Scrambled Egg Turnovers

Scrambled Egg Turnovers

eggover1 small zucchini, shredded

Salt and pepper

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 ounce sheet puff pastry, thawed and halved lengthwise

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

4 3/4-inch-thick tomato slices

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the zucchini in a bowl and season with salt; let stand for 5 minutes. Squeeze with paper towels to dry. In a medium bowl, beat together 5 eggs, the oregano and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a small bowl, beat together the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water.   In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the oregano-egg mixture and scramble for 1 minute; transfer to a plate.   On a work surface, brush the edges of the puff pastry with some egg wash. Working with 1 piece at a time, arrange one-quarter of the scrambled eggs on one side of the pastry and top with one-quarter each of the zucchini and cheese, then 1 tomato slice. Fold over the pastry and press the edges to seal; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with more egg wash. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more pastries.  Bake until the pastries are puffed and golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Tropical Fruit Salad

1 papaya

1 mango

1 navel orange

1 pineapple

Fresh lettuce greens

1 pint raspberries

1 pint blueberries

 

Reserved juice from strained fruit

2 T. lemon juice

2 T. honey

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. powdered ginger

1 c. vegetable oil

 

Peel papaya using a potato peeler. Cut in half and remove seeds with spoon. Discard seeds. Slice papaya lengthwise, then halve it. Repeat process with mango. Peel orange and separate into sections. Cut both ends off pineapple and cut off skin. Cut pineapple into slices, then chunks, lengthwise (chunks should be long). Combine papaya, mango, orange and pineapple in food processor; chop into tiny bits. Strain, gently pressing down on mashed fruit to remove all the juice. Reserve juice for dressing. Wash and dry lettuce greens. Arrange on platter. Place fruit on lettuce. Garnish with raspberries and blueberries.  Pour 1/2 c. reserved strained juice into container. Add lemon juice, honey, salt and ginger. Mix with spatula and pour into blender. Blend. Add oil in a very slow stream to emulsify while mixing. Pour into cruet or other serving container.

 

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The Café’s Gingerbread Dessert

The Café’s Gingerbread Dessert

2 C. cold whole milk

1 small package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp. vanilla

8 C. cubed gingerbread cake or muffins

1 C. English toffee bits or almond brickle chips

1 1/2 to 2 C. whipped cream (or frozen whipped topping, thawed)

Maraschino cherries, drained and dried

 

Combine milk and pudding mix in a bowl and beat with electric mixer for 2 or 3 minutes, until it starts to thicken. In a decorative clear serving bowl, lightly coat bottom of bowl with whipped cream.  Place half of the gingerbread cubes in the bottom of the bowl. Spoon a layer of prepared pudding on top of gingerbread. Sprinkle with 1/2-cup toffee bits. Place a layer of the gingerbread cubes on top of toffee bits and spoon remaining prepared pudding over top. Spread whipped cream or topping over the top and sprinkle with remaining toffee bits.  Garnish top with coarsely chopped red and green cherries.

 

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Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Soup

soup1 whole head cauliflower

1 large whole head garlic

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 1/2 stalks celery, diced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 tablespoon flour

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup water

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, plus up to 2 more as needed for desired consistency

1 dried bay leaf

2 teaspoons fresh minced parsley

1/3 cup half and half

3 ounces cooked and crumbled bacon

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut cauliflower into individual florets. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Transfer to a foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cut the top off of the head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap with foil. Place wrapped garlic on the baking sheet. Roast the cauliflower and garlic at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. When the cauliflower is tender and golden remove from the oven. The garlic will need to roast for a total of about 25-30 minutes. You can remove it to check its progress as needed – it should smell fragrant but not raw, be golden and tender. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a cast iron dutch oven or medium-large stock pot. Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Saute over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Whisk in the salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and flour and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Add the wine and water, whisking to combine with the flour mixture. Then, slowly add in the 2 cups broth. Add the bay leave and roasted garlic cloves. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the cauliflower and simmer an additional 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Working in batches, add the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until pureed and smooth. Add additional broth during or after blending to achieve desired consistency. After all the batches have been completed, return to the pot. Stir in the half and half and parsley. Cook until just heated through. Adjust salt and pepper for tastes. Serve immediately, topped with bacon and a drizzle of olive or truffle oil and a side of bread for dipping

 

Thanksgiving in a Pot

Thanksgiving in a Pot

10 oz Can Turkey Gravy

2 Medium Onion, sliced thin

6oz. Box of Chicken Flavor Stove-Top Stuffing

2 Turkey Thighs ( 1 lb. Each)

2 C. Frozen Green Beans

 

Mix onion and seasoning packet from stuffing into gravy in a 5qt. dutch oven.  Add turkey add turn to coat.  Bake 1 hour.  Turn Thighs and add frozen green beans.  Bake another hour.  Remove meat and beans from gravy mix.  Add water to make 2 C. liquid total.  Add stuffing and cover.  Allow to stand 5 minutes off stove.  Fluff stuffing with fork and serve.

 

 

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“THE Sandwich”

“THE Sandwich”

8 slices Texas Toast bread

1 C. shredded or 4 slices mozzarella cheese, divided

1 C. shredded or 4 slices cheddar cheese, divided

1 tomato, sliced

8 bacon strips, cooked

4 T. sour cream

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

2 T. butter, softened

 

For each sandwich, top one slice of bread with mozzarella cheese, 1 slice of tomato, two bacon strips, 1 T. sour cream, a pinch of oregano, cheddar cheese, and second piece of bread. Butter outside of bread. Grill on a hot griddle over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted. Yield: 4 servings

 

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Sunrise Popovers

Sunrise Popovers

4 T. Vegetable Shortening

1 1/3 C. Unbleached Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

2/3 C. Milk

2/3 C. Water

4 Eggs

1/2 C. Cheddar; Sharp, Shredded

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place eight 6oz custard cups on a large baking sheet. Spoon 1 1/2 tsp. of shortening into the bottom of each custard cup and set aside. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl, and then gradually stir in the milk and water until well blended. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in the cheddar cheese. Place the baking sheet with the custard C. in the preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the shortening melts and the custard C. are hot. Fill the custard C. 1/2 to 2/3rds full with the batter. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, without opening the oven door until the popovers rise and turn golden brown. If not golden brown after 45 minutes, bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve piping hot.

 

 

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Virginia Ham and White Cheddar Croquettes

Virginia Ham and White Cheddar Croquettes

3f7848b57898152a691cb8e6fedf8a552 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 small onion, minced
¼ cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz. Virginia ham, finely chopped
4 oz. white cheddar, grated
¼ cup finely chopped chives
1 cup flour, plus more for dusting
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola oil, for frying

 

Boil potatoes in a 4-qt. pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; set aside. Add 1 tbsp. butter to the pot, and melt over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add to potatoes along with remaining butter, cream, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth. Fold in ham, cheese, and chives; chill for 20 minutes. Using flour-dusted hands, form 2 tbsp. chilled ham mixture into a 3″-long oval and flatten the ends; dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumbs. Repeat with remaining mixture, flour, eggs, and bread crumbs; transfer to a plate and freeze for 15 minutes. Heat 2″ oil in a 6-qt. saucepan to 375°. Working in batches, fry croquettes, turning as needed, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt.

Surprise-Inside French Toast

Surprise-Inside French Toast

6 (2 inch thick) slices French bread

1/4 C. ricotta cheese

1/4 C. cottage cheese — whipped

2 T. lowfat cream cheese

2 tsp. white sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 C. egg substitute

1/4 C. evaporated milk

Cut a pocket in each slice of bread. Open carefully

 

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, cottage cheese and cream cheese. Add the sugar and flavoring extract and beat until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into each bread pocket. Beat together the egg substitutes and milk. Dip the slices of bread in the egg mixture. Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Cook the toast on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

 

 

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Sticky Salmon

Sticky Salmon

1 lb salmon fillets cut into 1 inch cubes (400g)

1.5 T. soy sauce

2 T. ketchup

1 T. vinegar

1 T. sweet chili sauce

2 T. dark brown sugar

 

Place everything but the salmon in a small sauce pan and still over low heat until all the sugar is dissolved. Pour into an ovenproof dish and leave to cool. Add the cubes of salmon and stir to coat them. Leave to marinade for at least one hour. Bake covered for 20 minutes at 400, basting occasionally until cooked through.

 

From First Meals

 

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Spinach Salad with Apple & Red Onion

Spinach Salad with Apple & Red Onion

1 lb. triple-washed spinach, de-stemmed

1 small Golden Delicious apple, quartered, cored, and sliced

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 C. olive oil

1 1/2 T. (a couple of splashes) apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. grain mustard

1 T. (a good drizzle) honey

Coarse salt and black pepper

 

Place spinach, apple, and onion in a salad bowl. Place oil, vinegar, mustard and honey in a small plastic container and fit lid on container. Shake dressing to combine, 1 minute. Pour dressing over salad, toss, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

 

 

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Spinach Filo Pie

Spinach Filo Pie

One of Greece’s best-known dishes, this pie can also be served as a side dish or in larger portions as a main dish. T. of the same mixture can be used to fill tiropetes, little triangles folded from 3-inch (7.5-cm) strips cut lengthwise from filo sheets and brushed with clarified butter; they bake in 10-15 minutes.

 

1 1/2 lb spinach

3 T. olive oil

1/2 C. chopped green onions

1/2 C. chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

1/2 C. chopped fresh dill

3/4 lb feta cheese, crumbled

1 C. cottage cheese, if needed

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

18 sheets filo dough, thawed in the refrigerator if frozen

1/2 C. clarified unsalted butter, melted

 

Remove the stems from the spinach, chop the leaves coarsely and rinse well in several changes of water. Drain and set aside. In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the green onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add the spinach to the same pan and place over high heat. Cook, turning the spinach with tongs or a fork, until wilted, about 4 minutes. (The leaves will wilt in their own moisture.) Transfer to a sieve and drain well, pressing out the excess moisture with the back of a spoon. Chop the spinach coarsely. Add it to the green onions, then stir in the parsley, dill and feta cheese. If the feta is salty, add the cottage cheese to mellow the overall flavor. Add the eggs and nutmeg and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. Butter an 11-by-16-by-2 1/2-inch baking dish. 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 dish and brush it lightly with the butter. Top with 8 more filo sheets, brushing each one with butter. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the filo layers. Then top with the remaining 9 filo sheets, again brushing each sheet lightly with the butter, including the top sheet. Cover and refrigerate the pie for 30 minutes so the butter will set. Meanwhile, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Using a sharp knife, cut the pie into 16 equal pieces. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Recut the pieces and serve hot.

 

 

 

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Sesame Snow Peas

Sesame Snow Peas

1 1/2 C. snow peas, about 6 ounces, strings removed

1 tsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. dark sesame oil

1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

 

Toss the snow peas with soy sauce and sesame oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly. Microwave at full power until crisp-tender, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

 

Yield:  2 servings

Calories: 51

Fat: 1.5g

Fiber: 2.5g

 

 

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta

spicy

1 T. olive oil

1 lb. smoked sausage

1.5 cups diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles, Mild

1/2 cup heavy cream

8 oz. penne pasta

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

 

Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.  Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with scallions. Broil until cheese is melted, spotty brown, and bubbly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seduction Strip Steak with Roquefort Bacon Butter

Seduction Strip Steak with Roquefort Bacon Butter

2 sticks (1 C.) unsalted butter, softened

6 shallots, diced

3 strips cooked and crumbled crisp bacon

1/2 C. crumbled Roquefort or other blue cheese

1 T. snipped chives

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

4 (8-oz.) boneless filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, or strip steaks, cut 3/4- to 1-inch thick

Olive oil for brushing

Freshly ground black pepper or lemon pepper

Table-grind sea salt

 

Melt 1 T. butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the shallots until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer the shallots to a medium bowl.  With a fork or a potato masher, mash the shallots with the remaining butter, bacon, Roquefort, chives, and Worcestershire sauce.  Place the butter Mixture in the middle of a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap. Cover partially and roll into a long cylinder.  Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.  Brush the steaks lightly with olive oil and season with pepper. Set aside.  Prepare a hot (for filet mignon or ribeye) or medium-hot (for strip, sirloin, or chuck) fire in your grill.  Grill the steaks, Covered, for 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

 

 

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SBD Greek Salad

SBD Greek Salad

8 leaves romaine lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 C. sliced red onion

1/2 C. crumbled reduced fat feta cheese

2 T extra virgin olive oil

2 T fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. salt

 

Combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, and cheese in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. Pour over the lettuce mixture and toss until coated.

 

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SBD Grilled Steak with Grilled Tomato Relish

SBD Grilled Steak with Grilled Tomato Relish

2 Sirloin Steaks (6oz each)

2 Pear-Shaped Tomatoes (medium) [halved lengthwise]

2 T. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1 Onion (medium) [chopped]

1 clove Garlic [minced, or pressed]

1/4 C. Fresh Basil [chopped], or 2 T. dry basil

1 pinch Salt

1 pinch Black Pepper [freshly ground]

Basil Sprigs (optional)

 

Place the steak on a lightly greased grill 4″ – 6″ above a solid bed of medium-hot coals. Cook, turning as needed, until evenly browned on the outside and a thermometer inserted into the center registers 145ºF (for medium-rare). Cut to test for doneness (about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, place the tomatoes on the grill, cut sides up, and brush them lightly with 1 T. of the oil. When the tomatoes are browned on the bottom (about 3 minutes), turn them over and continue to cook until soft when pressed (about 3 minutes more). While the tomatoes are grilling, combine the remaining 1 T. of oil, the onion, and garlic in a medium frying pan with a heatproof handle. Set the pan over the coals (or set on the stove over medium-high heat). Cook, stirring often, until the onion is limp and golden (about 10 minutes). Stir in the basil. When the tomatoes are soft, stir them into the onion mixture, then set the pan aside on a cooler area of the grill (or cover and keep warm on the stove). When the steak is done, place it on a board with a well (or on a platter). Spoon the tomato relish alongside the steak. Season with the salt and pepper and garnish with basil springs, if using. To serve, cut the meat into thin slices. Combine the accumulated meat juices with the tomato relish, if desired.

 

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SBD Cherry Snapper Ceviche

SBD Cherry Snapper Ceviche

4 Cherry snapper (Tilapia) fillets, medium dice

3 fresh limes, juice of

1/2 tsp. red chili garlic paste

2 ripe Roma tomatoes, medium dice

1/2 yellow Spanish onion, medium dice

2 1/2 tsp. fresh cilantro finely chopped

kosher salt

black pepper

 

Soak the diced fish in 3/4 of the lime juice for 3 hours. Drain off the liquid and discard. Mix the fish with the red chili garlic paste, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and the remaining lime juice. Seasion with salt and pepper to taste.

 

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SBD Almond Ricotta Crème

SBD Almond Ricotta Crème

1/2 C. part-skim ricotta cheese

1/4 tsp. almond extract

1 package sugar substitute

1 tsp. slivered toasted almonds

 

Mix together the ricotta, almond extract, and sugar substitute in a dessert bowl. Serve chilled and sprinkled with toasted almonds.

 

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Salami Scrambles

Salami Scrambles

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream

1/4 to 1/3 lb. salami, deli sliced or whole mini, Genoa, dry or sopressata, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

2 to 3 scallions, chopped, 1/4 onion may be substituted

1 plum tomato or 1 vine tomato, seeded and chopped or 3 T. chopped sun-dried tomato — your preference or, depending on what you have on hand

8 large eggs

4 oz. your choice of: Boursin garlic and herb cheese, crumbled, alouette garlic and herb cheese (4 rounded spoonfuls), crumbled feta cheese, crumbled herb goat cheese – again, whatever your preference and whichever you have on hand

Salt and pepper

Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Chopped or torn basil leaves, for garnish, optional

 

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and salami. Cook salami until it renders some fat and starts to turn a deep burgundy color, 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds, then add scallions or onions and cook 1 or 2 more minutes. Add tomatoes and cook another minute. Scramble eggs with cheese, a little salt and a generous amount of pepper. Add eggs to pan and scramble it all up together. Serve scrambles with parsley and/or basil garnish.

 

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Roasted Sweet Onions with Cabrales Blue Cheese

Roasted Sweet Onions with Cabrales Blue Cheese

4 large Vidalia or other sweet onions, cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices

1/4 C. olive oil

4 oz. Cabrales or other strong blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

2 T. Sherry wine vinegar

1/2 C. sliced almonds, lightly toasted

1/3 C. chopped fresh chives

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange onions in single layer on rimmed baking sheet; drizzle 1/4 C. olive oil over; turn onions to coat. Sprinkle with salt. Roast until soft and brown on edges, turning every 15 minutes, about 1 hour. Transfer to platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cool. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature.) Sprinkle cheese over onions. Drizzle 1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil, then vinegar over cheese and onions. Sprinkle with almonds, then chives and serve.

 

 

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Roasted Red Pepper and Mushroom Soup

Roasted Red Pepper and Mushroom Soup

6 Red bell peppers, roasted

8 T. (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced, or more if you think more is good

4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

1 large baking potato, peeled and chopped

2 firm, ripe pears, peeled and chopped.

6 or 7 large mushrooms, chopped

5 C. rich chicken stock

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Creme fraiche or sour cream and Fresh herb sprigs for garnish

 

Roast and peel peppers. Halve, seed, and chop flesh. Melt butter in a large pot; add onion and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes. Add carrots, potato, and red pepper; sauté 10 more minutes. Add pears, stock, parsley and mushrooms. Bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes, until vegetables are just tender. Season with salt and pepper. Puree soup in batches in a food processor or blender. Return to the pot and heat through. Ladle into bowls and decoratively blat some sour cream or creme fraiche onto the top. Sprinkle with herbs

 

Rhubarb Sorbet

Rhubarb Sorbet

Srhubarbweet Rhubarb Sauce

Sprinkle 1 C. sugar over 1 lb. diced rhubarb and let sit for an hour. Cook slowly, uncovered, until tender and falling apart. Sauce may be thickened if desired with a tsp. of cornstarch mixed with an equal measure of cold water or by simply reducing to desired consistency. Sauce may be flavored with fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, citrus zest and juice or vanilla

 

Rhubarb Sorbet

Combine 2 C. of sweet rhubarb sauce and 1 C. orange juice. Process in ice cream machine until almost set. Beat 2 egg whites to soft peaks and blend into the fruit slush. Combine processing until set. Freeze and eat within a few hours. Sweet Rhubarb Sauce: Sprinkle 1 C. sugar over 1 lb. diced rhubarb and let sit for an hour. Cook slowly, uncovered, until tender and falling apart. Sauce may be thickened if desired with a tsp. of cornstarch mixed with an equal measure of cold water or by simply reducing to desired consistency. Sauce may be flavored with fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, citrus zest and juice or vanilla

 

 

 

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Rabbit Roasted with Sweet Fennel

Rabbit Roasted with Sweet Fennel

2 1/2-2 3/4-lb. rabbit, cut into 8 to 10 serving pieces

5 cloves garlic, peeled

2-inch sprig fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 tsp. dried

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 bulb. fresh fennel, cored, cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges

1 large onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges

3 oz. pancetta (unsmoked Italian bacon), minced

1 tsp. fennel seed, coarsely ground

1/2 C. coarsely chopped fennel tops

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 C. dry white wine

1/2 C. low-sodium chicken stock

rabb

The night before cooking, rinse and dry the rabbit pieces. Use a mortar and pestle or a knife on a cutting board to make a paste of 2 garlic cloves, the rosemary, salt and pepper. Rub the paste over the rabbit pieces. Put them on a plate, cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Have ready a shallow roasting pan large enough to hold the rabbit in a single layer, with space for the vegetables. Arrange the rabbit pieces in the pan. Dab the rabbit pieces with any seasoning rub that may have been left on the plate. Scatter the fennel, onion, pancetta, remaining 2 cloves garlic, fennel seed and half the fennel tops over the rabbit. Sprinkle with the olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper. Roast 30 minutes, basting often with the pan juices. Pour in 1/2 C. of the wine and roast another 1 hour. Baste often, turning the pieces occasionally. Add a little water to the pan if the pan is dry. Increase the heat to 450 degrees, cook until the rabbit is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Turn the rabbit and vegetable pieces and roast until golden on the other side, basting once with the pan juices, about 10 minutes. Transfer the rabbit and vegetables to a heated platter and keep them warm in the turned off oven with the door open. Quickly make a pan sauce by setting the roasting pan over two stove burners turned to high. Add remaining 1/4 C. wine and the stock. Scrape up the brown glaze from the bottom of the roasting pan as the liquids boil down by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. Scatter the remaining fennel leaves over the rabbit. Pass the sauce with the rabbit at the table.

 

 

 

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Queen Alexandra’s Sandwiches

Queen Alexandra’s Sandwiches

8 ounces poached chicken, minced
Mayonnaise to bind
Salt
Black pepper, freshly ground
Tabasco pepper sauce
20 thin slices brown bread

10 thin slices of roast lamb or boiled tongue

Punnet of mustard and cress or watercress leaves

Mustard Butter

12 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature

1 T. lemon juice

2 T. mild French mustard

 

To make the mustard butter, beat all the ingredients together to a smooth paste. Store in a jar in the refrigerator. Mix the chicken and mayonnaise with a fork, and season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. Spread half the slices of bread with the mustard butter. Lay slices of lamb or tongue on the bread and spread with the chicken mixture. Add mustard and cress. Top with the remaining slices of bread to make sandwiches, trim the crusts and cut into dainty squares.

 

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Pepper Spice Bread

Pepper Spice Bread

1 package yeast

3 C. bread flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 C. sugar

1/4 C. instant nonfat dry milk

1/4 C. soft butter

1 egg

2 T. honey

2 T. corn syrup

1/4 C. pecans, (or other nuts)

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. whole anise seeds

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. allspice

3/4 C. very warm water

Put in all ingredients in the order recommended by manufacturer, select white bread and push start.

 

Mashed Potatoes with Gouda and Bacon

Mashed Potatoes with Gouda and Bacon

potato8 slices bacon

5 large green onions, finely chopped

3 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup butter

1/3-1/2 cup milk (to desired consistency)

2 cups (about 8 oz.) smoked gouda, grated

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

Butter a 9×13 baking dish. Cook bacon until browned and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Chop bacon. Place in a medium bowl and add green onions; toss to combine. Place potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover. Sprinkle with salt. Cover and boil with lid slightly ajar until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain. Add the sour cream, butter, and milk to the pot. Using a potato masher, mash until almost smooth. Add more milk to thin if necessary. Stir in 1 1/2 cups smoked gouda and 1 cup of the bacon-onion mixture. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.  Preheat oven to 375 F and bake for about 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden. Top with the remaining bacon-onion mixture and serve.

Pear, Gorgonzola and Pecan Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Pear, Gorgonzola and Pecan Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Salad greens of your choice

Pears, washed, cut in half, cored and sliced thinly

Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Raisins

Pecans

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tsp. honey

1 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. olive oil

Salt to taste

 

In a small bowl, mix together lemon and honey until honey is dissolved. Stir in vinegar, then oil, and adjust for salt. Brush pear slices with lemon juice if not serving immediately (to prevent browning). Plate greens, top with sliced pears and sprinkle with cheese, raisins and pecans. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Pancakes with Orange Sauce

Pancakes with Orange Sauce

3/4 C. Whole Wheat Flour

1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 T. Honey

2 x stiffly beaten Egg Whites

1/2 C. All-purpose Flour

3/4 C. Skim Milk

1 tsp. Cooking oil

 

Pancake: Combine flours, baking powder, and 1/8 tsp. salt. Combine milk, honey and oil; add to dry ingredients. Stir just till moistened. Fold in egg whites. Spray a cold griddle with Pam. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 C. batter onto hot griddle. Cook till brown, turning when pancakes have bubbly surfaces. Serve with Orange Sauce.
Orange Sauce: Combine 2 T sugar and 1 T cornstarch. Stir in 3/4 c water and 2 T frozen orange juice concentrate. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Stir in one 11-oz can mandarin orange sections, drained, and 1 T finely chopped walnuts. Keep warm.

 

Oregon Winter Pear & Greens Salad

Oregon Winter Pear & Greens Salad

Oregon Lemon Nut Dressing

1 fresh Pears, cored and sliced

1/4 lb. fresh Spinach

1/2 head torn Lettuce

Prepare lemon nut dressing and chill.  Combine pears, spinach and lettuce.  Drizzle with dressing and toss.

Lemon Nut Dressing:  Spread 1/3 C. coarsely chopped hazelnuts in a shallow pan and toast at 350 degrees 10 to 12 minutes; set aside.  In a bowl, combine 1/2 C. vegetable oil, 3 T. lemon or lime juice, 2 T. Vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. tarragon, 1/4 tsp. lemon or lime zest, 1/8 tsp. pepper and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg; mix well.  Add hazelnuts just before serving.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 203

Fat: 18g

Fiber:

 

Olive Oil and Fennel Bread sticks

Olive Oil and Fennel Bread sticks

3/4 C. Warm Water

3/4 C. Warm Beer

1 pt Dry yeast

3/4 C. Olive Oil

1 T. Fennel seeds

1 1/2 tsp. Salt

4 1/2 C. Flour (approximately)

 

Glaze:1 Egg

1 T. Water

 

Dissolve yeast in warm water and warm beer for 10minutes or until very foamy. Add olive oil, salt and fennel seeds. Mix in 3 1/2 cups flour and knead until smooth and elastic adding more flour as needed to prevent stickiness. Place dough in oiled bowl, cover and let rise double. Punch down dough and divide into 12 balls and divide each ball into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and place on greased baking sheets at least 1 inch apart. Brush with egg glaze. Bake immediately, 350 until golden about 30minutes. Note: I also like to sprinkle on rosemary, anise or other seeds on the dough. Plus I make my bread sticks larger by dividing the 12 balls of dough in 2 or 3 pieces instead of 4. And I also like to brush on extra virgin olive oil instead of the egg wash over the breadsticks prior to baking them then you have to turn them over during baking and brush more oil on them to brown the other side.

 

New Tastes and Textures

New Tastes and Textures

 

Instant No-Cook Purées

 

Mango and Banana: Purée or mash the flesh of a quarter of a small ripe mango with half a small ripe banana, peeled and sliced.  Serve immediately.

 

Avocado and Banana:  Mash a quarter of an avocado together with half a small ripe banana and 1-2 T. breast milk or formula.  You can substitute flesh of half a papaya for the banana, then the milk is optional since papaya is juicier.

 

Banana and blueberry:  Cut a medium size banana into pieces and simply blend together with ¼ C. mashed blueberries.  Serve immediately.

 

Apple & 3 Fruits:  Combine one ripe peach, skinned and cut into pieces, one small ripe banana, peeled and diced, ¼ C. blueberries, and 2 T. apple Purée and mix in blender.  For older babies, simply mash the fruit into a rough paste and mix with apple Purée.

 

Cantaloupe and Strawberry:  Blend together 1/2 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and chopped and 3 strawberries, hulled and quartered.  Stir in 1 to 2 tsp.  baby rice cereal to thicken..

 

Mango and Yogurt:   Purée or mash 1/2 small mango, peeled and chopped  (or papaya) with 1 T. greek yogurt (or sieved cottage cheese).

 

Papaya & Chicken:  Peel and halve a small ripe papaya, remove the seeds and Purée or mash the flesh with ¼ C. of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken.

 

Banana with Tofu:  Mash 1 small banana with ¼ C. silken tofu.

 

Cooked Purees

 

Juice Pear & Prune

 

2 Ripe Pears, peeled, cored and chopped

2 pitted Prunes, chopped

1 T. Baby Rice Cereal

 

Simmer the fruit in a saucepan with a little water for 5 minutes.  Puree to desired consistency, using as much cooking water as needed.  Sieve to remove tough prune skins.  Stir in cereal while warm and serve.

 

Apple, Pear, Blueberry and Strawberry

 

1 Apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 ripe Pear, peeled, cored, and chopped

1/3 C. Strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters

1/3 C. Blueberries

2 T. Baby Rice Cereal

 

Place fruit in heavy bottomed saucepan, cover and cook over a low heat for about 5 minutes.  Puree in blender and stir in baby rice cereal.

 

Apricot, Pear, Peach & Apple Compote

 

3 Dried or Fresh Apricots, chopped

1 Apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 large ripe Pear, peeled, cored, and chopped

1 large ripe Peach or Plum, peeled, pitted and chopped

 

Place all chopped fruit into a saucepan and simmer with a little water until soft, about 8-10 minutes.  Blend mixture to desired consistency.  For a creamier finish, mix 2 T. baby rice cereal with 4 T> breast milk or formula and blend with the fruit puree.

 

Peach, Apple and Strawberry

 

1 Apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 Peach, peeled, pitted and chopped

3 large Strawberries, hulled

 

Steam apple for 6 minutes, or until tender.  Add peaches and strawberries to steamer and continue cook 3 minutes.  Blend fruits to a smooth puree.

 

Peach and Banana

 

1 small Peach, peeled, pitted and chopped

½ small Banana, peeled and sliced

1 T. freshly squeezed Orange Juice

 

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan, cover and cook over a low heat about 2-3 minutes, or until the fruit is slightly mushy.  Blend to puree and allow to cool slightly before serving to infant.

 

 

Meyer Lemon Soufflé with Wild Huckleberry Sauce

Meyer Lemon Soufflé with Wild Huckleberry Sauce

meyer3 Meyer lemons

6 eggs

1/2 cup milk

4-1/2 teaspoons sugar, plus extra for cups

2 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons sugar

Cream of tartar

Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Grate the lemons finely. Measure two     tablespoons of zest and set aside. Discard the rest of the zest. Juice the lemons and strain. Measure the juice and reduce by half on the stovetop or in the microwave. Set aside.  Separate the eggs, placing six yolks in a mixing bowl and five whites in the bowl of an electric mixer. Discard the extra white.  Place the milk in a small saucepan. Sift in the flour and sugar and whisk together. Place over a medium flame and whisk continuously till the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Continue cooking and whisking another minute.  Remove from heat. Whisk yolks, then whisk small amounts of the milk mixture into the yolks until all has been incorporated. Scrape the mixture back into the pan, and whisk over the flame 3-4 minutes, till the mixture has thickened noticeably. Remove from the heat and beat in the butter. Be careful to whisk around the edge of the bottom of the pan. Turn the mixture back into the bowl that originally held the yolks.  Begin beating the whites on low. Using cold butter, butter 6 individual 8-ounce coffee cups, using your fingers to assure that the cups are evenly coated on the inside. Place a couple of tablespoons of sugar in one cup and rotate the cup above the next cup to insure the inside is completely sugared all the way to the top, as the excess sugar falls into the second cup.  Continue to the sixth cup, saving any of the excess sugar.  Turn the beater up to medium. As soon as peaks begin to form, add two tablespoons of sugar, being sure to avoid the side of the bowl or the whisk.  As soon as soft peaks form, add a pinch of cream of tartar. Continue to beat till peaks are firm, but the whites retain some glossiness.  Add about a third of the whites to the soufflé base, and incorporate vigorously. Add half of the remaining whites and fold in gently, then repeat with the last of the whites. Divide the mixture equally among the six soufflé cups, and gently level the tops. Sprinkle the reserved, reduced juice on top of the soufflés, and bake on a sheet pan till done, about 15 minutes. The tops of the soufflés should be firm and just beginning to brown. Remove the pan of soufflés from the oven, dust with powdered sugar, place on saucers and serve immediately with wild huckleberry sauce.

Wild Huckleberry Sauce

1-1/4 cups sugar

1 cup water

1 lemon

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat slowly, stirring, to dissolve the sugar.  Using a vegetable peeler, peel three strips of zest from the lemon and add to the sugar syrup. Bring to a boil and boil five minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Transfer to a storage container, cover and refrigerate. Extra syrup can be kept refrigerated for a month.

3 cups huckleberries

1 cup sugar syrup

Place the huckleberries and syrup in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.  Simmer until the huckleberries are soft, and remove from the heat.  Let cool slightly, then puree in a blender. Pass through a chinois, pressing on the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.  If the sauce is too thin, wipe out the saucepan, return the sauce to the saucepan and reduce slightly. If it is too thick, add some additional sugar syrup. Extra sauce can be kept refrigerated for a month.

Pumpkin Fritters with Variations

Pumpkin Fritters with Variations

Necessities:

2 C. cooked pumpkin

½ C. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

1 T. plus one tsp. granulated sugar

2 large eggs

Extra flour, if needed

Vegetable oil, for frying

 

Option 1 – Sweet (traditional version):

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. granulated sugar

Cinnamon sugar, for dusting

 

Option 2 – Sweet and spicy:

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 T. minced cilantro (a.k.a. fresh coriander)

Juice of one lemon

1 T. mango chutney

1 green chili, minced

 

Option 3 – Savory:

2 tsp. roasted garlic paste

Handful chopped fresh herbs of your choosing (I used basil, oregano and marjoram)

Pinch of salt

 

Using a food processor, blend together the pumpkin, flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add the eggs and blend until the mixture forms a thick batter that is firm enough to hold its shape when scooped up with a spoon. If the batter is too soft, add some additional flour. At this point, you can follow one of the options above, or divide your batter into twos or threes and make several different types of fritters. Just mix in the ingredients listed under the option of your choice, reducing the quantities as appropriate if you are dividing up your batter. Heat the oil in a fry pan over medium heat. Then, drop heaped T. of the batter into the pan, leaving a bit of space between each fritter. Fry the fritters in batches until they are firm and golden on their undersides. Carefully flip over and fry on other side. The fritters are done if you can press them and they spring back, and no batter squishes out from the sides. Serve fresh from the fry pan, or cover the fritters that are ready with a clean tea towel as you prepare the subsequent batches. Or, if are cooking other items to accompany the fritters, keep the fritters warm in a 100°C (210°F) oven. If you made option 1, dust your fritters with some cinnamon-sugar. Garnish the other options as you please! I roasted the pumpkin I used in this recipe, but you could also boil it. If you do boil the pumpkin, ensure it is very dry before you begin making the batter. Note, too, that the possibilities of how to modify your pumpkin fritters are pretty endless. You could add some currants to the sweet fritter, for example, or maybe make a savory one with zucchini (shredded, salted and well-drained) and crumbled feta. Depending on your additions, you may need to blend in extra flour to thicken the batter, or milk to thin it.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Mama’s Cafe’s Southern Style Green Beans

Mama’s Cafe’s Southern Style Green Beans

Olive oil

1/2 C. chopped pecans

1/4 C. sliced almonds

1 16-ounce frozen green beans or fresh green beans

1 tsp. chopped garlic

2 tsp. lime juice

Sprinkle of Granulated Garlic

Salt and pepper

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Sprinkling of finely shredded or grated Parmesan

 

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add pecans and almonds, sauté briefly and add green beans. Add garlic and lime juice. Stirring frequently, cook beans until crisp tender. Sprinkle lightly with granulated garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 4 minutes (time depends if you want your beans crisp tender or tender). Transfer mixture to an oven proof bowl or dish and place in 200-degree oven until ready to serve. Sprinkle with cheese just before taking to the table.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens

Lentil Stew with Ham and Greens

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups chopped baking potato

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped smoked ham

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

5 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1 cup dried lentils

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 cup chopped carrot

3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 bay leaves

3 cups chopped Swiss chard, collard greens, or spinach

 

Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add onion and garlic, saute 5 minutes.  Add broth, lentils, carrot, and bay leaves, bring to a boil.  Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 mins.  Add Swiss chard, potato & ham, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer 15 min. or until potato is tender.  Stir in tomatoes, basil, thyme and pepper, simmer 10 mins.  Discard bay leaves.  Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan.

 

 

Ladybugs on a Stick

Ladybugs on a Stick

lbRed grapes

Strawberries

Mini chocolate chips

Honeydew melon

 

For each one, push half of a red grape onto a trimmed wooden skewer for the head.  Next, push on a hulled strawberry body and score the back to create wings.  For spots, use a toothpick to gently press mini chocolate chips, tips down, into the fruit. Arrange the skewers on a honeydew melon half.

Kartoffelpuffer

Kartoffelpuffer

2 lb. potatoes, peeled and quartered

1 large onion, quartered

1/2 C. milk

1/2 – 1 C. flour (use 1/2 C. flour with drier potatoes; up to 1 C. with more watery potatoes

2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

Vegetable oil

 

Grate potatoes and onion into a bowl.  Add milk, then stir in flour, salt, and eggs.  Mix well. In a large, heavy skillet heat 1/2 inch frying oil until hot.  Drop potato batter (1/4 C. per pancake) into skillet and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides.   Drain on a paper towel.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

 

Japanese Steak Rolls

Japanese Steak Rolls

1 lb flank steak, trimmed

16″ asparagus spears, trimmed

16″ pieces scallion, trimmed

6 T. seasoned rice vinegar

6 T. low-sodium soy sauce

4 tsp sugar

1 T. toasted sesame oil

 

Slice steak across the grain into 16 strips, 1/4″ – 1/2″ thick. Pound each to about 1/8″ thick and season with salt and pepper. Place one asparagus spear and one scallion across the short end of a strip of beef. Roll beef around vegetables and secure with a toothpick. Place on a shallow baking pan in a single layer; roll remaining beef and vegetables. Combine remaining ingredients, pour over beef, and marinate 10 minutes. Preheat broiler to high. Broil steak rolls 5 minutes. Remove from pan, tent with foil to keep warm, and strain marinade into a small saucepan. Boil marinade until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks from steak rolls before serving, and spoon glaze over top.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Island Bird: Pineapple-Rum Chicken

Island Bird: Pineapple-Rum Chicken

Rice, cooked according to package directions

1 can pineapple chunks

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 c. spiced rum

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast

1 1/2 c. chicken broth/stock

1/4 c. parsley, shopped

2 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped

 

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Either grill, or cook in nonstick pan for about 6 minutes each side or until cooked through. Remove from pan, set aside and keep warm. Wipe out the pan. Heat pan over medium high. Add 1 tbs. oil, garlic, salt, onions, and crushed red pepper. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add pineapple chunks and some juice (no more than 1/2 c. and stir to combine. Add rum (if you have a gas stove, take your pan off the heat first, then add the rum and put it back, unless you like pyrotechnics in your kitchen.) Add chicken stock, and cook until it reduces by half. Slice breasts and return them to the large skillet with the sauce in it. Add parsley and cilantro and turn off the heat. Serve over rice.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber: