Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

Kindred Farm’s Easiest Bread Ever

 

3 C. organic all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 tsp. active dry yeast from a packet

2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt

1 1/2 C. warm water (not hot – it can kill the yeast)

2 T. chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, optional

 

Measure each cup flour by filling the cup to overflowing then tapping the flour mound with blade of a butter knife to eliminate any air bubbles and allow flour to settle into cup. Use knife to scrape excess flour off top of C. in a straight line. Add flour to large bowl, then add yeast and salt. Add warm water to dry mixture and stir together with wooden spoon, scraping sides of bowl. (Mixture will be sticky and shaggy.) Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let dough rise 6-8 hours. Letting it rise on the counter is fine, or place bowl in middle rack of turned-off oven with oven light on. (The warmth from the oven light will help it rise.) After it has risen, dough should have doubled in size and have lots of bubbles. Preheat oven to 450F. Place Dutch oven or other lidded oven-safe pot in oven to get hot. Meanwhile, sprinkle handful of flour on cutting board. Scrape dough from bowl and onto board and set bowl aside. Sprinkle flour on top of dough, take a flap of dough, and fold it over itself, almost like closing an envelope. Rotate dough and fold it over itself again and continue to repeat, sprinkling more flour as needed. Dough should feel soft and puffy and no longer sticky. Turn dough over, hiding all folds underneath.  Retrieve bowl set aside and place a piece of parchment paper inside. Set dough on top. Cover bowl lightly with clean dish towel, without letting it touch dough. Let sit 30 minutes. Carefully remove lid of hot Dutch oven. Transfer parchment paper with dough ball to Dutch oven. Place lid back on and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 15 minutes more, until there’s a gorgeous, dark-brown crust. Let bread cool a few minutes before slicing.

 

  • For really crispy crust, use bread flour. My favorite brand is King Arthur.
  • I prefer using active dry yeast from packets-not from a jar, which has an extra additive.
  • I’ll often make this dough right before bed and let it rise overnight, then bake it first thing in the morning. Or I’ll make the dough in the morning and let it rise all day so I can bake it before dinner.
Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

Lemon Mousse Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries

 

2 C. halved strawberries

1/2 C. sugar

 

CHEESECAKE

5 T. butter, melted

2 C. vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs

3 8-ounce packages cream cheese

4 eggs

1 1/3 C. sugar, divided

juice of 2 lemons, about 1/4 cup

2 T. flour

16 ounces sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 350F. To prepare macerated strawberries, combine ingredients and let stand 2 hours. Wrap a springform pan with foil (to prevent the butter from seeping out). To prepare cheesecake, combine melted butter and crumbs. Press into bottom and partially up sides of pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 C. sugar, lemon juice, and flour. Beat well. Pour batter into prepared crust. Place springform in a 9×13-inch pan. Pour water in pan to half way up springform. Bake 35-45 minutes or until set on the sides, but partially jiggly in the center. Combine sour cream, remaining 1/3 C. sugar, and vanilla; mix well. Dollop onto edges of hot cheesecake, then gently spread over top. Place back in oven for 10 minutes and remove. Cheesecake will set as it sits. Chill 2 hours or overnight. Slice and serve with macerated berries.

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

 

4 (12-ounce) sustainably raised New York Strip steaks

2 T. miso paste

2 T. local honey

1 pinch black pepper

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

2 T. minced fresh ginger

2 T. minced garlic

2 T. minced shallots

¼ C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

½ C. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

¼ C. extra-virgin olive oil

¼ C. rice wine vinegar

Fresh-pressed juice and zest of 2 limes

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

Combine miso, honey, black pepper and tsp. of salt. Coat steaks with marinade and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, shallots, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, lime juice and zest and salt. Reserve. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or prepare coals. Grill steaks about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, but your safest bet is to use an internal thermometer and cook to 130–135°F, remembering the steaks will continue to cook when removed from the grill. Once done, be sure to let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice and serve with chimichurri.

Shallot Tarte Tatin

Shallot Tarte Tatin

Shallot Tarte Tatin

 

1 pound shallots (about 24)

3 T. sugar

4 T. unsalted butter

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 T. balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 sheet good-quality puff pastry, thawed if frozen

 

Heat oven to 375°. Place shallots in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them sit for 10 minutes to allow them to soften and to make peeling easier. Peel and halve shallots and set aside. Heat sugar in a large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it dissolves into a sticky caramel. Swirl in the butter, thyme, a splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of black pepper—take care, as the mixture will spit. Remove the pan from the heat and put all the shallots into the pan, cut side down. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry and cut out a round 1 inch larger than the pan. Drape the pastry over the shallots and tuck in the edges, so that it ‘hugs’ the shallots. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Set pan aside to cool for a few minutes, then invert the tarte onto a serving plate

Beans on Toast

Beans on Toast

Beans on Toast

 

2 C. dried beans

Sprigs of rosemary and thyme

2–3 whole garlic cloves

4 medium tomatoes, diced small

⅓ C. basil leaves, torn

Salt and pepper

1 loaf crusty bread, sliced

4 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Soak beans overnight. The next day, cover them with water and bring to a rapid boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, add herb sprigs, garlic cloves, and 1 T. salt and simmer until the beans are a creamy texture and have started to pop open (30 to 50 minutes, depending on the bean). Drain cooked beans into a bowl, drizzle with good olive oil. Smash them with a fork to make a paste; add salt and pepper to taste. Mix tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Toast bread slices, then rub with garlic and brush with oil. Spread bean paste onto toasts with a generous portion of tomato-basil mixture on top.

Cheesy Grits

Cheesy Grits

Cheesy Grits

 

2 T. unsalted butter

1/4 C. minced onion

1 1/2 C. water

1/2 C. milk

1/4 tsp. Sriracha

½ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 C. grits (coarse cornmeal)

2 oz. havarti cheese, grated

2 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 C. fresh or frozen corn kernels, pureed

1 green onion, sliced thin

 

Melt 1 T. butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in water, milk, Sriracha, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Whisk grits into saucepan. When smooth, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in cheeses, pureed corn, and remaining 1 T. butter until incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with green onion slices and additional Sriracha, if desired

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

 

2 tsp. olive oil

2 T. unsalted butter

2 lb. chicken (pieces or half a chicken)

salt and black pepper

3 medium leeks, white and light green parts halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, sliced

8 radishes, quartered

1½ C. low-sodium chicken broth

5 stalks asparagus, chopped large

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. minced fresh rosemary

2 tsp. minced fresh thyme

 

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and swirl to coat. Season the chicken with 1 tsp. each salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium, add butter and stir to melt. Cook chicken skin-side down, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the leeks, garlic, and radishes to the Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the leeks and radishes are just tender, 6–8 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken in the veggies, skin-side up; cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Toss asparagus on top, cover, and cook another 5–7 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of chicken registers 165°. Stir the lemon juice and herbs into the sauce and serve.

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Spicebush-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

 

Spicebush twigs or bamboo skewers

1 tsp. spicebush berries

½ tsp. ground cumin

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce (or 1½ T. regular soy sauce)

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. shrimp, preferably jumbo or extra large, peeled, tails left on

 

If you’d like to skewer the shrimp on spicebush twigs, find an established spicebush shrub (or shrubs) that can stand to lose a number of thin branches. Look for relatively straight twigs that are sturdy and brown, not green, and avoid twigs that have berries on them (that way wildlife can feed on the berries later). The twigs should snap right off the shrub. Strip off the leaves and any smaller twigs. Save the leaves to dry for spicebush tea, if you like. If using bamboo skewers, soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes. Grind the spicebush in a mortar and pestle, or use the flat of your knife to crush the berries against a cutting board, then mince them until powdery. Combine the ground spicebush, cumin, soy sauce, olive oil, and shrimp in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high. As the grill heats, thread the shrimp on the twigs or skewers. This step will take a little longer if you’re using spicebush twigs, since the twigs aren’t straight as arrows. It helps to snip the end of the twig on the bias with kitchen shears to make a pointy tip for skewering. Grill the shrimp until no longer opaque and firm when you press one with your finger, about 4 minutes per side (timing will depend on the heat of the grill and the size of your shrimp). Serve immediately.

Sautéed Golden Potato Salad with Leek and Black Olives

Sautéed Golden Potato Salad with Leek and Black Olives

Sautéed Golden Potato Salad with Leek and Black Olives

 

3 small baking potatoes (1 1/4 pounds), peeled and halved

1 quart low-sodium chicken broth

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 leek, white and tender green parts only, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick

4 C. mixed lettuces, such as arugula, mesclun and sunflower sprouts

12 pitted black olives, chopped

6 anchovies, thinly sliced

Kosher salt

Pepper

Red wine vinegar, for drizzling

 

In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderate heat until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a plate. Discard the broth, or strain and reserve for making soup later. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 T. of the olive oil. Add the leek and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Heat the remaining 1 T. of olive oil in the skillet. Add the potatoes and cook over moderately high heat, turning, until golden and crisp, 2 minutes per side. Arrange the lettuces on plates. Using your hands, break the potatoes into large chunks and arrange them on top of the lettuces. Scatter the leek, olives and anchovies on top. Season the salad with salt and pepper, drizzle with vinegar and olive oil and serve.

Leeks in Vinaigrette with Black Olives and Bread Crumbs

Leeks in Vinaigrette with Black Olives and Bread Crumbs

Leeks in Vinaigrette with Black Olives and Bread Crumbs

 

2 bunches leeks

4 ounces (115 g) goat cheese, room temperature

2 T. (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 C. (60 mL) fresh tarragon, roughly chopped

1/2 C. (125 mL) black olives, pitted

1/2 C. (125 mL) Bread Crumbs (this page)

 

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, fill a medium bowl halfway with water and ice. Trim the dark green parts from the leeks and discard, or save for future use in a stock or soup. Drop the leeks into the boiling water and blanch for 4 to 5 minutes, until they are easily pierced with a paring knife. Immediately plunge the leeks into the prepared bowl of ice water and let cool completely. Drain and pat dry. Slice the leeks into 1-inch (2.5 cm) rounds. Schmear a large plate or platter with the goat cheese. Arrange the leeks on top. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice overtop. Sprinkle with the tarragon, olives, and bread crumbs and drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

 

1 C. of your favorite marinara sauce

½ pound jumbo pasta shells, cooked (about 18 shells)

2 C. ricotta cheese

1 large egg

8 ounces Stella Aged Asiago Cheese, freshly grated

4 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

¼ C. mini pepperoni

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pour ½ C. of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch round pie plate). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the directions on the package. In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, all but ¼ C. of the Stella Aged Asiago, all but ¼ C. of the mozzarella, the basil, oregano, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Spoon the mixture into each shell. Place the shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara. Add the remaining marinara on top. Top with the remaining Stella Aged Asiago and mozzarella cheese. Top with the pepperoni. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Remove the shells from the oven and top with fresh basil and more asiago if you wish. Serve!

Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets

Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets

Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets

 

1 pound of lean ground beef

kosher salt and pepper

3 T. ketchup

2 T. yellow mustard

6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

2 sheets thawed puff pastry

1 large egg + 1 tsp. water, for egg wash

2 T. sesame seeds, for sprinkling

 

½ C. mayonnaise

2 T. dijon mustard

1 T. yellow mustard

1 T. honey

1 T. your favorite BBQ sauce

 

As a note, I like to use the puff pastry here that isn’t perforated. I don’t ever use the Pepperidge Farm brand. I almost always use the wewalka brand or the jus-rol puff pastry. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place each of the puff pastry sheets on a piece of parchment paper on baking sheets. You can only make one sheet at a time, but I like to have the other one ready to go too. Cut both sheets of puff pastry into six squares on the parchment paper. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Stir in the ketchup and mustard until combined. Turn off the heat and add in a sprinkle of cheese – just an ounce or two. Let the beef cool slightly. If you haven’t made the house sauce yet, make it now! Once the beef has cooled a bit, spoon 2 to 3 T. into the square of puff pastry. Drizzle on some house sauce. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese. Brush the edges of the square with the egg wash, then bring one corner to meet the other, making a triangle pocket. Press the edges down with a fork to seal them. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry. Brush the tops of the pockets with the egg wash. Sprinkle all over with the sesame seeds. Bake the puff pastry pockets for 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed and shiny. Remove them from the oven and let cool slightly – the insides are hot! Serve with condiments, lettuce, tomato, pickles and anything else you love with a burger. House Sauce: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and combined. You can make this a day or so ahead of time!

Maple BBQ Salmon with Brown Butter Couscous

Maple BBQ Salmon with Brown Butter Couscous

Maple BBQ Salmon with Brown Butter Couscous

 

2 pounds salmon filets

1 T. brown (or maple!) sugar

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp. cumin

2 to 3 T. maple syrup

 

1 T. unsalted butter

1 C. uncooked pearl couscous

1 ¼ C. chicken or vegetable stock or water

pinch of salt

2 T. unsalted butter

1 garlic clove, minced

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cumin. Sprinkle it all over the salmon filets. Drizzle each filet with the maple syrup and use a spoon to kind of “spread” it all over the filet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until the salmon just flakes with a fork. If desired, you can brush with a little more maple syrup when it comes out of the oven. Top with chopped chives. Serve immediately with brown butter couscous! Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Stir in the couscous until coated, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the couscous is slightly toasty. Add in the stock and salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. While the couscous is cooking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Cook, whisking often, until brown bits appear on the bottom of the pan. Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the garlic cloves. Once the couscous is finished, drizzle with the garlic brown butter. Toss and serve.

Chicken Romano Meatballs

Chicken Romano Meatballs

Chicken Romano Meatballs

 

1 pound ground chicken

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ C. seasoned bread crumbs

⅓ C. romano cheese

1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

PAN SAUCE:

1 shallot diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ C. dry white wine, like chardonnay

1 C. chicken stock

1 lemon, sliced

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with the garlic, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, dried basil, oregano, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Mix with clean hands until just combined – do not overmix. Shape the mixture into meatballs that are 1-inch in size – or slightly less. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 1 T. of olive oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches), browning on all sides, cooking about 5 to 6 minutes in total. You don’t need to cook them fully because we will put them in the oven – just brown them. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt and stir. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the white wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add in the sliced lemons and chicken stock. Add the meatballs back into the pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through to 165 degrees F. Serve on sandwiches or with pasta, rice or your favorite vegetable.

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bunch wild garlic, finely chopped (Or, chives finely chopped)

1/2 head celery, finely chopped

2 stems fresh lovage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried lovage)

1 lemon, grated zest and juice

200g rice

1L vegetable stock

salt and pepper, to season

a little butter or vegetable oil for sweating the vegetables

 

A deliciously fresh and delicate soup with heirloom herbs that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Add the chopped onion, wild garlic and celery to a large saucepan with a little butter or oil and sweat over a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir before adding the vegetable stock, chopped lovage, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt and pepper to season. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and vegetables are soft. Check the seasoning before serving in warm soup bowls with crusty bread and/or croutons.

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

Slowcooker Overnight Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats

 

6 C. water

2 T. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 C. pure maple syrup

1 1/2 C. uncooked steel-cut oats

2 medium Gala apples, cored, seeded, and diced

4 T. salted butter

 

Add water, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker. Whisk until well combined. Gently stir in oats and apple. Place butter on top of oat mixture. Place lid on slow cooker and set to low for 8 hours. Stir well right before serving. Tips, Substitutions, Time-Savers, and More: For more texture, serve with something crunchy, like pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds. Milk adds even more richness and flavor; just substitute half of the water for your milk of choice during cooking. And a drizzle of local honey or sprinkling of brown sugar on top adds a bit more sweetness. Don’t have Gala apples? Any apple variety can be substituted.

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

 

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 (2″) knob fresh gingerroot, sliced in half through the center

8 C. low-sodium chicken broth

5 T. tamari

1 (12-ounce) package frozen, fully cooked mini chicken wontons

3 T. rice vinegar

2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

 

Heat large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil and ginger. Sauté 2 minutes. Add broth and tamari, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add frozen wontons and cook 2-3 minutes until wontons are fully heated through. Remove one wonton and cut in half to test that the insides are fully warmed through. Remove from heat, discard ginger, stir in vinegar and scallions, and serve hot.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

 

1 (17- to 18-ounce) package or 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated gnocchi

2 (4-ounce) packages sliced wild mushroom mix

1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts chopped, dark green parts thinly sliced, divided

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. full-fat ricotta cheese

1 lemon

 

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is heating, combine the gnocchi, mushrooms and scallion whites and light green parts with 1/4 C. oil on the sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper and toss well. Transfer to the oven and roast, stirring halfway through, until the mushrooms and gnocchi are browned and beginning to crisp, about 20 minutes. While the gnocchi cooks, combine the ricotta with the remaining 1 T. oil in a small bowl. Zest the lemon over the top, season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir well. Slice the zested lemon in half. Once the gnocchi are finished, dollop the ricotta mixture on top of and between the gnocchi. Sprinkle with some of the dark green scallion slices to taste (you likely won’t need them all). Squeeze the lemon over the top to taste and drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Serve.

 

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Skillet Cake

 

6 T. unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for buttering the skillet

11/3 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

V2 tsp fine sea salt

1 large egg

2/3 C. milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

10-12 fresh stalks of rhubarb, trimmed

 

Preheat the oven to 3 75 °F. Lightly butter a 9-inch cast iron skillet. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. As you whisk, slowly drizzle in the melted butter to combine. Add this milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir lightly, just to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. Cut the rhubarb stalks to fit your pan and lay them on top of the cake batter. Push down very lightly, just enough to embed them but not submerge them. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve directly from the pan. This will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

Pipe with Northwest Morels, Pancetta, Walnuts, Ricotta, and Saffron

 

5 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, gently crushed

2 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

16 C. walnuts

8 ounces fresh morels, halved lengthwise

1 T. finely chopped Italian parsley

1/4 tsp. saffron threads, soaked in1/3 C. boiling water for 30 minutes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces pipe pasta

1/2 C. fresh ricotta

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

Mushrooms need to be cleaned right before using them. The general rule is to handle them as little as possible, since they are delicate gifts from nature. Shake the mushrooms to get rid of loose dirt. Use a mushroom brush or damp cloth to remove soil residue. Soak morels in cold water for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse, and repeat twice (or more if necessary), then dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Uncleaned mushrooms will keep in the refrigerator for a few days in a paper bag with some holes poked in it.  In a large pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning. Add the pancetta and walnuts, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the morels and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add the parsley, saffron water, salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat but leave the pan on the burner. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pipe until al dente, drain, and transfer to the pan. Energetically stir in the ricotta, making sure the pasta is blended. Add two-thirds of the Parmigiano, and stir to combine. Plate in four bowls. Finish with additional walnuts, the remaining Parmigiano. and a drizzle of oil.

Pesto Fried Eggs on Toast

Pesto Fried Eggs on Toast

Pesto Fried Eggs on Toast

 

2 T. basil pesto

2 eggs

2 slices bread French or Italian, toasted

2 T. cream cheese counter, softened

1 half avocado, mashed

salt and pepper

honey drizzle

 

Add basil pesto to a small non-stick skillet and heat pan over medium-low heat. Basil pesto includes oil and should heat up well. Crack eggs into a bowl. Remove any tiny shells. Now slowly add eggs into hot skillet and season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook eggs to your liking. Generally, for a medium-hard egg, cook 2-3 minutes on one side and flip for 30 seconds. Spread 1 T. of softened cream cheese onto each piece of sliced and toasted bread. Top each piece of bread with half of the mashed avocado. Drizzle avocado with a bit of sweet honey. Place cooked pesto egg on top of the toast and serve immediately while hot. Add on a dash of red pepper flakes. While a side of bacon is always great, adding a few small slices of bacon right on top of the avocado (under the pesto egg) is delicious too! Skip the cream cheese for Greek Yogurt, feta cheese, Ricotta cheese, or goat cheese spread.  Instead of serving on bread, try cooked hashbrowns, toasted bagels, English muffins.

Pea Tendril & Pistachio Pesto

Pea Tendril & Pistachio Pesto

Pea Tendril & Pistachio Pesto

 

A heaping ½ C. pistachios, chopped & toasted

a few big handfuls of pea tendrils (or any mild soft leafy green)

zest & juice of 1 small lemon

1 small garlic clove

salt & pepper

olive oil (a few T. to ¼ cup)

optional: handful of fresh basil or mint

optional: grated parmesan cheese

 

In a food processor, pulse together everything except for the olive oil. Drizzle the oil in slowly while the blade is running. Add as much or little olive oil as you want. Less oil will make a chunkier pesto, more olive oil will make it smoother. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

 

3 T. olive oil

2 T. lemon juice

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

small pinch salt and pepper

 

2 little gem lettuces

2 peaches

1 Mozzarella ball

6 slices Parma Ham

10 fresh leaves basil

 

Mix together the vinaigrette ingredients in a jam jar or small jug and set aside while you make the salad. In a large salad bowl add the lettuce. Slice up the 2 peaches and remove the stone and add it to the lettuce. Pull the 1 mozzarella ball apart and add the pieces to the mix. Take the Parma Ham and pull it apart into chunky strands and add to the salad. Mix the salad together with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy

Pappardelle with Spicy Sausage and Mixed Wild Mushrooms

Pappardelle with Spicy Sausage and Mixed Wild Mushrooms

Pappardelle with Spicy Sausage and Mixed Wild Mushrooms

 

1 T. olive oil

9 ounces best-quality spicy sausage, casing removed

1 onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pound mixed wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, oyster, and shiitake, trimmed and torn

2 T. fresh thyme, leaves

1 to 2 small dried red chiles, crumbled

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Fresh Pappardelle

3 to 4 T. unsalted butter

½ C. loosely packed flat-leaf parsley, chopped

½ C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; add sausage, onion, and garlic, breaking up sausage with a spoon. Cook until onions are golden, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms, thyme, and chiles; cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms release their liquid and it evaporates, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt and pappardelle. Cook until al dente, 3 to 5 minutes. Reserve a 1/2 C. cooking liquid; drain pasta. Return to pot. Add butter to mushroom mixture along with some of the cooking liquid to loosen, if necessary. Return mushroom mixture to pot; toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving platter. Garnish with parsley and cheese; serve immediately.

Overnight Vancouver Island Oats with Bumbleberry Compote

Overnight Vancouver Island Oats with Bumbleberry Compote

Overnight Island Oats with Bumbleberry Compote

 

Oats

2 cups local rolled oats

1/4 cup packed brown sugar, plus 2 tsp brown sugar, divided

2 T. ground flax seeds

2 T. chia seeds

1 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg, divided

1 tsp. ground allspice

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 cups milk (almond, soy, or 2%)

 

Bumbleberry Compote

1 T. cornstarch

2 T. cold water

1 cup frozen forest berries (blackberries, black currants, salal berries, blueberries)

2 T. lemon juice

 

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, 1/4 cup of the sugar, the flax and chia seeds, 1 tsp of the nutmeg, the allspice, and the cinnamon. Place 1/2 cup of this mixture in each of four 2-cup mason jars or similar sealable glass jars. Add 1 cup of milk to each jar and mix with a spoon to combine. Seal the jars and put in the fridge to soak for at least 12 hours, or up to 3 days.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining 2 tsp sugar, the remaining 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and the cornstarch with the cold water until the mixture is completely lump-free. Fold in the frozen berries, drizzle the lemon juice overtop, and place over medium heat, covered, to allow the berries to thaw, 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Watch the berries carefully, stirring occasionally, as they come to a boil. Boil for 1 minute then remove from the heat. Serve immediately or allow to cool. This will keep in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 months. To serve, remove the lid from the jar of oats and top with a dollop of the jam. You can also add a dollop of yogurt.

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Mini Oregon Berry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze Recipe

 

1 cup frozen Oregon blackberries

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

½ cup of yogurt (we used plain, but greek or coconut yogurt would work great too)

½ cup olive oil (vegetable oil also works)

3 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

Zest of 1 ½ lemons (½ for the topping)

Pinch of salt

Lemon glaze

 

1 cup powdered sugar

5 tsp. lemon juice

4 tsp. milk

Oregon Berry Bundt Cake Recipe:

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray bundt cake pans with butter. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In a separate bowl place the sugar and lemon zest together and whisk. Whisk the yogurt in the sugar bowl. Once the yogurt is incorporated whisk the eggs in one by one. Whisk in the dry ingredients with the wet bowl until the mix is smooth. Lightly dust the blackberries in flour and fold them into the batter. Fill the mini bundt cake pans ½ full. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes (test with a toothpick to make sure batter doesn’t stick). Cool for 20 minutes prior to topping with lemon glaze. Lemon glaze steps: Put all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and you get your desired thickness

Hazelnut-Crusted Chevre with Blackberry” Sage Compote

Hazelnut-Crusted Chevre with Blackberry” Sage Compote

Hazelnut-Crusted Chevre with Blackberry” Sage Compote

 

Compote

2 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup finely chopped sage leaves

 

2 cups chevre

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups finely chopped hazelnuts

Vegetable oil spray

 

To make the compote, in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, cook the blackberries and sugar with the sage until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit is just starting to break down—approximately 15 minutes. The compote should be syrupy and still chunky. To prepare the chevre, separate it into eight evenly sized portions. Using your hands, form each one into a 1-inch-thick disc. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set up a dredging station: place the flour, eggs, and hazelnuts in separate shallow bowls. Take the chevre from the fridge and, working with one piece at a time, dip each disc in the flour, coating fully and shaking off any excess; dip in the egg, coating fully and shaking off the excess; and finally, set them on top of the hazelnuts, pressing down slightly to coat. Turn them over to coat the other side as well. Place the hazelnut-crusted chevre discs on the prepared baking sheet and spray them lightly with vegetable oil. Flip them over and spray the other side. Bake for 5 minutes, turn over, and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot or cold with the compote on the side. You can store the compote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The cooked chevre discs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes before eating.

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

 

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup pesto

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg

1/2 T. olive oil

2 T. butter

2 zucchini, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup uncooked orzo

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup white wine

1 1/4 cup vegetable broth

1 cup water

 

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto, parmesan and egg in a bowl. Combine with your hands in form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs once the oil is hot and cook until each side is browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Add butter to that same pan. Once melted, add red pepper flakes. (You can omit this if you don’t like spice!) Stir in the thinly sliced zucchini and cook for about a minute, then add your minced garlic. Add white wine and lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes. Mix in your orzo, stirring to coat every piece of pasta. Then add broth and water. When you start to see a low simmer, nestle the meatballs back in. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes. Uncover and check to make sure your orzo is al dente and your meatballs are cooked all the way through to the center. Serve with additional parmesan cheese on top!

Crisp Edge Dumplings

Crisp Edge Dumplings

Crisp Edge Dumplings

 

1 T. neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable

10 frozen vegetable potstickers

6 T. water

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. all-purpose flour

2 T. chili crisp

Sliced scallions, for serving

On the side: Steamed rice and sauteed bok choy

 

Coat the bottom of a 10-inch nonstick skillet with the oil. Place over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the potstickers, flat-side down, to the oil, allowing about 1/2 inch of space in between each dumpling. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the water, soy sauce and flour in a small bowl. When the bottoms of the dumplings are browned, carefully pour the flour mixture in and around the dumplings. Cover with skillet lid or aluminum foil, lower the heat to medium, and cook until the dumplings are heated through, about 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the soy sauce mixture is crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Place a large plate over the skillet. Using oven mitts or thick towels, carefully flip the skillet upside down to remove the dumplings. The crispy soy sauce layer should be on top. Drizzle all over with the chili crisp and garnish with the scallions. Serve immediately with the rice and bok choy.

Butter-Roasted Delicata

Butter-Roasted Delicata

1 large or 2 small (2-3 lb in total) delicata squash

1/4 cup salted butter

2 T. pure maple syrup

2 T. orange juice

2 T. chopped rosemary leaves

 

Using a sharp knife, slice the squash in half lengthwise. Using a teaspoon, scrape out and discard the seeds. Lay the squash cut side down and cut it into 1 -inch-thick slices. Spread the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, and then whisk in the maple syrup and orange juice until fully emulsified. Brush this mixture over the squash slices, then flip them over and brush the other side, ensuring they are well coated. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture overtop. Sprinkle with the rosemary. Roast for 35 minutes, until fork-tender and caramelized on the outside. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. The cooked squash will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Asparagus and Fennel

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Asparagus and Fennel

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Asparagus and Fennel

 

2 bulbs fennel, bulbs trimmed and cut into 1-inch wedges, plus a few fronds for serving

1 lemon

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 (1- to 1 1/2-inch-thick) boneless pork loin chops

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

About 1 ounce Parmesan cheese

 

Place a sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven. Set the other oven rack in the position closest to the broiler. Heat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is heating, place the fennel wedges in a medium bowl. Zest the lemon over the fennel. Add 1 T. oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Use 1 T. olive oil to lightly coat the sides of the chops. When the oven is hot, carefully remove the sheet pan and add the fennel. Spread in an even layer. (Reserve the bowl.) Nestle the pork chops in the fennel. Bake on the middle rack for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in the reserved bowl, toss the asparagus with the final T. olive oil and season with salt and pepper. When the 15-minute timer is up, remove the sheet pan and switch the oven to broil. Spread the asparagus over the fennel. Return to the oven on the top rack and cook until the vegetables are lightly charred and the pork is browned and registers 145 degrees with an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the pork and vegetables. Use a vegetable peeler to shave Parmesan cheese over the pork and vegetables, garnish with the fennel fronds, and serve.

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

Rhubarb Banana Skillet Cake

 

1 pound fresh rhubarb stalks (see note)

2/3 cup + 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup + 1 T. vegetable oil

1 medium very ripe banana (see note)

1 medium orange

1.5 ounces fresh ginger root

1 T. pure vanilla extract

2 tsp. powdered ginger

1.25 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup boiling water

 

To yield the prettiest cake possible, pick rhubarb that’s the deepest pink in color you can find, both inside and outside of the stalks if possible. For best results, use a banana that’s extremely ripe, dark and soft. This will be easier to work with and will provide the maximum moistness and pleasant sweetness in the cake. Rinse rhubarb; trim and discard tough ends. Slice stalks in half once crosswise, and then once lengthwise (unless they are already very narrow). Set aside. Using 1 T. oil, thoroughly coat the interior of a 9 to 10 inch ovenproof skillet such as cast iron. Place rhubarb in skillet in a single parallel pile, trimming ends to make it fit if needed. Top rhubarb with 1/4 cup brown sugar. Place pan over medium-low heat and cover with lid. Cook 5 minutes, remove lid, and use heatproof tongs to gently rotate top and bottom layers of rhubarb. Cover and cook another 5 minutes. Rhubarb should be very soft and juicy. Remove lid, remove pan from heat, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 F. Peel the banana and mash it well with a fork until no longer lumpy. Measure the mashed banana; it should yield 1/3 to 1/2 cup. (If yours yields more than this, set aside extra and use for another purpose. If less, add a bit more oil to make at least 1/3 cup total.) Rinse, dry, and finely zest the orange; set zest aside. Juice the orange and measure out 1/4 cup juice, discarding any seeds. Set juice aside. Peel and finely grate a piece of fresh ginger root (see note); then measure out 2 tsp. grated ginger. Heat a kettle of water. In a large bowl, beat 2/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Add the vanilla, mashed banana, and grated ginger. Mix well. Sift over the mixture: powdered ginger, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Begin to mix (batter will be thick), alternately adding the 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup boiling water. Beat well, scraping sides and bottom of bowl with spatula. Finally, fold in the orange zest until evenly distributed. Before adding batter into skillet, gently rearrange rhubarb, pulling it to edges of the pan to ensure the bottom of the cake is completely covered in a single layer of rhubarb – preferably with most of the stalks going in the same direction. Slowly pour batter over rhubarb and place skillet in oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out batter-free (a few moist crumbs are OK). Carefully remove from oven. Let sit at least an hour or until pan is cool enough to grasp. Just when ready to serve, loosen edges of cake with a knife, and invert onto a plate. If cake has completely cooled or is the least bit stubborn about coming out of pan, be sure to place skillet over medium heat on stovetop for 30-60 seconds before flipping. The cake is best served the day of baking, but feel free to store it covered and refrigerated, eating within a day.

Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole

 

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper, divided

1 pound medium pasta shells, cooked and drained

4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

3 cups 4% cottage cheese

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 T. dried parsley flakes

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

 

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain. Sprinkle with salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine pasta, 3 cups mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and the remaining pepper. Transfer to a greased shallow 3-qt. or 13×9-in. baking dish. Top with beef mixture and spaghetti sauce (dish will be full). Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and cheese is melted, 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before. To Freeze: Sprinkle casserole with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

 

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs

3 large limes, juice and zest of

8 ounces liquid honey

1 T. grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)

 

Combine lime juice, lime zest, honey, ginger, and garlic in a large ziploc bag. Add chicken and combine well. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze. Remove from freezer the night before serving and defrost all day in the fridge; chicken will marinate as it defrosts. Transfer thighs to a roasting pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. You can also cook this chicken on the BBQ/grill if desired.

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Breakfast Waffles

 

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Syrup

 

2 cups fresh blueberries

4 sprigs lemon thyme

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1/2 cup water

 

Waffles

4 eggs, separated

2 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole)

3/4 cup salted butter, melted

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

Whipped cream, for serving

 

Time-consuming? Yes. Many components? Yes. Worth the trouble? Definitely. When blueberries come into season, these are one of the first things on the menu at my house, and we all crave them for weeks afterwards. To get the crispiness on the outside and the light-as-air texture on the inside, fold the whipped egg whites very gently into the batter. (Note: You’ll need a waffle iron for this recipe.)

 

To make the syrup, rinse and stem the berries. Place them in a small saucepan and add the thyme. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch until no lumps remain, pour in the water, and whisk until thick. Pour this over the berries and place the pan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool to almost room temperature, then discard the thyme. To make the waffles, using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Set aside. In a large measuring jug, whisk together the milk and butter. Whisk in the egg yolks in a single addition. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the milk mixture, and whisk to form a thick batter. Gently fold in the egg whites to combine. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Follow the instructions for your waffle iron. You want the waffles to be a deep golden brown. Serve the waffles fresh from the iron with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of blueberry lemon thyme syrup. The waffle batter will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best if you use it straight from the fridge, rather than letting it come to room temperature. If it separates, give it a few good folds with a spatula before using it. The syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Hummus with Blistered Tomatoes and Za’atar

Hummus with Blistered Tomatoes and Za’atar

Hummus with Blistered Tomatoes and Za’atar

 

1 Can Chickpeas – 19oz, Drained and rinsed

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 tablespoon Tahini

2 Lemons, juiced

2 Garlic cloves

1 teaspoon Kosher salt – Adjust as needed

½ teaspoon Cumin – Optional

Topping

1 cup Cherry tomatoes

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Za’atar spice – as much or as little as you like

Chopped parsley – Optional

Extra Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle – Optional

 

In a food processor, place drained and rinsed chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cumin. Process and scrape the sides down. Because lemons have varying levels of juice, you may need to add more lemon juice to taste. If the hummus is too thick, add more olive oil to loosen it up. Process until very smooth. When you think you’re done processing, process for another 2 minutes. Trust me, this is how you get the creamiest hummus ever. Taste and adjust seasoning Spread humus in a bowl or plate. In a small frying pan, add 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil and cherry tomatoes. Cook on high heat until tomatoes start to blister and pop but not fall apart. This should only take 3-5 minutes, depending on your stove-top. Spoon warm tomatoes over hummus. Sprinkle Za’atar spice mix over the top. Use as much or as little as you like. Sprinkle chopped parley if using. Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil if using. Enjoy with pita or crackers.

Romanian Intelligent Cake

Romanian Intelligent Cake

Romanian Intelligent Cake

 

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

9 eggs at room temperature

1 tsp. lemon zest

2 cups flour, sifted

4 cups whole milk, at room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. rum extract (optional)

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

 

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by- 13-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving the ends long enough to hang over the long edges of the dish to help with lifting the cake out of the pan later. Melt the butter and let it cool until it is warm but still melted. Separate the eggs, placing yolks and whites in separate large bowls. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and lemon peel until they become pale. While beating on low speed, slowly add the melted butter, then the sifted flour, then the milk. To the bowl of egg whites, add salt, vanilla extract and rum extract (if using). Beat until they are stiff. Using only a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture a large spoonful at a time. Do not overmix it. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour. Resist the urge to open the oven. After 1 hour, test for doneness by jiggling the pan gently (the middle should be firm). If needed, bake for up to 30 minutes longer, checking every 10 minutes or so (again, try not to open the door too often). Turn off the oven and leave cake in the oven with the door closed for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until the next day. To serve, run a paring knife around the outside of the cake to make sure it has not stuck to the pan anywhere, then use the overhanging parchment to lift cake out of the pan. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into 2-inch squares and arrange on a serving platter. When you cut into this custardy cake, it will have formed its own layers and have a slightly crispy top.