48 green seedless grapes, rinsed
48 red seedless grapes, rinsed
16 6-inch wooden skewers
Thread six grapes, alternating grape colors, onto each wooden skewer. Place skewers into the freezer for 30 minutes, or until frozen. Serve immediately.
1 T. EVOO
8 oz. pre-Shredded Carrot
¼ C. Orange Juice
2 tsp. light Brown Sugar
Salt
Scallion, minced
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in carrots and cook, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until they soften, 2-3 minutes. Add orange juice and brown sugar and season with salt to taste. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and let cook until carrots are softened a bit more, another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle scallions over carrots and serve.
1 quart-sized jar with lid
2 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup rock or sea salt
4 dried chiles
1/2 tsp. whole Sichuan peppercorns
2 tsp. rice wine
1/2 star anise
1 T. brown sugar
1-inch piece of unpeeled ginger
1/3 cinnamon stick
1 lb. or more vegetables, such as string beans, slice carrot, daikon radish, etc.
Dissolve salt in boiling water and set aside to cool. Add pickling spices to jar and add cooled water. Cover and shake to mix. Fill jar with vegetables (e.g., fiddleheads), making sure brine covers them. Tighten lid and put aside in a cool, dark place for a minimum 24 hours; a week is better. You can continue to replenish the jar with vegetables by adding more salt, sugar, and wine.
1 beef brisket (4 t
o 5 pounds), trimmed of fat
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
1 packet onion soup mix (1.25 ounces)
1 can tomato soup (10.75 ounces)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 T. light brown sugar
2 T. red wine vinegar
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge the brisket in the flour, then shake off the excess. Place the brisket in a 4½ -to 6-quart slow cooker. Place the onion soup mix, tomato soup, and pepper in a small bowl with ¼ C. of water and stir to combine. Pour this mixture over the brisket. Cover the cooker and cook the beef on high heat until it is quite tender, 6 hours. Remove the brisket from the cooker and place it on a platter. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. Strain the liquid that is left in the cooker. Spoon off as much fat as possible or use a gravy separator to remove the fat from the liquid. Pour the strained and defatted liquid into a 2-quart saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and vinegar and stir until the sauce heats through and the brown sugar melts. Slice the brisket, pour enough sauce over it to moisten it, then serve the remaining sauce on the side.
1 pound ground beef round
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed in a garlic press
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
8 ounces uncooked ziti (2 C.)
1 (9-ounce) package frozen creamed spinach, thawed
1 (8-ounce) package pre-shredded mozzarella cheese (2 C.)
Crumble ground beef into a nonreactive large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring and breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon, 4 to 5 minutes until beef browns all over and is cooked through. Stir in tomatoes or marinara sauce, garlic, oregano and basil. Spoon 1 C. meat sauce on bottom of a 3-quart glass or ceramic casserole. Arrange ziti in an even layer on top of sauce. Pour remaining meat sauce over ziti. Spread creamed spinach evenly over the top with a knife. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil. (Dish can be made up to 1 day in advance to this point. Refrigerate until baking time.) Bake ziti on center rack of preheated 375-degree oven 30 minutes until bubbling. Remove baking dish from oven and carefully remove aluminum foil and set aside. Scatter mozzarella evenly over top and re-cover dish with foil. Let ziti rest 10 minutes until cheese melts. Serve at once. Makes 6 to 8 minutes.
Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 366
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
1 large, uniformly-shaped russ
et potato, scrubbed well and sliced into 1/8″ rounds*
Cooking spray
3/4 C. shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
2 T. crumbled bacon (about 2 slices) – I used real bacon bits
Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring sliced potatoes to a boil in cold, salted water to cover for 5 minutes. Carefully drain, and transfer slices to a paper-towel lined countertop or cutting board. Pat to dry. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray, and lay out potato slices so they are overlapping on it. Spray lightly with additional cooking spray, then sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese & bacon. Bake 12-14 minutes in preheated oven until cheese is melted & bubbly. Serve with chipotle ranch sauce (recipe below). Serves 2.
*You can use 2 medium-sized potatoes rather than 1 large. Also, I like to leave the skin on but you can peel the potatoes if you prefer.
Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce
1 T. ranch dressing
3 T. sour cream
1/4 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne (adjust more or less depending on how spicy you want).
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Place all ingredients in a small bowl, and stir to combine. Refrigerate any leftovers
1. Chopped black olives with a little juice, Italian bread crumbs, a tsp. each of EVOO and Red Wine Vinegar
2. A tsp. of olive oil and a tsp. of red cider vinegar.
3. A small package of pepperoni, a small package of feta cheese, salt & Pepper
4. 1/2 pound of bacon cooked crisp and crumbled , a large tomato diced very fine and a C. of baby spinach chopped fine.
5. Butter, Parmesan cheese, pepper and a splash of heavy cream
6. A small package of Goat Cheese, crumbled, a C. of diced spinach, some red onion
7. A heaping T. of pesto, 1/4 C. of ricotta cheese and a splash of EVOO
8. Zest of one lemon , the juice of a lemon and 2 T. of half and half cream
9. Strips of smoked ham, green peas, and a little half and half or cream
10. 1/4 C. of marinara, 1/4 C. of Alfredo Sauce and a tsp. of red pepper flakes
11. Pressed Garlic, Dribble of EVOO, pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
12. Chopped Fresh Tomato, Pressed Garlic, and Dribble of EVOO
13. Chopped anchovies, EVOO, chopped black olives and bread crumbs
14. Pesto, Ricotta Cheese and EVOO
15. A nice handful of chopped fresh herbs (your choice) and EVOO
16. A can of tuna, drained, capers, pepper and chopped parsley
Add a simple loaf of Italian or French bread and some olive oil for dipping, and you’ve got a great meal!
The lentils do take a long time to get tender when cooked on the low setting. If you start the soup just before you go to bed in the evening, it’ll be ready by lunchtime the next day when cooked on low heat.
1 cup lentils
1/3 cup pearl barley
1 cup carrot, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 1/2 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, or leftover Thanksgiving turkey)
2 1/2 cups water
14 1/2 ounces Italian-style or regular stewed tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar (optional)
Sort through lentils to remove debris and shriveled beans, then rinse. Add lentils to crockpot along with carrot, celery, onion, garlic, dried herbs, and bay leaf. Pour in broth, water, and tomatoes. Cover and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours. Discard bay leaf. Just before serving, stir in parsley and vinegar (if using).
1-2 lb. sausage, depending on your families appetites, browned, crumbled, drained
4 cups cubed frozen hash browns or 4 cups cubed potatoes
1 can corn, drained
1 can creamed corn
1 can evaporated milk (may use low fat)
2 cups water
1 T minced onion (dried is fine)
pepper to taste
Dump in crock pot, stir well; cook all day on low or half a day on medium. Serve with grated cheese, oyster crackers, or CheezIts. Serves 6 plus, depending on appetites. Even better the next day and seems to freeze well also.
1
. Add pan fried smoke sausage or slices of kielbasa to the beans and heat thoroughly.
2. Heat the beans and spoon them over hot dogs served in toasted buns.
3. Spoon the beans into a baking dish, stir in ketchup, brown sugar or maple syrup, and add a dash of yellow mustard. Top with bacon slices and bake at 375º until heated through.
4. Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet. Stir this into the beans and heat through. This is called Cowboy Beans.
5. Stir enough smoky barbecue sauce to suit your taste into the beans and heat through. You can add a little honey, spicy mustard and a touch of brown sugar to make them even more special.
6. Combine baked beans with a can of black beans for a bean medley and bake at 375º until bubbling.
7. Fold shredded cooked pork into the beans and heat, serve with dill pickle wedges.
8. Add a much chili powder as you like and a can of Tex-Mex flavored chili beans and heat with baked beans.
9. Add a chipotle or dried chile pepper to the beans while they are heating up. Remove the pepper before serving.
10. Season the beans with diced country ham and a handful of chopped sweet onion, then heat and serve.
11. Spoon warmed beans into pita pockets along with coleslaw and pickle relish.
12. Spoon warmed beans over toast as they do in England and serve with spicy English mustard.
13. Add a smidgen of ground cinnamon and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the beans, heat and serve.
14. Create a fast casserole by layering the beans with browned pork sausage, chopped tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake 375º until bubbling.
15. Add a dab of curry powder, some crushed pineapple, and a handful of chopped scallions to the beans, heat and serve.
16. Add pineapple tidbits, chile sauce and some brown sugar; heat through.
17. Add diced cooked bacon or pancetta.
1 1/2 large sweet red bell peppers (oil-roasted, peeled, cored and seeded)
3 large poblano chiles (oil-roasted, peeled, cored and seeded)
4 jalapeno chiles (oil-roasted, peeled, cored and seeded)
1 T. vegetable oil
1/2 small white onion, diced
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 tsp. dried Mexican oregano, toasted
Pinch of kosher salt
3/4 C. Mexican Crema (or creme fraiche or natural sour cream)
2 ounces grated queso Oaxaca (or Chihuahua cheese or Monterey Jack)
1 1/2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
6 (5 1/2 inch) soft white corn tortillas
Optional Garnish: oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut into strips, and toasted pine nuts
Accompaniment: Salsa Fresca
To Oil Roast the Poblanos, Jalapenos and Red Bell Peppers: Heat 2 inches of canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 375 degrees F. Roast only 1 or 2 chiles at a time to avoid overcrowding and lowering of the oil temperature. Turn the submerged chiles as the skin starts to blister, after approximately 1 1/2 minutes per side. Turn the chiles as necessary until all sides are blistered, but not burned. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow chiles to steam for about 15 minutes and then peel off the skin with your fingers or dull edge of a knife. Do not rinse the peeled chiles. Split open the chiles and remove the veins and seeds. Slice into strips, about 3 inches long by 3/8 inch wide. For added heat, simply cut the jalapenos into strips without discarding the seeds. Set aside the bowl of roasted, peeled, cored, seeded and sliced chile and bell pepper strips. In a large, heavy nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Decrease the heat to low, add the bell pepper and chile strips, then stir in the cilantro, oregano, salt, crema, queso Oaxaca, and grated Parmesan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously so the mixture doesn’t brown or scorch, until the queso melts, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately. To serve, lay warm tortillas side by side, open face and overlapping on a platter. Divide the filling equally between the tortillas and top with salsa, sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.
4 boneless Pork Chops, about ½†thick
¼ t
sp. Salt
2 tsp. EVOO
1 C. chopped Onion
2 tsp. minced Garlic
1 lb. fresh Tomatoes, chopped
4oz can diced Green Chiles
1 tsp. Cumin
¼ tsp. Cinnamon
½ C. thinly sliced pimento-stuffed Green Olives
1 T. fresh Lime Juice
Sprinkle chops on both sides with salt. In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chops and cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until browned and just cooked through. Remove to plate and over loosely with foil to keep warm. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until softened and browning, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, undrained chiles, cumin and cinnamon. Cook another 10 minutes, until onions are very tender and mixture is saucy. Stir in olives and lime juice. Return chops to skillet and cook a few minutes until heated through.
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 292
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g
8 T. cold unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
1/4 lb. Gruyere, Cheddar, Manchego or Emmenthal, grated (about 1 C.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
pinch Cayenne
1 C. plus 2 T. (275 mL) all-purpose flour
Put the butter, cheese, salt, white pepper and cayenne in a food processor and pulse until the butter is broken up into uneven bits and the mixture forms small curds. Add the flour and pulse until the dough forms moist curds again — these will be larger. There are times, though, when you pulse and pulse and never get curds — in that case, just process for a minute, so that everything is as moist as possible. Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead it gently until it comes together. Divide the dough in half, pat each half into a disk, and wrap the disks in plastic. Chill for at least an hour or for up to 3 days. Centre a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Working with 1 disk at a time, roll the dough out between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper to a scant 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Using a small cookie cutter– I use a cutter with a diameter of about 1¼ inches (3 cm)– cut the dough into crackers. Gather the scraps together, so you can combine them with the scraps from the second disk, chill and roll them out to make more crackers. Place the rounds on the baking sheet, leaving a scant inch (2.5 cm) between the rounds. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden and firm to the touch; transfer the crackers to a rack to cool. Repeat with the second disk of dough (and the scraps), making certain that your baking sheet is cool. You can serve these while they’re still a little warm, or you can wait until they reach room temperature.
1 T. olive oil
2 (to- to 6-ounce) pounds salmon fillets, cut into 6 pieces
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
1/4 C. heavy whipping cream
2 to 3 T. sweetened flaked coconut
Pour olive oil into a large ovenproof skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Season the salmon pieces with the seasoned salt on both sides. When olive oil is hot, add the salmon and cook it 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove salmon from skillet and set it aside. Add spinach to pan juices in skillet. Pour cream over spinach and sprinkle coconut on top. Place salmon pieces back in skillet on top of spinach and place skillet on center rack of preheated 400-degree oven. Bake salmon 7 to 8 minutes until it is opaque and juices are bubbling. Serve at once.
Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 348
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 1g
1 pound tilapia fillets, or other thin fish fillet
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tablespoon)
1 jalapeño pepper, roughly chopped (optional)
1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Scallions, chopped for garnish
Extra cilantro, to garnish
Heat the oven to 475°F. Pat the fish dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, and lay in a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Combine the garlic, grated ginger, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, white wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small food processor. Process until blended. (Alternately, you can finely chop or mash the garlic, ginger, jalapeño and cilantro in a mortar and pestle, then whisk together with the liquid ingredients.) Pour the sauce over the fish, rubbing it in a little. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through. It will be very moist and even a little gelatinous, still. Serve immediately over brown rice or orzo, garnished with the additional scallions and cilantro.
Yield: 2 Servings
Calories 268
Fat: 6.2g
Fiber: 0g
4 C. s
hredded cooked chicken
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into ½†cubes (3 C.)
2 scallions, white and light green parts, chopped (1/4 C.)
8 Kalamata Olives, pitted
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (2 C.)
1/2 C. plain yogurt
1/2 C. crumbled feta
1 tsp. oregano (optional)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 C. chopped parsley or mint
Pita bread
Combine chicken, cucumbers, scallions, olives and tomatoes in bowl. Mix up feta and yogurt — you can do this by hand if you like chunkier dressing or in a food processor if you like it smooth. Mix in the oregano, if using. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir just to coat. Sprinkle with pepper and parsley and serve with crisped wedges of pita bread.
3 1/2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, plus more for topping cookies
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 large egg
Fine sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Finely chop rosemary in a food processor. Add pine nuts; pulse until coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in 2 cups flour, the baking soda, ginger, and salt; set aside. Put butter and granulated sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in oil. Reduce speed to low. Mix in flour mixture. Add cream; mix until well combined, about 2 minutes. Mix in egg, then remaining 1/4 cup flour. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls, and space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with fingers, and top each with a pine nut. Sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are golden, about 13 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes on sheets on wire racks. Transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers up to 3 days.
½ cup finely chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoons butter
1 garlic clove minced
¼ cup olive oil (est)
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup white wine
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 pear, peeled & chopped
1 fennel bulb, sliced
Stir first three ingredients together with a tablespoon of oil in a microwaveable bowl – microcook 3 minutes. Stir in rice and microwave 2 more minutes. Stir in 2 ¾ cup broth and ¼ cup wine. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or glass cover and microcook 9 minutes. Carefully swirl bowl around to mix a bit without uncovering and cook another 8 minutes. While rice cooks, drizzle fennel with oil to coat and add salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 350 degrees on a parchment lined pan. Peel pears, toss in oil, season with salt and pepper and add to the fennel pan after 10 minutes have elapsed. Remove rice from microwave and stir in cheese and remaining ¼ cup broth, stirring until creamy. Stir fennel and pears into rice and serve.
½ lb. ripe Brie
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup fresh basil, julienned
1- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tomatoes, seeded and cubed
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ lb. pasta (fettucine, linguine, or capellini all work well)
½ cup peas
Parmesan
Remove rind from Brie and cut into irregular pieces. Combine with next 6 ingredients and let stand 2 hours at room temperature. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and add raw peas (frozen are acceptable, but of course must be thawed first). Toss hot pasta with Brie sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve at once.
Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Defrost 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (preferably all-butter pastry) from a 14–17-oz. box according to package directions. If the package contains 1 sheet, cut the pastry in half; if the package contains 2 sheets, just use 1. Roll out the dough slightly on a floured surface to smooth it out.
Place the pastry sheet on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet and use a paring knife to gently score a 1/4†border around the edge. Using a fork, prick the pastry all over inside the border to release steam while baking.
Spread the bottom of the dough with a thin layer of Dijon mustard, and then cover with a single layer of snugly packed tomato slices, preferably heirloom tomatoes in several colors, that have been sprinkled with sea salt and drained on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh thyme. Top with grated Gruyere cheese. Bake until the crust is golden and the tomatoes have collapsed. It should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes and continue to cook until pastry is golden. Remove the tart to a rack and let it cool for 20 minutes or so before slicing it into wedges.
Variations: Add slivers of kalamata olives over the cheese before baking. Or sprinkle the cooked and cooled tart with torn bits of fresh basil right before serving.
1 lb. Dungeness crab meat
2 cups fresh corn kernels (3 ears), cobs reserved
3 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes, skin on
1 cup diced Walla Walla Sweet onion (or any sweet onion)
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced fennel, plus a few fennel fronds
2 cups chicken broth (can substitute veggie broth or water)
3 cups whole milk
3 T. butter
2 T. flour
1 bunch fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
salt & pepper
Cut the corn cobs into 2-inch chunks. In a large pot, heat the chicken stock until it begins to simmer. Add the corn cobs, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. While the cobs are cooking, prepare a roux. Melt 2 T. of butter in a small sauce pan. When the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for one minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Strain the chicken stock mixture into a bowl and discard the cobs. Return the pot to the stove and add the remaining 1 T. of butter. When the butter is melted and sizzling, add the onion, bell pepper and fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk the roux mixture into the onion mixture, then add the potatoes, corn, 1 cup of the reserved chicken stock, and 3 cups whole milk. Bring the chowder to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning as needed. Just before serving, stir in the crab (reserving a few nice pieces for garnishing), sliced basil, and fennel fronds. Garnish with a few additional pieces of crab meat and serve immediately.
16 ounces flaked crabmeat
3 C. fresh sugar snap peas, halved widthwise
2 medium cucumbers, sliced
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1/2 C. thinly sliced red onion
1/2 C. snipped fresh dill
1/3 C. prepared ranch dressing
1/3 C. sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Boston lettuce
In a bowl, combine the crab, peas, cucumbers, red pepper, onion and dill. Combine the dressing, sour cream and lemon juice; mix well. Pour over crab mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Serve on a bed of lettuce.
2 C. all purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 C. sugar
2 large eggs
1 C. milk
6 T. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
~4 T. jelly, any flavor (I used raspberry)
1/4 C. butter
1/4 C. sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line 12 muffin C. with muffin papers. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the sugar. Lightly beat the eggs in another bowl. Beat in the milk, oil and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over mix. Fill each muffin C. about 1/3 of the way and make a well in the center with a spoon. Add ~1 tsp. of jelly and then top with the remaining batter. Bake for ~15 minutes, until the muffins are golden brown and spring back when pressed lightly. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a shallow bowl and place the sugar in a second bowl. When the muffins are baked let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Dip the tops of the muffins in the butter and then in the sugar and place on a wire rack to cool completely. I like these muffins best when they are really fresh and still a little warm but they will also keep in an air tight container for 3-4 days.
1 lb. cleaned Oregon Dungeness Crab Meat, reserving liquid from shell
4 strips of bacon diced
1 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped Celery
1/4 C. chopped bell pepper
4 C. Water
2 Chicken or Vegetable Bouillon Cubes
2 C. diced potatoes
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated skim milk
1 (8 1/2 oz.) can cream style corn
2 T. chopped Pimiento
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
2 T. flour
1/4 C. Skim Milk
2 T. butter
Chopped fresh Parsley for garnish
Pick over meat to make sure it is free from any shell. Fry bacon until crisp. Add onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper; sauté until tender. Add reserved crab liquid, water, bouillon and potatoes, bring to a simmer, breaking up bouillon cube. Add evaporated milk, corn, pimiento and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are nearly tender. Add crab, stir, and return mixture to gentle simmer. Combine flour and milk, blending until smooth. Add to chowder, stirring until slightly thickened. Add butter, stir until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
6 T. chili powder
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (or 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper)
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1 T. paprika
3 T. cumin
2 T. Kosher salt
2 T. black pepper
Put all of the ingredients in a jar or a container with a lid and shake, shake, shake.
The secret to getting restaurant quality mozzarella sticks at home is using panko-style breadcrumbs and making sure that each piece of cheese is double dipped for an extra crispy crust that is free of any holes for the cheese to escape from during frying. Freezing the mozzarella sticks prior to frying ensures that the crust has time to adhere to the cheese in the dry environment of the freezer. As with all frying, make sure to carefully monitor your oil temperature and allow it to rebound in between batches. Because the mozzarella sticks are frozen, it might be a good idea to make a double batch to keep on hand for any last minute game day parties.
12 stick s of string cheese or 12 pieces of mozzarella cut into 4 x 1/2 inch sticks 
1 1/2 cups panko-style breadcrumbs
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon table salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 eggs
1 cup of all-purpose flour
Canola oil for frying
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced green onions
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dredge the mozzarella sticks: Spread the flour and breadcrumbs on separate plates (pie plates work well for this). Add the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to the breadcrumbs and mix well. Place the eggs in a small bowl and beat them lightly. Drop a piece of cheese into the flour and roll it around until it is well covered. Shake off the excess flour and dip the cheese into the egg mixture before rolling it in the breadcrumbs until well coated. One last time, dip the breadcrumb coated cheese back into the beaten egg and roll again in breadcrumbs to create an extra crispy coating. Set aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining cheese sticks. Once all of the mozzarella has been breaded, place the plate into the freezer uncovered and freeze until the breadcrumb coating is firm, at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, make the buttermilk dip: In a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fry the mozzarella sticks: Pour enough oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot to come to a depth of at least 2 inches. Using an candy thermometer, heat oil until it reaches a temperature of 350°. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, being careful not to overwhelm the oil, until crispy and browned on the exterior, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining mozzarella, allowing the oil temperature to rise back to 350° between batches. You can place the finished mozzarella sticks in a 200° oven to keep them warm while the others fry. Serve immediately with buttermilk dip.
3 eggs
2 C. grated zucchini
2 C. sugar
1 C. vegetable oil
1 T. vanilla
2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 C. chocolate chips (I used the darkest one I could find)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl beat the eggs until foamy. Beat in the sugar and vanilla. Mix in the zucchini and oil. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins and bake until golden and muffins spring back to a light touch. About 15 minutes.
1 lb. very lean ground beef
2 red skinned potatoes, scrubbed well and cubed
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 C. corn
1 beef bouillon cube
1 1/2 C. water
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 1/2 C. milk
3 T. all-purpose flour
1 C. grated cheddar cheese
In a soup pot brown the ground beef, drain off any fat. Stir in the potatoes, celery, onion, bell pepper, corn, bouillon cube, water and salt. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Whisk together the flour and milk. Slowly add to the meat mixture and cook until thickened and bubbly. Add the cheese and heat, stirring, until it melts.
For the pork:
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (I love cumin with pork chops!)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
4 4oz boneless pork loin chops
2 tsp. olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
3/4 C. pomegranate juice
1 T. sugar
1 T. balsamic vinegar
Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Combine the first four ingredients and sprinkle on both side of the pork chops. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside and cover with aluminum foil. Add the shallots to the pan and cook 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the juice, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Serve with the pork.
For the green beans:
3/4 lb green beans, trimmed
1 T. butter
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Cook green beans in boiling water until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet melt the butter, add the garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Toss with the green beans, salt and pepper.
1 1/2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken (from 2-lb chicken)
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (2 medium)
1/2 cup creamy Italian garlic dressing (from 12-oz jar)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
24 crostini toasts
Fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley leaves, if desired
In large bowl, mix chicken, celery and onions. In blender, place dressing, chopped parsley and the tarragon. Cover; blend on low speed 10 seconds. Blend on high speed 20 to 30 seconds or until smooth. Gently stir dressing into chicken mixture. Cover; refrigerate until serving time. Top each toast with 1 tablespoon chicken mixture. Garnish with parsley leaves.
1/2 C. dried cherries
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1/4 C. hot water
1 tsp. plus 2 T. olive oil
1/2 C. finely chopped onion
8-10 oz rhubarb, ends trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/2″ pieces (2 cups)
3 T. sugar
Pinch of ground nutmeg
kosher salt and black pepper
4 6-8 oz pork loin chops (1/2″ thick)
Combine the cherries with the vinegar and hot water and set aside for 10 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the cherry mixture, rhubarb, and sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the rhubarb has softened, 5-8 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm. Season both sides of the pork with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tsp. oil over medium-high heat. Cook the pork (in two batches if necessary to avoid crowding) until browned and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Serve topped with the warm sauce.
1 oz (2 T.) honeydew melon
1 oz (2 T.) kiwi
1 oz (2 T.) apple slices
2 oz (1/4 cup) Tillamook Vanilla Bean Yogurt
2 oz (1/4 cup) Beet juice
2 oz (1/4 cup) orange juice
1 oz (2 T.) skim milk
1 tsp. honey
Dice all the fruit into small pieces. Put the fruit in the blender, then add Tillamook Vanilla Bean Yogurt, beet juice, orange juice, skim milk, and honey. Mix until consistency is smooth. For a sweeter taste, add more honey and blend again.
4 (3oz.) boxes Strawberry Jello
2 envelopes Knox Unflavored Gelatin
5½ cups boiling water, divided
1 can (14oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
½ cup cold Water
Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, add the 4 packages of Strawberry Jello. Mix in 4 cups boiling water and stir for about 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Pour into the prepared pan and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until firm. In a medium bowl add the ½ cup cold water and sprinkle the gelatin over the top, let stand for 1 minute. Stir in 1½ cups boiling water and sweetened condensed milk, mix well and allow to cool. Remove the firm red jello from the fridge and invert onto a cutting board. Re-spray the same 9 x 13 pan with non stick spray. With a heart cookie cutter, cut hearts out of the jello. Take care to cut them as close together as possible to reduce waste. Arrange the hearts in the pan. Pour milk mixture over the hearts and place in the fridge for 2 hours until firm. Remove and cut into squares.
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
2½ cups half and half (half and half is a half cream, half milk mixture found next to the heavy cream)
2½ cups milk
1 Tablespoon chicken base, or two chicken bouillon cubes crushed
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2½ cups chopped rotisserie chicken (cooked chicken breast will work)
½ cup cooked and chopped bacon
1 cup cubed ham
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
In a large sauce pan melt butter and then add the flour to make a roux. Cook for about a minute. Add the half and half, milk and the chicken base. Heat for a few minutes and then add the cream cheese. While continuously stirring, bring to a boil and add chicken, bacon. and ham. Take off heat and stir in Swiss cheese. Bring back to the stove on low heat and stir until cheese is melted.
6 poblano chiles
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon plus 2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1-1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
two 10-inch flour tortillas
grated Monterey Jack cheese (4 to 8 oz.)
sour cream or crème fraiche to taste
To roast the peppers using a gas flame: Turn a gas burner to high and char the poblanos directly over the flame, turning them with tongs as soon as each side becomes fully blackened, about 6 to 8 minutes per pepper. To roast the peppers in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Halve and seed the peppers and place on a parchment-lined (for easy cleanup) baking sheet. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes or until charred in some places. (Don’t let them get too black as I did here or you will have trouble peeling them.) Immediately after roasting, put the poblanos in a bowl, cover, and set aside to steam and loosen the skins. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin off with your hands or a small paring knife. Pull out and discard the stems and seed clusters (if you haven’t already). Slice the peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips and put them in a small bowl. Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 150°F (or its lowest setting). Meanwhile: heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the poblano strips, season with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean. Heat 1 tsp. of the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add one tortilla and scatter over it half of the cheese, half of the poblano mixture, and half of the cilantro. When the tortilla smells toasty and the bottom is browned in spots, in 1 or 2 minutes, fold it in half, pressing it with a spatula to flatten it. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make one more quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with the sour cream or crème fraiche on the side — I like to open my quesadilla up and drop spoonfuls of crème fraiche inside.
2 T. vegetable oil
1 pound boneless pork shoulder for stew, cut into chunks
2 large leeks, washed well and chopped
3 C. water
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 T. Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
3 large parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 C. frozen peas
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley
3 C. hot cooked rice (optional)
Heat oil in a 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add leeks and cook 3 minutes. Add water, salt, TABASCO® Green Sauce, and thyme. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add parsnips, carrots, peas and parsley; cover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until pork and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Serve with rice, if desired.
1½ C. (7.3 oz) cornmeal
2¼ C. (10.1 oz) self-rising flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Cayenne pepper to taste
3 large eggs, beaten
2 T. (1 oz) canola oil
2½ C. (21 oz) buttermilk
3½ slices (3.5 oz) Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese, diced
7 pieces cooked bacon, diced
¼ C. chives, diced
1 T. black pepper
1½ T. sugar
Whisk together cornmeal, self-rising flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine and whisk together eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Slowly pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Once combined, slowly stir in the rest of the ingredients (diced cheese, cooked diced bacon, diced chives, black pepper, and sugar). Use a small/medium size scoop to spoon batter and drop at close range in a deep fryer. If you don’t have a deep fryer, a deep cast iron kettle full of soy or canola oil at 350°F will also work. Cook for 7-8 minutes until dark brown (you’ll know if they are undercooked as the middle will not be hot). Serve hot right out of the fryer with your favorite vinegar, buffalo or hot sauce.
2 tablespoons dry cranberries
1/2 cup organic pear nectar
32 ounces Moscato d’Asti wine
8 small sprigs fresh rosemary
Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving. Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Add cranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d’Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.
1 can orange juice concentrate, slightly thawed
1 cup milk (half and half, cream, nut milk, soy milk, vegan milk, etc.)
1/2 cup granulated sugar, or to taste (you can reduce the sugar or use an alternate sugar substitute such as stevia but it won’t taste as close to classic Orange Push-Ups. Many people use much more than 1/2 cup, myself included. I used about 1 cup in my version)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice, or to taste
1 to 2 ounces of Rum, Malibu, Vodka, Citron, Marshmallow Vodka, Gran Marnier or similar, per smoothie portion, or to taste, optional
Combine all ingredients, except ice and optional alcohol, in a large blender or Vita-Mix and blend until smooth and creamy, taking care the sugar has dissolved and is well incorporated. Keep blending until it dissolves. If desired, add a splash more water or milk. Add the ice and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
6 T. salt-packed capers
1 small red onion, halved lengthwise
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil
3 canned whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano), chopped
12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 T. chopped fresh mint
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3/4 lb dried linguine
Garnish: fresh mint leaves
Rinse capers in a sieve and transfer to a small bowl. Cover capers with water by about 2 inches and soak 30 minutes. Drain, and then repeat soaking. Drain and rinse capers, then squeeze dry and coarsely chop. Cook onion, cut sides down, and garlic in oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Add capers and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove and discard garlic and onion. Add canned and cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in mint and pepper, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 hours. Shortly before sauce is done, cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1 C. cooking water, then drain pasta. Add pasta to sauce and cook over high heat, tossing, 10 to 15 seconds. If pasta seems dry, add a few T. reserved cooking water. Cooks’ note: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.