Garlic Scape Pesto & Garlic Scape Butter

Garlic Scape Pesto & Garlic Scape Butter

Garlic Scape Pesto

 

¼ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

¾ cup scapes

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of ½ lemon

½ tsp. salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Lightly toast the walnuts in a non-greased pan. Set aside to cool. Cut the scapes into ½-inch pieces. Put the scapes, cooled walnuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice in the food processor. Using the pulse function, chop finely, scraping down the sides with a spatula every so often. Season with salt and pepper and pulse again. The pesto should still be somewhat chunky. Fill in a jar and refrigerate.

 

Garlic Scape Butter

 

6 T. soft butter

2 T. chopped scapes

¼ cup packed Italian parsley

Salt

Pepper

 

Put all ingredients in the food processor and process to a creamy consistency. Fill in an airtight container and refrigerate.

German Pancakes with Fresh Fruit

German Pancakes with Fresh Fruit

German Pancakes with Fresh Fruit

 

¾ cup + 3 T. (4½ ounces) all-purpose flour

2 eggs

¾ cup + ½ T. (6½ ounces) low-fat or fat-free milk

1 tsp. sugar

Pinch of salt

¼ cup seltzer water

2 T. butter

Fresh fruit for filling

Maple syrup

Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

 

Beat the flour with the eggs and the milk in a bowl with a wire whisk or with an electric mixer to a smooth batter without lumps. Add sugar, salt and seltzer water. Melt 1 T. butter in a large non-stick pan until is sizzles but does not turn brown. Pour half of the batter into the skillet and wiggle the pan a bit so the batter is evenly distributed. Cook the pancake over low-medium heat until set all through the center and golden brown at the bottom. Flip the pancake over using the lid and cook until golden brown from the other side. Place the pancake on a large plate. Melt the remaining butter in the pan and bake the second pancake the same way. Distribute the fruit over the first pancake and top with the second pancake. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve immediately.

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup

 

20 small or 10 large stems (1/3 ounce/10 g) freshly cut sweet woodruff

¾ pounds (350 g) pink rhubarb stalks, roughly chopped

1½ cups (350 ml) water

¾ cup (250 g) honey

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

Wash and dry the sweet woodruff. Remove the leaves from the stems and spread them on a large plate. Let dry and wilt for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Combine chopped rhubarb and water in a medium non-reactive pot (no aluminum). Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 minutes until the rhubarb is soft enough to be easily mashed with a wooden spoon. Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and strain the rhubarb and its juice through the sieve. Let it drip undisturbed. Do your best to resist the urge to press the pulp to help it release its liquid as this will result in cloudy syrup. Pour the syrup into a sterilized jar and let it cool to room temperature. Add the wilted sweet woodruff leaves. Stir well so the leaves are fully immersed. Cover the jar with a screw-top lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, stirring once or twice a day. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the honey and lemon juice and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool, then pour into a sterilized bottle with a screw-top lid or a tight-fitting cork. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Rhubarb Sweet Woodruff Syrup is a versatile ingredient with a unique flavor profile that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the herby, slightly vanilla-like notes of sweet woodruff. Here are some ways to use it: 
Beverages:
  • Rhubarb Soda: Mix the syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  • Rhubarb Bellinis: Replace the traditional peach puree with rhubarb sweet woodruff syrup for a delightful twist on a classic cocktail.
  • Cocktails: Use the syrup in various cocktails like margaritas or mojitos for a unique flavor infusion. You can also experiment with your own creations. For example, a “Woodruff Collins” combines sweet woodruff infused bourbon, lemon juice, Aperol, and rhubarb soda.
  • Infuse Wine: Sweet woodruff is traditionally used to make German May wine. You can also infuse white wine or white grape juice with the syrup to create a May Wine Punch.
  • Kombucha Cocktails: Add the syrup to kombucha for a flavorful and tangy beverage. 
Desserts:
  • Drizzle on Ice Cream or Yogurt: The syrup adds a sweet and tart touch to vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
  • Drizzle on Cakes: Poke holes in a vanilla or lemon cake and drizzle the syrup over for added moisture and flavor.
  • Soak Between Cake Layers: Use it as a soak between cake layers to infuse a unique flavor and keep the cake moist.
  • Flavor Other Desserts: The syrup can be incorporated into recipes for baked goods like rhubarb muffins or drizzled over desserts like labneh or yogurt.
  • Set with Gelatin: You can set the syrup with gelatin to make a unique and flavorful jelly. 
Other Culinary Uses:
  • Enhance Rhubarb Dishes: Add a splash of the syrup to classic rhubarb dishes like rhubarb cake, rhubarb and custard, or rhubarb pie to enhance the flavor.
  • Topping for Breakfast Foods: Drizzle the syrup over French toast, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious tart and sweet combination. 
Easy Pizza Bake

Easy Pizza Bake

Easy Pizza Bake

 

1 (16-oz) pkg ground pork sausage

2 (7.5-oz) cans refrigerated biscuits

1 (15-oz) can pizza sauce

1 (8-oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (3.5-oz) pkg pepperoni

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain and transfer to a large bowl. Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces; add to sausage. Stir in pizza sauce and 1 cup cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup cheese and pepperoni. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and biscuits are done.

Mango Lime Butter

Mango Lime Butter

Mango Lime Butter

 

3 pounds/1.4 kg ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced (Ataulfo)

1 cup/340 g honey

¼ cup/60 ml bottled lime juice

1 tsp. lime zest

 

In a low, wide, nonreactive pot, combine the mango, honey, and lime juice. Place the pot over high heat, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium. Cook, stirring regularly, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mango has softened to the point where you can easily mash it with a wooden spoon. Remove the pot from the heat and purée the softened mango with an immersion blender until smooth. Place the pot over medium-low heat and cook the mango purée down for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the cooking mango is making a splashy mess of your stovetop, top the pot with a fine-mesh splatter screen. When the butter is 15 to 20 minutes from being done, prepare a boiling water bath and 4 half-pint/250 ml jars according to the process on page 12. The mango butter has finished cooking when it doesn’t look at all watery and it sits tall in the bowl of a spoon. The color will also have darkened some, and it should have reduced in total volume by about a third. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lime zest. Funnel the butter into the prepared jars, leaving ½ inch/12 mm of headspace. Wipe the rims, apply the lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes

Oven Baked Chicken Tacos

Oven Baked Chicken Tacos

Oven Baked Chicken Tacos

 

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 cup salsa

1 ounce taco seasoning

12 hard taco shells

1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 avocados diced, optional topping

2 tomatoes diced, optional topping

15 ounces black beans optional topping

2.25 ounce sliced black olives optional topping

2 cups shredded lettuce optional topping

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large 9 x 13 inch baking pan, line up all of the hard taco shells so they are touching without falling over. Combine shredded chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning in a bowl. Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought work great here. Spoon chicken mixture evenly into all of the taco shells and top with Mexican blend cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese has completely melted and chicken is heated through. Top with sour cream and your favorite taco toppings. We love avocado, tomatoes, black beans, olives, and shredded lettuce

One Pan Egg and Turkey Skillet

One Pan Egg and Turkey Skillet

One Pan Egg and Turkey Skillet

 

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup salsa

6 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

 

Spray skillet with non stick spray and add in ground turkey. Cook over medium heat until turkey is browned. Drain any grease. Add in salsa and mix well. Cook turkey and salsa for 2-3 minutes. Crack in eggs and cover skillet for 7 to 9 minutes or until eggs are cooked to your liking.

Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos

 

2 pounds boneless chuck

1 pound oxtail or short ribs

1 teaspoon neutral oil, (avocado or vegetable oil)

SAUCE:

7 ancho chiles, (ends trimmed and de-seeded)

7 guajillo chiles, (ends trimmed and de-seeded)

3 chiles de arbol, (ends trimmed and de-seeded)

1 white onion, (peeled and halved)

6 garlic cloves, (peeled)

4 roma tomatoes

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 Mexican cinnamon stick, (See note if not using Mexican cinnamon)

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

3 cups beef broth or water, (divided)

TACOS:

1/4 cup minced cilantro

1/4 white onion, (minced)

Juice from 1 lime

Kosher salt

Corn tortillas

3 ounces Oaxacan cheese, (or mozzarella)

 

Bring the meat to room temperature, about 30 minutes and then sprinkle liberally on all sides with kosher salt. In a large Dutch oven (or a pot with an oven-proof lid), set over medium-high heat, add the neutral oil. When hot, add the meat and sear on all sides until browned. I like to do a hard sear. You’ll have to do this in batches. Transfer to a bowl. SAUCE: Meanwhile, in another medium pot, add the dried chiles, halved white onion, garlic cloves, tomatoes, spices, bay leaves and add cold water until it covers everything. Place over medium heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Pour through a strainer and transfer everything (including the whole spices) to a blender. If your blender is small you may need to do this in batches. Add the apple cider vinegar and about 1 cup of beef broth or water and blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add salt to taste (I added about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt). *Note: I have a high-powered blender and it resulted in a super smooth sauce. If you have a blender that is meh, you may want to run the sauce through a strainer to discard any big bits the blender didn’t puree. Very optional! TO BRAISE THE MEAT: Preheat the oven to 300F. Add the meat back to the pot and pour the sauce over it. To the blender, add the remaining 2 cups of broth or water and swish it around to pick up any leftover sauce and pour it into the pot. Place over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer and then immediately cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for about 3 hours, until the meat is tender. TO ASSEMBLE THE TACOS: Mix together the cilantro, white onion, lime and salt. Remove the meat from the sauce and shred using two forks. Ladle the broth into a bowl and add a handful of diced cilantro. Add a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip the tortilla into the top of the broth (this should be fat) and add it to the skillet. Pan fry on one side for about 30 seconds and then flip over. Add a some of the shredded meat and the shredded cheese. Fold over and cook until pan fried on both sides, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and serve alongside the broth.

Garlic Butter Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

 

2 bricks dried ramen noodles

3 T. butter

2–3 cups kale, chopped

5 garlic cloves, minced

1–2 tsp. red chili flakes

3 T. soy sauce

2 T. honey

2 tsp. sambal oelek or sriracha

Green onions

Sesame seeds

Eggs

 

Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil.  While your water is boiling begin the stir fry. Heat butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Once butter is melted add in kale and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. Add in garlic, red chili flakes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Boil the ramen noodles until they just begin to break apart, about 1-2 minutes. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, sambal oelek or sriracha and add to kale mixture. Add noodles into the pan with the sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and noodles are well coated. Top noodle stir fry with a fried egg (or a yolk for the braver) the center of the noodles, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

Vanilla Wafer Cookies

 

1/2 cup sugar (3.5 ounce)

2 T. vanilla paste

1 cup flour (about 7 ounces)

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 egg

1 T. vanilla

 

Blend sugar and vanilla paste to incorporate well; set aside. Whisk and set aside flour baking powder and salt. Cream the butter and vanilla sugar by beating 2 minutes. Add egg and mix a half minute more. Add vanilla and milk and blend on low speed. Add flour mixture and mix on low just to incorporate and do not over mix. Chill the batter for 10 minutes before scooping with 100 scoop. or about 1 teaspoon balls. Arrange  on greased sheet or parchment lined sheet. Bake in 350ºF oven for 15 -18 minutes–remove when evenly golden browned. Cool completely

Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

 

4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets

3 T. olive oil, plus more for grill

2 tsp lime zest

3 T. fresh lime juice

3 cloves garlic, crushed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coconut Rice

1 1/2 cups Coconut Water

1 1/4 cups canned coconut milk

1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained well

1/2 tsp salt

 

1 large mango, peeled and diced

3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (1/2 large)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup chopped red onion, rinsed under water and drained

1 large avocado, peeled and diced

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. olive oil

1 T. Coconut Water

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

For the salmon: In an 11×7-inch baking dish, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place salmon in baking dish, cover, and marinate in refrigerator 15 – 30 minutes, then flip salmon to opposite side and marinate 15 – 30 minutes longer. Preheat a grill over medium-high heat during last 10 minutes of marinating. Brush grill grates with oil. Grill salmon about 3 minutes per side or until just cooked through. For the coconut rice: While salmon is marinating, prepare coconut rice. In a medium saucepan bring coconut water, coconut milk, rice, and salt to a full boil. Cover and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let rest 5 minutes. For the mango avocado salsa: While the salmon is grilling, prepare salsa. In a medium bowl, toss together mango, bell pepper, cilantro, red onion, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and coconut water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve salmon warm with coconut rice topped with avocado mango salsa.

Capuliata

Capuliata

Capuliata

 

Find yourself some sun-dried tomatoes. My most recent batch of capuliata came from 8 1/2 ounces of sun-dried tomatoes (240 grams). Put them in a food processor and pulse them until they are finely chopped. According to taste, add a healthy pinch of dried oregano and/or a dried chile to the processor before pulsing. Wash and dry some jam jars (I was able to fill two). Fill the jars with the chopped tomatoes. You may have to push them down a little, but do not stuff the tomatoes into the jar too hard. Pour good-quality olive oil into each jar, pausing halfway through for the oil to slither into all the nooks and crannies, until the capuliata is covered with a thin film of oil. Close the jars. Store in a cupboard for up to a year (no need to refrigerate after it’s been opened, as long as there’s always some oil on top).  But what do you do with capuliata, I can hear you asking. Well, you can use it as a crostino topping, or dollop it alongside some cured meats for an antipasto. You can use a few spoonfuls to dress pasta, along with copious amounts of chopped parsley and grated pecorino. You can spread a dollop of it on a nice crusty sandwich along with something smooth and cool to calm down the flavors, like ricotta (I’d add some arugula, too).

Dimply Plum Cake

Dimply Plum Cake

Dimply Plum Cake

 

1 1/2 cups all purpose four

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

5 T. unsalted butter

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 cup canola oil

Grated zest of one lemon (I left this out, by accident, mostly)

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

8 purple or red plums, halved and pitted

 

Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter an 8×8 baking dish or a glass pie plate and set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and ground cardamom. In a stand mixer, cream the butter with the brown sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the oil, lemon zest and vanilla. Reduce the speed and add the flour mixture. Pour the batter in the prepared dish, smooth the top and arrange the plums on top, cut side up. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Garlicky Braised Cauliflower with Capers

Garlicky Braised Cauliflower with Capers

Garlicky Braised Cauliflower with Capers

 

3 T. olive oil

4 salted anchovies, rinsed and minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. dried red pepper flakes

1 ¼ pounds (about 6 cups) cauliflower florets

3 T. capers

¼ cup chopped parsley

Salt

 

Combine the olive oil and anchovies in a skillet and warm over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until the anchovies begin to melt into the oil, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and keep cooking until the garlic softens, another 3 minutes. Add the cauliflower florets and one-half cup of water. Cover tightly and cook on medium-low until the florets become slightly tender — soft enough to be pierced with a knife, but not so soft that they can be crushed, about 7 minutes. Remove the lid and raise the heat to high. Cook, stirring, until the water evaporates, leaving behind a thin layer of syrup in the bottom of the pan, about 5 minutes. Add the capers and parsley and cook briefly. Season to taste with salt and serve warm.

Warm Gruyere Sandwich with Mustard and Thyme

Warm Gruyere Sandwich with Mustard and Thyme

Warm Gruyere Sandwich with Mustard and Thyme

 

6 1/2-inch thick slices of levain or sourdough bread

Unsalted butter, melted

Good-quality French mustard

Fresh thyme leaves

Grated Gruyere cheese

Sea salt (optional)

 

Preheat the broiler. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast one side under the broiler until golden brown. Remove from the oven and turn the slices over. Brush the melted butter on each untoasted side. Then spread with mustard and sprinkle with the thyme leaves. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the bread. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Broil until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Remove the bread slices from the oven and serve them immediately.

Chicken and Rosemary Lemon Dumplings

Chicken and Rosemary Lemon Dumplings

Chicken and Rosemary Lemon Dumplings

 

2 T. ghee, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil, plus more as needed

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

1 rib celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 T. chopped fresh chives

½ tsp. dried thyme

¼ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken broth

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp.)

1 egg ¼ cup milk plus more as needed

Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

 

To make the soup: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. When the ghee is hot, brown the chicken thighs. You may need to do this in batches, as loading the pot will decrease the temperature and the chicken may not brown properly. Transfer the browned chicken thighs to a plate and reserve. Add additional ghee to the pot if needed, and then add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, parsley, chives, and thyme and cook for 1 minute longer. Stir in the flour and continue stirring for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn down the heat to a low simmer. Cube the browned chicken into bite-size pieces and add the chicken and any drippings back into the pot with the broth and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer on low while you prepare the dumplings. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, and lemon zest. Mix to combine. Mix in the egg and the milk. You may need an additional T. or more of milk in order to achieve a somewhat sticky dough. With a muffin scoop or a T., drop dumplings gently into the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Try to evenly space the dumplings when dropping them into the pot. They will expand as they cook. Cover with a lid and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, letting the dumplings steam. The dumplings should be puffed up a bit and covering the top of the soup. If you like a little color on your dumplings or a bit of a toasty top, turn the oven on broil and place your Dutch oven or large pot in the oven, allowing the top of the dumplings to brown. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh chives, and serve.

Finnish Meatballs

Finnish Meatballs

Finnish Meatballs

 

3/4 cup milk

3 slices white bread, crusts removed

6 ounces mild and buttery Gouda-style cheese

1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh parsley, finely minced

3/4 cup finely minced onion

2 large eggs

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground white pepper

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 T. ground allspice

1 pound lean ground beef

1 pound ground pork

1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup chicken or beef broth

1/4 cup vegetable oil, or as needed

1/2 cup heavy cream

 

In a bowl, warm milk in a microwave until just steaming. Remove from heat and press bread into the milk; set aside. Grate cheese on large holes of a box grater and place in a large bowl. Add parsley, onion, eggs, salt, both peppers and allspice. Stir well to combine. Add ground beef, ground pork and milk-soaked bread (discard the milk). Knead by hand until well-blended. Spread flour on a plate. Roll meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, and roll in flour to coat. Place a Dutch oven over very low heat, and add broth. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add enough meatballs to loosely fill pan. Sear for about 1 minute, then shake the pan to turn meatballs. Continue until well-browned on all sides, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Transfer meatballs to Dutch oven and allow them to gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring carefully from time to time. Add cream and turn the heat off. Mix gently.

Oregon Cherry, Sautéed Onion, and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Oregon Cherry, Sautéed Onion, and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Oregon Cherry, Sautéed Onion, and Goat Cheese Flatbread

 

1¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. granulated sugar

3 T. milk

2 T. unsalted butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. dried chives

¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt, room temperature

 

3 T. unsalted butter

1 sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 tsp. granulated sugar

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and sliced or halved

Salt and pepper, to taste

6 ounces goat cheese

Torn fresh basil leaves, drizzle of olive oil, and sea salt, for garnish

 

To make the flatbread: In a medium bow, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. In a small saucepan, add the milk, butter, garlic, and chives and heat to just warm, 1 to 2 minutes. You don’t want hot liquid, just warm enough to melt the butter. In a large bowl, add the warm milk and butter to the yogurt and mix to combine. Slowly, with a spoon, stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix to combine. With your hands, knead the dough in the bowl and then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Continue to knead the dough for a few minutes, adding a little more flour as needed. Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl and place plastic wrap or a damp towel over the bowl. Let the dough sit for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. While the dough is resting, prepare the cherry and onion topping. In a skillet, heat the butter over medium heat and, when it’s melted, add the sliced onions and sugar. Let the onions cook down for about 15 minutes. They should be golden brown and slightly caramelized. Then stir in the fresh cherries and let them cook with the onions for about 5 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and reserve. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and shape each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a disc and continue to roll it into the shape you want—either square, rectangular, or circular and about ¼-inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect, which is what makes this recipe so pretty. Place the flatbread on a plate or platter.  Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and pat excess flour off the flatbread. When the skillet is hot, add the flatbread and cook until bubbles form and the bottom is slightly golden. Transfer the flatbread to a baking sheet. Continue with the remaining flatbread.  When all the flatbread is done, spread or sprinkle goat cheese on the surface of each flatbread and then top with the cherries and onions. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until warm and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the flatbread from the oven and garnish with fresh torn basil and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and serve immediately.  Note: Although I’ve given a recipe for homemade flatbread, you can also use a store-bought flatbread for a quick version. Simply prepare the cherry and onion topping as instructed and then skip to step 8 and bake the flatbread until it’s golden brown and the goat cheese is soft and melted, 3 to 5 minutes.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Squash Toast

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Squash Toast

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Squash Toast

 

1 2 1/2- to 3-pound kabocha or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into pieces 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. dried chile flakes, more to taste

3 tsp. kosher salt

1 yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup maple syrup

4 slices country bread, 1-inch thick

1/2 cup ricotta

Coarse salt

4 T. chopped mint

 

Heat the oven to 450. Combine the squash, 1/4 cup olive oil, chile flakes and 2 tsp. of salt in a bowl and toss well. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook, stirring once, until tender and slightly colored, about 15 minutes or a little longer. Remove from the oven. Meanwhile, heat another 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat, add the onions and remaining tsp. salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are well softened and darkening, about 10-15 minutes. Add the vinegar and syrup, stir and reduce over medium-low heat until syrupy and broken down, 10-15 minutes; the mixture should be jammy. Combine squash and onions in a bowl and smash with a fork until combined. Taste for seasoning. Add the remaining oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add bread and cook until just golden on both sides, less than 10 minutes total; drain on paper towels. Spread cheese on toasts, then top with the squash-onion mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt and garnish with mint. Alternatively, boil penne or rigatoni in lightly salted water, setting aside 1-2 cups of starchy pasta water towards the end. Toss the cooked pasta with the squash-onion mixture, thinning it with pasta water until you get the desired thickness and top with grated Parmesan cheese. The amount of squash and onions above will make enough “sauce” for 4-6 portions. If you go the pasta route, you can leave off the ricotta and mint.

Beans with Lardons and Sage

Beans with Lardons and Sage

Beans with Lardons and Sage

 

1/2 pound (1 1/4 cups) dried beans such as flageolet, Jacob’s Cattle or cannellini

2 ounces smoked slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1/2 cup cubed)

1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped (about 2 cups diced)

8 leaves fresh sage

8 cloves garlic, peeled

2 dried bay leaves

1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

1 tsp. salt

 

Sort the beans to remove any stones. Place them in a bowl and add cold water to cover by 3 inches. Soak overnight, changing the water once or twice. The next day, boil a small pot of water, add the bacon and blanch 10 minutes. Drain and reserve. Drain the beans and place in a large pot. Add the bacon, tomatoes, sage, garlic, bay leaves and pepper. Mix well. Add about 8 cups cold water (to cover the beans by 3 inches) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary, until the beans are very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Serve in a warm bowl.

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

 

4 slices of bread, crusts removed (white bread or sourdough works best here)

1 T. unsalted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil, for greasing

4 eggs

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese (I use Cheddar or Swiss)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Avocado slices, fresh sprouts, and sour cream or salsa

 

Preheat the oven to 3 75 °F. With a rolling pin, roll over each slice of bread to flatten it out and make it pliable. Brush or spray each muffin tin with butter or oil. Gently place and press a slice of flattened bread into each muffin bin. Crack an egg into each crust, sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and top with shredded cheese and sliced green onions.  Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the eggs are done to your preference. Cooking longer will produce more of a hard-boiled egg texture. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool for a few minutes. Serve with avocado slices, fresh sprouts, and dollops of sour cream or salsa.

Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

PNW Pear and Cardamom Cobbler

For the Biscuit Dough 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup coconut sugar (or granulated) 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cardamom 8 T. (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced 1 egg, cold ¾ to 1 cup heavy cream, cold For the Cobbler ¼ cup brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cardamom 2 to 3 ripe pears, cored and sliced 1 T. cold unsalted butter, diced Powdered sugar, for garnish, or serve with vanilla bean ice cream

Preheat the oven to 35O°F. To prepare the dough, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Cut in the diced butter with a pastry cutter or fork or even your fingers until the flour mixture is crumbly. Once the butter is cut into the flour mixture, stir in the egg and ¾ cup heavy cream, just until nicely blended. Add the additional ¼ cup cream if your mixture hasn’t reached dough consistency. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9-by-l 3-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan. To prepare the cobbler, mix together the brown sugar and cardamom in a small bowl. Place the pear slices over the dough in the baking dish or cake pan and sprinkle the brown sugar and cardamom evenly over the top. Place the butter over the pears. Bake for 2 5 to 3 0 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla bean ice cream.  Note: I used Bose pears for my cobbler, but you can use any type of pear you’ve got on hand or find at your farmers’ market. Cardamom is most fragrant and flavorful when it’s fresh. If your cardamom has been in your pantry longer than 6 months, you may want to use a tsp. more in the cobbler or purchase a fresh bottle of cardamom. There is nothing like fresh cardamom in a baked recipe

Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

Lemon Stinging Nettle Cake

 

2 cups (100g) packed raw young nettle leaves (use the top 4-6 leaves)

¾ cup (200g) butter at room temperature

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

zest and juice of ½ lemon

2 cups (250g) all-purpose (plain) flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

FOR THE LEMON BUTTERCREAM:

⅔ cup (150g) butter at room temperature

2 ½ cups (300g) powdered icing sugar

Zest and juice of ½ a lemon

 

Preheat oven to 325°F / 170°C. Grease and line two 7” (18cm) round cake tins. Using rubber gloves, carefully wash the stinging nettle leaves and remove any stems. Place in a pan of boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes. The sting will be removed with the boiling. Rinse under cold water, drain and puree with a stick blender (note: if you’re struggling to puree it, add the lemon juice at this stage). Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the pureed nettles, vanilla, zest and lemon juice. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt and stir to gently combine. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins, push to the edges and level, then bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the tins and then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing. For the Lemon Frosting: In a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add in the icing sugar and beat. Beat in the zest and a little of the lemon juice. Add more lemon juice to make it a frosting consistency and beat again. Store in the fridge until ready to use.  Spread a little of the buttercream between the layers of the completely cooled cakes and sandwich together. Cover the cake in the remaining buttercream and decorate with blackberries and lemon zest.

OAMC Buttermilk Biscuits

OAMC Buttermilk Biscuits

OAMC Buttermilk Biscuits

Biscuits are one of those rare things that actually improve when frozen (pie dough and cookie dough also fall into this category). It’s likely about the butter. For this recipe, we use the grated frozen butter method. This technique suspends little butter flakes throughout the dough, which rise and create flaky pastry during cooking. Freezing the dough before baking ensures the fat and milk solids stay put (essential for creating a flaky result).

21/2 pounds self-rising flour (9 cups), plus more if needed

1 T. kosher salt

1 pound unsalted butter, frozen

4 cups whole (full-fat) buttermilk

Unsalted butter or jam, for serving (optional)

 

In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture, stirring and coating the butter with flour as you grate. Once all of the butter is in, use a pastry blender to distribute the butter evenly in the flour. It should have a pebbly texture. Next, pour in the buttermilk and, using your hands, incorporate it with the flour mixture until a shaggy dough ball forms. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface and, still using your hands, carefully pat it into a loaf shape, incorporating more flour as needed until the dough is not sticky and is easy to manipulate. Gently pat the dough out into an even layer about 3/4 inch thick. Using a 2½-inch round biscuit cutter, and firmly pressing straight down (without twisting the cutter), punch out as many biscuits as possible. Gather up the dough scraps and gently form into a ball. Press the dough out into a ¾-inch-thick layer and repeat to punch out more biscuits until you have about 24 total. TO FREEZE: Arrange the cut biscuit dough on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours or up to overnight for a formative freeze (see this page). Transfer to a gallon-size zip-top plastic bag, label and date, and freeze for up to 4 months. TO BAKE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the biscuits, with their edges touching, on a rimmed baking sheet and top each with a small pat of butter. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes from room temperature or 14 to 16 minutes from frozen, until puffed and golden brown on top. Serve warm, with more butter or jam for spreading if you like.

Beekeeper’s Balm Cocktail

Beekeeper’s Balm Cocktail

Beekeeper’s Balm Cocktail

 

6 T. honey

1/4 cup very warm or hot water

2 cups white rum

3/4 cup freshly squeezed, lemon juice, strained

1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, loosely packed

Club soda to top off, optional

Lemon slices, for garnish

 

Stir honey and water in a pitcher until honey is dissolved. Add the rum and lemon juice.

Add the lemon balm and muddle with a wooden spoon. Fill 8 to 10 canning jars with ice cubes. Divide the cocktail evenly among the glasses. Top with club soda if desired. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

Spice Cake from Yellow Cake Mix

 

1 yellow cake mix box

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon allspice or cloves

 

Prepare as directed on box.

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Saucy Bean and Saucy Sausage Skillet

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Saucy Bean and Saucy Sausage Skillet

B L or D Saucy Bean and Saucy Sausage Skillet

 

12 ounces smoked andouille or spicy chicken sausage, sliced into ½ -inch coins

2 stalks celery, diced

1 large onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 14.5-ounce can roasted diced tomatoes, with juices

1 15-ounce can pinto beans, with their liquid

1 bay leaf

1 packed T. dark brown sugar

1 T. sherry vinegar

1 tsp. ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 scallions (green tops only), finely chopped

4 large eggs (optional)

Crisp toast, for serving

 

Heat a deep, 10-inch, heavy skillet over medium-high heat and sear the sausage until browned and beginning to crisp, flipping after a few minutes. Stir in the celery, onion, and garlic and turn the heat down to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. By this point there will probably be a dark brown crust forming. Stir in the diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer, stirring and scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the beans with their liquid. Add the bay leaf, brown sugar, sherry vinegar, and cumin. Bring to a boil and lower the heat. Simmer gently until the liquid is slightly reduced and the mixture is hot, about 10 minutes. Taste and season, if necessary, with salt and pepper. (At this point the mixture can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat in a skillet.) Sprinkle with the scallions when serving. If you would like to serve this dish with eggs, make 4 wells in the beans with the back of a spoon and crack one egg into each. Season with salt and pepper. Put a lid on the pan and cook over medium-low heat until the whites are set. Remove and serve immediately, piled on crisp toast, if desired.

Ribeye “Diane”

Ribeye “Diane”

Ribeye “Diane”

 

4 ribeye steaks, 12-14 ounces each

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 T. unsalted butter

5 medium shallots, minced

2 T. Green peppercorns, preferably in brine, lightly crushed

¼ cup Brandy

2 T. Dijon mustard

Zest and juice from 1 small lemon

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

½ cup enriched veal stock

6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

1 small bunch chives, coarsely chopped

¼ cup heavy cream

Maldon salt

 

Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet large enough to hold the four steaks in a single layer until it begins to visibly smoke. Shut the heat off underneath the skillet and use a pair of tongs to place the steaks in the pan one by one in a single layer. Turn the heat on under the skillet and brown on the first side, 6-8 minutes. Resist the temptation to turn them over or move them as they cook. Turn the steaks on the second side and brown, 5-6 minutes. Remove from the heat and place the steaks on a rack to “rest” while you make your sauce. I get so many questions about knowing when a steak is “done”. It’s a tough call because every cut and piece of meat is different. The simplest way to check for doneness is to make a small incision in the thickest part of the steak. It should be a little less cooked than you would like to allow for “carry over” cooking. If using a meat thermometer, rare registers between 125 and 130 F. For medium rare, 130 F to 135 F and between 135-and 140 F for medium. Remove the excess grease from the pan where you cooked the steaks. Add the butter and shallots and cook until they are translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add the green peppercorns and brandy and cook until the liquid reduces almost completely. Add the mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Swirl the pan so all of the flavors start to meld together. Add the veal stock and reduce until decently thick, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cream, parsley and chives. Simmer for 1 minute. Taste for seasoning. Place the steaks on four plates, top with Maldon salt and spoon the sauce over top.

Thousand Island Tomato and Bacon Salad

Thousand Island Tomato and Bacon Salad

Thousand Island Tomato and Bacon Salad

 

Thousand Island is the junk food of the salad dressing category. Yet we love it because it makes us feel fabulously American. I make Thousand Island in a fairly classic way that always tastes so much fresher and zingier than the dressing you get in a bottle. Here I pair it with tomatoes and bacon for a salad that sometimes satisfies my cravings for a Reuben sandwich with potato chips. And to that end, I also use this as a dressed vegetable component on sandwiches and burgers from time to time when I need a special kick. As for the tomatoes, I prefer to buy Sungolds (when in season), grape tomatoes, or Campari tomatoes for this salad. A giant, ripe beefsteak would be great here, too. If you want to keep this dressing vegetarian, sub in 1 T. low-sodium soy sauce for the Worcestershire.

 

4 thin bacon strips, thinly sliced crosswise

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tsp. capers, chopped, plus 1 T. of the brine

2 tsp. gherkins, thinly sliced, plus 1 T. of the brine

8 bread-and-butter pickles, chopped, plus 1 T. of the brine

3 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

3 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

Maldon salt

1 T. sugar

 

Place the bacon pieces in a medium skillet, add ¼ cup of water, and cook over low heat until the water cooks out and the bacon is crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. (Reserve the bacon fat for another use.)  In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir in the capers and brine, gherkins and brine, pickles and brine, 2 T. of the vinegar, and the Worcestershire. Season with pepper and taste for seasoning. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, on a serving platter. Season them with a light sprinkle of Maldon salt, the sugar, and the remaining T. vinegar. Drizzle with spoonfuls of the dressing and crumble the bacon over the top.

Poached Eggs on Cheddar Biscuits with Bacon and Sage

Poached Eggs on Cheddar Biscuits with Bacon and Sage

Poached Eggs on Cheddar Biscuits with Bacon and Sage

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping

1/2 tsp. sweet curry powder

1 ½ T. baking powder

2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. kosher salt

2 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese (preferably yellow cheddar)

1 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature (optional)

 

12 thin bacon strips

20 fresh medium sage leaves

2 tsp. red wine vinegar

4 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 T. sherry vinegar

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, curry powder, baking powder, and sugar. (Sifting not only ensures that the dry ingredients will be free of lumps but also mixes them together in advance of adding the cream. The less you mix your biscuit dough once liquid is introduced, the tenderer your biscuit will be.) Using your hands, gently work the salt, cream, and cheese into the dry ingredients just until all of the flour is mixed in with the cream. Do not overmix. Turn the biscuit dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and with floured hands, pat the dough into a 9 by 6-inch rectangle that’s 1 to 1½ inches thick. If the outside edges of the dough start to show cracks, cup the edges with your hands while pushing the dough toward its center to compress it. Lightly flour a knife and slice the rectangle into 1½- to 2-inch squares. You should have about 6 biscuits. Grease a nonstick sheet pan with the butter (or use parchment paper). Arrange the biscuits on the prepared pan, leaving some distance between them. Bake until they start to brown lightly, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Place the bacon strips in a large skillet (overlapping slightly if needed), add ¼ cup of water, and cook over low heat until the water cooks out and the bacon is crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Just as the bacon is finishing cooking, add the sage leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sage pales and crisps, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the bacon and sage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, reserving the fat from the pan. Fill a medium-size shallow pot with about 3 inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the red wine vinegar. (This will help the eggs to take shape more easily as you poach them.) Crack an egg into a small bowl and then gently drop it into the water. Repeat with another egg, leaving some distance between it and the first. Repeat until all of the eggs are added. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the eggs to cook until the whites are firm and completely opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to gently transfer the poached eggs to a kitchen towel to drain. Season them with salt and pepper. Use a knife to split 4 biscuits in half and place each bottom half on its own plate. Set a poached egg on each bottom half. Stir the sherry vinegar into the reserved bacon fat and drizzle a little of this mixture over each egg. Season with salt. Top each egg with 3 strips of bacon and some of the sage leaves. Cover with the top of the biscuits and serve right away.

Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker

Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker

Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker

 

When it’s finished, the meat should be tender and almost falling off the bone, and you’ll have a great cooking liquid that can be sopped up with rice, tortillas, potatoes, bread…or egg noodles tossed with a little salt and sour cream. When the maple syrup and brown sugar, each with its own deep, sulfur-y, molasses-y flavor, combine with the cider vinegar and the mustards, they create a tangy liquid to serve with this ham. I like to think of it as a marinade that comes at the end instead of the beginning. Sign me up! I love to serve a bed of braised cabbage here, too.

 

1 (6- to 7-pound) bone-in, hickory-smoked, uncured fully cooked ham

5 medium parsnips, peeled and halved lengthwise

5 medium carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

1 cup maple syrup

2 cups unsweetened apple juice

½ cup packed dark brown sugar

½ cup smooth Dijon mustard

½ cup grainy Dijon mustard

2 T. apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt (if needed)

 

Pour 3 cups of water into a 7-quart slow cooker. Add the ham, cut-side up, as well as the parsnips and carrots. Pour the maple syrup and apple juice over the ham, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. Cook on high, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low until the ham is tender, 3 to 4 hours. Hams vary in size and tenderness, so be patient. When it’s tender, the meat should come off the bone with very little resistance. Taste a small piece for tenderness.  Transfer the ham and vegetables to a deep serving platter (reserve the liquid in the pot). Use a pair of kitchen shears or scissors to cut the slices of ham off the bone and let them fall onto the platter. Stir both kinds of mustard and the vinegar into the cooking liquid left in the slow cooker and taste for seasoning—the sauce may or may not need salt. Pour the liquid over the ham and vegetables, and serve.

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Favorite Chicken

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Favorite Chicken

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Favorite Chicken

 

2 T. Canola oil

6 chicken thighs and 6 drumsticks

2 tsp. whole cumin seeds

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 medium cloves garlic, peeled and “pressed”

1 ½ tsp. red pepper flakes

2 bay leaves

1 28-oz. can whole, peeled tomatoes

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1 T. freshly grated ginger

 

Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the Canola oil. Arrange the chicken on a tray in a single layer and season with salt. Turn the pieces on their other side and season again. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, carefully add the pieces to the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Resist the temptation to move or turn the pieces. Allow them to brown on their first side, 5-8 minutes. Use a metal tongs to turn the chicken pieces on their second side and brown the, 3-5 additional minutes. Transfer the chicken pieces to a tray and set aside. Make the sauce and braise the chicken: Add the cumin seeds to the skillet where you cooked the chicken and stir rapidly to give them a quick roast, 10-15 seconds. Add the onions and garlic. Season with salt and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn light brown, 5-8 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and bay leaf. Add the coconut milk and tomato. Allow the tomato to cook and all the flavors to come together, 10 minutes. Add about 1 cup of water to the skillet and arrange the chicken pieces in the sauce. Keep the heat medium low and continue cooking until the pieces are cooked through, 30-35 minutes. Stir in the ginger. Remove the bay leaves. Taste for seasoning.

Magic Custard Cake

Magic Custard Cake

Magic Custard Cake

 

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted Butter

2 cups (480ml) Milk

4 Eggs , separated

4 drops White Vinegar

1 1/4 cups (150g) Confectioner’s Sugar

1 T. (15ml) Water

1 cup (125g) Flour

1 tsp. (5ml) Vanilla Extract

extra confectioner’s sugar for dusting

 

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly butter or grease a 8″x8″ baking dish. Melt the butter and set aside to slightly cool. Warm the milk to lukewarm and set aside. Whip the egg whites and vinegar to stiff peaks. Set aside. Beat the egg yolks and sugar until light. Mix in the melted butter and the T. of water for about 2 minutes or until evenly incorporated. Mix in the flour until evenly incorporated. Slowly beat in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Fold in the egg whites, 1/3 at a time. Repeat until all of the egg whites are folded in. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-60 minutes or until the cake is barely jiggly in the center. If the top browns too quick before the minimum of 45 minutes, then cover the cake with aluminum foil and cook for remainder of time needed. Allow cake to completely cool before cutting and then dust with confectioner’s sugar. For faster cooling you can place the cake in the fridge. Even after fully cooled, it will still be slightly jiggly because it’s a custard layer cake.

Chicken Paprikash’s Tomatoey Cousin

Chicken Paprikash’s Tomatoey Cousin

Chicken Paprikash’s Tomatoey Cousin

 

4 (8 ounce) skin-on bone-on chicken breasts

Salt

2 T. Canola Oil

2 Medium Yellow Onions (Thinly Sliced)

4 Large Garlic Cloves (Thinly Sliced)

1 Large Red Bell Pepper (Thinly Sliced)

3 T. Sweet Hungarian Paprika

1/2 TSP Cayenne Pepper

2 Medium Plum Tomatoes (Cored and roughly chopped)

2 C Chicken Stock

1 T. Red Wine Vinegar

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Season the chicken breasts with salt. Heat the canola oil in an ovenproof medium sauté pan set over medium heat. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, after 2 to 3 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and add the chicken breasts, skin-side down. Return the pan to the heat and cook until the skin is browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan (you’ll use the pan again), transfer it to a plate, cover with foil, and keep warm. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, paprika, and cayenne to the pan you used to brown the chicken. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken stock, and vinegar and cook until the sauce comes together, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Arrange the chicken breasts, skin-side up, in the sauce. Place the pan in the oven on the center rack and bake the chicken until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear when the thickest part of a breast is pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes. (Alternatively, an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.) Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes in the sauce. SERVE: Taste the sauce for seasoning. Arrange the chicken breasts on a platter and serve topped with the sauce. Note:  Needed much longer cooking time for chicken

Five-Minute One-Bowl Arugula Salad

Five-Minute One-Bowl Arugula Salad

Five-Minute One-Bowl Arugula Salad

 

1 large lemon

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. honey

3-4 cups fresh arugula

kosher salt

 

Slice the lemon into very thin rounds. Remove and discard all the seeds. Pick up the slices, a few at a time, and squeeze them over a large bowl to collect the juice. Then finely chop all the juiced lemon slices (including the rind) and add them to the bowl. Whisk the olive oil into the lemon juice in the bowl. Drizzle the honey around the sides of he bowl – do not mix it in. Add the arugula and pinch of salt and toss to coat it with the lemon-studded dressing, catching some of the honey on he leaves. Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Spicy Brussels Sprouts

 

16–18 Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, quartered (about 12 oz)

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. sugar

½ tsp red pepper flakes

½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Kosher salt, to taste

4 (1½-inch-thick) single-bone pork rib chops (about 2 lb)

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. balsamic vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a heavy-gauge sheet pan on center rack of oven.

In a medium bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, oil, sugar, red pepper flakes, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Season both sides of pork with salt and pepper. Remove sheet pan from oven. Use tongs to arrange pork in a single layer; sprinkle Brussels sprouts around pork (save bowl). Return pan to oven. Reduce heat to 375°F; cook 18–20 minutes or until pork registers 155°F–160°F on a meat thermometer. In same bowl used to mix Brussels sprouts, whisk mustard, vinegar and a splash of water. Drizzle over pork and Brussels sprouts and serve.

Best-Ever Ranch Dressing

Best-Ever Ranch Dressing

Best-Ever Ranch Dressing

 

½ cup buttermilk

3 T. plain nonfat Greek yogurt

3 tsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. onion powder

½ tsp. dried dill

½ tsp. sweet paprika

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

 

In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, paprika, and cayenne if using. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, add water, 1 tsp. at a time, until you get a consistency you like.