Sausage and Fennel Ragout with Creamy Polenta

Sausage and Fennel Ragout with Creamy Polenta

Sausage and Fennel Ragout with Creamy Polenta

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 lb. bulk sweet Italian sausage

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

1 large fennel bulb, cut in half lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 T. fresh thyme leaves (4 sprigs, stripped and chopped)

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1 C. milk

3/4 C. dry white wine

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

1 C. quick-cooking polenta (found in Italian foods or specialty foods aisles)

2 T. unsalted butter

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus some for garnish

 

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO. Add the sausage, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes. Add the red onions, fennel, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until the veggies wilt and the onions become translucent. While the veggies are cooking, start the polenta. In a sauce pot combine 2 1/2 C. chicken stock and 1 C.  milk. Season the liquid with salt and pepper. Place over medium-high heat and bring up to a simmer. Once the veggies have wilted, add the white wine and remaining chicken stock to the skillet. Turn the heat to high and bring up to a simmer. Cook to reduce the liquids by half, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley. To the simmering chicken stock and milk add the polenta and whisk constantly until the cornmeal masses together. Add the butter and grated cheese, stirring to combine. Keep in mind that polenta is very forgiving; if it becomes too thick, you can always add more warm chicken stock or milk. Serve the polenta in a shallow bowl and top with a helping of the sausage and fennel ragout. Garnish with more grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

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Orange Upside Down Cheesecake

Orange Upside Down Cheesecake

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 C. unsweetened orange juice

1/4 C. sugar

2 C. orange segments

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 C. unsweetened orange juice

24 oz. Softened cream cheese

1 C. sugar

2 tsp. Grated orange peel

1 C. Whipped whipping cream

1 C. vanilla wafer crumbs

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3 T. Melted margarine

 

Soften Gelatin in juice. Add sugar; stir over low heat until dissolved.  Chill until slightly thickened, but not set. Arrange orange sections on bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Pour gelatin mixture over oranges; chill until thickened again but not set. Soften gelatin in juice; stir over low heat until dissolved. Combine cream cheese, sugar and peel, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Gradually add gelatin mixture, mixing until well blended. Chill until slightly thickened; fold in whipped cream. Pour over oranges, chill. Combine crumbs, cinnamon and margarine; gently press onto top of cake. Chill. Loosen from rim of pan; invert onto serving plate. Remove rim of pan. VARIATION: Omit cinnamon.  Substitute graham cracker crumbs or chocolate wafer crumbs for vanilla wafer crumbs.

 

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing

1/3 C. Olive oil

2 T. Lemon juice

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Anchovy paste, (optional)

1 Clove garlic, minced

 

Combine all ingredients; blend well.

 

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Holiday Pasta

Holiday Pasta

8-oz. penne pasta, cooked and drained

1 T. olive oil

1 chopped onion

6 garlic cloves, mashed or minced

1/2 green bell pepper or Anaheim, seeded and chopped

1/2 to 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced

1 container grape or Santa tomatoes

1 C. sliced chard or spinach leaves

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

½ C. red wine

1 to 1 1/2 C. sliced smoked pork chops, smoked sausage, or grilled chicken strips

1 T. fresh marjoram leaves

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper blend

1/2 C. shaved Pecorino Romano or Asiago or shredded Parmesan or Asiago

 

Heat 2 T. oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and sauté, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until crisp tender.  Add the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the tomatoes and spinach.  Drizzle the wine into the mixture and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Add meat if using. Stir in remaining oil, if needed, the marjoram, salt and pepper, and cook for three (3) minutes.  Add the pasta and toss well.

 

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Orecchiette with Greens, Garbanzo Beans and Ricotta Salata

Orecchiette with Greens, Garbanzo Beans and Ricotta Salata

GH0101_Orecchiette-with-Greens_lg1 lb. orecchiette or other short pasta

1/2 C. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

12 oz. Swiss chard or mustard greens, stemmed

12 oz. baby spinach leaves

1 (15-oz.) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2 C. small cherry or grape tomatoes

8 oz. ricotta salata cheese, crumbled

2 tsp. lemon zest

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 C. of the pasta water. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the garlic and discard. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted. In batches, add the spinach and cook until wilted. Add the beans and tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the pasta, 1/2 of the cheese, and lemon zest. Toss well and thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed. Transfer to a large serving bowl and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve.

 

 

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Macaroni from the Island of Ischia

Macaroni from the Island of Ischia

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 C. capers, preferably salt-packed, rinsed and coarsely chopped

Pinch of dried oregano

1/4 C. broad crumbs

2 plump garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. maccheroni

6 anchovy fillets, coarsely chopped

1/3 C. of coarsely chopped black olives, pitted

3/4 C. diced mozzarella, preferably buffalo-milk

2 lb. ripe tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/2 C. torn basil leaves

Pinch of crumbled dried red chili

Sea salt (optional)

 

Combine 2 T. of the olive oil and the garlic in a skillet over medium-low heat. Gently sweat the garlic until it is very soft, but do not let it brown. Add the anchovies and m them with a fork into the garlicky oil. Stir in the tomatoes, capers, and olives and cook about minutes. Taste and add salt if you wish. Now stir in the chili and oregano and simmer for a 10 minutes. Add a little water from time to time if the sauce starts to stick.  Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. In a separate small skillet, combine the bread crumbs with the remaining T. of olive oil. Set over medium heat and toast the crumbs, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.  Cook the pasta until done to taste, then drain. Or cook until slightly underdone, drain, let it finish cooking in the simmering sauce. Mix the pasta and sauce together and stir in the cubes of mozzarella and some of the basil, along with a couple of T. of crisp bread crumbs. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish the top with the rest of the bread crumbs and basil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

 

 

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Maya’s Potatoes

Maya’s Potatoes

8 medium Potatoes
Oil for deep frying
1 Onion, coarsely chopped
4 each Garlic cloves, pressed
6 T. Oil

1 pinch Asafetida

7 Fenugreek seeds

1/2 tsp. Fennel seeds

1/4 tsp. Black onion seeds

1/4 tsp. Black mustard seeds

1 Bay leaf

3 Dried red peppers

1/2 tsp. Turmeric

2 medium Tomatoes, chopped

1 pinch Sugar

1 1/2 tsp. Salt

 

Boil potatoes at least 2 hours ahead. Leave to cool. Just before cooking the dish, cube them into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil over a medium flame. Fry potatoes in small batches till golden brown on all sides. Drain & set aside. Save some of the oil for later use.  Blend onion & garlic with 3 tb water. Heat 6 tb oil in large pot. When very hot, add asafetida, fenugreek, fennel, onion, & mustard seeds & bay leaf & red pepper in quick succession. Fry 20 seconds till bay leaf darkens. Add paste from the blender & turmeric. Fry, stirring for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes & sugar. Gently stir in 2 c water, salt & potatoes. Bring to a boil. Cover & simmer for 10 minutes. Turn each potato over & simmer another 10 minutes. Serve hot.

 

Oregon Clam Stew

Oregon Clam Stew

1 cup Butter or Margarine

10 fresh Green Onions, chopped (including greens)

1 tsp. Garlic, minced

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. Fresh Mushrooms, sliced

1 1/2 lbs. canned Clams, chopped or whole

Salt and White Pepper to Taste

3 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 to 3/4 cup White Wine

4 cups Cooked Instant Rice

Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for optional garnish)

 

In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine and sauté the green onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until the mushrooms have lost about half their original volume. Add clams and the clam juice to the mixture and continue to cook. Add salt and white pepper to taste. Add lemon juice and adjust seasonings again, if necessary. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the white wine and return to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Prepare the white rice in a separate pan as directed on the package. To serve, pour several T. of the clam stew over rice and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Greek Beef Meatballs

Greek Beef Meatballs

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

4 tablespoons (1 ounce) reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese, divided

1 pound 95 percent lean ground beef

2 medium zucchini (1 pound total), cut into thin slices

1 cup bottled marinara sauce

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with vegetable oil spray. In a large bowl, combine the rice, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Stir in the beef until combined. Scatter the zucchini into the reserved baking dish in a single layer. Using a small ice cream scoop, shape the meat mixture into sixteen 1 1/2″ balls. Place the meatballs on top of the zucchini. Drizzle with the marinara sauce. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are no longer pink. Uncover and top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Let sit in the oven for about 1 minute, or until the cheese melts slightly.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 333

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 4g

 

Jamaican Red Bean Stew

Jamaican Red Bean Stew

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C. sliced baby carrots

3 scallions, chopped

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 (16-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened light coconut milk

1 C. vegetable broth

 

Pour the oil into a 4-quart slow cooker and set the cooker on high. Add the garlic and put the lid on the cooker while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. To the cooker, add the carrots, scallions, sweet potato and tomatoes. Stir in the curry powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, allspice and salt and pepper to taste. Add the beans, coconut milk and broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve over rice or couscous.  Top with diced tomato and red onion if desired.

jamaican-red-bean-stew

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Teleme, Squash, and Onion Galette

Teleme, Squash, and Onion Galette

onchsgalette1 C. all-purpose flour

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. sugar

6 T. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1/4 C. ice water

1 T. olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1/4 lb. yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 T. fresh thyme leaves, or 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1/4 lb. young Teleme cheese, coarsely grated

1 T. milk or cream

 

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture just until the butter is the size of small gumballs. Make a well in the middle of the dough. Pour a small amount of ice water into the center, and using a fork, bring some of the flour-butter mixture into the water. Continue until all of the water has been well incorporated. The mixture will be slightly crumbly, but it should hold together. If it doesn’t, add more cold water, 1 T. at a time. Press the dough into a ball and then flatten it into a disk about 5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 24 hours. The dough can also be frozen.  Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place a rack in the lower third of the oven. Do not place in the lowest slot or the bottom of the galette will burn before the topping is done.  In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and squash and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper and continue to cook until the onions and squash are translucent but not brown, about 5 minutes. They should be slightly underdone. Remove from the heat and set aside.  Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and on a well-floured surface or on a floured piece of parchment, roll it into a circle 8 to 9 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Place the dough in a shallow baking or pizza pan. (Do not use a rimless baking sheet, or you’ll likely end up with melted butter on your oven floor.) Spoon the onion-squash mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Top with the cheese. Next, fold the 1 1/2 inch border toward the center to encase part of the filling, crimping the edges a little as you go. You should end up with a “window” of filling about 5 inches in diameter, with the crust overlapping the edges of the filling.  Brush the folded-over edges with the milk or cream. Bake until the border is golden and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

 

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Singapore Chili Prawns

Singapore Chili Prawns

Singapore-Chilli-Prawns-with-Rice-5001 tablespoon peanut oil
1 pound shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
1/4 cup shallots (chopped)
2 chilies (seeded and chopped)
1/2 cup water
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1/2 lime (juice)
2 teaspoons palm sugar (grated or sugar)
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 egg (lightly beaten)

 

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the garlic, ginger, shallots, and chilies and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Add the shrimp and sauté for a minute on both sides. Add the water, tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, sugar and corn starch and bring to a boil. Stir the egg into the pan and continue stirring until the egg is cooked.

 

Onion Mushroom Swiss Burgers

Onion Mushroom Swiss Burgers

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 T. Old Bay Seasoning

Swiss cheese

1 T. butter

2 onions, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 C. sliced mushrooms

2 T. white wine

Kaiser Rolls

Sour cream

Mix ground beef with seasoning and form into patties.  Spray frying pan with nonstick spray. Heat over medium heat. Place patties in pan and cook for 4 minutes, turn, and cook for additional 4 minutes, or until temperature reaches 155°-160°. Top each with Swiss cheese.  Melt butter in skillet, sauté onions until golden. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3 or 4 minutes. Add wine. Toast buns in oven; place cheeseburger on top of bun. Spoon onion and mushroom mixture over the patty. Add a dollop of sour cream and top with bun.

 

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Tangy Bacon Chicken Grill

Tangy Bacon Chicken Grill

3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

3/4 C. purchased balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

1 1/2 C. fresh baby carrots, cut in half lengthwise if desired (for softer carrot)

1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 8 pieces

1 medium red bell pepper cut into 8 pieces

8 oz. fresh whole green beans, trimmed

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

 

tangyHeat gas or charcoal grill. Cook bacon in 12 inch nonstick skillet until crisp; drain on paper towel. Discard all but 2 T. bacon drippings in skillet. Add salad dressing to drippings in skillet; mix well. Remove from heat. Remove and reserve 1/4 C. salad dressing mixture from skillet for later use. Add carrots, onion, bell peppers, and beans to remaining dressing mixture in skillet, stir to coat. With slotted spoon, place vegetables in grill basket. Reserve dressing mixture in skillet. When grill is heated, place chicken and grill basket on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 15 to 20 minutes shaking grill basket occasionally, turning chicken once and brushing reserved dressing mixture from skillet over chicken. Cook until chicken is fork-tender and juices run clear and vegetables are crisp-tender. To serve: arrange vegetables around chicken. Sprinkle with bacon; drizzle with reserved 1/4 C. salad dressing mixture.

 

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Asian Short Ribs

Asian Short Ribs

asianribs3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs, cut into
4 oz portions
1/4 cup flour
1 T. oil

3/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
3 T. rice wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, peeled & smashed
1 T. fresh ginger, minced
1 stalk lemongrass, the tough outside removed, cut into thin slices
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce

2 tsp corn starch

Season ribs with salt & pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess. In a frying pan, brown the ribs in oil over medium high heat. Transfer browned ribs into your slow cooker.  Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, lemongrass (if using), ginger, brown sugar, water, orange juice and Hoisin sauce and pour over ribs. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 10 hours on low or on high for 6 hours.  When done, transfer ribs to a platter and keep warm. Drain fat off the cooking liquid.  Place the remaining cooking liquid in a pot. Whisk in corn starch and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened and reduced. Brush over ribs and serve.

Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Source: The Gastrokid Cookbook

 

1 whole boneless skinless chicken breast (2 halves of 1 breast)

1 cup grated cheese

1 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

salt

1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper

1 large egg

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Cut the chicken breasts into two thin cutlets. Combine the Parmesan through pepper in a bowl. Mix it together, then spread on a plate (I kept it in a shallow bowl and that worked fine. Also didn’t dirty another dish). In a separate bowl, beat the egg. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has foamed and subsided, the butter-oil is smoking, start cooking. One at a time, dip the chicken into the egg, then dip in the bread crumbs and press to coat both sides. Carefully, place the chicken into the hot skillet and fry for several minutes on each side. Do not crowd the pan, and cook in batches if you need to. Set on paper towels to drain before serving.

 

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Simple Cream of Asparagus Soup

Simple Cream of Asparagus Soup

cream-of-asparagus-soup-copy-1024x8574 T. butter

2 T. cornstarch

5 C. stock

1 pound fresh asparagus

2 egg yolks

1/3 C. milk

salt and ground white pepper to taste

1/3 C. heavy cream

 

Melt butter in a 2 quart saucepan. Remove from heat and blend in cornstarch. Stir and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat, add stock, and mix well. Bring to boiling point, stirring frequently. Wash and trim asparagus. Cut off tips and cook them in 1/2 inch of boiling water in a separate saucepan. Cut remaining asparagus in 1/2 inch pieces cook in additional stock until tender and add to the soup. Beat egg yolks with milk add to soup, and bring it to boiling point. Stir in salt, pepper, cream and asparagus tips. Heat. Serve hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

Garlic Cauliflower

Garlic Cauliflower

2 tsp. olive oil
1-1/4 lbs. cauliflower florets
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 cup vegetable stock or water

Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté next 4 ingredients 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add stock, cover skillet and cook another 3-4 minutes or until cauliflower is tender.

 

Soy Sloppy Joe’s

Soy Sloppy Joe’s

1 1/2 T. canola oil

1/2 medium green pepper

12-16 oz. package of textured vegetable protein  (TVP)

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 medium red pepper

16 oz. pizza sauce

1 T. cumin

1 T. chili powder

Hamburger buns (preferably whole grain)

 

In a skillet, cook the peppers and onion in the oil until soft (5-6 minutes). Add the vegetable protein and increase the heat to brown off. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. May need to use a spatula to break up the granules as one would do with ground beef. Add the pizza sauce, cumin and chili powder, stirring occasionally until hot and flavors blended, about 3 minutes. Serve the sloppy joe’s mixture on the hamburger bun or in a tortilla as a wrap.

 

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Pink Peppermint Cookies

Pink Peppermint Cookies

1 C. butter

1/2 C. sugar

1 egg

12 drops red food coloring

3/4 tsp. peppermint extract

2 C. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 T. chocolate syrup

 

Cream 3/4 C. butter and sugar together. Beat in egg with food coloring and peppermint extract. Combine 1 3/4 C. flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Stir into creamed mixture.  Chill 2 hours. Meanwhile, combine remaining butter, flour and syrup. Spoon into pastry bag with small round tip. Shape pink dough into 3/4″ balls; place on baking sheets; flatten to 1-1/2″ dia.; pipe chocolate mixture on cookies in simple holiday designs like stars, snowflakes or trees. Bake at 375º for 5-7 minutes. For variety, garnish some of the cookies with crushed peppermint candy.

 

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Everything-Crusted Chicken Rolls Stuffed with Scallion Cream Cheese

Everything-Crusted Chicken Rolls Stuffed with Scallion Cream Cheese

 

Vegetable oil, for frying

1 lb. cream cheese, softened

4 scallions, chopped

2 lb. chicken breast cutlets

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

1 1/2 C. bread crumbs

2 tsp. granulated garlic

2 T. poppy seeds

3 T. dehydrated onion flakes

3 T. sesame seeds

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten with a splash of water

 

Heat an inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the scallions. Spread the chicken cutlets with the cheese and roll into tight, small bundles. Wash up. Season the bundles liberally with salt and pepper. Mix the bread crumbs with the garlic, poppy seeds, onion flakes, and sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Coat the bundles in flour, dip them in the eggs, and then roll in the flavored bread crumbs. Fry until evenly golden all over and serve hot, or chill and serve cold.

 

 

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Fig French Toast Sandwich

Fig French Toast Sandwich

Fig French Toast Sandwich

 

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

4 slices bread

1 T. fig jam

2 eggs

1 T. milk

2 T. walnut oil

Spread half of the cream cheese on 2 slices of bread. Spread the fig jam on top, dividing it between the bread slices. Spread the remaining cream cheese on the other 2 bread slices. Place them cream-cheese side down on top of the fig jam to make 2 sandwiches. In a shallow bowl whisk the eggs and milk. Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium. Dip both sides of the sandwiches into the egg mixture, covering the sides evenly and allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl. Cook the sandwiches until they’re golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Slice each sandwich in half and serve.

Bacon and Green Onion Biscotti

Bacon and Green Onion Biscotti

2 1/2 c. flour

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

8 T chilled butter, cut into 8 pieces

2 T olive oil

2 large eggs

1/2 c. milk

1 1/4 lbs of bacon

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten with a T. of water

 

Begin by frying the bacon until crisp. I like to bake mine on an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet, with sides, in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes, flipping the bacon once. The foil makes the grease very easy to clean up and I don’t have to fuss over a frying pan. Once the bacon has cooled slightly, chop it into small pieces [doesn’t have to be perfect but maybe aim for 1/2″ square pieces]. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, pepper, baking powder, and salt on low speed. Add the butter chunks until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, eggs and milk. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dough and mix until just combined. Add in the green onions and bacon and mix until combined. You could also do this in a food processor but be sure to turn the dough out into a bowl before adding the green onion and bacon. Mix the bacon and green onion in by hand because the processor blade would get rid of the yummy chunks. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each section into a log measuring 7 inches long and at least an inch thick. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.  In the last 10 minutes before removing the biscotti from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the biscotti logs from the fridge and place the logs on a lightly oiled baking sheet. The logs will not grow that much during baking, so they can be placed pretty close together. Brush the top of each log with egg wash and bake for approximately 25 minutes until light brown and firm to the touch. Remove the logs from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Decrease the oven temperature to 300 degrees. After the logs have cooled, slice them crosswise [you can also slice on a diagonal for longer biscotti] with a serrated knife into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices on top of a wire rack resting in a baking sheet [this way the heat will circulate around the biscotti]. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the biscotti have dried and turned golden brown. Once cool, the biscotti will keep in an airtight container for about a week. Serve with your favorite soup, dunk in your fave dip or eat like delicious crackers!

 

 

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Pineapple Rum Turkey Kabobs

Pineapple Rum Turkey Kabobs

kabob12 oz turkey breast tenderloin, raw (or boneless turkey breast)

1/3 C. pineapple juice, unsweetened

3 T. rum

1 T. brown sugar

1 T. fresh lemongrass, finely chopped (or 2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel)

1 T. olive oil

1 red onion, cut into thin wedges

3 plums, pitted and cut into thick slices (or 2 Nectarines)

2 C. Pineapple, chunks, canned, with water (or fresh)

1 C. cooked long grain brown rice, hot (optional)

 

Cut turkey into 1-inch pieces. Place turkey in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish. In a small bowl combine pineapple juice, rum, brown sugar, lemongrass, and oil. Pour over turkey and seal bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Drain turkey, reserving marinade.  In a small saucepan bring marinade to a boil. Boil gently, uncovered, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. On four 12-inch metal skewers, alternately thread turkey and onion, leaving ¼ inch between pieces.  On four additional 12-inch metal skewers, alternately thread plums and pineapple.  Brush onion and fruit with some of the marinade. Place turkey and fruit kabobs on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill until turkey is no longer pink, onion is tender, and fruit is heated through, turning once halfway through grilling and brushing occasionally with marinade the last half of grilling. (Allow 12 to 14 minutes for turkey and onion and about 5 minutes for fruit.) If desired, serve the turkey, onion, and fruit with hot cooked rice.

 

 

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Giant Stuffed Picnic Burger

Giant Stuffed Picnic Burger

Giant Stuffed Picnic Burger2 lb. ground beef

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

3/4 C. crushed seasoned stuffing mix

1 can (4 oz.) mushroom stems and pieces, drained

1/4 C. beef broth

1/4 C. minced fresh parsley

1/4 C. sliced green onions

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. lemon juice

 

In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt and Worcestershire sauce. Divide in half; pat each half into an 8-in. circle on waxed paper. Combine the remaining ingredients; spoon over one patty to within 1 in of the edge. Top with second patty; press edges to seal. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 12-13 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink. Cut into wedges. Yield: 6 servings. Editor’s Note: Stuffed burger may be placed directly on the grill or in a well-greased wire grill basket.

 

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Pineapple Freeze

Pineapple Freeze

16oz. Crushed Pineapple, undrained

 

Place unopened can of pineapple in freezer until hard. Then, place under hot running water for 30 seconds and remove from can. Place in blender half at a time and blend to slush consistency.

 

Holiday Salad

Holiday Salad

1/2 lb. Fresh Spinach

1 Red Bell Pepper

2 T. Vinegar

6 T. Olive Oil

1/4 C. Crumbled Blue Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Pull spinach stems and wash leaves well.  Tear the spinach into pieces.  Cut the pepper into long think strips. Shake the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar or cruet. Crumble the blue cheese and add it to the jar.  Pour dressing over salad and toss.

 

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Sweet and Tangy Angel Hair

Sweet and Tangy Angel Hair

1 pound angel hair pasta
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 C. unsalted butter
1/4 C. honey
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, sauté the garlic in the butter, then stir in the honey, basil and thyme. Drain the pasta, add it to the garlic mixture, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad2 C. uncooked macaroni pasta

2 C. peeled and chopped cucumber

1 C. chopped tomatoes

1 (8 ounce) carton light or non-fat sour cream

1/2 C. skim milk

1 T. minced fresh dill or 1 tsp. dried dill

1/2 tsp. coarse ground pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1 T. vinegar

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer noodles to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, milk, dill, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Set dressing aside. Mix cucumbers and tomatoes into the pasta. Pour in dressing, and mix thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour and preferably overnight. Stir just before serving.

Bow Tie Beef Skillet

Bow Tie Beef Skillet

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 C. uncooked bow tie pasta

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

1 1/3 C. beef broth

1 can tomato sauce

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

3 medium yellow summer squash, thinly sliced

3/4 C. chopped green pepper

1 C. shredded parmesan cheese, divided

skillet

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or till meat is no longer pink; drain. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Stir in the pasta, tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover & simmer for 10-12 minutes.  Add squash & green pepper. Cook uncovered, 3-4 minutes longer or till pasta & veggies are at desired tenderness; stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 C. cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes longer or till cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

 

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Green Bean and Potato Salad

Green Bean and Potato Salad

3 tablespoons wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups green beans, cut into 2″
pieces and steamed
1 pound boiled or steamed
potatoes, cut into 1/4″ slices
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

To prepare vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, mustard, pepper and salt; then whisk in oil. Place green beans, potatoes and onion in a medium mixing bowl. Add vinaigrette and dill; toss thoroughly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

Ginger Kale Soup

Ginger Kale Soup

4 C. kale, heavy stems removed well washed & chopped

2 T. water

1 T. ginger root, peeled and mashed

1Tbsp virgin olive oil

2 T. chopped onion

2 T. flour

4 C. skim milk

1/4 T. cayenne pepper

Salt and ground pepper

Sherry

Freshly grated nutmeg

 

Place the kale in a heavy saucepan with the water. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if necessary. When the kale is almost limp, remove it from the pot. Using a food processor or blender, blend kale along with ginger. Process for a few minutes until very fine. Heat the olive oil in the heavy saucepan. Add the onion and sauté for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour, being careful to keep the mixture smooth. Gradually add the milk and continue to stir. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add the kale mixture. Heat the soup until almost boiling. Ladle into bowls, and just before serving add 1 tsp.  of sherry to each bowl and mix gently. To finish, grate fresh nutmeg over each bowl.

 

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Orange, Pine Nuts, & Raisins Bulgur Salad

Orange, Pine Nuts, & Raisins Bulgur Salad

1 1/2 C. fine bulgur (available in most supermarkets or in natural food shops)

1 1/2 C. hot water

3 T. lemon juice

3 T. orange juice

1 T. grated orange rind

3 medium oranges

1/3 C. olive oil

4 scallions, chopped

1/3 C. chopped fresh mint leaves

1/3 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves

1/3 C. pine nuts, toasted

1/3 C. raisins

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl combine bulgur, water, lemon juice, and orange juice and rind. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and let mixture stand, at room temperature, until liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Fluff mixture with a fork.  While Bulgur is soaking, with a serrated knife, cut away peel and pith from oranges. Cut sections free from membranes and add to bulgur with remaining ingredients. Season salad with salt and pepper, stirring well. Let salad stand, covered, for 30 minutes before serving.

 

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Inside Out BLTs

Inside Out BLTs

Inside-Out-BLT1-1024x9008 strips premium bacon, slices crosswise into 1/8-inch strips

8 firm Roma tomatoes or green (unripe) tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 C. flour

3 eggs, beaten

2 C. bread crumbs or panko

3 or more T. olive oil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4-ounce log goat cheese, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter, sliced 1/8 inch thick

24 arugula leaves, lower stems discarded

 

Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Select the 24 most uniform tomato slices and save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch. Dredge slices in flour, then in eggs, then pad down in bread crumbs. Reserve on plates, but do not stack.  In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 3 T. oil. When oil is hot, add as many breaded tomato slices as the pan can accommodate without them touching. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Add more oil if necessary for subsequent batches.  To assemble, line up 12 fried tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper, then top each with 1 cheese slice, a mound of bacon shrapnel, and 2 arugula leaves. Cover with a second fried tomato slice. Secure with a toothpick. Let cool for a minute before serving. (Tomatoes have a surprising ability to hold the heat).

 

 

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Hearty Spinach Braid

Hearty Spinach Braid

1 (4.25-oz.) can Underwood® Deviled Ham or White Meat Chicken Spread

2 Eggs

2 oz. (1/2 cup) Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1 sm. Shallot, minced

Dash salt, if desired

1/8  tsp. Cracked black pepper or pepper

1 (9-oz.) pkg. Green Giant® Harvest Fresh® Frozen Spinach,  thawed, squeezed to drain

1 (10-oz.) can Pillsbury Refrigerated All Ready Pizza Crust

1 tsp. Water

Hearty Spinach Braid

Heat oven to 375 F. In medium bowl, combine deviled ham and 1 of the eggs; mix well. Add cheese, shallot, salt and pepper; blend well. Add spinach; mix well. Unroll dough; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough with hands to 14×9-inch rectangle. In small bowl, combine remaining egg and water; mix well. Brush egg mixture lightly over dough; reserve remaining for top of braid. Spread filling lengthwise in 4-inch-wide strip down center of dough to within 1/4 inch of each end. With sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of rectangle, just to edge of filling. Fold strips of dough alternately over filling to create braid (see diagram). Fold ends of braid under to seal. Brush  top with reserved egg mixture. Bake at 375 F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes.  Serve warm.

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

Mushroom and Onion Gratins

1 lb. Mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 C. All-purpose flour
2 lg. Onions (about 1 3/4 pounds), sliced very thin
6 tsp. Heavy cream
1 C. Grated Gruyère
1/4 C. Fresh fine bread crumbs

 

In a skillet cook the mushrooms in 2 1/2 tsp. of the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until they are softened and most of the liquid they give off has evaporated. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. In each of six 1 1/2-cup gratin dishes layer the onions, the remaining butter, cut into bits, the mushroom mixture, and salt and pepper to taste, beginning and ending with a layer of onions, and pour 1 tsp. of the cream over the top of each gratin. In a small bowl combine well the Gruyère and the bread crumbs and sprinkle the mixture over the cream. (Alternatively, the gratin, layered in the same manner, may be prepared in one 2-quart gratin dish.) Bake the gratins in the middle of a preheated 325°F. oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the onions are tender and the tops are golden. The gratins may be prepared 3 hours in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated in a preheated 400°F. oven for 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

 

Bloody Aztec

Bloody Aztec

1 1/2 oz tequila

1 1/2 oz creme de cacao

3/4 oz. red food coloring

Rocks glass

Cocktail shaker

Ice

 

Pour tequila and creme de cacao into a cocktail shaker.

Add ice to cocktail shaker and mix.

Pour red food coloring into the bottom of the rocks glass.

Pour the contents in the cocktail shaker into the the rocks glass. Do not stir.

 

Crock Pot Barbecue

Crock Pot Barbecue

3 lbs. chuck roast or stew meat

1 (14 oz.) bottle ketchup

1 lb. brown sugar

1 med. onion, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper or to taste

Dash of garlic powder to taste, optional

 

Put ketchup into crock pot.  Fill empty bottle to 1/2 full with water and add to pot.  Add onion and seasonings.  Mix well.  Trim fat from roast and cut into chunks.  Put into pot.  Set pot on low and cook all day.

 

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Bloody Bull

Bloody Bull

1 oz. vodka

1/2 glass tomato juice

1/2 glass beef bouillon

1 slice lime

1 lemon wedge

 

Coat the rim with seasoned salt. Pour vodka, tomato juice, and beef bouillon over ice in a highball glass and stir. Add the slice of lime and the wedge of lemon and an olive and serve.

 

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Honey Lime Chicken

Honey Lime Chicken

1/3 C. lime juice

3 T. honey

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. lite soy sauce

4 4-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Place chicken in bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or longer, if possible).  Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill. Remove chicken from marinade and cook over medium heat until done.

 

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