Italian Wedding Salad

Italian Wedding Salad

 

6 ounces orzo pasta

chicken broth or water

32 frozen meatballs, thawed

1/2 C. Italian dressing

1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped

1 (6 ounce) package baby spinach leaves

1/4 C. chopped walnuts, toasted

salt and pepper

grated parmesan cheese (to garnish)

 

Cook the orzo in the chicken broth or water as directed on package. Drain well. In a Dutch oven, combine the thawed meatballs and Italian dressing. Cook over medium heat to heat balls through. Stir in the drained orzo, chopped artichoke hearts, spinach leaves and toasted walnuts. Heat and stir until spinach is wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

 

3/4 C. butter room temperature

2/3 C. granulated sugar

2/3 C. brown sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 C. 100% pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

2 1/4 C. AP flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

 

4 T. unsalted butter room temperature

6 oz. cream cheese room temperature

2 1/2 – 3 C. powdered sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

 

Preheat oven to 375F. Line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mat, set aside. This would also be a great time to brown the butter and place it in the fridge! See first step in frosting below.  In the bowl or a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla on medium speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add pumpkin and eggs and mix on medium speed until combined.  In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.  Drop heaping T. of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the top springs back when touched. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

 

Place the butter in a light-colored skillet or saucepan and melt over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The butter will start to foam and turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. You’ll notice brown specks after about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl. Place in refrigerator until solid. Remove butter and let it warm up slightly. Place in the bowl of a standing mixer (or a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer) and beat on medium-high speed until creamy. Add cream cheese and continue mixing on medium-high until combined. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Mix on low until powdered sugar is incorporated, then turn the speed up to high and beat for 1 – 2 minutes. Spread onto cooled cookies and enjoy!

Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage and Sweet Peppers

Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage and Sweet Peppers

 

1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 green bell peppers, chopped

8 ounces farfalle pasta

1/2 C. beef broth

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. While pasta is cooking, cook sausage and peppers in large skillet over medium heat until sausage is brown and juices run clear. Drain sausage mixture and return it to the pan. Pour in the broth, season with black pepper and bring to a boil. Toss pasta with sausage sauce and serve.

The Best Hot Dog You Will Ever Eat

The Best Hot Dog You Will Ever Eat

The Best Hot Dog You Will Ever Eat (JDawgs Special Sauce Copycat)

 

3/4 C. ketchup

3/4 C. brown sugar

1 T. BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays)

1/4 C. honey

1 tsp. cider vinegar

1 and 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. onion powder

dash black pepper

 

large all-beef or Polish hot dogs (Costco has the best!)

large buns (The ones at Costco fit perfectly)

butter

white onions

sauerkraut

pickles

banana peppers

 

To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and set over high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture barely starts to bubble, then remove from heat. Let cool completely. I like it to be room temperature, but you can chill it if you want. When you are ready to cook the hot dogs, set your grill to medium heat. Use a sharp serrated knife to make diagonal cuts in the hot dog a little more than halfway through. You want the cuts to make large W’s all the way down the dog. See photos. Grill the dogs until they are as black as you want them. Should take about 3-5 minutes per side. Don’t forget to flip them halfway. The dogs will curl into a smiley face because of the cuts. It’s because they’re so happy that you get to eat them. Butter the inside of the buns and place on the grill. Leave them for just a minute or so, until they get slightly crispy on the edges. Don’t overdo it or the bun will turn stale. Place the hot dog in the bun and top with tons of special sauce and any other desired toppings. If you are not eating right away, you can wrap the dog and the bun in foil to keep warm, like they do at JDawgs.

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

 

2 T. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 large clove of garlic, minced

1 T. curry

1 T. tomato paste

15 oz can of chick peas drained, reserving 3 T. liquid

1/2 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

 Fresh black pepper

Crushed red pepper, optional to taste

1 T. margarine

 

Heat oil on medium high heat. Fry onions until slightly browned. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, curry, and paste. Stir and simmer about 2 minutes. Add chick peas, liquid, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add red pepper to taste. Add margarine, stirring through to melt it. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes more or until peas are softened and dish is hot. Serve over rice.

 

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich

1 egg

1 3/4 C. plus 2 T. water

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

8 slices egg bread (challah works well), sliced 1/2-inch thick

8 thin slices ham

8 thin slices turkey

8 thin slices Swiss cheese

3 C. canola oil

Confectioners’ sugar

Blackberry preserves

 

Line a cookie sheet with paper towels; set aside. Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of bowl. On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey, and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally. Heat oil to between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F in a 10-inch pan. Do not let the oil reach a higher temperature than this; if the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down. Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil. Repeat with the other sandwich half. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the other three sandwiches. Cook one at a time and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.

Curried Chicken with Noodles

Curried Chicken with Noodles

 

4 boneless , skinless chicken breast halves cut in thin slices.

1 medium onion, chopped

3/4 C. roasted, unsalted peanuts, divided

2 cloves garlic

1 piece (about 1-inch) ginger, peeled

2 tsp. vegetable oil

2 T. curry powder

1 C. coconut milk

1 1/2 C. chicken broth

2 tsp. lemon zest

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 pound fettuccini pasta

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C. chopped scallions

1/4 C. grated coconut, toasted

 

In bowl of food processor, place onion, 1/4 C. of the peanuts, garlic and ginger; pulse until paste is formed. In a large nonstick frypan over medium heat, place vegetable oil. Add onion paste and cook 1 minute. stirring. Stir in curry powder; cook 1 minute. Whisk in coconut milk, chicken broth, lemon zest and cinnamon stick. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon and stir in sliced chicken; simmer 7 minutes. While chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium high heat. Add fettuccini and cook for about 4 minutes; drain. Place pasta in serving bowl; add chicken, sauce and salt; toss. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 C. chopped peanuts and coconut. Makes 4 servings.

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

Rainbow Rose Vegetable Tart

1 roll puff pastry

15 ounces ricotta cheese

2 eggs

3 ounces parmesan cheese

1 pinch nutmeg

1 pinch salt

2 T. olive oil

1 T. oregano

1/2 C. mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 large multi-colored carrots

2 zucchini

 

Unfold a puff pastry sheet over a tart pan. Place parchment paper or foil in the center and weight it down with beans or pie weight. Bake the tart base in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper. Let it cool. In a bowl, add the eggs, ricotta, grated parmesan cheese, grated nutmeg and pinch of salt. Add the mozzarella and oregano. Mix everything up until smooth. Slice strips of zucchini and carrots length-wise using a potato peeler or a mandolin. Place the slices in a bowl and cook in the microwave for 1 minute. This step will soften the slices and make them much easier to roll. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the tart base. Take one slice of a vegetable and roll it up very tightly – this will form the core of the rose. Take another slice and keep rolling. With around 2-3 slices you should obtain a decent-size rose bud. Place the bud in the center of the tart, pushing it down into the cheese. Keep rolling roses of different colors and place them one next to the other in a spiral formation. Brush olive oil on top of the vegetables and bake the tart at 375 degrees F for 50 minutes

Pluot Tart

Pluot Tart

 

 

9-inch square puff pastry (half of a 17.3-oz. package)

2 T. apricot jam

1 pound (2 or 3) pluots, rinsed and cut into thin wedges (try “flavor grenade” in late august-September)

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 T. turbinado sugar

 

Lay puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut square in half to make two rectangles; save one for another use. With a floured rolling pin, roll out one rectangle to 7 by 14 inches. Transfer to a buttered 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. Brush all but a 1-inch border of dough with the apricot jam. Lay two rows of overlapping pluot wedges over jam. Brush edges of dough with egg and fold, pinching corners to seal. Brush edges of tart with egg. Sprinkle fruit with sugar. Bake in a 375° oven until pastry is browned and pluots are tender when pierced, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool.

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

Baby Heirloom Tomato Burrata Pizza with Basil Pesto

3/4 c. warm water

1 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. honey

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 T. olive oil

 

1 c. fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. pine nuts, finely chopped

1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese

zest of 1/2 a lemon

juice of 1/2 a lemon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 T. olive oil, divided

1/2 lb. baby heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced

2 balls (8 oz.) burrata cheese

extra grated parm

extra chopped fresh basil for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 450℉. Begin by making the dough. Add warm water, yeast, and honey to a large bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form at the top. Add both flours, salt, and olive oil and stir until it starts to form a dough. Work it together using your hands onto a clean, dry countertop dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Form dough into a ball and place back in bowl and cover with a dish towel. Set aside. Make the garlic oil. Heat 3 T. of olive oil over medium heat and add half of the chopped garlic. Sauté, swirling the pan around frequently, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. Make the pesto. Combine basil, the remaining half of the chopped garlic, the pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper, and remaining T. of olive oil in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Lightly flour the countertop. Turn the dough out onto the countertop and use heel of your hand to press and stretch the dough out into a large rectangle shape (or circle if you have a pizza stone) until it’s about a 1/4-inch thick or less. If you want a super thin crust, you can use a rolling pin, but it isn’t necessary. Put the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet (I also rubbed the parchment with a little olive oil). Brush with about half of the garlic oil. Next, tear the balls of burrata into pieces onto the pizza dough. Then, lay the tomatoes on top. Next, sprinkle on the pesto. Top it with a little extra grated parm. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden around the edges and the cheese starts to get bubbly and golden too. Mine was perfect at 24 minutes. Let cool for several minutes before slicing. Top with extra chopped fresh basil and enjoy!

Agua Fresca Parade

Agua Fresca Parade

Melon Agua Fresca

 

5 C. cubed peeled, seeded melon (from about 3 lb. melon; see notes)

1/2 to 3/4 C. sugar

1/3 to 1/2 C. lime juice

 

In a blender, whirl melon, 1/2 C. sugar, and 1 C. water until very smooth. Pour into a large pitcher (at least 3 qt.). Whisk in 1/3 C. lime juice, 7 C. water, and more sugar and lime juice to taste. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. Serve over ice.

 

 

 

Strawberry Agua Fresca

 

4 C. water

1/3 C. sugar

6 C. hulled strawberries

1/4 C. fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

 

Combine water and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves. Place strawberries in a blender, and process until smooth. Combine the sugar mixture, strawberry puree, and juice; stir well.

 

 

 

Strawberry-Mint Agua Fresca

 

4 C. quartered fresh strawberries (about 2 pints)

6 C. cold water, divided

1/4 C. sugar

2 T. chopped fresh mint

4 tsp. fresh lime juice

 

Combine strawberries, 2 C. water, sugar, and mint in a blender; process 2 minutes or until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Add remaining 4 C. water and juice; refrigerate. Serve over ice.

 

 

 

Papaya Agua Fresca

 

5 C. cubed ripe Mexican papaya (from about 3 lb. papaya; see notes)

1/2 to 3/4 C. sugar

1/3 to 1/2 C. lime juice

 

In a blender, whirl papaya, 1/2 C. sugar, and 1 C. water until very smooth. Pour into a large pitcher (at least 3 qt.). Whisk in 1/3 C. lime juice, 7 C. water, and more sugar and lime juice to taste. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. Serve over ice.

 

 

 

Berry-Melon Agua Fresca

 

2 C. peeled honeydew melon chunks (see notes)

1 C. sliced fresh strawberries

1 C. fresh raspberries

About 1/3 C. sugar

About 1/3 C. fresh lime juice

 

In a blender, combine fruit and 2 C. cold water. Whirl until puréed and add sugar and lime juice to taste. Pour mixture through a strainer into a serving pitcher. Serve cold.

 

 

 

 

Orange-Mango Agua Fresca

 

3 pounds firm-ripe mangoes

4 C. orange juice

1/2 C. lightly packed fresh mint leaves, rinsed and drained

About 1/4 C. lemon juice

Ice cubes

Mint sprigs

 

Cut and discard pits and peel from mangoes. Cut fruit into chunks. In a blender or food processor, in batches, whirl the mangoes, orange juice, mint leaves, and 5 C. water until smoothly puréed; pour into a pitcher. Stir in 1/4 C. lemon juice, or to taste. Pour agua fresca into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs.

 

 

 

Watermelon Agua Fresca

 

4 C. cubed seeded watermelon, divided

4 C. water

2 T. sugar

2 T. fresh lime juice

 

Finely chop 2 C. of watermelon, and set aside. Place remaining 2 C. watermelon in a blender; process until smooth. Pour pureed watermelon through a sieve into a pitcher, and discard solids. Add water, sugar, and lime juice; stir until sugar dissolves. Stir in the chopped watermelon. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Pomegranate Glazed Shrimp

Pomegranate Glazed Shrimp

Pomegranate Glazed Shrimp

1 T. butter

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 clove garlic, minced

2 C. pomegranate juice

¼ C. white sugar

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and cleaned (keep the tails on)

3 T. butter

Kosher salt

Serve with steamed Jasmine rice

 

In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes and cook on low for about 2 minutes. Add the pomegranate juice and whisk in the sugar. Simmer the mixture until the mixture thickens and reduces to half. Add the balsamic and keep cooking until a syrup forms and totals about ½ C., about 15 minutes Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add the butter. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt on both sides. Cook the shrimp on high heat so that they get golden and crispy on the outside and are just cooked through on the inside, (about 1 minute on each side.) Transfer the shrimp to the warm glaze and stir the shrimp to coat the shrimp. Transfer the shrimp to the top of a bowl of rice and top with extra glaze if desired.

Northwest Clam Chowder with Oyster Mushrooms

Northwest Clam Chowder with Oyster Mushrooms

 

3 pounds Manila, Pacific littleneck, Washington butter, or other small hard-shell clams

4 C. water

6 bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium onion, diced

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 C. half-and-half

1 tsp. coarse salt

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 C. loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

4 ounces fresh oyster mushrooms, separated into pieces

Garnish: fresh oyster mushrooms

Garnish: fresh oyster mushrooms

Preparation

 

Wash clams thoroughly, discarding any opened shells; place in a stockpot. Add 4 C. water; cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 5 minutes or until shells open, discarding any unopened clams. Remove clams with a slotted spoon, and place in a large bowl. Cool. Remove clam meat from shell, reserving any juice. Coarsely chop clams, and set aside. Pour liquid through a wire-mesh strainer into a 4-C. liquid measuring C., discarding solids. Reserve 3 C. liquid. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp; remove bacon, reserving 2 T. drippings in pan. Add onion and thyme, and sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add potatoes, 3 C. reserved clam liquid, half-and-half, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 7 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in bacon, clams, parsley, and separated mushrooms; serve immediately. Garnish with fresh oyster mushrooms.

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

Spring Leek Soup with Gruyere Toasts

2 T. butter

3 large leeks white and light green parts, sliced in half longwise, rinsed and thinly sliced crosswise

pinch fine sea salt

4 C. chicken stock

pinch ground white pepper

1/2 Meyer Lemon juice and zest

4, 1/2- inch slices crusty bread toasted

3 ounces Gruyere cheese shredded

1 green onion thinly sliced (for garnish)

 

Preheat broiler. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and a pinch of sea salt, to help sweat out the liquid. Cook and stir until leeks are tender but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add stock and white pepper, bring to boil. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Ladle soup into 4 broiler-safe serving bowls. Place one slice of toasted bread over each serving, pressing it down to submerge. Divide cheese evenly, sprinkling it over each toast. Place bowls under broiler and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, garnish each serving with green onion. Serve.

Down Home Milk & Honey Corn on the Cob

Down Home Milk & Honey Corn on the Cob

Down Home Milk & Honey Corn on the Cob

8-10 ears of fresh shucked, and well rinsed sweet corn

water

1 C. of 2 % or whole milk

1/2 C. of heavy cream

1 stick of unsalted butter

3 T. of honey

1 tsp. of Cajun or Creole seasoning

freshly ground salt & pepper to taste

chopped parsley for garnish

 

Fill a stock pot half full of water. To the pot add the milk, cream, butter, honey, Cajun or Creole seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste. Whisk everything together until evenly incorporated. Add in the corn cobs, whole or cut to size. Heat the pot over low heat to warm the milk and melt butter. Turn the heat up just below medium, careful not to let milk mixture actually come to a boil. Allow the corn to slowly simmer in the milk mixture for 10-12 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and using tongs remove the corn from the milk and honey mixture. Let the corn rest one minute and serve immediately.

Sausage Cups

Sausage Cups

1 pound Sausage

1 package Won Ton Wrappers

1 C. Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded

1 C. Cheddar Cheese, shredded

½ C. Ranch Dressing

 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Crumble sausage into medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Drain. Spray mini muffin tins and insert won ton wrappers to form a small C.. Bake 5 minutes in preheated oven. Allow wrappers to cool. Mix sausage, cheeses and ranch dressing together. Fill won ton wrappers. Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Copycat Trader Joe’s Crackers with Raisins and Rosemary

Copycat Trader Joe’s Crackers with Raisins and Rosemary

Copycat Trader Joe’s Crackers with Raisins and Rosemary

 

1/2 C. raisins or currants

1/2 C. unsalted sunflower seeds

1/4 C. almonds

1/2 C. each white and whole wheat flour

1 1/2 T. fresh rosemary chopped

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 C. buttermilk

1 1/2 T. maple syrup

extra salt for top

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray one large bread loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine raisins, seeds, and almonds in a small bowl. Stir to combine – seeds and nuts will coat fruit and decrease stickiness. In a large bowl, combine flours, rosemary, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and syrup. Mix in fruit, nuts, and seeds. Pour batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle top with salt. Bake 35 minutes until top is firm. Let bread come to room temperature. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight. The cold bread helps with thinner slicing. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove bread from freezer. Let sit 10 minutes to thaw slightly. With a serrated knife, cut 1/8-inch slices. Slices should be as uniform as possible. Place slices cut side down on an ungreased pan. Bake 8-10 minutes until crackers are a deep golden brown and corners start to crisp. Let cool before breaking in half. Crackers can be stored up to five days in airtight container or bag.

Jalapeno Party Mix

Jalapeno Party Mix

2 C. chili cheese Fritos corn chips

2 C. Cheez-It crackers

2 C. small pretzels

2 C. bite-size bagel chips

1 1/2 C. sesame sticks (I used cajun flavor)

1 C. roasted shelled peanuts

1 C. corn nuts (soy nuts ok)

1/2 C. sunflower seed (without shells)

6 T. butter

1/4 C. Tabasco jalapeno sauce

2 T. hot pepper sauce (I used Franks)

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 T. dried parsley flakes

 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine Fritos, Cheez-Its, pretzels, bagel chips, sesame sticks, peanuts, corn nuts, and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl. In a small skillet or saucepan, combine butter, jalapeno sauce, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne, whisking until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle butter mixture over snack mix, tossing to combine, and trying to mix evenly. Toss with the parsley flakes to evenly combine. Spread snack mix on a large shallow baking pan and place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour (or until mixture is dry and crisp), stirring every 10 minutes to promote even drying. Remove from oven; cool, and store in an airtight container.

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage

1 large head of cabbage roughly chopped

8 slices thick cut bacon diced

1 yellow onion {I like Vidalia} diced

2 T. butter optional

salt and black pepper to taste

 

Add diced bacon to a large sauté pan and cook over medium heat until crispy. Do not drain. Add onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5 minutes. Add cabbage, half at a time if you need to, and mix with the bacon and onions. Cook until it is softened. If you want to add even more flavor add a couple T. of butter and stir until combined. Season with salt and black pepper.

Wasabi Party Mix

Wasabi Party Mix

5 C. purchased wasabi-flavored dehydrated peas

4 C. bite-size toasted rice cracker mix

4 C. sesame sticks

4 C. honey-roasted peanuts

2 C. shredded coconut

 

In a bowl combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container  until ready to serve.  Mixture can be made ahead and stored at room temperature up to  weeks or in the freezer up to 4 months.

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

1 medium cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto

20 small mozzarella balls (ciliegine)

For serving, optional:

Chopped fresh parsley

Balsamic reduction

 

Onto small cocktail skewers, thread prosciutto, mozzarella and melon cubes. Place on a serving platter.  Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately after drizzling with balsamic reduction, if using.

Mix 1 C. Balsamic Vinegar with ½ C. brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until glaze is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon. Let cool and pour into a jar with a lid; store in refrigerator.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes

3 medium, firm green tomatoes

1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 C. milk

2 beaten eggs

2/3 C. fine dry bread crumbs or cornmeal

1/4 C. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with salt and pepper. Let tomato slices stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes. Heat 2 T. of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip tomato slices in milk, then flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs. In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 minutes on each side or until brown. As you cook the rest of the tomatoes, add olive oil as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

4 medium beets – scrubbed, trimmed and cut in half

1/3 C. chopped walnuts

3 T. maple syrup

1 (10 ounce) package mixed baby salad greens

1/2 C. frozen orange juice concentrate

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil

2 ounces goat cheese

 

Place beets into a saucepan, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender. Drain and cool, then cut in to cubes.  While the beets are cooking, place the walnuts in a skillet over medium-low heat. Heat until warm and starting to toast, then stir in the maple syrup. Cook and stir until evenly coated, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice concentrate, balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing.  Place a large helping of baby greens onto each of four salad plates, divide candied walnuts equally and sprinkle over the greens. Place equal amounts of beets over the greens, and top with dabs of goat cheese. Drizzle each plate with some of the dressing.

Lemon & Sun-Dried Tomato Brussels Sprouts

Lemon & Sun-Dried Tomato Brussels Sprouts

Lemon & Sun-Dried Tomato Brussels Sprouts

1 lb. brussels sprouts

1 T. olive oil

¼ tsp. Salt

Few cracks of pepper

1/4 C. lemon juice

1/2 C. water

¼ C. sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped

1 tsp. Dijon (whole grain or regular)

1 tsp. arrowroot + 1 T. cold water

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with foil. Chop off the bottom of the brussels sprouts and then slice each one in half and place them on the cookie sheet. Pour olive oil on top and toss to coat. Then sprinkle on salt and pepper, toss again and shake the pan so they fall into a single layer. Roast for 18-20 minutes or until the ends get a little burnt and toasted.

While those are cooking, place a skillet over medium high heat. Add water, lemon juice and sun-dried tomatoes and bring to a boil. Once it is boiling, add arrowroot + water mixture and stir vigorously as it will seize up quickly! Add Dijon and season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick add a little extra water. Place cooked brussels sprouts in a bowl and then toss with about ¼ C. of sauce.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Beet Greens, Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Mint

Roasted Butternut Squash with Beet Greens, Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Mint

4 butternut squash

2 T. olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 C. beet greens

3/4 C. walnuts

1/4 C. roughly chopped fresh mint leaves

1 C. crumbled goat cheese

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.   Peel and cut butternut squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Place on 2 sheet trays, drizzle with olive oil and 1 tsp. salt and distribute evenly. Place in oven and bake until softened and golden.  Wash beet greens and de-stem and chiffonade greens. Toast walnuts in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Remove squash from the oven and toss in beet greens, mint and goat cheese. Top with toasted walnuts. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve warm.

 

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes

1/2 C. finely grated Parmesan cheese with a sand consistency

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. olive oil

1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved (1.5-2-inch diameter; approx 20-22 potatoes)

 

sour cream or Greek yogurt (or a half-and-half mixture)

chopped scallions or chives

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  In small bowl, combine grated cheese, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring with fork until mixed.  Pour olive oil into 9×13 glass baking dish. Tilt dish around until olive oil evenly coats entire bottom.  Carefully and evenly sprinkle cheese mixture over bottom of pan. (Don’t dump it in and then try to spread it out. Once it touches the olive oil, it becomes almost impossible to spread the cheese out evenly–it will clump. It works better to sprinkle slowly and evenly over the entire surface so that no spreading is necessary.)  Arrange potatoes in a single layer, cut side down, on top of cheese mixture. Press down to ensure potatoes are flat and in contact with cheese layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cheese is browned and potatoes are soft when pressed or pierced with fork. Remove from oven and leave potatoes to rest in pan for 5 minutes. Remove potatoes from pan using a small spatula, being careful to keep the cheese layer intact on the cut side of potato. (Use a paring knife to cut cheese between the potatoes, if necessary.) Arrange on serving platter cheese side up. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt, (or a half-and-half mixture) sprinkled with chopped scallions or chives, if desired.

Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing

Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing

1 T. salt

1 medium head cauliflower (about 9 C. when trimmed)

1/4 C. cilantro or parsley

1 T. minced garlic

1-2 T. olive oil

Zest and juice from 1 lemon (about 1/4 C. juice)

1 tsp. salt (more to taste)

1 tomato, chopped

 

Bring to boil water (enough to just cover cauliflower) and salt to a boil. Clean cauliflower, cutting into bite-size pieces. Add cauliflower, cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Drain and return to pan.  Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients (except tomato) in a blender or small food processor. Pour over cooked, drained cauliflower. Add tomato. Toss until cauliflower and tomato are evenly coated with dressing.

 

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 C. (or more) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1/2 C. (or more) toffee bits

sliced apples, pears, pretzels for serving (at least 4-5 apples)

 

Place cream cheese on a serving dish. If you’d like, shape into a round and indent in the center to hold more caramel. Pour as much caramel sauce as you want evenly over cream cheese. Sprinkle with a generous helping of toffee bits. Serve with sliced apples, pears, or pretzels.

Truffled Devilled Eggs

Truffled Devilled Eggs

12 whole eggs hard-boiled and split lengthwise. Whites and yolks separated. 

1/2 C. mayonnaise

2 T. chives, minced

1/4 Tsp. dry mustard

1/4 Tsp. truffle oil

1 black truffle, minced & peeled 

salt & pepper to taste 

1 T. snipped chives

 

Mix egg yolks with Mayo and chives and remaining ingredients, except egg whites. Mash with a fork until mixture is creamy. Fit a pastry bag with a star tip and fill bag with egg mixture. Pipe yolks into the egg whites (A plastic sandwich bag can be used with a corner cut off if no pastry bag is available.). Garnish with snipped chives. Makes 24 eggs.

Sweet & Tangy Watermelon Salad

Sweet & Tangy Watermelon Salad

 

2 T. rice vinegar

2 1/2 tsp. sugar

2 C. diced seeded watermelon

2 C. diced cucumber

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 C. unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, toasted (see Tip) and coarsely chopped

 

Stir together vinegar and sugar in a medium bowl until the sugar almost dissolves. Add watermelon, cucumber and cilantro; toss gently to combine. Just before serving, sprinkle with peanuts. Tip: To toast nuts: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Black Olive and Blue Cheese Bread Spirals

Black Olive and Blue Cheese Bread Spirals

Nonstick cooking spray

1package (11 ounces) refrigerated French bread dough

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. dried red pepper flakes (optional)

1/3 C. finely chopped green onions

1/3 C. chopped pitted black olives (about 12 large)

1/4 C. finely chopped green bell pepper

1/4 C. crumbled blue cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Unroll bread dough on clean work surface. Sprinkle evenly with oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Top with olives, onions and bell pepper. Sprinkle cheese over top. Roll up dough; gently transfer to prepared baking sheet. Using serrated knife, cut 4 to 5 slits in loaf top. Bake 25 minutes or until deep golden in color. Remove bread to wire rack; cool completely. Lightly spray top of loaf with cooking spray. Note These spirals may be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

 

1 1/2 C. butter, softened to room temperature

2 C. sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond extract

5 C. flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

 

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 C. butter, softened to room temperature

5 C. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

dash of salt

Food coloring (optional)

2-3 tsp. milk if needed

 

Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat till well blended. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and stir till well combined. Press into a 17″ x 12″ rimmed baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until barely light brown. Cool completely, then frost. Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl till smooth. Add powdered sugar, extracts, salt, and food coloring. Beat till smooth and creamy, adding milk as needed. Top with sprinkles if desired.

Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1 C. granulated sugar

1/2 C. butter

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour, unbleached

1 3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 C. milk

8 ounces strawberry preserves, all-fruit if possible

Frosting:

2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 C. milk

1/3 C. granulated sugar

1/3 C. confectioners’ sugar

2 T. butter, softened

24 strawberries, fresh

 

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Spoon batter into the prepared C.. Carefully drop 1 T. of preserves onto top of batter. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cake is done when it springs back to the touch. Let cool. To make frosting; Combine milk and granulated sugar; beat until sugar dissolves. Beat butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add milk mixture and beat well. Add icing sugar and beat until fluffy. Fill a piping bag and decorate the cooled C.cakes. You can also bring a zip-closed bag filled with icing, snip the corner at the picnic and decorate there. Keep the strawberries in cooler until ready to serve. To make these patriotic, dot C.cakes with blueberries in addition to the strawberry.

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

3/4 C. maraschino cherries, finely chopped (about half of a 16oz jar)

3/4 C. soft butter

1 C. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

2 1/2 C. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

 

4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 C. butter, softened

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. almond extract

dash of salt

2 1/2 – 3 C. powdered sugar

 

For bars: Drain cherries well. Chop and set aside. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Add flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir till combined. Fold in the cherries. Press dough into a well-greased 9×13″ pan. (I like to line mine with foil first.) Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or till very lightly brown on the edges. Cool bars completely, then frost with cream cheese frosting. Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter till smooth and creamy. Beat in vanilla, almond extract, salt, and enough powdered sugar to make a spreadable frosting. Spread on bars

Tabouleh Wraps

Tabouleh Wraps

Traditional parsley bulgur salad

 

3/4 C. bulgur or cracked wheat, fine

2 C. water, cold

2 C. fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 C. green onion, sliced

1/4 C. fresh mint, chopped

1/4 C. olive oil, extra virgin

2 T. lemon juice, fresh

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

2 tomatoes, seeded, diced fine

8 large lettuce leaves, washed, and, if desired, blanched

 

Place bulgur in a bowl and cover with the cold water. Leave to soak for 30-40 minutes. Drain through a fine sieve, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract water. Spread on a cloth and leave to dry further. Put bulgur into a mixing bowl and add onions. Squeeze mixture with hands to make bulgur absorb onion flavor. Add coarsely chopped parsley and mint. Whisk olive oil with lemon juice and stir in salt and pepper. Add to salad and toss well. Gently stir diced tomato into salad. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. To serve, spoon salad onto leaves and roll like a soft taco. Soft leaf or Boston lettuce works very well with this dish. If using a hearty leaf such as chard, mustard green or kale, be sure to blanch the leaves by briefly dropping them into boiling, then cold water, to soften them.

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

 

2 pears, cored and cut into two dozen slices

1/2 C. goat cheese

2 T. pistachio pieces

2 T. cranberries

1 T. orange or lemon juice

 

Toss sliced pears in orange or lemon juice to keep from browning. Spread goat cheese on the widest part of each slice and top with some cranberries and pistachio pieces. Alternatively, you can mix goat cheese, cranberries and pistachio pieces in a bowl and spread on each pear slice.

May Wine

May Wine

May Wine

1 bottle of chilled german white wine

a small handful (about 8 sprigs) of fresh sweet woodruff

8-10 fresh strawberries, sliced

 

Put the sweet woodruff and strawberries in a carafe, pour in the wine, cover and allow to steep for anywhere from 2 hours to overnight…the longer it sits, the more the sweet, fresh flavor develops. Serve chilled.

Hibiscus Cherry Iced Tea

Hibiscus Cherry Iced Tea

When kids see this tea, they think it’s Kool-Aid and drink it up. If you make it with a caffeine-free tea, you have a fantastically healthy drink that kids love. To make the tea cool quickly, use 1 quart less water and add enough ice cubes to make up the difference. Packed with vitamin C from the hibiscus, it also has flavinoids from the tea, black cherry juice, and high levels of anthocyanins and other antioxidants.

 

Makes about 1 gallon

 

1/4 C. hibiscus flowers

 8 jasmine tea bags

 1-2 C. pure black cherry juice

 1 lemon, thinly sliced

 3 quarts water

ice

 

*Hibiscus flowers can be purchased at many Mexican grocery stores and health food stores that sell bulk spices.

 

Place 3 quarts water in pot and add hibiscus. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10-15 minutes. Add tea bags, bring to a boil again for 8 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with cherry juice to taste. Cool. Pour over ice and garnish with lemons.

Pork Marsala with Mushrooms & Shallots

Pork Marsala with Mushrooms & Shallots

Pork Marsala with Mushrooms & Shallots

 

1 lb boneless center cut pork chops (on the thin side)

2 thinly sliced shallots

2 chopped garlic cloves

1 box pre sliced baby bella mushrooms

1/2 C. Marsala wine

1/2 C. chicken stock

about 2 T. olive oil

about 2 T. butter

about 1/3 C. all purpose flour

about 1 tsp. of garlic powder

about 1/2 tsp. of Kosher salt and ground pepper

fresh thyme

Dijon Mustard, optional

 

On a plate or shallow bowl add flour, garlic powder and salt and pepper-mix. Toss your pork in the mixture to coat all sides and tap off the excess. In a sauté pan or similar add butter and oil to a medium high heat, when butter is melted, add pork. Add pork to pan and cook, flipping over one time when sides get golden brown. Lower the heat to medium-lowish and add your mushrooms, shallots, and garlic to the pan. Use tongs to toss them around so they are touching the pan. Add in your Marsala wine and chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the bits at the bottom of the pan. Add in fresh thyme (about a tsp.-T.) Cover the pan and let cook for about 7-8 minutes Optional- add in about a tsp. of Dijon Mustard (pork and mustard are a match made in heaven) and let cook for another 3-4 minutes uncovered It will be ready when the sauce has thickened into a gravy.