Devillish Deviled Eggs

Devillish Deviled Eggs

 

5 hard-boiled eggs, halved lengthwise

1 T. minced scallion, white and light green parts

1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

Juice from 1 lime

1 T. mayonnaise

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

Red chili flakes for garnish

 

Remove the yolks from the whites. Set the whites aside. Mash the yolks in a bowl with a fork. Add the scallion, jalapeno, lime juice, mayonnaise, and salt. Add more mayonnaise to reach desired consistency. Mash with a fork until blended. Using a tsp., carefully stuff whites with yolk mixture, mounding the tops. For extra heat, garnish with red chili flakes.  Variation:  Add 1 whole mashed avocado to the egg yolk mixture.

Curry Chicken Triangles

Curry Chicken Triangles

 

2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet

1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 T. milk

2 T. apricot preserves

1 C. finely chopped cooked chicken

1/2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

1/4 C. chopped drained water chestnuts (from 8-oz can)

3 T. chopped green onions (3 medium)

2 tsp. curry powder

1 egg, beaten

2 T. chopped almonds

 

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll both cans of dough on work surface; press each to form 12×9-inch rectangle. Cut each into 12 squares. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, milk and apricot preserves with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in chicken, cheese, water chestnuts, onions and curry powder. Spoon about 1 T. chicken mixture in center of each square. Fold dough over filling; press edges with a fork. Place on cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with almonds. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Tarragon Butter

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Tarragon Butter

 

1 large English cucumber, peeled, sliced paper thin

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. white vinegar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup minced fresh tarragon

1/4 cup minced fresh chervil

30 thin slices whole-wheat bread, enough to make 72 (2x4inch) rectangles

Watercress leaves, optional

 

Put cucumber slices in large bowl. Toss with salt. Sprinkle with vinegar. Toss to mix well. Let stand 1 hour. Drain well in colander. Combine butter, tarragon and chervil. To assemble, spread butter over 1 side of each bread slice. Cover 15 slices with cucumbers, dividing evenly. Close sandwiches. Trim crusts. Cut into 36 rectangles. Arrange on platter, garnished with watercress leaves.

Crostini with Smoked Trout, Lemon and Chives

Crostini with Smoked Trout, Lemon and Chives

 

12 oz. smoked trout or other smoked fish, skin and bone removed

3 T. mayonnaise

3 to 4 tsp. lemon juice

3 T. chopped dill

2 T. capers, chopped

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 baguette, cut diagonally into 3/8″ slices

2 T. chopped chives

 

In a large bowl, flake trout coarsely. Fold in mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, capers, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Toast bread until golden on each side. To serve, spread the trout on toast. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley leaf.

Antipasti Platter

Antipasti Platter

 

An antipasto come before the meal (il pasto), and its function is to prepare the stomach for the courses.  So the antipasto is to be merely tasted, savored slowly in minimal amount rather than devoured. Otherwise it takes the place of the meal, becoming an epilogue instead of a prologue.

There are many different kinds of antipasti. They follow one general rule, which is that hot ones are served before a reasonably light meal, cold ones before a substantial meal. Also, they must have a certain harmony with the rest of the menu – they should bear some relationship to the dishes that follow. The visual element of antipasti dishes is important so that the appetite is stimulated in the imagination even before it is stimulated by the taste. A skillful blending of colors and garnishes is all part of the exercise: preparing a plate of antipasti is like playing with a puzzle.

Most of the recipes have one indispensable ingredient in common: extra virgin olive oil.

Just as olive trees have been constant feature of Tuscan landscape for thousands of years, so olive oil has always played leading role in Tuscan cooking. There is an old saying that wine lift the spirits and oil lift the taste, which confirm the dominant role of olive oil in the kitchens of peasant and aristocrat alike. Bruschetta and raw vegetable dip pinzimonio cannot be the same without the unmistakable taste of extra virgin olive oil!

 

A platter of Mediterranean-style savory bites that partners well with predinner drinks at holiday gatherings. It is an easy option for cocktail parties, open houses, and lunch buffets, too, because many of the items can be store-bought.

 

Start with a visit to a good deli or specialty-foods store to find ready-made items like olives; specialty nuts, such as Marcona almonds; artisanal cheeses, such as pecorino, Manchego, mozzarella, and fresh goat cheese; spreads, such as tapenade; and cured meats, including prosciutto, salami, mortadella, and coppa. Serve four to six items, and plan on 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 g) of each per guest. You can supplement these offerings with raw or roasted vegetables with a Mediterranean-style dipping sauce.

Assembly

 

Choose an attractive tray, platter, or cutting board. Or, create a dramatic presentation using a long, narrow platter, a tiered charcuterie “tower,” or several matching small plates, with a single antipasto on each. Arrange the food to create an unfussy, natural look, piling items casually and rolling or loosely folding sliced meats. Decorate with grape leaves, fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, or thyme. Place small plates, decorative cocktail picks or salad forks, and cocktail napkins next to the antipasto assortment.

Accompaniments

 

Serve a basket of thinly sliced baguette rounds, slices of coarse country bread, cubes of focaccia, or crackers. You can also set out bread sticks.

 

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Traditional Antipasti Platter

 

Cold Cuts (charcuterie) – sliced thin:

 

Imported prosciutto (San Danielle is the best) or other ham such as Parma or Cappicolla

Mild salami (Columbus) or other Italian cured sausage

Imported mortadella with pistachio nuts

Mild coppa

 

Marinated Vegetables:

 

Marinated artichoke hearts

Roasted red peppers

Pepperoncini

Marinated mushrooms / Pickled Mushrooms

 

Cheeses:

 

Bocconcini

Chunks of Parmesano Reggiano or Peccorino

Asiago, Provolone, aged white cheddar and / or Italian Fontina cheese, cut in thin stripes

 

Breads:

 

Breadsticks

Focaccia, ciabatta or herb slab (variety of artisan breads)

Crostini or Bruschetta

 

Olives:

 

Combination of Storebought gourmet olives (Kalamata, Nicoise, and Colossole)

Marinated Olives

 

Misc:

 

Deviled eggs

Grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms or onions)

Figs (if in season), Melon (if in season, can wrap the prosciutto around it), Fresh Grapes

Candied Walnuts

 

Grilled Figs Wrapped in Proscuitto

 

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Crostini with Fig Spread and Bubbled Brie

Crostini with Fig Spread and Bubbled Brie

 

¾ C. stemmed and chopped dried figs (slightly heaping)

¾ C. Mirassou California Pinot Noir

1 ½ tbsp. honey

2 lemon slices, seeds removed

24 (¼-inch thick) baguette slices, cut on the diagonal

2 tbsp. walnut or extra virgin olive oil

½ lb. cold Brie, thinly sliced

1 ½ tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

 

Combine figs, wine, honey and lemon slices in medium saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and cook, covered, over low heat 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then puree in food processor or blender.  Brush bread slices with oil and place oil-side down on large baking sheet. Spread about ½ T. fig spread on each baguette slice and top with equal amounts of Brie, then top with thyme. Bake at 450°F 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Creamy Seafood Dip

Creamy Seafood Dip

4oz. Cream Cheese

1 pint Low-fat Cottage Cheese

3 tsp. Lemon Juice

2 tsp. Prepared Horseradish

1/4 tsp. Tabasco

1/4 C. Chopped Green Onion

1 can Minced Clams, Shrimp, or Crab, drained

 

Allow cream cheese to sit to room temperature.  Blend with cottage cheese and following three ingredients until smooth.  Stir in onions and seafood.  Serve with raw vegetables or crackers.

Black Olives with Lemon and Fennel

Black Olives with Lemon and Fennel

1/2 clove garlic

6 small olives

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds

1/3 T. fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 T. olive oil

 

Mince garlic. Mix olives with other ingredients in a plastic container with a lid then marinate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend. Note: These olives can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon

1 pkg Cream cheese; 8 oz

1 Garlic clove; minced

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup Shredded crab;

30 Wanton wrappers

1 Egg

2 tsp Water

Oil for deep frying

 

Directions: The cream cheese should be at room temperature. In a medium bowl cream together the cream cheese, garlic and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Stir in the crab. Beat the egg with water. Place a tbs of crab mixture in the center of a wanton wrapper. Brush egg mixture on the edge of the wrapper. Pinch the corners together and then bring them to meet in the center, pinching to seal. Continue until all the mixture is used. Deep-fry in hot (375 degrees) oil two or three at a time until browned. Serve warm with sauce.

Crab Dip

Crab Dip

 

1 pkg. ( 3 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 C. each mayonnaise and sour cream

1 can (6 oz.) crabmeat, drained (or us equivalent imitation krab)

1/4 C. minced onion

1 T. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce

 

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon into oven-proof dish.  Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Makes 1 C.

Crab Cakes with Tomato Salsa

Crab Cakes with Tomato Salsa

1 lb. Fresh crabmeat
1/2 C. Chopped red bell pepper
1/2 C. Chopped green onions
3 tsp. Chopped fresh basil
2 tsp. Fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. Mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. Hot pepper sauce

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

3 1/4 C. Fresh breadcrumbs from crustless French bread

1 lg. Egg

2 tsp. (1/4 stick) Butter

2 tsp. Vegetable Oil

Tomato salsa

 

Mix first 9 ingredients in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and egg. Shape crab mixture into eight 2 1/2-inch-diameter patties, using scant 1/2 cup mixture for each. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)  Place 3 cups breadcrumbs in shallow dish. Coat crab cakes in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Melt 1 tsp. butter with 1 tsp. oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 crab cakes and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining butter, oil and crab cakes. Divide among 4 plates. Serve with salsa.

Clam Wonton Triangles

Clam Wonton Triangles

 

One package of wonton skins

Twelve ounces of softened cream cheese,

Two (6.5 oz) cans minced clams, drained

One quarter C. diced green onions

One half tsp. soy sauce

Three drops sesame oil

One tsp. fresh, grated ginger.

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all ingredients except wonton skins.  Place one tsp. of mixture on each wonton skin.  Moisten edges with water and fold in half, to form a triangle.  Arrange triangles on a greased baking sheet.  Bake for 12 minutes, until golden brown.  Serve warm with dipping sauce. Preparation: Dipping sauce. Combine one C. of pineapple jam, One T. of hot mustard, 1 tsp. of grated ginger and one T. of honey, slightly heated.

Clam Fondue in a Bread Bowl

Clam Fondue in a Bread Bowl

 

 

3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) minced clams

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed

1 T. minced fresh parsley

2 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. minced chives

1/2 tsp. salt

6 drops hot pepper sauce

2 round loaves (1 pound each) sourdough bread

 

Drain two cans of clams and discard liquid. Drain remaining can, reserving the liquid. In a food processor, combine the clams, cream cheese, parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, chives, salt, hot pepper sauce and reserved clam juice; cover and process until smooth.  Cut the top fourth off one loaf of bread; carefully hollow out loaf, leaving a 1-in. shell. Set removed bread aside. Fill shell with clam mixture; replace top. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes.  Meanwhile, cut reserved bread and the second loaf into cubes. Wrap in heavy-duty foil; place in oven during the last 15 minutes of baking. Unwrap bread bowl and remove top. Serve with bread cubes.

Chilled Shrimp in Chinese Mustard Sauce

Chilled Shrimp in Chinese Mustard Sauce

 

1 C. water

1/2 C. dry white wine

2 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce

1/2 tsp. Szechuan or black peppercorns

1 lb. raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 C. prepared sweet and sour sauce

2 tsp. hot Chinese mustard

 

Combine water, wine, soy sauce and peppercorns in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add shrimp; reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are opaque. Drain well. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.  Combine sweet and sour sauce and mustard in small bowl; mix well. Serve as a dipping sauce for shrimp.

Chili Con Queso

Chili Con Queso

 

1 C. chopped onion

2 T. butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (16 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, drained

2 cans (4 oz. each) chopped green chili peppers, drained

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 lb. processed cheese, cut in cubes

 

Cook onions in butter with garlic until tender. Stir in tomatoes, chili peppers and pepper; heat thoroughly. Add cheese. Stir until melted. Serve with nachos or vegetable crudités.

Chicken Salad Wonton Stars

Chicken Salad Wonton Stars

 

1 package (8 oz.) reduced-fat cream cheese

3 T. fat-free milk

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 C. cubed cooked chicken breast

2 T. chopped green onion

36 wonton wrappers

Refrigerated butter-flavor spray

Paprika

 

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk, garlic salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in chicken and green onion; set aside. Spritz one side of each wonton wrapper with butter spray; press into mini muffin C., buttered side down. Bake at 350° for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Fill each C. with about 1 T. chicken salad. Bake 5 minutes longer. Sprinkle with paprika. Yield: 3 dozen.

Chickaritos

Chickaritos

3 C. finely chopped cooked chicken

1-1/2 C. (6 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies

1/2 C. finely chopped green onions

1 tsp. hot pepper sauce

1 tsp. garlic salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. paprika

1 package (17-1/4 oz.) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed or pie pastry for double-crust 10-inch pie

Guacamole

Salsa

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chilies, onions, cheese and seasonings. Chill until ready to use. Remove half of the pastry from refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll to a 9-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Cut into nine small rectangles. Place about 2 T. of filling across the center of each rectangle. Wet edges of pastry with water and roll pastry around filling. Crimp ends with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling. Place seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to heat. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with salsa and guacamole. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Chex Party Mix

Chex Party Mix

1 C. Butter

3 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

2-4 Drops Hot Pepper Sauce

6 C. small Pretzels or Pretzel Sticks

5 C. Cheerios

4 C. Wheat Chex

4 C. Rice or Corn Chex

3 C. Mixed Nuts

 

On saucepan mix butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and pepper sauce.  Heat and stir until butter is melted.  In large roasting pan mix remaining ingredients.  Drizzle with butter mixture and toss to coat.  Bake in 300F oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  Spread on foil to cool.

Cheesy Shrimp Wonton Squares

Cheesy Shrimp Wonton Squares

 

32 Wanton Wrappers

1 tsp. Olive Oil

1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt

2 oz. Cheddar Cheese

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

32 Cooked Salad Shrimp

2 Green Onions, thinly sliced

 

Heat oven to 375.  Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange 16 wanton squares on cookie sheet.  Using fingers, place a drop of water in center of each square.  Top with another square, placing at an angle to form a star pattern.  In small bowl, combine oil and garlic salt; mix well.  Brush over wanton squares.  Bake for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned.  Meanwhile, cut cheese into 1” squares that are about 1/8” thick.  Remove wanton squares from oven.  Place small amount of mustard on each cheese square.  Set cheese, mustard side down, on the hot wanton wrappers.  Top with a piece of shrimp and some green onion slices.  Return to oven for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is softened.  Cool slightly before serving.

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

14 oz. large stuffing mushrooms (approximately 16)

3/4 C. packed basil leaves

1-1/2 T. olive oil

1-1/2 T. toasted pine nuts

1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 T. chicken stock or water

1/4 C. 5% ricotta cheese

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable pan spray. Wipe mushrooms clean and gently remove stems; reserve for another purpose. Put caps on baking sheet. Put basil, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan and garlic in food processor; process until finely chopped, scraping down sides of bowl once. Add stock through the feed tube and process until smooth. Add ricotta and process until mixed. Divide mixture evenly among mushroom caps. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until hot.

Cheese Twists

Cheese Twists

1 C. Flour

1/4 tap. Garlic Powder

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Ground Red Pepper

1 C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

1/4 C. Butter

3-5 tsp. Cold Water

1 Beaten Egg

2 tsp. Toasted Sesame Seed or Poppy Seed

 

In large mixing bowl combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper.  Cut in cheese and butter until pieces are the size of small peas.  Sprinkle 1 tsp. water over part of the mixture.  Toss gently with a fork to coat.  Push to side of bowl.  Repeat until all flour mixture is moistened.  Shape dough into ball.  On lightly floured surface, flatten dough with hands.  Roll out dough from center to edges, forming a 10” square.  Brush with egg.  Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed.  Cut dough into 5 x 1/2” strips.  Twist each strip.  Place on lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake in 400F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws

8oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 C. butter, softened

1 C. Flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and butter. Blend in the flour and salt. Form the mixture into 6 balls. Roll the balls into slender “snakes.” Cut each “snake” into 4 straws. Bake the straws for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Parmesan Witches’ Broomsticks

Parmesan Witches’ Broomsticks

2 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix

2/3 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  

Heat oven to 350°F. Stir Bisquick mix and milk until soft dough forms. Place dough on surface dusted with Bisquick mix; gently roll in Bisquick mix to coat. Shape into ball; knead 10 times.  Shape dough into 30 one-inch balls. Roll 15 balls into 15 six-inch ropes to make broomstick handles. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Pat remaining balls onto 1 end of each broomstick handle. Dip fork into Bisquick mix; press fork firmly on balls to make bristles.  Brush egg over dough. Sprinkle cheese over dough bristles. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.   High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Bake 13 to 18 minutes.

Parmesan Cheese Straw Twists

Parmesan Cheese Straw Twists

 

2/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. paprika

1 package (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, slightly beaten

 

Heat oven to 425ºF. Cover 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper or heavy brown paper.    Mix cheese and paprika. Roll 1 sheet of pastry into 12×10 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface with floured cloth-covered rolling pin.    Brush egg over pastry. Sprinkle with 3 T. of the cheese mixture. Press cheese mixture gently into pastry. Turn pastry over. Repeat brushing with egg and sprinkling with cheese mixture.    Fold pastry lengthwise in half. Cut pastry crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. Unfold strips and roll each end in opposite directions to twist. Place twists on cookie sheet.     Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Repeat with remaining sheet of pastry, egg and cheese mixture. Serve warm or cool.

Cheese & Pesto Spread

Cheese & Pesto Spread

8oz. Cream Cheese

4 1/2oz. Brie Cheese

1 C. Firmly Packard Basil Leaves

1/2 C. Firmly Packed Parsley Springs

1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 C. Pine Nuts (or Walnuts or Almonds)

2 Cloves Garlic, quartered

1/4 C. Olive Oil

1/2 C. Whipping Cream

Crackers or Slices of French Bread

 

Soften Cream and Brie Cheese.  For pesto combine basil and parsley, Parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic and 2 tsp. Oil oil in blender.  Blend with on and off turns until paste forms.  Gradually add remaining oil, blending on low speed until smooth.  Beat cream cheese and Brie together till nearly smooth.  Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.  Fold whipped cream into cheese mixture.  Line a 4 C. Mold with plastic wrap.  Spread 1/4 of cheese mixture into mold.  Top with 1/3 Pesto mix. Repeat layers.  Top with Cheese mixture.  Chill 6-24 hours.  To serve, unmold on plate.  Remove plastic wrap.  Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Cheeky Chilli-Pepper Chutney

Cheeky Chilli-Pepper Chutney

 

[Jamie Oliver] This is a great chutney. The sweetness created in the cooking of the peppers calms the heat of the chillies down, giving the chutney a lovely warmth. It’s fantastic with crumbly cheese, smeared on toast with melted cheese or with Welsh rarebit. Also lovely stirred into gravy with sausages, or with cold leftover meats. Crack on and have a go.

 

8-10 fresh red chillies

8 ripe red peppers

Olive oil

2 medium red onions, peeled and chopped

a sprig of fresh rosemary, leaves picked and chopped

2 fresh bay leaves

a 5cm piece of cinnamon stick

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

100g brown sugar

150ml balsamic vinegar

 

If you want your chutney to last for a while, make sure you have some small sterilized jars ready to go. Place your chillies and peppers over a hot barbecue, in a griddle pan or on a tray under a hot grill, turning them now and then until blackened and blistered all over. Carefully lift the hot peppers and chillies into a bowl (the smaller chillies won’t take as long as the peppers so remove them first) and cover tightly with clingfilm. As they cool down, they’ll cook gently in their own steam. By the time they’re cool enough to handle, you’ll be able to peel the skin off easily.  When you’ve got rid of most of the skin, trimmed off the stalks and scooped out the seeds, you’ll be left with a pile of nice tasty peppers and chillies. Finely chop by hand or put in a food processor and whiz up. Then put to one side. Heat a saucepan and pour in a splash of olive oil. Add the onions, rosemary, bay leaves and cinnamon and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook very slowly for about 20 minutes or so, until the onions become rich, golden and sticky. Add the chopped peppers and chillies, the sugar and the vinegar to the onions and keep cooking. When the liquid reduces and you’re left with a lovely thick sticky chutney, season well to taste. Remove the cinnamon stick and the bay leaves. Either spoon into the sterilized jars and put them in a cool dark place, or keep in the fridge and use right away. In sterilized jars, the chutney should keep for a couple of months.

Cheddar Shrimp Nachos

Cheddar Shrimp Nachos

3/4 lb. peeled deveined, cooked shrimp 

1 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, drained 

1/3 C. chopped green onions 

1/4 C. sliced ripe olives, drained 

1/2 C. mayonnaise 

1/4 tsp. ground cumin 

48 tortilla chips, scoops 

 

Combine the shrimp, cheese, chilies, onions and olives. Combine the mayo and cumin; add to shrimp mixture and toss to coat. Place about a T. of the shrimp mixture into each tortilla scoop and place on baking sheets.  Bake at 350° for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Cheddar Pinecone

Cheddar Pinecone

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Cheddar cheese spread
1 T. horseradish
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
Whole almonds
Rosemary sprigs

 

Blend first 4 ingredients. Shape into an oval. Stud with almonds. Garnish with rosemary.

Calico Dip

Calico Dip

4 C. shredded Monterey jack cheese

1 can {4-oz} chopped green chilies

1 can {2 1/4-oz} sliced ripe olives, drained

4 green onions, sliced

3 medium tomatoes, seeded & diced

1/2 C. minced fresh parsley

1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix

Tortilla chips

 

In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, chilies, olives, onions, tomatoes, & parsley. Prepare salad dressing mix according to pkg directions; pour over cheese mixture & mix well. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Buttermilk Onion Rings W/Grilled Tomato Aioli Sauce

Buttermilk Onion Rings W/Grilled Tomato Aioli Sauce

1 C. all purpose flour

3 C. buttermilk

Pinch of cayenne

Salt

4 large Vidalia onions, peeled and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices

4 C. peanut oil

4 C. all purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper

 

Combine buttermilk, flour, cayenne and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Soak the onion rings in the batter for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Using side burner. Heat oil in a large saucepan to 375 degrees F. In batches, remove onion rings from batter and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.

 

Grilled Tomato Aioli:

 

2 plum tomatoes, grilled, seeds and skin removed and coarsely chopped

2 C. good quality mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

2 T. fresh lime juice

Pinch of cayenne

Salt

 

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with cayenne and salt.

Hoisin-Chicken Lettuce Cups

Hoisin-Chicken Lettuce Cups

Hoisin-Chicken Lettuce Cups

1 ripe mango

2 T. hoisin sauce

2 x 4-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 romaine lettuce (10 oz)

1 cup sprouting cress

 

Put a grill pan on a high heat. Cut the two cheeks off the mango, slice each into three lengthways, then slice off the skin and discard. Dice all the flesh into 1/2 -inch cubes. Scrunch the stone over a bowl, to extract any pulp and juice, mix with the hoisin to make a dressing, and divide between two little bowls. Flatten the chicken breasts by pounding them with your fists until the fat end is the same thickness as the skinny end. Rub with 1 T. of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until bar-marked and cooked through. Meanwhile, trim the lettuce, click the leaves apart, and divide between two plates, snipping the cress alongside. Divide up the mango and the hoisin bowls. Slice the chicken and arrange on the plates, then tuck in, using the lettuce cups as a receptacle to hold everything.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 to 5 C. cooked skinless, boneless chicken, cubed or diced

1/2 pound low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

1 12-ounce bottle Frank’s Buffalo-wing sauce

2 4-ounce packages reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled

Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Tortilla chips, Fritos, or celery sticks, for serving

 

In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the cream cheese and hot sauce. Heat on 60 percent power for 4 minutes or until cheese is softened and mixture will stir. Remove to the bowl of a food processor or mix in bowl of electric mixer to combine. Add feta or blue cheese and chicken and stir well by hand. Put mixture into ovenproof baking dish. Note: This can be done night before serving and refrigerated to this point. Before serving, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 30 minutes at 325°. Serve surrounded by chips and celery sticks. Put out bottle of hot sauce for those who prefer a hotter dip.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

1 loaf french bread

6 cloves garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

6 roma tomatoes

1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

4 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried basil

 

Slice the bread lengthwise once and cut each half in half the short way. Process the garlic and olive oil in a mini chopper until it is blended and brush it on the open faces of the four bread pieces. Slice the tomatoes into rounds, and cover the bread. Sprinkle the oregano and basil evenly over the pieces and then do the same with the cheese. Cook on a cookie sheet or foil under the broiler until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread just start to brown (5-15 minutes).

  

  

BRUSCHETTA, CROSTINI and CROSTONI

 

Bruschetta originated in the central part of Italy, and has now spread to other parts. In Tuscany it is called “Fettunta”, that literally means oiled slice.

 

In the regions of Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio, Marche and the Abruzzi the original basic bruschetta was always the same 1/2″inch slice of home-made bread, at least 2 days old, unsalted close type of bread with a good crust. It was toasted on a grill over a wood fire, rubbed with garlic while still hot and seasoned with sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil.

 

Crostini and Crostoni are variations in size of Bruschetta. Crostini are thinner and Crostoni are thicker. They evolved from the original basic Bruschetta recipe to their present day forms. Some recipes can be quite sophisticated, pretty far away from the original peasant roots.

 

TIPS

 

1. Bruschetta, Crostini and Crostoni are very quick and easy to prepare, but please always remember to use only the best quality extra-virgin olive oil and good bread.

 

2. If you don’t have time to bake your own bread, buy a good firm loaf.

 

Never use a loaf which, when you squeeze the crumbs between your fingers, becomes a ball of dough. The bread should spring back after being squeezed.

 

3. Traditionally, bruschetta was cooked over charcoal; today it is more often toasted on a ridged cast iron griddle. These methods give the bread a slightly charred flavour as well as an attractive ridged pattern.

 

4. Crostoni are either toasted under the grill (Us broiler) or in the oven. Crostini are cooked in the same way. The meaning is clear: an antipasto come before the meal (il pasto), and its function is to prepare the stomach for the courses.

 

Duck & Orange Salad

Duck & Orange Salad

Duck & Orange Salad

2x 5-oz duck breast fillets, skin on

1 baguette

1/2 oz shelled walnut halves

3 regular or blood oranges

1 oz watercress

 

Score the duck skin, rub all over with sea salt and black pepper, then place skin-side down in a large non-stick frying pan on a medium-high heat. Sear for 6 minutes, or until the skin is dark golden, then turn and cook for 5 minutes, or to your liking. Remove to a board to rest, leaving the pan on the heat. Slice 10 thin slices of baguette (keeping the rest for another day). Place in the hot pan with the walnuts to toast and get golden in the duck fat, then remove and arrange the toasts on your plates. Meanwhile, top and tail the oranges, cut away the peel, then finely slice into rounds (removing any seeds). Finely slice the duck, place on the toasts, dotting any extra slices of duck in between, then add the oranges in and around. Dress the watercress with any resting juices on the board, then sprinkle over. Finely grate or crumble over the walnuts, sprinkle from a height with a little extra seasoning, and serve.

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola Spread & a Trio of Tapenades

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola Spread & a Trio of Tapenades

Gorgonzola Spread
1/2 C. Gorgonzola
1/4 C. cream cheese
1/4 C. half-and-half

 

Black Olive Tapenade
1/2 C. pitted cured black olives
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp. capers
1 oil- or salt-packed anchovy fillet
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. olive oil

 

Green Olive Tapenade
1/2 C. pitted cured green olives
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp. capers
1 oil- or salt-packed anchovy fillet
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. olive oil

 

Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
2/3 C. chopped dry-packed sundried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp. tomato purée
1 tsp. Capers
2 tsp. chopped fresh Basil
1/4 C. olive oil


Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

12 large slices good-quality French bread
1 tsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

 

To prepare the Gorgonzola spread, place the Gorgonzola and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade and blend until creamy. Add the half-and-half and blend just until smooth. Set aside. To prepare the black olive tapenade, put the olives, garlic, capers, anchovy, and lemon juice in the bowl of the food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil through the feeder tube and process until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, place the mixture in a separate bowl, and set aside.  To prepare the green olive tapenade, follow the instructions for the Black Olive Tapenade.  To prepare the sundried tomato tapenade, place the tomatoes, garlic, tomato purée, capers, and basil in the bowl of the food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil through the feeder tube and process until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, season to taste with salt and black pepper, and set aside.  To prepare the bruschetta, drizzle the bread slices with the olive oil and spread with a thin layer of the minced garlic. On a hot, well-oiled grill or under a broiler, grill the bread until crispy and brown. Remove the bread from the grill or broiler. Spread some of the Gorgonzola Spread on each slice. Spread the black olive tapenade on 4 slices. On another 4 slices, spread the green olive tapenade. Spread the remaining slices with the sundried tomato tapenade. Cut each slice into 3 triangles, place on a platter, and serve immediately.

 

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

Lemony Zucchini Linguine

5 oz dried linguine

2 mixed-color zucchini

1/2 a bunch of fresh mint (Â¥2 oz)

1 oz Parmesan cheese

1 lemon

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the package instructions, then drain, reserving a cupful of cooking water. Meanwhile, slice the zucchini lengthways, then again into long matchsticks with good knife skills or using the julienne cutter on a mandolin (use the guard!). Place a large non-stick frying pan on a medium-high heat with 1 T. of olive oil, then add the zucchini. Cook for 4 minutes, tossing regularly, while you finely slice the mint leaves, then stir them into the pan. Toss the drained pasta into the zucchini pan with a splash of reserved cooking water. Finely grate in most of the Parmesan and a little lemon zest, squeeze in all the juice, toss well, then taste and season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper. Dish up, finely grate over the remaining Parmesan, and drizzle with 1 tsp. of extra virgin olive oil before tucking in.

Brie with Garlic

Brie with Garlic

2 Garlic bulbs; whole
12 oz Brie cheese; room temperature
Cocktail bread, crisp bread, or French bread; sliced 1/2″ thick

6 oz Jar roasted red peppers well drained; cut into small; narrow strips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Remove some of the outer layers from garlic, but leave bulbs intact.  Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 40-50 minutes or until cloves are soft. Test with a toothpick or skewer. To serve, gently separate the cloves and arrange on a serving plate. Place the Brie on a larger plate, surrounded by the bread of your choice. Place red pepper strips in a small bowl and provide a small fork. Each guest should spread Brie on a piece of bread with a spreading knife, squeeze a garlic clove directly on to it, then top it with a strip or two of red pepper. You might prepare a few at first as examples.

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken with Turnips and Asparagus

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken with Turnips and Asparagus

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken with Turnips and Asparagus

1 1/2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided

sea salt

1 lb. skinless boneless chicken thighs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup Progresso Panko Italian Style Breadcrumbs

1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

3 T. minced parsley, divided

2 small turnips (about 1/2 lb.), trimmed, peeled, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

black pepper

1 lb. asparagus

1 large spring onion or 4 small spring onions, trimmed and cut into thin strips

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly oil a large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with sea salt, and then, using a meat tenderizer (so that’s what those things are for) or a rolling pin, lb. and/or roll chicken to 1/4-inch thick. Trim any little bits of chicken that aren’t firmly attached and reserve for another use. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine Progresso’s Panko Italian Style Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and 1 T. parsley. Immerse chicken thighs in egg mixture and lift, letting any excess egg drip off, and then press into panko mixture; flip, and press other side, lift chicken out and give it a gentle shake. Set breaded chicken on baking sheet. Repeat for remaining pieces. In a small bowl, toss turnips with 1 T. olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Scatter turnips around chicken pieces. Slide sheet into oven and bake for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse asparagus well. Break off woody ends, about a third of the way down. If asparagus spears are thicker than 1/2-inch, slice them in half, starting at the base and moving up. Drizzle asparagus and spring onion(s) with remaining 1/2 T. olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Pull baking sheet from oven. Flip turnips, make a bit of room on the sheet, and add asparagus and onion. Bake an additional 8 – 12 minutes, or until chicken is golden and the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F. Chicken can either be served as a fillet or cut into thin strips.

Brie with Cranberry Chutney

Brie with Cranberry Chutney

1 C. fresh or dried cranberries

2/3 C. sugar

1/3 C. cider vinegar

2 T. water

2 tsp. finely chopped gingerroot

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

 Vegetable oil

1 round Brie cheese (8 oz.)

 Slivered almonds, toasted, if desired

 Crackers, if desired

 

Mix cranberries, sugar, vinegar, water, gingerroot, cinnamon and cloves in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Cool slightly. (Chutney will thicken as it stands.)   Heat oven to 350ºF. Lightly brush ovenproof plate with vegetable oil. Place unpeeled cheese on center of plate. Bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is soft and partially melted.    Spoon half of the chutney over cheese. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve with crackers. Spoon remaining chutney onto cheese as needed, or save for future use.