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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

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

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Kardea Brown’s Red Beans & Rice

Kardea Brown’s Red Beans & Rice

Kardea Brown’s Red Beans & Rice

 

½ pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 13-ounce package smoked pork, beef, or turkey sausage, halved and sliced

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1½ tablespoons concentrated chicken base, such as Better Than Bouillon

2 teaspoons Creole seasoning

Kosher salt

1 smoked turkey wing

1 bay leaf

Hot cooked rice, for serving

1 stalk green onions, sliced, for garnish

 

Drain and rinse the beans. Set aside. Heat the oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the butter melts. Add the sausage and cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. To the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir in the bouillon, Creole seasoning, and salt to taste. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Add the beans, turkey wing, and enough water to cover by 2½ inches. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the beans are tender, 2 to 2½ hours. Remove the turkey wing and the bay leaf from the pot. Remove the skin from the wing and shred the meat. Stir in meat. Spoon the beans over the hot cooked rice and sprinkle with green onions before serving.

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

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).

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

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.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

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.

 

Yields:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

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

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

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.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce

enchi10 flour tortillas, taco sized

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 pan. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese. Roll up in tortillas and place in pan.  In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly.  Stir in sour cream and chilies. Do not bring to boil, you don’t want curdled sour cream.  Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.  Bake 22 min and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.

 

Lacy Zucchini Herb Fritters with Jack Cheese

Lacy Zucchini Herb Fritters with Jack Cheese

1 C. Flour

3/4 C. plus 2 tsp. cold Chicken Stock

2 Eggs

1 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper

6 small Zucchini, ends trimmed and shredded

1/2 C. minced Parsley

1/4 C. minced Mint

1/4 C. minced Chives

1/2 C. grated Jack Cheese

1/4 C. Parmesan Cheese

Corn Oil for Deep Frying

 

Combine flour, stock, eggs, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. In large bowl combine zucchini, herbs and cheeses. Add batter and mix well. In deep saucepan or deep fryer, heat at least 2 inches of corn oil to 350F. Spoon batter by generous tablespoonfuls into the oil in a sweeping motion to create a thinnish, lacelike, fritter and fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve right away.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Replace Cream of X Soup

Replace Cream of X Soup

I despise Cream of X soups.  They taste terrible, and are full of crud I don’t want to eat. Yet practically every casserole calls for it.  Make your own thick béchamel to replace them.

 

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup low-fat or fat free milk

salt and pepper to taste

 

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in flour; keep stirring until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and add the chicken broth and milk, a little at a time, stirring to keep smooth. Return to heat. Bring sauce to a gentle boil; cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed to taste. Use in casseroles in place of condensed cream soups.

 

This cream soup base can be varied by using vegetable broth, sauteéd chopped celery, celery seed, or sauteéd chopped mushrooms. Add herbs and or seasonings, as desired.

Cong You Bing (Chinese Pancakes)

Cong You Bing (Chinese Pancakes)

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 and 1/4 C. chopped green onions – cleaned and patted dry

1 C. boiling water

3 T. Chinese toasted sesame oil

Salt

Vegetable oil

 

Cong You Bing translates to Green Onion Pancakes. Put flour in a large bowl, make a well and pour boiling water. Stir immediately to create stiff moist dough. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it forms a ball. Brush dough with some sesame oil, cover dough with a large bowl and let rest for 10 minutes. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, rub with more sesame oil and let rest for 1 hour.  On a flour surface, roll dough out to form a log about 10 inches long. Cut into six equal pieces. Cover dough as you work with one piece at a time. Take one ball and roll into a thin round (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Brush with sesame oil, sprinkle salt and cover with a handful of green onions. Roll the round up like a cigar (think of rolling a carpet) and twist roll into a coil (think cinnamon roll). Brush surface of coil with more sesame oil, and using a rolling pin, gently flatten coil to about 5 inches in diameter.  When all the pieces have been prepared, pour vegetable oil into a large, shallow frying pan (about 1/2-inch of oil). Pan-fry two pancakes at a time, cooking about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to plate lined with paper towels, sprinkle with more salt.  To serve, cut into quarters.  These pancakes are moist and chewy. Totally different from your normal breakfast hotcakes.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Clam Baked Pasta

Clam Baked Pasta

2 T. butter

1/2 onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 C. mushrooms, sliced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 C. half and half

2 6.5 oz cans minced or chopped clams, drained

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1 1/4 C. grated mozzarella

5 c cooked bowtie pasta

1/2 C. grated parmesan

1 1/4 C. grated cheddar (mild)

 

Preheat oven to 400F. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, half and half, and clams. Mix well. Add Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, and thyme.  Bring to a low boil. Stir in mozzarella and pasta.  Simmer 15 minutes. Place mixture in a well-greased 2qt casserole dish.  Sprinkle with parmesan and top with cheddar. Bake 30 minutes.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Tequila Marinated London Broil

Tequila Marinated London Broil

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded

1 clove garlic

1 C. tequila

1 C. teriyaki sauce

1/4 C. sesame oil, optional

1/4 C. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 1/2 lb. London broil

Cilantro leaves, for garnish

 

In a blender, combine all ingredients except London broil. Process until smooth. Place London broil in a non-reactive container and pour marinade over top, turning it to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours before cooking.  Preheat grill to high.  Place London broil on white hot grill, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping the steak 4 times (cooking time will vary with thickness of the steak).  Let steak rest for at least 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain of the meat and on a bias for wide but thin slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 406

Fat: 24g

Fiber: 0g

 

 

Stuffed Sweet Onions

Stuffed Sweet Onions

6 sweet onions, peeled & center removed

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 C. Parmesan cheese

1/2 C. finely diced sweet bell pepper

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1 C. fresh bread crumbs (place bread in food processor, process to crumbs)

Salt, pepper, & 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

3 C. tomato sauce

1 C. crushed or diced tomatoes

2 T. olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Carefully slice the bottom of each onion, forming a flat surface so onion won’t tip over. Combine meat, cheese, diced onion, and eggs, and mix until ingredients are incorporated. Add the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Distribute the meat mixture, filling each onion evenly, pressing it down and shaping with your fingers or a spoon. Combine tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, and spread in bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed onions in the tomato sauce. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Stuffed Cheeseburgers

Stuffed Cheeseburgers

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 (2 1/2-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained

2 T. chopped green bell pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 lb. lean ground beef

4 oz. Cheddar Cheese, cut into 16 (2×1-inch) slices

4 Kaiser rolls, cut in half

 

Heat gas grill on medium or charcoal grill until coals are ash white. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic salt and pepper in small bowl. Shape ground beef into 8 large (1/2-inch thick) patties. Place about 2 T. cream cheese mixture on top of 4 patties. Top each with 1 meat patty; press around edges to seal. Place patties on grill. Grill, turning once, until desired doneness (12 to 15 minutes).  Top each burger with 4 slices Cheddar cheese; continue grilling until cheese is melted (1 minute). Serve burgers on rolls.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Mai Tai Punch

Mai Tai Punch

3/4 cup frozen  ORANGE JUICE Concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup frozen A GRAPEFRUIT JUICE Concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup light rum
1/4 cup orange liqueur
1 1-liter bottle carbonated water, chilled
Crushed ice
Florida Orange or Grapefruit Wedges (optional)

In a 2-quart pitcher combine thawed orange and grapefruit juice concentrates, rum, and orange liqueur. Gently stir in carbonated water. Serve at once over crushed ice. If desired, garnish with orange or grapefruit wedges. Makes 8 (about 7-ounce) servings.