RABBIT (OR CHICKEN) RILLETTES

RABBIT (OR CHICKEN) RILLETTES

RABBIT (OR CHICKEN) RILLETTES

3 rabbit legs (or chicken thighs)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 1/2 tablespoons (50 g) butter

3 1/2 tablespoons (50 ml) olive oil

A few sprigs fresh thyme

1 cup (250 ml) white wine

About 1/2 cup (125 ml) crème fraîche

3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Juice and finely grated zest of at least 1/2 lemon, or to taste

Crusty’ bread, a nice baguette, or toast

Possibly some cornichons (small French pickles)

 

Of course the name technically isn’t correct: In French cuisine, rillettes are traditionally made from fatty meat trimmings: pork or goose, for instance. The meat is slow cooked in its own fat, after which it solidifies into a much-beloved, spreadable rustic paste. Rabbit and chicken are relatively lean. Therefore, I add some fat myself: The crème fraîche provides the requisite creaminess in this recipe, making it a bizarrely delicious little starter that you can make in advance and store in the fridge. Lovely.

 

Sprinkle the rabbit legs with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Brown the rabbit on all sides. Add the thyme. Douse with the wine and cover with a lid. Lower the heat and let the rabbit stew for about 2 hours, until the meat starts to loosen from the bones. Check once in a while to make sure the pan isn’t too dry, and pour in a splash of wine or water if needed. Flip the meat now and again. Allow the meat to cool somewhat without letting it get too cold. With clean hands, pull all the meat from the bones and remove the thyme sprigs. Keep the fat in the pan! Shred the meat in a stand mixer or hand mixer using the whisk attachment; do not use a knife or food processor. If you grind the meat in a food processor you’ll end up with baby food, and that’s not what I have in mind. The meat’s texture shouldn’t be broken down. Add the crème fraiche as well as some of the reduced wine-fat mixture from the pan. Season the rillettes with salt, pepper, tarragon, and the lemon zest and juice. You may be a little bold. Otherwise they can become too bland after cooling down. Transfer to small clean jars or a spotless bowl and store the rillettes in the fridge to stiffen. This can be done a few days in advance.

 

Remove the rillettes from the fridge several hours before serving so they won’t be ice-cold and will be smooth and spreadable. Give each dinner guest a mini jar, or a generous scoop on each plate, along with some bread and cornichons.

Pear & Roquefort Open Sandwiches

Pear & Roquefort Open Sandwiches

4 slices walnut bread, about 1/2 inch thick

4 thin slices prosciutto

2 ripe pears, peeled, halved, cored and thinly sliced lengthwise

3 1/2 oz. Roquefort cheese, sliced very thin

Mixed salad greens, washed and dried

 

WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

1/2 cup walnut oil

3 TBLSP fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. superfine sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

2 TBLSP chopped walnuts

 

Place vinaigrette ingredients in screw top jar and shake until an emulsion forms. Set aside. Preheat broiler and toast bread slices on both sides until crisp but not brown. Fold prosciutto to cover each slice of bread, divide pear slices evenly and top each slice of bread. Evenly divide cheese slices and top each slice of bread. Return to broiler and cook until cheese melts and bubbles. Mix salad greens with vinaigrette and serve with sandwiches.

Blood Orange Mimosa Jelly

Blood Orange Mimosa Jelly

Blood Orange Mimosa Jelly

3 lbs. whole blood oranges

2 Meyer Lemons – about 1/2 cup juice

1 bottle Prosecco

(All to equal 5 1/2 cups total juice)

3 1/2 cups sugar

1 pkg. Low Sugar Sure Jell Pectin

 

Prepare 8 half-pint jars and lids and a boiling water bath.  Measure the juices and Prosecco to equal 5 1/2 cups total. Place into a large pot. Measure 3 1/2 cups sugar. Remove 1/4 cup of the measured sugar into a small bowl and stir in the contents of the pectin packet. Stir the sugar and pectin mixture into the juice and bring to a boil. When it has reached a full. rolling boil, stir in the remaining sugar. Return to a full, rolling boil and boil for 1 minute exactly. Remove from the heat and skim any foam. Ladle into hot, prepared jars and process in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove carefully and let stand, undisturbed, until the lids pop.   Makes about 8 half pints.

Mini Golden Fish Balls

Mini Golden Fish Balls

Mini Golden Fish Balls

 

Vegetable Oil for Shallow Frying

Pat of Butter

1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 lb. finely chopped fish, such as cod or tilapia

½ C. Carrots, peeled and finely grated

1 T. fresh Parsley, chopped

2 tsp. Sugar

½ lightly beaten Egg

1 T. Flour

Salt and Pepper

 

Heat a tablespoon of oil and butter in small frying pan.  Add onion and sauté until just softened, about 5 minutes.  Place fish in mixing bowl; stir in onions, carrot, parsley, sugar, egg and flour. Season to taste and form the mixture into  24 balls, each about the size of a cherry tomato.  Heat a further 3 tablespoons of oil in the frying pan.  Add fish balls and fry about 10 minutes, until golden brown all over.

 

 

From First Meals

Spicy Garlic Potatoes and Garlic Dip

Spicy Garlic Potatoes and Garlic Dip

Spicy Garlic Potatoes and Garlic Dip

 

For the garlic sauce

1 C. (135 g) garlic cloves, peeled

2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 C. (60 ml) fresh lemon juice

3 C. (720 ml) grapeseed oil

1/4 C. (60 ml) ice water

For the potatoes

1 1/2 pounds (680 g) baby yellow potatoes, scrubbed clean and dried

3 to 4 T. (45 to 60 ml) olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper

 

To make the garlic sauce: Place the garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor. Add the salt and pulse for 10 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the garlic is finely minced. Add 1 T. of the lemon juice and continue processing until a paste begins to form. Add another T. of lemon juice and process until completely smooth and slightly fluffy. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in ¥2 C. (120 ml) of the grapeseed oil in a very thin stream, followed by 1 T. of the lemon juice. Repeat with another ¥2 C. (120 ml) of the oil and the remaining 1 T. of lemon juice. Continue the process, alternating ¥2 C. (120 ml) of the oil with 1 T. of the ice water, until all of the oil and ice water have been incorporated. Transfer the garlic sauce to a container and store in the fridge for up to 1 month. To make the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220°C). Cut the potatoes into quarters, scatter them on a half sheet pan, and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the salt, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper on top and toss to combine. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown around the edges and fork tender. Serve the potatoes with the garlic sauce.

CARROT TATIN WITH GOAT CHEESE

CARROT TATIN WITH GOAT CHEESE

CARROT TATIN WITH GOAT CHEESE

18 ounces (500 g) carrots in a mix of colors, peeled

1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger, sliced

2 lemon slices

Sea salt

A splash of olive oil

A cube of butter

1/2 cup (75 g) grated Dutch goat cheese

1/2 (17-3-ounce/49O-g) box frozen puff pastry dough (1 sheet), thawed

 

Cook the carrots for a few minutes in boiling water with the ginger and lemon slices and a spoonful of salt until they are nearly al dente. Drain and sprinkle with oil. Butter an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) square baking dish, line with parchment paper, and butter the paper. Place the carrots in a single layer in the dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured countertop until you have a sheet that fits over the carrots. Make a hole in the middle with an apple corer, to allow steam to escape. Place the dough on top of the carrots and tuck in the edges. Refrigerate until ready to bake. Preheat the oven to 4OO°F (200°C). Bake the carrot tatin for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown, let rest for 2 minutes, then invert the baking dish onto a plate and serve immediately.

Italian Sub Stoup and Garlic Toast Floaters

Italian Sub Stoup and Garlic Toast Floaters

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, plus 1/4 C. for croutons

3/4 pound, 3 links, hot or sweet Italian sausage, split and meat removed from casing

1/4 lb. piece stick pepperoni, diced

1 ham steak, diced (about 1/2 to 3/4 pound)

1 green bell pepper, seeded, quartered and sliced

1 medium yellow onion, peeled, quartered and sliced

1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 C. chicken stock

1/2 lb. gemelli pasta or other short-cut pasta

5 C. cubed crusty bread

3 large cloves garlic, cracked from skin

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

2 bunches arugula, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 4 C. s)

 

Place a soup pot or deep sided skillet on the stove top and preheat to medium high heat. Add olive oil, 2 turns of the pan and the sausage. Brown and crumble the sausage, drain off excess fat if necessary then add the ham and pepperoni. Cook meats together 2 minutes then add peppers and onions and cook 2 or 3 minutes more. Add diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock and bring stoup to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Make croutons while pasta cooks. In a large skillet heat about 1/4 C. of olive oil, 4 turns of the pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add bread to garlic oil, toss and toast the cubes 5 or 6 minutes. Season the toasty cubes with red pepper flakes, oregano and lots of grated cheese. Stir arugula into soup just before you serve it up. Ladle up the stoup and float several toasty garlic bread cubes in each bowl.

Chicken & Sweet Corn Fritters

Chicken & Sweet Corn Fritters

Chicken & Sweet Corn Fritters

1 T. EVOO

1 Onion, diced

1 clove Garlic, peeled and crushed

1 ½ slices White Bread

3 T. Milk

¾ lb. ground Chicken (or chicken breast fillet)

1 small Egg, lightly beaten

4 T. Catsup

1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

2 T. chopped Parsley

½ T. fresh Thyme

Salt & Pepper

1 1/3 C. canned Sweet Corn, drained

Vegetable Oil, for frying

Heat EVOO in a pan and sauté the onion with the garlic until soft, but not golden brown.  Soak bread in milk.  Add chicken to food processor; if using breast meat, cut into chunks and chop for a few seconds.  Tear bread into pieces and add to the chicken along with beaten egg, catsup, Worcestershire, parsley, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.  Transfer to bowl and stir in sweet corn. You can refrigerate up to 24 hours if making ahead, otherwise form mixture into 18 small rounds.  It will be very sticky; a wet spoon can help form the discs.  Sauté in vegetable oil until golden and cooked through.   From First Meals

Honey & Soy Salmon Skewers      

Honey & Soy Salmon Skewers      

Honey & Soy Salmon Skewers

¼ lb. Salmon Fillet, skinned and cut into ¾” cubes

1 T. Honey

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 T. Vegetable Oil

 

Mix together all ingredients except salmon in a shallow dish.  Stir in the cubes of salmon, turning to coat them all over.  leave to marinate about an hour, turning occasionally.  Meanwhile soak bamboo skewers in water.  Preheat broiler to high.  Line broiling pan with foil, thread the cubes of salmon on the skewers and arrange on foil.  Brush salmon with marinade and broil about 5 minutes, basting and turning every minute or so, until outside is golden.  Add remaining marinade to a small pan and simmer until reduce.  Serve kebabs with rice, and spon reduced marinade over the top.

 

Age 2+

From First Meals

Zippy Italian Popcorn

Zippy Italian Popcorn

1 sack reduced fat natural flavor microwave popcorn, cooked to package directions

2 T. butter

1 tsp. garlic powder or granulated garlic

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 C. grated Parmigiano, eyeball it

 

Pop the corn and place in a bowl. Place butter and spices in a small C. or bowl and place in microwave oven and melt, 10 to 15 seconds on high. Stir and pour mixture over the popped corn. Sprinkle the corn with cheese and serve.

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

Cheesy Bread Animals

2 C. Flour

Pinch of Salt

½ T. fast-acting dried Yeast

½ tsp. Honey

Pinch Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

2/3 C. Warm Water

½ C. Grated Cheddar Cheese

2 T. freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Decorations:

1 Egg, beaten

Raisins, Sesame Seeds

Poppy Seeds

Grated Cheddar Cheese

 

Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl.  Stir in yeast, honey, cayenne and mustard and just enough of the water to form a soft dough.  Transfer to a floured surface and knead lightly about 5 minutes to make a smooth pliable dough.  Gradually knead the grated cheeses into the dough (this will produce a slightly streaky effect).  Shape the dough into six animal figures and transfer to a floured baking sheet.  Cover loosely with a clean towel and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Brush with beaten egg and add raisins for eyes, sprinkle the tops with sesame or poppy seeds, or grated cheese.  Transfer to preheated oven and bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown.  Leave on wire rack to cool.

 

from First Meals

Harvest-Thyme Beef Sandwiches

Harvest-Thyme Beef Sandwiches

1- pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 3/4 inch thick

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

8 large oval slices rye or sourdough bread, toasted

Lettuce

 

Relish:

1 C. shredded carrot

1 C. shredded turnip

3 T. sliced green onions

2 T. prepared fat-free Italian dressing

1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves

 

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place beef steak in skillet; cook 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once. Season with salt and pepper.  Meanwhile in medium bowl, combine relish ingredients; mix well.  Line 4 slices of toasted bread with lettuce; spoon equal amount of relish over lettuce. Trim fat from steak. Carve steak crosswise into thin slices. Arrange beef over relish; close sandwiches with remaining toasted bread.

Toasted Seeds with Honey & Soy Sauce

Toasted Seeds with Honey & Soy Sauce

Toasted Seeds with Honey & Soy Sauce

 

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

 

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the seeds and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes, or until the seeds begin to brown. Remove from heat and add the honey and soy sauce to the pan. Return to heat and stir for about 1 minute, until seeds are coated evenly. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet to cool. Store in an airtight container.

 

Seeds may stick together a bit.

 

From First Meals

Braised Beef with Tomato-Garlic White Beans

Braised Beef with Tomato-Garlic White Beans

4 beef chuck mock tender steaks, cut 3/4 to 1 inch thick (about 6 oz. each)

1 tsp. olive oil

1-1/2 C. chopped onions

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 can (15 oz.) white beans, rinsed, drained

2 C. coarsely chopped fresh spinach

Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

 

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place beef steaks in skillet; brown evenly. Pour off drippings. Add onions, tomatoes, salt and pepper to skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender. Remove steaks; keep warm. Stir beans into cooking liquid; bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and cook 7 to 10 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring frequently.  Stir in spinach; remove from heat. Let stand 1 minute. Serve steaks with bean mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, if desired.

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

Mildly Spiced Vegetable Samosas

1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 onion, very finely chopped

1/2 garlic clove, crushed

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup finely chopped mushroom

3/4 cup cauliflower, cut into very small florets

1 carrot, very finely chopped

2 teaspoons superfine sugar

3 teaspoons plain yogurt

salt and pepper 12 phyllo pastry sheets

4 tablespoons butter, melted

 

Heat the oil in a skillet, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the spices and sauté for 1 minute. Add the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the sugar and yogurt. Season and cook for 3-4 minutes. Lay the phyllo pastry out flat and cover with a damp dish towel. Place one sheet of pastry on the work surface and brush with melted butter. Fold the pastry in half lengthwise and brush again with butter. Place a tablespoon of filling on one end of the strip, leaving a 1 inch wide border around it. Fold over the corner to make a triangle, then keep folding the package over on itself, along the length of the pastry. Seal the flap left at the end with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling. Place the samosas on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush with more butter. Bake in a 350 degree F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crisp.

 

From First Meals

Belize Beef on Spiced Potatoes

Belize Beef on Spiced Potatoes

1 pound ground beef round

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) zesty diced tomatoes, undrained

1-1/2 tsp. jarred minced garlic

1 tsp. Caribbean jerk seasoning

2 large unpeeled baking potatoes, such as russets (8 to 10 oz. each)

 Salt, pepper and Caribbean jerk seasoning

 

Topping:

1/2 C. plain yogurt

3/4 tsp. jarred minced garlic

1/2 tsp. Caribbean jerk seasoning

 

Brown ground beef in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up into small crumbles. Pour off drippings. Reserve 1 T. diced tomatoes. Add remaining tomatoes with liquid, 1-1/2 tsp. garlic and 1 tsp. jerk seasoning to beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover skillet; continue simmering 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.  Meanwhile cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices; pierce in several places with a fork. Dip in cold water; sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper and jerk seasoning. Place in single layer on nonstick baking pan. Broil 3 to 6 inches from heat 10 to 12 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, turning once.  Combine topping ingredients and reserved 1 T. tomatoes in small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spoon beef mixture over potatoes. Serve with topping.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 370 (85% lean ground beef)

Fat: 15g

Fiber:  

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

Sticky BBQ Drumsticks

 

4 Chicken Drumsticks, scored with a knife

½ T. Vegetable Oil

1 small Onion, diced

1/3 C. Dark Brown Sugar

Juice of ½ Lemon

½ T. Worcestershire Sauce

4 T. Catsup

1 T. White Wine Vinegar

 

Heat oil in small frying pan and sauté onions until soft.  Stir in sugar and cook gently for 1-2 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients except chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.  Pour into non-reactive container and allow to cool.   Add drumsticks, turning to coat.  Preheat broiler to a high heat.  Transfer drumsticks to a baking dish, baste well with marinade, and place under broiler.  Cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.  When fully cooked, wrap foil around ends to make an easy handle; serve hot or cold.

 

Good lunch box food

 

From First Meals

Chipotle-Marinated Beef Flank Steak

Chipotle-Marinated Beef Flank Steak

1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 to 2 pounds) or beef top round steak, cut 1 inch thick (about 1-3/4 pounds)

 

Marinade:

1/3 C. fresh lime juice

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1 T. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. minced chipotle chilies in adobo sauce

2 T. adobo sauce (from chilies)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. freshly grated lime peel

 

Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl; mix well. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight.  Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill flank steak, uncovered, 17 to 21 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness (top round steak 16 to 18 minutes for medium rare doneness; do not overcook), turning occasionally. Carve steak across the grain into thin slices. Season with salt, as desired.

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

Grown Up Mini Muffin Pizzas

 

3 whole wheat English Muffins, halved

2 T. Tomato Paste

2 T. Pesto

1 T. Olive Oil

½ Red Onion, thinly sliced

3 Mushrooms, sliced

½ Zucchini, thinly sliced

2-3 slices ham or 6 slices Salami

scant 1 C. grated Cheddar cheese or 6 slices Mozzarella

 

Mix tomato paste and pesto together in a small bowl and spread equally among the muffin halves.  Heat oil in nonstick skillet and cook onion, mushrooms and zucchini until soft and beginning to brown.  Preheat broiler to high.  Divide vegetables between the muffins, top with the meat, then the cheese.  Cook under broiler 3-4 minutes, until cheese is melted.  Serve hot or cold.  Wrap in waxed paper for a lunch box.

 

From Delicious Lunches

Scramblewiches

Scramblewiches

1 baguette

2 T. unsalted butter

1/2 lb. sliced ham or turkey or pastrami or corned beef (deli-sliced)

8 large eggs

1/8-1/4 fluid oz. milk (a splash)

1 tsp. hot sauce

 Salt

 Fresh ground black pepper

4 slices Swiss cheese (halved lengthwise to fit bread)

 Chopped fresh chives or fresh flat-leaf parsley

 

Preheat oven to 200°; crisp the bread in the low oven, split it lengthwise and hollow it out. Cut each bread in half again, across, making 4 boats; switch the broiler on. Heat a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat; add the butter and let it melt. Add in the meat and cook for 3 minutes or until brown at the edges, separate the pieces. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of milk, the hot sauce, salt, and pepper; add to the skillet w/the meat; scramble, keeping the eggs a little soft. Divide the eggs among the bread and cover with the cheese; melt the cheese under the broiler; take sandwiches out as soon as the cheese softens and melts. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Sticky Drumsticks

Sticky Drumsticks

Sticky Drumsticks

 

3 T. Plum Jam

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

Few drops Tabasco Sauce

1 tsp. Sesame Seeds

4 Chicken Drumsticks, skinned

 

Mix together all ingredients except chicken in a shallow bowl.  Wash drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels.  Score each one with a knife several times and place in marinade.  Leave for 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator.  Heat broiler to high.  Place chicken on baking sheet 4-5 inches below heating element and broil for 20 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through and turning occasionally to prevent burning.

 

From Lunch Boxes and Snacks

Fluffy Finger Sized Pancakes

Fluffy Finger Sized Pancakes

Fluffy Finger Sized Pancakes

½ C. Self-Rising Flour

1 T. Sugar

¼ tsp. Baking Powder

Pinch Salt

1 Egg

3 T. Milk

1 T. Vegetable Oil, for frying

¼ C. Plain or Vanilla Yogurt

2 tsp. Maple Syrup

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt, if using, together in a medium bowl. Beat the egg and milk together in a separate bowl and add to the dry ingredients, then mix together until just combined. Let the batter stand for 5 minutes—it will thicken slightly, and you will see some bubbles forming.  Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Brush a little of the oil on the bottom and drop teaspoonfuls of the batter into the pan. For larger pancakes, use tablespoonfuls of batter. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the pancakes are golden on the bottom and bubbles have formed on the surface. Flip the pancakes over and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until they are cooked through and brown on the second side. Lower the heat slightly if they are browning too quickly. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Re-oil the pan and continue cooking batches of pancakes until all of the batter has been used up. Divide the yogurt among four small bowls and drizzle half a teaspoon of maple syrup over the top of each. Serve with the warm pancakes.

Suitable for freezing: Let the cooked pancakes cool, and wrap in foil. Reheat directly from frozen in an oven preheated to 400°F. Put the foil package(s) on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

Crusty Bread, Sliced Tomatoes with Lemon, Sliced Pimentos, Spanish Cheese and Olives

Crusty Bread, Sliced Tomatoes with Lemon, Sliced Pimentos, Spanish Cheese and Olives

1 loaf, 24 inches or longer, crusty bread

2 or 3 large cloves garlic, crushed

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

4 small to medium vine ripe tomatoes

1 lemon, juiced

Coarse salt

4 whole pimento peppers, drained, found in glass jars with Spanish and Mexican foods in market

1 1/4 lb. manchego cheese

2 C. assorted large olives, green and black stuffed or pitted, mixed — take your pick

3-inch party picks

 

Preheat broiler to high. Cut bread in half then slit loaf lengthwise. Char the bread under broiler, then rub with crushed garlic and drizzle with oil. Cut bread into large, bite size cubes and transfer to a basket. Slice tomatoes and arrange on a platter. Dress with lemon juice and salt. Slice pimentos and place in a small serving dish. Slice or cube half of the manchego, leave the remainder whole with a utensil to cut with alongside. Serve on a cutting board. Place olives in a dish near cheese. Use party picks to stack tomatoes and or cheese and olives with bread cubes to pop into your mouth. Bread cubes are tasty with meat and mushroom bites as well.

Welsh Rabbits

Welsh Rabbits

Welsh Rabbits

1/3 c grated Cheddar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp cream or milk

2 or 3 drops Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)

Pepper, to season

1 English muffin, split and lightly toasted

Peas, thin slices of carrot or snow peas, 1 black olive (pitted and halved) a few fresh chives and scallion, to garnish

 

Preheat the broiler to high. Put the cheese, egg yolk, cream and Worcestershire sauce into a bowl and mash together. Season to taste with pepper.  Spread the cheese mixture on the cut sides of the toasted muffin, spreading right to the edges. Place the cheese-topped muffin halves about 3 inches away from the heat source – don’t have them too close, as the egg in the mixture can make them brown very quickly. Broil for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is golden and bubbling. Decorate the cooked muffin halves with peas for eyes and strips of carrot or snow peas for ears, half an olive for a nose, chives for whiskers and scallion for teeth. Serve immediately.

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

Turkey Patties and Cranberry Sauce

Turkey Patties and Cranberry Sauce

1 handful pecan pieces

1 C. instant mashed potato flakes

1 1/3 lb. ground Turkey Breast

1 small onion, grated

Handful chopped flat leaf parsley

2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped from stems and chopped

2 T. EVOO

1 tsp. Poultry Seasoning

Salt and pepper

16oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce

 

Grind pecans in processor. Mix with potato flakes in a shallow dish. Place turkey in bowl and grate onion over it. Add remaining ingredients, except for olive oil and cranberry sauce and mix well. Form into six patties. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Coat patties in potato-nut mixture. Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side. Serve with cranberry sauce.

French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks

2 slices White Bread

1 T. Jam

1 T. Cream Cheese or Neufchatel

1 Egg

1 T. Cream or Milk

½ tsp. Sugar

2 drops Vanilla Extract

1 T. Butter, for frying

 

Roll bread with rolling pin to about half its original thickness and spread one slice with jam.  Spread second slice with cream cheese and sandwich together.  Trim off crusts.  Beat egg, cream, sugar and vanilla together in a shallow dish.  Melt butter in frying pan.  Dip sandwich into egg mixture and turn over to coat.  Place in frying pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until underside is golden.  Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes, then transfer to plate and carefully cut into sticks.  Allow to cool a bit before serving, the jam can become very hot.

 

From Top 100 Finger Foods

Minestra

Minestra

4 to 6 cloves garlic, crushed

1/8 lb. pancetta, sliced and chopped

2 T. (2 turns around the pan in a slow stream) extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 lb. escarole, washed and coarsely chopped (2 medium bunches or 1 large bunch)

2 (14-oz.) cans, cannellini beans, drained

1 quart prepared chicken stock or broth

A couple pinches ground nutmeg or fresh grated nutmeg

Coarse salt and black pepper

Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for topping

Warm, crusty bread, for mopping

 

In a deep, large, heavy pot over moderate heat, sauté garlic and pancetta in extra-virgin olive oil for 3 minutes. Add onions and cook 1 or 2 minutes longer. Add the greens and wilt them down to fit them all in the pot. Add beans, broth, and nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cook over moderate to medium-high heat for 12 minutes, or until greens are no longer bitter. Serve with shaved cheese, bread, and good red wine.

Burger King Breakfast Sausage Patties

Burger King Breakfast Sausage Patties

Burger King Breakfast Sausage Patties

 

7 oz. lean ground pork

3 T. Maple syrup

2/3 tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground sage

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

½ tsp. onion powder

 

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until well blended. Divide it into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a 4″ patty.  Fry until done.

McDonalds Sausage Patties

McDonalds Sausage Patties

McDonalds Sausage Patties

 

1 lb. Ground Pork

1 T. finely ground Sage

1 T. finely ground Black Pepper

1 T. Salt

1 T. Sugar

EVOO, for Frying

 

Place pork in mixing bowl.  In mortar and pestle, crush sage until very finely ground and add to pork.  Thoroughly mix sage into pork.  In mortar and pestle, crush pepper until very finely ground and add to pork.  Thoroughly mix pepper into pork.  Sprinkle on salt and combine until well mixed.  Add sugar and again, mix well until fully combined.  Roll pork mixture with a rolling pin until ¼ – 3/8” thick.  Cut out 3-4” circles.  Gently fry in oil over medium-low heat until nicely seared and cooked through, flipping once during cooking.

Cucumber Ranch Steaks

Cucumber Ranch Steaks

4 beef shoulder center steaks (Ranch Steak), cut 3/4 inch thick (about 5 oz. each)

1/2 C. finely chopped seeded cucumber

1/4 C. prepared ranch dressing

1 T. garlic-pepper seasoning

1 small tomato, seeded, diced (optional)

 

Combine cucumber and dressing in small bowl. Set aside.  Press garlic-pepper seasoning evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 9 to 11 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once.  Serve steaks with cucumber sauce. Garnish with tomato, if desired.

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

Maple Ginger Sticky Sausages

 

12 skinny Breakfast Sausages

3 T. Maple Syrup

1 T. Soy Sauce

½ tsp. fresh Ginger

 

Preheat oven to 400.  Place sausages in small baking dish, lined with foil for easier cleanup.  Bake 10 minutes.  Meanwhile mix together remaining ingredients.  Spoon off any excess fat and pour the maple syrup mix over sausages.  Bake another 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes and keeping a close eye on them in the last 5 minutes.  Transfer to plate and allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Grilled Beef Eye Round Steaks with Garlic-Yogurt Marinade

Grilled Beef Eye Round Steaks with Garlic-Yogurt Marinade

4 beef eye round steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 oz. each)

 

Marinade & Sauce:

1 C. plain yogurt

1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. sweet paprika

1 T. minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

1/4 C. mayonnaise

 

Combine all marinade/sauce ingredients except mayonnaise in small bowl; mix well. Divide mixture in half. Place beef steaks and 1/2 of mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight. Stir mayonnaise into remaining 1/2 of mixture for sauce; cover and refrigerate. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 19 to 23 minutes for medium rare doneness, turning occasionally. (Do not overcook.) Season steaks with salt, as desired. Serve with sauce.

Seville-Style Olives

Seville-Style Olives

Seville-Style Olives

 

1 lb. large Green Spanish Olives

¼ C. EVOO

¼ C. Sherry Vinegar

6 Anchovy Fillets, minced

6 cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed

1 T. minced fresh Thyme

1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

4 Bay Leaves

 

Place olives in large bowl and bruise them with back of wooden spoon.  Add all the other ingredients and stir.  Divide between 2 1 pint glass canning jars (or any glass jar with tight fitting lid).  Marinate in refrigerator for a week.  Remove bay leaves and serve at room temperature.

 

From Crowd Pleasing Potlucks

Planet Hollywood® Pot Stickers

Planet Hollywood® Pot Stickers

1/4 pound ground turkey

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon minced green onion

1 teaspoon minced water chestnuts

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (no seeds)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1 egg, beaten

Vegetable oil for frying

12 wonton wrappers (3 x 3-inch size)

 

Hoisin sauce

 

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except the egg, wrappers and oil. Add 1 tablespoon of the beaten egg. Save the rest of the egg for later. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan to 375 degrees. Use enough oil to cover the pot stickers — 1 to 2 inches should be enough. Invert a small bowl or glass with a 3-inch diameter on the center of a wonton wrapper and cut around it to make a circle. Repeat for the remaining wrappers. Spoon 1/2 tablespoon of the turkey filling into the center of one wrapper. Brush a little beaten egg around half of the edge of the wrapper and fold the wrapper over the filling. Gather the wrapper as you seal it so that it is crinkled around the edge. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Deep-fry the pot stickers, six at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until they are brown. Drain on a rack or paper towels. Serve with hoisin sauce for dipping. Crushed Red Pepper flakes may be added to the hoisin for heat, if desired.

Country Salad with Lardons

Country Salad with Lardons

Country Salad with Lardons

 

½ lb. Slab Bacon, rind removed

2 T. minced Shallots

1/3 C. Balsamic Vinegar

½ C. EVOO

Salt and Pepper

2 heads Frisee Lettuce

8oz. log Chevre, crumbled

2 C. Croutons

 

Tear frisee into bite sized pieces, wash, spin and dry.  Arrange in salad bowl.  Cut ½” cubes from bacon and brown in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes.  Remove to paper towels to drain.  Pour out drippings; reserve 1/3 cup and return that to pan.  Lower heat to medium, add shallots and vinegar and cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in oil.  Top frisee with chevre, add lardons and dressing.  Toss well to coat.  Add croutons and serve.

 

From Crowd Pleasing Potlucks

Shanghai Spring Rolls

Shanghai Spring Rolls

Dipping Sauce:

2 T. Light Soy Sauce

1 T. Chin Kiang Vinegar

 

Pork and Marinade:

1 T. Dark Soy Sauce

1 ½ tsp. Chinese Rice Wine

1 T. Tapioca Starch

½ lb. lean Pork, sliced or shredded into small pieces

 

Filling:

8-10 dried Chinese Mushrooms

2 T. Vegetable Oil

½ lb. Chinese Cabbage, shredded

½ C. Chicken Broth

1 ½ T. dark Soy Sauce

½ tsp. Salt

½ lb. Bean Sprouts, rinsed and drained

1 ½ T. Tapioca Starch, dissolved in 2 T. Water

 

Flour Paste:

¼ C. Flour

6 T. Water

 

25 Spring Roll Wrappers

3 ½ C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

 

Combine dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.  Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl and add pork and marinate at least 30 minutes. Soak dried mushrooms in hot water until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain. Discard the stems, shred the caps. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat; add pork and stir fry 30 seconds. Transfer pork with slotted spoon to a plate. Add cabbage to wok and stir fry briefly. Add shredded mushrooms, broth, soy sauce, and salt. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Return pork to the wok, along with bean sprouts and stir fry over high heat 30 seconds. Stir in tapioca starch paste until mixture is thickened. With a wire strainer, transfer meat and vegetables to a plate to cool.  Make flour paste by combining the flour and water in a small bowl. When filling is cool, place about 2 T. filling diagonally across one corner of a spring roll wrapper. Starting at the corner, roll tightly several times. Fold the right corner to the center, then the left. Spread some flour paste on the final corner of the wrapper to seal and finish rolling in a tight roll. Repeat with other wrappers to make 25 rolls. Heat peanut oil in wok over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. In batches, add spring rolls and deep fry until golden brown. Serve hot with dipping sauce. Tip: Filling must be cool and quite dry before filling; otherwise wrappers with soak through and tear. Cooled, fried spring rolls can be wrapped tightly and frozen. Before serving, reheat in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Cherry Clafouti

Cherry Clafouti

Cherry Clafouti

 

3 ½ C. Sweet Cherries, pitted

¼ C. Kirsh

¾ C. Wondra Flour

½ C. Granulated Sugar

4 large Eggs

1 large Egg Yolk

1 C. Milk

1 C. Heavy Cream

2 tsp. Vanilla

Powdered Sugar, for dusting

 

Preheat oven to 375.  Lightly butter a 13 x 9 baking dish.  Place cherries in bowl and add liqueur; let soak 15 minutes.  Drain cherries and spread into baking dish.  In small bowl, mix flour and sugar.  In large bowl whisk eggs with yolk, then whisk in milk and cream.  Add flour mixture to liquid and beat well to combine.  Add vanilla, stir, and pour evenly over cherries.  Bake until slightly puffy and browned, about 35 minutes.  Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.  Best eaten within a few hours of making; refrigerating toughens the dessert.

 

From Crowd Pleasing Potlucks

Steamed Roast Pork Buns

Steamed Roast Pork Buns

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 T. baking powder

1 T. lard, softened

1/3 cup lukewarm water

2 cups roasted pork back rib, shredded

2 green onions

1 T. vegetable oil

1/3 cup cold water

1 Tbs. cornstarch

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tsp. oyster sauce

1 T. granulated sugar

Parchment paper squares

 

In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, baking powder and lard. Add 1/3 cup lukewarm water and knead until the dough is smooth and soft; let it stand for 30 minutes in a bowl with a moist towel over it (dough will rise).  In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add pork and green onions; sauté for 45 seconds. In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch, mixing thoroughly. Add cornstarch mixture to skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; simmer until it thickens slightly. Spread onto plate to cool. Roll dough into a long sausage shape and cut into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten with fingers or rolling pin. Place a portion of the filling onto the center of each dough round. With fingers, spread a little water on the edges of each dough round and gently pinch edges together to seal the bun. Set each bun onto a parchment square, seam-side down, and place in a steamer basket. Cover and steam over rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes.