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Cheese and Chive Sandwich

Cheese and Chive Sandwich

2-3 Chives, snipped finely

1 T. Mayonnaise

1 tsp. Water

Scant ½ C. grated Cheddar

2 slices Bread

1 T. Butter, softened

 

Mix chives, mayo and water together in a small bowl, then add cheddar and stir to combine. If desired, roll bread with rolling pin until bread is about half its original thickness to make it easier to eat for little mouths. Spread one side of each slice with butter. Spoon filling onto one of the buttered sides and then sandwich with the second slice, pressing down well. Trim crusts and cut into triangles to serve.

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

 

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Brie, Tomato & Zucchini Puff slice

Brie, Tomato & Zucchini Puff slice

5618RC10_X_BRIE_ZucchiniPuff_sm11 x 200g Puff pastry ready rolled sheet (or roll out a block to form a rectangle approx. 8” x 6”)
1 pack (125g) Brie Cheese or Camembert Cheese
1-2 medium tomatoes
½ zucchini
Beaten egg to glaze

 

Preheat oven to 220ºC/425ºF Unroll pastry sheet, trim edges with a sharp knife and place onto a lined baking sheet. Slice the tomatoes, zucchini and cheese. Arrange the ingredients in lines across the pastry sheet, leaving a good border of 2.5cm/1” all round, and overlapping the ingredients slightly. Brush the border with beaten egg and bake for 15 – 18 minutes until the pastry is risen and golden and the cheese melted. Serve hot. Serves 2-3

 

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Cups

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Cups

4 oz. turkey sausage or crumbled turkey bacon

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 onion, chopped

5 large eggs

1 can (12 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained

1/2 C. (2 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 350 deg F. Coat a 6-C. nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, pepper, and onion for 5 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and cool slightly. Stir in the eggs and mushrooms. Evenly divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the egg is set.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 140

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 1g

 

Belgian Leek Tart with Aged Goat Cheese

Belgian Leek Tart with Aged Goat Cheese

tartCrust:

4 T. (or more) ice water

3/4 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 C. unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. (1 stick) plus 1 T. chilled unsalted butter

 

Filling:

1/2 C. whole milk

1/2 C. heavy whipping cream

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C. crumbled aged goat cheese (such as Bûcheron), rind trimmed

1 1/2 C. Leek Confit

 

Combine 4 T. ice water and cider vinegar in small bowl. Blend flour and salt in processor. Add butter and cut in using on/off turns until mixture resembles coarse meal. With machine running, slowly add water-vinegar mixture, processing until moist clumps form. If dough seems dry, add ice water by tsp.fuls. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated. Allow dough to soften slightly at room temperature before rolling out. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Roll dough out on lightly floured work surface to 12-inch round. Transfer to 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough onto bottom and up sides. Fold in overhang and press to extend dough 1/2 inch above sides of pan. Line pan with foil and dried beans or pie weights. Bake until dough looks dry and set, about 30 minutes. Remove foil and beans and continue to bake until crust is pale golden, 20 to 25 minutes longer. Remove from oven and cool while preparing filling. Whisk milk, cream, egg, egg yolk, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Sprinkle 1/4 C. cheese over bottom of warm crust; spread leek confit over and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Pour milk mixture over. Bake until filling has puffed, is golden in spots, and center looks set, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool slightly. Remove pan sides. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

 

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Cheesy Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Cheesy Lemon Brussels Sprouts

bruss2 lb. Brussels Sprouts

4 T. olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced and zested

3 T. gruyere, grated

Sea salt

Pepper

 

Clean the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the ends and peeling the outer layer of the sprout off. Cut each one in half. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once heated, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pan and sauté for about 7-8 minutes on each side until the outer part is a caramelized brown and the inside is soft and fully cooked. Add the garlic half way through the cooking. Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Add the cheese on top and serve.

Cheddar Pinwheels

Cheddar Pinwheels

2 C. Unbleached Flour; Sifted

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 T. Baking Powder

1/4 C. Butter

2/3 C. Skim Milk

1 C. reduced fat Cheddar; sharpest possible, Grated

 

Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a mixing bowl and then cut into the butter. Add the milk and stir together quickly but thoroughly. Turn out on a floured board and knead for 30 seconds then roll out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Spread with the grated cheese and roll up tightly like cinnamon rolls. Cut into 3/4-inch slices and transfer to baking sheets and bake in a moderate oven (375 degrees F.) for 20 minutes or until delicately browned.

 

Cream Cheese and Mushroom Enchiladas

Cream Cheese and Mushroom Enchiladas

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. cooking oil

28 oz. can tomatoes

1 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

16 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 tbsp. margarine

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, cut up

1 cup sour cream

3/4 cup sliced green onions

8 – 7 inch flour tortillas

2 cups shredded pepper cheese

dash ground red pepper

 

Cook onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in tomatoes (cut up), honey, 1 tsp. chili powder, cumin, coriander, and red pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered about 30 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. In a saucepan cook mushrooms and remaining chili powder (2 tsp.) in margarine on medium high 4 to 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and liquid evaporates. Reduce heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and the chopped green onion. Spoon 1/3 cup mushroom mixture in center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with pepper cheese and rollup. Place seamside down in a greased 12x7x2 inch baking dish. Spoon tomato mixture over tortillas. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with shredded pepper cheese and return to oven until cheese melts. Serve on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes, with sour cream, if desired.

 

 

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Cheesy Baked Supper Omelet

Cheesy Baked Supper Omelet

omelet

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1/2 cup chopped red or green bell pepper (1 small)

1/4 cup chopped onion (1/2 medium)

12 eggs

1 container (8 oz) sour cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend (6 oz)

 

Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 12×8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 8-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. In large bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in bell pepper mixture and cheese. Pour into baking dish. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until eggs are set. Cut omelet into squares to serve.

Roasted Veggies with Brie

Roasted Veggies with Brie

Roasted Veggies with Brie1 wheel of brie
1 medium zucchini, cut into rounds
Roasted red pepper
30-40 garlic cloves, roasted
olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper
Finely chopped fresh rosemary
Baguette for serving

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Put peeled garlic cloves in an oven safe dish, sprinkle with about a teaspoon of black pepper, a teaspoon of kosher salt and about a tablespoon of olive oil. Cover tightly with foil & bake for about 30 minutes. Slice zucchini into rounds and put into a pan that has been heating over medium heat with a few swirls of olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook for about 10-12 minutes & give them a flip with a spatula and cook down about another 10 minutes. Slice the brie wheel & roasted red pepper into long strips, set aside, finely chop 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary. Cut the baguette and lightly toast on a sheet pan. Your oven should already be hot, so only about 5-7 minutes will do. Assemble roasted red pepper strips, roasted garlic & zucchini in separate piles in an oven proof pan; stack the brie like a fan. Sprinkle the veggies and brie with kosher salt and finely chopped fresh rosemary. Place the whole pan in the oven for about 5 minutes… until the brie starts to melt; serve with toasted baguette.

Brie Basil Tomato Pasta

Brie Basil Tomato Pasta

Dice about 8 Roma tomatoes into a bowl. Add a couple pinches of sugar and stir. Add a few tsp. of balsamic vinegar (more if you like that taste). Drizzle olive oil over the mixture. Add fresh basil (I usually use a handful or two). Stir and let marinate while you cook the pasta (it can also be made ahead of time and allowed to marinate longer). Cook angel hair pasta. Place cubes of brie into bowls or serving bowl. Pour hot pasta over the brie and toss. Put tomato mixture over the pasta/brie.

 

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French Toast Sandwiches with Onion, Prosciutto & Cheese

French Toast Sandwiches with Onion, Prosciutto & Cheese

3 lg. Eggs

1 C. Milk

8-10 oz. semi-soft Cheese, cut into 1/8” thick slices (sage, fontina,Port Salut, or Meunster)

4 thin slices Red Onion

4 lg. Slices Prosciutto

8 slices toothsome Bread, cut ¼” thick

4 T. unsalted Butter

 

Beat egg and milk together in a shallow soup plate; set aside. Place 1 slice cheese, 1 slice onion and 1 slice ham on each of four slices bread. Top each with remaining sliced cheese and finally with another slice of bread. Carefully dip each sandwich into egg mixture and soak bread well. Heat 2 T. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and fry until brown, about five minutes. Carefully turn over and fry the other side, about five minutes more. Keep warm until serving.

 

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Cheese Enchilada Chowder

Cheese Enchilada Chowder

cheese enchilada chowder

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

1 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. chopped yellow, green or red sweet pepper

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded, if desired, and finely chopped

1 19-ounce can enchilada sauce

1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

2 C. milk

1 C. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces)

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Dairy sour cream (optional)

Guacamole (optional)

Tortilla chips, coarsely broken (optional)

In a 3-1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker combine black beans, tomatoes, frozen corn, onion, sweet pepper, and jalapeño pepper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together enchilada sauce and soup. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Pour sauce mixture over ingredients in cooker.  Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls. If desired, top each serving with sour cream, guacamole and tortilla chips.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 374

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Bacon Cheddar Bread

Bacon Cheddar Bread

Cheddar-Bacon-Bread6 cups all purpose flour

3 1/4 cups warm water

2 tsp. instant yeast

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

10 strips cooked bacon, chopped and divided

fresh ground black pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl combine water, yeast, salt and sugar. Allow mixture to sit for several minutes. Add flour, two cups of cheese, 1/2 bacon and fresh ground black pepper. Stir with spoon until combined. Dough will be shaggy. Don’t stress if it looks messy. It will come together in the end. Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour. After an hour, turn dough out onto a floured board and knead for a few minutes. It does not need to be completely smooth. Just knead it long enough to come together and place dough into a loaf pan. Cover loaf with remaining cheese and bacon. Cover with towel and allow to rest for thirty minutes. Bake in a 400º oven for fifteen minutes. Cover loosely with foil and reduce heat to 350º and continue baking for another 25 minutes. Remove foil and allow to bake for another 5 minutes. NOTE! Readers have alerted me that the pan I use is apparently larger than the standard 9×5. Therefore, either divide the batch in half and make two smaller loaves, or cut off about 1 1/2 cups of the dough for a taller loaf. Use the leftovers to make a couple of mini loaves or bake in muffin cups.

Apple & Cheese Breakfast Pizza

Apple & Cheese Breakfast Pizza

8oz. Cream cheese, softened

4oz. Ricotta cheese

5 T. Sugar

1 T. Milk

2 Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 C. Brown sugar

1 T. Flour

1 T. Butter

1/2 C. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 balls, approximately 1/2 cup each, pizza dough, bread dough or hot roll dough (your choice).

Mix cream cheese with ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and milk until completely smooth. Set aside. Toss apples, cinnamon, and remaining sugar and set aside. Combine flour, softened butter, brown sugar and cheddar cheese by hand until mixture is crumbly. Set aside. Roll out each dough ball until roughly 7 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet. Divide cream cheese mixture into 4 portions and spread over the top of each pizza. Next spread 1/4 of apple mixture over pizza, and top with cheddar cheese mixture. Bake in a pre-heated 500 degree oven until brown and bubbly, 8 – 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Apple and Brie Omelet

Apple and Brie Omelet

2 large Red or Golden Delicious apples – peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch wedges

8 large eggs

1/2 C. (4 oz. s) Brie cheese – thinly sliced (melts better)

2 green onions – finely sliced

2 T. butter

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1 dash vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

 

Place apple slices in a microwave-safe container. Top with 1/2 of the butter. Sprinkle the nutmeg on top of that. Microwave on high for 3 minutes – stirring once halfway through the cooking time. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla and salt. Melt 1/2 of remaining butter in a skillet set to medium-high heat. Pour half of the egg mixture into the skillet. Cover and cook until set. Place this – the bottom half of the omelet – on a cookie sheet. Place apple wedges evenly on top. Sprinkle onion evenly over the apples. Place cheese evenly on top of that. Place in preheated oven. Cook remaining egg mixture in skillet as described above. Remove bottom of omelet from the oven and carefully slide it onto a serving platter. Place egg layer from the skillet on top of the bottom of the omelet from the oven. Garnish with a little ground nutmeg and cut into wedges to serve. Make sure you use a sweeter apple for this one.

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Alton Brown’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko bread crumbs

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta to al dente.  While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it’s free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.  Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.  Melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the breadcrumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.  Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese.

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

Alton Brown’s Next Day Mac and Cheese “Toast”

 

Leftover baked macaroni and cheese, refrigerated for at least overnight

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 egg beaten with 2 ounces water

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Oil for deep frying, preheated to 375 degrees

 

Cut refrigerated macaroni and cheese into slices or bite size pieces.  Season the flour with salt, pepper and cayenne. Dredge each piece through the flour and gently tap off excess. Dip in the egg wash and then coat with the bread crumbs. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes so the crust can set. Very carefully drop into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet fitted with a rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Baked Brie with Sun-dried Tomato

Baked Brie with Sun-dried Tomato

2 oz. Brie cheese

1/2 oz. sun-dried tomatoes

1 T. fresh parsley

1/2 T. sliced almonds

Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Trim rind off the top of the cheese. Place on an oven-proof pie plate. Dice the tomatoes and chop parsley. Mix tomatoes with parsley; spread over cheese. Sprinkle with almonds, then bake 5-7 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Jam

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Jam

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Jam

 

2 T. unsalted butter, softened

4 slices crusty sourdough bread

6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese

1/4 C. chopped fresh basil

1/2 C. Homemade Tomato Jam

 

Butter one side of each of the pieces of sourdough bread. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If your pan is large enough, you can make two sandwiches at a time. Otherwise, proceed with steps 3-4 for one sandwich, and then repeat the process. Once the pan is hot, place two slices of bread in the pan, buttered side down. Top each slice of bread with half of the mozzarella, half of the chopped basil, and half of the tomato jam. Place another slice of bread on top of each, buttered side up. Cook until the bottom of each is browned, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully with a spatula, cooking again until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted. Remove from the pan, and slice in half with a serrated knife if desired. Serve immediately.

Cheddar Potato Slices

Cheddar Potato Slices

1 10 3/4 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. pepper

4 russet potatoes, sliced

1 C. shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

In a small bowl, combine soup, paprika, and pepper. Spray a 2 qt. baking dish with nonstick spray. Arrange potatoes in overlapping rows. Sprinkle with cheese. Spoon soup mixture over cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 400F for 45 minutes. Uncover, and continue to bake 10 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.

Harvest Cheddar Soup

Harvest Cheddar Soup

Harvest Cheddar Soup

2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

2 Tablespoons white wine

¼ (40 g) onion

½ (50 g) celery stalk

2 (400 g) granny smith apples

1 (285 g) russet potato

⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup (115 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

 

Place chicken broth, wine, onion, celery, apples, potatoes, thyme, nutmeg, pepper, and salt into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Hot Soups program or Variable speed 1. Start the machine slowly increase to its highest speed and blend for 5:45 or allow machine to complete programmed Hot Soups program. Once you have turned off the machine or the Hot Soups program has come to a stop, Select Variable 1. Start the machine and slowly increase speed to Variable 6 and remove the lid plug. Drop in cheese through the lid plug opening. Blend an additional 10 seconds. Notes: Garnish with sour cream and diced apples. This recipe can be reduced by half and made in smaller containers. Soup may vary in color depending on the types of apples and cheese that you use. Season soups to your liking a little salt and pepper can go along way or spice it up with a little jalapeno! Potatoes should be baked, veggies are raw. By cooking all ingredients beforehand, you will get a sweeter soup. This soup is an apple forward soup with rich sweetness for a heartier flavor use 1 apple and then season to taste at the end with more spices, herbs, and cheese to make it to your liking.

Crispy Cheese Stars

Crispy Cheese Stars

Crispy Cheese StarsFlour tortillas

Sliced cheese (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)

Chili powder or paprika

2 Star Cookie Cutters, in graduated size

 

Heat the oven to 350°. Use the larger cookie cutter to cut out stars from flour tortillas (about 5 per 10-inch tortilla). It’s easy for kids to do if you use a rolling pin to roll back and forth over the cutter. Bake the stars on a foil-covered cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Use the smaller cookie cutter to cut out an equal number of cheese stars from the sliced cheese and place them atop the tortilla ones. Bake the stars for 2 more minutes or so until the cheese melts. Sprinkle the stars with chili powder or paprika and let them cool before serving.

 

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Cheese & Pesto Spread

Cheese & Pesto Spread

Two_Cheese_Pesto_Spread8oz. Cream Cheese

4 1/2oz. Brie Cheese

1 C. Firmly Packard Basil Leaves

1/2 C. Firmly Packed Parsley Springs

1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 C. Pine Nuts (or Walnuts or Almonds)

2 Cloves Garlic, quartered

1/4 C. Olive Oil

1/2 C. Whipping Cream

Crackers or Slices of French Bread

 

Soften Cream and Brie Cheese. For pesto combine basil and parsley, Parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic and 2 tsp. Oil oil in blender. Blend with on and off turns until paste forms. Gradually add remaining oil, blending on low speed until smooth. Beat cream cheese and Brie together till nearly smooth. Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cheese mixture. Line a 4 C. Mold with plastic wrap. Spread 1/4 of cheese mixture into mold. Top with 1/3 Pesto mix. Repeat layers. Top with Cheese mixture. Chill 6-24 hours. To serve, unmold on plate. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

 

Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin

Butternut Squash Gratin

 

3 T. butter

1 large onion, chopped

2 tsp. garlic

1 large butternut, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks

1 T. brown sugar

¾ cup broth

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated

1 cup bread crumbs

1 T. Rosemary

1 T. Thyme

 

Grease bottom and sides of slow cooker. Over medium-high heat melt butter in skillet. Add onions and garlic. Continue cooking over medium heat until onions turn golden brown. Add the butternut squash and brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally until squash begins to brown, but is still firm in the middle. Put squash mixture into slow cooker, pour in broth and stir well. Cover and bake 1 1/2 hour on low. While cooking mix together cheeses, bread crumbs, and spices. After 1 1/2 hour remove lid and sprinkle squash with cheese mixture. Continue baking for 15 more minutes until cheese is melted.

Green Bean Salad with Figs, Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Green Bean Salad with Figs, Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Green Bean Salad with Figs, Walnuts and Goat Cheese

1 small shallot, minced

2 T. sherry vinegar

1 tsp. honey

3 T. olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 lb / 0.5 kg green beans, trimmed

6-8 figs (about 6 oz / 175 g), trimmed and quartered

3 oz / 85 g walnuts

2 oz / 60 g fresh goat cheese, torn into small chunks

 

Whisk the shallots with the sherry vinegar, then add honey and olive oil with a pinch of salt. Set aside. Toast the walnuts in a 375 F / 290 C oven for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden. Or, you can toast on the stovetop in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking every few minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a large pinch of salt and the green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until beans are bright green and still a bit crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water until beans are just slightly warm. Toss beans with half the dressing, then add figs, goat cheese and walnuts. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and serve at room temperature.

Parmesan Puffs

Parmesan Puffs

2 lg. Egg whites
1 C. Freshly grated Parmesan
A Pinch Cayenne
Vegetable Oil for deep-frying

Put whites in a large bowl and let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. With an electric mixer beat whites until they hold stiff peaks and with a metal spoon thoroughly fold in Parmesan and cayenne. Roll mixture into about twenty 3/4-inch balls. In a 3-quart heavy kettle heat 1 inch oil to 375° F. Working in batches, fry balls, turning them, until golden, about 2 minutes, transferring to paper towels to drain. Serve Parmesan puffs warm as an accompaniment to soup or as an hors d’oeuvre.

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Pecans

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Pecans

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 C. crumbled blue cheese

2 T. coarsely chopped pecans

4 slices bread, crusty, firm-textured, cut about 3/4-inch thick

2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved

2 large Florida tomatos, sliced about 1/8-inch thick

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh basil or dried basil, for garnish

In a small bowl, mash the cheeses together with a fork, leaving the mixture somewhat chunky. Mix in the pecans. Preheat the broiler. Arrange the bread on a small baking sheet and broil the slices for about a minute on each side, just until golden. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. Rub one side of each piece of bread with garlic. Spread some of the cheese mixture over each slice and arrange 2 or 3 overlapping tomato slices on top. Pepper the tomatoes lightly, then garnish with basil and serve.

Warm Asparagus Salad with Fava Beans and Fresh Ricotta

Warm Asparagus Salad with Fava Beans and Fresh Ricotta

Warm Asparagus Salad with Fava Beans and Fresh Ricotta

 

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 pounds fresh fava beans, shelled (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

1 tablespoon finely chopped mint

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound thin asparagus

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Fleur de sel, for sprinkling

 

In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest and season with kosher salt and black pepper. In a medium saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the fava beans until the skins start to loosen, about 2 minutes. Drain and cool under running water, then squeeze the fava beans from their skins. In a medium bowl, toss the favas with the parsley, mint and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil; season with kosher salt and black pepper. In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, blanch the asparagus until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes, then drain. In a medium bowl, toss the asparagus with the lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with kosher salt and black pepper. Transfer the asparagus to plates and spoon the ricotta and favas over the top. Sprinkle the salads with fleur de sel and serve.

Brandied Cheese Spread

Brandied Cheese Spread

1/4 tsp. instant coffee granules
1 T. hot water
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 C. sugar
2 T. sour cream
2 T. brandy
1 (2-ounce) package slivered almonds, toasted and chopped

Dissolve coffee granules in hot water in large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese and next three ingredients; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Stir in almonds. Spoon mixture into an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 1 week. Yield 1 1/2 C.. Serve with gingersnaps or sliced apples and pears.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Manchego

Arugula Salad with Shaved Manchego

1 to 2 tsp. honey

2 T. white balsamic or white-wine vinegar

2 T. olive oil

Coarse salt and ground pepper

2 arugula, (about 1 lb. total), well rinsed, thick stems removed

1/4 C. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced

4 oz. Manchego cheese

 

In a large bowl, whisk honey and vinegar until combined. Whisk in oil; season with salt and pepper. Add arugula and sun-dried tomatoes. Using a vegetable peeler, thinly shave the Manchego; add half to the bowl, and toss to combine. Divide among four serving plates; top with remaining Manchego. Serve immediately.

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

Red Pepper and Feta Amuse-Bouche

2 large red bell peppers

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3–4 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced

 

Cut about {1/2} inch from the tip and tail of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and then cut each half into thirds or quarters, making relatively flat slices. Warm the oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the peppers and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes on each side. This long, slow cooking allows the sugars in the peppers to caramelize. Try not to let the peppers burn or even brown too much. If they start to brown or stick, reduce the heat and add more oil if necessary. Flipping them periodically also helps slow the cooking process. When they are done, the peppers should be cooked just enough to be soft and sweet throughout, but al dente enough to hold their shape. Transfer the pepper slices to a plate and toss with the garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Don’t use too much salt, as the feta is salty. Arrange the peppers faceup on the plate, placing any bits of parsley and garlic left on the plate onto the pepper slices. Top each pepper with a thin slice of feta. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Creamy Four Cheese Spinach Butternut Squash

Creamy Four Cheese Spinach Butternut Squash

Creamy Four Cheese Spinach Butternut Squash

1 butternut squash

1/2 C. (125ml) vegetable broth

1 C. (250ml) heavy cream

5 garlic cloves (or to taste), minced

1 C. Italian 4 cheese mix

1 C. freshly chopped spinach

Fresh thyme, to taste

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper

Red chili pepper flakes (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F(200°C). Scrub the outside of the squash clean and cut each in half down the middle from the stem to the root end. Scoop out the seeds and scrape a bit of the flesh with a melon baller, leaving a nice border all the way around. Sprinkle each half with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, heavy cream with 1/2 C. vegetable broth, cheese and spinach. Mix well. Divide the mixture into each halves, then top with additional cheese and sprinkle with additional pepper, fresh thyme and red chili flakes.. Roast in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the thickness of your squash, or until the flesh of the butternut squash is very tender when poked with a fork. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Fig Confit

Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Fig Confit

2 large sweet yellow onions, sliced

Kosher or sea salt

3 tsp. olive oil

1 ½ C. of figs, diced

½ to 1 tsp. of fresh rosemary, finely minced

1/3 C. grated Gouda cheese

1/3 C. grated Fontina cheese

2 T. finely grated Parmesan cheese

4 slices sourdough bread

2 T. butter at room temperature

Heat the oil over medium high until it shimmers. Add the sliced onions, toss to coat them with oil, and sprinkle a big pinch of salt over them. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook the onions slowly until they soften and turn an even, deep brown (about 30 minutes). In the meantime, mix together the grated Gouda and Fontina cheeses in a small bowl. Wash the figs, slice off their stem ends, and cut them into ¼ inch pieces (see the top photo). When the onions are completely caramelized, turn the heat back up to medium and stir in the figs and the rosemary (to taste). When the figs just begin to break apart, after about 2 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and scrape the mixture into a bowl. To make the sandwiches, divide the Gouda and Fontina cheese mixture between two slices of the bread, spreading evenly. Then, spread a quarter C. of the onion fig confit onto each of the remaining slices of bread and top them off with a T. of Parmesan each. Create the sandwiches by topping each cheesy slices of bread with a fig onion confit slice. Heat 1 T. of butter over medium heat in a skillet. When the foam subsides, place the sandwiches, cheese side down, into the skillet. Press the sandwiches into the pan with the back of a spatula and cook, without flipping over, until the bread is evenly browned (about 3 minutes). Place the sandwiches onto a plate. Melt more butter in the pan (about ½ T.). When the foam subsides, place the sandwiches back in the pan, browned side up, and cook about 3 more minutes, or until the bread is evenly browned and the cheese is completely melted. Remove the sandwiches from the pan, slice them in half, and serve immediately.

Cheesy Steak Bake

Cheesy Steak Bake

Cheesy Steak Bake

1 lb. steak tips

1 C. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 C. fontina cheese, grated

6 slices bacon, optional

2 white onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 T. herbs de Provence

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375º F. If using, cook bacon to personal preference. (Don’t make it too crispy, as it will also be baked later.) In a large pan or skillet over high heat sear steak tips until browned on all sides. Transfer steak to a plate or bowl and drain off fat, leaving 1 T. in the skillet.

Reduce heat to medium-low heat and add sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onions are softened, translucent and golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Place steak tips in a large baking dish, add bacon strips (if using) and cover with caramelized onions and garlic.

Top with both cheeses and sprinkle with herbs de Provence. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and steak is cooked through. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich

1 egg

1 3/4 C. plus 2 T. water

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

8 slices egg bread (challah works well), sliced 1/2-inch thick

8 thin slices ham

8 thin slices turkey

8 thin slices Swiss cheese

3 C. canola oil

Confectioners’ sugar

Blackberry preserves

 

Line a cookie sheet with paper towels; set aside. Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of bowl. On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey, and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally. Heat oil to between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F in a 10-inch pan. Do not let the oil reach a higher temperature than this; if the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down. Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil. Repeat with the other sandwich half. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the other three sandwiches. Cook one at a time and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

2 T. butter

3 large leeks white and light green parts, sliced in half longwise, rinsed and thinly sliced crosswise

pinch fine sea salt

4 C. chicken stock

pinch ground white pepper

1/2 Meyer Lemon juice and zest

4, 1/2- inch slices crusty bread toasted

3 ounces Gruyere cheese shredded

1 green onion thinly sliced (for garnish)

 

Preheat broiler. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and a pinch of sea salt, to help sweat out the liquid. Cook and stir until leeks are tender but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add stock and white pepper, bring to boil. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Ladle soup into 4 broiler-safe serving bowls. Place one slice of toasted bread over each serving, pressing it down to submerge. Divide cheese evenly, sprinkling it over each toast. Place bowls under broiler and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, garnish each serving with green onion. Serve.

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

4 medium beets – scrubbed, trimmed and cut in half

1/3 C. chopped walnuts

3 T. maple syrup

1 (10 ounce) package mixed baby salad greens

1/2 C. frozen orange juice concentrate

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

2 ounces goat cheese

Place beets into a saucepan, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender. Drain and cool, then cut in to cubes. While the beets are cooking, place the walnuts in a skillet over medium-low heat. Heat until warm and starting to toast, then stir in the maple syrup. Cook and stir until evenly coated, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice concentrate, balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing. Place a large helping of baby greens onto each of four salad plates, divide candied walnuts equally and sprinkle over the greens. Place equal amounts of beets over the greens, and top with dabs of goat cheese. Drizzle each plate with some of the dressing.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Beet Greens, Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Mint

Roasted Butternut Squash with Beet Greens, Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Mint

4 butternut squash

2 T. olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 C. beet greens

3/4 C. walnuts

1/4 C. roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

1 C. crumbled goat cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Peel and cut butternut squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Place on 2 sheet trays, drizzle with olive oil and 1 tsp. salt and distribute evenly. Place in oven and bake until softened and golden. Wash beet greens and de-stem and chiffonade greens. Toast walnuts in a medium skillet over medium heat. Remove squash from the oven and toss in beet greens, mint and goat cheese. Top with toasted walnuts. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve warm.