Green Cauliflower Soup with Capers and Lemon

Green Cauliflower Soup with Capers and Lemon

caulsoup1 small cauliflower, green if you can find it

1/2 leek

1 clove of garlic

2 anchovy fillets

4-5 capers in salt

Lemon juice

Light stock

Salt

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

Put the capers in water to soak. Divide the cauliflower into small florets.  Slice the leek and chop the garlic. Heat up some olive oil in a pan and gently fry the anchovy, leek and garlic stirring all the time until the anchovy has dissolved. Add the cauliflower and go on cooing for 4-5 minutes. Add stock (or water) until it covers the cauliflowers and a little more. Add the smaller amount of capers and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Blend the soup in a mixer until smooth, taste and add more capers if needed. If you do you can either leave them as they are or do another run with the blender. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, stir and serve.

 

 

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Two Tone Juice Cocktail

Two Tone Juice Cocktail

2 C. Pineapple Juice

2 C. Tomato Juice

2 Thin Slices Lemon

Parsley or Mint Sprigs

 

In an 8oz parfait or cocktail glass pour 1/2 C. Pineapple juice.  Tip glass and carefully pour 1/2 C. Tomato juice down side of glass.  Pour very slowly and carefully to not mix layers.  Float a lemon slice on top.

Holy Yum Chicken

Holy Yum Chicken

holy

1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken thighs (most of the fat cut and discarded) (If you’re using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes or you’ll end up with dry chicken.)

1/2 cup Dijon mustard (must be Dijon mustard, no substitutes)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (again, no substitutes. No fake Aunt Jemima stuff)

1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar (seasoned or unseasoned)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tsp. fresh rosemary for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 8×8″ oven-proof pan with 2 layers of tin foil. In small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs in the foil layered pan then pour the mixture on top of it. Turn the chicken around in the sauce to make sure it gets all coated. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let chicken sit for 5 minutes then transfer to a plate. Do NOT discard the liquid. Immediately after plating chicken, whisk in the 1 tbsp. of cornstarch into the liquid in the pan. You’ll create a nice, thick sauce to drizzle over your chicken. You need to do cornstarch mixing immediately because the liquid needs to be hot in order for it to thicken properly. If it’s still not thickening after 1 tbsp., you can add a little more. Sprinkle rosemary on top before serving. Serve with rice or potatoes or vegetables.

 

Note: If you like things more tangy, I would add 2 tbsp. of rice wine vinegar instead of 1 tbsp. I did this the second time I made this and it was a nice tangy kick with the sweetness that subdued it. If you like things on the sweeter side, keep it to 1 tbsp. of rice wine vinegar. Regardless, taste the sauce after mixing it together and adjust to taste

Pizza Bites

Pizza Bites

pizzabitesPizza dough (or 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough)

8 oz. block mozzarella cheese

4 oz. thin sliced pepperoni

2 tsp. Italian seasoning (combine oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic)

1/4 cup olive oil

3 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Pizza or marinara sauce

 

Prepare pizza dough and roughly chop pepperoni. Cut block of mozzarella into 48 cubes. If you are going to bake some (or all!) right away preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 3 pie pans. If using refrigerated pizza dough: roll one dough out into a large rectangle and cut into 24 pieces. Repeat with 2nd pizza dough. If using homemade dough just pinch off walnut sized pieces as you go. In each dough piece place a couple pieces of chopped pepperoni and a cube of cheese. Seal dough around meat and cheese and place seam side down in pie pan. Repeat, placing approximately 16 dough balls in each pie plate. Once assembled, combine oil and spices and brush over the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Now you can cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze or you can bake right away. When ready to bake: bake at 400°F for 16-20 min. Serve with warm pizza or marinara sauce.

Holiday Pumpkin Soup

Holiday Pumpkin Soup

1 T. olive oil

1 diced small onion

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, optional

1 (29-ounce) pumpkin puree

2 T. brown sugar, optional

2 C. vegetable broth

Salt and pepper and cayenne pepper

1 1/2 C. milk or half and half

 

In large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Add the cumin, pie spice, and ginger, stirring for about a minute. Stir in the pumpkin puree, broth, and brown sugar and bring to a boil, lower heat, cover soup, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring. Season soup with salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir in the milk and bring soup to simmer, reduce heat and simmer for a minute. Remove pan from heat and spoon into individual bowls. Garnish with thin slices of pear, cream, maple syrup or crumbled corn bread.

 

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Traditional Roast Turkey Bread Stuffing

Traditional Roast Turkey Bread Stuffing

8 cups dried bread cubes

2 tablespoons margarine

1/4 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 teaspoon sage

1/4 teaspoon salt, (optional)

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken broth

2 egg whites

 

Melt margarine in large skillet. Add onion and celery; cook until tender. Add to bread cubes. Add sage, salt and pepper. Moisten with broth as desired, depending on preference for dry or moist dressing. Beat egg whites lightly with a fork; stir into dressing. Use as stuffing for turkey, or bake, covered in a 1 quart casserole for 30 minutes.

 

 

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Pepper Jack Soup

Pepper Jack Soup

2 T. butter

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1/2 to 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 C. flour

1 can low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth

2 C. half and half

2 C. shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1/8 tsp 1/4 tsp. white pepper, to your taste

Dash of Cayenne pepper, optional

Salsa & sour cream for garnish

 

In a heavy soup kettle over medium heat, melt butter. Add red, yellow, and green peppers, onions, and garlic, and sauté until vegetables are tender. Add flour and stir for about 2 minutes. While whisking, pour in the chicken broth and then the half and half. Simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly to avoid scorching.  Gradually add cheese, 1/2 C. at a time, stirring after each addition until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth. Season to taste with pepper.

 

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Triple Citrus Cake

Triple Citrus Cake

8 oz. lime yogurt

4 eggs

3/4 C. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 C. grapeseed oil

Zest of 2 lemons, minced

1 1/2 C. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 C. powdered sugar

2 tsp. orange juice

 

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. With an electric mixer, beat yogurt, eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil until combined. Switch to a spatula and fold in flour mixture until incorporated. Coat a 9 x 5 loaf pan with floured baking spray (or use parchment paper coated with baking spray as well) and pour in batter. Smooth evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow cake to cool at least an hour. When cake is cool, move to a serving plate or cake platter. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and drizzle the glaze over cake.

 

 

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Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Horseradish and Apples

Roasted Acorn Squash Soup with Horseradish and Apples

roasted_acorn_squash_soup_hd3 acorn squash, (about 3 lb. total)

3 1/2 C. Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, skimmed of fat

1 1/2 C. apple cider

1 T. freshly grated horseradish

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 Granny Smith apples, (about 1 pound)

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 C. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves

Olive-oil cooking spray

 

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place, cut side down, on a baking sheet coated with olive-oil cooking spray. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes. Combine chicken stock, apple cider, 1 tsp. horseradish, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Scoop squash flesh out of skins, and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add 1 C. hot stock mixture, and puree until smooth. Stir squash mixture into pan with remaining stock, and keep soup warm. Peel and core apples, and cut into 1/4-inch dice. Transfer to a small bowl, add lemon juice and remaining 2 tsp. horseradish, and toss to combine. Heat a medium sauté pan coated with olive-oil cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add apple mixture and sauté until golden brown. Serve soup garnished with sautéed apple mixture and chopped parsley.

 

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Three-Cheese Crescent Twirls

Three-Cheese Crescent Twirls

1/2 C. crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)

1/4 C. shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers (1 oz.)

2 T. cream cheese, softened

1 T. mayonnaise

1 can (8 oz.) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Mix cheeses and mayonnaise in small bowl until well blended and soft.    Separate dough into 2 long rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Spread cheese mixture evenly over rectangles. Starting at short side, roll up each; pinch edges to seal. Cut each roll into 8 slices. Place cut side down on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with parsley.    Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool 3 minutes. Serve warm. To jump­start preparation of these cheesy snacks, assemble them up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate them, covered, until baking time.

 

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Perfect Steak Marinade

Perfect Steak Marinade

steakâ…“ cup soy sauce

½ cup olive oil

â…“ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

1½ tablespoons garlic powder

3 tablespoons dried basil

1½ tablespoons dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)

1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional)

 

Place the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper in a blender. Add hot pepper sauce and garlic, if desired. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed.  Pour marinade over desired type of meat. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Cook meat as desired.

 

 

Polynesian Turkey Kabobs

Polynesian Turkey Kabobs

1 lb. boneless uncooked turkey breast

1 20-ounce can juice-packed pineapple chunks, drained

1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 large green bell pepper, cut into chunks

2 T. low-sugar orange marmalade

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

ChickenPineappleGreenPepperKabob

Cut turkey into bite-size chunks.  Thread turkey chunks onto skewers alternately with pineapple and peppers.  Melt marmalade.  Stir in ginger.  Brush about half of marinade over kabobs.  Broil 4 inches from heat, 12 to 15 minutes.  Turn and baste with marinade.  Broil 5 to 10 minutes longer, until turkey is tender.

 

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Thai Hot & Sour Soup with Shrimp Toast

Thai Hot & Sour Soup with Shrimp Toast

1/4 C. peeled ginger julienned

1 sliced onion

4 Thai bird chiles

3 stalks lemon grass, white part only, sliced

1/4 C. 3 Crab fish sauce

6 C. chicken stock

6 kaffir lime leaves

3/4 C. rice wine vinegar

1/2 C. Thai basil leaves

1 tsp. ground white pepper

2 C. Sauteed sliced shiitake mushrooms

1 C. enoki mushrooms

1/4 C. sliced scallion

1/2 C. chopped scallions, green part only

 

Saute ginger, onion, chiles and lemon grass until soft. Deglaze pan with fish sauce. Add chicken stock and lime leaves. Simmer and reduce the liquid by 20 per cent. Add vinegar, basil and pepper. Check for seasoning. Strain the soup. Add sautéed shiitakes and fresh enoki mushrooms. Ladle soup in soup plates. Garnish with shrimp toast and scallions.

 

 

Shrimp Toast

 

2 C. shrimp, chopped

1 C. napa cabbage

1 T. minced ginger

1 T. sesame oil

1 whole egg

1/4 C. chopped scallions

1/4 C. chopped cilantro

1/2 C. finely diced jicama

Salt and white pepper to taste

6 slices of dried bread with the crust removed

1/4 C. sesame seeds

Canola oil

 

In a food processor, puree first 5 ingredients. Check for seasoning. Fold in scallions, cilantro and jicama. Spread the mixture on bread, cut in half on the diagonal and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Heat a deep fryer to 375 degrees F and fry until golden brown

 

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Polka Dot Chowder

Polka Dot Chowder

4 med. potatoes, diced

2 cups boiling, salted water

1 2/3 cups evaporated milk

1 lb. cream-style corn

1 tbs. butter

2 med. onions, chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 jumbo hot dogs, sliced into circles

 

Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until tender.  Add evaporated milk and corn. Blend well and cook 5 min. over low heat.  Melt butter and sauté onions until yellow and clear.  Add sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and hot dogs to chowder.  Cook until hot dogs are heated through.

 

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Roasted Garlic Soup with Turkey

Roasted Garlic Soup with Turkey

4 whole heads garlic

1 tsp. olive oil

4 C. frozen defatted chicken stock, thawed

2 medium carrots, sliced

1 C. whole kernel corn

1 small onion, sliced

4 oz. turkey cutlets, chopped

1/2 C. minced fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a sharp knife, slice the top 1/4″ off each head of garlic; discard the tops. Lightly brush the heads with the oil. Place in a shallow baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes, or until the garlic skin is browned and the interior is very soft. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Squeeze the cloves to release the roasted garlic; discard the skin. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic and 1 C. of the stock. Process until smooth. In a Dutch oven, combine the carrots, corn, onions, and 1 C. of the remaining stock. Cook, stirring, over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft but not browned. Add the turkey, garlic mixture, and the remaining 2 C. stock. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink in the center. Check by inserting the tip of a sharp knife into 1 piece. Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper.

 

 

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Crock Pot Deviled Chicken

Crock Pot Deviled Chicken

 

3 lb.  Chicken breasts or chicken legs or chicken thighs

1/4 C. butter, melted

1/2 C. honey

1/4 C. prepared mustard

3 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. curry powder

 

Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook for 4 to 6 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.

 

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Rosemary Straw Potatoes with Lemon Salt

Rosemary Straw Potatoes with Lemon Salt

fries1For the lemon salt:

Zest of one lemon

4 tablespoons sea salt (I used 3)

Sunflower oil (I used a mix of canola and vegetable oil)

1 3/4 lb. potatoes, peeled and julienned* (I used Yukon Gold, and I didn’t peel)

A few sprigs of rosemary

* The potatoes can be julienned in advance — about an hour or so — before they start turning slightly brown. A little brown is OK, but too much brown is probably not a good idea. Storing the potatoes in water will prevent browning, but you also must dry the potatoes very well before you start frying, which is kind of a pain.

Make the lemon salt: In a mortar and pestle, bash together the lemon zest and salt until salt is flavored, colored, and fine. Place in a dish. Use whatever you need right away or allow it to dry out for a couple of hours before storing it. (I made my lemon salt a day in advance and stored it in the mortar wrapped in plastic wrap.) Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a sturdy, high-sided pan; bring to deep-frying temperature (350°F; to avoid oil catching fire, be sure to maintain its temperature at 350°F). Jamie’s tip: place a potato in the cold oil before you turn the burner on. When the potato rises to the top of the oil and begins to turn golden brown, the oil is ready. Remove the potato piece and start frying in small batches.  Pat the julienne strips dry with some paper towels to remove any excess starch. Making sure you’ve got a slotted spoon or spider (which is like a flat colander with a handle) and a big pile of paper towels to one side (I did not use paper towels, but instead transferred the finished fries to a large aluminum bowl, which allows for easy tossing), carefully place some of your potatoes into the pan of oil (don’t overcrowd it) for a couple of minutes (1 to 2) until golden brown and crisp. Cook potatoes in batches until they are all used up. Add the rosemary for the last 30 seconds. (Note: It’s hard to judge when the last 30 seconds will be, but the rosemary can be in the oil for as few as 10 seconds. I basically added the rosemary in at the last few seconds of each batch). Remove the potatoes and rosemary to the paper towels (or a large bowl) to soak up any excess oil; dust with your lemon salt. Serve immediately, perhaps alongside a blue cheese burger.

Creamy Broccoli Soup with Cheddar and Chive Toast

Creamy Broccoli Soup with Cheddar and Chive Toast

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped (from about 4 sprigs)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
A couple of dashes of hot sauce
2 10-oz boxes of frozen broccoli, defrosted
1 qt. chicken stock or broth
1/2 C. heavy cream or half-and-half
8 slices baguette bread
1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 C. flat leaf parsley, chopped
zest and juice of 1 lemon

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the onions, garlic, and thyme to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender. Add the broccoli and continue to cook until the broccoli is heated through. Transfer the broccoli and the onions to a blender or food processor with 1/2 C. chicken stock and puree until smooth. Add the pureed broccoli back to the soup pot and stir in the remaining 3 1/2 C. chicken stock and the cream. Bring the whole thing to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices until golden in the broiler or toaster oven. Mix the cheddar and parsley and sprinkle over the golden toast slices. Return to the broiler or toaster oven to melt and lightly brown the cheese. To finish the soup, add the lemon zest and juice, stir to combine, and transfer the soup to serving bowls. Serve immediately.

 

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Crispy Spicy Quail

Crispy Spicy Quail

4 Semi-Boneless Quail

2 C. Buttermilk

2 each Eggs-beaten

2 tsp. Flour

2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Parsley Flakes

 

In a mixing bowl add dry ingredients. Whisk in remaining ingredients. Preheat Fryer to 350F. Dip Quail in batter and drop in Fryer and cook until Crispy (4-5 Minutes).

 

 

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Gypsy Soup

Gypsy Soup

Olive oil for sautéing

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, passed through a press

3 smallish sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped, membrane and seeds removed

1 1/2 C. cooked chickpeas

4 C. water

 

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. salt

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of cayenne

2 bay leaves

1 T. tamari

 

In a dutch oven, warm the oil and sauté the onions, garlic, celery and sweet potatoes for 5 minutes.  Add the seasonings, except for the tamari, and the water.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add the remaining vegetables and the chickpeas and continue to simmer for 10 minutes more, until the vegetables are as tender as you’d like.  Stir in the tamari and adjust the seasonings.

 

 

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Creamy Potato Miso Soup

Creamy Potato Miso Soup

1 tsp. Grapeseed or Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

3 C. Chicken Broth or Chicken-Flavored Vegetarian Broth

¾ lb. Potatoes, diced into ½ inch cubes

¼ tsp. Onion Powder

1 T. Cashew Butter (optional, but a nice addition for flavor and texture)

1 T. Light Miso

1 Tsp. Dried or Fresh Chives

Fresh Ground Black Pepper

 

Heat the oil over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and sauté until fragrant, just 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the broth, potatoes, and onion powder, and bring the soup to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low again, cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until those potatoes are nice and tender. Place the soup and potatoes in your blender (may need to do this in two batches) along with the cashew butter and miso. You may want to let it cool for a few minutes, and make sure you secure the lid as you puree the soup until it is nice and smooth (lest some of that hot liquid go flying!). Return the soup to the pot, add the chives and black pepper to taste, and heat it to your desired temperature. Serve topped with wonton strips or your favorite crumbled crackers. I used some wonderful flour tortilla strips  (not unlike wonton strips) that were leftover from a dinner out. Miso is sold in the refrigerated section of many grocers and Asian markets.  I buy a sizable tub for around $3.50 at Whole Foods, and it lasts quite a while.  It keeps for around 6 months (I believe) once opened, so it easily fits on the convenient frugal foodie list, and adds a nice jolt of salty flavor.  You can get several different types of misos, but a light soy miso or chickpea miso is what I would recommend for this one.

 

 

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Watermelon Breeze

Watermelon Breeze

wwater3 cups cubed chilled watermelon

1 cup coconut water

Squeeze of fresh lime

Ice if needed

Sprig of mint

 

Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.

Asparagus-Don (Simmered in Dashi with Egg)

Asparagus-Don (Simmered in Dashi with Egg)

1 small bunch asparagus, trimmed and cleaned

1 small onion, slivered

3 stalks scallion, chopped on the bias, green and white parts both

1 T. slivered ginger

1/3 C. dashi broth

1 T. soy sauce

1 T. mirin

1 T. sake

1 T. sugar

1 egg, beaten

 

Heat 1 T. of oil in a wok, and add scallion, ginger and onion. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the asparagus, cooking for another 2 minutes or so until they become slightly tender and bright green. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the dashi, soy, mirin, sake, and sugar. Add this mixture to the asparagus. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes to thicken the broth. Stir in the beaten egg to incorporate into the broth. It will start to curdle, and look like egg drop soup. Cook for another minute, until the strings of egg have set up and somewhat solidified. Serve over steamed rice.

 

 

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Pappa al Pomodori (Tuscan Tomato and Bread Soup)

Pappa al Pomodori (Tuscan Tomato and Bread Soup)

2-1/2 pounds plum tomatoes, cored and cut in half

1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 pound leeks, white bulb only, finely diced

12 basil leaves, minced

3 C. hot chicken or vegetable broth

3/4 tsp. fine sea salt

Grinding black pepper

3 C. stale bread cut into 1-inch cubes

 

Puree tomatoes in a food processor until smooth. Pour mixture into a fine sieve placed over a large bowl. Strain juice by pressing down with a wooden spoon; discard seeds and skins. Set aside. Heat 1/4 C. of olive oil in a large soup pot, stir in leeks and half the basil and cook until leeks soften. Stir in tomato juice, broth, salt, and pepper and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cover pot and remove from heat. Heat remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan. Stir in remaining basil and bread cubes. Brown bread quickly over medium heat. Stir cubes into soup. Cover the pan and allow bread to absorb liquid. When ready to serve, slowly reheat the soup. Pass extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on top.

 

 

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Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps

1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature

1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (or other leftover meat, like shredded pork or beef)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)

1/2 red or green pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

wraps1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

2 cups shredded cheese (I use a combination of Monterey jack and sharp cheddar)

Sour cream (optional)

6 burrito-sized flour tortillas

 

Mix rice together with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken and rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. (Optional: I like to dollop little bits of sour cream over the cheese before arranging chicken and rice mixture down the center – it makes the wraps delightfully creamy.) Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open and slightly flatten the wraps with the palm of your hand. Spray seam-side of the wrap lightly with cooking spray.  Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange wraps, seam-side down, in pan or griddle and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking them seam-side down first helps seal the long edge so they don’t fall apart. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve warm.

Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Sausage & Tortellini Soup

soup23 cups cooked Italian sausage

3 cups uncooked tortellini

4 cups water

1 can evaporated milk

6 chicken bouillon cubes

1 T. oregano

1 T. parsley

1 T. chives

Salt & pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese

 

Put all ingredients except tortellini in medium size sauce pan and bring to boil.  Allow to simmer about 15 minutes.  Add tortellini and allow to boil according to pasta pkg. instructions.  Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve.

Baba Ganouj

Baba Ganouj

4 Medium-small eggplants
Juice from two lemons
1/2 – 1 C. Tahini
6 Cloves of Garlic
1 C. finely Chopped Parsley
1/2 C finely Minced Scallions
Black Pepper
2 T. Olive Oil

Cut off and throw out the stem-ends of the eggplants. Prick the eggplants all over with a fork. Place them directly on an oven rack (preheated to 400 degrees), and roast them slowly until they pop (about 45 minutes).  When they are sagging, wrinkled, crumpled and totally soft, they are ready. Remove them from the oven and wait for them to cool enough to handle. Scoop out the insides and mash them. Combine will all other ingredients except the olive oil. Chill completely. Drizzle olive oil on just before serving.

 

Roasted Salmon with Saffron-Scented Tomato, Orange, and Basil Relish

Roasted Salmon with Saffron-Scented Tomato, Orange, and Basil Relish

4 salmon filets (6-ounce pieces, 1-inch thick)

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. paprika

2 tsp. grated orange peel

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 T. fresh orange juice

3 T. dry white wine

1 pinch saffron threads

4 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, diced

1/4 C. finely sliced basil leaves

4 orange slices

4 basil sprigs

 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Place salmon on foil skin side down and rub fillets with 1 T. olive oil, paprika, 1 tsp. orange peel, and 1 garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper.about 4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and basil and simmer to just heat through. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast salmon in oven until fillets appear opaque on outside and are still slightly translucent in center, about 6 minutes. Transfer each fillet onto a plate and top with equal amounts of relish. Garnish with orange slices and basil sprigs before serving.

 

Asparagus & Chervil Soup

Asparagus & Chervil Soup

3 T. olive oil

2 leeks, washed well and finely sliced

2 baking potatoes, peeled and finely chopped

1½ qt. homemade or good bought chicken stock

2 Ib. asparagus, washed and trimmed, tough ends removed

Generous handful of chervil

1¾ C. whipping (35%) cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

 

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the leeks over moderate to low heat until very soft. Add the potatoes and stir so they absorb the oil. Add the stock, increase the heat slightly to bring to a boil, then cook for 10 minutes. Slice the asparagus stems and tips into 3/4-inch (2 cm) pieces and add to the potatoes. Boil for a further 7 minutes or until tender. Strip the chervil leaves from their stems and add the stems to the soup. Cook for a few minutes, remove the soup from the heat, then liquefy in a blender or food processor. Finely chop most of the chervil leaves, reserving some whole ones to serve. Stir the chopped leaves into the soup with the cream. Season to taste and thin with water if wished. Garnish with chervil leaves and serve hot or cold.

 

 

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Red and Black Lentil Salad with Capers

Red and Black Lentil Salad with Capers

1 C. red lentils

1 C. black lentils

2 carrots peeled and finely grated

1/2 C. chopped fresh parsley

1/4 C. capers drained rinsed and coarsely chopped

 

Vinaigrette:

3 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 C. olive oil

2 T. snipped fresh chives

1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh tarragon or 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Pick over and rinse lentils. Cook red lentils covered in 3 C. salted simmering water for about 13 minutes or until just tender. Drain and let cool. Cook black lentils covered in 3 C. salted simmering water for about 25 minutes or until just tender. Drain and let cool. In a large bowl combine lentils carrots parsley and capers. To make vinaigrette: In a medium bowl whisk vinegar mustard garlic and oil together. Stir in chives tarragon salt and pepper. Add to lentils and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

 

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Bauernfrühstück

Bauernfrühstück

6 slices bacon

1 T. butter

1 onion, chopped

4 potatoes, cooked and finely diced

6 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. milk

 

In a frying pan, fry the bacon until crisp.  Remove and drain on paper towel. Remove the bacon fat from the frying pan, add the butter and sauté’ the onion until soft.  Add the potatoes and brown lightly.  Beat the eggs lightly and add the salt, pepper and milk, and finally the chopped bacon.  Pour the egg mixture over the onions and potatoes and stir occasionally until cooked.

 

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Chile-Roasted Edamame

Chile-Roasted Edamame

edamame1 (12-oz.) package edamame

2 tsp. olive or vegetable oil

1/4 tsp. dried basil, crushed

1/2 tsp. chile powder

1/4 tsp. each onion salt and ground cumin

1/8 tsp. each paprika and black pepper

 

Split the edamame pods and release the beans into a bowl. Discard the pods. Stir together the oil, basil, chile powder, onion salt, cumin, paprika and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the beans and toss to coat. Arrange the beans in a single layer in a shall baking dish. Roast, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until the beans begin to brown. Serve hot as a vegetable side dish or cooled as a snack. Refrigerate any leftovers.

 

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Delmonico’s Smoked Salmon and Brie Crepes with Herbsaint Butter Sauce and Crispy Spinach

Delmonico’s Smoked Salmon and Brie Crepes with Herbsaint Butter Sauce and Crispy Spinach

1/4 C. minced shallots

1 C. Herbsaint liqueur

1/4 C. heavy cream

Salt

Cayenne pepper

1 1/2 sticks cold butter, cut into pieces

1/4 tsp. hot sauce

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 pounds smoked salmon, thinly sliced

1 pound Brie, thinly sliced

12 medium crepes

2 C. fresh spinach leaves, washed and patted dry

 

In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the shallots and Herbsaint. Season with salt and cayenne. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture reduces by half. Add the cream and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, a couple of pieces at a time. Season with the hot sauce and Worcestershire. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and keep hot. Place a couple of slices each of the salmon and cheese over the bottom of each crepe. Roll each crepe up tightly. Place in a buttered casserole dish and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt. Fry the spinach until crispy, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt. To serve, spoon the sauce in the center of each plate. Lay a couple of the crepes in the center of sauce. Garnish with some of the fried spinach.

 

 

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Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre

Cuba-LibreJuice of 1/2 lime
4 or 5 ice cubes
2 ounces lime-flavored rum
1/2 C. cola beverage
1 lime wedge

Pour the lime juice into a chilled Collins glass. Add the ice cubes. Pour in the rum, then fill with the cola. Stir for 20-30 seconds and garnish with the lime wedge.

Toddler McMuffin

Toddler McMuffin

12 eggs (yes, you can freeze cooked eggs!)

12 English muffins

12 slices of cheese (American or light cheddar)

12 turkey or 100% natural pork sausages (round)

 

Fry the eggs individually (using a round pancake “cutter” will keep the egg shaped) Fry 3 at a time so that you can toast and prepare the English Muffins – butter toasted English Muffins and prepare with slice of cheese and sausage. Put the cheese over the sausage to help melting. Once eggs are fried, transfer egg to English Muffin on top of the cheese and sausage and close the sandwich. Repeat until you have 12 Toddler “McMuffins”. Freeze and thaw before warming

 

 

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Slow Cooker Veal Stew with Pearl Onions and Oyster Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Veal Stew with Pearl Onions and Oyster Mushrooms

1 serving cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving), lemon-flavored

1 lb. lean veal leg, boneless, cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 C. fat-free chicken broth

1 C. carrot(s), baby, sliced

4 small potato(es), fingerling, sliced 1/2-inch thick

8 small onion(s), red pearl, peeled and halved lengthwise

1 medium garlic clove(s), minced

20 small raw oyster mushrooms, coarsely chopped

2 1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1 tsp. dried sage, crushed

3/4 tsp. table salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

 

Coat a ridged grill pan with cooking spray. Preheat pan over high heat until a drop of water sprinkled on pan sizzles. Add veal and sear 1 minute per side. Place veal in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Add broth, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, lemon zest, sage, salt and pepper in order listed.  Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. Stir well before serving. Yields about 1 C. per serving.

 

 

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Sautéed Sweet Chicken Breasts with A Spicy Fresh Tomato Chutney And White Rice

Sautéed Sweet Chicken Breasts with A Spicy Fresh Tomato Chutney And White Rice

2 14oz cans of chicken broth

3 T. EVOO

2 C. white rice

6 plum tomatoes

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. ground coriander

1 Serrano or jalapeno pepper, half of the seeds removed, then finely chopped

2 shallots

2 garlic cloves

Salt and pepper

3 T. sherry vinegar

3 T. brown sugar

1/4 C. fresh cilantro leaves

3 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 C. fresh flat leaf parsley

1 T. honey

4 6oz boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

 rrchx

Bring chicken brother and a T. of EVOO to a boil in a medium pot. Add rice, reduce to a simmer and cover. Stir occasionally for 17-18 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Heat in a medium-size skillet over high heat with a T. of the EVOO. Add quartered tomatoes, cumin, coriander, peppers, shallots, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for 3 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar and 1 C. of water. Turn down heat to medium low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until water has evaporated and the tomatoes have broken down and are slightly thickened. In a bowl, combine remaining 2 T. of EVOO, cilantro, scallions, parsley, honey and a little salt and pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Heat nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, cook for 5 -6 minutes per side. Remove from pan. Top each chicken with chutney and serve with white rice.

 

 

 

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Magic Sauce

Magic Sauce

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 medium cloves of garlic, smashed into a paste
1 well-crumbled bay leaf
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon + fine grain sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Gently warm the olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet or pan, until it is just hot. When hot remove from heat. While the oil is heating, lightly pound the rosemary, thyme, and oregano in a mortar and pestle.  Stir the paprika, garlic, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and salt into the oil. Then add the bruised herbs and lemon juice.  You can use this now, but know – the oil just gets better as it ages over a few days. Keep it in a refrigerator for up to a week/ten days-ish. It thickens up when cold, so if you need it in a liquid state, place it in the sun or in a warm place for a few minutes.

Let’s just start by putting one thing out there. You’re best off making a double or triple batch. This is the sort of stuff you burn through in minutes. Not exaggerating. I cook eggs in it – scrambled, omelette, frittata, you name it. I drizzle it on soups. This time of year that means corn soups, brothy bean pots, or lunch time slurpy noodle bowls. I can attest it’s the sort of thing that makes baked potatoes even better than usual. And salads welcome it as well – particularly shaved salads, or ones made from spicy greens. You can use it to marinate or slather ingredients before grilling or roasting. And its the sort of dressing that turns a bowl full of farro or quinoa or soba noodles into something close to a full meal – just toss in another favorite seasonal ingredient or two.

Simply Parsnips

Simply Parsnips

400g parsnips
2 T. cream or milk
1 T. butter
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 T. chopped parsley

Peel and grate the parsnips, discarding any tough core.  In a medium dish mix the parsnips, cream, butter and nutmeg.  Cook on HIGH 8 – 10
minutes or until soft.  Stir just before serving sprinkled with
parsley.

 

Marinated Roasted Peppers, Olives and Cheese

Marinated Roasted Peppers, Olives and Cheese

6 large red or green bell peppers

1 C. whole Greek or pitted ripe olives

4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

1/4 C. olive or vegetable oil

1/4 C. lemon juice

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1 tsp. chopped fresh basil leaves or 1/4 tsp. dried basil leaves

1/2 tsp. chopped fresh sage leaves or 1/8 tsp. dried sage leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

 

Set oven control to broil.   Broil bell peppers with tops about 5 inches from heat, turning occasionally, until skin is blistered and evenly browned. Place peppers in a plastic bag and close tightly. Let stand 20 minutes.   Remove skin, stems, seeds and membranes from peppers. Cut peppers into 1/4-inch strips. Place peppers, olives and cheese in glass bowl or jar.   Shake remaining ingredients in tightly covered container; pour over pepper mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.    Store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.  Turn this recipe into a scrumptious gift by filling a decorative glass jar with the roasted pepper mixture and tying with a pretty ribbon. Attach a copy of the recipe with a sprig of fresh herbs.

 

 

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