Caprese Salad Re-Do

Caprese Salad Re-Do

Caprese-SaladEveryone loves a caprese salad!  What’s not to like – a little tomato, fresh mozzarella, a few basil leaves, some olive oil and balsamic vinegar – perfect ingredients all stacked up into one salad.   But what if you don’t want to stack them up?

Try freshening up your presentation with this idea:

Take a whole tomato and cut slices into it (about 1/4″ thick) without cutting all the way thru the other side.  Insert a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a basil leaf in between each slice.  Once the tomato is stuffed (it should “fan” out a bit) drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top.  Drizzle it with your favorite sea salt – and voila!  An update to everyone’s favorite caprese salad!

Roast Pork Tenderloin with a Fig and Chipotle Jam

Roast Pork Tenderloin with a Fig and Chipotle Jam

10271/2 c fig preserves
1 to 2 T. canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 lb. pork tenderloin
Salt and pepper
1 lime, cut in quarters

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the fig preserves and the chipotle peppers in a food processor or a blender and pulse until the mixture is smooth–about 30 seconds. Set aside. Place the pork tenderloin in a 13 by 9 glass or ceramic baking dish and season the pork with salt and pepper. Spoon the jam mixture evenly over the pork. Roast the pork until it browns and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and the meat is still barely pink–20 to 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and cover the meat with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the tenderloin and serve with the lime quarters.

Pork Chops with Green Olives & Lemon

Pork Chops with Green Olives & Lemon

2 cq5dam_web_616_462pork chops, on the bone
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup/175 ml white wine
Skin 1 preserved lemon, chopped
1/2 cup/85 g green olives, with pits
Small handful chopped fresh rosemary or thyme

Branch cherry tomatoes
Olive oil, for drizzling

Season the chops with salt and pepper. “Season” also with sugar, sprinkling judiciously over both sides of the chops, as if it were salt. Heat the oil in a sauté pan and brown the chops on both sides. Pour over the wine, and add half the lemon and olives, along with the rosemary. Cover, and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and test doneness. Boil down the liquid a little, if necessary, toss in the remaining olives and preserved lemon. Serve with the juices spooned over and a branch of roasted baby tomatoes on the side. To roast a branch of cherry tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lay the tomatoes on a baking sheet, dribble over a little olive oil, and bake at until the skins have wrinkled and the fruit is soft, 20 minutes to half an hour.

Mojito

Mojito

mojitoJuice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp. granulated sugar
2 to 3 sprigs fresh mint
1 1/2 ounces white rum
Crushed ice
Soda water

Mix the lime juice with the sugar in a highball glass until the sugar dissolves. Drop in the mint and add the rum and ice. Stir. Fill the glass with soda water. Finish with another sprig of mint.

Easy Beef Stroganoff with Parsley Noodles

Easy Beef Stroganoff with Parsley Noodles

DSC_00071 pound beef tenderloin or top sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt
2 tsp. paprika
1 can (14oz) low-sodium beef broth
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 package (1.3oz) onion soup mix
1 package (8oz) pre-sliced fresh mushrooms
black pepper
1 pound egg noodles
¼ C. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. all-purpose flour
1 C. sour cream

Season the beef cubes all over with salt and the paprika. Melt two T. of the butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, stirring, until browned on all sides, two to three minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour ¼ C. of the broth into a measuring C. and set it aside. Add the remaining broth to the beef, along with the tomato sauce, onion soup mix, and mushrooms. Season with pepper to taste. Let the mixture come to a boil, stirring, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, until the Stroganoff thickens and the beef and mushrooms are cooked through – 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt and stir in egg noodles. Reduce heat to medium and cook the noodles uncovered until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well, the toss with the remaining 2 T. of butter and the parsley. Cover to keep warm and set aside. Place flour in the reserved quarter C. of broth and whisk until free of lumps. Pour broth slowly into the hot beef, stirring constantly. Spoon ½ C. of the beef mixture into a small bowl. Add the sour cream to that ½ C. and stir to combine. Add the slightly heated sour cream mixture to the pan of beef and stir until mixed well. Raise the heat to medium and cook until very hot, but do not allow beef to boil. Serve over noodles.

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Sage Macaroni and Cheese

Caramelized Shallot and Crispy Sage Macaroni and Cheese

carmelized-shallot-and-crispy-sage-macaroni-and-cheese-cake-batter-and-bowl-blog-kerstin-sinkevicius1 pound orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped shallots
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Briefly, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and drain. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add shallots and cook 15 to 17 minutes, stirring frequently, or until caramelized. Add garlic and sauté one additional minute. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook one minute or until mixture starts to brown. Whisk in buttermilk and cream, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and mix in cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and salt. Cook 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add sage and turn off heat. Mix orecchiette pasta, caramelized shallots, cheese sauce, and crispy sage in a large bowl until well combined.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 685
Fat: 41g
Fiber: 2g

Mac & Cheese with Mushrooms and Broccoli Rabe

Mac & Cheese with Mushrooms and Broccoli Rabe

img00444-20100822-19042 T. Extra virgin olive oil
8 oz. Shitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced thin
8 oz. Cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed, sliced thin
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. Broccoli rabe, stems removed, cut into bite sized pieces
1 lb. Orecchiette pasta
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
3 cups milk
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch cayenne
1/2 lb. Gruyere cheese, grated
1/2 lb. Sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Topping:
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
1 T. dried herbs (thyme, parsley, oregano, etc.)
2 T. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350. Heat a sauté pan with olive oil. Add mushrooms to sauté pan and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened and brown in color. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanche broccoli rabe in water until just tender. Remove from water and add to mushroom sauté. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Set mixture aside. Bring salted water back up to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Set aside. In a large stock pot, melt butter on medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Be sure to cook the mixture a couple minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Whisk in milk and stir until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, add nutmeg, cayenne, salt, pepper and cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted. Add mushrooms, broccoli rabe and orecchiette to cheese sauce – mix well to combine, coating the pasta and vegetables with the sauce. Pour into a deep casserole dish. Prepare the topping: Combine panko, salt, pepper and dried herbs to taste. Melt butter and mix into crumbs with a fork. Sprinkle the topping over the mac n’ cheese. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes until bubbly. After 15 minutes, put the casserole dish on a medium broil to evenly brown the top.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale & Fiscalini Farms Cheddar Cheese Soup

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale & Fiscalini Farms Cheddar Cheese Soup

4f8464e1bade0f173db3132e20c79565½ C. onion, fined diced
1 T. garlic, minced
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 T. butter
½ C. all-purpose flour
6 C. vegetable broth (I used chicken broth)
1-12 oz. bottle Sierra Nevada Pale Ale beer
2 C. heavy cream
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. prepared horseradish
2 T. Dijon mustard
2 Bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
½ lb. grated cheddar cheese
Sourdough Croutons, for serving (recipe follows) – don’t skip!
Chive Oil, for garnish
Extra bacon bits, for garnish (optional)

Heat a 6 qt. stockpot over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until bacon is 2/3’s done. Add the butter, onions and garlic and continue cooking an additional 3 minutes or until the onions are translucent. When ready, mix in the flour to make your roux, cook for additional 3 minutes. Using a whisk, slowly add the stock and heavy cream until it has all been incorporated. Bring contents of stockpot to a boil; add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, horseradish and bay leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the ale and cheddar cheese, whisk soup until smooth and all the cheese has melted and has been thoroughly incorporated. Remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning, and keep hot until you are ready to serve. Garnish with Ahwahnee Sourdough Croutons and Chive Oil, and extra bacon bits if desired

Ahwahnee Sourdough Croutons

1 sourdough baguette
1 T. clarified butter (I used bacon fat)
2 T. olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 C. chopped parsley
1/2 C. finely grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Salt, to taste
Pepper to taste

Remove crust from the bread; cut bread into small cubes, 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch, which should yield approximately four C. of bread cubes. Warm clarified butter and olive oil together over moderate heat in a large sauté pan; add garlic and sauté lightly to perfume olive oil-butter blend; remove garlic. Add bread cubes to sauté pan with olive oil-butter blend, then add the parsley, cheese, salt and pepper. Coat all bread cubes evenly. Arrange seasoned bread cubes on a sheet tray, and bake at 350 degrees F until golden brown, approximately 12 minutes.

No Boil Mac & Cheese

No Boil Mac & Cheese

1/2 orecchietteC. (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
3 C. whole milk
1 T. kosher salt plus more
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper plus more
1 pound elbow macaroni (or other small pasta like orecchiette)
2 C. shredded cheddar, divided
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 C. panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 T. chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 400°. Melt 1/4 C. of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and 3 C. water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, whisking often, until a very thin, glossy sauce forms, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 T. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Remove sauce from heat.

Toss pasta and 1 1/2 C. cheese in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch or other shallow 3-quart baking dish. Pour sauce over (pasta should be submerged; do not stir) and cover with foil. Bake until pasta is almost tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/4 C. butter in a large skillet over medium heat (at this point, I sautéed about 1/4 C. chopped pancetta for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients). Add garlic, panko, and parsley and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Remove foil from dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 C. cheese, then panko mixture. Bake until pasta is tender, edges are bubbling, and top is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Ways to Doctor a Deli Roast Chicken

Ways to Doctor a Deli Roast Chicken

1. ShredIMG_8860-300x225 or chunk chicken while warm, place on top of a bowl of hot pasta, and add a dollop of pesto or black-olive paste.

2. Slice chicken, pile on top of slices of bread, and then put Swiss cheese on top. Pass under the broiler and serve with avocado slices and a spicy mayo.

3. Put slices of warm chicken on toast, add slices of crisp bacon and ripe tomato, then blanket with your favorite cheese sauce (or cheese, I suppose)

4. Serve warm on toasted bread or a bed of cooked spinach with a chutney or your favorite salsa.

5. Shred chicken and scatter over a salad.

6. Top sliced chicken with mushrooms that have been sautéed in olive oil with a bit of dry sherry or dry white wine.

7. Shred the meat, layer onto warmed flour tortillas along with black beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado (if you’ve got it).

8. Spread Dijon mustard all over the chicken, sprinkle it with black pepper, then shower it with chopped fresh tarragon and bake in 350 oven until warmed through.

9. Save juices from deli packaging to make gravy then spoon over the sliced chicken and mashed potatoes.

10. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with chopped pecans, green grapes, a little minced onion, tarragon, and enough mayo to pull the salad together. Season with salt and serve with sliced tomato.

11. Spread #10 on tortillas, roll up, and slice into pinwheels.

12. Chop chicken, heat it along with favorite curry sauce, and serve over basmati rice.

13. Spread mayo on slices of sourdough bread. Layer slices of chicken, jellied cranberry sauce, and slices of sharp cheddar. Top with more bread, brush sandwich w/ olive oil. Grill or broil until cheese melts and bread is golden brown on both sides.

14. Place chicken slices on split squares of hot corn bread. Boil the juices from the packaging and spoon on top.

15. Serve sliced chicken codl w/ a quick gribiche sauce made by adding chopped sour pickles, capers, parsley, and minced hard-cooked egg to your favorite salad vinaigrette.

Rosemary–Pine Nut Cookies

Rosemary–Pine Nut Cookies

IMG_38653 T. heavy cream
1 T. plus 1 1/2 tsp. honey
1 T. plus 1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 T. plus 1 1/2 tsp. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 vanilla bean, scraped
1 T. plus 1/2 C. butter, divided
1/2 C. pine nuts, lightly toasted
2 sprigs of rosemary
1/4 C. plus 2 T. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 C. plus 2 T. pastry flour
1/4 C. cornmeal or polenta

To prepare the rosemary–pine nut cookies, place the cream, honey, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and 1 T. butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cook over high heat, stirring only once to ensure even cooking, until the mixture reaches 230ºF on a candy thermometer. Take off the heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Pour the mixture into a bowl and fold in the pine nuts and 1 of the rosemary sprigs. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig. (This mixture can be made in advance, and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out the cookies.) In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the remaining 1/2 C. butter and the powdered sugar until it is creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix until combined. Add the flour and polenta and mix until combined. The dough will be soft. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap the disk in plastic. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. On a well-floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles of dough using a 1 1/4–inch round cutter. Place the circles of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Work the pine nut mixture between your fingers, creating a thin disk about the size of a dime. Place the circle on a cut-out cookie and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, about three leaves for each cookie. Once all of the cookies are finished and garnished, bake them for about 15 minutes until they are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Dinner Doctor’s Chinese Chicken

Dinner Doctor’s Chinese Chicken

¼ C. low sodium Soy Sauce
3 T. Dry Cooking Sherry
2 T. Cornstarch
2 tsp. sugar
1 lb. chicken tenders, rinsed and patted dry
1 T. Vegetable Oil
4 Scallions, both white and green parts, sliced on the diagonal
2 T. chopped peeled fresh Ginger
2 cloves Garlic, sliced

Place soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch and sugar in a medium-size mixing bowl with ¼ C. of water and whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved. Stir in chicken tenders and set bowl aside. Pour the oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add scallions, ginger and garlic and cook, stirring until soft, 2 minutes. Drain the marinade from the chicken; do not discard the marinade. Add chicken to skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side. Pour the marinade over chicken, reduce heat to medium low and stir until chicken is cooked through, and sauce has thickened, 6 to 7 minutes. Serve at once.

Seared Beef with Cipollini Onions and Horseradish Dumplings

Seared Beef with Cipollini Onions and Horseradish Dumplings

2 a9fa8f24929cc2898339da03ad1414d5pounds Cipollini onions
2 ½ pound chuck roast cut into about 16 pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 tablespoons softened butter divided
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound whole baby bella or button mushrooms
½ cup white wine
1 tablespoon sugar
2 quarts beef stock
½ cup port wine
Small bunch of thyme tied together with twine
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon gravy flavoring such as Kitchen Bouquet
Additional 1 teaspoon salt, as needed
Additional ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, as needed
2 tablespoons flour

To make the Dumplings
1 ¼ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
â…“ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons milk

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and plunge in all of the onions; skin, root and all. Boil three minutes then plunge into cold water. Drain and bring to the cutting board. Cut off the root end and squeeze from the other end and the onion will pop out. If the other end has a long stem, you may want to trim a little off so the stem does not hold the onion from sliding out. Set onions aside. Salt and pepper both sides of the cut up beef. In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium high heat, place two tablespoons of butter with the two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot and starting to get frothy, add half of the beef (do not crowd meat) and sear on all sides. Once browned on all sides (8-10 minutes per batch), repeat for second half of beef. Set all of the seared beef aside. Reduce to medium and add one more tablespoons of butter and then add onions. Sauté three minutes then remove to a separate bowl. Add whole mushrooms and sauté for three more minutes. Add onions back in with mushrooms and add white wine and sugar. Cook for two minutes scraping up and bits from the bottom. Strain onions and mushrooms out to a bowl and refrigerate until later in this recipe. To the liquid left in the pot, add reserved beef and any liquid from the beef, beef stock, port wine, thyme bundle, bay leaves and kitchen bouquet. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover. Cook on simmer for two hours. After two hours, remove cover and taste. If needed, add additional salt and pepper. Mix last two tablespoons of softened butter with two tablespoons of flour to form a paste and add to hot stock and beef. Stir to combine and add in reserved onions and mushrooms along with any liquid in the bowl. Bring back to hot. While beef is reheating, in a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in thyme, yogurt, horseradish and milk to form a gooey dough. Drop by spoonfuls into the hot beef mixture, close lid and reduce to a simmer. Cook covered for 15 minutes. Serve the dumplings in a bowl with the beef and onions.

Warm Arugula Salad with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Warm Arugula Salad with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 big bunch of thin asparagus
2 T. olive oil
Salt
1/3 C. bottled balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 C. roasted red pepper strips, buy the jarred kind or make them yourself
1/4 C. pitted Kalamata olives
4 C. baby arugula, trimmed and torn into pieces

Preheat oven to 400º. Rinse the asparagus spears, pat dry, and snap off and discard the tough ends. Place the asparagus in a shallow baking pan, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake the asparagus until it just begins to take on a roasted appearance, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the balsamic vinaigrette in a small saucepan over low heat. Do not let it come to a boil. Remove the baking pan from the oven and toss the red pepper strips and olives with the hot asparagus. Either divide the arugula among 8 plates or place the salad in a bowl. Top it with the asparagus mixture. Spoon the warmed dressing over the salad and serve at once.

Orange Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Orange Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

10d6aa7bda6109dba34f162c1fbfccb010-12 chicken thighs or a breast per person
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Cracked black pepper
1/2 cup of honey (I use raw organic)
1/4 cup of orange juice
Zest from one orange
3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (better quality)
2 tablespoons of fresh sage or 2 teaspoons of dried

Place the rack so it’s about 6-8 inches away from the broiler and preheat the oven with the broiler on low (if you have a dual setting) if not, just broil. Brush or spray (if you have an oil atomizer) each piece of chicken and season with salt and pepper. Lay on your broiler pan. Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes (keeping a watchful eye on it the last few minutes) until golden. Then flip each piece over, brush with oil and season again. Back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. While the chicken is broiling, in a large measuring cup or small bowl, blend the honey, juice, zest, vinegar and sage. Whisk until well combined. Set aside. Remove the chicken and pierce to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and that juices run clear (no pink meat). Then brush or spoon the glaze over top of each one. Broil for 3 or so minutes and flip. Repeat. Coat well with the glaze. Broil for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and cover with foil for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy. I served this along with grilled pineapple.

5 Step Something Salad

5 Step Something Salad

1. Something Green (spring mix, watercress, spinach, romaine, any of a number of lettuces, herbs, etc.)
2. Something Sweet (carrot, pear slices, tomatoes, apple slices, berries, grapes, dried fruit, roasted red peppers, etc.)
3. Something Crunchy (toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, pecan or walnut halves, croutons, canned French fried onions, etc.)
4. Something Tangy (crumbled feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese)
5. Something to Dress It Up (as simple as oil and vinegar, to as complex as you like with your chosen salad combination)

Chili-Lime Steak Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

Chili-Lime Steak Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

For Chili-Lime Steak Saladthe Chili-Lime Steak:
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/8 – 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 lime
1-2 lbs flank steak (tenderloin, NY strip or tri-tip could also be used)

Juice the lime into a small bowl, add the spices and stir to combine. If it seams a little too dry you can add a tsp. of extra virgin olive oil to thin it out. Place the steak in a shallow dish and use your hands to rub the mixture on all sides. Pre-heat the grill and let the steak sit for 15 minutes. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side (if using flank steak). When it is finished remove the steak and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing it into 1/4″ strips against the grain.

For the salad:

1-2 lbs flank steak, prepared as above
1 head romaine lettuce (or other green to your taste)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1-2 avocados, sliced
1 can black olives, halved or quartered
1 can corn, drained, if desired
Optional: tortilla chip, cilantro for garnish

Toss salad ingredients together. Add dressing and toss well again to coat.

Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing:

1 1oz. package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (do not follow the directions on the package)
1 C. mayonnaise
1/2 C. milk
1 lime
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 C. cilantro, roughly chopped
1/4 C. salsa verde
hot sauce to taste

Place all of the ingredients above into a blender and blend it up.

German Potato Soup

German Potato Soup

German%20Potato%20Salad%20Soup1 onion, chopped
1 leek, trimmed and diced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup chopped cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 cups beef broth
1 pound potatoes, diced
1 bay leaf
1 to 2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream

Combine all ingredients except bacon and sour cream. Cover. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours. Remove bay leaf. Use a slotted spoon to remove potatoes. Mash potatoes and mix with sour cream. Return to slow cooker. Stir. Add bacon and mix thoroughly.

Rotisserie Chicken with Fire & Ice Salsa

Rotisserie Chicken with Fire & Ice Salsa

1 cup chopped seeded watermelon
1 cup chopped strawberries
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 (3- to 4-pound) store-bought rotisserie chicken

Combine watermelon, strawberries, onion, jalapeño and mint in medium bowl. Pour olive oil and lime juice over salsa and sprinkle with sugar. Stir gently. Cover bowl and refrigerate. Salsa can be made up to 1 day in advance.

Bagna Cauda

Bagna Cauda

Bagna cauda, a warm, buttery Italian sauce with anchovies and garlic, is a great and way to enjoy an assortment of fresh veggies & meat. Steak, chicken, and shrimp all work well with this sauce; use them in any combination. Serve as a quick after-work meal, or as an hors d’oeuvre at your next party. Notes: If you don’t have the right-size fondue pot, use another heavy small pan that will sit stably over the heat source.

bagna-cauda-su-1140616-xAbout 1 pound cooked tender beef steak such as top sirloin; cooked boned, skinned chicken breast; and/or cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (31 to 40 per lb.)

6 cups bite-size pieces zucchini, mushrooms, red bell peppers, fresh fennel, and/or drained canned artichoke hearts (choose 3 or 4)

1 baguette (8 oz.), thinly sliced

1/2 cup butter

1 cup olive oil

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 can (2 oz.) anchovies, drained and finely chopped

Cut steak and chicken across the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick and about 3 inches long. Arrange meat on a platter. Place vegetables and bread in baskets or dishes. In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan or metal fondue pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add oil, garlic, and anchovies; stir until mixture bubbles. Set pan over a candle or a medium-low alcohol or Canned Heat flame. Watch mixture and stir often so garlic doesn’t burn; adjust heat as needed. Use forks or long skewers to spear chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, and swirl through butter mixture to coat; leave in longer to heat slightly, if desired. Transfer food to individual plates or a slice of baguette to eat. Stir butter mixture occasionally with food on fork.

Spiced Mussels with Oven Fries

Spiced Mussels with Oven Fries

5db16d2d-44c5-4e22-9845-29d523b22f9e2 (about 1 pound) large russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick fries

5 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 teaspoon hot paprika

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded

 

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. 40 minutes before preparing mussels. Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and spread out on a nonstick baking pan. Roast, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden — about 30 minutes. Ten minutes later, stir the mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and curry together. Cover and refrigerate.  After 5 minutes, heat the cumin, allspice, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Keep warm. Ten more minutes, heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the mussels and cook, stirring occasionally, until mussels are open and juices have evaporated — about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and toss in the seasoned olive oil. Serve immediately with the oven fries and spiced mayonnaise.

 Serves: 2

NOTE: Fresh mussels must be alive. To check, lightly tap the shell; if the mussel does not close its shell, discard it and any cooked mussels that have not opened.

 

 

 

 

 

spinach and corn pancakes

spinach and corn pancakes

½ C. whole-wheat flour
1 C. fat-free (skim) milk
2 T. vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 C. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 C. frozen whole corn kernels, thawed
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray

Measure flour into a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine milk, oil, and eggs, and mix well. Add milk mixture to flour, and mix until smooth. Add spinach, corn, and pepper to mixture, and stir well. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan or griddle. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Spoon batter ¼ cup at a time onto the pan. Cook each pancake for 2–3 minutes, or until the bottom holds together and is golden brown. Carefully flip and cook the second side for an additional 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Yield: 16 pancakes
Serving Size: 4 Pancakes
Calories: 227
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g

Cheddar Goldfish Crackers with Peanut Butter Spread

Cheddar Goldfish Crackers with Peanut Butter Spread

CLV_goldfish-lgn1 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

8 ounce grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

 

Make the dough: Pulse the flour, butter, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper together using a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Pulse in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and only enough so that the dough forms a ball and rides the blade. Remove, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. Make the spread: Stir the peanut butter, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and honey together until smooth. If desired, stir in the cayenne pepper for extra heat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to serve. Bake the crackers: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking pans with parchment paper and set aside. Roll the dough out to 1/8th-inch thickness. Cut out as many crackers as possible using a 2-inch fish-shaped cutter. Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking pans. Bake until golden and crisp — 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Serve with peanut butter spread.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

CLV_chickenfingers-tV7sZ8-lgn2 cup buttermilk

2 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon hot-pepper sauce

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3- by 1/2-inch strips

1 package (7-ounce) sesame crispbread, such as WASA

6 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

 

Combine the buttermilk, garlic, hot-pepper sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 12 hours. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat 2 baking pans with oil and set aside. Crush the crispbread into coarse crumbs and place the crumbs in a large, shallow baking dish, toss in the melted butter, and set aside. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat with the crumbs. Place on the prepared pans and bake, turning once, until golden and crisp — about 25 minutes.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Chicken and Mushroom Ramen

Chicken and Mushroom Ramen

Meal Prep Chicken and Mushroom Ramen

 

1 T. sesame or vegetable oil

1 T. frozen chopped garlic

1 T. frozen chopped ginger

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

8 white mushrooms, sliced

1 carrot, peeled and grated

1 T. soy sauce

2 chicken stock cubes

2 T. chopped chives

4 blocks dried chicken noodles

4 eggs, to serve (optional)

Method

 

Heat the oil in a large, deep-sided frying pan over a medium heat, then add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the sliced chicken to the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for 2-3 minutes, until well-sealed and coated in the garlic and ginger.  Add the mushrooms, carrot and soy sauce to the pan and cook for a further 2 minutes, until the veg are just starting to soften.  If you’re cooking now…  Dissolve the stock cubes in 8 cups (2 litres) of boiling water, then add to the pan along with the chives and the dried noodles. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and leave to cook for 6 minutes.  Meanwhile, if you are serving the ramen with boiled eggs, bring a separate pan of water to the boil and cook the eggs for 7 minutes, then immediately drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the eggs from cooking further (this should give you eggs that are firm enough to peel, with yolks that are still slightly soft and jammy). Peel the eggs and cut into halves. Divide the noodles, veg and broth between 4 serving bowls, then add half a boiled egg to each bowl. Serve hot. If you’re making ahead to freeze…  Remove the pan from the heat and set aside until the vegetables have cooled to room temperature, then divide the mixture equally between 4 small, labelled freezer bags. Grate half a stock cube into each bag along with 1 block of dried noodles and half a tablespoon of chives, then seal and freeze flat for up to 3 months.  Then

 

Remove as many portions of ramen mixture as you would like from the freezer and add to a large bowl (use an individual serving bowl if you are defrosting a single portion). Pour over 2 cups (480ml) of boiling water for each portion of ramen you have defrosted, then cook on high in the microwave for 8 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through. If you want to serve the ramen with the boiled eggs, cook these as described above while the ramen mixture is cooking in the microwave. Divide the mixture between serving bowls, top each with half a boiled egg, if using, then serve hot.

Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup

CLX0106COOK009-lg1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup onion, finely chopped

4 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon instant tapioca

1 (about 2 teaspoons) lemon zest

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper, crushed

3 tablespoon olive oil

6 cup low-sodium chicken broth

3 sprig fresh oregano, chopped

3 sprig parsley, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 1/2 tablespoon parsley

 

Mix the meats, 1/4 cup onion, half of the garlic, tapioca, zest, sugar, salt, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and 1 tablespoon water together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small stockpot over low heat. Add the remaining 3/4 cup onion and 2 garlic cloves and cook until softened, stirring occasionally — 5 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, 3 cups water, remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and the oregano and parsley sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and keep warm. Transfer the meat mixture and the herbs to a food processor and blend just until smooth — about 20 seconds. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs — 12 at a time — until browned. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and continue to simmer until meatballs are cooked through — about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

 

Crunchy Chicken Fingers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Crunchy Chicken Fingers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

½ tsp. crunchy-chicken-fingers crab seasoning (or substitute ¼ tsp. paprika and ¼ tsp. garlic powder for a sodium-free alternative)
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 T. whole-wheat flour
12 oz. boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cut into 12 strips
2 T. fat-free (skim) milk
1 egg white (or substitute 2 T. egg white substitute)
3 C. cornflake cereal, crushed

¼ C. ketchup
¼ C. 100 percent orange juice
¼ C. balsamic vinegar
2 T. honey
2 tsp. deli mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 400 ºF. Mix crab seasoning, pepper, and flour in a bowl. Add chicken strips, and toss well to coat evenly. Combine milk and egg white in a separate bowl, and mix well. Pour over seasoned chicken, and toss well. Place crushed cornflakes in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken strip into the cornflakes, and coat well. Place strips on a nonstick baking sheet. (Discard any leftover cornflake mixture.) Bake chicken strips for 10–12 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 165 ºF). Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all ingredients and mixing well. Serve three chicken strips with ¼ cup dipping sauce.

Zesty Vegetable Lasagna

Zesty Vegetable Lasagna

CLX0106Cook098-de2 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

3 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 large egg

1 teaspoon (each) salt, pepper, crushed red pepper

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound Cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped

1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

2 (each) red and yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips

12 ounce fresh baby spinach

4 1/2 cup marinara sauce

1 pound no-boil lasagna noodles, such as Barilla

1 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick

 

Make the fillings: Combine the ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, garlic, herbs, and egg with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the crushed red pepper in a bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onions, and peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 more minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss and cook until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Assemble the lasagna: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce into a deep-dish lasagna pan. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cooked vegetables and a third of the mozzarella. Layer with 5 more noodles and spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of sauce and add another layer of noodles. Add the remaining vegetables, another third of the mozzarella, and a layer of noodles. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and the last layer of noodles. Add the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes. Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

 

Lemony Tuna Salad

Lemony Tuna Salad

1/4 C. mpicRWdzGVayonnaise
4 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
Salt and pepper
1 6oz can solid white tuna, drained
1 C. canned white beans, rinsed
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2″ cubes
1/4 C. finely chopped red onion
1 large head romaine lettuce, shredded
1 C. cherry tomatoes, chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and lemon peel; season with salt and pepper. Add the tuna, breaking it apart slightly with a fork, then the beans, cucumber and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the romaine in 4 large plates and top with the tuna salad and tomatoes.

Chocolate Domino Cookies

Chocolate Domino Cookies

CLX0106COOK001-lg1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light-brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup large white chocolate chips

 

Sift the cocoa, flour, and salt together into a medium bowl and set aside. Beat the butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the cocoa mixture. Add the vanilla extract and cream and beat until a dough forms. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut 16 2- by 4-inch rectangles, and place on baking sheets. Score each rectangle in the middle — the short way — and press in the chips to create dominos. Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes. Bake for 13 minutes. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Peruvian Causa with Potato, Crabmeat and Avocado

Peruvian Causa with Potato, Crabmeat and Avocado

3/4 pound new potatoes, scrubbed
1 1/2 teaspoon Creole mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Spanish sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 cup corn kernels, blanched in boiling water for 1 minute
1/2 cup inner celery ribs, rinsed and finely chopped
1 cup crabmeat
1 Hass avocado
1/4 cup olives, Niçoise or arbequina, pitted and chopped
1 tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Drain and chill. Whisk the mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, Tabasco sauce and thyme together in a bowl. Peel the potatoes and dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Combine diced potatoes, corn, celery and crabmeat. Toss with dressing. Gently fold in avocado, olives and tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the chopped chives.

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 can (20 1/2 ounce) pineapple rings in pineapple juice

12 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Drain the pineapples and discard the juice. Place the pineapples on six layers of paper towel and allow the excess liquid to absorb for 5 minutes. Flip the rings over onto a dry spot of the towel and repeat. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, pour it into a 10-inch round cake pan, and sprinkle with the brown sugars. Arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer over the brown sugars, sprinkle with the nuts, and set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs, yolks, and vanilla together in a small bowl and set aside. Beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in the flour mixture and egg mixture. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean — about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes on wire rack. Run a small, sharp knife around the edge of the pan to release cake.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries

Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries

12 ounces Salad Greens (spring Mix)

2 whole Apples, Cored and Sliced Very Thin

1/2 cup Pecan Halves

1/4 cup Dried Cherries

6 ounces, weight Blue Cheese, cut into Chunks

1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup (more To Taste)

1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (more To Taste)

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Salt And Pepper, to taste

6648588063_f4266bfe72_z

Add greens, apple slices, pecan halves, dried cherries, and blue cheese chunks into a large salad bowl. In a small jar, mix Dijon, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well to mix. Pour a little salad dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine. Taste salad and add more salad dressing to taste.

Three Cheese Tortellini with Dandelion Pesto

Three Cheese Tortellini with Dandelion Pesto

6 oupestonces dandelion greens, rinsed, chopped and spun dry in a salad spinner
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 package Buitoni three cheese tortellini

In a food processor, process dandelion greens, pine nuts, grated cheese, chopped garlic and kosher salt until the greens are finely chopped. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while running, stopping to scrape down the sides and process again until the mixture reaches the consistency of pesto. Place pesto in bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Boil tortellini according to package directions and drain pot. Add enough pesto to hot pasta in pot to thoroughly coat pasta and toss. Transfer to serving bowl and serve while hot. Remaining pesto can be refrigerated for up to a week and used in other dishes.

Roast Chicken with Herbed Cream Sauce

Roast Chicken with Herbed Cream Sauce

chicken-cream-sauce_3001/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, chives, and basil)

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Pat the chicken dry and place it in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Rub the oil over the skin. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Toss 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining salt into the cavity. Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 165° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Place the pan containing the drippings over medium heat. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half. Add the wine and broth and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the cream. Remove from heat. Strain the sauce, if desired. Stir in the herbs, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the carved chicken.

Brownie Cupcakes

Brownie Cupcakes

brownie1/2 pound softened unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
5 large eggs at room temperature
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
1 medium overripe banana, mashed
1 recipe White Chocolate Frosting

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-well muffin pan with paper liners; set aside. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate and vanilla extract, and mix well. In a small bowl, combine flour and nuts. Alternately add flour mixture and mashed banana to chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups; bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with White Chocolate Frosting.
White Chocolate Frosting

1 cup softened unsalted butter
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
7 ounces good-quality white chocolate, melted and cooled
4 T. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. clear vanilla extract (if you can find it – keeps the frosting very white)

In a large bowl, and using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt together for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add white chocolate, cream, and vanilla extract. Beat at high speed for 5 to 6 minutes, periodically scraping down sides of bowl, until smooth and thick.

Roast Chicken with Balsamic, Raisin and Pine Nut Sauce

Roast Chicken with Balsamic, Raisin and Pine Nut Sauce

raisins-bowls_3001/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons raisins

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Pat the chicken dry and place it in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Rub the oil over the skin. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss 1/2 teaspoon salt into the cavity.  Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Place the pan containing the drippings over medium heat. Add the vinegar and broth and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain the sauce, if desired. Stir in the pine nuts, raisins, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add the butter and tilt the pan to swirl until it melts. Spoon the sauce over the carved chicken.

 

 

Creamed Peas

Creamed Peas

2 T. buCreamedPeas1tter
2 T. chopped shallot
2 T. dried tarragon
1 pound frozen green peas, thawed
2/3 cup water
2 T. coarse-ground mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup whole milk

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and tarragon, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add peas, water, mustard, salt, sour cream, and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Cook until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately

Cheese and Chorizo Souffle (Mexico)

Cheese and Chorizo Souffle (Mexico)

1⁄2 cup chorizo
4 eggs, separated
1⁄2 cup masa harina
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups milk
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 T. butter or margarine

Stir-fry the chorizo until red color is gone. Lift out of pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, mix masa with milk. Add butter and heat, stirring, until mixture boils. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Beat egg yolks, stir in a little of the hot masa, then put that mixture in with rest of masa. Heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and salt. Stir in sausage and let cool to lukewarm. With clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff-but-still-moist peaks form. Fold egg whites into masa mixture. Bake about 50 minutes. 4 servings.

Orange, Soy, and Five-Spice Rub Chicken

Orange, Soy, and Five-Spice Rub Chicken

orange-peels_3003 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 teaspoons five-spice powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 orange, cut into wedges

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. In a small bowl, combine the oil, orange zest, soy sauce, five-spice powder, ginger, pepper, and honey. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the skin from the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Spread the mixture evenly under the skin. Place the orange wedges inside the cavity. .Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Place the chicken in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.