Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

 

1 lb bow tie pasta

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

10 ounces jar pesto sauce

1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

 

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. Place chicken in a large bowl. While pasta is still warm, add it to the chicken and toss thoroughly. Add entire jar of pesto sauce and toss to coat. Add the walnuts and toss once more. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chicken Francese for Two

Chicken Francese for Two

Chicken Francese for Two

 

To make chicken Francese, cooks dip cutlets in flour and then beaten egg; shallow-fry them; and sauce them with a lemony, beurre blanc–like reduction that saturates the plush coating. Cutting and pounding each boneless, skinless breast into three ¼-inch cutlets ensured that they cooked through evenly in minutes. Briefly salting the meat seasoned it and helped it retain moisture during cooking. For a tender coating, we diluted the eggs with 1 T. of water to prevent their proteins from coagulating tightly and cooking up tough and rubbery. It was important to fry the chicken in enough oil (¼ cup for a 10-inch skillet) that it crested just above the sides of the cutlets, which prevented the coating from slipping off before it had time to set. Using a combination of vegetable and olive oils reduced cost while adding just enough of the olive oil’s grassy bitterness. We captured complex fruit flavor in the lemony butter sauce by combining juice, zest, and browned lemon slices; the latter also made for a visually striking garnish. Thickening the sauce with flour-dredged cubed butter was simpler than making a proper beurre manié (butter-flour paste), and the dredged fat added lush, silky body.

 

2 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

1 tsp. table salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1 lemon

2 T. unsalted butter, divided

½ cup all-purpose flour, divided

2 large eggs

1 T. water

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil for frying

¼ cup vegetable oil for frying

1 small garlic clove, minced

3 T. dry white wine

¾ cup chicken broth

1 T. minced fresh parsley

 

Use a stainless-steel skillet, not cast iron, the seasoning of which can be damaged by the acidic sauce. To ensure that the sauce develops the correct flavor and consistency, transfer the liquid to a heatproof liquid measuring cup once or twice during simmering to monitor the amount. Serve the cutlets with buttered pasta, white rice, potatoes, or crusty bread and a simple steamed vegetable.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Cut each chicken breast in half crosswise, then cut thick half in half again horizontally, creating 3 cutlets of similar thickness. Place cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to even ¼-inch thickness. Place cutlets in bowl and toss with salt and pepper. Set aside for 15 minutes. Grate peel from 1 end of lemon to yield ½ tsp. zest. Cut lemon in half crosswise and juice zested lemon half. Measure out 1 T. juice. Slice remaining (unzested) lemon half into two ¼-inch-thick rounds. Discard end. Cut 1½ T. butter into ½-inch cubes and transfer to small bowl. Sprinkle cubes with ½ tsp. flour and toss until cubes are fully coated and no loose flour remains in bowl; refrigerate until needed. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet. Spread remaining flour in shallow dish. In medium bowl, whisk eggs with water. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge cutlets in flour, shaking gently to remove excess. Transfer to prepared rack. Heat olive oil and vegetable oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, coat 3 cutlets with egg mixture and gently place in skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook until golden brown on 1 side, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip and cook until golden brown on second side, about 2 minutes. Arrange cutlets on serving platter and place in oven. Repeat with remaining 3 cutlets. Discard oil. Gently wipe out skillet with paper towels. Return skillet to medium heat and add lemon slices and remaining 1½ tsp. butter. Cook, flipping slices occasionally, until lightly browned on both sides, about 3 minutes. Transfer lemon slices to cutting board. Add garlic to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, scraping up any browned bits, and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to rapid simmer and cook until wine is mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to ⅓ cup, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Reduce heat to low and stir in reserved lemon zest and juice. Whisk in floured butter cubes, a few at a time, until sauce is thickened to consistency of heavy cream, 1½ to 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut browned lemon slices in half and scatter over cutlets. Spoon sauce over cutlets and serve.

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

 

Preheat the oven to 35O°F and lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. Cook the starch according to the package directions. Place the sauce of your choice in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in 1/2 cup milk (skim, low-fat, evaporated, or whole). Place the vegetables in a medium-size saucepan, cover with water, and bring just to a boil. Drain. Stir together the starch, sauce, vegetables, cheese, meat, and seasonings in a large bowl. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and bake until bubbly, 30 minutes. Add a topping, if desired, and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Pan Sauce for Chicken

 

1 Chicken Backbone

1 T. olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/2 yellow onion

10 thyme sprigs

splash white wine

2 cup chicken broth

juice of half a lemon

1 1/2 T. flour

 

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

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

 

14.1 ounces (400 g) frozen spinach, drained

8 large eggs

1 cup (90 g/3.2 oz) finely grated Parmesan

1/4 cup (37 g/1.3 oz) chopped sun-dried tomatoes

2 T. (16 g/0.6 oz) coconut flour

1 T. (5 g/0.2 oz) dried Italian herbs

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 T. (30 g/1.1 oz) ghee or duck fat

Optional: sliced avocado, cooked bacon, and Sriracha sauce for serving

 

Defrost the spinach (in a microwave oven or in the fridge overnight). Squeeze out as much moisture as possible (you will end up with about half of the original weight). Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the drained spinach, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, coconut flour, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Heat a large skillet greased with the ghee over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, use a 1/3-cup measure to make 3 to 4 pancakes at a time. Shape them into small pancakes in the pan using a spatula. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm enough to flip onto the other side, and then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat for the remaining pancakes. Serve warm or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Optionally, serve with avocado, cooked bacon, and Sriracha sauce.

 

Makes 12

Serving Size: 2 Pancakes

Calories: 244

Fat: 17g

Fiber: 3g

Peas with Fried Onions & Lemon

Peas with Fried Onions & Lemon

Peas with Fried Onions & Lemon

 

¼ C. Olive Oil

1 Yellow Onion, thinly sliced

10 oz. frozen Peas, thawed

½ Lemon, seeded and finely chopped (peel and all)

1 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until dark brown (really dark brown in some spots), 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon, and season with the salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

 

2 fennel, shaved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tbs. sherry wine vinegar (or white wine, red wine, or other vinegar)

3 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Shredded manchego cheese

Roasted sesame seeds

Parsley, finely chopped

 

Toss shaved fennel and red onion. Mix vinegar, oil and salt into a quick vinaigrette and dress vegetables. Top with Manchego, seeds and sprinkle of flat leaf parsley.

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

Cream of Chicken Soup with Poached Eggs for One

 

1 ½ C. Chicken Broth

½ tsp. Chicken Bouillon Concentrate

2 Eggs

Salt & Pepper

1/4 C. Heavy Cream

2 T. Parmesan

 

Pour your broth into a medium-size saucepan and put it over medium-low heat. Add the chicken bouillon concentrate, if using—I think it improves the flavor, but some people object to it—and bring just to a simmer. In the meanwhile, crack your eggs into a custard cup—this way if a yolk breaks, you can save it for another recipe. When the broth is simmering, turn it down so it’s just below a simmer, add salt and pepper to taste, and slip in the eggs. Poach until set to your liking—I give mine 7 minutes. While the eggs are poaching, put the cream in a bowl. When the eggs are done, transfer them to the bowl with a slotted spoon. Pour in the broth, top with the Parmesan, and supper is ready.

 

1 SERVING with: 442 Calories; 36 g Fat (74.0% calories from fat); 24 g Protein; 5 g Carbohydrate; 0 g Dietary Fiber; 5 g Net Carbs

Pan-Seared Halloumi with Cherry Pepper Glaze

Pan-Seared Halloumi with Cherry Pepper Glaze

Pan-Seared Halloumi with Cherry Pepper Glaze

 

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced crosswise !4 inch thick

3 T. honey

3 T. minced jarred hot cherry peppers

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. chopped fresh mint

 

Heat oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange halloumi in even layer in skillet and cook, flipping frequently, until deeply browned and crisp on both sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer cheese to cutting board. Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Add honey, cherry peppers, and lemon juice to now-empty skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, about 1 minute. While glaze cooks, cut cheese into bite-size pieces. Add cheese back to skillet and increase heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring gently, until glaze coats cheese, 4 to 6 minutes longer. Transfer to platter, sprinkle with mint, and serve.

Apple Crisp Juice

Apple Crisp Juice

Apple Crisp Juice

 

2 organically-grown apples, cored and quartered

½ cucumber

1 orange, peel removed

1 drop lemon essential oil (optional)

 

Process all ingredients through a juicer.

Pasta with Anchovies and Tomato

Pasta with Anchovies and Tomato

Pasta with Anchovies and Tomato

 

12 ounces dried penne or other pasta

3 T. olive oil

1 T. butter

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried parsley

1/2 tsp. onion powder

4 anchovy fillets from a tin, chopped fine or mashed

One 29-ounce can crushed tomatoes

One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for the table, if desired)

 

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. In a medium-sized saucepan, slowly heat the oil and butter. When the butter has melted, stir in the garlic powder, parsley, and onion powder. After the spices have combined, add the anchovies and stir, cooking for about a minute. (The mixture will begin to look like a paste.) Add the tomatoes, stir, and simmer for a few minutes, until thoroughly heated. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat again. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Baked Polenta Wedges

Baked Polenta Wedges

Baked Polenta Wedges

 

¾ tsp. salt

1 cup cornmeal

¼ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. onion powder

1 T. olive oil or melted butter for prebake brushing

 

Lightly grease or coat with nonstick spray an 8- or 9-inch cake pan. In a medium saucepan, put on 1 ¾ cups of water to boil with the ¾ tsp. salt. In a bowl that will hold at least 3 cups of liquid, combine the cornmeal with the sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the dry mix with a whisk to distribute. Add 1 cup of water to the mix, stirring to combine. When the water on the stove boils, slowly add the cornmeal mix, whisking as you do to prevent clumping. Continue cooking and whisking for several minutes (it may take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes). When the mixture thickens enough so that a wooden spoon can stand up in it, it’s ready. Pour the mixture into the cake pan and smooth it as evenly as you can (I use a batter scraper). Let it set until cool, probably half an hour, though you can make this part up to a day ahead and then bake it when you’re ready. Keep in mind that if you store it in the refrigerator, the baking time will increase. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease the baking sheet you’ll use to bake the polenta. Brush a little oil or melted butter over the top of the polenta. (I haven’t been able to get a good browning with olive oil.) Turn the polenta out onto a plate and brush the other side. Slice on the diagonal to produce eight triangular wedges. (If using a square pan, use perpendicular lines to make rectangular wedges.) Carefully (they’ll be a little flimsy) place the wedges on your baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes on each side, or until the wedges begin to turn golden and a little crisp. If you don’t want to bake them, you can pan-fry them in the butter or olive oil as an alternative.  Serve with Red Pepper-Mango Coulis.

Super Easy Baked Feta Pasta (via Tik Tok)

Super Easy Baked Feta Pasta (via Tik Tok)

Super Easy Baked Feta Pasta (via Tik Tok)

 

2 pints cherry tomatoes or any other tomatoes

1/3 cup olive oil the good stuff

8 oz feta cheese 1 block

9 oz pasta of choice

2 cloves garlic crushed

fresh basil chopped, to finish

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, toss the tomatoes with the olive oil and place the feta in the middle, turning it to coat it in oil. Season everything with salt and pepper and bake for 30 minutes. feta and tomatoes  After 30 minutes, turn the heat up to 450°F and roast until the feta is golden brown 10-15 minutes.  While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Save 1-2 cups of the pasta water, then drain well. When the feta and tomatoes are done, remove from the oven and immediately add the garlic and crushed red pepper, if using. Stir everything together until the tomatoes and feta combine into a creamy sauce.  Stir in the drained pasta until well coated and creamy, adding in a bit of pasta water to loosen if too thick. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir in some chopped basil and finish with crushed red pepper. Enjoy!  For a twist, scatter some cubes of pancetta over the tomatoes before baking.

Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pasta with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce and Toasted Hazelnuts

 

1/2 cup hazelnuts

1 pound orecchiette pasta

4 T. unsalted butter

1 medium red onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. minced fresh sage

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving

1/4 cup snipped chives

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the hazelnuts in a pie plate and toast for about 7 minutes, until golden. Let cool. Rub off most of the skins and roughly chop. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and sage and cook over moderately low heat until the onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the pumpkin puree and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Wipe out the pasta pot. Scrape the pumpkin puree into the pot and cook over moderately low heat until hot. Mix in the mascarpone and the 1/4 cup of grated cheese. Add the pasta and the reserved cooking water and toss to coat thoroughly and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pasta to bowls, sprinkle the hazelnuts and chives on top, and serve right away, passing additional Parmigiano at the table.

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Cream of Pumpkin Soup

 

One 15-ounce can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

One 14.5-ounce can chicken broth

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk

½ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. salt (or to taste)

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste)

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

 

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until well blended and hot.

Lemon & Lime Syllabub

Lemon & Lime Syllabub

Lemon & Lime Syllabub

 

Juice of 1 Lemon

Juice of ½ Lime

1 T. Gin or Vodka

4-5 T. Granulated Sugar

1 ¼ C. Heavy Whipping Cream

Grated Zest for Garnish

 

Mix juiced in abowl with alcohol and sugar.  Stir until it dissolves.  Pour in cream and beat with balloon whisk until the mixture forms soft peaks.  Spoon into 4 serving glasses, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Decorate with lemon and lime zest.  Serve with wafer cookies.

Easy Chicken with Noodles and Basil

Easy Chicken with Noodles and Basil

1 T. Sesame Oil

2 lg. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves, sliced

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 T. Honey

10 oz. Udon Noodles, ready to use

Handful Fresh Basil, torn

 

Heat oil in large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.  When hot, swirl it around the pan and add the chicken.  Stir-fry quickly for a few minutes until chicken begins to turn golden.  Remove from pan and set aside. Add soy and honey to the pan and let bubble for a minute.  Return chicken  to pan along with the noodles and stir until noodles are warmed through and everything is coated.  When ready to serve, stir in basil and serve immediately.

 

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup

 

1 large onion

1 pound carrots, peeled (4 to 5 medium)

4 celery sticks

1 T. olive oil

Salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 pound thin-skinned potatoes (3 medium or 6 small potatoes)

3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, see how to make chicken stock

2 bay leaves

3 sprigs fresh thyme (substitute 1/2 tsp. dried thyme)

1/4 cup half-and-half, cream, or coconut milk

 

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into 1/2-inch chunks. Chop the potatoes into 1/2-inch chunks, but set aside from other vegetables. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss the onion, carrots, and the celery around in the oil. Sprinkle with a 1/2 tsp. of salt and add the red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables sweat, soften, and smell sweet; 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes. (Add more oil if the pot seems dry).  Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork; about 15 minutes. TO FINISH: Remove the soup from the heat. Take out the bay leaves and thyme sprigs and discard. Use an immersion blender, stand blender, or food mill to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the half-and-half. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Mediterranean Twist Savory Smoothie

Mediterranean Twist Savory Smoothie

Mediterranean Twist Savory Smoothie

 

1 cup baby spinach, tightly packed

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

1 T. lemon juice

½ Hass avocado

¼ tsp. salt

½ to 1 tsp. garlic, minced (optional)

1 tsp. olive oil or flax seed oil

2 T. fresh parsley, basil, or tarragon, packed (optional)

¾ cup water

 

Wash and prep ingredients. Blend ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

Blender Lemon Loaf

Blender Lemon Loaf

Blender Lemon Loaf

 

3 large Eggs

3/4 C. Cane Sugar

1 ½ C. AP Flour

1/2 C. melted Coconut Oil (not hot)

1 C. Greek Yogurt

1/4 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Baking Powder

Zest from a Lemon

2 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

 

1 CUP Powdered Sugar

1/4 CUP Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp. Lemon Zest

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Add eggs, sugar, coconut oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract and lemon zest to a blender and blend until smooth. Add flour and pulse a few times to combine. Do not over mix. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let bread cool inside the pan for 5-10 min. Then remove and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Whisk ingredients for the glaze together. Drizzle over the bread. Slice and serve

Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

 

1 pie crust

8 oz. cottage cheese

1 ½ – 2 oz. parmigiano

1 egg

3-4 pearl onions (don’t have those? Sub with shallots!)

1/3 tsp salt

2 T. olive oil

black pepper

 

Press a pie crust into a tart pan. You can either use store-bought or make it yourself. Prick the bottom and sides of the shortcrust pastry with a fork and bake in the pre-heated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes. Crack an egg into a mixing bowl and lightly whisk it with a fork. Add the cottage cheese, grated parmigiano and salt and mix to combine. Peel and thinly slice the pearl onions lengthways. Lightly brush the top side with olive oil. After 10 minutes, take the shortcrust out of the oven and add the cheese and egg mixture, spreading it evenly all over the base. Place the thinly sliced onions over the cottage cheese filling, oiled side facing up. Add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. Return the tart to the oven and bake another 30-35 more minutes always at 200°C (390°F).

Perfect Soft Cooked Eggs with Buttered Soldiers

Perfect Soft Cooked Eggs with Buttered Soldiers

Perfect Soft Cooked Eggs with Buttered Soldiers

 

2 cold Eggs

2 slices whole grain Bread

Butter

S&P

 

Fill the bottom of a small saucepan with ¥2 inch of water. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a full boil. Quickly (though gently) set the eggs into the pan (using tongs if you prefer). Put on the lid and set a timer for 6 1/2 minutes. While the eggs cook, toast and lightly butter the bread. Cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips and put on a plate or plates. As soon as the timer rings, put the pan into the sink and run cold water over the eggs for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process. Immediately transfer the eggs to egg cups, if you have them, or small bowls. Serve with the buttered soldiers and season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Pears & Cream

Pears & Cream

Pears & Cream

 

1/3 cup cashews, soaked in water (2-3 hours minimum to overnight)

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2T. water

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 pitted Medjool dates (or 1 T. maple syrup)

 

2 sliced pears

2 tsp. maple syrup

 

Blend all the cashew cream ingredients in a blender until smooth. Combine the cashew cream with the pears, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy!

Blender Orange-Lemon Cake

Blender Orange-Lemon Cake

Blender Orange-Lemon Cake

 

1/2 cup oil avocado oil or any

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 ½ tsp. baking powder

zest of one large orange T.

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams

juice of one large orange

 

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Add the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Pour it into a bowl and mix in the orange zest, lemon juice and baking powder. Add 1/2 of your flour and mix and then the other 1/2 of the flour + the juice of one orange. Mix and pour into a loaf tin sprayed with oil spray and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes (depending on the oven) or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy

Pistachio Semifreddo with Raspberries

Pistachio Semifreddo with Raspberries

Pistachio Semifreddo with Raspberries

 

1 cup raspberries

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup pistachios

6 large egg whites

2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream

 

Put plastic wrap in a cake tin of any shape or size, making sure to get it evenly in the corners and with a lot of excess hanging off the sides. In a bowl add the raspberries and press them with the back of a spoon to combine. Add the honey and stir together until it forms a paste-like consistency. In a blender or food processor combine the sugar and pistachios and pulse until ground, but with some chunks still left. In a bowl beat the egg whites at medium speed until they have fluffed up with stiff peaks. Set aside, then beat the heavy cream until it has also fluffed up. Very gently, fold the egg whites into the heavy cream, then the sugar-pistachio mixture. Pour half of the raspberry mixture into the cake tin, then pour half of the egg white mixture on top. Then, pour another layer of the raspberry mixture followed by the rest of the egg white mixture on top. Put the excess plastic wrap on top to cover. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, up to 1 week before serving (because of the texture of the egg whites, do not keep it longer). When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and carefully remove the plastic wrap. Turn over and serve immediately.

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

 

2 1/2 lb fresh red pearl onions

3/4 cup apple juice

3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 T. unsalted butter

2 (4-inch) sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

Garnish: fresh thyme leaves for sprinkling

 

Blanch pearl onions in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a colander. When onions are cool enough to handle, peel. Cook onions with remaining ingredients, covered, in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, shaking pan occasionally, until onions are tender and glazed and most of liquid is evaporated, about 45 minutes. Discard thyme.

Green & Whole Grains Scramble

Green & Whole Grains Scramble

Green & Whole Grains Scramble

 

2 tsp. EVOO

2 Scallions, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only

1 ½ C. packed roughly chopped chard, kale, or collards with tough stems removed

6 lightly beaten eggs

¼-1/2 tsp. Salt

2 T. Sour Cream

2/3 C. cooked Brown Rice, Farro, Barley or other whole grain

 

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and sauté until slightly tender, about 1 minute. Add the Swiss chard and continue to sauté until wilted and tender. Add the eggs and V4 tsp. salt, and scramble until nearly cooked, with some raw-egg appearance remaining. Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the sour cream and rice until combined. The heat of the pan will warm the grains and finish cooking the eggs. Add another ‘A tsp. salt to taste, if desired.

Chocolate Breakfast Drink

Chocolate Breakfast Drink

Chocolate Breakfast Drink

 

1 1/2 C. Milk

2 T. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

3 T. Peanut Butter

1 1/2 T. Honey

7 small Ice Cubes

 

Put all the ingredients into a blender and run until creamy and smooth. Pour into 2 or

3 glasses.

Mexican Pineapple Pops

Mexican Pineapple Pops

Mexican Pineapple Pops

 

¾ Cup sugar

1 Cup water

4 Cups fresh pineapple chunks, finely diced

1 T. fresh lime juice

4 T. TAJÍN Clásico Seasoning

 

Combine sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Chill syrup until cold (about 1 hour). Purée syrup and 2 cups of the pineapple until smooth in a blender or food processor. Add remaining pineapple bits, lime juice and TAJÍN® Clásico Seasoning. TIP: Freeze in ice pop molds sold commercially or in small disposable cups covered with food wrap; stand a popsicle stick upright through the wrap, freeze and ENJOY!

Hamlin’s White Sauce

Hamlin’s White Sauce

Hamlin’s White Sauce

 

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

1/2 cup very finely chopped or processed yellow onion

2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup Litehouse blue cheese dressing

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

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

 

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

Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches

Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches

Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches

 

1 box Nilla Wafers

1 (3.4 ounce ox) instant banana pudding

2 cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

Sprinkles as desired

 

Pour heavy whipping cream into mixing bowl and mix, starting on low speed, then as it gets thicker, increase the speed until it is almost the consistency of whipped cream. Add in the instant pudding and the powdered sugar. Continue to mix on high speed until fully combined and the mousse is the consistency of a thick whipped cream. Add the banana mousse to a piping bag and pipe onto the Nilla Wafers. Sandwich the Nilla Wafers together to create a cookie sandwich with the banana mousse as the filling. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

 

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1 T. oil

1 large garlic clove

One 15-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

5 grinds black pepper

2 T. chicken stock or water

 

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

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

 

16-20 leftover Meatballs

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 T. rice vinegar

1 T. soy sauce

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 tsp sesame oil

Water if needed

2 chopped scallions for garnish

 

2 T. soy sauce low sodium

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

1 clove garlic minced

1 tsp fresh ginger minced

1 tsp sriracha

 

8 oz. Lo Mein Noodles (you could sub spaghetti if unable to find)

2 T. olive oil

1 red bell pepper sliced

3 scallions chopped

1 clove garlic

1+ cup shredded cabbage purple or green

1 cup sugar snap peas sliced

1 handful baby spinach

 

In a saucepan whisk the meatball sauce ingredients together (except scallions). Stir in meatballs and heat over medium low heat, until meatballs are heated through. Keep on low until ready to serve. Add a little water to thin our the sauce if needed. In a small bowl, whisk the lo mein sauce ingredients together and set aside. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions to just under al dente. Drain. Toss in a drizzle of oil just to prevent sticking. While the noodles are cooking heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over med-high heat. Add red bell peppers and scallions and cook for about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, cabbage, snow peas, and spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted. Toss cooked noodles and sauce into the vegetables until everything is coated. Serve in bowls topped with hoisin meatballs; additional hoisin sauce can be poured over each serving. Garnish with scallions.

Foraged Berry Sorbet with Lemon Verbena

Foraged Berry Sorbet with Lemon Verbena

Foraged Berry Sorbet with Lemon Verbena

 

The best of summer and berry season, this foraged berry sorbet is delightfully yummy, rich in musky berries and offset with bright notes of lemon verbena! Makes about 1/2 gallon of sorbet.

 

8 cups mixed foraged berries I used 5 cups blackberries, 2+cups salal, and a scant cup of huckleberries and Oregon grape

2 cups organic cane sugar

2 cups water

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 sprigs of lemon verbena optional

 

In a large saucepan, combine berries, water, sugar and lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Add lemon verbena sprigs and allow to steep in cooling fruit base until room temperature. Remove verbena sprigs and puree fruit base until smooth. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve to remove larger seed particles if desired. Transfer fruit base to a large container and chill at least overnight. Transfer fruit base to an ice cream freezer and churn until a very thick “smoothie” consistency. Return to large tub and place in freezer until completely frozen and firm. Alternately, pour into a couple large baking dishes and place in freezer, scraping with a fork every 30 minutes until the sorbet is completely frozen and fluffy. Scoop, serve and enjoy.

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

 

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 T. apple cider vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 T. brown sugar

1 T. cornstarch

1 pound ready made mini meatballs

2 cups cooked brown rice

2 green onions, white & light green parts only, thinly sliced on an angle

sesame seeds for garnish

 

Combine first 6 ingredients in a pot and heat on the stove over medium heat until sauce comes to a slight boil – then turn down heat and simmer. Place the meatballs in the pot, simmer 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve over rice, garnish sesame seeds and green onions on top.

Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie

 

2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk, divided

3 large egg yolks

¾ cup plus 2 T. lemon juice (5 lemons)

1 Graham Cracker Crust, baked and cooled

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Set aside 3 T. condensed milk. Whisk egg yolks and remaining condensed milk in bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk in lemon juice. Pour filling into cooled crust. Bake until edges are beginning to set but center still jiggles when shaken, about 15 minutes. Let pie cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip cream, vanilla, and reserved condensed milk on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Spread whipped cream attractively over pie before serving.