Duck Tart with Cherry Jam and Goat Cheese

Duck Tart with Cherry Jam and Goat Cheese

Duck Tart with Cherry Jam and Goat Cheese

12 oz Flour

6 1/2 oz Shortening

2 1/2 oz Water (cold)

1/2 tsp. Salt

 

1/2 oz Sugar

1 T. Shallots, sliced

1 cup Dried Cherries

1 3/4 cups Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 cup Sugar

1 1/2 T. Honey

 

1 Boneless Duck Breast

1/4 cup Shallots, sliced

1 T. Olive Oil

3 T. Balsamic Vinegar

Salt & Pepper, to taste

1/4 cup Goat Cheese

2 T. Parsley, fried

 

Mix shortening into flour until fine. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined. More flour may be added if mixture is too sticky. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Roll dough to 1/8″ think. Grease a small 4-inch tart or pie pan with non-stick coating. Gently press dough into pan and cut away any excess. Using a fork, poke holes in the dough and cover with parchment paper. Pour dried beans or pie weights in dish. Bake tart crust in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. When cooled, remove crust from dish and set aside. Cherry Jam: Combine the first five ingredients together in saucepan. Reduce over medium heat until almost dry. Place ingredients in food processor, add honey and puree for 5 minutes. Duck Filling:  Heat olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, Season duck breast with salt and pepper. Sear duck breast, skin side down until a crispy golden brown. Turn duck over and continue to cook until medium. Remove from pan and let cool. Add onions to skillet and sauté until slightly caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar and reduce until almost dry. Remove from heat and let cool. Thinly slice duck breast and add to the cooled onion mixture. Toss until combined. Assembly:  Spread 1 tablespoon of cherry jam into each tart shell. Crumble 1/3 of the goat cheese into the tart shell. Add duck mixture to the tart and top with remaining cheese. Melt cheese in 300 degree oven. Remove from oven, garnish with cherry jam and fried parsley.

Crockpot Shrimp Scampi with Wilted Kale

Crockpot Shrimp Scampi with Wilted Kale

Crockpot Shrimp Scampi with Wilted Kale

 

4 T. butter

8 cloves Garlic, minced

¼ tsp. Salt

½ tsp. pepper

2 lb. Shrimp, peeled and cleaned

10 oz. baby Kale or Spinach

 

Put the butter, garlic, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker and stir well. Place the shrimp on top of the butter mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 1 to 11/2 hours, until the shrimp are nearly cooked through. Scatter the kale over the shrimp, cover the slow cooker, and cook on the low setting for 30 minutes more, until the kale wilts. Spoon the shrimp and kale onto plates. Serve immediately.

 

8 servings

Calories: 193

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 1g

Everything but the Bagel Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Everything but the Bagel Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Everything but the Bagel Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

I 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Seeds from 1 large pumpkin, rinsed and dried

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 3 75 ° F. Mix the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt together in a small bowl. Place the pumpkin seeds in a medium-size bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, toss to coat, then add the spice mixture and toss again.   Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast until golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t crunchy right out of the oven.  They will crisp up more as they cool on the baking sheet.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature

Brothy Beans with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Rind

Brothy Beans with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Rind

Brothy Beans with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Rind

4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

1 pound dry white beans, soaked (I try to soak them for 2 to 4 hours—it will speed up their cooking time and help them cook more evenly. Soaking isn’t essential if the timing doesn’t work with your schedule; they’ll just take longer to cook)

2 heads garlic

Extra virgin olive oil

1 medium-size white onion, peeled, halved, and root end just barely trimmed so the layers remain together

1 Parmesan rind

3 sprigs thyme

2 1/2 teaspoons fine-grain sea salt

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Charred Asparagus End Pesto (also from book), for garnish (optional)

Slices of crusty bread, for serving (optional)

 

Place the beans in a large pot and add 8 cups water. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice each head of garlic in half horizontally, and discard most of the papery outer covering (you want the heads to remain intact). Put the heads back together, set each one on a small piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the aluminum foil up around each head to seal it into a packet. Bake until the garlic cloves are soft, about 40 minutes. Set aside to cool. Turn off the oven. The beans will have expanded after soaking, so make sure they’re still covered by the soaking water, but not by very much. Add the onion halves, Parmesan rind, and thyme to the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat; keep at a boil for 10 minutes. Then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to keep the beans at a gentle simmer—medium or medium-low heat, depending on your stovetop. If the water level drops below the beans, add hot water from a teakettle to just barely cover them again—don’t add too much! Cook until tender—as little as 40 minutes or as much as 3 hours. It’s important to go by taste, because bean freshness, size, and soaking can affect cooking time. Once the beans are tender, remove and discard the Parmesan rind and thyme stems. Remove the onion halves and place them in a tall narrow container. Squeeze in the garlic cloves from one of the roasted heads, and puree using an immersion blender. (A mini food processor would also work.) Add the garlic and onion puree to the pot of beans along with the salt and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Ladle the beans into bowls and garnish each with black pepper, grated Parmesan, and a scoop of pesto, if desired. Serve with bread smeared with the remaining roasted garlic.

Blue Beetroot Foldovers

Blue Beetroot Foldovers

Blue Beetroot Foldovers

 

2 Beets, medium

4 Dates, dried pitted and finely chopped

1 T. Lemon juice, fresh

1/4 C. Pumpkin seeds

2 T. Greek yogurt

½ package | 50 g Crumbled Danish Blue Cheese

1/4 C. / 60 ml pumpkin seeds, toasted; parsley or cilantro chopped finely for garnish (optional)

 

Boil beets in a large saucepan of salted water until tender; remove from heat, rinse with cold water and peel when cool enough to handle.  Using a mandolin or a sharp knife cut beets into very thin 1/8” slices. Place on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.  Combine remaining ingredients and stir to combine; set aside or refrigerate until ready to assemble.. Scoop a heaping tsp. of the Crumbled Danish Blue filling onto half of a beet slice and fold the other half over. Secure with toothpick if they don’t remain closed on their own. Place on a serving dish and garnish with pumpkin seeds and parsley or cilantro if desired.

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

 

crust

1 1/2 C. gluten-free oats

1/2 C. raw almonds

5 T. coconut oil (melted)**

2 T. maple syrup

 

cranberry layer

2 C. cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 C. water

1/4 C. maple syrup

1 tsp. agar agar (substitute with gelatin powder 1:1 ratio)

 

white chocolate layer

â…” C. coconut milk (sub with cashew milk)

1 C. raw cashews (soaked*)

¾ C. cacao butter (sub with vegan white chocolate), melted and cooled

1/3 C. maple syrup

Pinch of salt

4 T. vegan white chocolate, melted and cooled

 

For the crust add oats and almonds into a food processor. Pulse until combined and add maple syrup and coconut oil. Process into a moist mixture. Firmly press dough into the tart and press up on the sides as well. Bake at 350F for about 10-15 minutes until crust appears golden brown. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes and then transfer onto a cooling rack. In a small saucepan add cranberries, water and maple syrup. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes over low-medium heat until cranberries have broken down. With a hand mixer puree cranberries and add a little bit of water if sauce is too thick. Add 1 tsp. of agar agar powder (or gelatin powder) and simmer for another 5 minutes over low-medium heat. Set aside to cool for a couple minutes, then spread cranberry jam/sauce into the crust (½ way full) and let set in the fridge for another 15 minutes. In the meantime prepare the white chocolate layer. Melt white chocolate and cacao butter in a small saucepan over low heat and set aside.  In a food processor or high speed blender add cashews, maple syrup and coconut milk. Process until completely smooth. Add melted chocolate/cacao butter and process until combined. Pour white chocolate mixture into the tart and let set in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours. Garnish with sugar coated cranberries and white chocolate chips and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Notes

*soak cashews in water overnight or for at least 3-4 hours.

**use refined (vs unrefined) coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor

Bacon-Stuffed French Toast

Bacon-Stuffed French Toast

Bacon-Stuffed French Toast

 

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/3 C. packed brown sugar

8 slices white bread, preferably stale

8 slices bacon, cooked

4 eggs

1/2 C. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 tsp. butter

vegetable oil

 

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and brown sugar. Spread one side of each slice of bread with cream cheese mixture. Sandwich 2 slices of bacon between 2 pieces of bread with the cream cheese side facing in. Repeat for remaining slices of bread to make a total of four.  In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Dip each French toast “sandwich” in egg mixture. Try to only get the egg mixture on the exterior of each piece of bread and not let it soak through to the middle where the bacon is or it will turn out soggy, plus any egg that gets in the middle won’t really cook. Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Add butter and a little vegetable oil. Cook each stuffed French toast until golden brown on bottom and then flip over. Add more butter and oil to pan if necessary. Cook until second side is golden brown. Cut each piece in half and serve with maple syrup.

Mixed Berry Smoothies

Mixed Berry Smoothies

Mixed Berry Smoothies

 

1/4 C. water

1 C. raspberries

1 C. strawberries

1/2 C. blueberries

1/2 C. cottage cheese

1 handful of ice cubes

2 tsp. honey or agave nectar

 

Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order in which they are listed. Blend until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or agave nectar as desired. Start with a medium size handful of ice cubes and add more to adjust the consistency of your smoothie. Adding more ice will both thicken and chill your smoothie.

Vegan Mushroom Sauce

Vegan Mushroom Sauce

Vegan Mushroom Sauce

2 lbs. mushrooms crimini or baby bella

5 T. olive oil

5 garlic cloves, minced

¼ tsp. red pepper flakes

½ tsp. salt

13.5 oz. coconut cream

2 T. nutritional yeast

 

Cut off the stems of the mushrooms and then dice them into ½-inch cubes. In a large saucepan or pot, pour the oil and then sauté the mushrooms over medium-high heat, stirring as they simmer. Cook until they have shrunk some and are a deep brown color. Now add the minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Then add in the coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Stir everything together until well-combined. Serve hot with your favorite dishes and sides.

Fennel Apple Limeade

Fennel Apple Limeade

Fennel Apple Limeade

 

1 apple, chilled

2/3 C. sliced fennel bulb

1 (4- to 6-inch) celery stalk, coarsely chopped

2 1/2 T. lime juice

1 3/4 C. cold water

4 ice cubes

3 drops stevia, or sweetener of choice, as desired

 

Wash and core the apple, and cut into slices. Place the apple, fennel, celery, lime juice, water, and ice in a blender. Blend on high until fully incorporated. Taste, add the sweetener as desired, then blend again to incorporate. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag.  Pour and drink!

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

2 small cabbage heads

3 tbsp. olive oil

½ tsp. salt or to taste

2 tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. garlic powder

 

Cut the stems off the cabbage heads and then cut each one in half, then in half again. You should have four flat discs of cabbage that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick from each head. Place the cabbage steaks on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper, allowing some space between each one to even cooking.  Brush the cabbage with the olive oil, coating them thoroughly. Then generously sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and paprika on the cabbage steaks. Flip the cabbage over and repeat, brushing them with oil and sprinkling the seasonings. Then add a pinch of red pepper flakes to each one, if desired. Bake the cabbage steaks at 400°F for about 25 minutes, until the leaves are browned and the center is tender. Serve hot out of the oven.

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

 

3, 1 lbs. Pork Tenderloins

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

4 C. Apple Cider

2 Bay Leaves

6 small baking Apples (I used Granny Smith)

1 stick Unsalted Butter

 

Preheat the oven to 425 and cut each tenderloin in half lengthwise to make 6 even 8-ounce portions. Season each tenderloin with a portion of the salt and black pepper. Place the tenderloins in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. While the tenderloin is baking, heat the cider and bay leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Peel and core the apples but leave them whole. Add them to the boiling cider and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes or until the apples have been heated through but are not mushy. Add the apple cider and apples to the baking dish with the pork tenderloin. Bake until pork is cooked, about 20 minutes or 160 degree internal temperature. Set aside the pork and apples and pour the juice into a saucepan over high heat. Stir in the butter to create a smooth sauce. Cut the pork and serve with the apples and sauce. Note: One thing that can happen is the apples disintegrate while in the oven, as happened to me. In this case I just left them in while I stirred in the butter, and it added an interesting note to the sauce. Try out different types of apples for different flavor profiles with this one and enjoy.

Grilled Cheese Chaffle

Grilled Cheese Chaffle

Grilled Cheese Chaffle

1 egg

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 C. shredded cheddar

2 Slices American cheese or 1/4 C. of shredded cheese

1 T. butter

 

Heat up your  mini waffle maker. In a small bowl mix the egg, garlic powder and shredded cheddar cheese. Once the  waffle maker is heated up add in half the chaffle mixture. Cook for 4 minutes and remove.  Add the remainder of the chaffle mixture to the mini waffle maker and cook for 4 minutes.

Once both chaffles are done heat a pan on the stove over medium heat.  Add 1 T. butter and melt it. Once the butter is melted in the pan and place 1 chaffle down in the pan. Top that chaffle with the cheese of your choice and add the second chaffle on top of it. Heat the chaffle for 1 minute on the first side and flip over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side to finish melting the cheese.

Once the cheese is melted remove from the pan and enjoy!

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

 

2 3 Ounce Packages of Ramen Noodles, Seasoning Packet Discarded

2 tsp. Sesame Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

¼ C. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Sriracha (or to taste)

 

Cook the ramen noodles without the seasoning packet as directed on package. Drain and set aside.

Heat the sesame oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha until combined. Toss the noodles with the sauce. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Waffled Tuna Cakes

Waffled Tuna Cakes

Waffled Tuna Cakes

 

2 Cans Tuna

1 Egg

1 tsp. Minced Garlic

3 T. Mayonnaise

1 T. Lemon Juice

1/4 C. Crushed Pork Rinds

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

2 T. Melted Butter

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

 

Drain the liquid off of the Tuna, then add the tuna to a mixing bowl. Add the egg, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, crushed pork rinds or bread crumbs, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until very well combined. Preheat your waffle iron. Use the melted butter to coat the hot iron, then divide the tuna mixture into 6. Place a ball of the tuna mixture onto the center of the greased iron. Cook until golden Brown. Serve with a side of Dill Pickle Dip and Lemon.

 

Dill Pickle Dip

 

2 Small Dill Pickles

2 T. Mayonnaise

1 T. Lemon Juice

1 T. Fresh Dill

Salt to taste

 

Dice the Pickles into small pieces then mix with the mayo, lemon juice, dill and salt.

Apple Core Syrup

Apple Core Syrup

Apple Core Syrup

 

Cores from 5 to 7 apples, no need to remove the seeds (peels if you have them)

1 C. granulated sugar

1/2 C. lightly packed light or dark brown sugar

 

To make the syrup: Place the cores (and peels, if using), the granulated sugar, and the brown sugar in a medium-size saucepan with 1 C. water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat, and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cores are softened and the syrup smells fragrant, 20 to 30 minutes.  Strain out the cores and return the syrup to the pan to keep it warm with the residual heat until you’re ready to eat. If you’d like it to be thicker, bring it back up to a boil, then reduce the heat, and allow the mixture to simmer until it is reduced and thickened to your liking.

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

Honey-Glazed Radishes and Turnips

2 T. margarine or butter

1 large shallot

1 1/2 lb. radishes

1 1/2 lb. small turnips

1 c. water

1/4 c. lower-sodium chicken broth

1 T. Honey

salt

pepper

2 tbsp. thinly sliced mint leaves

1 tbsp. finely chopped chives

 

In 12-inch skillet, melt margarine or butter on medium-high. Add shallot and cook 2 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. Add radishes and turnips; stir until well coated. Stir in water, broth, honey, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 15 minutes. Uncover and cook 7 to 10 minutes longer or until vegetables are glazed and most of liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in mint and chives. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with mint leaves.

Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

 

Chicken Breasts

Italian Seasoning

Salt/Pepper

Stuffing Ingredients

 

Cream of Chicken Soup (or healthier homemade version)

Sour Cream

Stuffing Mix- Such as Stove Top

Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Green Beans- Fresh or Frozen

 

Optional Stuffing Additions:

 

Onions

Celery

Dried Cranberries

Rosemary

 

Season the chicken. Place on the bottom of a lightly greased Crock Pot.  Combine the stuffing ingredients and place over or next to the chicken Add the vegetables.  Heat on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7. See below for tips on regulating the consistency of the stuffing according to your preference. Uncooked stuffing, green beans, and chicken breasts in a crock pot.

 

For Firmer Stuffing:  If you like your breadcrumbs still very much intact and firm, use more stuffing, up to 12 ounces. If your stuffing is too moist:  Leave the lid off for the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to let some of that moisture escape. You can also pop the stuffing in a 400º oven for 10-15 minutes to brown up the top.

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

2 1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3/4 C. (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp

1/4 C. cream cheese, at room temp

1/2 C. sugar

1 C. packed light brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, cream cheese, sugar, light brown sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture, beating to combine, then stir in the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 3 days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats. Drop 2- to 3-T. mounds of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing the mounds at least 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 2 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

 

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup Traditional Eggnog

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 egg

2 T. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Eggnog Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 T. Traditional Eggnog

 

Christmas Sprinkles to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375F and grease a donut pan with butter or oil. In a medium-large bowl combine the dry ingredients (whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt). In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut holes. Bake for 9-11 minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean and donuts are fully set. Wait about an hour to let the donuts fully cool to room temperature. Then, mix the powdered sugar with the eggnog to make the glaze. Dip donuts in the glaze and then add sprinkles. Eat immediately or store in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat!

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

Cranberry-Apple Pork Roast

 

1 14 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 ½ teaspoons grated orange zest

¼ cup orange juice

â…“ cup shallots

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 inch section of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, trimmed and patted dry

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons hot water

 

Stir together the first seven ingredients in the slow cooker. Season the pork roast all over with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Add the apples during the last hour of cooking. Place the pork on a carving board, tent it with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. While the pork rests, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve the pork slices with a spoonful of sauce and apples on top. Offer the remaining sauce on the side.

Pickled Pumpkin

Pickled Pumpkin

Pickled Pumpkin

 

1 lemon, zested

2 C. apple cider vinegar

2 C. sugar

1 cup water

1 inch peeled ginger, sliced thin

2 cinnamon sticks, broken

2 tsp. salt

5 C. peeled and cubed pumpkin

10 peppercorns

 

In a large pot, combine all ingredients except pumpkin and bring to a simmer to dissolve sugar. When sugar is dissolved add pumpkin and continue simmering until pumpkin is tender, about 15 minutes. When pumpkin is done cooking, ladle it into clean jars. Pour in hot brine to cover and put on lids. Once cool, tighten lids and refrigerate for at least a week (and up to three weeks). Pumpkin flavor and texture will improve over time

Smokey Top Sirloin

Smokey Top Sirloin

Smokey Top Sirloin

 

4 Carrots, cut into 1” pieces

1 Yellow Onion, chopped

½ lb. Russet Potatoes, chopped

1 ½ lb. boneless Beef Top Sirloin, trimmed

½ tsp. each Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika

1 C. Catsup

½ C. Beef Broth

1 T. fresh Lemon Juice

2 cloves Garlic, minced

 

Place first 3 ingredients in a lightly greased 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle steak with salt, pepper, and paprika; place on top of carrot mixture. Stir together ketchup and remaining ingredients. Spread sauce over steak. Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours or until steak is tender. Cut steak into 1-inch-thick slices; serve with carrot mixture and crescent rolls.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

 

1 1/2 lb (650g) chicken breast, cut into strips

1 1/2 lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered

1 T. olive oil

3 T. butter, divided

5 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

The marinade

1/4 C. soy sauce (or coconut amino if you’re strictly paleo)

1 T. olive oil

1 T. hot sauce (we used Sriracha)

Fresh cracked pepper

 

To make the garlic butter chicken with potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, pepper, and hot sauce. Set aside to marinate while you cook potatoes. Parboil the potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes. This will accelerate cooking time in the skillet and ensure a nice golden crust on the potatoes. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, mix 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter. When butter is melted, add drained potatoes. Cook potatoes for about 4 minutes, stir and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until potatoes are golden and fork-tender. Transfer sauteed potatoes to a plate and set aside. Keep the same skillet over medium heat and add remaining 2 T. butter, lay the chicken strips in one layer in the skillet, keeping the drained marinade for later. Add garlic and red chili pepper flakes to the chicken. Cook chicken strips on each side for 1 minute each until nicely browned – adjust timing depending on how you like your grilled chicken. Stir in the reserved marinade and cook with chicken until the marinade is cooked. Add the fresh herbs and give a quick stir. Then add the sauteed potatoes back to the pan and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

 

1 T. oil

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 C. frozen peas

1/2 C. carrot, peeled and sliced

1/4 C. onion, diced

2 C. cooked rice

1 C. cooked chicken, cubed

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. stir-fry sauce

1/4 tsp. garlic, minced

 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scramble eggs in oil. When eggs are set, remove from pan and chop. Lightly spray the same skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add peas, carrot and onion to skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add chopped scrambled eggs and remaining ingredients to vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through. Makes 4 servings.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

 

3 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 T. sweet paprika

1½ tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. ground coriander

½ tsp. ground allspice

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F.  In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, onion, and garlic. Add 2 T. of the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In a large bowl, combine the remaining 2 T. olive oil, the paprika, brown sugar, coriander, and allspice and stir to form a paste. Season each chicken thigh with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the spice paste and rub the paste into each piece to coat on all sides. Place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and nestle the zucchini and onion around the pieces. Bake for 30 to 3 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot.

Grilled Asparagus Toast with Charred Lemon and Fried Egg

Grilled Asparagus Toast with Charred Lemon and Fried Egg

Grilled Asparagus with Charred Lemon and Fried Egg

 

4 slices of rustic bread

1 bunch asparagus, ends removed

1 lemon, cut in half

4 ounces chévre (goat cheese)

4 eggs

1 pint fresh blackberries

 

Preheat grill to medium heat. Place lemon halves on the grill, flat side down. Grill for about 10 minutes, until caramelized. Meanwhile, lightly oil and season the bread and asparagus. Grill bread on both sides until toasted, and asparagus for about 7 minutes, until tender. Spread goat cheese on toast and set aside. In a small pan with a thin layer of oil, individually fry the eggs. Place the toast on four plates, top each with a quarter of the asparagus and one egg. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the top of each dish and sprinkle with salt and fresh blackberries.

Penelope Casa’s Garlic Green Beans (Judias Verdes con Ajo)

Penelope Casa’s Garlic Green Beans (Judias Verdes con Ajo)

Penelope Casa’s Garlic Green Beans (Judias Verdes con Ajo)

 

3/4 pound fresh green beans

1 T. butter

1 clove garlic, crushed

Coarse salt

 

Snap off the tops of the beans. Melt the butter in a skillet, add the beans, and cook them over a medium to medium-high flame, stirring, until they begin to brown. Lower the flame, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until the beans are the desired tenderness, stirring occasionally. Resist the temptation to add liquid. They’ll stew in their own juices, and their flavor will be completely undiluted. Mix in the crushed garlic, sprinkle with salt, and serve immediately.

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

 

1 1/2 – 2 lbs. (0.6 kg-1 kg) chicken thighs or chicken breasts

salt

ground black pepper

1 T. olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 oz. (170 g) Cremini or white mushrooms, stems trimmed

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup whipping cream or heavy whipping cream

1/4 tsp. salt or to taste

3 dashes cayenne pepper

1 T. lemon juice

1 T. chopped parsley

 

Wash and rinse the chicken thighs with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim off the excess skin and fat with a pair of kitchen scissors. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.  Creamy garlic mushroom chicken in an Instant Pot. Turn on the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. As soon as the pot is fully heated (to make sure the chicken doesn’t stick to the pot), add 1/2 T. of the olive oil. Pan sear the chicken thighs (skin side down first) until both sides turn nicely brown. (You may pan-fry the chicken on a regular skillet or non-stick skillet.) Discard the chicken fat from the instant pot by spooning it out. Add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic a little bit. Add the mushrooms, chicken broth, whipping cream, salt and cayenne pepper. Cover the pot and select Manual and set to High pressure for 10 minutes. When it beeps, turn to Quick Release. When the valve drops, remove the cover carefully, add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, stir to mix well. Turn to Sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce the sauce. Add more salt and lemon juice to suit your taste.  Creamy garlic mushroom chicken.  Serve immediately with some plain spaghetti.  Creamy garlic mushroom chicken.  If you use frozen chicken, increase the pressure cooking time by 10 minutes.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Savory. Sweet. Cheesy. Crispy. Goodness.

 

4 slices prosciutto di Parma

2 T. mayonnaise

4 slices sourdough bread

2 T. apricot jam

3/4 C. shredded Jarlsberg cheese

2 T. unsalted butter

 

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, lay the slices of prosciutto in the pan and cook, turning once, until frizzled and crisp, about 1 minute per side. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Flip over and spread the jam on the other sides. Divide the cheese on the jam sides of two slices of bread, top with the crispy prosciutto, and top with the remaining bread slices, jam-side down, to form two sandwiches. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Lay the sandwiches in the pan and cook, pressing down on them occasionally with a spatula and turning once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and cut each sandwich in half. Serve hot.

Pantry Pasta Spaghetti with White Beans, Harissa, and Dill

Pantry Pasta Spaghetti with White Beans, Harissa, and Dill

Pantry Pasta Spaghetti with White Beans, Harissa, and Dill

 

Kosher salt

12 ounces spaghetti

4 T. unsalted butter

1 shallot, thinly sliced

2 tsp. harissa paste

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup (packed) chopped fresh dill or other tender herb, such as flat-leaf parsley or mint, plus more for garnish

Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

 

Bring a large pot of very salty water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until just shy of al dente (you’ll finish cooking the pasta in a skillet). Meanwhile, in a large skillet set over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and golden, 5 to 6 minutes. (Resist any temptation to raise the heat, or the butter might burn.) Turn off the heat and stir in the harissa and beans. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with the herbs, 2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, and cook over medium heat, stirring the spaghetti almost constantly, until a silky sauce coats the noodles. If the skillet ever looks dry, add more of the reserved pasta cooking water, 1 T. at a time. Taste the spaghetti and add more salt if needed (depending on how salty your pasta water was, you could need up to a tsp. more). Serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with more herbs and, if you’re using it, the Parm.

Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Crema

Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Crema

Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Crema

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. balsamic vinegar

1 T. maple syrup

1  1/2 tsp. light soy sauce

Pinch red pepper flakes

6 Portobello mushroom caps, sliced into 1/3-inch slices

 

1 Hass avocado, pitted and peeled

1/4 C. Greek yogurt

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

1 ½ tsp. minced, seeded jalapeno chile

Juice of 1/2 lime

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed, for serving

 

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Add the mushroom slices and toss to coat; let sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.  Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom slices and cook, turning as needed, until they have released their moisture and are beginning to brown and shrink, 8 to 9 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.  To serve, pile some of the mushrooms onto the warmed tortillas and top with spoonfuls of avocado crema.  Note: To warm your tortillas, quickly grill over an open gas flame on its lowest setting for 30 to 40 seconds per side. Wrap in a towel to keep warm until serving.

Herbed Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Herbed Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Herbed Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

 

½ lb. mild soft goat cheese, softened

3 T. finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

3 tsp. minced fresh thyme

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

1 small shallot, minced

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Finely minced Garlic, optional

Salt and Pepper

 

Stir all ingredients together until smooth, add garlic, salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, process in food processor until smooth and creamy, if desired. Serve on toast or crackers, or your favorite vegetable.

Roast Pheasant

Roast Pheasant

Roast Pheasant

 

1/3 cup dry red wine

3 T. red wine or balsamic vinegar

2 T. shallots, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 T. granulated sugar

1 T. minced garlic

1 T. dry mustard

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh oregano

1 T.​ finely chopped fresh basil

1 T. finely chopped fresh marjoram

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the Pheasant:

 

1 (2- to 3-pound) whole pheasant, preferably farm-raised

1/4 tsp. salt, optional

1 small onion, halved

 

In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine wine (or water), vinegar, shallots, olive oil, sugar, garlic, dry mustard, oregano, basil, marjoram, 1 tsp. salt, and pepper until well mixed. Sprinkle salt in the inside cavity of the pheasant, if desired. Place the whole bird in the marinade, moving it around so the marinade reaches all parts of the bird. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 325 F. Remove the pheasant from marinade, but do not rinse it off. Place bird in a lidded roasting pan that is just slightly bigger than the bird. Place bird, breast-side up in the roasting pan. Place the halved onion in the cavity of the bird. Cover and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, baste bird and let it continue to roast for approximately 30 more minutes without the lid so it will brown. The pheasant is done when the thighs move easily and the juices run clear. Remove the pheasant and allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before carving and serving.  Serving Suggestions: As with most poultry, pheasant benefits from an accompaniment of a chutney such as pickled raisins when serving. You can serve your pheasant with side dishes such as roasted potatoes or rice pilaf and steamed or roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

1 pound (454 g) mixed wild mushrooms: porcini, chanterelle, morel, boletus, etc. (substitute with any selection of cultivated and/or wild mushrooms)

2 T. (30 ml) butter

3 T. (45 ml) olive oil, divided

1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped shallots

1 T. (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper

½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

4 toasted slices of rye bread

2 C. (480 ml) grated Fontina cheese (or substitute with mozzarella or old cheddar)

4 ounces (114 g) Italian lardo (from Valle d’Aosta, if possible), cut into thin strips

Italian parsley, chopped finely, for garnish

 

Clean mushrooms with damp cloth, trim woody ends of stems, and slice. Add butter and 1 T. (15 ml) of olive oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Add mushrooms, making sure the skillet is not overcrowded. Leave mushrooms to cook for 3-5 minutes or until bottoms are browned. Flip mushrooms and add shallots, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to skillet. Cook for another 7-10 minutes, flipping once. Once moisture has evaporated, add dry white wine to skillet and reduce by at least half. Add heavy cream and continue cooking, stirring periodically. Drizzle toast with remaining olive oil. Broil 1 side of bread until golden. Flip over. Divide grated Fontina between slices of toast. Add cheese and broil again until cheese is melted and golden. Remove toast from oven and top each piece with sautéed mushrooms and paper-thin slices of lardo. Garnish with finely chopped Italian parsley.

Raspberry Twist Smoothie

Raspberry Twist Smoothie

Raspberry Twist Smoothie

Creamy, frothy, and lightly sweet, this pretty in pink smoothie is a snap to put together and goes a long way to keeping you satisfied through the morning.

 

½ C. Frozen Raspberries

½ Banana, sliced, Frozen

Juice 1 small Orange

¼ C. Unsweetened Almond Milk

¼ C. Greek Yogurt

1 T. Almond Butter

1 C. Raw Spinach

 

Blend on high until smooth.