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Category: Condiments & Extras

Nettle-Sorrel Pesto

Nettle-Sorrel Pesto

Nettle-Sorrel Pesto

 

Use the pesto in soup here, or spread it on sandwiches, or combine it with pasta and a handful of toasted breadcrumbs. For a quick dip, blend 1/4 cup of it with 4 ounces softened goat cheese (or to taste), bake for 10 minutes at 35O°F in a small ovenproof dish, and serve with crusty bread.

 

1/2 pound fresh nettles

2 large garlic cloves, smashed

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

1/2 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 1/2 small lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

1/2 cup chopped fresh sorrel

1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

To toast pine nuts, place them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 35O°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until brown and fragrant.

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Add the nettles directly from their bag and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. Dump into a colander to drain. When the nettles are cool enough to handle, wrap them in a clean dish towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. You’ll have about 1 cup of cooked, squished nettles. Whirl the garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the nettles, breaking them up as you drop them in, and the lemon juice and sorrel, and whirl until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, and process until smooth. Add the Parmesan, pulse briefly, and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Store any leftover pesto in a small airtight container in the refrigerator.

Charred Spring Onions

Charred Spring Onions

Charred Spring Onions

1 bunch spring onions, trimmed, rinsed, and patted dry

3 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Oil

1 small dried guajillo chile, toasted in a dry skillet until fragrant and ground in a spice grinder

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 4OO°F. Rub the onions with some of the garlic oil and arrange in a large cast-iron skillet. Season with the chile and salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 25 minutes, basting the onions with more oil even- 5 minutes, until the bulbs are soft and the outer layer is charred.

Pickled Carrots and Daikon with Lime

Pickled Carrots and Daikon with Lime

Pickled Carrots and Daikon with Lime

1/2 pound carrots, shredded

1/2 pound daikon, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

6 lime leaves

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds

 

Toss carrots and daikon with kosher salt in a bowl; let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse carrots and daikon with cold water, drain, and transfer to a small bowl; add lime leaves. Whisk hot water, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and coriander seeds together in a separate bowl until sugar is dissolved; pour over carrots and daikon. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit until it comes to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 1 hour.

Homemade Berry Syrup

Homemade Berry Syrup

Homemade Berry Syrup

 

1 cup berries, fresh or frozen

Sugar

Grated lime peel

 

In a small saucepan, heat berries and a few spoonfuls of sugar, along with a splash of water, over low heat until berry juices start to release. Pull the berry-sugar mixture from the heat and let cool for a moment. Divide the mixture and reserve half. Purée the other half in a blender until smooth. Pour it through a strainer to remove the skins and seeds (you can compost these). Put the strained syrup back in the saucepan and heat over low heat. Grate in a bit of lime peel and cook until just heated through. Add the remaining whole berries and heat until about to burst, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.  NOTE: Follow the same instructions with just about any berry. Try varying the citrus as well. Strawberries love orange, and raspberries love lemon. This berry syrup will keep refrigerated for two weeks, or frozen in an airtight container for four to six weeks.

Raw Nettle Pesto

Raw Nettle Pesto

Raw Nettle Pesto

Nettles have tiny hairs on them that contain formic acid.  While harmless, formic acid stings the skin on contact.  For this reason, it is a good idea to handle fresh nettles with gloves, unless you want to be stung…the sting, is harmless, just a bit uncomfortable.  The formic acid is neutralized when the cell wall of the plant is broken through cooking, freezing, drying or thoroughly pureeing.  This last option allows us to make delicious raw nettle pesto!

 

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

2 packed cups fresh nettle leave

2 cloves garlic (or to taste)

olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Toast sunflower seeds in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and aromatic, about 4 – 6 minutes.  Let sunflower seeds cool slightly before combining in the food processor with the nettle leaves, garlic, a twist of freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 cup olive oil.  Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil to get desired consistency.  Season to taste with salt.

Nigella Plum Jam

Nigella Plum Jam

Nigella Plum Jam

 

4 pounds plums, pitted and halved

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup nigella seeds, lightly crushed

1 lemon, outer peel grated, halved and juiced, (seeds reserved in a muslin bag)

 

Prepare jars for canning. You’ll need to sterilize jars for this recipe. Put a small plate in the freezer (you will use this later to check the jam set). Put the plums, sugar, water, nigella seeds, seed bag, lemon juice, and lemon halves into a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture constantly for about 15 minutes, then drop the heat to medium-low, holding the jam at a constant simmer but making sure not to burn it. After about 10 minutes, remove half of the plums with a slotted spoon and set aside in a small bowl. This helps keep some plums whole in the final jam. Continue cooking the rest until thickened. When the jam is thick, return the reserved whole plums to the stockpot and cook a few minutes more.  Test the jam set, using the plate in the freezer. Continue cooking on low for a thicker jam. When set is reached, remove the seed bag and lemon halves and compost them. Put the plum jam into sterilized jars and gently tap the bottom of the jars on the counter to release any air bubbles. Using a clean damp towel, wipe the rims of the jars and place lids and rings on jars. Process in a water bath for 5 minutes if using pint jars, 10 minutes if using quart jars. Remove the jars with tongs and let cool on the counter. When the jam is cool, remove the metal rings, check for proper seals, and label with date and contents. Store in a cool, dark cupboard until ready to use, for up to a year. NOTE: Nigella Plum Jam is really delicious served alongside a gamy meat like roasted duck or venison chops. It also imparts a simple sweetness to a cheese-filled crepe or blintz. Fennel seeds are a great substitute for nigella seeds. You can also substitute chamomile flowers for nigella seeds in the same measurement for a more floral-scented jam. If you prefer a completely smooth jam, place nigella seeds in the lemon seed bag and leave out of the final jam.

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Salted Caramel Buttercream

1 C. (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature

4 C. (480g) powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 C. (120ml) salted caramel, room temperature

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

 

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high until it’s fluffy and light (almost white in color), 5-6 minutes, scraping down the bowl and paddle a few times in between. Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar a few C. at a time, scraping down the bowl and paddle after each interval. Add the vanilla.  With the mixer still on low, add the salted caramel. Add a pinch of salt, increase the speed to medium, and mix for 2 full minutes.

Berry Freezer Jam

Berry Freezer Jam

Berry Freezer Jam

 

4 C. Berry

4 C. Sugar

1/4 tsp. Shredded Citrus Peel

3oz. Liquid Fruit Pectin

2 T. Lemon Juice

 

Crush berries. Measure 2 C. berries. In bowl combine berries, sugar, and lemon peel. Let stand 10 minutes. Combine pectin and lemon juice. Add to berry mixture and stir for 3 minutes. Ladle at once into jars or freezer containers, leave a 1/2” headspace. Seal, label. Let stand at room temperature about 2 hours or until jam is set. Store in fridge for 3 weeks, or up to 1 year in the freezer.

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

3 T. lightly salted butter

1 C. Pear, skinned and cored, diced

3 large onions, sliced

2/3 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

 

Heat butter in large pan, add onions and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes until onions are very soft and lightly browned. Add pears and sugar, stir simmer uncovered, until mixture is thick and caramelized. Add vinegar and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Stir in the rosemary. Serve at room temp.

Peach Sunrise Cocktail Cubes

Peach Sunrise Cocktail Cubes

PEACH SUNRISE COCKTAIL CUBES

3 3-oz. pkg. orange-flavor gelatin

1 ½ cups boiling water

11/2 cups cranberry juice

¾ cup vodka

6 Tbsp, peach schnapps

Nonstick cooking spray

 

In a bowl stir together gelatin and boiling water until completely dissolved. Add cranberry juice; vodka- and schnapps. Coat a 3-qt. rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Pour gelatin mixture into dish. Chill about 3 hours or until firm. Cut into 1-inch squares. Serve in cocktail glasses.

 

number of servings 6

per Serving 296 cal., o gfat, o mg chol., 169 mg sodium, 52 g carb., o g fiber, 52 g sugars, 4gpro.

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

 

The story behind this dish and her notes follow: “In the fall, chanterelles are oozing out of the forest floor in Washington. My forager, Matsutaki Joe, would show up with bins of them at incredible prices. This is how we captured their essence and enjoyed them in a variety of ways at Crave. My favorite was serving them atop grilled baguette slices rubbed with garlic and smeared with goat cheese. They were incredibly addictive and lasted all winter long. I make sure I have a batch of these on hand all year round for that appetizer on the fly when a friend stops by.” Serve the mushrooms over pasta (such as pappardelle), on flatbread, or even on grilled fish.

 

kitchen notes: Use the freshest possible mushrooms; anything tough, wilted, or with evidence of mold or tiny holes should be discarded. Brush away any pine needles or debris, and trim tough stems.

 

2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (Robin’s favorites are chanterelle, hen-of the-woods, porcini, and oyster)

2 cups distilled white vinegar

1 cup red wine vinegar

3 cups water

2 medium cloves garlic, slivered

2 T. fine sea salt

10 sprigs thyme

3 bay leaves

2 (2-by-1/2-inch) strips lemon peel, removed with a vegetable peeler

Ground black pepper

2 cups good-quality’ extra-virgin olive oil

 

Tear or cut the mushrooms into thin strips, V4 to V2 inch wide and 2 inches long. Any small mushrooms should be left whole for added aesthetics. (Robin likes to do this with baby oyster mushrooms and hen-of-the-woods.) In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegars, water, garlic, salt, 7 of the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and 1 of the lemon peel strips. Over medium-high heat bring the brine just to a boil. Remove from the heat and let steep for about 15 minutes.  3 Return the brine to a boil over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, pressing the mushrooms down into the brine if they float to the top. Drain the mushrooms and spread on a clean lint-free towel to absorb excess moisture. While cooling, sprinkle the mushroom with pepper. Transfer the mushrooms into 2 sterilized pint jars (or 1 quart jar) and completely cover them with the oil. Add 2 of the bay leaves from the brine, the remaining 3 sprigs thyme, and the remaining lemon peel strip, along with a large pinch of additional salt. Cover and tap the jar on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set the jar in a dark pantry away from sunlight and let the mushrooms cure at room temperature for 1 week. The mushrooms will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 year. The oil may congeal, so remove the jar from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using. Note that the mushrooms pack a puckery punch and a little goes a long way. “Save the preserved oil!” says Robin, who likes it brushed on crostini.

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

 

2 lb gooseberries (green or red)

juice and zest of 2 large oranges

4 1/2 cups jelling sugar or use granulated sugar and pectin (add pectin according to instructions on the package)

4 clean jam jars

 

Wash the gooseberries, remove stems and crowns and heat, just covered with water, until soft. Add orange zest and juice and return to a boil. Add all of the sugar. Stir using a wooden spoon (a metal spoon will get too hot!) until the sugar is dissolved. Test whether the jam is setting properly: Allow a drop of jam to fall on a saucer and place in the refrigerator for 1 minute. If it has thickened nicely, the jam is ready. Quickly fill the jars and apply the lids. Tighten the lids securely and turn the jars upside down, in order for the vacuum to be created. The jam will have a shelf life of one year. After opening, store in a cool place.

Confit de Vin

Confit de Vin

Confit de Vin

This is actually not a jam but a jelly. After having made it once, you will be sold. Serve with a cheeseboard, for example. We also eat the confit on toast with aged cheese. The type of wine you choose matters: This recipe calls for white wine, but red wine is also fine. Adjust your spices and use those that are warmer and fuller in flavor: Cloves, mandarin peel, and star anise, for example. You can also vary the types of wine: A sauvignon blanc will result in a different jelly from a muscat.

 

For approx. 4 1 cup jars

 

2 vanilla beans

1 1/2 bottles white wine

4 1/2 cups jelling sugar or use granulated sugar and pectin (add pectin according to instructions on the package)

6 cardamom pods

juice of 1 lemon

zest of 1/2 lemon

zest of 1/2 orange

 

Cut open the vanilla beans, scrape out the seeds and combine with all other ingredients in a large pot (seeds and pods). Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for approx. 30 minutes. Check if the jelly sets properly by pouring a teaspoon on a saucer and briefly placing it in the refrigerator. If it is nice and stiff, it can be poured into clean jars. First remove the cardamom pods and vanilla beans. Tighten the lids on the jars and turn the jars upside down, allowing them to cool.

Fennel and Onion Jam

Fennel and Onion Jam

Fennel and Onion Jam

Try on a toasted baguette with goat cheese.

 

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 bulbs fennel, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp coarse black pepper

3 cloves garlic, mined

1/2 cup melted sautéed onions

1/4 dry white wine

 

Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add oil, fennel salt and pepper to the pot. Cook for 15 minutes stirring often so that fennel doesn’t burn. Once fennel is soft and very tender add garlic. Cook for one more minute until garlic is fragrant. Pour in wine and cook until all the liquid evaporates. Turn off heat and place jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Honey Lemon Apple Jam 

Honey Lemon Apple Jam 

Honey Lemon Apple Jam

12 cups chopped apples

2 cups lemons juice (I used a combination of freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice and bottled)

2 cups honey

3 cups sugar

1 envelope of liquid pectin (can be omitted if you use a few firm, green apples)

zest of three lemons

Prepare your canning pot, as well as seven pint jars, lids and rings. Combine the chopped apples and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (an enameled Dutch oven works well here) and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the apples have broken down. When you’ve got a nice, chunky applesauce, add the honey and sugar and stir to incorporate. Bring the fruit to a boil and cook for at least five minutes at a roll (watch out though, it will bubble and depending on the size of your pot, can get a little splashy). Add pectin and boil for a few minutes more, to active the pectin. When it seems nice and jammy, turn off the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Fill jars, wipe rims (this jam is sticky, so you may need to add a bit of white vinegar to your towel, to help ensure a clean rim), apply lids and screw on bands. Process in a boiling water canner for ten minutes (if you are above 1,000 feet in altitude, adjust your processing time accordingly). Eat on toast, spoon on muffins or use to glaze roasted chicken pieces.

Herbed Marmalade Marinade

Herbed Marmalade Marinade

Herbed Marmalade Marinade

Use as a salad dressing, vegetable marinade and sandwich spread, as a marinade for chicken thighs and zucchini that are destined for the grill, and for chopped salads.

2/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil

3 T. red wine vinegar

3 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 T. lemon or orange marmalade

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. dried basil

1 T. dried oregano

1 T. dried thyme

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. fine sea salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

In a blender, combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, marmalade, garlic cloves, basil, oregano, thyme, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until just incorporated and pour into a mason jar for storage. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Balsamic Onion Jam with Fig

Balsamic Onion Jam with Fig

Balsamic Onion Jam with Fig

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This is delicious on a cheese board, on a grilled burger with some blue cheese, or in a grilled cheese sammich with a strong cheese like an aged white cheddar or Manchego

 

1 Tbsp. mild vegetable oil

3 sweet onions, sliced in ¼” thick crescents

1 jalapeno, sliced in thin crescents

â…“ c. white sugar

â…“ c. brown sugar

1½ c. balsamic vinegar

¼ c. cider vinegar

½ c. dried mission figs, sliced in quarters

 

In a large non-reactive pot on low, lightly sweat the onions and jalapenos and onion until the onions start to become translucent. Add some S&P and everything but the figs. Simmer, still on low, for an hour.

Add the figs, simmer on low for another hour-ish. When it is done, the mixture should be reduced by half, and the liquid thick and syrupy and almost evaporated. Pay lots of attention that it doesn’t scorch.  Put in a sterile jar and keep in the fridge for several weeks.

Fennel Frond Salsa Verde

Fennel Frond Salsa Verde

Fennel Frond Salsa Verde

 

1 or 2 cloves of garlic, peeled (number depends on your preference and the size of your cloves)

1 handful of capers, rinsed

2 whole anchovies (I prefer large salt-packed anchovies), rinsed

3 handfuls of fennel fronds, washed and dried

1 large bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked

2 tablespoons rosemary leaves

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Zest of 1 lemon

8 tablespoons really good extra-virgin olive oil (approximately)

Juice of half a lemon

 

Finely chop the garlic, capers, and anchovies; place them in a mortar (or bowl) and pound them with the pestle until a rough paste forms (or pulse in a food processor). Finely chop the fennel fronds and herbs and add them to the mortar; pound and grind a bit more. Add a good pinch of salt, a few grinds (four or so) of black pepper, and lemon zest; pound until combined. Slowly stir in the olive oil until you achieve the right consistency. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary (I often have to balance the flavors with freshly ground black pepper, a bit more salt and a bit more lemon).

 

Cracker Making: A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

Cracker Making: A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

A collection of Thin & Crispy Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

Benne Seed Crisps

 

1 Cup Yellow Cornmeal

1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour, sifted

1/2 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp Baking Soda

2 T. Butter, Melted

1/3 Cup  Cream

Sesame Seeds

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift the cornmeal together with the flour, salt and baking soda into a bowl. Mix in the butter and cream. Knead the dough until it holds together (6 to 8 times) on a floured board.  Roll the dough by the teaspoonful on the floured board. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Roll into very thin 4″ diameter rounds, leaving the edges ragged. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet until golden (about 15 minutes). Sprinkle with salt while still warm. Store in a tightly covered container. Go well with cocktails and seafood soups.

 

 

 

Benne Seed Cocktail Crackers

 

1/2 cup of Sesame Seeds

1 cup of Unbleached White Flour

1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) of cold Butter

4 or 5 Tablespoons of Milk

1 Egg, beaten

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Pour the sesame seeds out onto the rimmed baking pan and toast them in a single layer until they are golden–for, perhaps, 10 minutes.  Cool them completely.  If you are using a Food Processor, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt onto a sheet of waxed paper and pour the sifted mixture into the Processor.  Cut the cold butter into bits, add it to the dry ingredients and pulse until the butter is well incorporated into the dry ingredients and the mixture becomes ‘mealy-looking’.  If making the dough by hand, sift the flour, baking powder and salt directly into the mixing bowl and rub the cold bits of butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture becomes fine-textured like cornmeal.  With the Processor turned on, add milk to the mixture, a Tablespoon at a time through the feed tube until the mixture balls and forms a dough.  (Alternatively, add milk by Tablespoons, working the mixture into a dough with one hand as you add milk with the other.)  Using either method, the dough formed by the mixture should be neither crumbly nor sticky–but in between the two and a little on the stiff side.  (The dough for the crackers in the photos required 5 Tablespoons of milk.)  If the dough has been mixed in the Processor, transfer it to a bowl.  Add the toasted sesame seeds and mix them in with your hands, roughly squeezing the dough and kneading in the seeds until they are distributed throughout the dough.  (The dough may be made up to this point a day or two in advance, wrapped and chilled.  Chilled dough will require a little time to sit at room temperature and soften before rolling out and cutting.  Sprinkle a little flour on the pastry board.  Divide the dough in half.  Roll out the first half as thinly as possible:  “a sesame seed thick.”  The dough is easy to work since it isn’t sticky and will roll out into a very thin sheet.  Cut rounds from the dough with the biscuit cutter.  Place them on an ungreased baking sheet.  In the same way, roll out the second half of the dough and cut rounds.  Gather up the scraps, re-roll them into a sheet, and cut more rounds.  Continue making crackers until all the dough is used.  Brush the rounds with beaten egg and bake them until they are golden.  A reasonable estimate is 12 – 15 minutes of baking. Cool the crackers on a rack.  Store them in an air-tight container if they aren’t used on the day of baking.

 

 

Sesame (Benne) Seed Crackers

 

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 large pinch sugar

3/4 cup unhulled sesame seeds, toasted

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, beat together 2 eggs and oil until frothy. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and sesame seeds. Mix into egg mixture. Add extra flour if needed to make a stiff dough; it shouldn’t be sticky.  Roll out dough on a lightly floured board as thinly as possible. Using a 3-inch-round biscuit cutter, cut into circles. Arrange on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to make egg wash. Brush wafers lightly with egg wash. Poke holes all over crackers with a fork, making sure the holes go all the way through. Bake for 10 minutes, or until brown around edges. Turn over, and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Let cool; store in an airtight container.

 

 

Thin & Crispy Sesame Crackers

 

1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (7 g; see notes)

1 3/4 cups warm water (420 ml, 105° to 115°F)

1 Tbsp diastatic malt or honey (15 ml)

1/2 oz kosher salt (15 g)

2 ½ Tbsp Asian sesame oil (40 ml)

6 oz whole wheat flour (170 g)

20 oz bread flour (568 g)

1/2 lb sesame seeds (228 g; a mixture of black and white)

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer, dissolve the yeast and the honey in the warm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, until the yeast activates and a foam cap forms. Mix in the salt and the sesame oil. Using the dough hook attachment, incorporate the whole wheat flour and all but a handful of the bread flour. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Keep adding more flour if necessary. Incorporate the sesame seeds. Remove the bowl from the mixer, cover and place in a warm place for 1 hour to proof.

Cut the dough into 4-6 pieces. Flatten each piece with your hands or a roller to about ¼ – inch thick. Cover the dough pieces with a piece of plastic wrap and let relax for 15 minutes. Roll each piece out to #6 setting on the KitchenAid pasta roller attachment, which is about 1/64 inch or about 0.5 mm thick (see notes). Lay the rolled out dough on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut the dough sheets into crackers of the desired size and shape. Large triangles or wedges work particularly well. Bake immediately (do not let them rise, or the crackers will be thick instead of thin and crisp) at 375°F (190°C) until deep golden brown (see notes). Rolled out to #6 they need 14-15 minutes of baking. Store in airtight containers.

 

Notes:  The original recipe uses fresh compressed yeast, which is not readily available to a home baker, not is it practical for a home baker. If want to us fresh yeast, you will need 3/4 oz or 20 grams for this recipe. In the original recipe the author recommends rolling the dough out to 1⁄16 inch (2 mm) thick. You may want to experiment and decide for yourself whether you like your crackers thinner or thicker. In the original recipe the author advises to bake the crackers until deep golden brown. Be sure not over-bake as they tend to taste a little bitter if baked too much. I’d recommend to experiment a little and pick the color that corresponds to the best tasting crackers to you.

 

 

Alton Brown Seedy Crisps

 

5 ounces whole-wheat flour

4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, plus additional for rolling

1/3 cup poppy seeds

1/3 cup sesame seeds

1 1/2 teaspoons table salt

1 1/2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

3 tablespoons olive oil

6 1/2 ounces water

 

In a medium bowl whisk together both flours, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, salt, and baking powder. Add the oil and stir until combined. Add the water and stir to combine and create a dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 4 to 5 times. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, cover with a tea towel and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. For a thin snacking cracker: On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 piece of dough to 1/16-inch and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. If there is room on the sheet pan, repeat with a second piece of dough. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 4 minutes then flip and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. When cool, break into desired size pieces. Repeat procedure with remaining dough . For a thicker dipping cracker: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough as above but to 1/8-inch thick. Bake for 6 minutes on the first side, then flip and bake another 4 to 6 minutes. For super even thickness and easy rolling: Roll out using a lightly floured pasta roller. Flatten the dough until it will pass through the first setting and go to the highest number that your pasta roller will allow without tearing the dough. Bake according to the thin cracker instructions. Note: Baking times will vary depending on exact thickness of dough and oven temperature, so watch them closely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Canning Summer in a Jar Salsa

Canning Summer in a Jar Salsa

Canning Summer in a Jar Salsa

14 pints

5 lbs tomatoes (red and green tomatoes seeded and chopped = 5 pounds)

1 lb chile (I used 2 jalapenos, 2 bell peppers, 1 habanero, 1 Tabasco, and 1 chipotle that I made)

1 lb sweet onion, diced

1 C. vinegar (5 percent acidity)

1 lime, juice and zest of

1 tsp. cumin powder

3 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt

1⁄2 tsp. black pepper

4 garlic cloves, minced

6 ounces tomato paste

1⁄4 C. fresh cilantro (Also additional fresh cilantro can be added at time of serving)

 

Place all but the paste and cilantro in a heavy bottom pot bring to a boil then simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add paste stir in and cook 10 minutes. Add the cilantro stir in and simmer for 5 more minutes. Ladle into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe jars and adjust lids and process in water canner for 15 minutes.

Canned Copycat Rotel

Canned Copycat Rotel

Canned Copycat Rotel

6-7 pints

12 cups cored, peeled, and quartered tomatoes

1 Onion, diced

1 cup finely chopped chili peppers (anaheim, ancho, poblano, hatch or other mild pepper – add in a jalapeno for spice, if desired)

1 tablespoon canning salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dry oregano

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1-2 T. Sugar

citric acid to add to jars: 1/4 teaspoon for each pint (1/2 teaspoon for quarts) OR 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice for pints (2 tablespoons for quarts)

 

Put all ingredients in large enamel pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into sterilized pints. Seal and process in boiling water bath.

All-Purpose Chinese Stir Fry Sauce

All-Purpose Chinese Stir Fry Sauce

All-Purpose Chinese Stir Fry Sauce

 

1/4 cup light soy sauce

1/4 cup regular soy sauce

1/2 cup oyster sauce

1/4 cup Chinese wine (Shaoxing Wine, Chinese Cooking Wine)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp sesame oil

2 tsp ground white pepper

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Store in refrigerator and shake well before use.

Zucchini “Butter” Spread

Zucchini “Butter” Spread

Zucchini “Butter” Spread

½ lb. Zucchini

½ lb. Yellow Summer Squash

¼ tsp. & 1/8 tsp. Salt, divided

1 ½ T. Butter

1 Shallot, minced

Pepper, to taste

 

Coarsely grate zucchini and squash into colander. Sprinkle with quarter tsp. of salt and toss to coat. Let sit 3-4 minutes then press firmly with a small pot lid to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. . Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Add shallots and sauté for 3 minutes, or until translucent. Add the grated squash and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the squash is a creamy, buttery consistency, stirring occasionally. (If the mixture begins to scorch, add a tsp. of water to deglaze the pan and turn down the heat slightly). Add remaining salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: ¼ C.

Calories: 70

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Glorious Granola

Glorious Granola

Glorious Granola

Some consider granola too high in calories and fat to be used as an even-day breakfast cereal, though it’s delicious that way. We also love to use it as a topping for fruit and yogurt. Pack some of this granola into an attractive glass jar: It makes a great hostess gift.

 

6 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup wheat germ

1 cup skim milk powder

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sesame seeds

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup honey

1 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup golden raisins

3/4 cup dark raisins

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup dried cranberries

 

Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, wheat germ, milk powder, nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds, and cinnamon. In a heavy saucepan, heat the honey and oil until hot but not boiling. Remove pan from heat: stir in vanilla. Pour the honey-oil mixture over the oats mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Spread evenly in three 9- by 13-inch baking pans, or two roasting pans. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until mixture is golden. Cool thoroughly; mix in the raisins, cherries, and cranberries.  Yield: About 10 cups

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

 

Add oil and garlic to a shallow bowl or rimmed plate. Drizzle vinegar over top, then add herbs, salt and pepper.   Serve with a hearty, fresh whole-grain bread.

Smoked Salmon Dip with Dill & Horseradish

Smoked Salmon Dip with Dill & Horseradish

Smoked Salmon Dip with Dill & Horseradish

¾ C. Sour Cream

¾ C. Mayo

3 oz. Smoked Salmon

2 tsp. Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Horseradish

2 tsp. minced Fresh Dill

Salt & Pepper

Process first 5 ingredients in food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer to serving bowl, mix in dill and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors are blended, at least 1 hour, and up to 3 days.

Cherry Vinegar

Cherry Vinegar

Cherry Vinegar

1/2 cup pitted, chopped cherries or 1 cup fresh, whole and uncracked cherry pits*

If you haven’t pitted the cherries yet, start there. Do so over a bowl to catch the juices that are bound to drip and drop during the process. Those juices are tasty delicious and stain easily, so you don’t want them going to waste and splattering all over the place.

Simply put the 1/2 chopped cherries or 1 cup fresh, whole and uncracked cherry pits in a glass jar or other seal-able container (jars are preferably to bottles here since you’ll need to get everything out again when you strain the vinegar), fill it with the 2 cups cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, cover, and set aside overnight to let the cherry flavor blend into the vinegar.

Strain, discard the cherries and/or cherry pits, return the vinegar to the jar or transfer to a bottle, cover or otherwise seal, and store at room temperature for up to a year. Use cherry vinegar in salad dressings, in glazes, or mixed with sparkling water or club soda and a bit of honey or sugar to taste for a refreshing soft drink.

* Again, be sure to use only whole cherry pits and to discard them after the soak. Cherry pits contain cyanide, a poison, and you certainly don’t want that in the vinegar.

Gentleman’s Relish

Gentleman’s Relish

Gentleman’s Relish

 

200 g anchovies, drained & coarsely chopped

2 T. fresh white breadcrumbs

150 g butter

1⁄4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 pinch ground cinnamon

1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg

1 pinch ground mace

1 pinch ground ginger

1 dash fresh ground black pepper (good twist)

 

Using a mortar and pestle, pound the anchovies and butter until they resemble a smooth paste. You could also use a food processor. Stir in the breadcrumbs, spices and pepper and spoon the paste into a large ramekin. Cover and chill before serving. Serve with scrambled eggs, toast, sandwiches and as a “kick” to savory sauces!

Celery Scrap Pesto

Celery Scrap Pesto

Celery Scrap Pesto

This pesto is simple, boasts good flavor and texture, and keeps well. You can use it as a spread, a dip, or a snack. (Make sure to include the pecans!)

 

1 C. finely chopped celery leaves

1/4 C. chopped celery (inner yellow-white parts are fine also)

1/3 C. chopped pecans

1/3 C. olive oil.

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp. lemon juice.

½ tsp. kosher salt.

 

In a medium bowl, combine the celery leaves, celery, and pecans. Drizzle with the oil until it is well combined, then mix in lemon zest, juice, and salt.

Fromage Fort

Fromage Fort

Fromage Fort

1 pound cheese, at room temperature (leftover ends, mixed types is fine)

1/4 C. dry white wine

3 T. unsalted butter, softened

2 T. fresh parsley leaves

1 small clove garlic

Remove any rinds from hard cheeses. Grate hard cheeses and cut others into 1/2-inch cubes. Place cheese, wine, butter, herbs, and garlic in a food processor and blend until smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour for a firmer consistency. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

½ tsp. Garlic Powder

1 ½ T. Chili Powder

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Sugar

¼ tsp. Oregano

Salt, to taste

8oz. can Tomato Sauce

 

Place small saucepan over medium heat and add all ingredients except the tomato sauce. Stir until fragrant, toasting the dried herbs and spices. Add tomato sauce and 1 C. of water, stir well and simmer a few minutes to blend spices into the sauce.  Use for homemade enchiladas or enchilada tacos, or try spooned over poached eggs.

 

Yield: 8 ¼ C. Servings

Calories: 15

Fat: 0g

Fiber: 1g

Sour Celery and Bell Pepper Asian Pickles

Sour Celery and Bell Pepper Asian Pickles

Sour Celery and Bell Pepper Asian Pickles

 

1 pound celery, trimmed, leaves removed

2 tsp. peanut oil

8 ounces red bell peppers, cut into long, thin strips

Pinch of kosher salt

4 tsp. sugar

1⁄2 C. Japanese soy sauce

1⁄2 C. distilled white vinegar

1⁄3 C. cool water

1 tsp. black sesame oil

 

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough strings from the celery, then slice it at an angle, ¾ inch thick. Transfer to a medium bowl.  Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and salt and sauté until the bell pepper softens and blackens in spots, 7 to 8 minutes.  Add the bell pepper to the celery, along with the sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sesame oil and stir well. Your pickle is ready to eat, but the flavors will become even better if you wait until the next day. To store, place in canning jars or containers with tight-fitting lids and evenly distribute the brine. (Don’t worry if there doesn’t seem to be enough liquid at first; in a day’s time, the liquid level will rise significantly.) Cover and refrigerate; this pickle will keep for at least a month.

DP Peanut Sauce

DP Peanut Sauce

1/2 C. Smooth Peanut Butter

1/4 C. Warm Water

2 T. each Soy Sauce, Lime Juice

1/2 T. Brown Sugar (packed)

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 T. Ginger, grated, peeled

Hot Sauce, such as Sriracha

Combine all ingredients, including hot sauce to taste.  Whisk, check seasonings and adjust to taste.  This consistency is good for dipping, and can be thinned for a dressing.

 

Bright and Sunny Ceviche de Mango

Bright and Sunny Ceviche de Mango

Bright and Sunny Ceviche de Mango

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 3/4-inch / 2-cm dice

Juice of 4 limes

1/4 tsp salt

1 limo chile, seeded and finely chopped

Leaves from 2 cilantro sprigs, finely chopped

 

Put the red onion in iced water for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.  Place the diced mangoes in a bowl and add half the lime juice and salt. Taste for balance and add more of both if necessary; you don’t want it to taste too sour. Add the chile, then drain the onion and add it along with the cilantro leaves.  Stir everything gently to combine and then leave in the fridge for 5 minutes to chill and marinate. Serve in individual large glasses or bowls.

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade

Green Olive, Basil, and Almond Tapenade from My Paris Kitchen (tapenade d’olives vertes au basilic et aux amandes)

2 C. (260g) green olives, pitted

1/3 C. (35g) whole untoasted almonds

1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced

11/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp. capers, rinsed and squeezed dry

1/2 C. (15g) loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 C. (125ml) olive oil Sea salt or kosher salt

Put the olives, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, and capers in the bowl of a food processor. (I don’t use a mortar and pestle for this because I like the slightly chunky bits of almonds in the finished tapenade.) Coarsely chop the basil leaves, add them to the processor, and pulse the machine a few times to start breaking them down. Add the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Pulse the food processor until the mixture forms a coarse paste, one that still has a little texture provided by the not-entirely-broken-down almonds. The tapenade will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Serve with crudités.

 

1 C. mayonnaise

1/2 C. sour cream

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer dip to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until flavors are blended, at least 1 hour. Serve. (Dip can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Green Tomato Preserves

Green Tomato Preserves

Green Tomato Preserves

4 lb. green tomatoes

1 lemon, juice of

5 C. sugar

1⁄8 C. crystallized ginger to 1/4 C. crystallized ginger (optional)

Wash the tomatoes, core and cut into chunks; place in a large canning kettle. Add the lemon juice and sugar, bring to a boil and continue boiling until syrup is thick. Ladle into hot sterilized jars and process in water bath as recommended in your area.