Charred Tomato Soup with Pesto and Prosciutto Stromboli

Charred Tomato Soup with Pesto and Prosciutto Stromboli

6 ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise

1 small red onion, cut into chunks

2 T. EVOO

slat and pepper

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

1 T flour or cornmeal

1/2 C. pesto

12 slices proscuitto di parma

4 slices provolone

2 T sesame seeds

2 t Italian seasoning

1 t crushed red pepper flakes

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1 C. heavy cream

20 fresh basil leaves, shredded or torn

IMG_2859

Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the plum tomato halves skin side down, with the onions on a rimmed cookie sheet. Drizzle EVOO on the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Broil for about 4 minutes, flip and continue to broil for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes and onions are slightly charred. Lower the oven setting to 400 deg. F. Dust your hands and the dough lightly with flour or cornmeal and unroll the dough out onto a work surface. Stretch out the dough, gently spreading its rectangle shape. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces: working across the dough cut it in half and cut each half in half again. Cover each piece of dough with 2 T of pesto. Fold 3 slices of the prosciutto and 1 slice of the provolone to fit each pesto-covered piece of dough, then roll each piece on an angle from corner to corner, making a long roll that is thicker in the middle and thinner on each end. Brush the rolls with EVOO, then mix the sesame seeds, dried italian seasoning and 1/2 t red pepper flakes in a small C.. Sprinkle and pat the mixture onto the strombolies, place in the oven, and bake until evenly golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Place the tomatoes and onions in a blender or food processor, and puree until somewhat smooth. Preheat a soup pot over medium high heat, add the 2 T of EVOO, add the garlic and the remaining 1/2 t of red pepper flakes.  sauté the garlic for a minute, then add the pureed veggies and the chicken stock. When the soup comes to a bubble, add the cream, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 8 to 10 minutes. When ready to serve, turn off the soup and stir in the basil. Adjust the salt and pepper. Serve the soup alongside the pesto and prosciutto stromboli, dipping them into the soup as you eat them.

 

 

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Saucy, Italian “Drunken” Noodles with Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Caramelized Onions and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, with Fresh Basil

Saucy, Italian “Drunken” Noodles with Spicy Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Caramelized Onions and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, with Fresh Basil

drunken pastaOlive oil
4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
½ cup white wine (I used Chardonnay)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use
8 ounces Pappardelle noodles, uncooked

Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat; add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan in small chunks (you want to keep the sausage fairly chunky), allowing it to brown in the oil for a few moments on each side; once the crumbled sausage is browned, remove it from the pan/pot with a slotted spoon and place into a small bowl to hold for a moment; next, add the sliced onion into the pan with the sausage drippings, and allow it to caramelize and become golden for roughly 5 minutes or so, stirring to keep it from burning (add a touch more olive oil, if necessary); once the onion starts to become golden, add the salt, Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper, and stir to combine, then add in the sliced bell peppers, and allow those to sauté with the onion for about 2 minutes until slightly tender and golden; next, add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few moments, until almost completely reduced; next, add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and return the browned spicy Italian sausage back into the pan, and gently fold the mixture to combine; allow it to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors, then turn the heat off; to finish the sauce, drizzle in about 2-3 good tablespoons of the olive oil to create a silky, rich flavor, and add in the chopped parsley and about half of the julienned basil; stir, and keep warm while you prepare the noodles. Prepare the pappardelle noodles according to instructions on package; then, drain the noodles very well, and add them directly into the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and combine the pappardelle noodles with the sauce and all of the ingredients in it; check the seasoning to see if you need to add any additional salt or pepper. To serve, add equal portions of the “Drunken” noodles to bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining julienned basil; you can even top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Spinach and Cheese Cakes

Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Spinach and Cheese Cakes

tenderloinSpinach and Cheese Cakes:

2 packages frozen chopped spinach, 10 oz. each

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 for onion, 2 T. to fry cakes

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 C. Italian bread crumbs, 3 handfuls

1/3 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 2 handfuls

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steaks:

4 thin slices bacon, look for packaged bacon marked “Center Cut” in packaged meats case

4 beef tenderloin steaks, 1 1/2 inches thick

Coarse salt and cracked black pepper, season to your tastes

2 T. butter, divided

1 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. dry red wine

1/2 C. beef stock, available on soup aisle

Plate Garnish:

4 small Roma tomatoes

Extra-virgin oil, for drizzling

2 T. chopped or snipped fresh chives

 

Defrost spinach in microwave. Wring spinach dry by nesting in kitchen towel and twisting towel over garbage bowl or sink until spinach has given off all of its liquid. Place spinach in a medium mixing bowl. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add oil and onion and  sauté the onion until soft, 5 minutes. Add onion to spinach in bowl and return pan to stove top. Turn off heat. Add remaining ingredients to spinach: bread crumbs, cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Combine mixture with a fork, then form into 3-inch patties. Set aside. Line bacon up on meat-safe cutting board a few inches apart. Preheat a second skillet over high heat. Reheat the spinach cakes skillet over medium high heat. Season steaks with salt and pepper and set on bacon slices in the center of each slice. Wrap bacon over steaks. Place seam side down in pan and cook 2 minutes on each side. Add 2 T. oil to spinach cakes pan and set cakes in to cook. Work in 2 batches if necessary. Cook cakes 3 minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium under steaks after the first 2 minutes on each side. Cook meat another 6 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, for medium rare to medium well doneness. Remove meat from the pan and let it rest. Add 1 T. of the butter and flour and cook together 1 minute. Whisk in wine and deglaze pan. Whisk in broth and thicken sauce 1 minute. Add remaining T. butter and remove skillet from heat. Quarter tomatoes lengthwise. To serve, set the spinach cakes and steaks beside each other on 2/3 of serving plates and pour sauce evenly over steaks. Scatter a quartered tomato next to spinach cakes on each plate. Drizzle tomatoes with oil, season with salt and pepper and top with chopped chives. Serve plates immediately.

 

 

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Baked Bow-Tie Pasta with Mozzarella and Chicken Sausage

Baked Bow-Tie Pasta with Mozzarella and Chicken Sausage

1/2 lb. bow-tie pasta

1 tsp. olive oil

1 garlic, minced

1 (28 oz. s) whole peeled tomatoes, in puree

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. sugar

Coarse salt

2 (about 3 oz. each) precooked chicken sausages, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (1 3/4 C. s)

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain; set aside. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer; cook, stirring and breaking up tomatoes until slightly thickened, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt. Add pasta, sausage, and half the mozzarella; toss to combine. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and top is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with Romaine Salad.

 

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One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Noodle Bowls

One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Noodle Bowls

cocobowls1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 pound extra-large shrimp; thawed, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. freshly minced ginger
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
2 cups fish stock (or seafood, or chicken, whatevs)
7 oz (half a box) pad Thai noodles
1 tsp fish sauce
2 tsp sriracha sauce
1 cup cilantro leaves (plus more for garnish)
2 scallions, diced
1 lime (or more!)

Heat the oils in a large straight-sided pan over medium-high. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper and sear on both sides until you get a nice sear, about 5 minutes total. Remove from pan and set aside. Back in the pan, add more oil if needed and toss in the garlic, ginger and bell pepper. Sauté for one minute, then add the coconut milk, stock, noodles, fish sauce, sriracha sauce, cilantro and scallions. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer until noodles cook through, about 5 minutes. Take off the heat and add a few big squeezes of lime juice. Now taste that.  Need anything? Add a little salt if you want. More lime juice? Yes. Stir the shrimp back in and toss to combine. Serve with more cilantro on top.

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Pocket Pies

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Pocket Pies

Although I used pear and cranberry to fill these pies, you could really tuck almost any fruit or savory filling you want inside. The key is to keep the liquid level low, so that the bottom layer of dough doesn’t become soggy during or after baking. Let your imagination run wild!

IMG_1719_crop1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick of butter, cold, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4-5 tablespoons of ice cold water

3/4 lb. (for me this was 2) sweet, ripe pears; I used Red Bartlett
1/2 cup orange-flavored dried cranberries from Trader Joes (or, plain dried cranberries plus zest from one orange)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 T. flour

2 T. brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tsp water
1/4 cup milk

First make dough. In a food processor, add the flour and salt and pulse just once or twice to mix. Add in all the cubes of butter, and pulse until it is all incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse, dry sand (just a minute or so). Add 4 tablespoons of the ice cold water, and pulse just until the dough comes together (only a few times). Squeeze and a bit of the dough between your fingertips: If it doesn’t hold together, add more ice water 1/2 tablespoon at a time until it is soft and sticks together. I find 4 tablespoons is usually perfect for me. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and work with your hands for only a minute or two to evenly distribute butter (remember, keep this quick so the heat from your hands doesn’t warm the butter in the dough). Roll dough into a ball, then flatten into a 5-inch disk. Chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, make the filling. Peel and mince the pears, then mix with the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Let fruit sit for 15 minutes to macerate. To make pies, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust a clean surface with flour, and roll out the dough very thinly (the thinner the better). Use a round cutter, or the rim of a drinking glass, to cut 3-3 1/2 inch rounds from the dough. (The dough should make 12 rounds (for 6 pies) but you will need to re-roll the dough at least once or twice to cut them all out.) Place one round on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and carefully place about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling in the center of the round, making sure to leave the edges clean. Lightly brush the edges with the beaten egg, then top with a second dough round; press the edges together gently with your fingertips, then press completely together using the tines of a fork. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits in the top for venting. Repeat for the remaining pie rounds. Just before baking, brush the top of each pocket pie with a little bit of milk, then bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25-27 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Roasted-Parsnip Bread Pudding

Roasted-Parsnip Bread Pudding

parsnipstuffing1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 ounce (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons), melted, plus more for dish

2 large leeks, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced, and rinsed well (about 3 cups)

1/3 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

2 cups heavy cream

5 large eggs

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 loaf (12 ounces) brioche, crust removed and bread cut into 1-inch cubes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Drizzle parsnips with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, shaking occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Reduce heat to 375. Heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a medium sauté pan until melted. Add leeks, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add wine, and return to heat. Let simmer until reduced, 1 minute. Add thyme, and remove from heat. Stir in roasted parsnips. Whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, and 3/4 cup Parmesan in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add leek-parsnip mixture, then fold in bread. (Mixture can be refrigerated overnight.) Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish, and pour parsnip mixture into dish. Cover loosely with parchment, then foil, and bake until golden brown and puffed, 50 minutes. Remove parchment and foil. Sprinkle with remaining cup Parmesan, and return to oven. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.  To make this savory pudding ahead of time, assemble and refrigerate it for up to one day. Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, and bake as instructed.

 

 

Orange-Tomato Consommé with Lemongrass and Fresh Ginger

Orange-Tomato Consommé with Lemongrass and Fresh Ginger

3 C. tomato juice, divided

4 large green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 (3-inch) piece lemongrass, trimmed and sliced

1 (1 1/2-inch) cube fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 large garlic clove

3 C. beef broth

3 C. orange juice

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Garnish: Green Onion Flowers

 

Puree 2 C. tomato juice and next 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Set aside. Whisk remaining 1 C. tomato juice, broth, and orange juice in a large nonreactive pitcher. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 C. into an ice-cube tray, and freeze 2 hours or until frozen. Combine tomato mixture in blender with remaining broth mixture in pitcher in a nonreactive bowl; season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Divide frozen cubes and tomato consommé among 6 decorative glasses or bowls, and garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.

 

 

 

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Sopressata and Provolone Italian Pressed Sandwiches

Sopressata and Provolone Italian Pressed Sandwiches

IMG_16991 loaf of ciabatta bread
1/4 lb. very thinly sliced good-quality sopressata (hot or sweet depending on your taste)
1/3-1/2 lb. sliced provolone cheese
8 oz. roasted tomatoes, purchased (or use this recipe, minus the thyme)
About 3 T. pesto, purchased (or use this recipe, or your own)
1 large bunch, or 2 small bunches of basil, leaves torn from the stems

Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally to make two large halves. On the top half, evenly spread the pesto in a very thin layer (don’t over saturate the bread). On the bottom half, first place the roasted tomatoes in a single layer, then top with a layer of sopressata. (Place the thin slices of meat on top of each other to form a thicker layer.) Top the sopressata with the sliced provolone, and then place a layer of basil leaves over the top of the cheese. Place the top slice of bread over the basil layer, and press down to bring all the layers flat. Continue pressing down, and wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped loaf in the fridge overnight (or for at least 3 hours), and put something heavy on top of the loaf to compress it. I used a cast iron skillet and placed a couple of soup cans on top of the skillet. The next day, unwrap the loaf and slice into large sandwiches or small squares, depending on your preference. Serve immediately, or keep chilled until needed.

Sandwich with String

Cauliflower with Brown Butter, Pears, Sage & Hazelnuts

Cauliflower with Brown Butter, Pears, Sage & Hazelnuts

cauli3 oz. (6 T.) unsalted butter

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets about 3/4 inch wide

1/2 cup toasted, skinned, chopped hazelnuts (see tip right)

8 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced crosswise

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 large ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced

2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

 

To toast hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a 350°F oven for 14 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until lightly browned. While still warm, rub them against each other in a clean dishtowel to remove the papery skins.

 

In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until light brown and bubbly. Add the cauliflower, hazelnuts, and sage. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is browned and crisp-tender, 6 to 7 minutes more.  Remove the pan from the heat. Add the pear slices and parsley. Gently toss to combine and warm the pears. Season to taste with more salt. Serve hot or at room temperature.

 

Yield: 8-10 servings

Calories: 140

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 3g

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin

Olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

16 oz. frozen spinach cooked and drained.

Half an 8 ounce jar of sundried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Toothpicks

Store bought bread crumbs, (parmesan or Italian flavor both good)

1/3 cup canola oil (more or less depending on size of skillet)

 

In a medium skillet, sauté garlic in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat about a minute. Do not let olive oil smoke or the garlic brown. Add the cooked and drained spinach. Stir over medium to medium-low heat until spinach looks dry. Stir in the tomatoes along with some of the oil from the jar. Add the toasted pine nuts. Finally stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool to room temperature. Lay the pounded chicken breasts on a cutting board. Divide the stuffing among the four breasts. Spread the stuffing along the center of each breast. Either roll the chicken up jelly roll style or fold over to make a pocket, whichever is easiest. Either way, secure with a toothpick. Set the stuffed chicken in a shallow dish of bread crumbs; press the crumbs onto the chicken. Brown the chicken in a large skillet with canola oil. Transfer to a baking dish seam side down. If some of the spinach falls out, simply tuck it back underneath the chicken. Bake at 375 degrees for a half an hour or until chicken is no longer pink.

 

 

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POM Berry Spritzers

POM Berry Spritzers

16 oz POM wonderful, or 100% pomegranate juice
16-18 oz sparking mineral water (I used lime flavored)
1/2 cup berry simple syrup: (3/4 cup blueberries, 1 1/4 cup blackberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water)
Ice

POM spritzer

First make berry simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and stir over high heat until all the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is boiling. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Remove syrup from heat, strain to remove solids (save for a later use, if desired), and cool before using. To make spritzers, add ice (about 3/4 cup) to a medium tumbler; add 8 ounces of POM or pomegranate juice, about 2 tablespoons berry simple syrup, and about 4 ounces of sparkling mineral water. Stir to mix and drink cold.

Buttermilk Battered Fennel Fries with a Creamy Buttermilk Dipping Sauce

Buttermilk Battered Fennel Fries with a Creamy Buttermilk Dipping Sauce

fennelfries1 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground white pepper

1 C. buttermilk

1 large bulb fennel, cut into 1/8-inch thick lengthwise slices

4 C. vegetable oil

Salt

Buttermilk Dipping Sauce, recipe follows

 

Preheat the oil to 350 degrees F.  Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Dip the fennel in the buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour.  Carefully place in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 1/2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Lightly season with additional salt to taste and serve with the Buttermilk Dipping Sauce.

 

Buttermilk Dipping Sauce:

 

1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and coarsely grated

3/4 tsp. salt, plus 1/4 tsp.

3/4 C. buttermilk

1/4 C. mayonnaise

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. chopped fresh dill

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

Place the cucumbers in a small bowl and sprinkle with 3/4 tsp. of the salt. Stir to combine, then set aside while you assemble the remaining ingredients.  In a small bowl combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, dill, cayenne and salt and stir to combine well. Drain the cucumber in a small colander, then, using your hands, squeeze to remove as much excess water as possible. Add the cucumber to the buttermilk mixture and stir to thoroughly combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 1 day in advance.

 

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Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

turkeytaco2 1/2 C. Turkey Breast Cutlets or leftover Turkey, cooked and chopped

1 (11 oz .) can Mexican-style corn

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, undrained

2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 (16 oz.) jar chunky salsa

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 C. low-fat sour cream

2 T. guacamole

 

In a large pot over medium heat, combine corn, chili beans, broth and salsa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in cooked turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more, until heated through. Stir in cilantro. In a bowl, stir together sour cream and guacamole until smooth. Ladle soup into bowls and top with guacamole mixture.

 

Yield:

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Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon

Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon

Use either soft, cold-smoked salmon (also called lox or Nova-style) or firmer, hot-smoked salmon (also called kippered), or offer both for an interesting mix.

3 pounds leeks Leek and Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon
2 heads fennel (each 3 in. at widest dimension; 2 1/2 to 3 lb. total)
3/4 cup thinly sliced chives
2 tablespoons butter
5 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 dried bay leaf
3 pounds thin-skinned potatoes
1 pound thin-sliced smoked salmon
5 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
About 1/2 teaspoon salt
About 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Trim and discard root ends and coarse tops from leeks. Cut leeks in half lengthwise and rinse under running water, flipping layers to flush out grit; drain, then thinly slice crosswise. Rinse fennel. Trim off and discard root ends and stalks; reserve 2 or 3 sprigs of feathery green tops for garnish, and finely chop enough of the remaining feathery leaves to make 3 tablespoons (discard any remaining greens). In a bowl, mix chopped greens with chives; cover and chill. Chop fennel heads. In a 6- to 8-quart pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add leeks and chopped fennel heads, cover, and stir occasionally until vegetables are very limp, 10 to 12 minutes. Add broth and bay leaf to pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes. Add potatoes to broth mixture and return to a simmer; reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut salmon into strips 2 to 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide; put in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until smooth. Add to potato-broth mixture and stir over high heat until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve soup from pan, or pour into a tureen. Garnish with reserved fennel sprigs. Offer with smoked salmon and chive mixture to add to taste.

Yield: 8-10 servings
Calories: 357
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 8.6g

Cheese, Olive and Buttermilk Herb Bread

Cheese, Olive and Buttermilk Herb Bread

buttermilkbread52 1/4 cups plain flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard powder
60g freshly grated parmesan
60g grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup green olives, sliced
8 pieces sundried tomatoes, sliced thinly
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup mixture of spring onion and Italian parsley
2 tsp. thyme leaves or 1 tsp. dried thyme
2 eggs
2 1/2 T. olive oil
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
Egg wash (optional) made from 1 egg yolk beaten with 2 tsp. water
Extra thyme springs and sea salt, for topping

Preheat oven to 180C or 350F. Generously butter a large loaf tin (23 x 13 x 6cm) and either line it with butter parchment paper or dust with flour. Set tin aside. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt, pepper and mustard powder into a large bowl. Whisk with a whisk to incorporate the dry ingredients. Add both cheeses, olives, sundried tomatoes, spring onion, parsley and thyme and stir them thoroughly together. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then whisk in the oil and buttermilk until they are well combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir together to form a thick, sticky batter. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly. Brush the top of the batter with the egg wash and then sprinkle some thyme leaves and sea salt onto the loaf. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until a fine skewer inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to burn, place a piece of foil to cover the top of the loaf and continue baking. Leave in tin for 5 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack. This loaf is best served on the same day. Wrap left overs tightly and store in fridge. Gently reheat in oven if serving left overs.

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Gruyere Tartlets

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Gruyere Tartlets

tartlets1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

16 ounces white button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

¼ cup white wine (can substitute chicken or vegetable broth)

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed according to directions on package)

1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (can substitute any variety of Swiss cheese)

1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten together (for the egg wash)

Handful of parsley, chopped

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat the olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize, about 20 minutes. Add the butter to the pan. Once melted, add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are completely soft and all of the liquid evaporates, about 20 minutes. Add the garlic and the thyme and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to pull up all of the browned bits, and cook until all of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Unfold the thawed sheets of puff pastry and cut out circles from the dough, placing them evenly spaced on the baking sheets. Using a very sharp knife, make four small scores around the perimeter of the dough, about ¼ to ½-inch from the edge. Top the rounds of puff pastry with a small spoonful of the onion and mushroom mixture, trying to keep the filling within the score marks. Top with the shredded Gruyere cheese. Brush the edges of the dough rounds with the egg wash. Bake until the pastry is golden brown, about 15 to 25 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Broccoli Salad with Red Onions, Raisins & Pine Nuts

Broccoli Salad with Red Onions, Raisins & Pine Nuts

1 lb. Broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets

2 tsp. Salt

1 C. medium dice Red Onion

1/2 C. finely diced Fennel

1 C. Golden Raisins

1/3 C. toasted Pine Nuts

Zest of 1 Orange, minced

3 T. balsamic Vinegar

2 T. fresh Orange Juice

3 T. EVOO

Pepper

1 T. minced Tarragon Leaves

1 tsp. minced fresh Mint Leaves

 

Place broccoli in boiling water to cover and add salt; cook for one minute.  Drain and refresh in ice water until cold; drain again.  In large bowl combine broccoli, onions, fennel, raisins, pine nuts and orange zest.  In small bowl combine vinegar and orange juice.  Slowly whisk in oil, beating until a thick emulsion forms.  Season with salt and pepper to taste stir in herbs.  Pour over broccoli mixture and toss well.  Let stand an hour before serving.

 

 

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20 Minute Sriracha Sauce Recipe

20 Minute Sriracha Sauce Recipe

Use any type of peppers you want! If you want your sauce red colored – stick to red peppers. My favorite is a combo of red jalapeno or red serrano and mini sweet peppers (the kind you find on veggie trays to eat raw) – smaller and sweeter than bell peppers.

20-minute-sriracha-sauce-recipe-0857-640x4261/2 pound fresh red jalapeno peppers
1/2 pound fresh mini sweet snacking peppers
7 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (or white or unsweetened rice vinegar)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fish sauce, Braggs Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos

In a food processor or high speed blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. In a medium saucepan over high heat, pour the sauce in and cook on high until it begins to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust with additional honey, vinegar or Bragg’s (or whatever you’re using) if needed. You’re looking for a nice balance of flavor. Fry an egg and try a spoonful on it. Tastes wonderful? Turn off heat and allow sauce to cool completely. Transfer the sriracha sauce to jars. Sriracha will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Better yet, can them and store in pantry!

Twisted Cookies with Rolled-In Sugar

Twisted Cookies with Rolled-In Sugar

Twisted-Cookies-102 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 pkg) (NOT Rapid Rise, Pizza Crust or Bread Machine)
¼ cup warm water (100 – 110 degrees F)
½ teaspoon sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), chilled, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 ½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 1 cookie sheet with foil. Double pan to bake. In a warm medium bowl, combine water, yeast and sugar. Proof until frothy, about 10 minutes. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Cut butter into flour until rice-size with two knives or pastry cutter. In the medium bowl, mix eggs, sour cream and vanilla into the yeast mixture. Pour the egg mixture into the large bowl with the flour. Stir thoroughly with a fork to make a dough. Divide the dough into 2 patties, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Place patties side by side, not stacked to assure even cooling. My patties were 18.5 oz each. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the sugar and vanilla until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap so the sugar doesn’t dry out. On a dry surface, place ½ of the vanilla sugar. Place one patty of dough on the vanilla sugar (leaving the other patty in the refrigerator) and roll into a 16 x 8-inch rectangle. Scoop up all the sugar from around the edges and spread evenly over top of dough. With the long edge toward you, fold both edges toward the center, making 3 equal layers. Turn one quarter around and roll into a 16 x 8-inch rectangle. Scoop up any extra sugar and smooth onto the dough. Do not discard any of the vanilla sugar. Use it all. Fold and roll into a 16 x 8-inch rectangle 2 more times. The dough should be about 1/4-inch thick. Trim the edges slightly with a sharp knife to as perfect a rectangle as possible. With the knife, cut the dough the long way into eight 1-inch wide strips. Cut each 16 x 1-inch strip into 4 equal pieces, each 4 inches long. Twist half (16) of the 4 x 1-inch strips 2 times, over-twisting to stretch the dough in the middle. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Make sure the dough twist lies flat on the sheet. You may need to fan out the layers on the ends somewhat to make sure each is touching the sheet. Press down a little to help it adhere. Double pan. Bake at 375 degrees F, 15 – 20 minutes or until a rich golden brown. With a spatula, remove from sheet immediately before the caramelized sugar hardens and sticks to the foil. Cool on a rack. Discard foil on cookie sheet and replace with new foil. Repeat with remaining 16 dough strips. Start over with the second dough ball and remaining half of sugar.

Note: Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Freeze in ziplock freezer bag for 2 weeks. Defrost at room temperature with top of bag unzipped, so that moisture can evaporate and not melt sugar or make cookies soggy. When room temperature is achieved, re-zip bag.

Bacon Wrapped Apple Chestnut Stuffed Pork Loin

Bacon Wrapped Apple Chestnut Stuffed Pork Loin

3 lb. pork loin

10 slices bacon

3 C. large seasoned croutons

2 ½ C. diced apple

1 C. reduced sodium chicken stock

1/3 C. chopped parsley

¾ C. chopped roasted chestnuts

6 slices bacon chopped

2 onions diced

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. dried thyme

¼ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

 pork

In a medium sized pan on medium level heat, fry 6 slices chopped bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon or bamboo strainer remove the bacon and set aside. Add chopped onion, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic to the residual bacon fat. Stir often scraping any bacon residue from the bottom of the pan. Sauté until the onion has softened. Add the diced apples, chestnuts and reduced sodium chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and add the croutons and cooked bacon. Mix thoroughly cover and remove from heat. Butterfly the pork loin using 3 cuts to open like a book. Cover the pork loin with plastic wrap. Lb. the pork with a mallet to make it a uniform thickness. Remove cover from the stuffing and fluff with fork. Add parsley to the stuffing mixture. Spoon the stuffing mixture onto the pork loin leaving a 1 inch frame around all of the edges. Starting at one end – roll the pork and stuffing together to make a tight roll. Wrap pork with the remaining 10 slices of bacon lightly overlapping each layer. Secure with butchers twine. Grill indirect until a digital thermometer reads 155F. Rest for 10 minutes then slice.

 

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Green Chickpea & Chicken Curry with Swiss Chard

Green Chickpea & Chicken Curry with Swiss Chard

a6b47faad8fdfff34e95574bef2354812 tablespoons olive oil
6 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 shallots, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons green curry paste
2 tablespoons chili paste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
2 cups water
1 14-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 bunch Swiss chard, cleaned, trimmed and thinly sliced

Heat your olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot. Add in your cubed chicken and cook over medium heat until almost fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Add in your shallots and continue to cook until the shallots are softened, about another 5-6 minutes. Add in the curry paste, chili paste, kosher salt, ginger, coconut milk, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Add in the additional cup of water. Bring back up to a boil, then add in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and simmer for 20 minutes. After simmering, add in the trimmed and sliced Swiss chard. When you’re trimming the chard, the thicker, whiter parts are generally too tough to eat, but the smaller, tenderer colored stalks and all of the leafy greens will soften as they cook. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve alone or with some naan or pita bread.

Mushroom Pate Filled Puff Pastry Stars

Mushroom Pate Filled Puff Pastry Stars

1 pkg. puff pastry, frozenpate
mushroom-almond pate (recipe below)

Thaw the puff pastry. Make the mushroom-almond pate. (recipe below) Using a large star shaped cookie cutter, cut out star shapes. You will need 2 for each filled star. Oil a cookie sheet or use baking paper to keep the stars from sticking to the cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the package (220 C). Place a star on the cookie sheet and using a spoon, place a spoonful of the mushroom pate in the center. Take a 2nd star, put some water along the inside edges of the star and lay it carefully over the star with the mushroom pate. Gently line up each of the points of the star to match, they will swell and close as they bake. Do this procedure for the rest of the dough. With the left over pieces of dough, you can put them together and roll out the dough again to cut more and thus use all of the dough. Bake the stars for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Mushroom-Almond Pate

1 cup almonds, ground
50 grams margarine
200 grams mushrooms, chopped
1/2 T. salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/8 tbs. white pepper
1/2 cup water

Melt the margarine, add the herbs and olive oil and sauté the mushrooms. Add the water and allow the mixture to season and cook off a bit. When the liquid is about halved, remove from the heat add the ground almonds and puree to a fine pate.

O’ Shroom’s Tangy Chicken

O’ Shroom’s Tangy Chicken

Boneless Skinless chicken breasts or Pork tenderloin cut into 3/4-inch slices

1 heaping tsp. mixed pepper blend

Sea salt to taste

1 T. olive oil

1 C. low sodium chicken broth

2 T. flour

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 rosemary sprig, leaves removed and crushed

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 8-oz. package sliced mushrooms

 

Cut chicken breasts in half, place in large baggie and flatten with meat mallet to 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with mixed pepper blend and salt and press into chicken. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Add onions to skillet. Combine broth and flour and mix until smooth. Add mixture to the skillet, stirring around chicken. Add balsamic vinegar and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, stir, cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.

 

Yield:

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Baked Polenta with Mushrooms

Baked Polenta with Mushrooms

polenta4 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups coarse or medium cornmeal

3 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 teaspoon dried sage

7 tablespoons grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 pounds mushrooms, sliced thin

1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

6 ounces fontina, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

 

Heat the oven to 350°. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and 1 teaspoon of the salt to a boil. Add the cornmeal in a slow stream, whisking. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon of the sage. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until very thick, about 20 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.    Meanwhile, butter an 8-by-12-inch baking dish. In a large frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter with 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Add half the mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and sage, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes. Remove. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms, 1 tablespoon each butter and oil, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and sage, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.    Pour half the polenta into the baking dish and spread in an even layer. Top with half the mushrooms, followed by half of the fontina and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining polenta, mushrooms, fontina, and Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

Baby Greens with Pomegranate Vinaigrette and Caramelized Onions

Baby Greens with Pomegranate Vinaigrette and Caramelized Onions

3 pomegranates

1 C. chicken stock

1/3 C. balsamic vinegar

1 T. dijon mustard

1 T. shallots

1/2 C. olive oil

1/2 C. salad oil

2 T. fresh basil and chervil, chopped

1 large onion, julienned, caramelized

8 ounces baby greens

8 ounces goat cheese

16 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Edible flowers for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

 

The day before serving, remove seeds from pomegranate and reserve 1/3 C. To make coulis, place seeds in blender or food processor with chicken stock; pulse to break up seeds. Put mixture into saucepan and reduce by half. Pass through a fine strainer and cool. Place coulis in blender or food processor. Add vinegar, mustard, shallots, and salt and pepper. Slowly add in oils; you may need to thin with chicken stock or water. Add basil and chervil. Taste the next day and adjust for consistency. Sauté onion slowly until brown and sugar has developed. This can also be done the day before. Place washed greens in bowl and add dressing to coat. Divide greens onto 4 plates. Top with onions, goat cheese, tomatoes, reserved seeds, and edible flowers.

 

Thai Style Grilled Chicken Thighs

Thai Style Grilled Chicken Thighs

Thai Style Grilled Chicken Thighs12 chicken thighs
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1″ piece of ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 serrano pepper, minced (can substitute a jalapeno if you don’t want it as spicy)
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
Combine all ingredients except chicken in a large zipper bag and mix thoroughly. Add chicken and allow to marinate at least one hour, overnight if possible. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on the size of the chicken thighs.

Mushroom & Black-Bean Pinwheels

Mushroom & Black-Bean Pinwheels

1/2 package puff pastry

1 tsp. olive oil

10 mushrooms

1/2 can black beans

1/4 C. grated parmesan

1 tsp. cumin

 

As per the pastry instructions, defrost and roll out the puff pastry. Saut̩ the mushrooms in oil, and as they are finished, sprinkle in the cumin. Drain and rinse the black beans, and smush them with your hands as you add them in. Mix everything together, and spread evenly over the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle the parmesan over evenly as well. Gently roll the pastry into a tube shape. Try not to lose the filling. Cut it into even sections about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. Spray a backing sheet with cooking spray (to avoid pastry sticking), and place each roll with a flat side on the sheet. If you have some extra parmesan, you may want to sprinkle a bit on top. Back at 375 F for about 20 Р30 minutes (until golden brown) and then serve.

 

 

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Scented Sugars

Scented Sugars

sugarsScented sugar adds a subtle perfume and flavor to coffee, fruit desserts, and baked goods. Layer granulated sugar with aromatic edibles like scented geranium leaves, rose petals, orange and lemon peel (first set out for a day to dry), or vanilla beans. Mix small batches, and let them sit for a few days in tightly sealed jars while the scents infuse the sugar. One jar or a trio serves makes an unusual present for whomever you think could use a little sweetness.

Cheesy Leek, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Puree

Cheesy Leek, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Puree

baby1 T. Butter

¼ C. Leeks, washed and sliced

1 Sweet Potato, peeled and cut into chunks

1 C. Boiling Water

¾ C. Cauliflower Florets

3 T. Grated Cheddar Cheese

 

Heat butter in a pan and add leek.  Sauté about 3 minutes until softened.  Add sweet potato and boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.  Add cauliflower and continue to cook for 5 minutes.  Strain vegetables, reserving cooking liquid.  Blend vegetables together with about 1/3 C. of the cooking liquid and the grated cheddar cheese.

 

6-9 months

 

Cheese-Grits Chiles Rellenos with Roasted Tomato Gravy

Cheese-Grits Chiles Rellenos with Roasted Tomato Gravy

poblano_21 large tomato or 4 plum tomatoes (about 3/4 pound)

6 medium fresh poblano peppers

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered

2 large cloves garlic, unpeeled

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

3 C. cooked cheddar cheese grits

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 C. coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese

 

Core the tomato with a sharp paring knife. Arrange the tomato, pepper, onion, and garlic in a 9-x-13-inch roasting pan, with the peppers gathered at one end. Brush all the vegetables with the olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Slide the pan under the broiler about 3 inches from the flame or heating element, with the peppers nearest you; you’ll be turning them frequently as they roast. Turn the peppers every 3 minutes until their skins are blistered and blackened all over, about 9 minutes total. The onion, garlic, and tomato will be nicely charred as well. Transfer the peppers to a large bowl, transfer the tomato, onion, and garlic to a medium bowl, and let them cool. Set aside the roasting pan. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. When the peppers are cool enough to handle, gently massage their skins to remove them and discard. Cut a 3-inch slit down the side of each pepper and gently spoon out the seeds and any whitish, fibrous veins. Fill each pepper with 1/2 C. cheese grits and place in the roasting pan. When the tomato, onion, and garlic have cooled, remove the skins from the tomato and garlic, and discard. Process the tomato, onion, and garlic to a chunky puree in a blender or food processor, about 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the peppers. Bake the peppers on the middle rack until the tomato sauce bubbles gently, about 15 minutes. Scatter the cheese on top and place the pan under the broiler about 2 inches from the flame or heating element until the cheese has browned. Serve immediately.

 

 

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Avocado Garden Salad

Avocado Garden Salad

salad6 cups torn or cut mixed salad greens
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
5 green onions, chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1⁄3 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 large avocado, peeled

Mix salad greens, tomatoes, onions, and cucumber in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Pour over salad mixture and toss together. Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Remove pit and peel avocado halves. Slice into thin wedges, about 1/8-inch thick. Arrange avocado slices on top of salad and serve immediately
Yield: 6 servings.
Serving Size: 1½ cups per serving
Calories: 78
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 4g

Southern Style Macaroni & Cheese

Southern Style Macaroni & Cheese

129-elbow-room_southern-style-mac-and-cheese4001 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
8 oz. hollow pasta, preferably elbow macaroni
Butter, for greasing
7 oz. extra-sharp cheddar, cut into 1⁄2″ cubes (about 1 1⁄2 cups), plus 6 oz. grated (about 2 cups)
2 T. plus 1 tsp. flour
1 1⁄2 tsp. dry mustard
1⁄4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1⁄4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1⁄8 tsp. cayenne pepper
2⁄3 cup sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half
1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
1⁄3 cup grated onion
1 tsp. Worcestershire

Heat oven to 350°. Bring a 4-qt. saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until cooked halfway through, about 3 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Stir in the cubed cheddar cheese and set aside. Combine 1 1⁄2 tsp. salt, flour, mustard, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne in a large mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and the eggs and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, heavy cream, onions, and Worcestershire. Pour egg mixture over the reserved pasta mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the surface. Bake until the pasta mixture is set around the edges but still a bit loose in the center, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving

Ecuadorian Cheesy Potato Patties

Ecuadorian Cheesy Potato Patties

potato1 lb. potatoes, peeled, quartered

½ tsp. salt

¼ cup oil, divided

2 tsp. paprika or annatto seasoning, divided

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Peanut Sauce (below)

 

BRING 2 quarts water to boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and salt. Cook 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Place in large bowl; mash until smooth. HEAT 2 Tbsp. of the oil in medium skillet on medium heat. Add onions and 1 tsp. of the paprika; cook and stir until onions are tender. Stir into the mashed potatoes; cool. Stir in cheese. Shape evenly into 6 (1-inch-thick) patties. MIX remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and 1 tsp. paprika until well blended. Heat large nonstick skillet, griddle or cast iron skillet on medium heat. Brush a little of the oil mixture onto bottom of pan. Add patties; cook 3 minutes or until bottom is crisp and golden brown. Brush tops of patties with remaining oil mixture; turn over. Cook an additional 3 minutes or until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Serve each patty topped with 2 Tbsp. of the Peanut Sauce.

 

Peanut Sauce

 

1 cup PLANTERS Dry Roasted Peanuts

1-1/4 cups milk

1 green or red finger pepper, seeded, deveined (optional)

¼ cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

½ tsp. paprika

½ tsp. ground cumin

 

ADD peanuts, milk and pepper to blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Pour mixture through strainer.   COMBINE dressing, paprika and cumin in medium saucepan; cook on medium-high heat 1 min. Stir in peanut puree. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in additional milk if the sauce is too thick.  SERVE hot.

Charles Dickens Punch

Charles Dickens Punch

2 cups water

½ cup sugar

2 T. lemon peel

¼ cup borage flowers

2 cups sherry

1 cup brandy

4 cups apple cider

 

Pour boiling water over the sugar, lemon peel, and borage and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain and add sherry, brandy and cider.

 

Apple, Sweet Potato and Bacon Turnovers

Apple, Sweet Potato and Bacon Turnovers

web-Apple-Sweet-Potato-Bacon-Turnovers-0121 pound sweet potatoes (approximately 2 medium), peeled and diced
8 strips bacon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large gala apples
½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Kosher salt
2 sheets puff pastry
Flour for dusting
1 egg

Boil a large pot of water and cook sweet potatoes until soft, approximately 10 minutes (the smaller the dice, the faster they will cook). Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over low heat to render out the fat and then turn the heat up to medium and cook for several minutes until crisp but not overdone. Allow the bacon to drain well on a paper towel. Dice the bacon and set aside. Peel, core and coarsely chop the apples. In a dutch oven or heavy bottom saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat and then add the apples. Toss to coat the apples and then add the nutmeg and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Cook the apples, stirring frequently, until they are lightly caramelized and soft but not mushy. Set aside. Mash the sweet potatoes and stir in the maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Set aside. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out one chilled sheet of puff pastry (keep the other sheet in the refrigerator until the last second). You will want to work swiftly with the dough before it becomes too soft. Square off the dough if necessary with a bench scraper or pizza cutter and slice into 6 even squares. Place a small spoonful of the sweet potatoes inside one of the squares. Top with a larger spoonful of apples and a sprinkle of chopped bacon. Make sure to leave some space between the filling and the sides of the dough so that the turnover can be sealed once it’s folded. Repeat this process with all 6 pieces of dough. Fold the dough over from corner to corner into a triangle shape. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal in the filling. Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Repeat the same process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remainder of the filling, placing the turnovers onto the second prepared baking sheet (any leftover filling is delicious by itself). Whisk the egg together with a splash of water and a pinch of salt. Remove the baking sheets from the refrigerator and use a small knife to poke 3 holes in the top of each turnover. Use a pastry brush to spread a thin layer of egg wash over each turnover. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is cooked through and golden brown on top.

Tomato Spinach Salad

Tomato Spinach Salad

tomato-spinach-salad2 cups fresh spinach
2 tomatoes, cut into chunks or wedges
6 small mozzarella balls, cut in half
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

In a salad bowl, combine spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.

Apple Cookies in a Jar

Apple Cookies in a Jar

Apple Cookies8 oz. almond paste {marzipan}

1 cup of butter, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp almond emulsion or extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

Americolor tulip red gel color

Whole cloves

 

Soften the almond paste in the microwave. About 20 seconds should do. Combine the butter and almond paste and beat until well combined. Add both sugars and beat until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and enough of the gel paste to tint the mixture red. Finally sift together the flour and salt and add it to the creamed mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is not dark enough, add more coloring.  At this point, use a small cookie scoop {1 1/2 teaspoon size} to make little balls. Drop them onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Use your thumb to make a light impression on top of the cookie, and then insert a clove as the stem.  Chill for one hour.  After chilling, bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

 

I used a #66 leaf tip from Wilton and stiff-ish green RI to add tiny little leaves.

Golden Raisin Bread

Golden Raisin Bread

1 package yeast

2 C. bread flour

1 C. whole wheat flour

1/4 C. wheat germ

1/4 C. brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 T. butter, soft

3/4 C. golden raisins

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 C. warm water

Put all the ingredients in the pan in the order recommended by manufacturer, select white bread and push start.

 

Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad

tortellinsalad1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed

1 cup pepperoni, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half

1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

2/3 cup Caesar salad dressing

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water and drain again. Transfer cooked tortellini to a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Toss well. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.