-sized cucumber, peeled and cut into 3mm (1∕8 in) half moons

8 large leaves of shiso, rolled and thinly sliced

 

Have a sterilized jar ready. In a pan, bring the vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns and ginger to a simmer, stirring to dissolve; simmer for 10 minutes. Put the garlic, chilli, half the cucumber and half the shiso into the jar. Pour two-thirds of the vinegar in, add the rest of the cucumber and shiso and top with the remaining vinegar. Refrigerate once cool. This should be excellent after a day, once the shiso loses a little pigment and flavor to the vinegar, and lasts for a week or so, after which the cucumber’s texture becomes a little gummy.

Apricot-Chamomile Jam

Apricot-Chamomile Jam

Apricot-Chamomile Jam

 

1 ½ T. dried chamomile

2 ¼ cups ripe apricots, pitted and thinly sliced

⅓ cup granulated sugar

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

 

In a spice grinder or food processor, grind the chamomile flowers until the blooms resemble small flakes or sprinkles. This happens very quickly, so you only need to pulse a few times. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the chamomile, apricots, 1⁄2 cup filtered water, sugar, and lemon juice. Using a wooden spoon, mix until combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the apricots begin to break down and soften. Using a potato masher, mash the apricot slices in the mixture to help break them down further. The mixture should be syrupy. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until it looks glossy and thick, 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Transfer the jam to a large, heatproof container, such as a mason jar, and let cool on the counter for about 1 hour. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Hubbard Squash Chutney

Hubbard Squash Chutney

Hubbard Squash Chutney

 

2 shallots, diced

1 T. grated ginger

1 T. ground garlic

1 T. ground Panch Puran (Bengali Five Spice)

1 tsp. ground coriander

½ cup white wine vinegar

4 cups roasted Hubbard squash

½ cup sunflower oil

Salt to taste

 

Cook shallots, spices, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent. Add squash and vinegar; cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the squash starts to stick to the pan. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes to deglaze. Transfer to a clean container and store in the refrigerator for up to . . . I don’t know. It’s never lasted more than a week!

Raisin Jam

Raisin Jam

Raisin Jam

 

1 pound golden raisins

4 cups water

2 cups sugar

¼ cup Angry Orchard Ice Cider or other dessert wine, like port, sherry or vin santo

¼ cup poppy seeds

½ cup olive oil

 

Place raisins in a high-sided or tall heat-proof jar, like a Mason jar. Combine water and sugar in a small pot and bring to a boil. Pour over the raisins and let sit until cool, about 1 hour. Then strain raisins and reserve the liquid. Transfer raisins to a food processor and begin pulsing. After 5 seconds of blending, add in 1 cup of reserved liquid and continue blending until it has a jam-like consistency. You may need to add a little more liquid. Remove from the food processor and place mixture into a bowl. Add Ice Cider/ dessert wine, poppy seeds and olive oil and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Return to the large Mason jar or divide between smaller ones and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Simple Remoulade Sauce

Simple Remoulade Sauce

Simple Remoulade Sauce

 

2/3 cup/165 ml mayonnaise, homemade or good-quality commercial

1/4 cup/60 ml Dijon mustard

2 green/spring onions, white and tender green parts, chopped

2 T. finely minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 T. sweet paprika

Dash of hot-pepper sauce

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, green/spring onions, parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, hot-pepper sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. The sauce will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before using.

Pineapple Scraps Vinegar

Pineapple Scraps Vinegar

Pineapple Scraps Vinegar

 

Not only is this a cool way to use leftover pineapple skins, but it’s one of my favorite ingredients for a tropical twist on a mignonette for oysters or to use in cocktails, salad dressings, sauces, ceviches, or any meat dish. Just use where you would any kind of vinegar.

 

1/4 cup sugar (consider using coconut, rapadura, or panela sugar)

3 C. warm spring or filtered water

Scraps and rind of 1 pineapple

 

In a sterilized 4-cup glass jar, dissolve the sugar in the water. Add the pineapple scraps and rind until the jar has 1/2 inch of room left at the top. Cover the mouth of the jar with a square of paper towel, cheesecloth, muslin, or light fabric, and secure with a rubber band. Place in a dark cupboard or pantry and allow to ferment for 2 to 3 weeks, opening the container daily to stir the contents for aeration. 3. After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the contents through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag into sterilized bottles and seal. The vinegar is ready to use now, or it can be fermented for another week or so, until you reach your desired taste. Store the final product in the fridge for up to 6 weeks (if you leave it at room temperature, it will continue fermenting).

Horseradish Butter

Horseradish Butter

Horseradish Butter

 

Great for burgers or steaks. Or over fish, or melted, to dip seafood in. I mean, butter, horseradish, garlic, and lemon juice. How far wrong can you go?

 

2 T. (28 g) butter, softened

1 T. (15 g) prepared horseradish

1 /2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

 

Combine everything in a small food processor and run until well-blended, or you can just mash it all together with a fork, if you prefer. By the way, the food processor is the reason I made two servings’ worth—one serving would barely be enough to reach the blades. Store any extra in a snap-top container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. If you want to halve this, blend it by hand.

 

2 SERVINGS, each with: 107 Calories; 12 g Fat (94.7% calories from fat); Trace Protein; 1 g Carbohydrate; Trace Dietary Fiber; 1 g Net Carbs

Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce

 

2 jalapenos, trimmed, seeded, and cut into large chunks

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or grated Parmesan)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 garlic cloves

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed

10 fresh mint leaves

1 T. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 to 2 T. white vinegar (start with 1, then taste)

1/4 tsp. table salt

 

Place the jalapenos, cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, cilantro, mint, lime juice, vinegar, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Store the sauce covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

 

1 Chicken Backbone

1 T. olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/2 yellow onion

10 thyme sprigs

splash white wine

2 cup chicken broth

juice of half a lemon

1 1/2 T. flour

 

Heat olive oil in pan. Add the chicken backbone and sear on all sides. Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft. Add thyme, lemon juice and chicken broth. Let simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain out large pieces and bring liquid up to a boil again. Scoop out a cup of liquid and whisk in cornstarch. Add mixture to hot liquid and whisk until smooth. The sauce should thicken and become gravy-like in texture. Salt and pepper as needed.

Hamlin’s White Sauce

Hamlin’s White Sauce

Hamlin’s White Sauce

 

1/2 cup very finely chopped or processed green olives or salad olives with pimientos

1/2 cup very finely chopped or processed yellow onion

2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup Litehouse blue cheese dressing

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/3 to 1/4 cup buttermilk, depending on the sauce’s use

 

In a bowl or mason jar, combine the olives, onion, mayonnaise, dressing, and garlic powder. Shake or mix well and refrigerate for 24 hours so the flavors come together. After this, add the buttermilk to your liking—less if you’re making a dip and more if you’re making a salad dressing.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

 

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1 T. oil

1 large garlic clove

One 15-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

5 grinds black pepper

2 T. chicken stock or water

 

Cook the onion in the oil in a medium pot over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute more, then add the drained peppers. Stir well. Your goal now is to blend it into a smooth sauce. For this, you can use either a processor, a regular blender, or even an immersion blender. Whatever you choose, add the cayenne, salt, black pepper, and the stock, and process or blend until smooth. Use or freeze.

Salsa Verde II

Salsa Verde II

Salsa Verde

 

With its oily acidity, salsa verde has so much of the vinaigrette about it, yet is barely a sauce in reality, with the merest oiliness keeping it mobile. Parsley is the beating heart of a good salsa verde, around which to adapt to what you have and what it is accompanying – perhaps upping the mint for lamb, the fennel fronds for fish, basil for roasted vegetables etc. I often add a finely diced shallot; sometimes a few chopped cornichons.

 

Makes a medium jarful

 

big bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves only

small bunch of basil or mint, leaves only (or use a combination)

4 anchovies, rinsed if packed in salt and finely chopped

2 T. salted capers, rinsed and roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 T. red wine vinegar or lemon juice

¾ fl oz good-quality extra virgin olive oil, plus more to seal

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Chop the herbs, anchovies, capers and garlic with a large knife all together on a big board, then tip into a bowl. Stir in the mustard and vinegar, then mix in the oil until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste and add more vinegar/lemon if you like, plus salt and pepper to taste. Store in a jar with a thin layer of oil on the top in the fridge. Keeps for a day or two.

Lemon Verbena Adjika

Lemon Verbena Adjika

Lemon Verbena Adjika

 

3¼oz mint and lemon verbena

3 large green, medium-hot chillies

4 large garlic cloves

1oz. salt

¾ fl. Oz. olive oil

¾ fl. Oz. walnut oil

 

Have a sterilized jar ready. Strip the leaves from the mint and lemon verbena stems and discard the stems. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blitz on high speed. Store in the fridge, where it should keep for at least a couple of weeks.

Small Batch Blueberry Thyme Jam

Small Batch Blueberry Thyme Jam

Small Batch Blueberry Thyme Jam

 

1½ cups fresh blueberries

1 cup sugar (more or less depending on sweetness of berries)

Zest of ½ lemon

Juice of ½ lemon

¾ 1 tsp. fresh thyme (minced)

Pinch of salt

 

Rinse the blueberries clean and pat dried with paper towels. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It may still look runny, but it will thicken more as it cools. Transfer to a clean glass jar. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Watermelon Rind Pickles

 

1 large watermelon

¾ cup kosher salt

1 T. alum* (optional, see note)

1 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed

2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

1 T. whole cloves

1 star anise

1 tsp. black peppercorns

4¼ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup cider vinegar

¾ cup white vinegar

To prepare the rind, cut the watermelon in half and scoop out all the flesh down to the white part of the rind. Reserve the flesh for another use. Use a large sturdy metal spoon to scrape the rind to remove all traces of the pink fruit. Cut the rind into strips 2 inches wide. Remove the green outer rind with a vegetable peeler until all that remains is a pristine white rind about ¼ inch thick.  Cut the rind into 2-inch by 1-inch squares or have fun and stamp out stars or fluted circles. After all the prep expect to have about 4 cups of rind. In a 5-quart or larger pot, bring 3 quarts nonchlorinated water and the salt to a boil. Stir to dissolve the salt. Remove the pot from the heat. Add 8 cups of ice cubes to cool off the brine. Add the rind and let it sit in the brine for 3 hours or as long as overnight. Rinse the rind well. In a large nonreactive bowl add the alum and 4 quarts of nonchlorinated cool water (if not using alum, skip this step and proceed to the next step). Stir until alum is dissolved. Add the rind and soak for 2 hours. Be gentle with your future pickles from this time forward; they will be crispy, delicate and can shatter.  Bring 3 quarts nonchlorinated water to a boil. Rinse the rind pieces well. Add the rind to water and blanch. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until rind is tender. While the rind is cooking, make the pickling syrup: Tie up the cinnamon, cloves, star anise and peppercorns in a cheesecloth bag. In a heavy nonreactive 3-quart or larger pot, add the lemon, sugar, vinegars, water and spice bag and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Gently drain the rind pieces using a spider strainer or skimmer, and place them in the simmering pickling syrup. Simmer the rind for 30 to 45 minutes, until the pieces are translucent and suspended throughout the syrup. Remove from the heat and leave the rinds in the syrup, uncovered, overnight. Bring the pickling syrup and rinds back up to a boil. Spoon the rinds into the jars then pour additional pickling syrup over the rinds, leaving a ½ -inch headspace. Clean the jar rims, place the lids and rings and process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Remove from the water bath; let the jars cool completely before testing the seals.  Canned, the pickles are shelf stable for 1 year. Let the pickles mellow for at least a week before serving. Best when eaten ice cold with cheese, cured meats and spiced nuts. *Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) can be found at most grocers in the spice and seasoning section. It is a crystalline powder and is commonly used as a firming agent, especially for pickles made of vegetables and watermelon rind. It can be omitted, but the resulting pickles will be mushy.

Peach Marmalade

Peach Marmalade

Peach Marmalade

 

4 pounds fresh peaches (about 12 medium peaches)

2 medium oranges (or one large)

2 1/2 cups sugar (or use 3 cups if you like it sweeter)

2 T. lemon juice

 

Run 2-3 jars (depending on size) through the dishwasher or washed in very hot water. You will make about 3 cups of marmalade. For easy peeling, carefully drop peaches into a pot of boiling water. Boil for 60-90 seconds. Drain water and run cold water over peaches in pot. Slip skins off the peaches. Use small paring knife to peel stubborn spots if needed. Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Slice or chop into smaller pieces. Zest an orange and set aside. Peel orange(s) and cut inside flesh into small pieces. Remove large pieces of whitish fibrous layers. You should have about 1 cup. Place peaches, zest, oranges, sugar and lemon juice in a large pot (mixture should only take up about 1/3 of pot). Squish the mixture with a potato masher or your hands. (I use my hands). It’s ok to leave some chunks of peaches. Heat mixture to medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil. Lower heat to medium heat (6 on my dial) and boil on a medium rolling boil for 20-30 minutes (depending on how loose or thick you like your marmalade), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. The amount of time will depend on speed of boil and size of pot. (Note 2 – how to tell marmalade is done.) Taste and adjust flavors as needed e.g. add a bit more lemon juice or sugar as you like. Pour marmalade fruit mixture into jars. Cool to room temperature, place lids on jars tightly and store in the fridge.

Ranier Cherry Salsa

Ranier Cherry Salsa

1 1/2 cups Rainier cherries, pitted and halved

1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for mild salsa)

2 T. shallot, minced

1 T. sugar

1 1/2 T. champagne or sherry vinegar

1 T. olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

 

Try smoking cherries on the grill or charring them in a dry pan. Salsa pairs well with pork, chicken & fish.

Combine cherries, jalapeño, shallot, sugar and vinegar in a medium bowl. Add vinegar and stir to combine. Rest covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve, at least one hour. Prior to serving, add olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Salsa will keep up to one week, sealed in the refrigerator.

Cucurbit Salsa

Cucurbit Salsa

Cucurbit Salsa

 

2 cups white distilled vinegar

3 cups water

1 cup white sugar

2 T. kosher salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 T. ground cumin

4 pounds zucchini, summer squash or cucumbers cut into ¼-inch dice

1 pound white or yellow onions, finely diced

1 pound poblano chilis, roasted; skins, ribs and seeds removed; finely diced

1-2 jalapeño chilis, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cilantro, finely chopped

 

Combine all ingredients, except cilantro, in a large heavy-bottomed pot and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 5–10 minutes, until produce is soft, and onions are translucent. Add cilantro, simmer for an additional minute. Cool and refrigerate for up to three weeks or can using the Boiling Water Method. Makes about 6 pints.

Stone Fruit Salsa

Stone Fruit Salsa

Stone Fruit Salsa

 

1½ cups apple cider vinegar

3 cups water

2 T. salt

1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed

4 pounds firm plums, apricots, peaches or mangos, pitted and cut into ¼-inch dice (peel peaches and mangos first)

1 pound red bell pepper, finely diced

1 pound red onion, finely diced

1 habanero chili, finely minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cilantro, finely chopped

 

Combine all ingredients, except cilantro, in a large heavy-bottomed pot and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 5–10 minutes, until produce is soft, and onions are translucent. Add cilantro; simmer for an additional minute. Cool and refrigerate for up to three weeks or can using the Boiling Water Method. Makes about 6 pints.

Mixed Seed Sprinkle

Mixed Seed Sprinkle

Mixed Seed Sprinkle

 

Any combo of seeds goes here—just make sure one is fragrant (try whole fennel, cumin, coriander, or anise seed), and a few are different sizes. Swap larger pumpkin seeds or pine nuts in place of the sunflower seeds, and tiny hemp hearts or flaxseed in place of the sesame.

 

2 T. sunflower seeds

2 T. sesame seeds

2 T. fennel seeds

1 T. olive oil

1/4tsp. kosher salt

 

Combine the sunflower, sesame, and fennel seeds and oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and season with the salt. Let cool completely before storing. Seeds will keep in an airtight container in fridge for up to 1 month.

 

Mix into bread dough

Salad Toppings

Sprinkle over pasta –

Sprinkled over your breakfast: with cereal, a yogurt bowl (with almond yogurt, coconut yogurt, or dairy yogurt), homemade muesli, or a bowl of oatmeal/overnight oats

As a smoothie topping: over smoothie bowls or added to smoothie blends

Use as the base for a delicious omega 3 trail mix that your family will love. Mix with dried fruits and some Healthy Dark Chocolate.

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

 

1 large mango around 2 cups chopped mango

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 large garlic cloves minced or very finely chopped

½ tablespoon chili flakes adjust to taste

2 tablespoons brown sugar

A pinch of salt

½ tablespoon corn starch adjust to get the desired consistency of the sauce.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil/ any neutral flavored oil

1 cup water

 

Peel and roughly chop the mango. Put the chopped mango in a blender and blend to make a smooth mango puree. Heat oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for a few seconds. Add mango puree, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Mix everything and cook for about a minute. Add water and cover the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce starts simmering. Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl to make cornstarch slurry. Add it to the sauce and stir continuously for about a minute. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and then switch off the gas. Allow the sauce to reach room temperature and then enjoy!

 

Notes: Use a less fibrous variety of mango in this recipe. The amount of sugar and lime juice will depend upon how sweet or sour your mango is. Check and adjust the seasoning as per taste. Instead of lime juice, vinegar can also be used. After adding the corn starch slurry, stir continuously for at least 1 minute otherwise it will get lumpy. If using readymade mango puree, use around a cup of puree in the above recipe. More detailed recipe tips and tricks are given within the post. Please follow them to make this recipe.

 

Honey Strawberry Salsa

Honey Strawberry Salsa

Honey Strawberry Salsa

 

1 1/2 cups sweet red peppers, diced

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1 cup green bell peppers, diced

1 cup fresh tomato, diced

1/4 cup Anaheim pepper, chopped

2 T cilantro, finely chopped

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 T tequila, optional

1/2 tsp. crushed dried red chili pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

Combine all ingredients in glass container; mix well. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend.  Serve with chips, over grilled chicken or fish.

Marjoram and Chive Salt

Marjoram and Chive Salt

Marjoram and Chive Salt

 

How you dry this salt is everything. Leave it for a few days on greaseproof paper to slow-dry on a sunny window sill and its flavor is delightfully seaweedy; dry in a very low oven for 15 minutes (more if needed) and it’ll be a little brighter. Try half a batch of both and see which you prefer.

 

2/3 oz marjoram leaves

12 chive flower heads

2 ¼ oz coarse sea salt

 

Place the leaves, 8 of the chive flowers and the salt (add last to weigh down the herbs) in a coffee/spice grinder and whizz thoroughly: the change in tone from clatter to dentist drill tells you when it’s as it should be. If there are any remnants left unreduced, stir and whizz briefly again. For the oven-dry method, spread out (the salt, not you) on baking parchment on a baking sheet, and place in a very low oven; 230°F. After 10-15 minutes it should lighten in color. Scratch it up a little with a fork to expose the parts that are still a little damp and return to the oven. After 15-20 minutes it should be fairly dry. Allow to cool, add the remaining chive flowers (broken up a little), then jar immediately and try to focus on whatever else the day brings. A bit of finely grated lemon zest can be added.

Chermoula Herb Sauce

Chermoula Herb Sauce

Chermoula Herb Sauce

 

1 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted

1 tsp. coriander seeds, toasted

1 cup cilantro (small stems ok)

1 cup Italian parsley (or sub more cilantro)

1 tsp. fresh ginger (a thin slice about the size of a quarter)

1 tsp. fresh thyme (optional)

2 garlic cloves

½ cup olive oil

Zest from 1/2 lemon (about 1-2 tsp)

2 T. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. aleppo chili flakes -add more for more heat

1/4 tsp. salt, adding ¼- 3/4 tsp. more if using as a marinade

 

Toast seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring until fragrant and golden. Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until well combined, but not too smooth. Keep in an air tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Veggie Cream Cheese

Veggie Cream Cheese

Veggie Cream Cheese

 

This dip is delicious spread on celery sticks or toast or sandwiched between crackers. It’s also a great way to use up the scraps generated when cutting vegetables into shapes. If you don’t have carrot or bell pepper on hand, experiment with other vegetables such as sugar snap peas or broccoli.

 

4 oz (115 g) less fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried dill

1 1/2 T. finely chopped carrot 1 1/2 T. finely chopped red bell pepper

 

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until evenly combined.

Purslane Relish

Purslane Relish

Purslane Relish

Approximately 6 cups chopped purslane leaves and stems

Optional: ½ cup chopped small daylily buds (the edible naturalized orange variety)

Optional: 3 T. rough-chopped yarrow leaves and a few clusters of intact yarrow flowers (wild or cultivated yarrow)

 

Brine:

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 T. salt

1 cup white sugar

 

Tightly pack the chopped purslane (and chopped daylily buds and yarrow leaves and flowers, if using) into clean jars, leaving an inch or more of headspace. Combine all brine ingredients in a saucepan and set on the stove over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Remove brine from heat. While the brine is still hot, pour into the jars, packing the purslane down with a spoon as you go, if needed. Cover the purslane with brine by ¼ inch. Cover and allow to cool on the counter. Once the relish is cool, move to the refrigerator and chill for several hours. Serve as a side dish or as a topping for hot dogs and sausages. Relish will last up to one month stored in the refrigerator but will lose its crunch after the first few days.

Peruvian Sauces

Peruvian Sauces

Ají Verde (Peruvian Green Chile Sauce)

 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded, and chopped coarse

3 T. minced fresh cilantro

2 T. grated cotija cheese

2 T. lime juice

1 T. jarred huacatay paste

1 garlic clove, minced

 

Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. about 1 minute. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

 

 

Ají Amarillo (Peruvian Yellow Chile Sauce)

 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 T. aji amarillo paste

1 T. lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. jarred huacatay paste

 

Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

Quickles

Quickles

Quickles

 

Choose any one of the following (the quantity of which doesn’t matter that much, just chop or slice enough to comfortably fit in your jar with a little bit of room at the top):

 

4 to 6 celery stalks, cut to fit the size of your jar

1 English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced or cut into spears that fit your jar

1 red onion, beet, or fennel bulb, thinly sliced

1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced

4 to 6 fresh chilies, sliced

1 1/2 C. raisins or other dried fruit

 

1 cup cider, white wine, or rice vinegar

1 T. kosher salt

1 T. mustard, coriander, or cumin seeds

1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the vegetables, chilies, or dried fruit in a large resealable container (preferably glass). Combine the vinegar, salt, seeds, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and several grinds of black pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Give the pan a swirl or two to help the sugar and salt dissolve, then pour the mixture over the vegetables. Add water to cover and let cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to a month. You can mix your vegetables when you pickle them if you like. Just remember that if you add chilies everything will be spicy; if you add a beet everything will be red, etc.

Mango and Roasted Red Pepper Chutney

Mango and Roasted Red Pepper Chutney

Mango and Roasted Red Pepper Chutney

 

2 pounds Mangoes peeled and diced

½ cup white balsamic Vinegar

¼ cup Honey

¼ cup dried cherries

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable Oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (1-inch) piece fresh Ginger, minced

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 Teaspoon ground cumin

1 Teaspoon ground Coriander

1 Teaspoon chili powder

1 roasted red bell pepper, diced

 

Toss together mangoes, balsamic vinegar, honey, cherries, and salt. Set aside. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat add the oil and onions, sauté stirring occasionally, until cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander and chili powder. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring for about 1 minute Stir in mango mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mangoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add the roasted red pepper cook for one minute. Serve cold.

Zucchini Bread & Butter Pickles

Zucchini Bread & Butter Pickles

Zucchini Bread & Butter Pickles

 

2 firm zucchini, sliced 1/8” thick with a mandoline

1/2 white onion, sliced paper-thin with a mandoline

3 T. kosher salt

1 tsp. celery salt

Ice water

 

1-1/2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup white sugar

2 T. whole mustard seeds

1 tsp. whole black peppercorns

1 T. celery seed

1/2 tsp. ground mustard powder

1 tsp. ground turmeric

 

Thinly slice the zucchini and onion with a handheld mandoline. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and onion with the kosher and celery salts. Cover with ice water and stir to dissolve the salt. Soak the vegetables for 1 hour, then drain. Closely pack the zucchini and onions into one or a two clean canning jars. In a medium saucepan, bring the brine ingredients to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pickling liquid from heat and slowly pour over the zucchini until about 1/4 inch from the top.  Cover and refrigerate the pickles overnight before serving.  Keep refrigerated. Enjoy the pickles for up to one week.

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

 

1 C. soy sauce

1 (2″) piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

4 cloves garlic, finely grated

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. raw honey or whole cane sugar

1 T. toasted sesame seeds

Pinch of dried dulse flakes (optional)

 

Stir together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey and let stand 15-30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and dulse flakes, if using, just before serving. For best flavor, serve immediately, but if you must store the sauce, place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Moroccan Chermoula

Moroccan Chermoula

Moroccan Chermoula

 

Chermoula is used as a marinade, a seasoning rub but also as a sauce or condiment served on the side. With that in mind, you can use it to:

 

marinate raw meat, fish, poultry or vegetables;

baste ingredients as they cook;

lift a sauce in a stew or tagine by adding it to simmering cooking liquids;

serve alongside grilled vegetables or fish or meat, a bit like a chimichurri or a sauce vierge.

 

The best chermoula is made using a pestle and mortar after first chopping all ingredients to release their oils. However, for a large batch or if you don’t have the magic mortar, a blender or food processor will do. In that case, you might need to add some olive oil or tiny bit of water to help with blending.

 

3 cups fresh coriander (cilantro), – roughly chopped,

1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, – roughly chopped, leaves only

6 to 8 cloves garlic, – peeled and roughly chopped

1 tsp salt

1 T. ground cumin

1 T. sweet paprika, – powder or paste

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 T. water – optional not needed if using a pestle and mortar

 

Optional ingredients depending on recipes

1 T. tomato paste – (double it for a red chermoula)

5 T. lemon juice, – freshly squeezed

1 tsp harissa paste, – or to taste

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground turmeric – (for a yellow chermoula)

1 small preserved lemon, seeds removed – (for a lemony chermoula)

 

Roughly chop the herbs and crush the garlic, then follow one of the methods below.

 

Using a Food Processor: Place the herbs and the rest of the ingredients in the blend. Give a few pulses until you are satisfied with the texture. To help with blending, you can thin the mixture with a few T. of olive oil, water or a mix of the two.

 

Using a Mortar and Pestle (Mehraz): Start by pounding garlic and salt. Add the chopped herbs and spices in batches and pound until you are happy with the texture. Note: It is important to chop the herbs properly before crushing them with the pestle, otherwise you will end up with a stringy chermoula.

 

Use immediately or store in a jam jar or similar sealed container. If the paste is quite thick, you could top it off with olive oil. Keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

Herb and Preserved Lemon Salsa

 

2 large handfuls mixed herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, basil, and mint, washed, dried, and de-stemmed

1 clove garlic, peeled

¼ preserved lemon, rinsed and finely chopped

1 T. Dijon mustard

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

Roughly chop your herbs into one large pile. Add the garlic into the mix and continue chopping until the herbs are finely chopped and the garlic is nearly a paste. Spoon into a small serving bowl and whisk in the remaining ingredients. The oil should coat the herbs and pool around the sides of the bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, or more preserved lemon as desired. The flavor should be fresh and a little sour.