PNW – Page 5 – Kristen's Recipes

Roasted Green Beans with Beets, Feta, and Walnuts

April 21, 2017 Kristen

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
1 pound fresh beets, trimmed, peeled, and cut into thin wedges
1/2 C. sliced shallots (4 medium)
1/4 C. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. broken walnuts (or almonds or filberts)
1/2 C. crumbled feta cheese (2 oz.) (or chevre)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large roasting pan combine green beans, beets, and shallots. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Roast, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes or until beans and beets are tender, stirring once or twice and adding walnuts during the last 10 to 15 minutes of roasting. To serve, transfer roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Sprinkle with cheese.

Darkest Chocolate Crepe Cake

March 12, 2017 Kristen

3/4 C. (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus melted for pan
8 Oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1/3 C. sugar
1/2 Tsp. salt
2 1/2 C. whole milk, room temperature
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 T. pure vanilla extract

Bring 1/4 C. water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add butter, 1 piece at a time, whisking to combine after each addition. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate until completely melted. Set aside. Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla in another medium bowl. Gradually add milk mixture to flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Add chocolate-butter mixture, whisking until smooth. Pour through a fine sieve into an airtight container; discard lumps. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Lightly coat an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet with melted butter. Heat over medium heat until just starting to smoke. Remove pan from heat; pour about 2 T. batter into pan, swirling to cover bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low; return pan to heat. Cook, flipping once, until edges are golden and center is dry, about 30 seconds per side. Slide crepe onto a plate. Repeat process with remaining batter, coating pan with butter as needed. Crepes can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day. Place a crepe on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Spread with about 3 T. hazelnut filling. Top with another crepe. Continue layering with hazelnut filling and crepes, using about 32 crepes and ending with a crepe on top. Insert a plastic straw down the center of the cake to provide stability. Cut off any of the straw that sticks up above the top of the cake. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Spoon 1/2 C. glaze on top of the cake, spreading to edges. Spread remaining glaze around sides of cake, coating completely. Refrigerate until glaze is firm and set, about 20 minutes. Cake can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Garnish with toasted and candied hazelnuts.

Hazelnut Filling

2/3 C. heavy cream
6 large egg whites
1 2/3 C. sugar
1 3/4 C. (3 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, softened
1 Tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3 C. hazelnut cream, (available from Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoods.com)
1 salt

Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Refrigerate 1 hour. Whisk egg whites and sugar in the clean bowl of mixer set over a pan of simmering water until sugar has dissolved and mixture registers 160 degrees, 2 to 3 minutes. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the clean whisk attachment; beat on high speed until slightly cooled and stiff (but not dry) peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fit mixer with paddle attachment. With mixer on medium-low speed, add butter, several pieces at a time, mixing well after each addition (meringue will deflate slightly as butter is added). Add vanilla, hazelnut cream, and salt; mix until mixture comes together, 3 to 5 minutes. Fold in whipped cream with a rubber spatula. Use immediately.

Chocolate Glaze

1 1/4 C. heavy cream
1 T. light corn syrup
1 salt
10 Oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Bring cream, corn syrup, and salt to a boil in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium- medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; swirl pan to cover completely with cream. Let stand about 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let cool completely.

Candied Hazelnuts

9 hazelnuts, toasted and peeled
1 C. sugar

Thread each hazelnut onto tip of a long wooden skewer; set aside. Place a cutting board along the edge of a countertop; set a baking sheet on floor next to edge. Cook sugar and 1/4 C. water in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Continue to cook, without stirring, until syrup comes to a boil, washing down sides with a wet brush to prevent crystals from forming. Let boil until syrup turns light amber, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let stand until slightly cooled, 8 to 10 minutes. Dip 1 skewered hazelnut into syrup, coating completely and letting excess syrup drip back into pan. When dripping syrup becomes a thin string, secure end of skewer under cutting board, letting caramel string drip over edge onto sheet. Repeat with remaining hazelnuts. Let stand until caramel has hardened, about 5 minutes. Break strings to about 4 inches. Carefully remove skewers.

Leek and Lemon Thyme Tarts with Black Trumpet Mushrooms

February 27, 2017 Kristen

1/4 lb. black trumpets
1 T Oregano
1/2 C. Chèvre
1/4 C. Shallots
1 Leek
2 T. Parsley
1 slice bacon
White wine
Lemon
2 bulb garlic, minced
2 T. thyme
2 tart shells
Juice from 3 Lemons
1 bunch chives

First pre-heat your oven to 400, then cut off dirty ends of mushrooms and wash in several changes of water, lifting the mushrooms out of the water to let the grit fall to the bottom. I’ve found it impossible to get these mushrooms clean without washing. Now dry sauté your mushrooms. Cook them in a pan without any oil on medium heat to get rid of all that moisture. When the water is mostly gone, and before they start to burn, take them off the heat. Chop and start cooking your bacon (add a bit of extra fat if it needs it) while you slice your shallots and leeks thin and pick your herbs. Cut mushrooms into ½ inch pieces. Now sauté your veggies, mushrooms, and herbs until soft, add wine, lemon, salt and pepper to taste then remove to mixing bowl. Mix veggies with chèvre, taste again for seasoning (this recipe wants a good amount of lemon to counter the heavy bacon and cheese). Use a tablespoon to fill tart shells on wax paper lined sheet tray and cook for 15 minutes or until cheese and tarts begin to brown. Take out to cool, chop some chives for garnish, and you’re done!

Salmon Teriyaki Miso Soup with Udon and Spinach

February 24, 2017 Kristen

2 clumps of udon noodles
4 C. of dashi
6 shiitake mushrooms (sliced, I used 2 dried soaked in water for 20 minutes)
2 T. white miso
1 C. teriyaki salmon (cooked and flaked)
2 handfuls spinach
2 green onions (chopped)

Bring the dashi and mushrooms to a boil and simmer for a few minutes and turn off the heat. Add the udon noodles and cook as directed (frozen noodles only need ~7 minutes in boiling water). Mix the miso into a ladle full of the dashi and then pour it back into the dashi. Divide the salmon and spinach between 4 bowls and pour the noodles and broth in. Garnish with the green onions.

LTS: Meat Products

February 24, 2017 Kristen

Most Canned Meat Products will be good for 2-5 years. So don’t buy 100 cans of deviled ham (tuna/clams/salmon/roast beef/ et all) – unless you are going to be eating and rotating it.

Canned meat products are typically cooked for a long time and at a high temperature in order to can them safely. This can reduce the nutritional value of canned meat. However, it’s better than NO meat for those of us with no space to raise chickens or rabbits! Canned and Dried meats are also very high in sodium, required for preserving them. Eating them with beans (from dried) and rice can help balance the sodium for the meal as long as you don’t add additional salts while cooking your starches.

Summer Sausage
Many Dried Cured Salamis, such as LandJaeger, Sopresatta Salami; check out Molinari & Sons – dry cure products
Tillamook Country Smoker has a line of pepperoni/sausage vacuum packed with oxygen absorbers that last quite some time.
Jerkies – Beef, Game,
Canned Salmon & Tuna
Spam
Canned Chicken
Canned Clams
Canned Sardines / Anchovies
Canned Crab
Underwood Meat Spreads (Deviled Ham, roast beef spread, corned beef spread, chicken spread)
Vienna Sausages
Armor: Potted Meat, Dried Beef
Dak Canned Ham
Keystone Heat & Serve Meats (Pork, Turkey, Beef). I tried the pork. Add a bit of BBQ sauce and it makes an acceptable pulled pork sandwich.
Tyson Chunk While Chicken Pouches
Hormel Smoked Canned Ham
Roast Beef & Gravy
Shelf Stable Bacon – Costco has large pouches of bacon bits that are good at least 2 years, and are much better than “bacos”; these actually feel and taste like bacon.
Depending on your grocery, you might find “Sandwich Makers” – meats in 1-2 portion sizes (in plastic trays) with pulled pork, meatballs in sauce, or sloppy joes. Ranchers brand has canned stroganoff, meatballs or beef tips in gravy.

Aside from what you can get in your neighborhood grocery, there are meat options specifically designed for long storage, emergency preparedness, off the grid/camp cooking. Companies such as Yoder, Emergency Essentials, Mountain House, Wise Foods, Thrive, etc. offer canned meats (typically freeze dried), but prepare to pay through the nose. A #10 can of ground beef (equal to about 7 lb. cooked fresh hamburger) will set you back 60-70$ Sodium content is typically better on freeze dried products over canned.

Let me say – In my college days, I spent about 8 months working for Oregon Freeze Dried Foods (Mountain House is their own brand name; they also do government freeze drying and for private companies. They used to do nutria-system foods for instance). And I tried quite a few different types of their freeze dried foods. They really are quite tasty.

Roasted Cherries with Gorgonzola, Honey and Thyme

February 23, 2017 Kristen

Roasted Cherries with Gorgonzola, Honey and Thyme

1 lb (500 g) Bing or rainier cherries, pitted and halved

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

1/2 lb. (230 g) gorgonzola wedge

Wildflower honey

Fresh thyme leaves

Maldon salt

Preheat the oven to 4009F and prepare a small roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. Place the pitted cherries in the roasting pan. Drizzle the cherries lightly with olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Roast the cherries for 15-20 minutes, turning once with a wooden spoon until the cherries are soft, juicy, and caramelized. Let the cherries slightly cool before assembling; they can be quite hot and sticky! To assemble one bruschetta, slice a thick chunk of gorgonzola and smear it gently onto the toasted bread. Spoon the roasted cherries over the cheese. Drizzle a bit of honey on top, a sprinkle of thyme leaves, and finish with a pinch of Maldon salt.

Foraged Trumpet Mushrooms with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme

February 19, 2017 Kristen

4 T. clarified butter
8 large king trumpet mushrooms, sliced no thicker than 1/4 inch
2 cloves garlic, minced
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
Finely ground unrefined sea salt

Melt 2 T. the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute, then turn them over and cook the second sides for another 30 seconds, or until softened slightly and a bit brown at the edges. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving bowl. Add the remaining 2 T. butter to the pan, stir in the garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice and whisk until the mixture forms a uniform sauce. Stir in the thyme leaves, pour the sauce over the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.

Nettle Flan

January 27, 2017 Kristen

Softened butter for the ramekins or flan molds
½ to 1 lb. fresh young nettle leaves (depending on how much nettle you desire, I generally use about ¾ lb.)
4 large fresh farm eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 C. chopped chives
4 fresh sage leaves
1/3 C. grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
2 C. heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 275° F and place the rack in the center position. Butter six 8-oz. ceramic ramekins, glass custard C. or glass canning jars. Cook the nettle leaves in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle, then with your hands, squeeze out as much water as possible. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg together until blended. Combine the squeezed nettles, chives and sage in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the egg mixture and grated cheese and process until the mixture is extremely smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and process until thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds. Divide the nettle mixture among the prepared ramekins. Set the ramekins in a large baking dish so they don’t touch each other. Place the dish on the oven rack and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the centers are firm to the touch, about an hour. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the flans cool in the water for 10 minutes. Run a thin-bladed knife around the sides of the ramekins and invert the flans onto serving plates. Serve with a light tomato sauce or a simple green salad and a little grated or shaved cheese over the top if desired.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

January 27, 2017 Kristen

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

½ C. blanched hazelnuts

2 rhubarb stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal

2 T. sugar

1 T. Cointreau or fresh orange juice

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 pounds strawberries, hulled, quartered

¼ C. torn fresh mint leaves

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then chop. Meanwhile, toss rhubarb, sugar, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let sit until rhubarb is slightly softened and releases its juices, about 30 minutes. Toss with strawberries, mint, and hazelnuts.

Morel Mushrooms

January 26, 2017 Kristen

The easiest presentation for the washed and ready morels is just to slice them in half lengthwise and give them a sauté in some butter. Play around with some logical additions, such as:

•finely chopped onion, garlic, or shallots (sauté these in the pan first, then add the mushrooms)
•chopped parsley
•more butter!
•some white wine
•a touch of cream
•a bit of salt or soy sauce as desired.

Rosehip Butter

January 22, 2017 Kristen

Rosehip Butter

In the Pacific Northwest, wild Nootka roses (and several other wild roses) produce prolific amounts of rose hips. Pick the hips in late fall, once the evenings become cool. A touch of frost is even good for developing the best flavor of the butter

6 cups (1.5 L) water

12 cups (3 L) rosehips, washed and trimmed

4 cups (1 L) granulated sugar juice of

1 lemon

2 pouches (170 mL) liquid pectin (such as Bernardin)

Makes about 6 cups (1.5 L). Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high. Add the water and rosehips and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to soften the rosehips. Purée with an immersion blender or process in batches in a blender. Using a fine strainer, strain the juice from the purée into a bowl. Press the purée with the back of a ladle or spoon to extract all the juice from the rosehips. Measure the juice; you should have about 4 cups (1 L). Add juice to a clean heavy-bottomed saucepan and add an equal amount of sugar. Bring to a boil and add the lemon juice and pectin. Return to a boil, then remove from the heat, and skim off any foam. Ladle the hot liquid into a hot jar to within ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of top of the jar. Tap the jar to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the jar rim, removing any residue. Place a lid on the clean jar rim. Screw the band down until resistance is met, then increase to gently tighten. Return the filled jar to the rack in the canner. Repeat for remaining rosehip mixture. When all the liquid is used up and the jars are in the canner, make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover the canner and bring the water to a full, rolling boil, processing for a full 10 minutes. Turn the stove off, remove the canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove the jars without tilting, and place them upright on a cooling rack. Cool upright, undisturbed for at least a day. Check each jar for a good seal. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove the screw bands; wipe and dry the bands and jars. Store the screw bands separately or replace loosely on the jars, as desired. Label and store the jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use the rosehip butter within 1 year. Any jars that have not sealed properly should be stored in the refrigerator.

Fried Eggs with Ramps, Morels and Bacon

January 18, 2017 Kristen

Fried Eggs with Ramps, Morels and Bacon

4 ounces (100g) diced bacon

6 ounces morel mushrooms (about 3 cups; 160g), cleaned, trimmed, and cut in half lengthwise

2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, divided

6 ounces ramps (about a dozen ramps; 160g), root ends trimmed, white bottoms separated from green tops

1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) soy sauce

1 teaspoon (5ml) fresh juice from 1 lemon

1 tablespoon (15ml) canola oil

2 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 slices hearty buttered toast

Sliced fresh chives, to garnish

Heat bacon along with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water in a medium cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat, stirring, until water evaporates, bacon fat renders, and bacon is completely crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a bowl and set aside. Return skillet to medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add morels and cook, stirring and tossing frequently, until barely starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon (15g) butter and cook, stirring, until morels are nicely browned but not burnt, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Add ramps and cook, stirring and tossing frequently, until whites are browned and tender and greens are crisp in spots, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) water, soy sauce, lemon juice, and remaining tablespoon butter. Remove from heat and set aside. Heat canola oil in a medium nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook, occasionally using a spoon to baste hot oil over the whites to help them cook, until whites are set, edges are crisp, and yolk is still runny. Place a slice of toast on each of two plates. Top each with a fried egg. Return morel/ramp mixture to high heat and stir in bacon. Cook over high heat until liquid reduces to a creamy, emulsified sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon morels and ramps over and around fried eggs. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

Smoked Salmon with Avocado, Green Mango and Basil Sandwich

January 3, 2017 Kristen

Smoked Salmon with Avocado, Green Mango and Basil Sandwich

1 small unripe mango, peeled and julienned

Juice from 1/2 lime

Kosher salt

8 thin slices pullman white bread, or other firm-texture bread with a soft crust

1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced

Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced

12 to 16 basil leaves

In a bowl, lightly toss the mango in the lime juice and season with salt. Lightly toast the bread. Place the avocado on 4 slices of the bread and gently mash and spread with a fork. Drizzle the avocado with the oil and season with pepper. Top with the mango, smoked salmon and basil. Add the top slices, cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters, and serve. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Agave Chipotle Glazed Salmon with Macadamia Cauliflower Rice

December 23, 2016 Kristen

Agave Chipotle Glazed Salmon is the best of both worlds – sweet and savory! Tender salmon coated in a homemade sauce of agave, chipotle peppers, garlic and lime and served over low carb Macadamia Cauliflower Rice!

Glaze:
½ cup agave nectar
2½ tablespoons soy sauce
2 chipotles in adobo
¾ teaspoon chile powder
½ lime, juiced
Salmon:
1½ pound salmon fillet
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Macadamia Cauliflower Rice
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped
½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
Garnish:
Cilantro
Lime Wedges

Glaze: In a small blender, combine the agave nectar, soy sauce, chipotles, chile powder and salt. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Salmon: Spray a baking sheet with non stick cooking spray and place fillet on it. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Pour half of the glaze over the salmon. Preheat broiler on high. Place salmon on bottom rack so it is not too close to the broiler. Broil for 10 – 12 minutes or until flakey and cooked through. (Cooking time may depend on how thick your fillet is.)

Macadamia Cauliflower Rice: In a high powered blender or food processor, add the cauliflower florets and cover with water. Turn blender on medium, until cauliflower looks like rice. Drain and place cauliflower in a towel. Ring out as much water as possible. Place in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 8 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Season with the salt and garlic powder. Toss with macadamia nuts. Divide between 4 bowls.

When salmon is finished cooking, cut salmon into 4 fillets and place on top of cauliflower rice. Drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with cilantro and extra lime wedges.

Holiday Dungeness Crab Feast

December 1, 2016 Kristen

Start with garlic-and anchovy-laced bagna cauda for dipping raw veggies and crusty bread, followed by cracked crab and pasta in a homemade tomato sauce redolent of garlic and basil.

Juicy and briny-sweet, Dungeness is celebration food. Any evening that begins with crabcakes instantly feels festive and special. And cracked crab is great to eat with close friends and family or with people you’d like to get to know better ― because it requires rolling up your sleeves and diving in with both hands.

What could be more fun than that? Reach across the table for legs and claws and just a little more dipping sauce, dig out morsels of meat, and go for it.

Cracked Crab with Lemongrass, Black Pepper, and Basil

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, ends trimmed and coarse leave

s discarded
2 T. chopped fresh ginger
1 T. chopped garlic
1/4 C. honey
1/4 C. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 T. freshly ground black pepper
3 fully cooked Dungeness crabs (about 2 lbs. each), cleaned, legs cracked, and bodies quartered
3 T. peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 C. loosely packed cilantro sprigs
1 C. loosely packed Thai basil leaves or small regular basil leaves

Chop lemongrass. Put in a food processor with ginger and garlic; whirl until minced. Scrape into a large bowl and stir in honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Add crabs and stir to coat well. Cover, then chill at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour. Pour oil into a 14-in. wok or a wide 8- to 10-qt. pot over medium-high heat. With a slotted spoon, add crabs (reserve marinade). Cover and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes (omit this cooking time if using fully cooked crabs). Uncover pan, add marinade, and cook, stirring often, until crabs are steaming and meat is opaque, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and basil, then transfer crabs and juices to a serving bowl.

Ultimate Crabcakes

4 ounces sea scallops
2 T. lightly beaten egg
3 T. heavy whipping cream
1 pound (3 cups) shelled cooked crab
2 T. diced (1/4 in.) red bell pepper
2 T. diced (1/4 in.) yellow bell pepper
2 T. finely chopped cilantro
3 T. finely chopped chives, divided
2 tsp. green hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne
2 T. olive oil
Devil Sauce

In a food processor, pulse scallops and egg just until scallops are chopped. With motor running, pour in cream and whirl until smooth. Scrape scallop mixture into a bowl. Stir in crab, bell peppers, cilantro, 2 tbsp. chives, the hot sauce, salt, and cayenne, breaking up most large chunks of crab. Lay an 18-in. sheet of parchment paper on a work surface. Scoop 6 equal mounds of crab mixture onto parchment. Shape each into an even cake about 1 1/4 in. thick, using your fingers or, for neater sides, a 2 1/2-in.-diameter ring mold. Pour olive oil into a 12-in. nonstick frying pan and heat over medium-low heat. Using a thin, flexible spatula, carefully transfer cakes to pan. Cook, turning once, until nicely browned and no longer wet in center, about 10 minutes total. Divide crabcakes among 6 warm plates, scatter with remaining 1 tbsp. chives, and serve with Devil Sauce.
Devil Sauce

3/4 C. mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
About 1 tsp. red hot sauce, such as Tabasco

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, coriander, and 1 tsp. hot sauce. Taste and add more hot sauce if you like.

Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Sauce

October 12, 2016 Kristen

1/2 lb. wild mushrooms such as chanterelles or morels
1 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 shallots, chopped
1/2 C. red wine
1 C. rich beef stock
1 tsp. chopped rosemary
1/4 C. heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble
1 T. olive oil
4 (5-6 oz. ) beef tenderloin
1 T. cracked black pepper
salt to taste
4 oz. gorgonzola cheese

For the sauce, slice mushrooms and set aside. In a large sauté pan heat oil until very hot add mushrooms and sauté until tender about 3-4 minutes. Add shallots and garlic and sauté lightly. Add red wine and reduce by half. Add beef stock and reduce by half again about 4-5 minutes over medium heat. Add rosemary and cream and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce bit. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm while cooking the tenderloins. For the tenderloins, place oil in sauté pan and heat until smoking hot. While the oil is heating coat with pepper and season with salt. Place beef tenderloins in the pan. Sear each side until brown about 2-3 minutes. Finish in a 350 degree oven for about 4 more minutes for medium rare doneness. Place tenderloins on plates or platter and serve the mushroom sauce over the top of the steaks. Crumble the bleu cheese over the top of the steaks and serve hot.

Sheet Pan Supper: Spicy Orange Roasted Salmon & Bok Choy

September 5, 2016 Kristen

3 or 4 salmon fillets

Sauce:
1/2 cup orange marmalade (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. Sriracha
1 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 medium jalapeno, finely diced
1 Tbsp. shredded coconut

3-4 baby bok choy
2 orange slices, cut it half
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 450° F. with rack in centre of oven. Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Set aside. Dry salmon and place on baking sheet (skin side down, if your salmon has skin on). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cut bok choy in half lengthwise. Place your bok choy on the baking sheet, cut side down and alternating the direction on every second one (it’s ok if your bok choy overlaps a little, to make it all fit). Brush bok choy with olive oil and season with some salt and pepper. If using, add a couple of orange slices to the baking sheet as well. Place in pre-heated oven and roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine sauce ingredients in a microwave-proof bowl (or in a small saucepan). Set aside. Test salmon for done-ness (use a fork to see if it flakes). Thicker salmon cuts may need another 3-5 minutes. When salmon is almost done, place sauce in microwave for one minute. Stir to combine. Remove salmon, bok choy and orange slices to a serving platter. Spoon warm sauce over salmon and drizzle a bit on the bok choy as well, if you like.

Crispy Salmon Strips

July 27, 2016 Kristen

Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons low-fat (2%) milk
1/2 cup fine dried bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned salmon fillet, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces

Spray a nonstick 10- by 15-inch baking sheet with cooking spray. In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise and milk. In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, dill, salt, and lemon pepper. Dip each piece of salmon into mayonnaise mixture, turning to coat, then roll in bread-crumb mixture, turning to coat. Place pieces slightly apart on baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake on the top rack of a 475° oven until surface is browned and salmon is opaque but still moist-looking in the center (cut to test), 12 to 14 minutes.

Sheet Pan Supper: Roasted Arctic Char & Asparagus With Pistachio Gremolata

July 26, 2016 Kristen

This dish is as tasty as it is beautiful. Pink-fleshed Arctic char is closely related to both salmon and lake trout, with a flavor somewhere between the two. If you can’t find any Arctic char, substitute either trout or salmon. Gremolata sounds impressive, but it is just a simple Italian condiment of chopped parsley, garlic and lemon zest. Our version has some chopped pistachios, too, for an extra salty, crunchy bite. It brings a little zing to a straightforward meal of roasted fish and bright asparagus with sweet red onion and concentrated pops of cherry tomato.

1 bunch asparagus (roughly 1 pound total)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 skinless fillets Arctic char, salmon or trout (5 to 6 ounces each)
1/2 medium red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons
1/2 lemon, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup roasted, salted, and shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Heat the oven to 350 with a rack in the center position. Mist a sheet pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Gently bend one asparagus spear between your fingers and snap off the bottom where it breaks easily. Line up the rest of the bunch and slice off the bottoms at the same distance from the tips. Place the trimmed asparagus on the prepared pan, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Toss to coat, and spread the asparagus in an even layer. Place the fish fillets on top of the asparagus, evenly spaced apart, and sprinkle with an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Scatter the onion, lemon slices and cherry tomatoes around and on top of the fish. Bake until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the fish is almost opaque (20 to 30 minutes if using char, other types may vary). While the fish cooks, mix together the lemon zest, garlic, parsley and pistachios in a small bowl — this is your gremolata. Sprinkle the gremolata over the char and asparagus before serving warm.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Salmon with Fennel, Bell Pepper, and Olives

July 1, 2016 Kristen

1 navel orange
1 large bulb fennel, cored and sliced ¼” thick, 1/4 cup fronds reserved
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color is fine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 skinless salmon fillets (4 to 6 ounces each)
Salt and pepper
1/3 cup pitted black olives, quartered

Heat broiler, with rack 8 inches from heat. Grate 1 tablespoon orange zest, then cut orange into wedges. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss together orange zest and wedges, fennel, bell pepper, and oil and arrange in an even layer. Add salmon and season vegetables and salmon with salt and pepper. Broil until vegetables are browned in spots and salmon is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with olives and fennel fronds to serve.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Salmon Steaks With Swiss Chard, Asparagus, and Almond-Red Pepper Sauce

June 20, 2016 Kristen

¼ cup roasted almonds
¾ cup roasted red peppers
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ cup olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
2 salmon steaks (1 inch thick; about 2 pounds total)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 bunch Swiss chard, trimmed and sliced crosswise

Heat oven to 425° F with the racks in the upper and lower thirds. Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely chopped, 10 to 20 seconds. Add the red peppers, garlic, vinegar, paprika, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Pulse until a smooth sauce forms, 10 to 20 seconds. Season the salmon with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast on the bottom rack until opaque throughout, 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the asparagus, chard, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper on a separate large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange in an even layer. Roast on the top rack, tossing once, until crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Divide the salmon into 4 portions and serve with the chard and asparagus, topped with the almond–red pepper sauce.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Dijon Salmon and Asparagus

June 10, 2016 Kristen

1 Lemon, thinly sliced
1 Lemon, Zested and Juiced
1 ½ T. Plain Greek Yogurt
1 ½ T. Dijon Mustard
1 T. fresh Dill, chopped, plus additional for garnish if desired
Salt & Pepper
2 lb. Salmon Filet
1 lb. Thin Asparagus, ends trimmed
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 T. EVOO

Preheat oven to 450. Spread lemon slices around baking pan. In small bowl mix juice, zest, yogurt, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper and dill. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on baking sheet. Spread yogurt sauce over salmon evenly. In large bowl toss asparagus with garlic and oil, season with salt and pepper and then scatter on sheet around salmon. Bake 15-20 minutes, until desired doneness, checking on fish at the 10-12 minute mark. Remove from pan and serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill and additional lemon.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Salmon, Asparagus & Potatoes

June 8, 2016 Kristen

2 lb Little Potatoes or small Yellow Potatoes thoroughly scrubbed and quartered (I had combination of both)
1.5 lb salmon, cut into 4 portions
1 lb asparagus
2-3 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground mustard
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. ground ginger (*optional)
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 lemon slices
Garlic Mixture
4+ T. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

Either in the baking pan or in a ziplock bag combine potatoes, ¾ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the garlic/oil mixture. Toss together until thoroughly coated. Place on a parchment paper or foil lined baking pan and space evenly placing the potatoes cut side down. Place in a preheated to 450F oven.
Bake for about 20 minutes and flip the potatoes cut side up. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and almost but not quite done. Move all potatoes to one corner of the baking pan, making space for the salmon and asparagus. Add the salmon to the baking pan, spacing it about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with salt (about 1 tsp). Brush the top of the salmon with the oil/garlic mixture. Generously sprinkle with ground mustard (2 teaspoons), followed by a light sprinkle of paprika (1 teaspoon) and a very light sprinkle of ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon). Place a lemon slice on top of each piece. Now either on the spare side of the baking sheet or in a different bowl, toss the asparagus with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black ground pepper and the remainder of the garlic/oil mixture (about 1 tablespoon). If there isn’t enough of the garlic/oil mixture, give a light drizzle of regular olive oil. Place the baking sheet with potatoes, salmon & asparagus back in the 450F oven for another 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of your salmon, or until the salmon is cooked all the way through. At the end, the potatoes should be soft and cooked through, so should the salmon. The asparagus will be cooked with still a slight crispiness on the inside. Remove from the oven and serve as is on the baking sheet or transfer to a serving platter and serve hot

Sheet Pan Suppers: Parmesan Crusted Salmon and Roasted Broccoli

June 7, 2016 Kristen

1 1/4 lbs broccoli crowns, stems cut and reserved for another use, florets chopped into bite size pieces
2 1/2 T. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salmon
4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets
1 1/2 T. mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice (zest lemon first)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup slightly packed finely grated parmesan
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 T. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray. Place broccoli in a mound in center of baking sheet. Pour olive oil over broccoli along with garlic and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and spread near edges of baking sheet, leaving enough space in center to fit salmon fillets (note that if you like your broccoli more browned and roasted then let it roast for 5 minutes first then remove and spread to edges, this just gives it a head start. If you like it crisp tender and slightly roasted then no pre-roasting needed). Season bottom of salmon with salt and pepper and place salmon in center of baking sheet, leaving about 3/4-inch between fillets so they can evenly cook. In a mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic and brush about 1/2 T. over each fillet. Season top with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl whisk together parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest and thyme, then drizzle 1 1/2 T. olive oil into bowl and stir with a fork until evenly moistened. Spread parmesan mixture evenly over tops of salmon fillets. Bake in preheated oven until salmon fillets have cooked through, about 12 – 15 minutes (for a more golden crust you can broil during the last 1 – 2 minutes of baking if needed).

Sheet Pan Suppers: Garlic Roasted Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

May 30, 2016 Kristen

2 pounds brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
3 tablespoons Garlic Flavored Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 pounds salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 6 portions
1 tablespoon STAR Garlic Flavored Olive Oil
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 450F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine trimmed brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper; mix until well combined. Transfer brussels sprouts to previously prepared baking sheet; arrange in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. In the meantime, prepare the salmon. Drizzle salmon with olive oil. Evenly divide and press minced garlic on top of each fillet. Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Remove baking sheet from oven; move the brussels sprouts around, making 6 empty spots for the salmon fillets. Place salmon in empty spots and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through. Remove from oven; let stand 2 minutes and serve.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Roast Salmon and Broccoli with Chile-Caper Vinaigrette

May 26, 2016 Kristen

1 bunch Broccoli, about 1 ½ lb. Cut into Florets
4 T. EVOO, divided
Salt & Pepper
4 6oz. Salmon Fillets
1 Red Fresno Chili or Jalapeno, thinly sliced into rings, seeds removed
2 T. Unseasoned Rice Vinegar
2 T. Capers

Preheat oven to 400. Toss broccoli and 2 T oil on large rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp tender, 12-15 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven. Rub salmon with 1 T. oil, season. Push broccoli to edges and add salmon to center of pan. Roast until salmon is opaque throughout, about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chile, vinegar and a pinch of salt in a small bowl and sit until chiles are slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Mix in capers and remaining oil; season with salt and pepper. Serve salmon and broccoli drizzled with the chile vinaigrette.

Sheet Pan Supper: Teriyaki Salmon & Green Beans

May 16, 2016 Kristen

4-5 salmon filets, roughly about the same size
1 pound fresh green beans, stems removed
a few bunches of cherry tomatoes, vine still attached
1 lemon, sliced
4-6 cloves of fresh garlic
2 cups teriyaki marinade + ¼ cup for drizzling(I used Moore’s Marinade)
2 tablespoons ground ginger
½ cup pecan halves (optional)
salt (or garlic salt)
pepper

Combine 2 cups of teriyaki marinade with 2 tablespoons of ground ginger. Pour half over the green beans & the other half over the salmon (using large ziplock bags for this helps a lot with the marinating process, squeezing out any extra air). Place in the fridge to marinate for 30-45 minutes. On a large sheet pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray (you can line with tinfoil if you like). Remove the salmon & green beans from the marinade, and arrange on the pan. Spread the green beans out over the entirety of the pan first, then top with the salmon filets. Arrange lemon slices & a piece of garlic over top each salmon filet. Distribute the cherry tomato bundles over the pan & the pecans (if using). Drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup of teriyaki marinade. Sprinkle with salt (or garlic salt as I like using) & pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 17-20 minutes, turning the oven to broil the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a nice roasting color on the veggies.

5 Fast Sheet Pan Supper Ideas

May 14, 2016 Kristen

Salmon Fillet, drizzled with olive oil
Halved Tomatoes, topped with parmesan and parsley
Halved Zucchini, drizzled with olive oil

Bake 12-15 minutes at 425.
Pork Chops, brushed with Dijon, sprinkled with herbes de provence and salt and pepper
Parsnips, drizzled with olive oil, thyme and salt and pepper
Apples, seasoned with cinnamon and thyme

Bake 15-18 minutes at 425.

Chicken Drumsticks, brushed with teriyaki sauce
Broccoli Florets, drizzled with evoo, and seasoned with salt and pepper
Fingerling Potatoes, halved lengthwise, drizzled with evoo, and seasoned with salt and pepper

Bake 15 minutes at 425.
Large sliced of Keilbasa, cut on diagonal
Sauerkraut, placed in a dish made from foil
Fingerling Potatoes, halved Lengthwise, drizzled with EVOO and seasoned with salt and pepper

Bake 15-18 minutes at 425.

Chicken Thighs, brushed with BBQ Sauce
Thin Sweet Potato Wedges, drizzled with EVOO, salt and pepper
Halved Brussels Sprouts, salt and pepper

Bake 20 minutes at 425.

Sheet Pan Supper: Spanish Baked Salmon

May 3, 2016 Kristen

2 cups sourdough bread croutons (1-inch dice)
3/4 cup pitted green olives
3 red onions, cut into wedges
3 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 6 slices each
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sprinkle of kosher salt
Sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
5 tablespoons olive oil
Six 6-ounce fillets skinless salmon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put the croutons, olives, onions and peppers on a baking sheet. Add the smoked paprika, salt, pepper and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and toss until everything is evenly coated. Bake for 15 minutes. Rub the salmon with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and arrange it among the vegetables and croutons on the baking sheet. Bake until the salmon is cooked, another 10 to 12 minutes. Garnish with the parsley and serve.

Sheet Pan Supper: Smoked Salmon Egg Boats

April 30, 2016 Kristen

2 sourdough bâtard loaves or 4 sourdough demi baguettes
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (about 2 ounces)
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon
12 large eggs
1/2 cup crème fraîche (or sour cream in a pinch)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 scallions (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, cut a V-shaped section from the top of each bread loaf, stopping the knife about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the loaf. Remove the loose bread tops, and scoop out a bit of the inside, too, to form the boats. Discard the scooped bread (or save it to make homemade breadcrumbs). Place the boats on the prepared pan. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese and smoked salmon between the cavities of the boats. Whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, salt, pepper, and scallions in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the egg mixture into the boats, distributing it evenly between them. Scatter the capers atop the egg filling. Bake until the eggs are puffed and no longer jiggle when you shake the pan gently, 30 to 40 minutes. (If using demi baguettes, check for doneness around 20 minutes.) Let the boats cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle them with the fresh chives, slice into 8 pieces total, and serve warm.

More Egg Boat Fillings: Not into smoked salmon and capers? Try one of these other combinations to dress up your own perfect egg boat. Just place the ingredients in the bottom of the boat before adding the eggs.

Gruyère cheese + crumbled bacon + sautéed mushrooms
Feta cheese + halved cherry tomatoes + chives
Cheddar cheese + crumbled cooked sausage + chopped scallions

Sheet Pan Supper: Roast Salmon with Broccoli and Cauliflower

April 25, 2016 Kristen

1 T. olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
2-4 salmon fillets
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange broccoli and cauliflower florets on a sheet pan. Season with olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove sheet pan from oven and arrange salmon fillets in the centre of the pan. Season the salmon with olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked to your liking. Enjoy!

Grilled Salmon in Tomato Water

April 14, 2016 Kristen

Notes: The amount of water that tomatoes produce depends on how juicy they are; you may need to adjust the amount you start with. If using thawed frozen peas, omit cooking them; just add with the onions and cherry tomatoes in step 5. Serve the salmon in tomato water, topped with creamy mayonnaise blended with fresh basil and lemon juice; offer crusty bread alongside.

5 pounds ripe tomatoes, rinsed, cored, and quartered
About 1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces purple or white pearl onions (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup shelled fresh peas (from 1 lb. in pods) or thawed frozen petite peas
1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned salmon fillet, cut into four equal pieces
Pepper
3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (at room temperature), rinsed and stemmed

In a blender, working in batches if necessary, whirl tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Pour into a strainer lined with two layers of cheesecloth (four if it’s loosely woven) and set over a large bowl. Enclose nested containers in plastic wrap and chill, without stirring, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days to drain. Gather cloth edges and twist gently to squeeze out any remaining clear liquid, stopping when any red is released. Pour clear tomato water into a glass measure; you need 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Save red purée for other uses, such as pasta sauce. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring about 2 quarts water to a boil. Add pearl onions and cook just until barely tender when pierced, about 3 minutes. Lift out with a strainer or slotted spoon and rinse under cold running water until cool enough to handle. Trim root end from each onion and squeeze out of peel. Add peas to boiling water and cook until barely tender to bite, 2 to 3 minutes (see notes); drain. Rinse salmon and pat dry. Sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Lay pieces on a well-oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook, turning once, until barely opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 6 to 8 minutes total. Meanwhile, in a microwave oven on full power (100%), heat tomato water until steaming, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Set a piece of salmon in each of four wide, shallow bowls. Pour tomato water around fish and distribute onions, peas, and cherry tomatoes in water.

Miso Salmon Burgers with Ginger and Scallions

March 5, 2016 Kristen

3/4 lb. salmon fillet, with skin removed
3 scallions, sliced
1 T. miso paste
1 T. grated fresh ginger
1/3 C. panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add salmon, scallions, miso, and ginger to a food processor and pulse until combined (but still chunky). Stir in panko. Form salmon into cakes and place on an lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for four minutes on each side, until cakes are cooked through and beginning to brown. Serve with lettuce/tomato/avocado fixings on a bun, or just enjoy! Sometimes we just dip ours in our favorite miso dressing (such as Genji’s Original Miso Dressing).

Baked Polenta with Braised Wild Mushrooms

February 29, 2016 Kristen

2 leeks, minced
4-6 shallots, minced
8 tsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. yellow cornmeal (fine or medium granulation)
2 C. cold water
2 C. milk
1/2 C. + 1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 lb. total wild mushrooms (a variety — pleurottes, shiitakes, portobellos, cepes, chanterelles)
1/2-1 tsp. minced garlic (to taste)
1/4 C. Madeira wine
1 C. chicken stock
1/4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme, or a pinch of dried thyme
1/4 tsp. chopped fresh sage, or a pinch of dried sage

To make the polenta: In a large sauce pan or stock pot, sauté the leeks and shallots slowly in 2 tsp. butter (reserve the other 2 tsp. butter). When the leeks are soft and translucent, add the milk, 1 C. water, and 1/2 tsp. salt, and bring to a boil; while the milk is heating, combine in a bowl the remaining water and the cornmeal to make a very loose paste. When the milk boils, whisk in the cornmeal paste. Bring back to the boil, stirring rapidly to avoid lumps. Turn heat to low, and allow the polenta to simmer. Stir occasionally. After approximately 10 minutes, start to test the polenta by spooning a small amount onto a counter or plate. When cool, the polenta should be firm and set. Finish by stirring in 2 tsp. butter and 1/2 C. cheese. Pour into a lightly buttered mold or cake pan and allow to set. While the polenta is cooling, preheat the oven to 450°F. To make the braised mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms. In a sauté pan over medium heat, sauté garlic in 2 tsp. butter. Add mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms have become soft. Add Madeira and chicken stock, and cook until reduced to a light syrup; then add thyme and sage and finish with the remaining 2 tsp. butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, cut polenta into 8 equal pieces, place on a buttered baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 C. cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F. Serve polenta on warm plates, topped with the wild mushrooms. Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig.

Garlicky Mushroom Sauté

February 19, 2016 Kristen

2 pounds (1 kilo) mushrooms (chanterelles, shiitake, or even button mushrooms will work)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper

Under a thin stream of cold water, lightly wash mushrooms and remove their feet. Use a clean dish towel to dry the mushrooms, then cut them into uniform slices, about ¼ inch thick. Heat the olive oil on medium heat and sauté the onion and shallot until transparent, about 3–5 minutes. In the meantime, stir together garlic and parsley in a small bowl. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have given their juice and then the juice has been cooked off, 3–5 minutes. Add parsley and garlic and cook another 2–3 minutes, before the parsley begins to wilt. Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Barbecued Sugar-Spiced Salmon

January 18, 2016 Kristen

3 tablespoons olive oil
8 (6-ounce) salmon filets

Sugar Spice
(Makes enough Sugar Spice to coat 15 to 20 (6-ounce) salmon filets. Put leftover mix in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place)

1/2 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tablespoon Paprika
2 teaspoons Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup Chili Powder
4 tablespoons Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
3 tablespoons Kosher Salt

Liberally coat one side of each salmon filet with sugar-spice mixture. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear the filets for about 2 minutes, then turn over and finish cooking the filets to desired doneness.

Braised Chicken with Shallots and Mushrooms

January 2, 2016 Kristen

4 1/2 lb. assorted chicken pieces, preferably drumsticks and thighs
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 T. olive oil
6 to 8 shallots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bottle (750 ml) full-bodied white wine
3 T. small pieces dried mushrooms, such as chanterelle or porcini
2 cups chicken broth
2 T. coarsely chopped fresh tarragon
3/4 cup heavy cream
A few drops of fresh lemon juice (optional)
2 T. chopped fresh chives
1 to 2 T. chopped fresh chervil or flat-leaf parsley

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then rub with the olive oil. Heat a large, heavy fry pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the chicken, turning occasionally, until browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Pour off all but 1 T. of the fat from the pan and place over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Cook until reduced by half, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, broth and 1 T. of the tarragon. Pour the sauce into a deep roasting pan large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer. Arrange the chicken in the sauce. Transfer to the oven and roast until the chicken is opaque throughout, 35 to 40 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Roast until the edges of the chicken skin are crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a deep platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Skim the fat off the sauce. Place the pan over high heat, bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring, until reduced by about half, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the cream. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with the chives, chervil and the remaining 1 T. tarragon. Serve immediately.

Dukkah (Duqqa)

November 22, 2015 Kristen

An Egyptian condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables for an hors d’œuvre.

¾ red-earth-dukkah cup whole blanched almonds
¾ cup hazelnuts
½ cup (scant) coriander seeds
¼ cup cumin seeds
6 T. sesame seeds
Olive oil
Crusty bread slices

Bake nuts at 300º until golden, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Bake coriander and cumin on another small sheet until aromatic, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to processor; cool. Toast sesame on same sheet about 3 minutes; cool. Blend spice mixture and sesame in processor to coarse powder; transfer to medium bowl. Coarsely grind nuts in processor; mix into sesame-spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon oil onto plates. Dip bread into oil and dukkah.

Smoked Salmon Gougère with Smoked Salmon Butter

November 20, 2015 Kristen

Salmon Butter:

¾ pound smoked salmon
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon pepper
Puree salmon in processor. Blend in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Bring to room temperature before using.

Gougère:

1 cup water
1/3 cup butter, in pieces
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup flour
4 eggs
¼ pound smoked salmon, finely diced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon whipping cream

Bring water, butter, mustard, salt and cayenne to boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Mix until dough forms a ball. Place over medium heat and stir until dough is no longer sticky when pinched. Cool 5 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time until dough is smooth. Blend in salmon and Parmesan. Pipe in 1-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Beat egg with cream and glaze tops of puffs. Bake at 425º until puffed, golden and firm, about 25 minutes. Turn off heat and open oven door. Pierce each puff with sharp knife. Let stand in oven 10 minutes to dry. Cut off caps and reserve. Pull out any dough centers. Pipe salmon butter into puffs. Top with caviar if desired or replace caps. Garnish with dill sprigs. Makes about 48.

15 Ways to Doctor a Caesar Salad Kit

October 19, 2015 Kristen

1. Add canned anchovies and a poached egg to each serving.
2. Bake frozen popcorn chicken and scatter over the salad while it’s still hot.
3. Top each serving with a portion of grilled salmon.
4. Surround salad with halved cherry tomatoes and top with fresh basil.
5. Marinate chicken pieces in bottled Caesar dressing. Grill chicken and add to salad (use separate dressing, discard marinade).
6. Serve salad with pre-cooked shrimp and fresh mango.
7. Add grated lemon zest and 1 T. drained capers to the dressing.
8. Top with roasted asparagus and roasted red pepper strips.
9. Wrap raw shrimp with prosciutto; grill and arrange on top of salad.
10. Toss salad with diced cucumbers and pickled pepper strips; top with cleaned crabmeat.
11. Stir olive tapenade into the dressing.
12. Add 1 T. Dijon mustard to the dressing.
13. Fold a drained flaked can of tuna into the salad and garnish with oil-marinated green olives.
14. Toss salad with 3 C. of hot cooked penne pasta and pass extra grated Parmesan at the table.
15. Fold cubed avocado into the salad and season the dressing with a little chili powder and fresh lime juice.