Flo’s Tuna Melt

Flo’s Tuna Melt

1 (12-ounce) Tuna Steak, poached

1/2 Minced Yellow Onions
3 Hard Boiled Eggs, chopped
1 tsp. Minced garlic
1 T. Sweet pickle relish

1/4 to 1/2 C. Mayonnaise
Salt and black pepper
8 Thin slices of white bread, toasted

4 (1-ounce) slices of medium Cheddar cheese

4 (1/2-inch) slices of Creole tomatoes

1 Avocado

2 C. Cole slaw, purchased or home-made

4 Bags Potato Chips

4 Pickle Spears

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Crumble the tuna into a mixing bowl. Add the onions, eggs, garlic, and relish. Mix thoroughly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir in enough mayonnaise to moisten the salad and according to taste. Re-season the salad with salt and pepper. Spread a quarter of the salad over four pieces of bread and place on a baking sheet. Top each salad with a piece of cheese. Place the sheet in the oven and cook for a couple of minutes or until the cheese melts. Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Peel and remove the pit from the avocado. Slice the avocado into 1/4-inch slices. Season the avocado with salt and pepper. Top the melted cheese with the tomatoes, avocados and remaining slices to toasted bread. Place each sandwich on a plate and cut in half. Garnish the sandwiches with the Cole slaw, chips, and pickles.

 

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Warm Scallop Salad with Prosciutto Chips

Warm Scallop Salad with Prosciutto Chips

scallop4 paper-thin slices prosciutto

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 5-ounce package mixed babygreens

1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

12 sea scallops

All purpose flour

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

 

Brush each prosciutto slice on 1 side lightly with some of oil. Heat heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 slices prosciutto, oiled side down. Cook until bottom is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Turn prosciutto over and cook until bottom is browned, flattening with spatula, about 1 minute longer. Using tongs, transfer prosciutto to paper towels to crisp. Repeat with remaining 2 slices prosciutto. Reserve skillet.   Place greens and basil in large bowl. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper; dust lightly with flour. Heat remaining oil in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and cook until brown and just opaque in center, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Add lemon juice and lemon peel to drippings in skillet. Bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Pour pan juices over greens and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide salad among 4 plates and top with scallops. Garnish with prosciutto chips and serve.

 

 

 

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Striped Bass with Olive, Caper, and Lemon Salsa

Striped Bass with Olive, Caper, and Lemon Salsa

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tomato, cored, seeded, and diced

4 oz. pitted Kalamata olives, or similar brine-cured olives, diced (about 1/2 C.)

1 small preserved lemon, pulp removed, diced (about 2 T.), or 1 T. freshly grated lemon zest

2 T. capers, rinsed and coarsely chopped

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 T. olive oil

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. vegetable oil

4 striped bass filets, about 6 oz. each, skin removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 C. all-purpose flour, for coating

 

Combine the salsa ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside at room temperature. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Season fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the flour on a large plate, and just before sautéing, turn the filets in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour and add filets to skillet. Cook until golden brown and firm to the touch, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with a heaping spoonful of the salsa. Serve any remaining salsa on the side.

 

 

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Thai Green Curry Shrimp

Thai Green Curry Shrimp

1 tsp. peanut oil

1 C. thinly sliced onion

1 C. chopped green onions (about 8 small)

1 to 2 tsp. Thai green curry paste

1 14-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk

1 C. low-salt chicken broth

3 tsp. Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tsp. sugar

1 C. diced plum tomatoes

2 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined (I used 25-30 count shrimp-bb)

Salt

Chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges

 

Heat peanut oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion; stir-fry until soft and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add green onions and curry paste; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and sugar; bring to boil. Add tomatoes and boil 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook just until opaque in center, stirring often, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on size of shrimp. Add salt to taste. Transfer curry to large shallow bowl. Garnish with cilantro. Serve, passing lime wedges separately.

 

 

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Fettuccini Alfredo

Fettuccini Alfredo

Fettuccini3 T. Light Cream

1/3 C. Parmesan Cheese

1 T. Butter

Coarsely Cracked Pepper

Nutmeg

Fettuccini Noodles

 

Let cream come to room temperature. Cook noodles and drain well. Return to warm pan. Add cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Toss gently until well-coated. Sprinkle with pepper and nutmeg, serve immediately.

 

 

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Watermelon Rind Relish

Watermelon Rind Relish

3 quarts water

6 C. shredded watermelon rind

1 C. sugar

1 C. cider vinegar

1 1/2 T. dry mustard

2 tsp.  ground turmeric

1 1/2 tsp.  ground ginger

1/2 tsp.  salt

1/2 tsp.  celery seeds

 

Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rind; cook 3 minutes. Drain well. Combine sugar and remaining ingredients in pan; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in watermelon rind; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. Cool; pour relish into airtight containers. Serve the relish with ham or fish, or stir a little into steamed carrots.

 

 

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Fruit Boat with Orange Cream

Fruit Boat with Orange Cream

2 melons, your choice, cut up

1 banana, sliced

1 C. fresh berries

1 C. grapes, red or green seedless

1 C. whipping cream

2 T. orange liqueur OR orange juice concentrate

1/4 C. salad dressing

For the Fruit Salad: Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl.  Chill.  For Orange Creme: In a deep bowl with an electric mixer whip cream. When just starting to thicken drizzle in orange flavoring and continue beating until cream thickens. When thick, fold in salad dressing. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.  Serve in a side dish with fruit.

 

Zesty Grilled Corn Relish

Zesty Grilled Corn Relish

4 ears yellow corn

1 red pepper, halved and seeded

1 small onion, halved

1/4 C. chopped cilantro

2 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground red pepper

 

Grill first three ingredients, on a lightly greased grill rack, turning occasionally for 10 minutes until tender. Remove pepper and onion and set aside. Grill corn an additional 10 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut corn from cob. Sweat pepper in plastic bag; peel charred skin. Chop pepper and onion. Add to corn. Combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss with corn mixture. Serve as a side dish a top grilled fish, pork or chicken or as a chunky salsa with tortilla chips.

 

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Green Apple Slaw

Green Apple Slaw

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Dash of cayenne (optional)

6 cups coleslaw mix (a 1-pound bag)

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into matchsticks

1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

1 cup raisins

 

In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne, if using. Stir in the coleslaw mix, apples, pecans, and raisins.  Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if desired. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

 

 

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Yellow Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Yellow Sour Cream Coffee Cake

1 box yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1/2 C. oil

1 (12-ounce) carton sour cream

1 (4-serving) package instant vanilla pudding

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. cocoa

2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 to 1 C. chopped pecans

 

Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, sour cream and pudding mix in a bowl and beat until smooth. Combine sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and nuts in a bowl and mix well with a whisk. To make mini-bundt cakes or C. cakes, fill C. 1/2 full with batter, sprinkle cinnamon mixture on top, cover with batter and run a knife through the mixture to create a swirl through the cakes. To make a Bundt cake, fill greased Bundt pan with 3/4 of the batter, top with cinnamon mixture, spoon remaining batter on top and run a knife through around the batter to create a swirl effect. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 45 minutes if making C. cakes and 60 minutes for a cake, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake on wire rack and dust with brown or powdered sugar through a sieve.

 

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Greek Chicken Skewers with Fired-Up Cheese

Greek Chicken Skewers with Fired-Up Cheese

8” skewers

1 English Cucumber

2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped

3 Lemons

Salt and Pepper

1 C. whole milk Plain Yogurt

1 1/2 lb. Chicken Tenders (about 20 pieces)

1 T. Oregano or Marjoram, chopped

5 T. EVOO

1 Egg

1/4 C. Flour

1 lb. Kasseri Cheese, 1/2 – 1” thick

1 T. Butter

2 oz. Ouzo or Grappa

Handful Parsley, chopped

 

Preheat grill pan or charcoal grill to high. Submerge bamboo skewers to prevent them from burning. Grate cucumber onto a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out water. Add dried cucumber to a bowl and add half chopped garlic, juice of one lemon, a little salt and plenty of pepper. Mix in the yogurt and reserve. Combine chicken tenders in a bowl with juice of one lemon, oregano, the rest of the chopped garlic, about 2 T. EVOO, salt and pepper. Toss to coat chicken completely. Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill for 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Crack egg into a shallow dish and whisk well. Dust wedge of cheese in flour and shake off excess. Dredge in egg and flip to coat well. Return to flour, coating on both sides lightly. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat with remaining 3 T. EVOO. When it just starts to smoke, add butter and swirl around to melt. Carefully add the coated cheese, browning on each side, 2 minutes per side. Remove pan from heat and add ouzo, then replace pan on heat. Stand back and be careful; the pan should flame up. Once flame extinguishes, squeeze juice of last lemon over cheese and sprinkle with parsley. Platter up cheese and serve with chicken skewers and the yogurt sauce.

 

 

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Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Tart)

Zwiebelkuchen (German Onion Tart)

1 package active, dried, yeast

2 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 C. All-purpose flour

1 T. butter

1 C. water, warm

6 slices Bacon, chopped (preferably thick cut)

2 medium onions, sliced

1/4 tsp. Caraway seed

1/2 tsp. salt

Black pepper, freshly ground

1 each Egg

1 each Egg yolk

1C. sour cream

2 T. milk (optional)

 tart

Combine the yeast with sugar, salt and 1/2 C. flour in a bowl. Blend in the butter and warm water and mix to combine. Add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough (you will need most of it) then turn this onto a lightly-floured work surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat then cover and set aside to rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. After this time, pat the dough into a lightly-greased, 12 inch pizza pan or a jelly roll pan. Cover and set aside as you prepare the filling. Place bacon in large, preheated skillet and cook until crisp then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Using the remaining bacon fat, saute the onions until tender but not browned. Add the caraway then remove from the pan and sprinkle over the dough. Top with the crispy bacon. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the egg, the egg yolk and the sour cream together. This will give a custard that you can spoon on top, leaving areas devoid of custard, which is how I like it. If you want something a bit more uniform add the milk to the egg mixture and pour over the onions, spreading it out to cover completely. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Bake 10-12 minutes longer, or until the top is golden brown and the sour cream mixture has set. Serve warm or room temperature, sliced into wedges.

 

 

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Gnudi

Gnudi

We’ve recently been experimenting with variations on the gnudi from Spotted Pig restaurant in New York City. Their version is light, pillowy, unctuous, and seemingly weightless, despite being loaded with fat and sauced with about a 1⁄4 cup of sagey brown butter. This stuff is by no means healthy, but kids adore it, and it’s far better than feeding them Big Macs and the like.

 

15 ounces ricotta, drained

1 large egg, beaten

3⁄4 cup flour

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

A few gratings nutmeg

1⁄2 stick butter

12 or so sage leaves

1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese

 

In a large bowl mix together the ricotta, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until just combined. Using a tablespoon, scoop up a good measure of the mixture and roll into a sphere, much like making a little ricotta snowball roughly 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter. Place on a floured surface. Repeat until you have a whole mess of little gnudi, made in as uniform a size and shape as possible. At this point you should refrigerate the gnudi for at least a half hour before proceeding. You can also freeze them for future use. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil, add the gnudi, and cook until they float to the surface. While the gnudi are gently boiling, melt the butter in a saucepan until it has foamed, the foam has subsided, and the butter starts to turn a honeyed sort of brown. Add the sage leaves and cook, stirring a bit, until super fragrant and a bit crisp. Once the gnudi is cooked, divide it among bowls and then top with the browned sage butter, with the crispy sage as a garnish. Top with a serious grating of Parmesan. Serve immediately to deafening applause from children of all ages.

 

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Savory Garden Potato Salad

Savory Garden Potato Salad

6 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs)

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 stalks scallion, finely chopped

1/4 C. red bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/4 C. green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1 T. onion, finely chopped

1 egg hard boiled, chopped

6 T. mayonnaise, light

1 tsp. mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. dill weed, dried

 

Wash potatoes, cut in half, and place them in cold water in a saucepan. Cook covered over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and dice potatoes when cool. Add vegetables and egg to potatoes and toss. Blend together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill weed. Pour dressing over potato mixture and stir gently to coat evenly. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

 

 

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Halibut with Lemon, Butter, Caper and Dill Sauce

Halibut with Lemon, Butter, Caper and Dill Sauce

halibut1/2 T. oil

1/2 T. butter

2 halibut fillets

salt and pepper to taste

1 shallot (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (chopped)

1/2 C. of white wine

2 T. capers

1 T. butter

1 lemon (zest and juice)

2 T. dill or parsley (chopped)

 

Heat the oil and melt the butter in a pan. Season the halibut with salt and pepper.  Add the halibut to the pan and cook until lightly golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Set the halibut aside.  Add the shallots to the pan and sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes.  Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add the white wine and deglaze the pan. Simmer to reduce the sauce a bit. Turn off the heat and add the capers, butter, lemon and dill or parsley.

 

 

 

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Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Two Sauces

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Two Sauces

3 T. cracked black pepper

2 T. olive oil

1 T. freshly grated lemon peel

1 tsp. salt

2 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press

1 whole beef tenderloin, trimmed (about 4 1/2 pounds)*

 

Prepare outdoor covered charcoal grill for indirect-heat cooking method with drip pan as manufacturer directs, or follow manufacturer’s directions if using covered gas or electric grill.  In C., mix pepper, oil, lemon peel, salt, and garlic; rub all over tenderloin. If necessary, tuck thin, narrow end of tenderloin under to make meat an even thickness. . Place tenderloin on rack in grill; cover grill and cook tenderloin over medium heat 40 to 50 minutes, turning over once, until temperature on meat thermometer reaches 135 degrees F. or until of desired doneness. Internal temperature of meat will rise 5 to 10 degrees (medium-rare) upon standing. Transfer tenderloin to warm large platter. Let stand 10 minutes to set juices for easier slicing. Serve tenderloin thinly sliced with sauces.

 

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Herb Marinated Ostrich Steak

Herb Marinated Ostrich Steak

2 pounds tender ostrich steaks (approximately 1 1/2″ thick)

Marinade

2/3 C. balsamic vinegar

1 1/4 C. olive oil 2

T. Garlic, finely chopped

1 T. Rosemary, crushed

1 T. Thyme (leaves)

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine marinade ingredients in plastic bag; add meat, turning to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator one hour, turning occasionally. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Place meat on rack in broiler pan so that surface of meat is three to four inches from heat. Broil minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning once. Carve into slices.

 

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Bayou Shrimp and Smoked Cheddar Grits

Bayou Shrimp and Smoked Cheddar Grits

 

12 shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined
2 T. Cajun seasoning
1/4 C. olive oil
1/4 pound Andouille sausage, medium dice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C. butter
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 C. roasted piquillo peppers, medium dice
1/4 C. red wine (such as Merlot)
1/4 C. chopped fresh herbs (equal parts parsley, thyme and basil)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning; set aside for 15 minutes. In a heavy-bottomed sauté pan, heat oil; brown the sausage. Add garlic and butter; sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp; sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they turn pink. Stir in cayenne pepper, piquillo peppers, and pepper flakes; add wine and fresh herbs. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Smoked Cheddar Grits

4 C. milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 T. butter
1 C. yellow grits
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1 T. pepper sauce
4 ounces shredded smoked cheddar cheese
2 green onions, finely sliced on the bias

In medium saucepan, bring milk, salt, pepper and butter to a boil. Slowly pour in grits; cook over low heat about 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add pepper flakes and sauce; continue cooking. When consistency resembles cooked oatmeal and grits are tender, add cheese and stir.

Place a portion of grits in center of a soup-style serving dish. Spoon shrimp in sauce atop grits. Garnish with finely sliced green onions.

Individual Salmon-Fennel Potpie

Individual Salmon-Fennel Potpie

1 1/2 C. low-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 C. fresh fennel

1 T. fennel fronds, chopped, with a few fennel stalks reserved

8.5 oz. puff pastry, thawed

1 T. olive oil or vegetable oil

3 T. unsalted butter, divided

1 small shallot, minced

1/4-C. dry white wine

1 C. mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp. finely chopped tarragon or chervil, optional

1 1/2 lb. skinless salmon fillet, sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick then cut into 1-inch pieces

1 C. milk

1/4-C. cornstarch

Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper

 salmon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bring chicken broth to a boil over high heat with reserved fennel stalks and fronds and simmer until reduced by half. On a lightly floured work surface with a floured rolling pin, roll out puff pastry to 1/8-inch thickness. Using an inverted two-C. ramekin or individual casserole, trace four circles from puff pastry dough with a sharp knife, creating a one-inch overhang. Place circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap and chill. In a heavy skillet, melt butter on medium-high and add chopped fennel fronds, reserved chopped fennel stalks and shallot and white wine. Cook, stirring, for two minutes, then reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, about seven minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking and stirring until fennel and mushrooms are tender, about two minutes. Add herbs if using and salmon pieces, stir to combine and reserve. Mix cornstarch and milk together until cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk milk mixture into simmering broth and continue whisking until liquids are incorporated and mixture thickens into gravy. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, an additional two minutes to cook starch. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir one and a half C. gravy into salmon-fennel mixture.  Assembly:  Butter four individual two-C. ramekins. Distribute salmon mixture evenly in the ramekins, but do not over-fill. Spoon in some additional gravy and put a pat of remaining butter in each ramekin. Top each with a pastry circle, curling the edges of the overhang upward and pressing gently just inside the lip of the ramekin to adhere pastry. Place ramekins on a baking sheet in preheated oven and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

 

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Asparagus Rolls with Herb Sauce

Asparagus Rolls with Herb Sauce

asparaguswraps10 Asparagus spears

5 Phyllo Pastry Shears

4 T. Butter

 

For the sauce:

2 Shallots (finely chopped)

1 Bay leaf

1/2 C. Dry white wine

1/2 C. Butter (soft)

1 T. Herbs (fresh, finely chopped)

 

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Chopped Chives for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter. Cut the phyllo pastry sheets in half, then brush a half sheet with melted butter. Fold one corner of the sheet down to the bottom edge to give a wedge shape. Trim the asparagus. If it is thick, then peel the asparagus (as all good European chefs would do). Then lay a spear on top at the longest pastry edge and roll up towards the shortest edge. Make nine more rolls the same way. Lay the rolls on a greased baking sheet. Brush with the remaining melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for about eight minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, back at the sauce: put the shallots, bay leaf and wine into a saucepan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over a high heat until the wine is reduced to 3-4 T. Strain the wine mixture into a bowl. Whisk in the butter, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Stir in the herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper. Return to pan and keep the sauce warm until ready to serve. When you drizzle the sauce over the rolls at serving time, sprinkle with a few chopped chives for garnish.

Lime Chili Cilantro Roasted Chickpeas

Lime Chili Cilantro Roasted Chickpeas

roasted chickpeas done1 15-oz can chickpeas

3 tsp. chili powder

1 T. olive oil

1 T. fresh squeezed lime juice

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 T. cilantro, finely chopped

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas.   In a large bowl combine chickpeas, chili powder, and, olive oil. Toss. Spread chickpeas in a single layer on lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for ABOUT 35-50 minutes, lightly shaking the pan every 15 minutes or so. They’re done when the chickpeas are lightly brown and totally crunchy. (Sorry for the less-than-exact cook time. I got a little distracted playing lumberjack—don’t ask—and lost track of how long my chickpeas were in the oven. So keep a close eye on yours from about 35 minutes on. They burn quickly at the end!) Remove from oven. Let cool completely. Toss with lime juice, cilantro, and sea salt. Serve.

 

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Asparagus & Citrus Salad

Asparagus & Citrus Salad

2 T. Finely chopped shallot

1 T. Good-quality balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. Sherry vinegar

3 Oranges, preferably blood oranges

11/2 lb. Asparagus, trimmed

2 to 3 T. Extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly Ground black pepper to taste (optional)

 

In a small bowl, combine the shallots with the vinegars and let the shallots macerate at least 20 min. Meanwhile, zest 1 of the oranges (avoid the white pith). Finely chop the zest and add it to the shallots. Juice the zested orange to yield about 1/3 C. and add the juice to the shallots and vinegar. Slowly pour in the olive oil, stirring to mix.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and simmer until just tender, about 5 min. Drain and spread the spears on paper towels to cool.  Cut off the ends of the remaining 2 oranges and peel them by running a sharp knife down the fruit vertically, following the contours. Slice the peeled orange horizontally into 1/4-inch slices. Just before serving, toss the cooled asparagus with the vinaigrette. Arrange the spears and the orange slices on salad plates. Sprinkle with pepper, if you like, and serve immediately.

 

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Squid Mediterranean

Squid Mediterranean

2 lb. cleaned, whole squid (body & tentacles)

1 T. olive oil

3/4 C. finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

2 16 oz. cans Italian-style tomatoes, drained and chopped

3 T. sliced black olives

1 T. capers

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. dried marjoram

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper

 

Cut the body of the squid into 1/2 inch slices; set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet; add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is tender. Add squid and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes or until squid is tender. Serve over a bed of rice.

 

 

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Mushroom Bisque

Mushroom Bisque

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. unsalted butter, plus more for buttering bread

1 lb criminal mushroom, cleaned and chopped

1 T. fresh thyme leave, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt

Fresh ground black pepper

1/4 C. cognac

3 C. chicken broth

1/2 C. heavy cream

Hot sauce

3 slices bread

1/4 C. fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped (or 3 T. chopped fresh chives)

 

Preheat a large pot over high heat with the oil and butter. Add the mushrooms and thyme; cook for 6-7 minutes. Add in onions, garlic, salt, and pepper; continue to cook for 5 minutes. Add in cognac; stir for 1 minute; add ½ C. chicken stock and cook for 1 minute. Transfer the mushrooms and the liquid to a blender or food processor; puree until really smooth. Return the puree to the soup pot; add in the remaining 2 ½ C. of broth and cream. Add in a few dashes of hot sauce and bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes. Toast the bread dark and extra crisp; butter the toast and cut into very small cubes. Ladle the soup into 4 bowls and top with croutons and parsley.

 

 

 

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Spiced Lemonade

Spiced Lemonade

Combine 9 C. water, 1 C. lemon juice, 2 C. orange juice, 2 C. sugar, 1 T. pure vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp.  ground clove in a 4-quart saucepan. Simmer and serve, or refrigerate and reheat. Makes about three quarts.

 

 

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Navy Beans Les Tarragon

Navy Beans Les Tarragon

1 T. Olive oil
1 C. Onion; diced
1 C. Domestic mushrooms; quartered
1 C. Scallions; thinly sliced
1 C. Leeks; thinly sliced
1 tsp. Dried leaf tarragon

15 oz Canned navy or great northern beans; drained

1/2 C. White wine

1/2 C. Soymilk powder

2 tsp. Dark miso

1/2 T. Lemon juice

Red bell pepper; diced, for garnish

Scallions; sliced, for garnish

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil. Add onion, mushrooms, scallions, leeks and tarragon; sauté until onions are transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans; reduce heat to medium-low. In a bowl, whisk together wine, soymilk powder, miso and lemon juice. Add to skillet; simmer gently 5 minutes. Garnish with scallions and bell pepper if desired.

 

Sonoma Harvest Salsa

Sonoma Harvest Salsa

sonoma3 Roma tomatoes, halved, seeded, and very coarsely chopped

1/2 small red onion, cut up

1/4 small cantaloupe, seeded, peeled, and cut up

1 Gravenstein or pink lady apple, cored and cut up

1/2 medium green sweet pepper, seeded and cut up

1 fresh jalapeno chile peppers, seeded and cut up

1 T. sugar

1 T. lime juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

Tortilla chips or orange or red sweet pepper wedges

 

In a food processor bowl combine tomatoes, onion, cantaloupe, apple, green sweet pepper, jalapeno pepper, sugar, lime juice, salt, and cumin. Cover and pulse with several off/on turns until chopped. (Or coarsely chop with a knife.) Cover and chill for 1 to 6 hours before serving. Stir well before serving. Serve with chips. Makes 3 C. salsa.

 

 

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PCCMarket Coq Au Vin

PCCMarket Coq Au Vin

2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

1/4 C. plus 2 T. olive oil, divided

2 tsp. salt, divided

2 tsp. black pepper, divided

1 medium onion, diced

1 celery rib, diced

3/4 pound white mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 C. white wine

1/2 C. crushed tomatoes

1 quart chicken stock

1 tsp. arrowroot powder

1 T. cold water

 

Preheat oven to 350º F. Toss chicken thighs in 1/4 C. oil and season with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Roast in oven for 30 minutes. Drain off excess fat and liquid. Cool. In a large sauté pan, heat 2 T. oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms for 2 minutes, then add the garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Deglaze pan with the wine and let boil. Add tomatoes, remaining salt and pepper, and stock; return to a boil. Mix arrowroot with water to form a slurry. Add to liquid and let thicken. Place chicken in a casserole dish and cover with the sauce. Cover pan and bake in oven for 45 minutes. Serve with rice, noodles or potatoes.

 

 

 

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Smoked Brisket Soup

Smoked Brisket Soup

1 C. Celery medium dice

1 C. onions medium dice

5 ounces Butter

5 ounces Flour

2 qt. Beef consommé

2 lbs Frozen Mixed Vegetables ( fresh if you have them)

Pinch ground Thyme

2 tsp. ground Black pepper

1.5 lbs cooked Beef brisket coarsely chopped

1-#10 can Rotel tomatoes

2 tsp Salt.

 

In a large heavy bottom stock pot cook butter, onions and celery until vegetables are tender. Add flour and mix well. Cook roux for 5 minutes stirring frequently. Add beef consommé slowly whisking to incorporate all liquid. Bring liquid to a slow simmer and then add remaining ingredients. Bring back to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes before serving.

 

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Penne Rigate with Sweet-and-Spicy Picadillo Sauce

Penne Rigate with Sweet-and-Spicy Picadillo Sauce

1 package (16-ounce) penne rigate, bow-tie pasta, or radiatore pasta, preferably whole wheat

2 tsp. olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 clove garlic, crushed with press

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. (or more, to taste) ground red pepper (cayenne)

3/4 pound lean (90%) ground beef

Salt

1 can (14 1/2-ounce) whole tomatoes in puree, (if unavailable, use whole tomatoes in juice), preferably reduced -sodium

1/2 C. dark seedless raisins

1/4 C. salad olives, drained, or chopped pimiento-stuffed olives

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

 

Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta and cook as label directs. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cinnamon, and ground red pepper; cook 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium-high; add ground beef and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring frequently, until beef begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Spoon off any excess fat as necessary. Stir in tomatoes with their puree, raisins, and olives, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon, and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes longer. When pasta has cooked to desired doneness, remove 1 C. pasta cooking water; set aside. Drain pasta and return to saucepot. Add ground-beef mixture and reserved pasta cooking water; toss well to coat pasta. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with parsley to serve.  Note: 175 mg sodium count is if you are using reduced-sodium tomatoes.

 

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BBQ Corn

BBQ Corn

12 ears fresh corn, husks on

1/4 C. Kosher Salt

1/8 C. crushed garlic

1/8 C. coarse black pepper

1 quart beer

 

Place corn in an ice chest; remember to leave the husks on the ears. Add salt, pepper & garlic. Pour beer over top. Cover with bagged ice. Set aside overnight. Preheat grill to 200 degrees F. Place corn on rack. Cook indirect for 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes or so. Kernels should give easily under pressure when done.

 

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Peachy Orange Sorbet

Peachy Orange Sorbet

3/4 C. apple juice, or white grape juice or water

1/2 C. sugar

5 fresh California peaches, pureed

3 T. orange juice

2 tsp. finely grated orange peel

 

In large saucepan, heat apple juice and sugar until sugar dissolves.  Cool.  In large bowl, combine peaches, orange juice and orange peel.  Stir into sugar mixture.  Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions.  Thirty minutes before serving, process in blender or food processor and refreeze until serving. Note:  You may omit freezing in ice cream maker and freeze in loaf pan. Thirty minutes before serving, process in blender or food processor and refreeze until serving.

 

BBQ Black Beans with Kale

BBQ Black Beans with Kale

bbqbeans2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 lb. kale, stems discarded, leaves rinsed and coarsely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped

2 tsp. ancho chile powder

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 C. barbecue sauce

1 shot (1 1/2 oz.) rum

 

In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add kale (in batches if necessary), salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook until wilted, a few minutes. Pour into a bowl and set aside. Heat remaining tsp. olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Sauté bell pepper with ancho chile powder for about 4 minutes, until the pepper softens. Add beans, barbecue sauce, and rum. Turn to low heat and cook gently for 15 minutes. Stir in kale. Serve over baked potato or rice

 

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Clams in a light fennel and shallot broth

Clams in a light fennel and shallot broth

clams1 1/2 pounds (675 g) little neck clams

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large shallot, diced

1 medium fennel bulb, diced

2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced

1 quart (1 liter) chicken stock

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch piment d’Espelette

Chives and fresh parsley, to garnish

 

In a medium pot, combine the clams and 1 cup (250 ml) water. Cover and cook over medium high heat until the clams open, about 5 minutes (depending on their size). Remove the clams from the pot and reserve the liquid. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and fennel. Cook for 7 minutes until soft and translucent (do not brown). Add the potatoes, chicken stock and reserved clam juice. Bring liquid to a boil, cover pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the parsley, salt and pepper and puree it in a blender.  Serve the fennel and shallot cream with the clams and sprinkle a bit of piment d’Espelette on top.

Pork Medallions with Cherry Sauce

Pork Medallions with Cherry Sauce

1 1/4 lb. pork tenderloin, sliced into 1/2-inch thick medallions

1/2 tsp. salt, divided

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 tsp. olive oil, divided

2 T. chopped shallots

3/4 C. low-sodium chicken broth

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1/4 C. dried tart cherries

 

Season the pork medallions with 1/4 tsp. of salt and pepper. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over a medium-high heat and cook the meat until there is just a slight blush in the center about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the meat to a plate and tent with foil. Add the remaining tsp. of oil and the shallots to the pan and sauté until they begin to soften, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, the remaining 1/4 tsp. of salt and the cherries and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the sauce over the pork medallions and serve.

 

Yield:  4 servings

Calories:  245

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 0g

 

 

 

Rhubarb Onion Chutney

Rhubarb Onion Chutney

1 1/2 lb. onions, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices

3 tsp. corn oil

1 C. golden raisins

1/2 C. hot water

3 tsp. red wine vinegar

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 C. granulated sugar

3 C. fresh rhubarb, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

 

Place onions and oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. Mix raisins, hot water, vinegar, cloves and sugar in a bowl; let stand 15 minutes; stir mixture into the onions. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; sprinkle with rhubarb; cook at a slow boil 5 minutes. Stir and cook uncovered about 5 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Spoon into clean jars; cover and refrigerate for no more than 1 week. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes about 3 C..

 

 

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Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

Hot ginger tea1 Inch Piece Fresh Ginger, peeled

2 C. Water

Juice of 1 Lemon

1-2 T. Honey, or to taste

 

Cut the ginger into disks. Bring the water and ginger to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove ginger from water. Add the lemon juice and honey to the water and stir to dissolve honey. Serve tea in mugs.

 

 

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Perogie Casserole

Perogie Casserole

8 oz. lasagna noodles

2 large onions, diced

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 C. s)

4 C. mashed potatoes, made fresh or leftover

4 T. butter

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Cook noodles according to package and set aside. Brown the butter in a medium skillet, being careful not to burn. Add the onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned.  Combine the cheese and mashed potatoes. Butter or spray a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Line the bottom with a layer of noodles. Add a layer of potato and cheese mixture then spread with a portion of the onions. Continue to layer the ingredients ending with a layer of noodles topped with onions. Bake at 350° F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Notes: Browning the butter adds a lot of flavor to the casserole. If you prefer, it could just be melted. If making freshly mashed potatoes, use about 8 large potatoes. If you don’t have enough leftover potatoes, add some fresh or make some from instant potatoes.

 

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Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

firecracker25 large tail-on shrimp, deveined

15 eggroll/springroll wrappers, cut in half diagonally (2 triangles)

Oil for frying

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. grated ginger (using rasp grater)

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sweet chili sauce, plus additional for dipping

1 tsp. cornstarch

1 T. cornstarch

1/4 C. water

 

Taking a cue from the Japanese shrimp tempura, score or nick the shrimp several times along the inside of the “curve.” This lets you straighten out the shrimp so you don’t get a short, curly roll. Just be sure not to cut too far…three little nicks is good. Combine marinade ingredients in bowl, marinate shrimp for 20 minutes. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Wrap each shrimp tightly in a eggroll/spring roll wrapper half. Seal with a little cornstarch paste on the corner. Fry in hot oil (375) for 3 minutes, until golden brown and shrimp is cooked through. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping

 

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Honey Herb Sauce

Honey Herb Sauce

1/4 C. honey

2 T. onion, minced

1/4 C. butter or margarine

1/2 tsp. thyme, crushed

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes. Toss with vegetables of choice such as: peas, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, green beans, etc. Serve over couscous as a vegetarian entree or alone as a side dish.