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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce

Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce

chixmangoVegetable oil for frying
2 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless), sliced length-wise into 4 strips, then those strips sliced length-wise in half, making a total of 8 strips per breast
Pinch curry powder
Salt
Pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
½ cup flour
2 eggs
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 tablespoon chives, finely minced

Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)

Begin by filling a medium-sized pot about half-way with the vegetable oil (roughly 6-8 cups), and bring the temperature of the oil slowly up to 350° while you prepare the strips. Place the chicken strips into a bowl, and add the pinch of curry powder, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, to the strips; toss the strips to coat them in the seasoning, and set them aside for a moment. Set up your “coating” station by putting the flour, along with another couple of pinches of salt, pepper and cayenne pepper, into a medium-sized bowl and blending to combine; put the eggs into another medium-sized bowl and beat them, and put the sweetened shredded coconut into another medium-sized bowl; to coat the chicken strips, dredge one strip at a time into the seasoned flour and coat it well; next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then into the shredded coconut; press the strips into the coconut very well to coat them thoroughly, and place the coated strips onto a plate to hold until all strips have been coated. To fry the strips, work in batches by adding about 4-5 strips into the hot oil, and allow them to fry for about 1 ½ – 2 minutes, moving them very gently with tongs every now and then, until they are a deep, golden color; remove from oil and place onto a paper towel-lined platter to drain, and sprinkle each batch with a pinch of salt and pepper while they’re still hot; repeat the process until all strips have been fried. Serve the strips hot, garnished with a sprinkle of the minced chives and a side of the Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce.

Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup frozen mango chunks, thawed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon honey
Pinch (small) curry powder
3-4 drops Sriracha sauce (add more if you like it a bit more spicy)
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Add all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, and process until completely combined and well-blended; serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a couple of days.

Edamame Salad

Edamame Salad

1 bag (16 ounces) frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch radishes (8 ounces), cut in half and thinly sliced
1 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Toss the edamame, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, radishes, and cilantro together in a large bowl.  Serve chilled or at room temperature.

 

Apple Cider Caramels

Apple Cider Caramels

caramels2 cup high-quality apple cider
1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream, divided
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup real butter, cubed

Pour cider into a medium saucepan and boil on high for about 20 minutes or until the cider is reduced to 1/3 c. Keep an eye on it…it might try to run away. Set aside to cool. Line an 8″ square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave about 1″ hanging over the edges for easy removal. Coat with a bit of vegetable oil and set aside.  In a small bowl, combine 2/3 c. cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and reduced apple cider. Set aside. In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/3 c. whipping cream + enough water to reach the 1/2 c. line on the measuring cup, and corn syrup. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Insert the candy thermometer and simmer until the syrup reaches 234 degrees. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream mixture. Add the cubed butter and stir until the cream and butter are fully incorporated. Return the pan to heat and re-insert the candy thermometer. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 248 degrees. Remove from heat and pour the caramel into the prepared pan. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. I covered the top of the pan loosely with saran wrap and left it out overnight. You could cut the caramels into 1/2″ squares and wrap each caramel in wax paper, but I’m lazy so I cut the caramel into 1/2″ logs, which meant that I had exponentially fewer pieces to individually wrap. Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but I can guarantee that they won’t last that long. These things are delicious!

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs

479107896_f3f3c13e971 (2-3 lb.) rack of ribs (I use pork loin ribs)
3 1/2 cups pineapple juice (reserving 1/4 cup for later)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 (16 oz.) bottle BBQ sauce

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or use a slow cooker liner to make clean up a breeze!). Take your slab of ribs (make sure that they are defrosted) and cut into individual slabs (about 2-3 ribs each). Throw the ribs into the slow cooker. Mix the pineapple juice and brown sugar together and pour over the ribs. Put the lid back on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 7-8 hours or LOW for 10-12 hours. After they are done in the slow cooker, use tongs to gently pull them out (they will literally fall apart when you touch them). Turn the grill on medium heat. While the grill is warming up, mix together the bottle of BBQ sauce and the 1/4 cup of pineapple juice you saved from earlier. Place the ribs gently on the grill and brush with BBQ sauce. Turn the ribs twice, slathering with more sauce each time (you can’t have enough sauce!); they will take about 10-15 minutes to glaze over (as soon as that sauce starts to turn sticky, you know they are done!). Serve immediately and enjoy

Homemade Ranch Dressing: Dry Mix Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing: Dry Mix Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing Dry Mix Recipe1/2 C. powdered Buttermilk
3 T. dried Parsley
1 T. dried Dill Weed
½ T. dried Thyme
1 T. Onion Powder
1 T. Salt (celery salt)
1 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
3/4 tsp. Pepper
Optional: ¼ tsp. Accent (MSG)

Combine in a food processor and blend into a powdery consistency. Store in a container of choice.

To make ranch dressing: Combine 1 T. mix with 1 C. mayonnaise and 1/2 C. milk. Mix with wire whisk. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

To make a ranch dip: Combine 2 T. mix with 1 C. sour cream. Mix with wire whisk. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Chicken Bake

Chicken Bake

Chicken Bake

On a lightly floured surface, divide 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough into 2 balls and roll and stretch until 1/4 inch thick. Top each with 2 T. Caesar dressing, 1/2 C. chopped cooked chicken breast, 1/2 C. chopped cooked bacon, 1 C. shredded mozzarella, 1/4 C. grated Parmesan, and sliced green onions. Roll pizza dough, like a cinnamon roll, into two large logs. Transfer to a large parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with more cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake at 425°F until golden, 25 minutes.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

1/2 C. wheat flour

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/3 C. packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 C. buttermilk

1 T. canola oil

1/2 C. quick cooking oats

 

In a large bowl, mix together the flours, brown sugar, salt and baking soda. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the buttermilk and oil. Add to dry ingredients. Mix well. Add oats and mix. Add more milk if batter is too thick. Dollop batter onto hot, lightly greased griddle in 1/4 amounts per pancake.  Cook until edges are dry and middles bubble. Flip and cook other side until golden brown.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Estofado de Almendras (Oaxacan Almond and Chicken Stew)

Estofado de Almendras (Oaxacan Almond and Chicken Stew)

632-guiso-de-cordero-marroqui-xl-668x400x80xX

2 ea. Chicken, whole, cut into serving pieces, rinsed and pat dry
7 T. Olive oil
1 lb. Roma tomatoes
1/2 cup Black raisins
1 cup Almonds, slivered
3 Garlic cloves, peeled
1 White onion, sliced
1 Plantain, ripe, peeled and sliced
3oz. Bread, brioche
1 Canela, Mexican cinnamon stick,
2 Cloves, whole
4 Black peppercorns, whole
20 Manzanilla olives
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

¼ C. Almonds, whole, skin removed
½ Raisins, black
1/3 Chiles Jalapeños en Escabeche, strips

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven and sauté the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Reserve the fat in the pan for later use. Place the tomatoes in a medium pan, barely cover with water, and bring to a boil and cook until soft. Do not let them burst open. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and fry the following ingredients separately: onion, garlic, raisins, slivered almonds, plantain, bread, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns. Purée the tomatoes and fried ingredients in a blender. Add a generous amount of water to form a smooth, thin textured purée. Fry the sauce in the reserved fat, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and the olives. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet and sauté the whole almonds and raisins until the almonds turn golden brown and the raisins plump. Garnish the estofado with the whole almonds, raisins, and the chiles jalapeños en escabeche.

One Pot Wonder Thai Peanut Pasta

One Pot Wonder Thai Peanut Pasta

Thai-Pasta-121412 ounces linguine
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
I tablespoon tamarind paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce (and/or fish sauce, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 inches of a ginger root, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 large carrot, peeled and cut in 1/4 inch by 2 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/4 inch by 2 inch pieces
3 green onions, sliced in half lengthwise and then in 2 inch pieces
1 cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
2 tablespoons peanut butter

One small bunch of cilantro, diced (flat leaf parsley will work in a pinch)
Juice of one lime

Chopped peanuts
Mung bean sprouts
Place all ingredients except cilantro and lime juice and garnishes in a large stockpot. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and keep covered and cook for about 10 minutes, removing lid and stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until pasta is al dente and almost all liquid has evaporated – I left about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot – but you can reduce as desired.  Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot.  Remove slices of ginger and stir in cilantro and lime juice. Dish up the pasta and then sprinkle on garnishes as desired.