Winter Garden Salad

Winter Garden Salad

Winter Garden Salad

 

1 head small cauliflower

3 stalks broccoli

1 small red onion, chopped

1 C. mayonnaise

2 T. honey

2 T. vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

Minced parsley

 

Pull apart or slice cauliflower and broccoli into bite-size flowerets.  Some of the tender stalks of the broccoli may be diced and used also.  Combine mayonnaise, honey, vinegar and salt and pour over vegetables.  Stir to blend thoroughly.  Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 24 hours.  Serve garnished with minced parsley.   Keeps well in refrigerator for several days.

Caesar Steak

Caesar Steak

1/4 C. Parmesan cheese                            

1/8 C. extra-virgin olive oil                            

2 T. Dijon mustard (from France)               

2 cloves garlic, minced                                        

1 T. Worcestershire sauce                             

1 tsp. ground black pepper                                 

1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar                                    

1/4 tsp. salt                                                             

1/4 tsp. Tobasco sauce

1  1-1/2 lb. thick sirloin steak, boneless

 

Whisk together Caesar marinade in a bowl. Pat steak dry and place in a flat glass dish. Spread half of marinade onto bottom of dish, add steak, and put remaining marinade on top. Refrigerate for several hours.  Broil steak in oven, or grill on barbecue, turning half-way through until meat is cooked as desired.

Ostrich with Tequila Marinated Roasted Red Bell Peppers

Ostrich with Tequila Marinated Roasted Red Bell Peppers

Ostrich with Tequila Marinated Roasted Red Bell Peppers

 

3 oz clarified butter

8 (3 oz) ostrich medallions

Flour as needed

3 oz Tequila

1-1 1/2 T. canned green pepper corns

4 oz. Reserved marinade (from roasted pepper recipe below)

1 tsp. Pepper

1 T. salt

3 oz whole butter

1-1 1/2 C. ostrich demi-glace (or stock)

4 T. Chopped shallots

 

Lightly pound ostrich to achieve uniform size pieces 3/8 inch thick. Moisten meat with 1 oz. Tequila. Dredge lightly in flour seasoned lightly with white pepper. Sauté the medallions in clarified butter to rare to medium-rare. Undercook slightly. Remove and hold in warm place.  Sauté the shallots and add green pepper corns. Deglaze the pan with remaining Tequila, add demi-glace and reserve marinade and reduce by half. Swirl in better until melted.  Adjust seasonings and serve the medallions with the sauce.

 

Tequila Marinated Roasted Red Bell Pepper

 

8 flame-roasted and peeled bell peppers cut into 1/2 inch strips

5 oz. Vegetable oil

2 oz. Tequila

3 garlic cloves, diced

3 T. finely chopped herbs of choice

 

Combine all ingredients in a stainless steel container and marinade for 24 hours.

Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad

Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad

2 T. of butter

2 T. of extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves crushed

2 C. 1 inch Italian, or French bread cubes, lightly toasted

1 roasted head garlic (see directions at bottom)

2 anchovy fillets, drained and minced

1/2 C. of extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. of lemon juice

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 C. of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper

2 heads Romaine lettuce

 

Combine butter with olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves and sauté for 5 minutes. Remove garlic and discard. Add toasted bread cubes and stir over medium-high heat until golden.  Remove from pan, and drain on paper towels. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves to remove from papery skins. Combine in blender with anchovies, oil, lemon juice, mustard, and Parmesan. Blend together, and add Worcestershire, salt, and pepper according to taste. Pour dressing into empty salad bowl.  Tear lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces. Add to dressing and toss thoroughly.  Add croutons and toss again. Sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired.

Minted Vegetable Medley

Minted Vegetable Medley

1 T. butter

1 lb. carrots, cut into matchsticks

2 yellow peppers, diced in 1 inch squares

½ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

6 C. water

1 lb. fresh sugar snap peas

¼ C. chopped mint

 

Melt butter in skillet over medium.  Add carrots, peppers, salt and pepper.  Cook 8-9 minutes until vegetables are tender.  Meanwhile, cook peas in boiling water for 4-6 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain.  Toss carrot mix, peas and mint together in a medium bowl.  Serve.

Spam Wontons

Spam Wontons

Spam Wontons

 

Wonton Wrappers

1 can Spam (low sodium) grated

1 can water chestnuts, chopped

6 shiitake, chopped

1/2 lb. fresh shrimps, chopped

1 egg

2 T. oyster sauce

Chopped Scallions, Green parts

Shoyu (just a drop)

Oil for deep frying

 

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Wrap about a tsp. of mixture on wonton wrapper. Deep fry.

Fettuccine with Swiss Chard, Garlic and Parmesan

Fettuccine with Swiss Chard, Garlic and Parmesan

Fettuccine with Swiss Chard, Garlic and Parmesan

3/4 lb. fettuccine

1 T. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 lbs. Swiss chard, washed

A pinch of nutmeg

2 T. low-fat sour cream

1/4 C. Parmesan cheese

 

Place a large pot of water on to boil. Add the fettuccine and cook about 12 minutes until al dente. Drain.  Meanwhile, cut the Swiss chard into 1/4-inch wide pieces.  Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over moderately high heat. Add the onions, salt and pepper and cook until the onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.  Add the chard and nutmeg to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in the low-fat sour cream.  Toss the fettuccine with the Swiss chard mixture.  Divide the fettuccine among 4 warmed serving plates and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Flank Steak with Merlot Mushrooms and Pearl Onions over Toasted Polenta

Flank Steak with Merlot Mushrooms and Pearl Onions over Toasted Polenta

Flank Steak with Merlot Mushrooms and Pearl Onions over Toasted Polenta

Cooking spray

2 flank steaks, about 1 lb. each

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. onion powder

1 (11-oz.) tube prepared polenta, plain or seasoned, sliced crosswise into 1-inch thick slices

1 T. olive oil

2 C. frozen or jarred pearl onions

2 C. cremini mushrooms, sliced

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 C. Merlot or dry red wine

 

Heat a stove-top grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat to preheat. Season both sides of flank steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place steaks on hot pan and cook 5 minutes per side for medium meat. Let steaks rest 10 minutes before slicing crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. While the steaks are cooking, season both sides of polenta with salt and black pepper. Arrange slices alongside steak for the last few minutes of cooking; cooking slices 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. While the steak and polenta are cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pearl onions and cook 3 minutes, until golden brown stirring with a spoon. Add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes, until mushrooms soften. Add thyme and cook 1 minute, until fragrant. Add wine and bring to a simmer, for 5 minutes, until sauce reduces to 1/4 C.. Serve half of the steak over toasted polenta slices with all of the onion-mushroom mixture spooned over top. Reserve remaining steak for sandwiches.

Spring Asparagus Slaw

Spring Asparagus Slaw

1 pound asparagus spears

4 C. shredded green cabbage

1 C. torn radicchio or red cabbage

1/2 C. finely shredded carrot

1/4 C. snipped fresh mint

1/4 C. snipped fresh parsley

1/4 of a small red onion, thinly sliced

2 T. olive oil

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel

1 T. lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 C. shredded Parmesan cheese

 

Snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus. If desired, scrape off scales from asparagus spears.  In a medium saucepan bring 1 inch of water to boiling. Place asparagus in steamer basket. Cover and steam asparagus over the boiling water for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and gently rinse with cool water.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl toss together cabbage, radicchio, carrot, mint, parsley, and onion. Divide asparagus spears among salad plates and top with cabbage mixture.  In a screw-top jar combine oil, vinegar, lemon peel, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. Cover and shake to combine.  Pour over cabbage mixture. Sprinkle slaw with Parmesan cheese.

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

Chive Crepes

¾ C. unbleached Flour

¼ C. whole-wheat Pastry Flour

1 T. minced fresh Chives

¼ tsp. ground White Pepper

¼ tsp. Salt

2 T. unsalted Butter, melted

2 lg. Eggs

1 lg. Egg Yolk

1 ½ C. Milk

 

Combine both flours, chives, pepper and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade.  Add melted butter, eggs and yolk, pulse twice.  With motor running, slowly add milk.  Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for 5 seconds more.  Pour batter into bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let stand in the refrigerator several hours to overnight.   To cook crepes, place 1 T. butter in a nonstick or well-seasoned 6” crepe pan and set over high heat.  When hot, add several T. of batter and quickly tilt to coat pan.  Reduce heat to medium and cook until bottom is nicely browned, about 1 minute.  Turn out onto a tea towel, repeat until all batter is used.

Best-Ever Mac and Cheese

Best-Ever Mac and Cheese

1/2 C. panko bread crumbs

1 tsp. melted butter

1/2 C. (1 stick) of butter

1/2 C. flour

5 C. of milk

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. salt

1 bay leaf

4 C. of shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided

3 C. of shredded Swiss Gruyere cheese

1 pound shells or elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions in salted water

1/2 C. of heavy cream

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions and set aside. Toss the panko bread crumbs with melted butter on a small baking pan. Toast bread crumbs at 350 until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted, then stir in the flour. Heat and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in milk. Add the dry mustard, white and cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and bay leaf. Heat and stir until boiling, then reduce heat to a low simmer and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf. Stir in 3 C. of the cheddar cheese and all the Gruyere until melted. Pour the sauce over cooked pasta in a large bowl, stirring until pasta is coated. Pour the mac and cheese into a well-buttered casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1 C. of cheddar cheese on top, and then the toasted bread crumbs. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Put under a preheated broiler for 5 minutes to brown top.

Cheese Chowder

Cheese Chowder

Cheese Chowder

 

1/4 C. Onion, finely chopped

2 T. Butter

1/4 C. Flour

2 C. Milk

13oz. Can Chicken Broth (13/4C.)

1/4 C. Carrot, finely diced

1/4 C. Celery, finely diced

1/2 C. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cubed

 

Cook Onion in butter until tender.  Blend in flour; Add remaining ingredients except cheese.  Cook and stir until bubbly and thick.  Reduce heat.  Add cheese, stir to melt.  Simmer 15 minutes.  Serves 4.

Spicy Chicken Cakes with Horseradish Aioli

Spicy Chicken Cakes with Horseradish Aioli

Cakes:

1 C. fresh bread crumbs (preferably whole-wheat)

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast

1/4 C. chopped fresh chives

3 T. low-fat mayonnaise

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

1/4 tsp. salt

2 large egg whites

2 tsp. canola oil

 

Aioli:

2 T. low-fat mayonnaise

2 tsp. prepared horseradish

1 tsp. bottled minced garlic

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Place chicken in food processor; pulse until ground. Combine chicken, chives, 3 T. mayonnaise, seasoning, 1/4 tsp. salt, egg whites, and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl; mix well (mixture will be wet). Divide mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add patties; cook 7 minutes on each side or until done. To prepare aioli, combine 2 T. mayonnaise and remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with cakes.

Flank Steak with Tomato Jam

Flank Steak with Tomato Jam

Jam:

6 large ripe tomatoes, cored and cut in half crosswise (about 4 pounds)

1/3 C. sugar

1/3 C. grated onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 jalapeño peppers, minced

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

3 T. fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp. salt

 

Steak:

1 T. grated lime rind

1/3 C. fresh lime juice

2 tsp. olive oil

2 jalapeño peppers, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds flank steak, trimmed

1/2 tsp. salt

Cooking spray

 

To prepare jam, grate tomatoes, flesh side down, over a large bowl to form 5 1/2 C. pulp; discard skins. Combine pulp, sugar, onion, 3 garlic cloves, and 2 jalapeños in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 2 1/4 C. (about 20 minutes), stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature. Stir in cilantro, 3 T. juice, and 1/4 tsp. salt. To prepare steak, combine rind, 1/3 C. juice, oil, 2 jalapeños, and 2 garlic cloves in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add steak; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally. Prepare grill. Remove steak from bag; discard marinade. Sprinkle both sides of steak evenly with 1/2 tsp. salt. Place steak on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Serve with jam. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Theme and variations: As made exactly from this recipe, this dish has lots of uses. I had mine salad-style on a bed of peppery arugula. My other half folded his between flour tortillas for a delicious soft taco. I have my eyes on the leftovers for a great steak sandwich in a toasted roll. The arugula would be great with it again, but I might also add a dollop of horseradish mayo or some grilled onions. I’m thinking that you could take it even further. With the cilantro and jalapeno, the jam has a definite Southwestern flair.

Love Letter Pastries

Love Letter Pastries

Love Letter Pastries

1 pie crust, refrigerated

Peaches, sliced

Strawberries, sliced

Pears, sliced

Raspberries, sliced

Sugar

Flour

Whipping cream

 

Sprinkle flour over the cutting board and unroll the pie crust. Cut off the edges of the pie crust to form a square, then cut the large square into four smaller, even squares. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut four small hearts from the leftover edge pieces of the pie crust. Place the four squares of pie crust onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange slices of peaches and strawberries on two of the squares, then place slices of pear and raspberries onto the other two. Sprinkle sugar and flour over the fruit, then fold three corners of the pie crust inward to form the “envelope.” Place the small heart-shaped piece of pie crust at the meeting point of the three corners and brush with whipping cream. Bake the fruit-filled love letters at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes, then share with the ones you love!

Bagel and Lox Strata Casserole

Bagel and Lox Strata Casserole

1/4 C. butter or margarine, melted

8 C. plain bagels cut into bite size pieces (4 to 6 bagel)

1 8-oz. package thinly sliced lox cut into small pieces

8 oz. Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack or combo (2 C.)

1/4 snipped fresh chives

8 beaten eggs

2 C. milk

1 C. cottage cheese

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

Spread melted butter evenly over bottom of 3-quart rectangular baking dish.  Evenly spread bagels pieces in dish. Sprinkle lox, cheese, and chives evenly over bagel.  Combine eggs, milk, cottage cheese, and pepper in bowl and then pour over layers in dish.  With a wooden spoon, press down ingredients gently to moisten all of the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.  Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for about 45 minutes or until set and edges are puffed and golden. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Flourless Savory Cheddar Zucchini Muffins

Flourless Savory Cheddar Zucchini Muffins

Flourless Savory Cheddar Zucchini Muffins

1¼ C. almond flour

3 large eggs

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. coarse salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. onion powder

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1 C. + 1 T. shredded cheddar cheese

1 C. shredded and squeezed zucchini (1/2 a large zucchini or 1 small zucchini)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Pulse the flour, eggs, baking soda and spices in a blender until smooth. Add 1 C. cheese and the zucchini. Pulse until the zucchini is evenly incorporated but not pureed. Here you should still see noticeable flecks of green throughout the batter. Spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin about 3/4 full. Top with the extra 1 T. cheese. Bake at 350°F about 25 minutes until the muffins are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.  After about 3-5 minutes, or when the muffins are cool enough to touch, remove the muffins from the pan to cool on a cooling rack. Serve warm.  Refrigerate any leftovers. Reheat in a toaster oven or the regular oven.

 

Yield: 8 Muffins

Calories: 196

Protein: 10g

Fat: 15g

Salmon and Bagel Bake

Salmon and Bagel Bake

4 eggs

1 14-1/2-oz. can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 C. thinly sliced green onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. snipped fresh dillweed or 3/4 tsp. dried dillweed, crushed

4 onion bagels, split, or 10 mini bagels (8 to 10 oz. total)

1  7-1/2-oz. can red salmon, drained, skin and bones removed and broken into chunks

4 oz. Havarti cheese, shredded (1 C.)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl beat together eggs and broth. Stir in green onion, garlic, and dillweed; set aside. Cut split bagels in two or three pieces.  In a greased 2-quart baking dish place bagel bottom pieces cut side up. Spoon salmon and cheese onto bottoms. Arrange bagel top pieces on the stack cut side down. Gradually pour egg mixture over all.  Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Windowpane Eggs

Windowpane Eggs

1/2 C. fresh sugar snap pea pods, strings and tips removed

1/2 C. grape tomatoes and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tsp. cooking oil

2 tsp. snipped fresh dillweed or 1/2 tsp. dried dillweed

Salt and pepper

2 T. margarine or butter

2 1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough bread, approximately 5×4-inch rectangles

2 eggs

 

In a very large (12-inch) skillet cook and stir pea pods and tomatoes in hot oil for 2 minutes or until the peas are crisp-tender and heated through. Stir in dill. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet. Cover and keep warm.  In the same skillet melt margarine over medium heat. Cut or tear a hole in each slice of bread leaving about 1/2 inch band of bread around the perimeter. Place bread slices in hot skillet. Crack egg into center of each bread slice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook 3 minutes. Using a pancake turner, turn bread over; cook an additional 1 minute or until desired doneness.  Place egg and bread onto individual serving plates. Serve with pea-tomato mixture.

Nutmeg Beignets

Nutmeg Beignets

3 to 3-1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast

1-1/4 tsp. grated fresh nutmeg or 1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 C. milk

1/4 C. sugar

2 T. shortening

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

Shortening or cooking oil for deep-fat frying

Sifted powdered sugar (optional)

Honey

 

In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1-1/2 C. of the flour, the yeast, and nutmeg. In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, the 2 T. shortening, and salt just until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and the shortening is almost melted.  Add milk mixture to the flour mixture. Add the egg. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a spoon, stir in enough of the remaining flour to make soft dough.  Place the dough in a greased bowl; turn once to grease the surface. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 4 to 24 hours.  Turn dough out onto a slightly floured surface. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Roll into a 15×12-inch rectangle; cut into thirty 3×2-inch rectangles. Cover; let rest 20 minutes (dough will not be doubled).  Heat 3 inches of shortening or oil in a deep saucepan to 375 degrees F. Fry a few dough rectangles at a time in hot fat about 1 minute or until beignets are golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degrees F oven while cooking remaining beignets. If desired, lightly sift powdered sugar over beignets. Serve warm, drizzled with honey. Makes 30 beignets.

Crispy Fish Sticks

Crispy Fish Sticks

Crispy Fish Sticks

2 large eggs, beaten to blend

2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 pound flounder or cod fillets, sliced crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide strips

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

3/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

 

Place eggs, panko, and flour in 3 separate shallow medium bowls.  Season fish with salt and pepper. Working in batches, dredge fish in flour, shaking off excess. Coat with egg, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Coat with panko, pressing to adhere. Transfer fish to a plate. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches and adding 1/4 cup oil between batches, cook fish until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer fish sticks to a paper towel-lined plate; season with salt.  DO AHEAD: Fish sticks can be breaded 2 days ahead. Cover and chill or freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 months. Fish sticks can be cooked from frozen (cooking time will be slightly longer)

Bacon, Avocado, and Cheese Omelets with Tomato Salsa

Bacon, Avocado, and Cheese Omelets with Tomato Salsa

2/3 C. finely chopped seeded tomato

2 T. finely chopped red onion

1 pickled or fresh jalapeno chile, or to taste, seeded and minced (wear rubber gloves)

2 T. minced fresh coriander

1 T. fresh lime or lemon juice

4 large eggs

2 T. water

1 T. unsalted butter

3 slices of lean bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 small avocado (preferably California)

1/2 C. coarsely grated Monterey Jack (about 2 oz.)

 

In a small bowl stir together the tomato, the onion, the jalapeno, the coriander, the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste until the salsa is combined well. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, the water, and salt and pepper to taste. In an 8-inch skillet, preferably non-stick, heat 1/2 T. of the butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides, pour in half the egg mixture, tilting the skillet to spread the mixture evenly over the bottom, and cook it for 1 minute, or until it is almost set. Sprinkle half the omelet with half the bacon, half the avocado, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and half the Monterey Jack and cook the omelet for 1 minute, or until it is set. Fold the omelet over the filling, transfer it to a plate, and keep it warm. Make another omelet in the same manner with the remaining butter, egg mixture, bacon, avocado, and Monterey Jack and serve the omelets with the salsa.

Creamy Steak Fettuccine

Creamy Steak Fettuccine

Creamy Steak Fettuccine

12 oz. fettuccine

1 lb. sirloin steak

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp. butter

2 cloves, minced

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 c. milk

1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan

1 1/2 c. halved cherry tomatoes

4 c. baby spinach

Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Coat both sides of steak with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook steak until your desired doneness, 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a plate to let rest, 10 minutes, then thinly slice. Meanwhile, make alfredo sauce: Add butter to skillet and let melt, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute more, then add milk and simmer until thickened, 5 minutes. Add parsley and Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and cook down 2 minutes.  Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss until coated, then add spinach and toss until wilted.   Top with sliced steak and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Skillet Noodle Lasagna

Skillet Noodle Lasagna

1/2 pound wide egg noodles

1 container (1 pound) cottage cheese

1 package (10 oz.) frozen creamed spinach, thawed

1 jar (32 oz.) extra-meaty pasta sauce

1 package (8 oz.) shredded pizza cheese blend (mozzarella and

cheddar)

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Cook noodles for 8 minutes, following package directions. Drain.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix together cottage cheese and spinach.  Spread 1 C. pasta sauce over bottom of large (12-inch) skillet.  Evenly arrange one-third of cooked noodles over sauce. Spoon half of remaining sauce over noodles. Top with another third of noodles. Spread cottage cheese mixture over noodles. Sprinkle 1 C. cheese blend over cottage cheese. Top with remaining noodles; spread with remaining sauce.  Cover skillet. Bring to rapid hard simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 10 minutes.  Sprinkle remaining pizza cheese blend and grated Parmesan over top. Cover and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes.

Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberry Smoothie

2 quarts (2-1/2 pounds) frozen blueberries, slightly thawed or 2 quarts fresh blueberries

1 quart pineapple, orange, and strawberry juice blend or pineapple-orange juice

1 quart low-fat vanilla yogurt

8 tsp. sugar

For each serving: In the container of an electric blender, combine 1 C. (5 ounces) blueberries, 1/2 C. juice, 1/2 C. yogurt and 1 tsp. sugar.  Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.  Serve immediately in a tall glass garnished, if desired, with blueberry skewers spiraled with a thin strip of orange peel.

Calabrian White Beans with Smoked Ham and Sausage

Calabrian White Beans with Smoked Ham and Sausage

2 pounds cannellini or great Northern beans

1/2 pound smoked ham, diced

3 links Italian sausage

1 gallon chicken stock

1 pound salt meat, diced

1 T. olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. chopped oregano

1/4 C. sliced green onions

Salt and black pepper to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375*F. In a heavy-bottomed stockpot, boil beans, stock, ham and salt meat until beans are tender but still slightly chewy and unbroken. Do NOT overcook. Strain liquid from cooked beans and reserve. Add Italian sausage, olive oil, garlic, oregano and green onions to beans. Season slightly with salt and pepper. Ladle in just enough of reserved liquid to bring level up to beans but not covering them. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes. When beans are extremely tender, strain and serve as a vegetable or starter course.

Five Bread Dipping Oils

Five Bread Dipping Oils

Five Bread Dipping Oils

Italian Bread Dipping Oil

1/4 cup Bellucci EVOO

1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

2-3 cloves garlic (, minced)

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 tablespoon parsley (, chopped)

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

1 loaf bread to dip (, sliced)

 

Garlic Dipping Oil

1/4 cup Bellucci EVOO

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

4 cloves garlic (, minced)

pinch red pepper flakes

pinch fresh ground black pepper

pinch of sea salt

2 tablespoons parsley (, chopped)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 loaf bread to dip (, sliced)

 

Tuscan Herb Dipping Oil

1/4 cup Bellucci EVOO

2 cloves garlic (, minced)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon fresh basil

1 tablespoon fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1 loaf Italian bread to dip (, sliced)

 

Herb de Provence Dipping Oil

1/4 cup Bellucci EVOO

1 + 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence

1 loaf French bread to dip (, sliced)

 

Restaurant Style Dipping Oil

1/4 cup Bellucci EVOO

1/8 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 loaf bread to dip (, sliced)

 

Italian Bread Dipping Oil

In a small bowl, combine Bellucci EVOO, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Grate fresh parmesan cheese and add to bowl. Whisk and serve on shallow plate. Serve with sliced bread loaf.

Garlic Bread Dipping Oil

In a small bowl, combine Bellucci EVOO, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh thyme, pinch of red pepper flakes, pinch of fresh ground black pepper, pinch of sea salt and chopped parsley. Serve on shallow plate. Grate parmesan cheese and top on plate. Serve with sliced bread loaf.

Tuscan Herb Dipping Oil

In a small bowl, combine Bellucci EVOO, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh basil, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Serve on shallow plate with sliced Italian bread.

Herb de Provence Dipping Oil

In a small bowl, combine Bellucci EVOO, balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence. Whisk to combine. Serve on shallow plate with sliced French bread.

Restaurant Style Dipping Oil

In a small bowl, combine Bellucci EVOO, lemon juice, chopped parsley, minced garlic, basil, fresh ground black pepper, oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine. Serve on shallow plate with sliced bread loaf

Grilled “Twice Baked” White Cheddar Potatoes

Grilled “Twice Baked” White Cheddar Potatoes

Grilled “Twice Baked” White Cheddar Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, washed and dried

4 to 5 slices bacon

1/2 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 cup freshly shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, divided

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using a fork, prick the potatoes. Bake them directly on the oven rack until they are fork-tender, for about 1 hour. Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes, and then cut them into halves lengthwise. Scoop the flesh of the potatoes into a bowl, leaving about ¥4-inch thickness around the skin. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble the bacon. Reserve 1 T. of the bacon drippings in the skillet. Add the leeks to the drippings and cook over medium heat until they are softened. Stir the leeks into the potatoes along with the sour cream, milk, 3/4 cup of the cheese, 1/4 cup of the butter, salt, and pepper. Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, and top each with some of the remaining cheese and 1 T. butter. Heat half of the grill to medium-high heat. Place the stuffed potatoes over indirect heat and close the grill lid. Grill the potatoes for 20 minutes, or until they are warm throughout and the cheese has melted. Serve the potatoes immediately.  If using an oven, bake the stuffed potatoes at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

12 oz. ground beef, ground pork, ground lamb, or bulk pork sausage

1/3 C. chopped onion (1 small)

1 C. canned diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 C. water

1/3 C. uncooked long grain rice

1/2 tsp. dried oregano or thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp. black pepper

8 medium to large cabbage leaves

1/4 C. shredded Swiss cheese (1 oz.)

1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. dried oregano or thyme, crushed

1/4 C. shredded Swiss cheese (1 oz.)

 

In a large skillet cook meat and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, water, uncooked rice, 1/2 tsp. oregano, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.  Meanwhile, trim veins from the back side of the cabbage leaves.  Immerse leaves, four at a time, into boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or until just limp.  Stir the 1/4 C. cheese into the meat mixture. Place about 1/3 C. of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides. Starting at an unfolded edge, carefully roll up each leaf, making sure folded sides are included in the roll.  For sauce, in a small bowl stir together tomato sauce, sugar, and 1/2 tsp. oregano. Pour half of the tomato mixture into a 2-quart square baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls on the tomato mixture. Spoon remaining tomato mixture over cabbage rolls. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C. cheese. Let stand about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Makes 4 servings

Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet

Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet

Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet

1 medium cod fillet, cut in 3 or 4 chunks (or halibut fillet)

2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed

1 tsp. olive oil

2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium vegetable broth (or white wine)

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 T. hot sauce, optional (we used Sriracha)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 T. minced parsley (or cilantro)

Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

Slices of lemon, for garnish

 

To make the garlic butter cod with lemon asparagus skillet: Season codfish with salt and pepper. Let sit while you prepare the asparagus. Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus, then blanch them in boiling water for 2- 3 minutes then soak in ice water to stop cooking. This way they will cook faster and evenly in the skillet. You can skip this step if you have very thin asparagus. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Gently cook fish on both sides until golden brown. Remove the cod fillets from the skillet and set aside to a plate. In the same skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic then deglaze with vegetable broth (or wine). Bring it to a simmer. Add butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, and parsley. Give a quick stir to combine the lemon garlic butter sauce. Add the drained blanched asparagus and toss for 2 minutes to cook it up. Add codfish fillets back to the pan and reheat for another minute. Garnish with more parsley, crushed chili pepper, and lemon slices and serve the garlic butter cod and lemon asparagus immediately. Enjoy! Notes: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus, you might want to skip blanching. You can enrich the sauce by adding white wine. Tasty with mashed potatoes.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

1 lb Ground beef

1 can Cream of mushroom soup; condensed

8 oz Sour cream

1 can (small) black olives; sliced

1 can (small) mushroom stems and pieces

12 oz Egg noodles

 

Cook egg noodles according to directions and set aside. Cook ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off grease. Add soup, sour cream, olives, mushrooms, and noodles and cook until heated through.

Braised Rabbit in Red Wine with Sage Polenta

Braised Rabbit in Red Wine with Sage Polenta

Braised Rabbit in Red Wine with Sage Polenta

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

A 2 1/2- to 3-pound rabbit, thawed if frozen, cut into 7 or 8 serving pieces

3 T. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup dry red wine

2 T. coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

2 T. minced fresh sage leaves or 1 tsp. dried, crumbled

1 recipe basic polenta, kept warm

 

In a large bowl stir together flour and salt. Add rabbit and toss to coat. In a heavy skillet heat 2 T. oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking — then brown rabbit in batches, transferring pieces to a bowl.  Add onion and remaining T. oil to skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned. Stir in garlic and rosemary and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth, wine, and rabbit with any juices and simmer, covered, 1 hour, or until rabbit is tender. Remove lid and simmer until sauce is thickened slightly. Stir in parsley.

 

For basic polenta:

4 cups water

1 tsp. salt

1 cup cornmeal or instant polenta

 

Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan and gradually whisk in cornmeal. Cook polenta over moderately low heat (it should be barely boiling), stirring constantly, until very thick and pulls away from side of pan, about 40 minutes for cornmeal and about 15 minutes for instant polenta. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm. Stir polenta just before using.  Note: Polenta will keep warm, covered, about 20 minutes. Makes about 3 cups.

 

Finally, stir sage into warm polenta. Serve polenta topped with rabbit and sauce.

 

The sage polenta with the rabbit was quite amazing and you might ask yourself for white meat why does it look so dark? Well, it absorbs the color of the red wine and the flavor which really gives it that rustic richness.

Quesadillas de Jaiba (Vercruz Style Blue Crab Quesadillas)

Quesadillas de Jaiba (Vercruz Style Blue Crab Quesadillas)

2 T. EVOO
1 White Onion, finely chopped
1-2 Jalapenos, thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 lb. Roma Tomatoes, finely chopped
½ lb. Crabmeat, cooked, shredded, clean of shell
1 T. White Wine Vinegar
12 Corn Tortillas
¾ C. Canola Oil

In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Sauté the onion and jalapeno chiles for two minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook until they change color, about 10 minutes. Add the crabmeat and vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid evaporates. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pass the tortillas briefly through the oil to make them soft and pliable. Quickly remove from the oil and transfer to paper towels to drain. Place two T. of stuffing in the center of each tortilla. Close the edges with a toothpick. Heat the oil again over medium-high heat and fry the quesadillas until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil. Serve immediately.

Fusilli with Ricotta, Pancetta and Spicy Rapini

Fusilli with Ricotta, Pancetta and Spicy Rapini

Fusilli with Ricotta, Pancetta and Spicy Rapini

1/2 pound fusilli (fun corkscrew shape) or other pasta

sunflower oil

two thick slices pancetta or bacon, chopped

1 small yellow onion, chopped coarsely

about 1/2 pound spicy rapini, (broccolini) washed and chopped coarsely

2 garlic cloves, chopped fine

a few pinches red pepper flakes

1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

1/2 cup ricotta

freshly-grated pecorino cheese

 

Bring water to a boil and cook the pasta to your desired tenderness.  Drain and toss with a little oil.  In the meantime, heat a bit of oil in a large, heavy skillet.  Fry the pancetta, stirring a few times, for a couple of minutes.  Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally (add a bit of oil if the pancetta hasn’t released enough grease to keep the onions from sticking to the pan), for about 10 minutes, until the onions are quite soft and a bit browned.  Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook about a minute, then add the arugula (still a bit wet from the washing).  Cook until wilted and tender, about 3 minutes.  Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan, then stir in the hazelnuts, ricotta, and grated cheese.  Remove from heat and serve (2 – 4, depending on your appetite).  Season with salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste.

 

Chicken Enchiladas Monterrey

Chicken Enchiladas Monterrey

Sauce:

3/4 C. Butter

3/4 C. Flour

1 Quart Rich Chicken Stock

3/4 C. Half and Half

1T Chopped Pimientos

1T Green Chilies

1T Cilantro

2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. White Pepper

 

Filling:

1T Chopped Onion

3 Oz Cooking Oil

1 Lb Cooked Chopped Chicken

4 Oz Cream Cheese

4 OZ Sour Cream

1T Green Chilies

 

12 Soft Tortillas

8 Oz Monterrey Jack Cheese

 

Sauce: Melt butter over low heat. Mix in flour very slowly until flour and butter are blended well. Do not let this mixture brown. Remove from heat and add warm (not boiling) chicken stock. Stir over low heat until sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in warm cream. Do not allow to boil. Add pimientos, chilies, cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir and keep warm. Filling: Cook chopped onions in oil until soft. Add chopped chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir until ingredients are mixed well. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, cream the cream cheese with enough sour cream to make a nice creamy base. Add chicken mixture, chopped peppers. Stir and mix ingredients. Roll filling in soft tortillas. Cover enchiladas with sauce, and top with shredded cheese and extra chilies. Bake in a 350 degree oven until sauce and cheese are bubbling.

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Spicy Maple Sausage Balls with Mustard Dipping Sauce

Sausage Balls

1 pound spicy bulk breakfast sausage

3 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)

2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup maple syrup

 

Dipping Sauce

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 T. brown sugar

 

To make the sausage balls, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using your hands, mix together the sausage, baking mix, cheese, and maple syrup in a large bowl. Once the ingredients are well combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the sausage balls for 26 to 28 minutes, until they are slightly golden. To make the dipping sauce, mix together the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Serve with the sausage balls.

Shepherd’s Pie with Squash and Potato Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Squash and Potato Topping

Squash and Potato Topping:

1 medium-size butternut squash (about 1-1/2 pounds), pared, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large baking potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds), pared and cut into 1-inch cubes

3/4 C. low-fat milk (1 percent)

1-1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground hot red pepper

Filling:

3 medium-size onions, chopped

2 T. vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 T. dried basil

1 T. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 can (28 oz.) Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and cut up

1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths

1 egg

Paprika, for garnish

 

Prepare topping: Cook squash and potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes.  Drain squash and potatoes; return to pot. Add milk, salt, black pepper, nutmeg and red pepper. Mash with potato masher until fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Prepare Filling: Sauté onion in oil in large skillet until softened, for about 5 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Remove to a plate.  Crumble beef into skillet; cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in basil, oregano, cumin, salt, thyme, pepper, reserved onion mixture and flour. Add tomatoes and green beans. Bring to boiling. Lower heat; cover and cook 10 minutes. Spoon into 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish.  Beat egg into squash mixture. Spread over filling, making decorative swirls. Sprinkle with paprika.  Bake in 375 degree F oven 40 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown. Transfer baking dish to wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before serving.