Kristen's Recipes – Page 297 – (Sometimes) Healthy Recipes

Omelet of Three Cheese with Red, White and Green Onion Salsa

June 5, 1998 Kristen

Salsa:

1/4 C. each finely diced Red Onion, White Onion and Scallions (including 1â€ green)

1 Tomato, finely diced

1 T. minced Pickled Jalapeno Pepper

Juice of 1 Lime

1 T. minced Cilantro

Salt and pepper

Omelet:

2 rounded T. shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

2 rounded T. Parmesan Cheese

2 rounded T. Goat Cheese, crumbled

4 Large Eggs

4 tsp. Water

2 T. Butter

In small bowl mix together onions, tomato, jalapeno, lime juice and cilantro.Â Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.Â In a bowl combine cheeses.Â In a separate bowl beat 2 eggs with 2 tsp. water and salt and pepper to taste.Â Heat a well seasoned omelet pan over medium-high heat.Â Add 1/2 to 1 T. butter and swirl to coat sides and bottom with melted butter.Â Pour in egg mixture and shake the skillet over heat to spread eggs out evenly.Â Once bottom begins to set, sprinkle with half of cheese mixture and rapidly jerk skillet towards you until omelet begins to roll over on itself.Â Tilt the skillet with one hand, using a fork with the other to roll the omelet over once more.Â Tilt out onto heated serving plate.Â Repeat with remaining egg, butter and cheese to make a second omelet.Â Garnish with salsa and serve.

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Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

June 4, 1998 Kristen

2/3 C. butter or margarine, softened

2/3 C. brown sugar

2 eggs

1-1/2 C. old fashioned oats

1-1/2 C. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

One 6 oz. package CRAISINSâ„¢ sweetened dried cranberries

2/3 C. white chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs; mix well.Â Combine oats, flour baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in CRAISINSâ„¢ sweetened, dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.Â Drop by rounded tsp. onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2-1/2 dozen.

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Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread

June 3, 1998 Kristen

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 1/2 cups chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded and divided

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sour cream

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Heat butter and olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onions and salt to the pan and sauté© 5 min, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the onions are a deep golden brown. Cool slightly. Reserve 2 tablespoons cheese. Combine cheese, caramelized onions, 1 tablespoon chives, and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Transfer the mixture to a 1 quart glass or ceramic baking dish (I used and 8-inch cast-iron skillet) coated lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with reserved 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

Orzo Salad with Marinated Mushrooms and Edamame

June 2, 1998 Kristen

1/2 C. white wine vinegar

1 T. brown sugar

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

2 1/2 T. olive oil

1 T. dry sherry

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bay leaf

7 C. quartered mushrooms (about 1 lb.)

2 C. frozen blanched shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed

1 C. chopped red bell pepper

2 C. cooked orzo (about 1 C. uncooked rice-shaped pasta)

Combine the first 10 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, edamame, and bell pepper; cook 1 minute. Place mushroom mixture in a large bowl; cool to room temperature. Discard bay leaf. Add pasta, and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

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Sweet Onion, Gruyere and Bacon Quiche

June 1, 1998 Kristen

6 slices of bacon

1 medium onion, chopped

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 large eggs

3/4 cup cream

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup grated gruyere cheese

1 pie crust

Place oven rack in lower third of oven. Heat oven to 425F. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add bacon and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add cream, cornstarch, pepper, salt and nutmeg, then whisk to combine. Mix cheese into cooled onion-bacon mixture, then spoon the mixture into the pie shell in an even layer. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top. Bake the quiche for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center. Transfer to a rack to cool before slicing. Â Enjoy!

Parmesan Crusted Baked Zucchini Sticks with Marinara Sauce

May 31, 1998 Kristen

1/2 C. bread crumbs

1/2 C. parmigiano reggiano (grated)

1 tsp. oregano

1 lb. zucchini (sliced into sticks and pat dry)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg (lightly beaten)

Mix the bread crumbs, parmigiano reggiano and oregano in a bowl. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper. Dip the zucchini in the egg and then dredge in the bread crumb mixture. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet in a single layer with the skin side down. Bake in a preheated 425F oven until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

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Pinchos Jamon con Datil y Queso – Bacon Wrapped Dates with Cheese

May 30, 1998 Kristen

16 Dates, seeds removed

16 pieces Goat Cheese, about 1.5 x 3/8 x 3/8 inches

16 strips Bacon, or raw ham like Serrano Ham

Toothpicks

Olive Oil, for frying

Unless you live in Alaska, put all ingredients and plates etc. in the fridge to cool down before you start. Cut a Date open lengthwise, remove the seed if there, and stuff the date with a piece of the Goat Cheese. Roll a strip of the Streaky Bacon around the stuffed date and fix the whole thing tight with a toothpick. If preparing ahead, place the Date and Bacon pinchos on a cold plate and store them in the fridge until you use them. Before you fry these Bacon pinchos, take them out of the fridge and allow them to get to room temperature. In this way the Cheese will melt more easily without having to fry the Bacon too much. Fry the Bacon pinchos in a fair layer of Olive oil, turning them regularly, until the Cheese starts to melt. Serve when still warm! ¡Buen Provecho!

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Ramp-Sesame Pancakes with Miso Dipping Sauce

May 29, 1998 Kristen

1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup boiling water

About 20 ramps, white and pink parts finely chopped to yield about 1/3 cup

Bacon fat, peanut oil, or canola oil

For Miso Dipping Sauce

3 tablespoons yellow or brown miso paste

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or lemon juice

2 teaspoons honey

3 dashes toasted sesame oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Ground cayenne pepper (optional)

For the pancakes, combine the flour, sesame seeds, and salt in a medium bowl. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring with a fork to combine. The mixture will be thick and hard to work, but keep at it until its cool enough to start kneading by hand. If it’s too tacky, add in another tablespoon or two of flour until the dough is workable. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest, covered with damp towel in the bowl, for 30 minutes. In the meantime, combine the ingredients for the miso sauce, adding in ground black pepper and cayenne to taste. Mix well. Keep covered and refrigerated until ready to use. When the dough has rested, divide it equally into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured board, roll a dough ball out to a flat circle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread a heaping teaspoon of the ramps all over the dough. Starting at the edge of the circle, roll the dough up into a tight cigar. Coil the cigar into a snail or a cinnamon roll shape. Flatten the snail/roll and roll it out again to about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add in a half teaspoon of bacon fat, peanut oil, or canola oil. Cook the pancake for 60-90 seconds on each side or until golden brown, adjusting the heat as necessary. Move the finished pancake into a warm oven until the rest of the pancakes are done. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Slice the pancakes into quarters and serve with the miso sauce.

Quick Cheese Bread with Bacon, Onion and Gruyere

May 28, 1998 Kristen

5 slices Bacon

1/2 C. minced Onion

3 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded on the large holes of box grater (about 1 C.)

3 C. (15 oz.) unbleached all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1/4 tsp. cayenne

1 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

4 oz. Gruyere cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large egg, beaten lightly

3/4 C. sour cream

Chop 5 oz. (5 slices) bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and fry in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 3 T. fat from the skillet. Add 1/2 C. minced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes; set skillet with onion aside. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, then sprinkle 1/2 C. of the Parmesan evenly over the bottom of the pan. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to combine. Using a rubber spatula, mix in the gruyere, breaking up clumps; stir in bacon and onion. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and sour cream. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be heavy and thick). Do not overmix. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan; level the surface with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 C. Parmesan evenly over the surface. Bake until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf conies out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack 5 minutes; invert the loaf onto the rack, turn right-side up, and continue to cool until warm, about 45 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.

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Fiddleheads with Artichokes and Wild Leeks

May 27, 1998 Kristen

1 T. olive oil

3 or 4 wild leeks, chopped

6 mushrooms, chopped

2 ounces white wine

2 ounces vegetable stock

1 ounce of lemon juice (optional)

1 cup or so of fiddleheads

3/4 cup or so of artichoke hearts

Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

In a large skillet heat olive oil until it shimmers. Add wild leeks and cook until softened, 3 or 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they have thrown off their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add white wine and vegetable stock and heat through. Add fiddleheads and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until the fiddleheads are almost tender about 10 minutes. Add more vegetable stock if it is too dry. Add artichokes and cook until they are heated through and fiddleheads are completely cooked, about 5 minutes. Â Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Rachel Allen’s Quick Roast Chicken with Lemon and Spices

May 26, 1998 Kristen

1 chicken, jointed into 8 pieces

Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

1 head of garlic, peeled but cloves left whole

Seeds of 10 green cardamom pods, crushed

1 tsp. ground coriander seeds

¼ – ½ tsp. chilli flakes

½ tsp. ground turmeric

3-4 T. olive oil

Basmati rice, to serve

Put the chicken pieces into a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients together, and then add to the chicken. Toss with your hands to cover the chicken with the spicy marinade. Leave to marinade for 1-2 hours if possible. There two ways to cook chicken here. You could cook it directly in the spicy marinade for 1 hour at 300F. This results in giving everyone a lovely spicy gravy to pour over the chicken when eating. Or you could cook the chicken quite quickly without the marinade in the oven preheated to 450F for 25 minutes. This will give a crispy result without much juice, but delicious all the same. Either way, sprinkle salt over the chicken just before it goes in the oven. If you put the salt in the marinade from the beginning the chicken tends to dry out a bit. Serve with basmati rice.

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Rosemary Lemon-Pepper Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Lemon-Parmigiano Dressed Greens and Garlic Croutons

May 25, 1998 Kristen

2 1/4 lb. pork tenderloin

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1/2 T. freshly ground black pepper, coarsely ground

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 sprigs fresh rosemary leaves stripped and finely chopped

7 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Coarse salt

3 slices country style bread , thick slices, cut into cubes

3 T. Â Mayonnaise, heaping T.

1/2 C. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

2 large romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (or 8-10 C. mixed greens)

Preheat the oven to 500Ã‚Â°F. Trim the silver skin or connective tissue off the tenderloins with a thin, sharp knife. Place the tenderloins on a rimmed nonstick cookie sheet. In a bowl mix together all of the lemon zest, the juice on 1 lemon, the coarse black pepper, 3 cloves of the chopped garlic, the rosemary, 2 T. of the EVOO, and some salt. Thoroughly coat the tenderloins in the rosemary-lemon-pepper mixture, rubbing it into the meat. Roast in the hot oven for about 20-22 minutes. Once roasted remove to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes, loosely tented with aluminum foil. To make the croutons, preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 2 T. of the EVOO and add the cubed bread; toss to coat in the oil. Add the remaining clove of chopped garlic, salt, and pepper and toast the bread crumbs, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and reserve. While the croutons are toasting, in a bowl combine the mayo and the juice of the remaining lemon. Whisk in 3 T. of EVOO, season with pepper and stir in the grated cheese. Once the pork is out of the oven and resting, put the salad together. In a salad bowl combine the croutons with the greens. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Thinly slice the rested pork tenderloins and serve alongside the salad.

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Rainbow Trout with Wild Leeks

May 24, 1998 Kristen

1 fillet of rainbow trout

6 wild leeks, chopped (ramps)

1 T. olive oil

1 T. pine nuts

Juice of 1/2 a lemon, or to taste

1 T. fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350F. Place fish in an oven proof pan. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients. Spread evenly over the fish and place in the oven. Bake until the fish is cooked through, about 15 or 20 minutes, depending

Sautéed Salmon or Trout with Shallots, Ginger & Lime

May 23, 1998 Kristen

1/2 C. Flour

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper

4 steelhead salmon, salmon-trout or trout (about 3/4 lb. each), split and boned, heads and tails removed

4 T. Olive Oil

1/4 C. Butter

1/4 C. minced Shallots

2 tsp. peeled minced Fresh Ginger

1 T. Sesame Seeds

1 T. Lime Juice

1 T. Soy Sauce

Steamed and Buttered Bok Choy as accompaniment

Combine flour, salt and pepper on a plate. Lightly dust fish with flour and set aside. Pour 2 T. oil in a large skillet and heat over high heat until hot. Sauté half the fish for 3 minutes a side. Keep fish warm while cooking remaining fish in remaining oil. Drain oil from pan; add butter, shallots, ginger and sesame seeds. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add lime juice and soy sauce and cook, stirring, another minute. Spoon sauce over fish and serve with buttered bok choy.

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Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Fresh Herbs and Ginger

May 23, 1998 Kristen

2 T. vegetable oil, like soy or peanut

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, about 6 oz. each

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)

3 T. chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned

2 tsp. finely grated ginger

1/4 C. packed fresh basil leaves, torn

2 T. packed fresh mint leaves, torn

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them skin side down in the pan. Cook, turning once, until firm to the touch, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate. Add the lime juice to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits that cling to the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the chicken broth and ginger and bring to a boil. Off the heat, add the basil and mint to the pan and swirl the pan to combine. Divide the chicken between the 2 plates and spoon the herb sauce over the chicken. Serve.

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Scallopine of Columbia River Salmon with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Potato Croquettes

May 22, 1998 Kristen

Salmon and Ragout:

2 lb. salmon fillets, sliced into 3-oz. slices

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lemon, juiced

1 tsp. Â Worcestershire sauce

Olive oil

1 lb. assorted wild mushrooms

1 T. butter, plus 7 T.

1/4 C. chopped shallots

1/2 C. Madeira

1/2 C. reduced veal stock

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh chervil

Potato Croquettes, recipe follows

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Mix lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce together and pour over the salmon fillets. SautÃ© the salmon in olive oil in a skillet on both sides until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes on each side. In a clean skillet, heat 1/4 C. of olive oil to lightly smoking. Add cleaned and cut mushrooms and sautÃ© on high heat until light brown. Remove from skillet and add 1 T. butter and chopped shallots. SautÃ© until golden brown. Add the Madeira and veal stock and reduce to a syrupy consistency. Add cream, herbs, mushrooms, and small pieces of the remaining butter and mix well. Place on top of salmon. Serve with Potato Croquettes.

Potato Croquettes:

3 large baking potatoes, like russets, peeled

1/4 lb. butter

4 egg yolks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Nutmeg

1 whole egg

1 C. Oregon hazelnuts, finely chopped

2 C. white bread crumbs

1/2 C. white flour

4 C. canola oil, for frying

Cut the potatoes into 2-inch pieces, and cook in salt water until fork tender. Drain water from the potatoes then place the pot back on the heat. Add the potatoes to the pot and steam for 2 to 3 minutes to dry the potatoes well. Mash the potatoes until creamy. While they are still hot, add butter, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well with a wooden spoon until smooth. Let cool until easy to handle. Form potatoes into golf ball-sized balls. Beat the egg and place into a shallow bowl. Mix hazelnuts and bread crumbs together in a shallow bowl. Roll potato balls in flour, then into the beaten egg, then into hazelnut/bread crumb mixture. Place balls in the refrigerator and let stand for 2 hours. Heat oil to 350 degrees F in a 1-quart casserole. Place potato balls in oil and fry until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve with salmon.

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Oregon

Smashed Potato-Cheddar Cakes with Warm Cran-Apple Sauce

May 21, 1998 Kristen

3 Golden or Red Delicious apples, peeled and chopped

2 tsp. lemon juice

1 C. apple cider

3 T. brown sugar

1/2 tsp.Â ground cinnamon

1 C.Â prepared whole berry cranberry sauce, store bought or homemade

3 C. smashed or leftover mashed potatoes*

Water or milk, as needed to thin potatoes

2 C. grated Cheddar

2 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it

Coarse salt and pepper

Drizzle vegetable oil

Butter pats

Paprika, to garnish, optional

Place apples, lemon juice, cider, sugar and cinnamon in a medium pot over medium high heat and cook down into a thick sauce, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cranberry sauce to warm through and combine.Â Â Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place potatoes and water or milk in a bowl and cover with plastic. Microwave 2 minutes on high to slightly reheat and loosen potatoes. Stir them up with the liquid to make them workable again. Combine cheese, scallions and nutmeg with potatoes and adjust salt and pepper.Â Add a drizzle of vegetable oil and a pat of butter to your preheated skillet then score the potatoes and cheese mixture in half. Using the first half of the potatoes, make 6 (3-inch across and 1/2-inch thick) potato cakes and space them evenly around the pan. Cook the cakes until golden all over, 3 minutes per side, then remove and garnish with paprika, if using, and repeat with remaining ingredients.Â Serve potato-cheddar cakes with warm cran-apple sauce for topping. * To make fresh smashed potatoes, cook off 2 1/2 lb. of small new skin potatoes until tender and smash them up with some milk or stock and butter, salt and pepper to taste.

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Scallops Bonne Femme and Spinach with Crispy Prosciutto

May 20, 1998 Kristen

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 large shallot, finely chopped

12 button mushrooms, thinly sliced

8 T. butter, divided

1 T. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. dry white wine

1/2 C. chicken stock

1 C. cream

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 or 2 dashes hot sauce

8 slices prosciutto

1 clove garlic, grated

2 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves chopped

3 to 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 baguette, split and halved

20 large sea scallops, trimmed of any connective tissue and patted dry

1 C. plain bread crumbs

Handful parsley leaves, chopped

1 clove garlic, cracked from skin

1 lb. triple washed spinach, stems removed

Place oven rack at center of oven and preheat broiler.Â Heat 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil in a small pot over medium heat and add the shallots and mushrooms, cook 5 minutes. Add 2 T. butter and flour to softened shallots and mushrooms and cook 1 minute then whisk in wine, reduce 30 seconds, add stock and bring to a bubble. Stir in cream and heat through. Season sauce with nutmeg, salt and pepper and a couple dashes hot sauce, then reduce heat to low. While the sauce is working, cover cookie sheet with foil and place prosciutto on the sheet and crisp up 2 minutes on each side under the broiler. It will continue to crisp as it cools.Â In a small bowl, combine the remaining 6 T. butter, garlic, thyme and basil. Spread over baguette and place under broiler until toasty. Switch oven to 400 degrees F.Â Heat a skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and dress with 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil. Sear the scallops to caramelize 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side then cover them with sauce, bread crumbs and parsley and finish in oven about 6 to 7 minutes until brown and bubbly.Â While scallops cook, heat remaining 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat with crushed garlic, cook 1 minute and remove. Add spinach and wilt into skillet. Season greens with salt and pepper.Â Serve scallops with wilted spinach alongside and top with broken pieces of crispy prosciutto and toasted bread.

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Salsa Stoup and Double Decker Baked Quesadillas

May 19, 1998 Kristen

2 T. vegetable oil, plus some for brushing the tortillas

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped with greens

3 garlic cloves, chopped

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 28oz can stewed tomatoes

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

2 C. vegetable or chicken stock or broth

3 T. chopped fresh cilantro

6 6-8″ flour tortillas

1 C. shredded cheddar

3 scallions, chopped

1 C. shredded pepper jack

sour cream, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 300. Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and the jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then saute the veggies for 5 minutes. Add all the tomatoes and stock and bring to a bubble. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the cilantro. Paint one side of 2 tortillas with oil and place them, oiled side down, on a large cookie sheet. Mix the cheddar with the scallions and divide between the tortillas evenly. Top with another tortilla and top each of those with equal amounts of pepper jack cheese. Set the last tortillas on top and brush the tops with oil. Bake the quesadillas for 10 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes to set. Cut each into 6 wedges. Serve each bowl of stoup with 3 wedges of quesadilla alongside and sour cream for topping either.

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Ricotta Pasta with Sausage, Grape Tomatoes, Peas, and Basil

May 18, 1998 Kristen

1 lb. penne

2 C. ricotta cheese

2 T. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 C. Parmigiano Reggiano

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (I omitted)

1 medium onion (I omitted)

1 C. frozen green peas

A generous handful of fresh leaf parsley, finely chopped (I omitted)

Coarse black pepper

Coarse salt

20 fresh basil leaves, shredded or torn

1 C. halved grape tomatoes (1/2 pint)

1 1lb bulk Italian sweet sausage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and salt the water. Cook the pasta to al dente. Place the ricotta, butter, and Parmigiano in a large bowl. (I omitted this step) Heat a small skillet over medium. Add the EVOO and onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas and parsley and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Drain the pasta. Add to the bowl with the cheeses to melt butter evenly and coat the pasta with the cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Top with peas, basil, and halved tomatoes. Toss and serve at the table.

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Pork Chops with Raspberry and Sweet Onion Sauce

May 17, 1998 Kristen

4 Center Cut Pork Chops

6 T. unsalted butter (reserve 3 T.)

Salt and pepper

Flour for dredging

3 T. olive oil

2 med. Vidalia onions (thinly sliced)

2-3 C. chicken stock (reserve 1 C.)

2 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. dark brown sugar, packed

2 C. fresh raspberries (reserve 1/2 C.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat olive oil and 3 T. of butter in an oven-proof skillet large enough to hold all of the chops. Salt and pepper the chops and dredge in flour. Shake off any excess. Brown the chops in the butter and oil. Remove the chops. Cover the bottom of the skillet with an even layer of onions. Arrange the chops on top of the onions. Pour just enough stock over to come up approximately 1/4″. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes check to make sure stock has not boiled away. Add more stock if necessary. The onions should caramelize to a nice golden brown color (not burnt, though). When chops are done, remove from the pan (leaving in onions). Deglaze the pan with the reserved 1 C. stock. Bring to a simmer for 2 min. Add vinegar, sugar and whisk in the reserved 3 T. butter. Add the berries and mash slightly. Reduce sauce until slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chops with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with the reserved 1/2 C. raspberries.

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Pinchos de PurÃ© de EspÃ¡rragos Blancos â€“ Little Morsels with White Asparagus Puree

May 16, 1998 Kristen

2 T. Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic, crushed

Â½ tsp. Hot Red Chili Flakes

2 Sprigs Thyme, leaves only

4 oz. can or jar of White Asparagus

2 T. slivered Almonds, ground into paste with mortar and pestle

Salt & Pepper

8 slices white bread, toasted lightly

Â½ canned Pimiento, sliced into thin strips

Thyme Leaves for garnish

Add oil, garlic, chile flakes and thyme to a saucepan and bring to a boil; remove from heat and let cool.Â Place asparagus in blender and pulse until smooth.Â Pour oil into blender THROUGH a fine sieve; discard solids.Â Blend again, then add ground almonds and salt and pepper to taste.Â Cut rounds from the toasted bread.Â Mound a little bit of asparagus mix on each bread circle.Â Top with a slice of pimiento and a few thyme leaves and serve.

From Easy Tapas

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Crispy Turkey Cutlets with Bacon-Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

May 15, 1998 Kristen

2 T. vegetable oil (twice around the pan), plus some for shallow frying

5 slices bacon, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped (from 4 sprigs)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 lb. turkey breast cutlets

1/2 T. poultry seasoning (half a palmful)

3 to 4 T. all-purpose flour

2 C. plain bread crumbs

1 lemon, zested, then cut into wedges

2 eggs

2 10-oz. boxes frozen Brussels sprouts, defrosted

1/2 C. dried cranberries

3/4 C. chicken stock or broth

1/2 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (a few handfuls), chopped

Start the bacon-cranberry Brussels sprouts by preheating a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 T. of vegetable oil. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onions and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. While the onions are cooking with the bacon, season the cutlets with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides, and dredge in the flour. Combine the bread crumbs and lemon zest in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish with a splash of water. Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Coat the cutlets in eggs, then in breading, and add to the hot oil. Cook the cutlets in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, for about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until their juices run clear and the breading is evenly browned. While the first batch of cutlets is cooking, add the defrosted Brussels sprouts to the bacon and onions, toss, and stir to combine. Add the dried cranberries and the chicken stock to the pan and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are heated through and the cranberries have plumped. Finish the sprouts with the chopped parsley. Serve the turkey cutlets alongside the bacon-cranberry Brussels sprouts. Pass the lemon wedges; squeeze the juice over the cutlets at the table.

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Celery Root French Fries with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

May 14, 1998 Kristen

2 lb. whole celery root, peeled, and cut into 2-inch by 1-inch batons

1/2 C. flour, seasoned with 1 tsp. Essence, recipe follows

1 egg, beaten

1/2 C. bread crumbs, seasoned with 1 tsp. Essence, recipe follows

Salt and pepper

Oil, for frying

1/4 C. Parmesan

1/4 C. snipped chives

Remoulade Dipping Sauce:

1 C. prepared or homemade mayonnaise

2 T. minced celery

2 T. minced green onions

1 tsp. minced shallots

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 T. Creole mustard

2 T. ketchup

Salt and pepper

For remoulade: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.Â For the celery root French-fries: Lightly toss the celery root in the flour. Dip into the egg mixture, removing any excess. Turn into the bread crumbs, coating both sides completely. In a large sautÃ© pan, heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the celery root fries, carefully not to over- crowd the fries. Fry on one side until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over and continue frying until done, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-lined plate. Spoon a small amount of the remoulade onto the plate and pile the fries in the center. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Garnish with the Parmesan and chives.

Essence (Emeril’s Creole Seasoning):

2 1/2 T. paprika

2 T. salt

2 T. garlic powder

1 T. black pepper

1 T. onion powder

1 T. cayenne pepper

1 T. dried leaf oregano

1 T. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

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Cranberry Apple Dumplings with Crimson Sauce Recipe

May 14, 1998 Kristen

Sauce

1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce

1/4 C. orange juice or water

2 T. red cinnamon candies

Pastry

1 C. plus 1 T. shortening

3 C. Gold Medal all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. salt

6 to 7 T. cold water

Apples

4 small cooking apples (each about 3 inches in diameter), peeled and cored

4 tsp. sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

Additional sugar, if desired

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish if desired

Heat oven to 400ÂºF. Lightly grease bottom of jelly roll pan, 15 1/2×10 1/2×1 inch, or large cookie sheet with shortening. In 1-quart saucepan, heat cranberry sauce, orange juice and candies over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and candies are melted; remove from heat. In medium bowl, cut shortening into flour and salt, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 T. at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 tsp. more water can be added if necessary). Roll pastry into rectangle, 18×16 inches. Cut pastry into four 8-inch squares, using pastry cutter or knife. Cut leaves from remaining 2-inch piece of pastry, using small leaf-shape cutter, pastry cutter or knife. Place apple on each pastry square. Spoon 1 T. cranberry sauce mixture into center of each apple. Sprinkle each apple with 1 tsp. of the sugar. Moisten corners of pastry squares. Bring 2 opposite corners of pastry up over apple; pinch to seal. Repeat with remaining corners; pinch edges of pastry to seal. Decorate with pastry leaves. Place dumplings in pan. Brush with egg; sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake about 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender. Garnish each dumpling with mint leaf. Serve warm with remaining sauce mixture.

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Chili Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs and Fresh Tomato Salsa

May 13, 1998 Kristen

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan

1/2 lb. bulk breakfast sausage, such as maple sausage

1 medium sweet potato, scrubbed clean, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, thinly sliced into 1/2 moons

1 large red onion thinly sliced, divided

2 tsp. chili powder, 2/3 palm full

1 tsp. ground cumin, 1/3 palm full

2 tsp. ground coriander, 2/3 palm full

Salt and pepper

3 yellow vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

2 to 3 T. chopped fresh cilantro, a palm full

1 lime, juiced

1/2 C. chopped flat-leaf parsley, a few handfuls

1 C. grated manchego or extra-sharp Cheddar

1 T. butter

4 large eggs

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat with 2 turns of the pan of olive oil, about 2 T.. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up with the back of a wooden spoon into little chunks, brown sausage for 3 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and 3/4 of the chopped red onion to the sausage, season with chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, stir frequently and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. While the hash is cooking, in a small bowl combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, and the remaining chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice and a little salt and pepper.Â Once the hash is cooked, add the chopped parsley, stir to combine and transfer hash to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the cheese and cover with aluminum foil, the cheese will melt while you make the fried eggs.Â Wipe clean the skillet you made the hash in, return it to the cook top over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, crack each of the eggs into the skillet, season with a little salt and pepper and fry to desired doneness. Eggs may, of course, be scrambled as well.Â Transfer the fried eggs to the top of the hash, sprinkle with the fresh tomato salsa and serve.

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Chicken and Eggplant in Coconut and Lime Sauce

May 12, 1998 Kristen

Â¾ lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

1 large asian/chinese eggplant (local asian grocery store), thinly sliced

1 C. chopped scallions

1 tsp. Thai yellow curry paste

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black ground pepper

1 T. fish sauce

1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

1 1/2 C. coconut milk

1/2 C. water (optional)

Juice of 1/2 lime

2 T. canola oil for cooking

Let chicken marinate in salt, pepper and sesame oil for half an hour, at room temperature.Â Heat 1 T. canola oil in wok, on high heat. Throw in the sliced eggplant and stir-fry until eggplant is golden brown and soft. Add more oil if necessary, as eggplant tends to absorb oil very quickly. Put aside eggplant.Â Heat remaining T. of canola oil in the same wok, on high heat. Throw in the Thai curry paste, scallions and fish sauce. The wok will be smokey, so stir ingredients quickly so that it doesn’t burn. Immediately throw in the chicken and stir fry until the chicken starts to brown but the meat is not entirely cooked (still pink in the middle – later on, the sauce will cook the chicken until tender).Â While stirring the chicken, add in the sugar and the coconut milk. Stir until bubbly and add in the water if you want a thinner sauce (coconut milk tends to thicken when cooked with other ingredients). Throw in the eggplants and stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Add in the lime juice, turn off the heat and mix for about 2 minutes. The lime will lighten up the taste (from the heaviness of the cream and the greasiness of the fried eggplant).Â Serve with steamed white jasmine or basmati rice.

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Cauliflower and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce

May 11, 1998 Kristen

1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/4 pounds) trimmed and cut into bite-size florets

4 ounces fresh green beans, cut in 1 1/2″ pieces

2 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. granular sugar substitute

2 T. canola oil

2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, pushed through a press

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 C. water

2 T. oyster sauce

2 T. slivered almonds

Steam or boil cauliflower and green beans 6-7 minutes, until tender; drain. Place in a large bowl, add soy sauce and sugar substitute; toss to coat.Â Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir-fry until green onions soften, about 2 minutes. Add cauliflower and green beans; mix well. Add water and oyster sauce; bring to a boil. Cook 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl; sprinkle with almonds.

Brussels Sprout and Mushroom Ragout with Herb Dumplings

May 10, 1998 Kristen

Mushroom stock (about three C.)

4 tsp. olive oil

2 medium to large onions, sliced about 1/2 inch thick

3/4 lb. white, cremini, shiitake or a mixture of mushrooms, rinsed and sliced thickly on a diagonal

3 T. chopped parsley

1 T. chopped tarragon

1 plump garlic clove, minced

1/2 large lemon

1 lb. brussels sprouts, halved or quartered

Herb Dumplings:

1 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 C. milk, heated with 3 T. butter or oil

3 T. mixed chopped parsley and tarragon

1 egg

As mushroom stock simmers, bring a pot of water to boil for the Brussels sprouts.Â Heat oil in a wide, nonstick skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until aromatic and nicely colored (about 12 minutes). Raise heat to high and add mushrooms, herbs and garlic to pan. Squeeze lemon juice over mushrooms and sautÃ© until mushrooms are browned, 5-7 minutes, then reduce heat to low. To the pan of boiling water, add salt, then Brussels sprouts and boil until nearly tender, about 4-6 minutes. Drain. Add to pan of onions and mushrooms, and then add mushroom stock. At this point, you can turn off the heat until the dumplings are ready. Mix flour with baking powder and salt. Pour in milk, herbs and egg, and stir quickly together with a fork. Add the dumpling batter in spoonfuls to the ragout, making 12 small dumplings in all (you’ll have batter left over). Cover pan with tented foil, bring everything to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Serve in soup plates, with three dumplings in each bowl.

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Braised Hearty Greens with Chorizo and Pimentos

May 9, 1998 Kristen

8 oz. chorizo sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick

1/2 C. thinly sliced red onion

2 1/2 pounds hearty greens (kale, mustard, turnip, or collards), stemmed and leaves chopped

1 C. low-sodium chicken broth

1 T. packed brown sugar

Salt and pepper

1/2 C. chopped jarred pimento peppers

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. sherry vinegar

Cook chorizo in Dutch oven over medium heat until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chorizo to paper towel-lined plate. Cook onion in now-empty pot until softened, about 5 minutes. Add half of greens, broth, sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and cook until greens are beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining greens and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until completely tender, about 30 minutes. Remove lid and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly evaporated, about 10 minutes. Stir in chorizo, pimentos, butter, and vinegar and cook until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

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Beer-Cheese Triangles with Zesty Cheese Sauce

May 8, 1998 Kristen

2 C. Original BisquickÂ® mix

1/2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

1/2 C. beer

2 T. butter or margarine, melted

Sesame seed or poppy seed

Zesty Cheese Sauce (See Below)

Mix Bisquick mix, cheese and beer until soft dough forms; beat vigorously 20 strokes. Turn onto surface dusted with Bisquick mix; knead 5 times.Â Â Â Roll dough into rectangle, 16×10 inches. Cut into 2-inch squares; cut squares diagonally in half. Spread with melted butter; sprinkle with sesame seed. Separate and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze about 1 hour or until firm. Place frozen triangles in airtight container. Freeze up to 1 month.Â Â Â To bake, heat oven to 450ÂºF. Place triangles on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. To cut the triangles easily, use a sharp knife or dough cutter and press down through the dough rather than using a back-and-forth motion. Serve with Zesty Cheese Sauce.

Zesty Cheese Sauce

8 oz. process cheese spread loaf, cut into cubes

1/4 C.Â salsa (any variety)

1/4 C. refried beans

Heat all ingredients over low heat in 1 1/2-quart saucepan, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and sauce is hot.

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Balsamic Poached Veal with Roasted Garlic Sauce

May 7, 1998 Kristen

1 1/2 C. olive oil

1 1/2 C. white wine

3/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp. salt

2 white peppercorns

In a large pot, combine all of the ingredients except for the veal. Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the veal to the pot and simmer on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool, in the liquid, to room temperature. Slice the meat into 16 thin medallions. Serve with Roasted Garlic Sauce.

Roasted Garlic Sauce:

1 1/2 tsp. olive oil

3 garlic heads, halved

2 T. sour cream

3 thyme sprigs, leaves removed

1 C. chicken stock

4 ounces (1 stick) butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush olive oil onto a sheet pan and place the garlic on top. Roast the garlic in the oven until very soft, for about 45 minutes, covering with foil if it begins to burn. Squeeze out the cloves. Blend the garlic, sour cream, and thyme leave until smooth. In a small saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Blend in the garlic. Just before serving, heat mixture, remove from the heat, and whisk in butter.

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Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce

May 6, 1998 Kristen

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

Cooking spray

Salt and pepper to taste

2 T. butter

1 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Coat asparagus with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper. Bake asparagus 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Pour over the baked asparagus to serve.

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Wild Mushroom Quesadillas with Warm Black Bean Salsa

May 5, 1998 Kristen

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, plus some for drizzling

16 crimini mushroom caps, baby portobellos, with stems, trimmed and thinly sliced

12 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced, stems discarded

Coarse black pepper and salt

1 T. (a few sprigs) fresh thyme leaves, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried

4 large flour tortillas, 12 inches in diameter

2 C. shredded sharp white cheddar

Salsa:

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 can black beans, drained

1 C. frozen corn kernels

1/2 C. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

1/2 C. smoky barbecue sauce

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet. Season mushrooms with black pepper, salt and thyme. SautÃ© the mushrooms 10 minutes or, until dark and tender, then remove from heat. Transfer the mushrooms to a dish and return the skillet to the stove over medium heat.Â Add another turn of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet and add the onions, garlic and jalapeno pepper; saute for 2 or 3 minutes, then add beans and corn to the pan. Stir in chopped tomatoes and barbecue sauce, then season salsa with salt and pepper. Transfer warm salsa to a serving dish.Â Heat a griddle pan or large nonstick skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and 1 flour tortilla. Cook tortilla 1 minute, then turn it over. Sprinkle 1/2 C. sharp cheddar over 1/2 of the flour tortilla. Cover the cheese with 1/4 of the cooked sliced mushrooms. Fold the plain 1/2 of the tortilla over top of the filling and gently press down with a spatula. Cook the filled quesadilla 30 seconds to a minute longer on each side to lightly brown and crisp the quesadilla and melt the cheese. Remove the quesadilla to a large cutting board or transfer to a warm oven to hold, then repeat with remaining quesadilla ingredients.Â Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with warm salsa for topping.

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Baked German Apple Pancake with Cherry Preserves

May 4, 1998 Kristen

2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and sliced in the food processor

1/4 C. butter

1/4 C. packed brown sugar

1 C. whole milk

4 eggs

1 C. biscuit baking mix

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Confectioners’ sugar

1/2 C. jarred cherry preserves

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 9″ deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray. Place the apples, butter, and brown sugar in the dish. Stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a corner vent. Microwave on high power, stirring once, for 6 minutes, or until partially cooked. Meanwhile, measure the milk in a large measuring cup. Add the eggs. Beat with a fork until smooth. Add the baking mix and cinnamon. Mix just until no longer dry. Pour the batter over the apple mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Dollop some of the cherry preserves on each serving.

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Leg of Venison with Cider-Baked Apples, Red Chard, and Cranberry Sauce

May 3, 1998 Kristen

Venison:

2 tsp. black peppercorns

2 tsp. juniper berries

2 tsp. fennel seeds

2 tsp. dried or fresh thyme leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

1 (3-pound) boneless venison leg roast or turkey breast, trimmed and tied

Cranberry sauce:

1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half

4 tsp. fennel seeds

4 tsp. whole cloves

4 tsp. black peppercorns

4 tsp. juniper berries

6 cups fresh cranberries (about 12 ounces)

1 1/2 cups red wine, such as pinot noir

1 cup balsamic vinegar

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup undiluted orange juice concentrate

Cider-baked apples:

4 cups apple cider

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

6 star anise pods (optional)

2 cinnamon sticks

4 whole cloves

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 cup unsalted butter

4 Braeburn, Jonathan, Gala, or Red Delicious apples, cored and halved lengthwise

Chard:

2 T. unsalted butter

2 bunches firm red or white chard, stemmed

1/4 cup apple cider (or cider residue from baked apples)

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

To prepare venison: In a spice grinder or food processor, grind the peppercorns, juniper berries, fennel seeds, and thyme together. Mix with 4 T. of the olive oil and rub on the venison. Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 hours. Remove the venison from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to come to room temperature.Â To make the cranberry sauce: In a food processor or spice grinder, coarsely grind the cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, peppercorns, and juniper berries together. Place in a cheesecloth square and tie closed with a string. In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, wine, vinegar, sugar, and orange juice concentrate. Add the spice bundle and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cranberries are very soft. Remove the spice bundle, pour the sauce into a bowl, and let cool. Use now, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. While the cranberry sauce cools, make the baked apples: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium saucepan, cook the cider, vinegar, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and butter for 5 minutes. Place the apples, cut-side down, in a baking pan. Pour the cider mixture over the apples. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until semisoft; set aside and keep warm, or reheat just before serving. To make the venison: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 4 T. oil and brown the venison on all sides. Place on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for about 50 minutes for medium-rare. For medium-done, roast 6 to 7 minutes longer. Remove the venison from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. To make the chard: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chard and apple cider and sautÃ© for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve, transfer the venison to a platter and arrange the apples beside it. Divide the chard and cranberry sauce between bowls. Serve.

Game Seasoning:

1 T. salt

1/4 tsp. ground white peppercorn

1/4 tsp. minced rosemary

2 fresh bay leaves, minced

1/2 tsp. juniper berries

1/2 tsp. minced thyme

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Yield:

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Warm Asparagus Toast with Pancetta and Vinaigrette

May 2, 1998 Kristen

1 tablespoon Sherry wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided

2 ounces sliced pancetta (Italian bacon)

1 pound thick asparagus, tough ends trimmed

4 1/2-inch-thick slices challah, brioche, or other egg bread, halved lengthwise

Preheat oven to 450Â°F. Whisk vinegar and mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Place pancetta on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, cook asparagus spears in large skillet of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain asparagus; pat dry. Transfer warm asparagus to large bowl; add vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toast bread slices and brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Arrange 2 toasts on each of 4 plates. Divide pancetta, then asparagus among toasts. Drizzle any remaining vinaigrette over and serve.

Kolhrabi Cucumber Enoki Salad with Orange Sesame Dressing

May 1, 1998 Kristen

1 1/2 C. kolhrabi cubes, small dice

1 1/2 C. cucumber cubes, small dice

1 T. red bell pepper, minced

1 T. yellow bell pepper, minced

12 oz. Orange Sesame Dressing

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

6 C. of baby greens

6 viola helen flowers (or other edible flowers)

1 sprig of garlic flowers (or use 3 Tbs. fresh chopped chives)

1/2 C. enoki mushrooms

1 1/2 medium tomatoes, cut in 12 wedges (or use strips of red and yellow bell pepper)

In a medium sized bowl, mix the kohlrabi, cucumber and the red and yellow bell peppers with the dressing and the olive oil. Season mixture to taste with salt and pepper.Â On 6 salad plates arrange a bed of the baby greens. Scoop one sixth of the kohlrabi mix over the greens. Garnish tops with the enoki mushrooms, a viola flower and several of the garlic flowers. Place two tomato wedges on the side of each plate.

Littleneck Clams with Tamarind-Tomato Broth, Scallion, Ginger and Cellophane Noodles

April 30, 1998 Kristen

3 oz. tamarind paste (in brick form)

1 T. palm sugar

1 stalk lemongrass, smashed

3 cloves garlic, mashed and minced

16 littleneck clams

1/2 C. cornmeal

4 C. whole plum tomatoes (fresh or canned), crushed

4 oz. cellophane noodles

2 T. ginger juice (from grated and squeezed fresh ginger)

3 T. thick sweet soy sauce (called kecap manis)

1 bird’s eye chile, minced

8 Thai basil leaves, stacked, rolled and thinly sliced (called chiffonade)

3 T. Thai fish sauce

1 scallion, thinly sliced

1 medium lemon, zested

In a pot, combine all the tamarind, palm sugar, lemongrass and 2 1/2 C. water and bring to a boil. Mash the mixture with a potato masher. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth while pressing with the back of a wooden spoon. (This can be done 4 to 5 days in advance.) Keep refrigerated until needed.Â Purge the clams: In a bowl, combine the clams, cornmeal, and 4 C. of cold water. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 to 40 minutes, to clean out any sand. Remove the clams from the water and discard the water.Â Pass the tomatoes through a food mill to remove the seeds (they can be bitter), so that only the juice remains. Set aside. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cellophane noodles for 4 to 6 minutes, or until done. Strain and put 1/2 C. each of the noodles in 4 wide soup bowls. In a wok fitted with a steamer rack (or circular cake rack), bring the tamarind stock, ginger juice, and tomato juice to a boil. Place the clams on the rack, cover, and cook until they open and release their juice into the broth. Divide the clams among the soup bowls, leaving the broth in the wok. Stir the sweet soy sauce, minced chile, and basil into the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the fish sauce. Ladle the broth over the clams and garnish with scallions and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

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Olive-Butter Broiled Lamb Chops with Caramelized Zucchini Orzo

April 29, 1998 Kristen

Salt

Â½ lb. Orzo Pasta

2 T. EVOO, plus more for drizzling

2 small Zucchini, cut into thin disks

1 small Onion, sliced

3 cloves Garlic, chopped

Pepper

4 T. Butter, softened

3 T. Olive Tapenade

12 Â½â€ thick Lamb Loin Chops

Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon

Â¼ C. fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

Â½ C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bring large pot of water to a boil for orzo. Add generous amount of salt and cook until al dente. Preheat broiler to high. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the 2 T. EVOO. Add zucchini, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cooking, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until zucchini are cooked and lightly caramelized. Combine butter with olive tapenade and reserve in refrigerator. Arrange lamb chops on a slotted broiler pan. Drizzle EVOO over chops and season with salt and pepper.Â Broil chops for 3 minutes on each side for medium rare, 5 minutes for well done. Squeeze lemon juice over them. Add drained orzo to the zucchini and onions, stir in lemon zest, parsley and grated cheese; toss to distribute.Â Remove chops from oven and butter from fridge. Top each chop with a little olive butter and serve with pasta.

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