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Category: Condiments & Extras

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.

 

Onion-Thyme Jam

Onion-Thyme Jam

Onion-Thyme Jam

Makes about 1 cup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 medium sweet onions, chopped (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)

1 bay leaf

1 roasted garlic clove, mashed (optional)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

 

Melt the butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaf, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few cracks of pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.  Add the vinegar and sugar and cook, stirring frequently, 20 minutes or longer until thickened. Remove bay leaf.  Transfer jam to a bowl and let cool. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.  Can be refrigerated for a few days; return to room temperature before serving.

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam

 

1 lb. bacon

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup dark corn syrup or sorghum

1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup bourbon

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1  tablespoon coarse black pepper

 

For Serving:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese

1 tablespoon tarragon, finely chopped

 

In a large pan or skillet, combine bacon and onion over medium-high heat. Cook until bacon is brown/crispy and onions are translucent, about 8-12 minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of bourbon to the pan and stir, scraping up the bits of bacon from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low. In a medium bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine. Transfer contents to the bacon mixture in the pan. Bring to a low simmer and cook until jam thickens, stirring frequently, 5-8 minutes. Thickness can be determined by observing drips from the stirring spoon. Remove from heat and serve hot. Whip together mascarpone cheese with tarragon. Spread onto the baguette or biscuit before topping with bacon jam.

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

Sweet and Spicy Pepitas

 

1 cup shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

4 garlic cloves, smashed and broken into seed size pieces or smaller

½ tsp. New Mexico red chile powder

½ tsp. chipotle powder

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

Juice from ½ lime

 

Toast the pepitas in a hot, dry skillet over medium heat. Shake or stir until they begin to swell and pop. Add the garlic and continue to stir until seeds have a nice toasted color. Be careful not to let the seeds nor the garlic burn. Remove from heat. Add the chile powder and salt and stir to coat the seeds. Continue stirring for about 15 seconds, but no more. The powders will burn in the hot pan if you leave them in too long. Transfer to a bowl and add the sugar. Stir.  Add the lime juice and toss to coat. Spread on a cookie sheet or transfer to a large bowl. Let sit for about 4 hours until dry or overnight, stirring about every 30 minutes for the first couple of hours. Once the seeds are dry, transfer to an airtight container.

 

Delicious as a snack, or use as a topping:

 

Tacos / Taco Salad

Citrus Salad

Steamed vegetables

Potato and pasta salads

Pureed soups such as pumpkin or butternut squash

African Stews

Mole

Avocado Ranch Dip

Avocado Ranch Dip

Avocado Ranch Dip

1 large avocado
2 tsp. lime juice
1/2 C. light sour cream
1/3 C. light mayonnaise
1/4 C. plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 T. finely minced green onion
3/8 tsp. garlic powder
3/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

In a medium bowl, roughly mash the avocado with the lime juice. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Yield: 12 servings, 2 T. Each

Calories: 50

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 0g

Pancetta Vinaigrette

Pancetta Vinaigrette

Pancetta Vinaigrette

1 ounce pancetta (unsmoked, salt-cured Italian-style bacon), cut into 1/4-inch dice

1/4 C. finely chopped shallots

1 tsp. finely minced garlic

1/2 C. sherry vinegar

3/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. finely chopped thyme leaves

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

In a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, or until the fat has been rendered and the pancetta has crisped. Add the shallots and garlic; cook for a minute or so, stirring constantly. Add the vinegar to deglaze the pan. Add the oil and cook until it bubbles at the edges. Remove from the heat and add the thyme, stirring to mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Grilled Asparagus topped with Poached Egg, dressed with Pancetta Vinaigrette
Green Herb Mayonnaise

Green Herb Mayonnaise

Green Herb Mayonnaise

I do love a pure from-scratch mayonnaise, but they can be runny and they use up a lot of olive oil. Starting with good-quality store-bought mayo and then freshening up the flavor with a yolk and some oil is a fine compromise, and a time-saver. You can use whatever mix of fresh herbs you like—this is just a suggestion.

1 small handful flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems

1 small handful basil leaves

Healthy pinch of mint leaves

Healthy pinch of tarragon leaves

Healthy pinch of dill fronds

1 C. Hellmann’s or Best Foods mayonnaise

1 egg yolk

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

Put the parsley, basil, mint, tarragon, and dill in a food processor and pulse 3 or 4 times to partially chop. Add the mayonnaise and pulse a few more times to blend. Pulse in the egg yolk, lemon juice, salt, and several twists of pepper, then, with the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until the mayo is creamy and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Taste (watch the blade!) and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Torn Croutons

Torn Croutons

Torn Croutons

There is no need to cut croutons into perfect little squares Just tear the bread—it’s easier and more fun, and most important, the croutons taste better because they have lots of raggedy edges that get crisp, and even slightly burnt. And stop cutting the crust off the loaf; the crust gives you more flavor, more texture. What you don’t want are hard croutons. You always want a little bit of chew in the center, not on every single one, but every third one at least; the lack of uniformity helps this. You also want the croutons to absorb the juices from vegetables, the extra-virgin olive oil, the vinaigrettes … All that flavor is carried into the crouton better through the torn edges.

2 large thick slices country loaf (about 4 ounces)

2 T. EVOO (or bacon fat)

Salt & Pepper (also can add granulated onion and/or garlic, dried herbs and/or finely grated lemon zest)

Heat oven to 400. Tear the bread, crust and all, into bite-size pieces. Toss the torn bread with the olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spread the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until golden brown, checking every 4 to 5 minutes and moving the outside croutons to the center of the pan so they cook evenly. Don’t let them get rock hard; leave a little bit of chew in the center. The total baking time will depend on the type and density of bread you’re using, but mostly likely will be 10 to 20 minutes. Slide onto paper towels to absorb any extra oil and season again lightly with salt and pepper.  Store the croutons in an airtight container. (Be sure to make more than you need for your recipe because you’ll find yourself eating these as a snack.)

Basic Herbal Jelly

Basic Herbal Jelly

Basic Herbal Jelly

1 C. of apple juice

2 C. of herbal infusion

2 tsp. lemon juice

4 C. sugar

1 package pectin

6 fresh sprigs of herbs for the jars

Proceed with the jelly directions on the box of pectin. Place a fresh herb sprig or flower into each jar.

Infusion:  To make an infusion, simply bring 2 C. of water to a boil, and take off the heat. Add a generous handful of herbs to the pan, put on the cover, and let cool to room temperature. Strain off the herbs and measure out 2 C.

Basil (sweet) – basil and water infusion (add 2 T. cloves for spicy flavor), strain.

Cinnamon/cherry juice (make infusion with ¼ C. crushed cinnamon), strain.

Clove/tangerine juice (make infusion with ¼ C. crushed cloves), strain.

Fennel – fennel and water infusion, add vinegar for all or part of the lemon juice.

Lemon balm with red grape juice.

Lemon thyme with white grape juice.

Lemon verbena and lemonade.

Marjoram and grapefruit juice.

Mint with water or apple juice.

Parsley with water or dry white wine.

Sage with cider or apple juice.

Savory and cranberry juice.

Scented geranium with water or apple juice.

Sweet woodruff and white wine.

Tarragon and white wine or with water (add vinegar).

Thyme and purple grape juice.

Creamy Horseradish Dip

Creamy Horseradish Dip

Creamy Horseradish Dip

¾ C. Mayonnaise

¾ C. Sour Cream

2 Scallions or Chives, sliced thin

¼ C. Horseradish, squeezed of excess liquid

1 tsp. minced fresh Parsley

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 and up to 2 days). Serve.

Flavored Compound Butters

Flavored Compound Butters

Flavored Compound Butters

Citrus Tarragon Butter

 

4 T. Unsalted Butter, room temperature

1 T. finely chopped Tarragon

1 T. finely chopped Scallion

½ tsp. freshly grated Orange Zest

1/8 tsp each salt and pepper

 

Scallion Basil Butter

 

4 T. Unsalted Butter, room temperature

2 T. finely chopped Basil Leaves

1 T. finely chopped Scallion

1/8 tsp. salt and pepper

 

Chili-Cilantro Butter

 

4 T. Unsalted Butter, room temperature

3 T. finely chopped Cilantro

2/4 tsp. Chili Powder

1 tsp. freshly grated Lime Zest

½ tsp. Lime Juice

1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper

 

 

Citrus Tarragon Butter

 

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

Zest from 1 large orange

Juice from ½ orange

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon

1 small shallot chopped

Pinch of salt

 

Garlic Herb and Parmesan Butter

 

8 ounces softened unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

2 tablespoons green onion, chopped

1/4 cup grated parmesan

Salt and pepper, season to taste

 

 

Parsley, Chili, Garlic, And Lemon

 

4 Tbsp. Finely Chopped Fresh Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley

1 tsp. Chili Flakes

4 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped

Zest of 1 Lemon

1/2 tsp. Coarsely Ground Black Pepper

1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Unsalted Butter, softened at room temperature

For Each: Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer beat all ingredients until well combined and fluffy.  Place a medium size piece of plastic wrap on to a clean, flat surface. Using a rubber spatula, gather the butter together in the bowl, and then spoon the butter mixture out of the bowl and onto the center of the plastic wrap. Grabbing the bottom portion of the plastic wrap, pull it up over the butter and begin forming a log shape. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap and place butter in the fridge.  Melt the compound butters on top of steamed vegetables, grilled fish or stuff a  chicken breast and bake.

–

Verbena Butter

 

6 ounces butter, softened (1.5 sticks of butter)

2 T. honey

2½ tsp. finely chopped verbena (can also grind in a spice grinder)

Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

 

Mix all ingredients together either by hand or using a mixer

 

 

Shallot-Parsley Butter

 

2 garlic cloves, peeled

3/4 cup peeled and coarsely chopped shallots

2 C. picked-clean parsley leaves

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 pound unsalted butter cut into 1-inch cubes, at coolish room temperature

 

In food processor chop garlic. Add shallots and chop finely. Add parsley and salt, process to coarsely chopped, then add butter. Process to smooth and emerald green.

 

 

Ramp Compound Butter

 

3 oz (Roughly 3 C.) lightly packed ramp leaves Use a scale for the best tasting result.

8 oz 2 sticks salted butter

1/2 T. cold water

A few cracks of the peppermill

1/2 T. chilled lemon juice or water plus a few scrapes of lemon zest, optional

 

Cut the butter into T. sized pieces and bring to room temperature. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch half of the ramp leaves for a few seconds, just until they wilt, then refresh in cold water. Alternately, for a stronger flavor, steam the ramp leaves for a few seconds until just wilted. Squeeze the leaves dry, then chop roughly on a cutting board with the fresh ramp leaves. In the bowl of a food processor pulse the ramp leaf mash to smooth it out a bit, then gradually add the butter pieces 1 chunk at a time, along with the water, processing to make a smooth paste (it may take some time if your butter is cold-just be patient) continuing to process until the butter is light green and fluffy-make sure to watch the video as this is easier seen than explained. If the butter, or ambient temperature of the kitchen is very cold, add a spoonful or two of boiling water to help the mixture move in the food processor. Once the butter is emulsified, fluffy and brilliant green, add the pepper, and drizzle in the lemon juice, processing for a few seconds to lighten it. Double check the seasoning, adjust as needed (if you want it stronger you can spin in some extra chopped ramp leaves). Spread the butter onto a piece of parchment and refrigerate, or cut into portions and freeze. The butter will keep for a week or two in the fridge, and a couple months in the freezer. I prefer to vacuum seal it for the best long-term storage.

 

 

Wood Sorrel Compound Butter

 

1/4 lb of unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 cup of fresh wood sorrel, lightly packed

1/8 tsp. of sea salt.

 

Mince sorrel in food processer, add butter in cubes and salt.  Process until smooth and creamy.  Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.

 

 

 

Lemon Thyme Herb Butter

1 stick butter

¼ cup fresh lemon Thyme, chopped

1 Tbsp lemon juice

Pinch of salt, pepper, chili powder

1 clove of garlic

 

Melt the butter. Add the thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste and use immediately.

Adobo Seasoning

Adobo Seasoning

Adobo Seasoning

Essential in Spanish, Caribbean and Latin American kitchens, adobo is a savory, all-purpose seasoning that imparts a garlic flavor and is normally used to season and/or marinate meat, chicken or fish. It is so fundamental in Latin  Cuisines that adobado means “marinated and cooked in adobo sauce.”

2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoo

 

ns ground black pepper

1 1⁄2 teaspoons onion powder

1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

 

In a bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Store in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place.

Zesty Rhubarb Relish

Zesty Rhubarb Relish

1 C. Sugar

3/4 C. Cider

1/2 C. Water

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. minced Jalapeno Chile

1/2 tsp. Mustard Seeds

1/2 tsp. ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground Allspice

1/4 tsp. dried Red Pepper Flakes

1/4 tsp. ground Cloves

1/4 tsp. ground Nutmeg

4 C. Rhubarb, sliced into 1/2″ pieces

1 lg. Onion, chopped

1 C. sliced Pitted Dates

1/2 C. Golden Raisins

 

Wash 2 pint jars and keep hot until needed.  Prepare lisds as manufacturer directs.  In 4 quart non aluminum pan, combine first 11 ingredients (sugar through nutmeg).  Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add rhubarb and onion, cover and simmer over medium low for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add dried fruits and simmer for 20 minutes more, or until mixture is thick.  Ladle hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/2″ head space.  Wipe jar rim with a clean damp cloth.  Attach lid.   Process in boiling water canner 15 minutes.

Red Onion Jam

Red Onion Jam

Red Onion Jam

3 C. Peeled, thinly sliced red onions
1 1/2 C. Apple juice
3/4 C. Red wine vinegar
1 tsp. Dried sage
1/2 tsp. Pepper
5 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Margarine
1 Pouch liquid pectin

Mix all ingredients except pectin. Place over high heat; bring to a full rolling boil and stir constantly. Skim off foam with metal spoon, remove from heat. Ladle into sterilized jars, then water bath process for 5 min.

Creole Seasoning

Creole Seasoning

Creole Seasoning

3 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. onion powder
3 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. Salt – Sea salt or Kosher salt optional substitutes
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. sweet basil
1 1/2 tsp. cayenne powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper

Mix all the spices up in a bowl and then spoon into a spice jar that you’ve saved. Use this blend on just about everything – from Creole dishes to popcorn. Can be added to the flour dredge for spicy chicken or pork chops. Use this on tater tots – hot tots!

Bacon, Scallion & Caramelized Onion Dip

Bacon, Scallion & Caramelized Onion Dip

Bacon, Scallion & Caramelized Onion Dip

3 slices Bacon, cut into ¼” pieces
¾ C. Sour Cream
½ C. Caramelized Onions
2 Scallions, minced
½ tsp. Cider Vinegar
Salt & Pepper

Cook bacon in 8 inch skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Combine Sour cream, onions, scallions, vinegar and bacon in medium bowl. Season with salt & Pepper to taste and serve. Dip can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

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.

Cook’s Illustrated Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Cook’s Illustrated Caesar Dip with Parmesan & Anchovies

Cook’s Illustrated 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.)

CopyCat Benihana Sauces

CopyCat Benihana Sauces

Teppanyaki Mustard Dipping Sauce

This dipping sauce gets its zesty bite from mustard, ginger, and horseradish.

3 tsp. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. lime juice
2 tsp. prepared horseradish
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

Whisk all ingredients together in medium bowl.

Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

¼ C. Soy Sauce
3 tsp. Mirin
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
1 Scallion, sliced thin
2 tsp. Grated fresh Ginger
1 clove Garlic, minced

Whisk all ingredients together in medium bowl.

Peach Jam with Lemon Thyme and Almonds

Peach Jam with Lemon Thyme and Almonds

Peach Jam with Lemon Thyme and Almonds

 

Makes 4-5 half-pints

1/2 C. slivered almonds

12 ounces Granny Smith apples (about 2 large)

4 pounds peaches, peeled, pitted and diced

11/2 C. granulated sugar

3 T. strained fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. fresh lemon thyme leaves (or 1 tsp. regular thyme)

 

Sterilize jars by boiling for 10 minutes in a large canning pot; leave them in the pot to stay hot. Put a small plate in the freezer. Put the flat lids in a heatproof bowl. Toast almonds in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until fragrant and light brown, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside. Quarter and core the apples, reserving the cores and seeds. Tie apple trimmings in cheesecloth (or a jelly bag, if you have one). Put the peaches and sugar in a wide, 6- to 8-quart preserving pan or other wide, shallow pan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, and continue to cook until the juices just cover the peaches, about 5 minutes. Pour into a colander set over a large bowl. Stir peaches gently to drain off juice. Return juice to pan, along with the apples and the trimmings. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup is thick and reduced, about 15 minutes. Return peaches and any accumulated juices to pan. Add lemon juice, almonds and lemon thyme. Bring back to simmer and cook, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes, until peaches are very tender and a small dab of jam spooned onto the chilled plate and returned to the freezer for a minute becomes somewhat firm. (It will not gel.) Remove from heat. Discard apples and trimmings, and stir gently to distribute fruit in the liquid.. Ladle hot jam into the jars, leaving 1/4-inch space at the top. Wipe jar rims. Put a flat lid and ring on each jar, and tighten until snug. Return the jars to the canning pot, making sure water covers jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from pot and let sit untouched for 12 hours. (After 1 hour, check to see if the jars have sealed. If the center of the lid can be pushed down, it hasn’t sealed. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator.) Label and store, preferably in a cool, dark place.

Clam Dip with Bacon & Scallions

Clam Dip with Bacon & Scallions

Clam Dip with Bacon & Scallions

4 slices Bacon, cut into ¼” pieces
¾ C. Sour Cream
¾ C. Mayo
1 tsp. Lemon Juice
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1 6.5oz. cans minced Clams, drained
2 Scallions, sliced thin
Salt & Pepper
Cayenne Pepper

Cook bacon in 8 inch skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Whisk together sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and Worcestershire in medium bowl. Stir in clams, scallions and bacon. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Transfer dip to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors are blended, at least 1 hour, and up to 2 days.

Garden Antipasto

Garden Antipasto

Canning: Garden Antipasto

1 1/2 lb. sweet peppers, stemmed, seeds & ribs removed, thickly sliced
1 lb. eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch batons
2 C. red wine vinegar, divided
1 1/2 tsp. Kosher or pickling salt
1 C. olive oil
3 large, or 6 small, cloves garlic
6 sprigs fresh thyme, or other fresh herb
1 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns

Prepare canner, jars and lids. In a medium stockpot, bring 1 C. vinegar + 1 C. water to a boil. Add eggplant and poach, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 2 – 3 minutes. Scoop eggplant out with a slotted spoon and remove to a clean bowl. Add sliced peppers to the stockpot. Add water to cover: bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until peppers are softened, about 2 – 3 minutes. Drain and remove peppers to the eggplant bowl. Add 2 small garlic cloves, 2 sprigs thyme and 1/2 tsp. peppercorns to each clean, hot pint jar. Pack in eggplant and peppers, squishing them in fairly tightly, to a generous 1/2-inch head space. Fill all pint jars with vegetables before adding brine. Bring remaining 1 C. vinegar and salt to a boil in the stockpot. Add olive oil and bring back to a boil. Ladle boiling brine over peppers & eggplant in the pint jars: remove any air bubbles with a chopstick or spatula, adjusting brine to a head space of 1/2-inch. Wipe rims thoroughly (ensure no olive oil remains on the rims), affix lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

LTS Pantry Stable “Roux” Base

LTS Pantry Stable “Roux” Base

Pantry Stable “Roux” Base

2 C. Milk Powder (not instant nonfat dry milk)
1 C. Butter Powder
1 C. Flour

Whisk to combine, store in a mason jar in pantry. To make white sauce, mix ½ C. mix with 1 C. water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened.

Replace water with pan drippings or meat stock/broth for a gravy.

To replace a can of “Cream of X soup” in a recipe, mix a cup of the mix with 1 ¼ C. water. Add dehydrated celery, mushroom, onion, and/or chicken bouillon to match the type of Cream soup you need. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened.

Hawaiian Jam

Hawaiian Jam

Hawaiian Jam

8 Peaches, peeled
3 lg Oranges
Pulp of 1 med. cantaloupe
1 Lemon
1 (8 1/2 oz.) can crushed Pineapple
Sugar

Chop all ingredients fine. Put oranges through food processor. Combine all with 3/4 cup sugar for every 1 cup of fruit. Mix well and let stand overnight. Next morning, gently cook mixture 1 hour, stirring frequently. Pour into hot jars and seal. Makes 8 pints.

Avocado Salsa with Feta Cheese

Avocado Salsa with Feta Cheese

Avocado Salsa with Feta Cheese
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 ripe avocado – peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

In a bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, avocados, onion, and garlic. Mix in parsley and oregano. Gently stir in olive oil and vinegar. Then stir in feta. Cover, and chill for 2 to 6 hours.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 66
Fat: 5.6g
Fiber: 1.3g

DIY Everything Seasoning

DIY Everything Seasoning

1 tsp. toasted white sesame seeds
1 tsp. dehydrated toasted minced onion
1 tsp. dehydrated minced garlic
1 tsp. Dutch blue poppy seeds
1 tsp. charnushka seeds
1 tsp. Maldon sea salt

Optional additions:
1 tsp. yellow mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. crushed Aleppo chiles

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy. Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle over bagels and cream cheese, smoked salmon, omelets, homemade breads, biscuits, grilled fish, and more!

Coconut and Lemongrass Marinade

Coconut and Lemongrass Marinade

Lemongrass contains citrol, the same flavor component that’s in lemon zest, and has a similarly citrus-like flavor and aroma that’s especially prized in Southeast Asian cuisines.

1 stalk lemongrass, ends trimmed, quartered
2 large shallots, peeled
3 red Fresno chiles or red jalapeños, stemmed
2 thick slices fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
Juice and zest of 2 limes

Whirl lemongrass in a food processor until finely chopped. Add shallots, chiles, ginger, and garlic and whirl until minced. Put lemongrass mixture in a nonreactive baking dish and whisk in salt, coconut milk, and lime juice and zest. Add seafood and turn to coat.

Pineapple and Peach Jam with Mint

Pineapple and Peach Jam with Mint

Makes 8 half pints

1 and a half pineapples (about 6 C.), washed, peeled, eyes removed, quartered, and cored.
Chop into small pieces.
6 C. peaches, peeled, pitted, and chop into pieces
2 C. sugar
4 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 T. minced fresh mint

Put pineapple, peaches, and sugar into a pot and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the juices are just starting to cover the fruit. Pour the mixture into a colander or mesh strainer and set it over a large bowl, stirring the fruit around to extract as much liquid as you can. Return that juice to the pan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is thick and reduced, about 10 minutes. Return your fruit along with any excess juices that may have accumulated to the pot, along with 4 T. lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the fruit is very tender, about 15 minutes. Once it reaches the desired consistency (to a jam consistency, this jam will not gel), remove from the heat and stir in your 1 – 2 T. mint. Ladle into your jars to 1/4 inch headspace, remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and assemble lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes