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Tag: Side Dish

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

 

2 big heads of broccoli

Extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves of garlic

1 fresh red-hot chili pepper; or a good pinch of crushed chili flakes

A lemon for squeezing; or red wine vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 375. Cut the broccoli florets into more-or-less bite-sized pieces, and add to a bowl large enough to comfortably accommodate them. You’ll have plenty of stem left over—and the stem has good flavor. So thinly slice a bit of the stem, starting from the floret side (see picture), and add it to the bowl with the florets. About an inch’s worth of sliced stem from each broccoli head will do. Add a couple of glugs of olive oil to the bowl, and then a good pinch of sea salt and several grinds of black pepper. Using your hands, toss the broccoli pieces well, making sure they’re evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings. Add the seasoned broccoli to a roasting pan or oven-proof skillet large enough to accommodate them in a single layer. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, finely mince the garlic and (if using) the fresh chili pepper. When the florets have just begun to brown, remove the pan from the oven and add add the minced garlic and chili pepper (or dried chili flakes). Toss well with a spatula, and return pan to the oven for another couple of minutes. The broccoli pieces are done when the florets are browned in spots but still slightly crunchy. Finish with a few dashes of vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice, and taste for salt. This dish can be made ahead several hours and is just fine served room temperature.

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

 

Extra virgin olive oil

½ stick unsalted butter

2 onions, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 fat leek, cleaned and sliced into rounds

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

pinch chili flakes

1 large bunch white-stemmed Swiss chard

2 T. fresh thyme leaves

1 T. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. white wine vinegar

2 cups cooked white or brown beans with some of the cooking broth

1 cup grated hard sheep’s milk cheese, like Pecorino

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (pulse a couple of slices of good bread in the food processor to make coarse crumbs)

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a heavy-bottomed pan heat 2 T. olive oil and 2 T. butter, then add the onions, garlic and leeks. Season with salt and pepper and add the chili flakes. Sauté slowly until onions are softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes but as long as 30; you want them to turn a deep golden brown. While the onions cook, strip the leaves of the Swiss chard; chop the stems and slice the leaves, keeping them separate. When the onions are about halfway to brown, add the Swiss chard stems to the pan, stirring to combine. Once everything is a nice golden brown, add the sliced chard leaves, the herbs, and the vinegar, tossing to wilt. Butter the bottom of a ceramic oval baker or casserole dish and spread the onion and chard mixture at the bottom. Layer on the cooked beans and pour in enough liquid to come about halfway up the casserole (this helps the beans not to dry out in the oven). Sprinkle the grated cheese over the beans and then spread the breadcrumbs on top. Dot with the remaining butter, season again with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Confit Mushrooms

Confit Mushrooms

Confit Mushrooms

 

1 ½ lb mushrooms (of your choice)

2 T. minced shallots

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

2 C. neutral olive oil or grapeseed oil

Salt, to taste

 

Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel. If the stems are edible, simply trim the ends; otherwise, separate the caps from the stems and reserve the stems to make a mushroom broth. In a saucepan, combine the minced shallots, thyme leaves, cleaned mushrooms, and oil. Heat gently for about 40 minutes; you do not want the oil to bubble or the shallots to burn. Remove from heat and cool completely. Season with salt to taste and transfer to a cool, sterilized jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Terrence Hill’s Beans

Terrence Hill’s Beans

Terrence Hill’s Beans

 

2 T. olive oil

1 bunch scallions, white and green parts, sliced

5 garlic cloves, crushed lightly

6 pancetta rashers, sliced into ribbons

3 T. tomato paste

2 cups red kidney beans

3 cups chicken stock or water to cover

1 T. brown sugar

2 Poblano peppers, soaked, seeded and chopped roughly

3 sprigs thyme

1 bunch flatleaf parsley

1 T. red wine vinegar

2 cups dry but fruity red wine

salt and pepper

 

Soak the beans in water overnight or bring to a boil and allow to rest in water until it is cold, discarding water in either event. In the olive oil, gently sauté the scallions, the garlic, and add the pancetta, cooking over medium heat until the fat runs a little. Add the tomato paste and stir until it has lightly caramelized.

Add the drained beans, with enough chicken stock or water to cover them. Add the sugar, the peppers and the herbs, stir, and cover. Cook gently until the beans are fork-piercable tender, adding additional stock or water from time to time. When barely tender add vinegar and red wine. Cook, with lid removed, until the wine has been absorbed. Taste! Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Serve with crusty baguette and sweet butter. Not that Terence ever had either. Or the wine for that matter.

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

 

2 red bell pepper, cut into strips

2 red onions, cut into strips

1 T. olive oil

1 tsp. butter

¼ cup red wine (Optional)

1 pinch salt

1 pinch ground black pepper

1 pinch dried basil

 

Variation: Add some golden raisins

 

In a hot saucepan over a medium heat, combine red peppers, onion, oil and butter; sauté for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers soften. If desired, stir red wine into the vegetables and cook until the wine evaporates; approximately 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

 

10 corn tortillas

1/2 C coconut oil (or avocado oil)

1/2 C coconut shortening*

Fine salt (not kosher salt)

2 T Lime juice (fresh-squeezed or bottled)

 

Prepare a bowl (or alternatively, a baking sheet) lined with paper towels. In a heavy pan such as a cast iron skillet, heat the 1/2 C coconut oil and 1/2 C coconut shortening (or as much as you need to make 1 inch of melted oil) over medium-high heat. The temperature should be about 350 – 370 degrees if using an instant read thermometer or an infra-red thermometer. While the oil is heating, cut the corn tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips, cutting the longer ones in half as needed so you’re left with strips 3-4 inches long. Alternatively, you can cut into triangles to make your own tortilla chips! Fill a small spray bottle with 2 T of lime juice, and have some fine salt ready (not kosher salt). When the oil is heated, carefully place 8-10 corn tortilla strips into the oil and allow to crisp for about 10-15 seconds. Turn them over and repeat on the other side. Remove the strips with a pair of nylon-tipped tongs and drain on the paper towels. While still hot and a little oily, spritz with the lime juice and toss with a pinch of salt. Repeat the process until the corn tortilla strips are all fried.

Corn Bites

Corn Bites

Corn Bites

 

2 T. butter

2 T. of all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups corn kernels

1 egg

1/2 cup Cotija cheese, grated

1 ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko)

Oil in spray

 

Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the flour and mix until combined; cook for 1-2 minutes. Add milk and constantly mix to avoid forming lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the corn kernels; mix until they combine. Remove from the heat and add the eggs and cheese; continue mixing for 2 minutes. The residual heat will cook the egg. Let it cool down and then place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until it is completely cold and compact. Heat the oven to 450° F. Cover an oven tray with parchment paper. Using your hands, form the bites into disks. Cover with panko on all sides and place in a previously prepared tray. Spray with oil. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the bites are golden. Garnish with more Cotija cheese and minced cilantro, if you want. Serve immediately.

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

 

2 cups flour

2 T. sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1/4 cup melted butter

1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Whisk the melted butter into the buttermilk mixture. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mix, and gently combine. Don’t over mix the batter. Stir in the shredded cheese and dill. Line a 9 x 5 baking tin with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

 

2 T. canola oil

½ tsp. garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pinch of salt

1 medium zucchini, grated

1 small carrot, grated

¼ red bell pepper, diced

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the minced garlic and rice to the saucepan and toss until fully coated. Add the chicken broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Cooke for 15 to 20 minutes until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove the rice from the heat, and stir in the grated zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and cheese. Ready to serve and eat!

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

 

1-1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

Salt

4 slices pepper bacon

1 bunch miner’s lettuce, separated into single leaves, tough bottom stems discarded (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 T. lemon juice

3 T. finely chopped chives

2 T. thinly sliced cornichons or pickles

1 T. capers

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the potatoes in a medium sauce pan. Add 6 cups of cold water (or enough to cover by 2 inches). Bring to a boil, add 2 tsp. salt, and cook until tender and a paring knife slides easily into the potatoes without resistance, 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain. When cool enough to handle but still warm, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch slices. Place the potatoes in a large serving bowl. Cook the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate in the microwave or in a frying pan until crisp. Crumble the bacon and add it to the potatoes along with the miner’s lettuce. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon juice, chives, cornichons, and capers. Toss with the potatoes with the miners lettuce and dressing. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or room temperature.

Spoon Bread

Spoon Bread

Spoon Bread

 

1 cup self-rising cornmeal

2 tsp. sugar

pinch baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 cup boiling water

1 ½ cups buttermilk

3 eggs

¼ stick butter, melted

 

Preheat oven to 375°. Put the cornmeal in a bowl and add the sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the boiling water. Add the buttermilk and then the eggs and butter and mix together well. Pour the batter into a greased cast-iron skillet and bake for 30 minutes.

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

 

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 small head green cabbage, cored and cut into about 1-inch pieces

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. celery seed

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 T. apple cider vinegar

 

Place bacon in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in the Dutch oven. Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, 2 T. water, salt, celery seed, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cabbage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender, 8 to 12 minutes.  Remove the cabbage from the heat and stir in the vinegar and bacon. Serve hot.

Long Leek Pie

Long Leek Pie

Long Leek Pie

 

4 sheets all-butter puff pastry

3 leeks

¾ cup white wine

butter

a few thyme sprigs

Salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup aged goat cheese, grated or crumbled, or 1/2 cup crème fraîche

1 egg white, loosely beaten

 

Cut the leeks into three sections, removing the bottom and the dark green leaves. Wash the leeks, then simmer in the white wine, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes. Remove the leeks from the simmering liquid and pat them dry. While the leeks are simmering, stack the puff pastry and roll it out lengthwise. Use the back of the knife to score a rectangle just a few centimeters inside the edge; this will form a border. Place the leeks next to each other inside the border of the puff pastry. Top the leeks with goat cheese or crème fraîche, and brush the outer edges with lightly beaten egg white. (I put a little bit of freshly grated parmesan on top of the crème fraîche). Bake for about 25 minutes at 400°F. The edge will rise and become browned.

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

 

2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into six wedges

12 red potatoes, cut in half

salt and pepper, to taste

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Combine the fennel wedges and potatoes in a large roasting pan and toss with olive oil and seasoning to coat. Roast the vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing once, until tender and golden brown.

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

 

1 pint mini peppers (8 oz)

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons Parmesan dry-grated

 

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise. I usually leave the stem as I think it’s pretty – but you can cut it off if you wish. The larger mini peppers might have some seeds and membranes – remove those with your fingers or with a paring knife.  Place the peppers in a large bowl. Toss them with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and Parmesan. Arrange the seasoned mini peppers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake them until tender, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

 

1 delicata squash

Kosher salt

3 shallots sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 T. sugar

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Cut off one end of each of the squashes to reveal the seeds and core. Using a long-handled spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard (or save for another use). Cut the squash crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Heat a grill or a grill pan over moderate heat. Do not oil the grates of the grill or the pan, but make sure they are very clean. Have a platter and a piece of foil on hand. Dry-grill the squash until charred on one side, about 5 minutes, then use tongs to flip the squash and continue to cook until the slices are well browned and almost tender, about 5 minutes more. As the slices are grilled, transfer them to a platter and cover with foil. Season lightly with salt and keep tightly covered while you make the agrodolce. Combine the shallots and olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat and cook, stirring from time to time, until softened and golden brown in spots, about 10 minutes. Stir in the raisins, vinegar, sugar, 1 tsp. salt and several grinds of black pepper and simmer until the mixture has reduced to a juicy glaze, about 2 minutes. Immediately pour the shallot mixture over the squash and let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

With its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors plus a wonderfully creamy texture that kids love, it’s a great comfort food for any season. The concept works with many different vegetables, so you might want to make budín de camote (sweet potato), budín de maíz (fresh corn), or budín de calabaza (squash or pumpkin), depending on what you have handy.

2 pounds fresh carrots

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup finely chopped piloncillo (This is a Mexican raw sugar, but you can substitute brown sugar, Sucanat, rapadura, granulated palm sugar, or maple syrup)

3 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for garnish)

3/4 cup rice flour (can substitute white flour)

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cut carrots into big chunks and steam until completely tender, almost falling apart. Transfer into another pot or bowl and mash with a potato masher, fork, or whisk. Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat until sugar is dissolved or incorporated (I recommend using an electric hand mixer if you have one. You could also use a food processor or a whisk). Add the eggs and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Mix in the sour cream. Add in the steamed mashed carrots and beat until completely incorporated. Mix or sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then add to the carrot mixture. Beat for another minute or two until everything is completely incorporated. Stir in the cheese and the nutmeg. Pour custard into a buttered baking dish, then bake until set, about 45 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

 

1/2 cup (65 grams) finely grated aged Pecorino Romano

1 tablespoon (10 grams) potato starch or cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, or a larger amount coarsely ground

3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil

2 pounds (roughly 1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/8-inch-thick, ideally on a mandolin

 

8 cups (5 2/3 ounces or 160 grams) loosely packed arugula

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

2 teaspoons (10 ml) white wine vinegar

 

Assemble the potatoes: Heat your oven to 375°F. Combine the cheese, potato starch or cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Taste a pinch; you want it to have a strong salty-peppery kick, because it’s going to be distributed all over the galette.  Pour 1 tablespoon butter or oil into the bottom of a 9-inch-diameter cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, and swirl it up the sides. Arrange the potatoes in overlapping concentric circles in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. (This will use approximately a quarter of your sliced potatoes.) Drizzle with 1 teaspoon butter or oil, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the cheese-pepper mixture. You’ll need to repeat this three or four times to use up your potatoes (depending on their size). At the end, you should have about 1 tablespoon cheese-pepper mixture left over; reserve this. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top. To bake: Lightly coat a piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover the skillet tightly with it. Put in heated oven for 35 minutes, at which point the potatoes will be almost tender. Use pot holdered hands to press firmly on the foil to compact the potatoes a bit. Remove and reserve the foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes more, until lightly brown all over. Press again with the foil, remove, then briefly run under the broiler for an even golden-brown finish. To finish and serve: While the galette bakes, toss the arugula with the olive oil and vinegar, keeping the dressing very light. Once the galette is out of the oven, let it rest in the skillet for a few minutes before running a knife around to ensure that it is loose. Gently tip the skillet over your sink to drain any excess butter or oil. Invert it onto a plate or cutting board, then flip right side up. Cut the galette into wedges, then top with the dressed greens, and sprinkle with the reserved cheese-pepper mixture. Do ahead: This galette can be made up to 3 days in advance. Rewarm at 350 degrees for 15 minutes with foil on top.

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

 

4-5 medium sized Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.5 inch rounds

5-8 tablespoons of butter

1/4 cup diced onion (optional)

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock

salt

pepper

1/4 cup cream (optional)

 

Turn Instant Pot on to SAUTE mode, high. Once heated, add half of the butter and let it melt. Stir in onions and let them cook until soft, not browned. (Omit steps 1-3 if not using onion.) De glaze Instant Pot liner with chicken stock, add potatoes, salt, pepper, and the rest of the butter. Cancel the SAUTE mode, and press the PRESSURE cooker or MANUAL button on the Instant Pot. HIGH pressure. Set the cooking time to 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, release the pressure manually. Stir potatoes and adjust seasonings. If using cream, stir it in. Garnish with chopped chives.

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

 

Six big Yukon Gold (or any of your favorite yellow flesh potatoes)

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

1 tsp Harissa, or your favorite hot sauce (Optional)

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven at 400F. Peel and slice the potatoes into wedges or fries. Put them in a bowl, along with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika and harissa, if used. Toss the potatoes to combine. Arrange them in a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crisp on the outside, turning them over once, about 25-30 minutes. Mix the herbs, garlic, lemon juice in a bowl. When the potatoes are baked, toss them quickly with the garlic infused herbs and serve.

Chive Corn Pudding

Chive Corn Pudding

Chive Corn Pudding

 

2 ears corn, husks and silks removed; or 2 cups frozen corn thawed

2 cups 1-percent milk

2 T. low-fat sour cream

2 eggs

2 T. flour

1 T. sugar

2 T. minced chives

1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If using fresh corn, use a sharp knife to scrape the corn from the cob.  Combine the corn with the remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender.  Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour the corn pudding into the casserole dish.  Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until pudding is set and tester put in the center comes out clean.

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

 

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 tsp. flaky sea salt, or to taste

1 tsp. pink peppercorns, lightly crushed with your fingers, plus more for garnish

1 large fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced, fronds reserved

1 small jicama (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, halved and cut into thin matchsticks

1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1 ounce Feta cheese, crumbled

coarsely cracked black pepper

 

Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and add hot water to cover. Set aside for about 20 minutes, then drain and thinly slice them. Meanwhile, in a small, lidded jar, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pink peppercorns. Cover and shake until emulsified. Finely chop the fennel fronds to make ¼ cup and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the fennel, jicama, cucumber, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the fennel fronds and cheese, finish with a little salt, a couple of grinds of pepper, and a sprinkling of pink peppercorns lightly crushed between your fingers. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Ramp Filled Crescents

Ramp Filled Crescents

Ramp Filled Crescents

 

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 cup ramps finely chopped

2 T. Butter

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup gruyere cheese shredded

 

Preheat oven to 375F. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook finely chopped ramps in butter for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Add cream cheese to the skillet, stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Roll out crescent roll dough. Spread ramp cream cheese filling onto each triangle and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Then roll up. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy while warm, room temperature or chilled in the fridge. Notes: For this recipe you can use the whole ramp (bulb, stem and leaves) or all leaves. While the leaves have less flavor than the bulbs they are still totally delicious!

Easy Baked Polenta

Easy Baked Polenta

Easy Baked Polenta

 

You can use medium-grind cornmeal or polenta here.

 

8 cups water

2 cups medium-grind polenta

2 tsp. table salt

â…› tsp. pepper

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (2 cups)

4 T. unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

 

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine water, polenta, salt, and pepper in 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Transfer dish to oven and bake, uncovered, until water is absorbed and polenta has thickened, about 60 minutes.  Remove baking dish from oven. Whisk in Parmesan and butter until polenta is smooth and creamy. Serve.

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

 

1 lb (1/2 kilo) of baby turnips, washed and with stalks trimmed short

2 T. hi temp cooking oil such as avocado or grape seed

 

1/2 T. of freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ tsp. of finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp. of Dijon mustard

1 T. of finely chopped shallot

2 heaped T. of chopped parsley

A pinch or two of sugar

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients together and set aside.  Preheat the oven to 425F / 220C and put a roasting pan in the oven to heat. Cut the turnips in half lengthwise, toss them with the two T. of avocado oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the turnips in the preheated pan and roast for 18-25 minutes or until tender and tinged brown in patches. Transfer them turnips to a bowl, allow them to cool a bit then toss them with the vinaigrette. Serve warm or at room temp. If you make them ahead, cover and chill in the fridge but bring them back to room temp before serving.

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

 

3-5 Large carrots

1-2 apples

1 lemon

handful of raisins

1-2 tsp sugar

 

Shred carrots and apples. Juice the lemon. Mix all of the ingredients together and let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

Skillet Corn Bread with Oregano and Roasted Pepper

 

Even if you’re not a big fan of corn bread, you will possibly like this one (and for corn bread lovers, this one is excellent). It’s moist, best fresh from the oven but also good reheated. Serve it with soup or salad, or as a bread with a main course.

 

1 medium poblano chili pepper or similar roasting pepper

2 C. cornmeal

1 1/2 C. all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

3 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 T. minced fresh oregano

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

 

Char poblano chili over open flame on barbecue grill or in oven under broiler until completely blackened on all sides. Place pepper in paper bag to steam, 15 minutes. Peel, seed, and finely chop chili. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and black pepper in large bowl to blend. Whisk eggs and milk in medium bowl to blend. Mix in poblano chili and oregano. Combine egg mixture and dry ingredients, mixing lightly. Melt butter in 10-inch-diameter heavy skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat bottom and sides of skillet until butter is sizzling. Immediately spread batter evenly in skillet and put in oven. Bake until corn bread is golden brown around edges and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cut bread into wedges and serve warm from skillet

Winter Slaw with Maple Vinaigrette

Winter Slaw with Maple Vinaigrette

Winter Slaw with Maple Vinaigrette

 

1 small butternut squash, about 1 lb., seeded and cubed

4 medium carrots, peeled

2 medium turnips, peeled

3 parsnips, peeled

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut in wedges

4 T. olive oil, divided

1 T. maple syrup

3 T. apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

6 scallions, thinly sliced

 

In a large bowl, whisk  2 T. of the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider, salt, pepper and scallions.  Set aside.  Shred butternut squash, carrots, turnips, parsnips, and apples in a food processor using the medium shredding blade.  Heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat and add 2 T. of the olive oil.  Add the vegetables and fruit and sauté, stirring occasionally for 6 – 10 minutes, or until they are tender crisp.  Place in bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to coat evenly.

Sweet and Spicy Three Bean Salad

Sweet and Spicy Three Bean Salad

Sweet and Spicy Three Bean Salad

 

1 15-ounce can organic cannellini beans drained and rinsed

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed, chickpeas

1 cup frozen shelled edamame thawed

1/2 cup fermented ginger orange carrots

1 medium jalapeño seeded and chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup  Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 cup avocado oil

2 T. Honey

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

 

In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, edamame, carrots, jalapeño, cilantro, vinegar, oil, honey, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Refrigerate, covered, for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight, for the flavors to blend. Enjoy.

One-Dish Speedy Couscous

One-Dish Speedy Couscous

One-Dish Speedy Couscous

 

12-oz. pkg. couscous, uncooked

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

1 zucchini, chopped

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

1 carrot, peeled and grated

2 C. orange juice

1/4 C. fresh basil, chopped

2 green onions, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

 

Combine couscous, chicken and vegetables in a large serving bowl; set aside. Bring orange juice to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat; stir into couscous mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Stir gently until evenly mixed. Serves 4.

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

 

3 C. corn kernels (from fresh ears or thawed frozen)

1/4 C. masa harina (available on the international aisle of most grocers)

salt & pepper

1/2 C. shredded queso mano or mozzarella

vegetable oil, for frying

 

Grind the corn kernels to a smooth pulp, along with the salt and pepper. Add in the masa harina. Note: You can use a food processor or a blender for this step. If you use a blender, you’ll need a tamper or long spoon to push the corn into the blade (not while the blender is running, of course!). Once the mixture is smooth, preheat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Add on some oil, then spoon the batter onto the pan. With the back of your spoon, press the batter into a rough circle. Cook the cachapas for 3-5 minutes. Flip and cook for 3-5 more minutes, pressing the mixture flat if desired. Sprinkle with mozarella and let melt. If necessary, keep warm in the oven until all cachapas are cooked. Fold in half and enjoy!

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

 

1 C. basmati rice

handful of lemongrass stalks obtained from 1 to 2 lemon grass stems

1.75 C. to 2 of water

salt (optional)

a few drops of sesame oil (optional)

 

Clean wash and soak the rice in water for 15 to 20 mins. Then drain the rice and keep aside. Rinse the lemongrass stem first. Chop the lemon grass stem. In a pressure cooker add the rice and lemongrass stalks. Add water, salt and sesame oil. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on a low to medium flame. I have kept the rice grains slightly sticky as that’s how we like this rice with thai curries. If you want separate grains then cook for 2 whistles. When the pressure settles on its own, remove the lid. Fluff and discard the lemongrass stalks before serving. Serve the aromatic lemongrass rice hot with your choice of any thai vegetable dish or stir fried dish.

Roasted Fennel, Tomatoes and White Beans

Roasted Fennel, Tomatoes and White Beans

Roasted Fennel, Tomatoes and White Beans

 

2 large fennel bulbs (fronds not needed but can be chopped and used to garnish, if desired)

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling

2 tsp. coarse kosher salt, divided

2 pints cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes (whatever is sweetest and ripest)

2 T. chopped fresh oregano leaves, from 4-5 stems (or 2 tsp. dried oregano)

5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 tsp. Aleppo pepper or dried crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 15-ounce cans Cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained

3 T. chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves or chopped fennel fronds, optional garnish

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim the fennel so you are left with just the white bulb. Cut the bulb in half vertically, from bottom to top, and then cut each half into 1/2-inch-wide wedges, slicing through the core, which will help keep the leaves attached to the wedge. If your fennel has fronds, you can chop them up to use as a garnish. Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Add fennel wedges, arranging them in single layer. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of salt and cook, turning occasionally, until fennel begins to brown and soften, 10 minutes or so. Add tomatoes, oregano, garlic, red pepper, remaining tsp. of salt and black pepper. Fold together gently using a spatula. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake fennel and tomatoes until soft, about 20 minutes. Remove the skillet and gently mix in the drained beans; then bake for 5 minutes longer, to heat through. Divide the mixture among large shallow bowls. Drizzle each bowl with a tsp. of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse salt, black pepper and chopped fennel fronds or parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Roast Parsnips with Pumpkin Seed Green Onion Pesto

Roast Parsnips with Pumpkin Seed Green Onion Pesto

Roast Parsnips with Pumpkin Seed Green Onion Pesto

3 lbs. (1.36 kg) of parsnips, peeled, trimmed, cut into bite sized pieces

3 T. (45 mL) of olive or vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. (2.5 mL) of sea salt

lots of freshly ground pepper

 

1 cup (240 mL) of pumpkin seeds

1 bunch of green onions (7 or 8 stalks)

1/4 cup (60 mL) of your very best olive oil

2 to 3 ounces (56 to 85 g) of authentic Parmesan cheese

 

Prepare and preheat your oven to 375°. Turn on your convection fan if you have one. Begin with the parsnips. Toss them with the oil, salt and pepper until they’re evenly seasoned. Transfer the works to a casserole dish or small roasting or baking pan. Roast, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and delicious, about 1 hour. Meanwhile make the pesto. Measure the ingredients into your food processor and process until a smooth yet slightly chunky pesto emerges. When the parsnips are done roasting stir or toss in the pesto until evenly mixed.

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

2 T. margarine or butter

1 large shallot

1 1/2 lb. radishes

1 1/2 lb. small turnips

1 c. water

1/4 c. lower-sodium chicken broth

1 T. Honey

salt

pepper

2 tbsp. thinly sliced mint leaves

1 tbsp. finely chopped chives

 

In 12-inch skillet, melt margarine or butter on medium-high. Add shallot and cook 2 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. Add radishes and turnips; stir until well coated. Stir in water, broth, honey, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 15 minutes. Uncover and cook 7 to 10 minutes longer or until vegetables are glazed and most of liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in mint and chives. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with mint leaves.

Cheddar Polenta Cakes and Brown Sugar Bacon

Cheddar Polenta Cakes and Brown Sugar Bacon

Cheddar Polenta Cakes and Brown Sugar Bacon

For the polenta:
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. salt
1 cup polenta (medium- or coarse-ground cornmeal)
1 tsp. pepper
2 T. butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, divided (optional)

For the bacon:

1 lb (450 g) bacon (about 16 slices)

1/2 cup brown sugar

Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the salt and whisk in the polenta. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, whisking frequently to get rid of any lumps. Once it forms a smooth paste, cover the pot and simmer for half an hour. Give the polenta a vigorous stir with a wooden spoon every 5 minutes. When the polenta is almost too thick to stir, take off the heat. Mix in pepper, butter, cheese and half the chopped parsley. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tins. Let cool, uncovered, in the fridge for 2 hours or, ideally, overnight. Before serving, sprinkle the reserved parsley overtop. To make the bacon, preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Place an oven-safe metal wire rack on top of parchment paper in a baking sheet. Spread out the bacon evenly on the rack. Distribute the sugar over the bacon. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned and mostly crispy, depending on the thickness of your bacon. This can be made ahead and served at room temperature.

Charred Sweet Corn Fritters

Charred Sweet Corn Fritters

Charred Sweet Corn Fritters

3 T. unsalted butter

1 ear sweet corn, husk removed and washed

Vegetable oil

1 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. stone-ground cornmeal

3 T. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. Old Bay

1 tsp. salt

1/2 C. plus 2 T. whole milk

3/4 C. shredded Monterey Jack (cheddar would work great, too!)

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

 

In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Watching it carefully and stirring on occasion, continue cooking the butter as it transforms from yellow and foamy to golden brown with brown speckles throughout. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the brown butter in a ramekin. Cool the butter to room temperature. (This is a particularly important step because if you add warm butter to the cold milk, the butter will seize. If this happens, warm the milk and butter mixture until the butter remelts.) Rest the corn on the grate of your gas stove and turn the heat to medium. Char the corn on all sides, rotating it every 30 seconds or so. Cut the kernels off the cob and set them aside. Heat 4-inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, Old Bay and salt. In a measuring C. or small bowl, measure out the milk and the cooled melted butter; whisk until thoroughly combined. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick. Fold in the charred corn kernels and cheese. Using a 2-ounce ice cream scooper, drop scoops of batter into the hot oil. Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes, flipping them at the 2 minute-mark, until they’re golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a bed of paper towels to drain. Serve with honey or buttermilk dressing.

Tomatoes Stuffed with White Beans

Tomatoes Stuffed with White Beans

Tomatoes Stuffed with White Beans

4 large tomatoes

Small handful of chopped parsley

Small handful of chopped basil

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. capers

1 large clove garlic (it’s going to stay raw, so don’t go overboard)

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

 

Slice the tops off each of the tomatoes and use a spoon (I use a grapefruit spoon) to dig out the core and seeds. If the core isn’t too tough, chop it up and put it, along with the rest of the tomato guts, in a medium bowl. Set the tomato ‘shells’ aside.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and toss until everything is coated. Spoon the filling into the tomato shells. There is will extra filling, which you can serve on the side

Frugal Bones & Beans

Frugal Bones & Beans

Frugal Bones & Beans

 

Olive Oil

1 Onion, chopped

Leftover Bone (chop, duck, shank, whatever is on hand)

2-3 slices Bacon, raw or cooked

Splash of Vermouth or White Wine

2 C. dried Cannellini Beans or Other Large Beans, soaked overnight and drained

6-8 Sage Leaves, torn

2 T. Salt

Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Cover the bottom of the large stockpot with a layer of olive oil and set over medium heat.  Cook and stir onions until soft, about 5-7 minutes.  Add leftover bone and bacon.  Cook until the bottom of the stockpot is brown, by leaving over the heat and not stirring often.  You are looking for a golden caramelization in the bottom of the pan.  Deglaze with a splash of vermouth, stirring to scrape up the brown bits.  Add beans and cover with water by 1 ½ inches. Add sage and bring mixture to a boil.  Stir in salt.   Reduce heat to simmer and cook until the beans are soft and can be mashed with the back of a spoon, 1-2 hours.  Most of the water will be absorbed by this time.  Season with salt and pepper to your liking.  Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.  You can store in fridge 3-5 days.  You can also mash and store the mash in the freezer to use later in a white bean dip (add mashed roasted garlic and a squeeze of lemon).  You can refresh leftover beans by adding a hand to warmed chicken or vegetable stock with some sautéed celery, carrot and onion.