Five-Spice Steak Wraps

Five-Spice Steak Wraps

12 ounces boneless beef round steak

2 C. packaged shredded cabbage with carrot (coleslaw mix)

1/4 C. red and/or green sweet pepper cut into thin bite-size strips

1/4 C. julienned carrot

1/4 C. snipped fresh chives

2 T. rice vinegar

1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1/2 tsp. five-spice powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Nonstick cooking spray

1/4 C. plain low-fat yogurt or light dairy sour cream

4 8-inch flour tortillas

 

If desired, partially freeze steak for easier slicing. In a medium bowl combine coleslaw mix, sweet pepper, carrot, and chives. In a small bowl combine vinegar and sesame oil. Pour vinegar mixture over coleslaw mixture; toss to coat. Set aside.  Trim fat from steak. Thinly slice steak across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick strips. Sprinkle steak strips with five-spice powder and salt. Coat an unheated 10-inch nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until brown.  To assemble, spread 1 T. of the yogurt down the center of each tortilla. Top with steak strips. Stir coleslaw mixture; spoon over steak. Fold in sides of tortillas. If desired, secure with wooden toothpicks.

Mock Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Mock Monte Cristo Sandwiches

6 slices frozen French toast

2 T. honey mustard

3 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast

3 ounces sliced cooked ham

3 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Lightly grease a baking sheet; set aside. To assemble sandwiches, spread 1 side of each of the frozen French toast slices with honey mustard. Layer 3 of the toast slices, mustard sides up, with the turkey, ham, and cheese. Cover with remaining toast slices, mustard sides down.  Place sandwiches on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until sandwiches are heated through, turning sandwiches over once. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Makes 6 half sandwiches.

Salmon-Sauced English Muffins

Salmon-Sauced English Muffins

10oz. container Refrigerated Alfredo Pasta Sauce

10oz. frozen pkg. cut Asparagus, thawed

4oz. can Mushrooms, stems and pieces, drained

1 tsp.. Lemon Juice

¼ tsp.. dried Dill

6oz. can skinless, boneless Salmon, drained and flaked

1 T. dry Sherry

4 English Muffins, split and toasted

 

In medium saucepan, combine Alfredo pasta sauce, asparagus, mushrooms, lemon juice and dill.  Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly and heated through.  Remove from heat; stir in salmon and sherry.    Spoon salmon mixture over English muffin halves and serve.

Salmon Confetti Chowder

Salmon Confetti Chowder

2 C. frozen pepper stir-fry vegetables (yellow, green, and red peppers and onion)

2 T. minced seeded jalapeno pepper

1 T. butter or margarine

2 T. all-purpose flour

2 C. fat-free milk

1 C. fat-free half-and-half

2 C. refrigerated diced potatoes with onions

1 15-ounce can salmon, drained and flaked

1/4 C. snipped watercress

1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

 

In a large saucepan cook stir-fry vegetables and jalapeno pepper in hot butter or margarine for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Stir in milk and half-and-half. Cook and stir until slightly thickened. Cook and stir 2 minutes more.  Stir in diced potatoes, salmon, watercress, shredded lemon peel, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until chowder is heated through. Makes 4 servings.

Spring Chicken Scaloppine

Spring Chicken Scaloppine

4 medium boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1/4 C. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 C. butter

1/2 C. dry white wine or chicken broth

1/4 C. sliced green onion

1/2 C. snipped fresh oregano or fresh thyme or fresh lemon thyme or fresh mint (you pick your favorites)

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Place each piece of chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap pound lightly using the side of meat mallet, working from the center to the edges until pieces are an even 1/4-inch thickness, remove plastic wrap. In a shallow bowl combine flour, and 1/4 tsp. salt; coat chicken pieces with flour mixture; in a 12-inch skillet heat 2 T. of the butter over medium heat, add chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink, turning once; Remove chicken from skillet, transfer to platter; cover and keep warm. Add wine and green onions to the skillet; cook and stir 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits in skillet, if necessary; Cook 1 minute more or until reduced to 1/3 C., remove from heat. Whisk in remaining 2 T. butter until melted; stir in 2 T. snipped fresh herbs, the black pepper, and the 1/8 tsp. salt (If using chicken broth omit the 1/8 tsp. salt). Pile the remaining herbs on chicken when serving.

Sweet Parsnip Spears

Sweet Parsnip Spears

5 parsnips (approx)

2 T. Oil

1 tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Rosemary

1 T. Honey 

 

Peel and cut parsnips into spears.  Toss with oil, spices and honey.  Roast in 350 degree oven until tender and gooey.

Quick Honey-Garlic Pot Roast

Quick Honey-Garlic Pot Roast

1 (17-ounce) package refrigerated cooked beef roast au jus (such as Hormel®)

2 T. honey

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 to 1 ½ tsp. bottled, roasted minced garlic

¼ tsp. black pepper

2 cups peeled baby carrots, halved length-wise

12 ounces tiny new potatoes, halved

1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges

 

Remove meat from package, placing juices in a medium bowl. To the juices combine honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and pepper. Place meat in a large nonstick skillet. Arrange carrots, potatoes, and onion around meat. Pour sauce over meat and vegetables. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender and meat is heated through.

Sweet Pepper Pinwheels with Olive Salad

Sweet Pepper Pinwheels with Olive Salad

10 large green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped

20 Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped

1 tender celery stalk from the heart of the bunch, trimmed and minced

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Freshly ground pepper

 

4 large, smooth red bell peppers

Juice of 1 lemon 

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

8 thin slices Black Forest ham

8 thin slices provolone cheese

Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

lemon wedges

 

FOR THE OLIVE SALAD: In a bowl, combine the green olives, Kalamata or other black olives, celery, parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and pepper to taste. Toss to mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to 24 hours to blend the flavors. FOR THE PEPPER PINWHEELS: Preheat a broilers grill, or preheat an oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange the peppers on a baking sheet and place in the broiler or oven. Broil, grill, or bake, turning with tongs as necessary, until the skin is charred and blistered on all sides. Alternatively, one at a time, using tongs or a fork, hold the peppers over a gas flame until charred and blistered. Immediately place the peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let steam until cool, about 15 minutes. Using your fingers, peel off the charred skin, then pull out and discard the stem and seeds. Cut each pepper in half and trim away any tough white ribs. Trim each half into a neat rectangle for easy rolling. Gather together all of the trimmings, mince them and add to the olive salad. Place the peppers in a bowl, sprinkle with the lemon juice and mix with the garlic cloves, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Discard the garlic cloves from the pepper mixture. Lay each pepper piece, smooth side down, on a work surface. Trim the ham and provolone slices into shapes similar to the pepper pieces. Lay a slice of ham atop each pepper piece and top with a slice of provolone. Starting from a short end, roll up each pepper stack tightly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, using a sharp knife, cut each roll crosswise into 4 pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter or on individual plates and drizzle with a little olive oil. Garnish with spoonfuls of the olive salad and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Roasted Chicken Sausages with Red Peppers

Roasted Chicken Sausages with Red Peppers

8 chicken sausages

10 fresh thyme sprigs

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large red (Spanish) onion, cut in half through the stem end and thinly sliced 

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 red bell peppers, seeded, deribbed and cut lengthwise into strips 1/4 inch wide

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange the sausages in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Tuck the thyme sprigs around them. Pour in water to a depth of 1/2 inch. Roast, turning the sausages once or twice, until the water has completely evaporated and the sausages are nicely browned, 10-15 minutes. While the sausages are cooking, in a frying pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until limp, 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer. Stir in the bell peppers and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the peppers just begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. When the sausages have browned, add the bell pepper mixture to the roasting pan along with the parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Return the roasting pan to the oven and continue to roast until the sausages are a deep golden brown and the vegetables are golden, about 15 minutes longer. Transfer to a warmed platter and serve immediately.

Fresh Pasta

Fresh Pasta

Fresh pasta can be flavored with garlic or herbs. For garlic pasta, add one minced large garlic clove to the eggs and salt before incorporating with the flour. For thyme pasta, mix two heaping teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves into the flour before you make the well. This recipe for fresh pasta will make enough for 4 to 6 servings.

 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 large eggs

Generous pinch of sea salt

 

MAKING DOUGH: Sift flour onto large flat work surface. Form well in center of flour. Place eggs and salt in well; whisk lightly with fork to blend. Using fork, gradually mix flour from inside walls of well into egg mixture to form coarse dough. Knead until dough is satiny and surface is almost smooth, about 4 minutes. Form dough into ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough rest at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours. KNEADING DOUGH: Set rollers for pasta machine, on widest setting. Using dough cutter, cut dough into eight equal pieces. Form each piece into ball; flatten into disks. Run one dough disk through rollers, dusting lightly with flour if dough sticks (keep remaining dough disks covered). Working on lightly floured surface, fold dough into thirds as for business letter. Pass dough, edges first, through rollers again. Repeat process six times, keeping rollers at widest setting and lightly dusting rollers with flour if dough sticks. FORMING PASTA SHEETS: Adjust width of rollers to next smaller setting, and pass dough through rollers. Continue adjusting roller width to smaller settings, running dough through each setting without folding, and dusting rollers very lightly with flour if necessary until long dough sheet forms, about 24 to 30 inches long. Hang strips over pasta drying rack, just until pasta is slightly dry, about 10 minutes (pasta should not be brittle or wet). Repeat kneading remaining dough disks and forming them into pasta sheets.

 

Swiss Chard Lasagna with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce

Swiss Chard Lasagna with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce

1 recipe Fresh Pasta

For Filling:

1 pound swiss chard, trimmed, rinsed, coarsely chopped

3 garlic cloves

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon water

3 cups ricotta cheese

2 large eggs

3 1/2 cups Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce

5 1/2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated

 

Follow method for making Fresh Pasta and forming pasta sheets. Cut pasta into 5×15-inch sheets and let dry just slightly, about 10 minutes. Fill large bowl with cold water. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, about 1 1/2 minutes. Using pasta insert, transfer pasta from boiling water to cold water. Drain. Shake excess water from pasta and lay pasta atop clean dry kitchen towels.  FOR FILLING: Place Swiss chard in large pot over medium heat. Cover and cook until chard wilts but is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat; drain any excess liquid. Transfer chard to large bowl. Season lightly with salt. Set aside. Meanwhile, combine garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon water in small saucepan and bring to boil. Cook over medium heat until garlic is tender and water has evaporated, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix ricotta cheese and garlic mixture into cooked chard in large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs. TO ASSEMBLE LASAGNA: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line bottom and sides of 15-by-10-inch baking dish with pasta sheets, overlapping sheets slightly. Spread 1/3 cup ricotta mixture over pasta sheets. Spoon generous 1/2 cup Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce evenly over ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with generous 1/4 cup Parmigiano. Repeat layering 3 times. Cover with pasta sheets. Spoon remaining tomato sauce over, and sprinkle with remaining Parmigiano. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil atop lasagna. Bake lasagna uncovered until top is deep golden and sauce bubbles, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly before serving.

Tomato-Basil Sauce

Tomato-Basil Sauce

This flavorful, yet basic, sauce embodies the simple, rustic elegance of classic Italian cooking at its best. It is used in a wide range of Italian dishes, including soups, pastas, baked dishes, risotto and, of course, pizzas, to which it adds a deeper, more fully developed flavor than the uncooked tomato sauce at left. If you find that your tomatoes lack a good balance of sweetness and acidity, add a few pinches of sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.

 

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

12 plum (Roma) tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, or 1 can (28 oz) plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped, with their juices 

8 large fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the garlic and sauté for a few seconds just until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to break down and form a sauce, about 10 minutes.  Add the basil, season to taste with salt and pepper and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and is no longer watery, 15 to 20 minutes. Use immediately, or transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Grilled Mozzarella in Grape Leaves

Grilled Mozzarella in Grape Leaves

3 balls fresh mozzarella, 1/2 lb each, drained

1 jar grape leaves

salt and freshly ground pepper

vegetable oil for grilling

Tomato-basil sauce, warmed

lemon wedges

Soak enough raffia or kitchen string (4 yards) or enough wooden toothpicks (20-25) to secure each mozzarella slice in a grape leaf for at least 30 minutes, then drain. Prepare a fire in a charcoal grill or preheat a ridged stove-top griddle until it is very hot. Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into slices 1/2 inch thick. Lay them on paper towels to drain briefly. Remove the grape leaves from the jar, leaving the brine in the jar so any unused grape leaves can be returned to it. Rinse the leaves under running cold water and drain well. Using a small, sharp knife, trim away any long or tough stems from the leaves. Place 1 large leaf (or 2 overlapping smaller ones), shiny side down, on a work surface. Place 1 mozzarella slice in the center of the leaf and sprinkle to taste with salt and pepper. Bring up the sides of the leaf and wrap them around the cheese slice to enclose it completely. Tie the packets with raffia or kitchen string or secure with a toothpick. Repeat the process until all the mozzarella slices are wrapped. Brush some vegetable oil onto the rack of the grill or the surface of the griddle. Place the mozzarella packets on the grill rack about 6 inches above the fire or on the griddle and cook, turning once, until there are grill marks on the outside and the cheese has softened, 3-5 minutes total on a charcoal grill or about 5 minutes on a stove-top griddle. As soon as the cheese packets are softened and well marked from the grill, spoon some of the tomato-basil sauce onto a warmed platter or individual plates. Place the hot packets atop the sauce and garnish with the lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar

Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar

1 pint vanilla ice cream

2 1/2 cups strawberries, stems removed, halved lengthwise

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste

1 tablespoon sugar

Coarsely ground pepper

 

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let stand at room temperature until it is soft enough to stir into the strawberries, 10-15 minutes, depending upon on how cold the freezer is. Meanwhile, in a bowl large enough to accommodate the ice cream eventually, stir together the strawberries, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, sugar and pepper to taste. The vinegar and sugar will mix with the berries’ natural juices to create a saucelike consistency. Taste and add more vinegar if needed. When the ice cream is soft enough, add it to the berry mixture. Immediately stir together until the berries and ice cream are evenly distributed. Spoon into tall wine glasses and serve at once.

Genovese Pesto

Genovese Pesto

Few sauces represent a season as perfectly as this summer sauce from Liguria. The distinct flavors of basil and garlic, mellowed with Italian Parmesan, give it a versatility matched by few other sauces. It can be used for pasta and pizza, spread on crostini and panini, even used as a marinade for roasted meats. Vary the amount of olive oil according to your own preferences: use less for a light, fluffy texture and more for a denser, heavier and more flavorful sauce.

1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts

2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves

4-6 cloves garlic

1/2-1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup freshly grated Italian pecorino romano cheese 

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.  Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the oven until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in a blender, combine the basil and garlic and pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. With the motor running, add 1/2 cup of the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Scatter the cheeses over the top, then pulse until the cheeses are absorbed. Again with the motor running, slowly add the remaining oil and process until creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add the nuts and pulse just until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Use immediately, or pour into a container and top with a thin layer of olive oil. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Grilled Eggplant and Goat Cheese Spirals

Grilled Eggplant and Goat Cheese Spirals

No antipasti selection would be complete without one or two eggplant dishes. Here, the eggplant is grilled, then marinated with herbs and combined with the mellow sharpness of fresh goat cheese.

 

1 eggplant

Olive oil for brushing

1/3 cup chopped fresh chives

3 cloves garlic, minced

Balsamic vinegar for sprinkling

Leaves from 12 fresh thyme sprigs, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried thyme, crumbled

1 log fresh goat cheese, at room temperature 

 

Cut off and discard a thin slice from the stem and blossom ends of the eggplant. Cut the eggplant lengthwise into slices 1/4 inch thick. Lay the slices on a double thickness of paper towels and sprinkle generously with salt. Let stand until beads of water appear on the surface, about 20 minutes. Rinse with cold running water to remove the salt and bitter juices, then pat dry with additional paper towels. Prepare a fire in a charcoal grill, or preheat a ridged stove-top griddle until it is very hot. Brush the eggplant slices lightly on one side with olive oil, then place them on the grill in a single layer, oiled sides down. Brush the tops with additional oil and grill until the eggplant begins to soften and the grill marks are clearly visible, then turn and continue grilling until soft but not too deeply browned, about 4 minutes total. As the eggplant slices are done, use tongs to transfer them to a large platter. Arrange half of the slices in a single layer on another platter and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Scatter half each of the chives and garlic evenly over the slices and sprinkle with a little balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle all the thyme evenly over the top. Top with the remaining eggplant slices, again in a single layer, and scatter the remaining chives and garlic over the top. Sprinkle with a little more vinegar. Let stand in a cool place for at least 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, carefully spread each eggplant slice with an equal amount of the goat cheese and roll up into a tight spiral. Secure with a toothpick, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Wild Mushroom Soup

Wild Mushroom Soup

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped 

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced

1/2 pound fresh cremini or white mushrooms, stems removed, sliced 

6 cups water

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast until golden and fragrant, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. In a heavy soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes and mushrooms and raise the heat to high. Sauté, stirring often, just until the mushrooms begin to release their liquid, about 7 minutes. Add the water and herbs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are blended, 25-30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into warmed shallow soup bowls, scatter the pine nuts evenly over the tops and serve immediately.

Baklava

Baklava

Both the Greeks and the Turks lay claim to this masterpiece of the Middle Eastern sweets repertoire. Baklava can be made with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts (filberts) or pistachios or a combination of walnuts and almonds. Sticky honey syrups are never used by Greek and Turkish bakers; instead, they prepare a simple sugar syrup flavored with lemon juice and zest.

 

4 cups almonds, walnuts or equal parts almonds and walnuts, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 lb clarified unsalted butter, melted

1 lb filo dough, thawed in the refrigerator if frozen

For the Lemon Syrup:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

2 lemon zest strips, each 3 inches long

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

 

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the nuts, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Lightly brush a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan with some of the melted butter. Remove the filo sheets from their package, lay them flat on a work surface and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Lay a filo sheet in the prepared pan and brush it lightly with butter. Working with 1 sheet at a time, top with half of the remaining filo sheets (10-12 sheets), brushing each sheet with butter after it is placed in the pan. Spread the nut mixture evenly over the stacked filo sheets. Then top with the remaining filo sheets, again brushing each sheet lightly with butter, including the top sheet. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the butter will set. (This step makes the baklava easier to cut.) Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava all the way through into diamond shapes, forming about 36 pieces in all. Bake until golden, 35-40 minutes. FOR THE SYRUP: In a deep saucepan, combine the water, sugar and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove the lemon zest and discard. Stir in the lemon juice.  When the baklava is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly, then recut the diamonds. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover pieces covered at room temperature.

Figs Stuffed with Gorgonzola

Figs Stuffed with Gorgonzola

16 dried Mission figs (about 8 ounces)

1/2 cup port

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (2 ounces)

1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (2 ounces)

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

2 ounces sliced prosciutto, trimmed of fat

Coarsely ground pepper to taste

 

Snip the stem off each fig and make a crisscross cut two-thirds of the way down to partially open the fig. Trim the base of each fig so it will sit upright when finished. Place the figs, port and vinegar in a small saucepan; cook, uncovered, over low heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until the figs are plumped and softened and most of the liquid is reduced, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, combine Gorgonzola, cream cheese and rosemary in a small bowl; blend with a fork. Cover and refrigerate until the figs are cooled. Cut prosciutto into 1/4-inch-wide ribbons. Using a teaspoon, melon baller or small spoon, place a dollop of cheese mixture in the opening of each fig. Garnish each appetizer with a ribbon of prosciutto. Dust with a grinding of pepper.

Cappuccino Ice

Cappuccino Ice

2 1/2 cups hot brewed espresso or brewed French- or Italian-roast coffee

5-6 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup half and half or milk

Unsweetened whipped cream

Chocolate shavings

 

In a 2 1/2-quart stainless-steel bowl, combine the hot espresso or coffee and 5 tablespoons sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the half-and-half or milk and mix well. Taste and add the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar if desired. Refrigerate until cold, then place, uncovered, in the freezer. When ice crystals have started to form around the edges, after 30-40 minutes, whisk the mixture vigorously to blend in the crystals. Return the bowl to the freezer and whisk again every 20-30 minutes until the mixture is a mass of coarse ice crystals yet still soft enough to spoon, 2-3 hours total. (If you forget the granita in the freezer and it hardens too much, let stand at room temperature for a few minutes, then whisk it to the correct consistency.) TO SERVE: Divide the ice among small serving bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings.

Uncooked Tomato Sauce

Uncooked Tomato Sauce

This simple sauce is the traditional topping on a Neapolitan pizza and suits a wide range of pizza preparations. It is light on the palate and fulfills its role as an undernote to pizza, allowing the additional toppings to stand out. If you are using canned tomatoes, look for the sweetest ones you can find. Taste them out of the can and, if they are a bit too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.

 

8 ripe plum (Roma) tomatoes or 1 can (16 oz) plum (Roma) tomatoes with their juices 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Fit a food mill with the coarse or medium blade and place over a small mixing bowl. Pass the tomatoes through the mill into the bowl. Alternatively, use a food processor: Peel the fresh tomatoes, if using. Place the fresh or canned tomatoes in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and pulse to form a coarse purée. Add the olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Use immediately, or transfer to a tightly covered container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Makes about 1 1/2 cups, enough for six 9-inch pizzas

Shrimp Toast

Shrimp Toast

4 slices white bread

8 oz. cooked peeled shrimp

1 T. soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 large egg

1 T. sesame seeds, toasted

 Oil, for frying

 

Remove crusts from the bread. Using a food processor, blend shrimp, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and egg until a smooth paste has formed. Spread paste evenly on top of bread. Sprinkle bread with sesame seeds and press them into spread. Cut bread from corner to corner twice, to form small triangles. Heat oil in wok and fry toasts, sesame side up, for 4 to 5 min, until golden. WARNING: WATCH THEM CAREFULLY. THEY MAY TAKE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN 4 MIN TO BECOME GOLDEN. Drain toasts thoroughly. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.

Shrimp Pizza with Radicchio and Fontina

Shrimp Pizza with Radicchio and Fontina

c_RC_138_rt_Pizza-with-Radicchio-and-Fontina_RT

6 cloves garlic

olive oil, to cover

6 large shrimp, peeled, deveined and halved lengthwise

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus olive oil for drizzling

salt and coarsely ground pepper

1/2 recipe Neapolitan pizza dough, completed through the second rising

1/4 head radicchio, core removed and coarsely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons finely shredded fresh basil

4-5 oz fontina cheese, sliced

Neapolitan Pizza Dough 

 

FOR GARLIC: Peel the garlic but leave the cloves whole. In a small, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the garlic cloves with just enough olive oil to cover. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook the garlic until it is covered with golden dots, about 15 minutes. Watch carefully, as the garlic burns easily. Remove from the heat, let cool and then drain off the oil. Set the garlic aside. Reserve the oil for another use such as drizzling over grilled fish or vegetables. FOR PIZZA: Place a pizza stone or unglazed terra-cotta tiles on the lowest rack of an oven. Preheat to 500 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together the shrimp, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Place the ball of dough on a lightly floured pizza peel or rimless baking sheet. Sprinkle a little more flour on the top of the dough and, using your fingertips, press evenly into a round, flat disk about 1 1/2 inches thick and 5 inches in diameter. Lift the dough and gently stretch it with your fingers and then over the backs of your fists, using the weight of the dough to allow it to grow in size. While you are stretching the dough, gently rotate the disk. Continue stretching and rotating the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick and 9 inches in diameter and has a rim about 1/2 inch thick. Try not to let the center of the disk become too thin in comparison to the edges. Dust the peel or baking sheet with more flour and gently lay the disk in the center. Scatter the radicchio, garlic and basil over the dough. Top evenly with the cheese and, finally, with the shrimp. Season to taste with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil. Gently shake the peel or baking sheet back and forth to make sure the pizza has not stuck to it. If it has, gently lift off the stuck section and sprinkle a little more flour underneath. Using the peel or baking sheet like a large spatula, quickly slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or tiles. Bake until the edges are golden and crisp, 8-9 minutes. Remove the pizza with a large metal spatula and slide it onto a dinner plate. Drizzle with additional extra-virgin olive oil, if desired, and serve at once.

Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Neapolitan Pizza Dough

A Neapolitan pizza crust must be thin, but not cracker-thin as is traditional in Rome. If you prefer an extra-crisp super-thin crust, roll the dough into a round 11 inches (28 cm) in diameter rather than the 9 inches (23 cm) specified in the pizza recipes. Note that these directions make enough for 2 crusts. This pizza recipe calls for only half that amount. You can refrigerate the extra dough for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month, or double the topping ingredients in the recipes and make 2 pizzas.

 

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/4 cup lukewarm water (105 degrees F)

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup cold water

1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus flour for kneading

3/4 teaspoon salt

 

In a large mixing bowl, stir the yeast into the lukewarm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in the olive oil and the cold water, and then whisk in 1/2 cup of the flour and the salt, stirring until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together in a rough mass. On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough until smooth and velvety, 8 to 10 minutes. It will be soft. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minutes. Divide into 2 equal portions, knead briefly, then roll each portion into a smooth, tight round ball. To use the dough immediately, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and set the balls on it. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour, then stretch and top the dough as directed in each recipe. You may also store one or both balls of dough until ready to use. For short-term storage and for a slow rise resulting in more flavor, place the dough balls on a small baking pan lined with a kitchen towel, cover them with a second towel and refrigerate for up to 48 hours; remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before forming the pizza. For longer storage, slip each flour-dusted ball into a plastic freezer bag, seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Before use, place the frozen dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for about 2 hours at room temperature. The thawed dough should be puffy and soft to the touch.

Artichokes Stuffed with Chicken and Lentils

Artichokes Stuffed with Chicken and Lentils

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup water

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil

4 large artichokes, trimmed and halved lengthwise

For Filling:

1/2 cup small green French lentils

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz ground chicken breast meat

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

1/2 cup tomato-basil sauce

lemon wedges, optional

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, optional

Uncooked Tomato Sauce 

 

Place the olive oil and water in a frying pan just large enough to hold the 8 artichoke halves. Scatter the garlic and herbs in the pan and arrange the artichoke halves, cut sides down, in a circular pattern with the stems facing toward the center of the pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place over medium-high heat, bring to a simmer, cover and cook until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. FOR FILLING: In a saucepan, bring a generous amount of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat so that the water simmers. Cook, uncovered, until the lentils are just tender but still hold their shape, 20-25 minutes. Drain and refresh them under cold running water to halt the cooking. Drain again and set aside. In a frying pan over low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns opaque, 3-4 seconds. Add the ground chicken, raise the heat to medium and saute, stirring and breaking up the chicken with a wooden spoon so that it cooks evenly, until cooked through and no trace of pink remains, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the drained lentils, parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the tomato-basil sauce and toss gently to mix well. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Place the braised artichokes, hollow sides up, in a baking dish in which they fit in a single layer. Divide the filling mixture evenly among the halves, mounding it high for an attractive presentation. Bake until heated through, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve the artichokes hot, cold or at room temperature, arranged on a platter or divided among individual plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley, if desired.

Figs Stuffed with Chocolate and Almonds

Figs Stuffed with Chocolate and Almonds

1/2 cup slivered blanched almonds, plus 12 whole blanched almonds

1/4 cup sugar

2 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

12 large dried figs

 

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the slivered and whole almonds on a baking sheet, keeping them separate. Bake until toasted and fragrant, 8-10 minutes. Let cool. Set aside the 12 whole almonds. Leave the oven set at 350 degrees F. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the sugar, slivered almonds and chocolate. Use rapid on-off pulses to form a coarse paste. Cut off the stems from the figs. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a small slit 1 inch deep in the top of each fig. Using a small spoon, stuff each slit with about 1 teaspoon of the almond-chocolate mixture. Pinch the openings closed. As the figs are stuffed, place them on a baking sheet, stem sides up. Bake for 5 minutes. Turn the figs over and continue to bake until softened, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and press a whole almond into the slit. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cranberry Apple Crush

Cranberry Apple Crush

5 cups apple cider 

5 cups cranberry juice 

1 ½ cups guava or mango juice 

¼ cup lime juice 

1 tsp ground ginger 

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 bottle Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum

 

In a 4 quart Dutch oven, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, guava juice, lime juice, ginger and cinnamon. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Add bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum. Simmer. If desired, sweeten to taste with honey and garnish with lime slices.

Pasta with Roasted Eggplant Sauce

Pasta with Roasted Eggplant Sauce

1 medium eggplant

3 T. EVOO

2 cloves garlic

Fresh flat-leafed parsley, chopped

Salt & pepper

28oz. can Tomatoes

1 lb. pasta, cooked

 

Heat oven to 450. Cut several slits in skin on one side of eggplant. Place on oven rack, slit side up. Roast for 15 (45?) minutes. Allow to sit on counter 5 minutes after removing from oven. Heat olive oil and garlic in microwave 20 seconds. Hold eggplant over food processor and peel like a banana, cut flesh free and drop into processor bowl. Add oil, garlic, a handful of parsley, salt and pepper and puree. Stopping here, the puree makes a good spread on crostini. To prepare sauce, mix puree with crushed tomatoes in a saucepan and heat until warmed through. {doctored it up with sugar, fresh basil, pine nuts, and balsamic vinegar}

Red Garlic Soup

Red Garlic Soup

2 pounds chicken bones

1 onion, quartered

1 head garlic plus 6 cloves, minced and 3 cloves, halved

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 pound cured Spanish ham, or prosciutto, diced

1 tomato, seeded and diced

2 teaspoons sweet paprika

6 very thin slices country bread

8 cumin seeds

8 saffron threads

6 eggs (optional)

 

Prepare the chicken stock by combining the chicken bones, onion, and garlic head in a large pot. Add enough water to cover, about 1 gallon, and bring to a boil. Skim and discard foam that rises to the top. Reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, about 1 hour, periodically skimming foam from the top. If liquid is evaporating too rapidly, add a cup or two of water. Strain by lifting liquid out with a ladle. Discard the onion and garlic, and set aside to cool. Reserve 2 quarts for the soup, and save the extra for another use. (It will keep in the refrigerator up to 5 days).  Heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saucepan, add the 6 cloves minced garlic, and saute until golden. Add the cured ham, and saute for a minute. Add the tomato and paprika, and saute briefly, then add the reserved chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.Meanwhile, toast the bread, rub half a clove of the remaining 3 garlic cloves over each piece, and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. With a mortar and pestle, pound the leftover garlic halves, cumin seeds, and saffron. Stir paste into the simmering soup, and add the bread, breaking it up a bit.  If using eggs, break the eggs into the simmering soup and poach them until set, but yolks still soft. Serve soup immediately, ladling it into warm earthenware bowls.

Sausage-Stuffed Roasted Chicken Breast and Side Dishes

Sausage-Stuffed Roasted Chicken Breast and Side Dishes

4 boneless, skin on chicken breasts

2 cups flour, for dredging

6 maple breakfast sausage links

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup prepared basil pesto

1 cup condensed milk (as used) or cream

1/4 cup dark raisins

1 cup warm water

2 (10-ounce) packs frozen spinach

1 medium yellow onion

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 vine ripe tomatoes

Unsalted butter, for sauteing

4 zucchini flowers

Small piece Brie

1/2 pound fresh string beans

1 fresh lemon

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees

 

To prepare chicken: If frozen, thaw the chicken breasts, rinse, pat dry and set aside. Using a large flat plate prepare the “dredging flour” with salt and pepper and set aside. Take 2 of the maple sausage links and cut them into half so you have 4 pieces. Open the chicken breasts and remove the “fillet” and reserve for another use. Make a small pocket in the inside of the breast. Place 1 of the sausage pieces in the pocket and wrap the breast around it creating a closed container surrounding the sausage. Dredge the breasts in the prepared flour and set the 4 breasts on a clean plate. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven safe lidded skillet. Starting with the open end first, brown the breasts fully being careful not to open the closed breast. As the breasts cook, the opening will seal making it easier to finish the searing and browning. Once fully browned cover and place in the oven and cook through. Using a small saucepan, combine basil pesto and cream and mix well. Over medium heat reduce the pesto/cream mixture by 1/3 and set aside.  For the spinach: Plump the raisins in a cup of warm water and set aside. Cut the remaining sausage in to small pieces and set aside. Remove the frozen spinach from the package. Carefully cut the blocks into 8 large pieces. Using a lidded skillet, saute the onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the sausage and lightly brown. Add the frozen spinach and cover. When the spinach has totally thawed combine the onion and sausage and season with salt to taste. Add the raisins and their liquid and finish cooking, about 10 minutes. Allow the liquid to evaporate but do not dry out completely.  Tomatoes, zucchini flowers and string beans: Using a non-stick pan quickly sear the tomatoes in some butter. Do not cook them longer than 30 seconds on each side. Reserve the pan and juices for cooking the zucchini flowers. Gently open the zucchini flower and remove the piston from its center. Replace it with a small piece of brie and close the flower. Using the same pan from above quickly cook the zucchini flowers. They are done when you see the Brie melting. Remove from the pan and place 1 on each of the seared tomato slices. Set aside. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the string beans and cook until your desired doneness. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and some freshly squeezed lemon. Season with the freshly ground black pepper.  Remove the roasted chicken breasts from the oven and remove the skin. Place one breast centered on the lower third of the individual plate. Place a zucchini flower topped tomato on each plate centered above the breast. Frame the plate with some dressed sting beans on one side and the sauteed spinach on the other. Slowly re-heat the basil pesto sauce and place 2 to 3 spoonfuls of the sauce on each breast. Serve warm and enjoy.

Instant Pesto Torta with Bread and Vegetables

Instant Pesto Torta with Bread and Vegetables

Vegetable spray

4 pieces sun-dried tomatoes

4 leaves fresh basil

3 tubs, 6 ounces each, soft garlic and herb cheese (recommended: Alouette brand)

1/4 cup sun-dried tomato tapenade

1/4 cup prepared basil pesto

1 baguette or whole grain baguette, pre-sliced at the bread counter

Handful baby carrots

Handful grape tomatoes

 

Line a small shallow dish or bowl with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Coat wrap with vegetable spray. Arrange a pattern in bottom of the dish using the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Add 1 1/2 tubs of garlic and herb cheese (about half a pound) to the dish and smooth over, then layer in the sun-dried tomato spread and the pesto. Spread the remaining cheese on top of the pesto. Place a serving plate over the bowl and invert the bowl. Hold on to the edges of the waxed paper or wrap to release the cheese. Remove the waxed paper or plastic wrap. Arrange the sliced baguette along 1 side of the torta.  Arrange carrots and tomatoes along the opposite side of the torta.

Sole with Pesto Cream

Sole with Pesto Cream

4 sole fillets (about 5 ounces each)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 cup rice, regular or instant, cooked according to package directions

Ground paprika

 

Season both sides of sole with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add sole and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, pesto, and lemon zest. Add mixture to pan and bring to a simmer. Simmer 2 minutes, until sauce thickens. Transfer rice to a serving platter. Top the rice with fish and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle paprika over top just before serving.

Apricot-Apple Cider Sipper

Apricot-Apple Cider Sipper

1 gallon apple cider

1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar

2 cups sugar

2 cups orange juice

3/4 cup  lemon juice

4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks. Serve hot.

Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese

Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese

1 1/2 tablespoons lowfat cream cheese

1 tsp sundried tomato paste

1 tsp regular tomato paste

scant 1/2 teaspoon sugar

freshly ground pepper

 

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated asiago cheese

4 slices light wheat bread

1 1/2 T butter, melted

 

 

Mix cream cheese, sundried tomato paste, tomato paste, sugar, and a quick grind of pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside. Grate cheese and toss the two types together to mix. Warm a large, seasoned cast iron pan over medium. Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter. Flip bread and spread other side of each piece of bread with tomato soup spread. You should use all of it. Place 2 slices of bread, butter side down, in preheated pan. Turn pan down to low. Divide grated cheese among the two slices and distribute in an even layer all the way to the edges. Top each with the other slices of bread, tomato side down, butter side up. Press down with a spatula and cover with a lid. Cook on low 5 minutes, then turn carefully, holding sandwich together. Cook another five minutes on low, uncovered. You can continue to flip and cook if bread is not adequately brown, checking every minute or so. Cut each sandwich in half, and serve with a green salad or quick pickles.

Pantry List

Pantry List

Oils, Vinegars & Condiments

Oils: extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil

Trans-fat-free margarine

Vinegars: distilled white, cider, red-wine, balsamic, rice

Dijon mustard

Ketchup

Barbecue sauce

Reduced-fat mayonnaise

Reduced-sodium soy sauce

Prepared pesto

Salsa

Hot sauce

Salt

Black pepper

Dried herbs and spices: ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, oregano, Italian seasoning blend, tarragon leaves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger

Vanilla extract

Canned tomatoes, tomato paste

Reduced-sodium broths

Canned beans: cannellini, kidney, chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

Canned lentils

Chunk light tuna and salmon

Assorted whole-wheat pasta

Regular and instant brown rice

Whole-wheat couscous

Regular and quick-cooking barley

Bulgur

Rolled oats

Dried lentils

Baking Products

Whole-wheat flour and whole-wheat pastry flour. (Store in the refrigerator or freezer.)

All-purpose flour

Baking powder

Baking soda

Unprocessed wheat bran

Quick-rising yeast

Cornstarch

Brown sugar

Granulated sugar

Honey

Walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, almonds

Dried apricots, dates, cranberries, raisins

Peanut butter (natural)

1% or skim milk

Reduced-fat sour cream

Fruit juice

Large eggs

Cheese: sharp Cheddar, feta, Parmesan, mozzarella

Nonfat or light vanilla yogurt

Frozen fruit

Frozen vegetables: edamame (soybeans), broccoli, corn, bell pepper-and-onion mix, peas, spinach

Low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt and/or sorbet

Frozen cheese ravioli or tortellini

Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich with Savory Raspberry Coulis

Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich with Savory Raspberry Coulis

6oz white cheddar cheese, grated and divided

1 green apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

4 slices bread

Butter

 

1/2 C. fresh raspberries

2T. honey

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

 

Start with the coulis: in a food processor, whizz together the raspberries, mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste. Set aside. Heat a heavy saucepan (I like cast iron) over medium heat. Butter the bread slices on one side. On two of the slices, spread the unbuttered side with raspberry coulis. Place two slices of bread butter side down (coulis side up) in the skillet. Take half of the cheese and spread it evenly over the two slices in the skillet. Then, place half the apples in a thin layer on each slice. Distribute the remaining half of the cheese over the top of the apples–at this point you should have bread-coulis-cheese-apple-cheese. Place the remaining pieces of bread on the tops of the sandwiches–butter side up. Press down with your spatula to really mash everything together. Cover loosely and cook for five minutes. After five minutes, uncover and carefully flip the sandwich. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it is oozing and amazing. Serve with a nice salad and a drizzle of the remaining coulis. Makes 2 sandwiches

 

  

Seafood Cocktail Caribe

Seafood Cocktail Caribe

1/2 Pink Grapefruit (Oranges or Clementines may be substituted)

4 oz. cooked Sea Bass, cut into small chunks

4 oz. peeled, cooked medium Shrimp

1/4 C. finely chopped Yellow, Orange or Red Bell Pepper

1/4 C. finely chopped Celery

2 T. minced Cilantro

Pinch of Salt

Hot Pepper Sauce to taste

4 Lettuce or Radicchio Leaves

 

Over small bowl, use a serrated knife to cut sections from grapefruit. Squeeze any remaining juice in rind into bowl. Add sea bass, shrimp, peppers, celery, cilantro, salt and hot pepper sauce to taste; stir.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mellow and blend. Stir and spoon into lettuce lined appetizer plates.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 84

Fat: 1g

Fiber: 1g

Orange, Dried Plum, and Almond Compote

Orange, Dried Plum, and Almond Compote

1 navel orange

1/3 C. canned crushed pineapple with juice

6 dried plums, cut into slivers

1/4 tsp. almond extract

2 T. slivered almonds

 

Peel the orange and separate into sections. Cut the sections into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl. Add the pineapple, plums, and extract. Sprinkle the almonds on each serving.

 

Yield: 3 servings

Calories: 95

Fat: 2g

Fiber: 3g

Breakfast Berry “Sundaes”

Breakfast Berry “Sundaes”

2 C. plain yogurt

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tsp. toasted wheat germ (optional)

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3 T. dried cranberries or cherries

3 T. granola or muesli

2 C. blueberries (1 pint)

3 T. toasted pecans, chopped

 

Divide the yogurt among 4 bowls, reserving 1/4 C.. Drizzle the vanilla over the yogurt in each bowl and sprinkle with the wheat germ (if using) and cinnamon. Scatter the cranberries or cherries and granola or muesli over each. Spoon the blueberries over the granola, and top each serving with 1 T. of the remaining yogurt. Sprinkle with the pecans.

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

2 C chopped, grilled chicken

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 jar (8 oz) chile peppers, drained

1/2 C old el paso enchilada sauce

3/4 C crumbled baked tostitos

1/2 C shredded reduced fat jack cheese

 

Stir together the chicken, beans, peppers, and enchilada sauce. Place it all in a 9” x 9” baking dish. Top with chips and bake at 400°F for half an hour. Sprinkle cheese over the dish and bake an additional 5 minutes