Bruschetta  with Fresh Burrata, Seared Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic

Bruschetta  with Fresh Burrata, Seared Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic

Bruschetta  with Fresh Burrata, Seared Cherry Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic

 

1 head of garlic – large

1½ cup cherry tomatoes

5 slices prosciutto

⅔ cup olive oil

¼ cup kalamata olives

Italian herb seasoning – a small sprinkle

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 loaf rustic Italian bread

16 oz. burrata – or fresh mozzarella

basil  – for garnish

salt & pepper

 

Prepare the Bruschetta Topping: Preheat oven to 375 F., and peel a full head of garlic. Remove all of the cloves. Slice off the little ends, and slice the large cloves either in half or in thirds. You want them to be bitesize. Place the garlic in a small bowl with 3 tbsp. of olive oil and a liberal sprinkle of salt and pepper. Gently stir to fully coat garlic in oil. Create a flat “bowl” of foil on a baking sheet or Pyrex that’s large enough that the garlic can lay without overlapping, and all of the oil stays contained. Roast garlic for 20-25 minutes (watching it carefully after 15 minutes and removing when it’s golden brown). While the garlic roasts, place 1½ cups of cherry tomatoes in a pan with 2 tbsp. of olive oil on the hottest burner. Swish them around in the pan to ensure they’re coated in oil. Cover them with a lid. Turn the heat to medium-high, and allow them to cook for 7-8 minutes without stirring them in the pan, or moving them at all. Lift the lid periodically to allow steam to release. Once the tomatoes are done, unstick them from the pan with a spoon and let them sit in the pan until the garlic is ready. Once the garlic is golden brown, remove it from the oven and drain the oil into a bowl to save for later. You’ll use this garlic oil to dip your bread into before toasting. Add roasted garlic and ¼ cup of kalamata olives to the pan with 2 more tbsp. of olive oil, 1 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar and a small sprinkle of Italian herb seasoning. Turn the heat to medium and gently sauté the ingredients for 5 minutes, making sure not to break up the tomatoes. If you intend to serve the bruschetta cold, place the topping in a container and allow it to cool for 45 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.

 

Prepare the Prosciutto Roses: Remove a slice of prosciutto as carefully as you can from the package so it does not stick to other pieces. Use kitchen scissors to cut the piece into 4 smaller pieces. Fold each piece in half and roll each piece into a pretty rose. Do the same to another piece so you have 8 roses. Set aside.

 

Assemble the Bruschetta: Pre-heat your oven or toaster oven to 350 F., and slice bread into ½ inch slices. Add 2 more tbsp. of olive oil to the garlic oil you set aside and pour onto a plate. Dip each bread slice into the garlic oil. Toast breads for 15 to 20 minutes. Lay your garlic toasts down and add a very nice helping of burrata on the right side of each one. Spoon the tomato topping on the right side of the toast, making sure to get a little tomato, garlic and olives on each one. Top with a little prosciutto rose and basil and serve.

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Burritos

 

Laurel Special

 

4 Flour Tortillas

1 ½ C. Scrambled Eggs

24 Tater Tots, cooked

1 C. Cheese

 

Classic Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties cooked or 6 pieces bacon, cooked and diced

4 flour tortillas burrito size

1 C. cheese

1 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1 C. black beans drained and rinsed

24 Tater tots cooked

 

Cowboy Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties

4 Wheat tortillas burrito size

1 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1/4 C. black beans

1/4 C. sweet kernel corn

1/4 C. Pepper Mixture (cooked diced onions and peppers)

1/4 C. Bacon

1/2 C. cheese

24 Tater tots cooked

 

Extra Veggie Breakfast Burrito

 

4 Sausage Patties

4 Spinach tortillas burrito size

1/2 C. scrambled eggs already cooked

1/4 C. black beans

1/4 C. sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 C. Pepper Mixture (cooked diced onions and peppers)

1/4 C. spinach chopped

1/4 C. red bell pepper chopped

1/4 C. cheese

24 Tater Tots cooked

 

 

The Denver

 

6 Eggs

1 C. diced Smoked Ham

½ C. diced Onion

¼ C. diced Green Bells Pepper

4 Tortillas

1 C. Cheddar Cheese

Pinch Cayenne

 

Beat Eggs until Just combined; do not overbeat.  Melt butter in a skillet over high heat. Add ham, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle in a nice pinch of salt and a touch of pepper. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until onions start to soften and ham begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the eggs. Mix briefly with a spatula while shaking the pan to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed. Continue to scramble until cooked to desired consistency.  Divide egg filling among tortillas.  Sprinkle with cheese and a bit of cayenne.

 

 

Black Bean Mexicali

 

4 Tortillas

1 C. Scrambled Eggs

1 C. crumbled Cojita Cheese

 

Make hash with:

Frozen diced Hash Browns

Red Pepper

Onions

Black Beans

 

Add-ons:

Diced Green Chiles

Cumin

Garlic

Salsa

Cilantro

Corn

Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes

Mushrooms

Chives

Extra cheese, or different kinds of cheese.

Root veggies (roasted is best)

Artichoke hearts

Avocado

 

Serve with:

Salsa

Guacamole

Sour Cream

Salsa Verde

 

Assemble:  lay tortilla on foil.  Top with ingredients.  Fold into a burrito.  Wrap tightly with foil.

 

Freeze: To freeze, once burritos are wrapped and labeled, put in a freezer bag, and label with name and date. Freeze.

 

To Cook: From frozen, preheat oven to 350 degrees, and baked in foil for 25-30 minutes.

Fresh, preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through.

Caprese Stuffed Avocado

Caprese Stuffed Avocado

Caprese Stuffed Avocado

 

1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

4 oz (120g) baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

2 tablespoons basil pesto homemade or store bought)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to season

2 ripe avocados peeled, seeded and halved

Fresh basil leaves to serve (optional)

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze reduction to drizzle

2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

 

Combine tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pesto, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to evenly combine all of the flavors. Arrange prepared avocado halves onto a plate with fresh basil leaves.

Spoon the Caprese filling into each avocado halve and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Top with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.

 

4 servings

Calories:

Fat: 29g

Fiber: 6g

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

Game Day Crock Pot Sweet & Spicy Garlic Wings

3 lb. chicken wings

 

1 C. soy sauce

1/2 C. minced garlic

1/2 C. brown sugar

2 T. honey

2 T. Sriracha

 

Place wings single layer on a foil lined pan. Broil for 12 minutes, 4-5 inches from the heat source. Flip once. They should be slightly browned Drain fat Put in crock pot. Mix sauce ingredients Pour sauce over wings. Toss wings around. Cover with lid, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high 2.5- 3 hours

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

Raspberry Lemonade Bars

 

1/2 cup butter {softened}

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

zest 1/2 lemon

3/4 cup all purpose flour

3/4-1 cup fresh raspberries

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp seedless raspberry jam

1 tbsp lemon juice

zest 1/2 lemon

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare an 8×8 square pan by spraying it with non-stick spray {or lining it with parchment paper}.  In a large bowl combine butter, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, salt and zest.  You can mix it by hand but I used a hand mixer.  Add flour and mix until just combined.  Then add fresh raspberries and stir in by hand.  Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.  Bake for around 25 minutes or until edges are brown the middle is set.  Do not over bake, you want the texture to be like that of a brownie.  Let it cool.  While the lemon bars are cooling, combine the glaze ingredients and whisk them together.  Pour it over the cooled bars and spread out into an even layer over the top.  Let the glaze set up for at least 20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.  Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator in an air tight container.

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Sauce:

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 T. garlic minced

2 T. ginger paste

1 C. low sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. sriracha

1 1/2 C. water

1 C. brown sugar

¼ C. hoisin sauce

3 T. oyster sauce

½ tsp. black pepper

 

60 homestyle meatballs

1 C. green onions sliced

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

Instant Pot Directions: In a large bowl mix all sauce ingredients together and stir well. Add frozen meatballs to an instant pot liner and pour sauce over the top. Place lid on instant pot and lock into place, set valve to sealing. Cook on manual pressure for 10 minutes Quick release pressure Remove lid, and hit the “cancel” button, then hit the “sauté” button Cook on “sauté” mode, stirring regularly, to reduce the sauce, cook until it reaches desired thickness, 5-10 minutes Once desired thickness is reached for the sauce, remove from instant pot to serving dish, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions Serve immediately over cooked brown rice.

 

Slow Cooker Instructions: Add all sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.  Thaw pre-cooked meatballs, or partially thaw them. Or use fresh (raw) meatballs. Add meatballs to the slow cooker, and cover with a lid.  Cook on high 1.5 – 2 hours (for thawed cooked meatballs) or low for 4 hours. If using raw meatballs, increase cooking time to 2-3 hours on high and 5-6 hours on low.  If when cooking time is up, sauce has not reached desired thickness (unlikely), reduce sauce by cooking it over medium-high heat on a stove top.  When done cooking, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

Milk and Honey Baklava

Milk and Honey Baklava

Milk and Honey Baklava

1/2 C. unsalted butter, cubed (this can be a rough cube, ain’t got to be perfect)

BAKLAVA:

1 C. walnuts

1 1/2 C. shelled pistachios

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 pound phyllo

SYRUP:

3/4 C. sweetened condensed milk

1/4 C. boiling water

2 T. honey

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

 

I used a 9×13-inch/quarter baking sheet. You can also use a baking dish or even a round cake pan (but you’ll have to cut the phyllo dough to shape).

 

CLARIFIED BUTTER: In a small saucepan, set over medium-low heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted it will begin to bubble and the milk solids will rise to the top. Using a spoon, skim the top of the melted butter and discard the milk solids. Run the butter through a small sieve or a cheese cloth to remove any excess milk solids. We want to do this so the butter doesn’t burn in the oven. Set the warm butter to the side.

 

TO MAKE THE BAKLAVA: My phyllo dough came in a 1 pound box. I used a pair of scissors and cut my phyllo dough in half (1/2 pound). (I saved the other half in the freezer for another time.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a food processor, add the walnuts, pistachios, cinnamon and salt. Pulse until very ground, about 1 minute. Next, grab a clean kitchen towel and dampen it, being sure to wring out any excess water. Place it over the thawed phyllo dough as you assemble the baklava. (Phyllo dough tends to dry out very quickly and assembling the baklava takes a bit of time. The damp kitchen towel will help with this.) Brush the first sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter and transfer it, buttered-side down, into the baking dish. Add a tsp. or two of the walnut mixture. Repeat by buttering a sheet of phyllo dough and then spreading a T. or two of walnut mixture. Continue until you’ve worked through the phyllo dough/filling. Using a sharp knife, slice the baklava into 1-inch diamonds or squares. Transfer to the oven to bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown and crisp.

 

TO MAKE THE SYRUP: While the baklava is baking, let’s make the syrup! In a measuring C., whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, hot water, honey and vanilla extract. When the baklava comes out of the oven, drizzle the syrup on top. Allow it to sit for 1-3 hours so it has a chance to marinate! Serve.

Olive Oil Fried Eggs with Kale

Olive Oil Fried Eggs with Kale

Olive Oil Fried Eggs with Kale

Olive oil

1 large bunch of kale, leaves removed from stems and chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled and diced

2 green onions, trimmed and sliced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

Juice from 1/4 lemon

 

2-3 T. olive oil

2 large eggs

 

1 dollop of harissa, for garnish on the side

Toast, for serving

 

In a medium pan or pot, set over medium heat, add few tsp. of olive oil. When warm, add the kale, garlic, green onions, crushed red pepper and a few pinches of salt. Give it a stir and cook until wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Continue cooking until softened. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to your liking. Turn the flame to very low and cover the pan or pot.  In a small skillet (I used a non-stick), set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Crack the first egg into a small bowl (I find it easier to add it to the pan this way). When the oil is hot, slowly pour the egg into the pan. Fry the egg for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the egg white edges are lacy and crispy and the egg yolks has set. Gently transfer to a bed of paper towels and repeat with the second egg.  Divide the kale amongst the two plates and top with the fried eggs. Garnish with the dollop of harissa and add toast to plates. For heat, try adding some aji verde (Peruvian green sauce).

Fancy Apple Gruyere Tart with Caramelized Onions & Pancetta

Fancy Apple Gruyere Tart with Caramelized Onions & Pancetta

Fancy Apple Gruyere Tart with Caramelized Onions & Pancetta

1 yellow onion, sliced (or you can use store-bought caramelized onions or onion jam)

2 ounces pancetta, cooked until crispy

Flour, for rolling out the puff pastry

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, defrosted in the fridge

1/4 C. creme fraiche

1 tsp. orange zest

1/2 apple, I used fancy pearl apples but honey crisp, gala or pink lady would be great, cut into sliced

3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed

3/4 C. shredded Gruyere cheese

1 beaten large egg, for egg wash

1/2 C. arugula microgreens or just regular arugula, for topping

1 tsp. olive oil

Salt

 

Do a bit of prep by caramelizing the onions, in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, about 30 minutes. You could also buy caramelized onions or onion jam. Cook up the pancetta in a small skillet until crispy and evenly browned. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly flour your work surface. Unfold the puff pastry (mine was a rectangle, yours might be a circle!) and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s a bit thinner in height. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using a knife, score a 1/2-inch perimeter onto the puff pastry, all the way around. Poke a bunch of holes in the center, too. Add the creme fraiche mixture to the center and smother all around until there’s an even layer. Add the apple slices, caramelized onions, thyme leaves, Gruyere and pancetta. Brush the edges with the egg wash. Transfer the tart to the freezer for 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. While the tart is in the oven, toss the arugula with a tsp. of olive oil and a few pinches of salt. Top the tart with the arugula once it comes out of the oven. Slice up and serve!

Classic Icebox Cake

Classic Icebox Cake

Classic Icebox Cake

3 C. heavy cream

4 T. sugar

1 T. vanilla extract

2 (9-ounce) packages Nabisco’s chocolate wafer cookies

Unsweetened cocoa (or chocolate shavings)

 

In a large bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed until soft to medium peaks form. On a flat serving plate, arrange 7 cookies side by side in a circle, keeping 1 cookie in the center.  Spread with 1/2 C. whipped cream, making a 7-inch circle. Repeat with remaining cookies and cream, making 11 layers of cookies and ending with a layer of cream (there will be a few cookies left over). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. To serve, dust top lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings

Lemon Upside Down Cake Loaf

Lemon Upside Down Cake Loaf

Lemon Upside Down Cake Loaf

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp. fine-grain sea salt

4 ounces 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 white granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 T. lemon zest, from 1 lemon

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

3/4 C. buttermilk

 

3 T. unsalted butter

2 T. dark brown sugar

1/4 tsp. fine-grain sea salt

1 lemon, thinly sliced

 

Butter a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment, butter once more and dust with a T. of flour. Set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Next, in a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, lemon zest and vanilla; and then mix until the mixture is smooth. To the butter and sugar mixture, mix in half of the flour mixture and the buttermilk. Then, mix in the remaining flour mixture, being sure not to over mix. In a small skillet, melt the 3 T. of butter over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the butter begins to brown and then mix in the brown sugar and salt; stir until the sugar begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and let stand for a few minutes to cool slightly. Pour the butter/mixture into the loaf pan, spreading it around evenly. Arrange the lemon slices atop, keeping in mind how it’ll look when you flip the cake over.  Pour the batter over the lemons and spread the batter gently so it’s nice and even. Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. To invert the cake, place a cooling rack on top of the loaf pan and turn both of them over; lift up the loaf pan, take off the parchment and voila! Your cake! Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before slicing.

Smoked Gouda Black Pepper Biscuits with Spiral Sliced Ham

Smoked Gouda Black Pepper Biscuits with Spiral Sliced Ham

Smoked Gouda Black Pepper Biscuits with Spiral Sliced Ham

2 C. All Purpose Flour

1 T. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 sticks, 6 ounces Unsalted Butter, cold

1 C. Specially Selected Smoked Gouda, grated

 

1/2 C. Whole Milk

1 large Cage Free Egg

 

1 large egg

1 T. milk, or 1 T. water

 

 

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a box grater, grate the butter into the flour mixture. Transfer the bowl to the freezer while you gather the wet ingredients, about 5-7 minutes.  Measure out the milk and add the egg; whisk until combined. In a small bowl, make the egg wash, whisking together the egg and milk.  Grab the bowl out of the freezer, and gently break up the butter and combine with the flour, using your hands, until it resembles small peas. Add in the gouda cheese and toss to combine thoroughly. Add the buttermilk mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Mix until barely combined; and lightly knead the dough until it forms into one solid mass.

Sprinkle your kitchen counter with flour and dump the dough onto it. Press the dough into a 3/4-inch thickness. Form it into a rectangle and cut biscuits. You should end up with about 6 biscuits. Transfer them to the baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake until fluffy and lightly golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes.  To assemble the biscuit sandwiches, slice the biscuit in half. Smear one side with a bit of mustard, top with a slice of ham, add some glaze and add the other half of the biscuit. Repeat until you’ve built all of the biscuit sandwiches.

Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue

Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue

Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue

 

1 clove garlic (peeled and halved)

½ C. fruity white wine

1 tsp. lemon juice

½ tsp. Dijon mustard

½ pound Jarlsberg cheese (grated)

¼ pound fontina cheese (grated)

bread cubes, sliced fruit or boiled baby potatoes (as needed for dipping)

 

Generously rub the insides of a medium saucepan with the garlic clove; discard remnants. Place the pan over medium heat. Whisk in the wine, lemon juice, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cheese 1 C. at a time stirring after each incorporation with a wooden spoon until smooth. Pour into a fondue pot set over a heat source or set the saucepan on a trivet. Serve immediately with the bread, fruit and/or potatoes.

Cheddar Bread with Bacon and Sage

Cheddar Bread with Bacon and Sage

Cheddar Bread with Bacon and Sage

 

1 T. olive oil

4 slice thick cut bacon (sliced crosswise into ½‑inch strips)

1 ¼ C. all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

3 ounce English white cheddar cheese (cut into ½‑inch dice)

1 large egg

1 C. whole milk (plus more if needed)

1 T. loosely packed minced fresh sage leaves

 

Set the oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 3 C. loaf pan or ovenproof terrine mold. Line with parchment overhanging both long sides by about 2 inches. Grease the parchment and set aside. Place the oil and bacon into a 10 to 12-inch cast iron or heavy bottom non-stick skillet, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until crisp on the edges but still chewy, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne. Add cheese, bacon, egg, milk, and sage; stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. You may need up to an additional 2 T. milk to achieve a consistency that remains thick but falls from the spoon when tested. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. It should come to the rim for best browning. Tap the pan a few times flatly on the counter to release any trapped air. Bake until slightly puffed and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes depending on size and shape of pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out very clean and nearly dry. Remove the bread from pan and allow it to cool at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve alone, with butter or jam, or as the base for a savory appetizer. I suggest spicy, sautéed shrimp.  Try at breakfast with a poached egg.

Sautéed Green Beans with Pancetta

Sautéed Green Beans with Pancetta

Sautéed Green Beans with Pancetta

1 T. olive oil

4 ounce pancetta, cut into ¼ inch dice

1 T. unsalted butter

1 C. thinly sliced leek (white and pale green parts only, well washed)

2 clove garlic (peeled and minced)

1 pound green beans (stem end trimmed)

1 tsp. fresh lemon zest

1 tsp. fresh orange zest

3 T. toasted pine nuts

2 T. chopped parsley

kosher salt (for seasoning)

freshly cracked black pepper (for seasoning)

 

Heat oil in large cast iron or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add pancetta and sauté, stirring frequently to brown all sides, until crisp and lightly golden. Use a slotted spoon to move the browned pieces to a paper towel to drain. Leave the fat in the pan. Add 1 T. of butter to the pan, raise the heat to medium-high. Add leek and garlic then sauté until slightly softened, about 1 minute. Add green beans and sauté until tender crisp, 3–4 minutes more. Add lemon and orange zest, toasted pine nuts and parsley; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season to taste with and salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Blackened Flatiron ‘Croutons’

Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Blackened Flatiron ‘Croutons’

Steakhouse Wedge Salad with Blackened Flatiron ‘Croutons’

1 ½ T. smoked paprika

1 T. garlic powder

1 T. onion powder

1 T. dried thyme leaves

1 tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper (plus more for seasoning)

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

1 small shallot (minced)

3/4 C. sour cream (or more as needed)

½ C. buttermilk (or more as needed)

1 T. white wine vinegar

1 C. crumbled blue cheese (divided)

1 pinch kosher salt (as needed for seasoning)

1 flat iron steak (about 2 plus pounds) marinated if you like

¼ C. olive oil (divided)

1 head iceberg lettuce

1 C. grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)

½ C. thinly sliced red onions

½ C. thinly sliced radish

¼ C. minced chives

 

Make the spice mixture: Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a bowl until evenly mixed. Can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Make the dressing: Whisk shallot, sour cream, buttermilk, and white wine vinegar in a small bowl; fold in ½ C. crumbled blue cheese. Adjust consistency with more sour cream or buttermilk, if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store covered and chilled. Blacken the steak: Cut the steak into 1‑inch cubes. Set aside at room temperature. Place the spice mixture in a shallow bowl. Coat the cubes of steak in the mixture. Set aside in a single layer. Place a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 T. oil and let it get quite hot, almost smoking. Once the oil in the pan is hot (it should shimmer) add a few chunks of steak to the pan. Do not crowd them, work in batches. Quickly blacken the meat on all sides, turning often. Cook each one about 2 minutes total for medium rare. Move them to a paper towel lined plate to drain as they finish. Continue cooking the meat in batches until it is all blackened. You will need to refresh the oil once or twice during the process. Let it become hot again before continuing. Assemble the salad: Peel a few of the outer layers away from the head of iceberg lettuce. You should be left with a tight, compact ball about 7‑inches in diameter. Locate the stem end and cut through it to form 4 equal-sized wedges. Place each wedge on a serving plate with several blackened flatiron ‘croutons’ scattered around each wedge. Divide the tomatoes, onions and radishes between each plate; drizzle the salads with a few T. dressing. Garnish with remaining blue cheese and chives. Season with more black pepper if you like.

Rutabaga Homefries with Chilies, Mint & Maple

Rutabaga Homefries with Chilies, Mint & Maple

Rutabaga Homefries with Chilies, Mint & Maple

1/4 C. olive oil

3 lb. rutabaga, peeled & cut into 3/4‑inch dice

4 clv garlic, thinly sliced

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

3 T. red wine vinegar

3 T. maple syrup

1 pinch kosher salt, to taste

3 T. fresh mint, chopped

 

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, until very hot and nearly smoking. Add the rutabaga dice, and cook stirring often, until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.  Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar and maple syrup. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally until the liquid is reduced to a syrup, about 1 minute. Season with salt. Remove from heat, toss with mint and serve.

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

 

2 ½ C. flour

Dash salt

2 sticks butter, softened

½ C. sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

12 mini-candy canes

 

Sift flour and salt into a bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter with an electric mixer. Slowly add sugar; beat until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add yolks and vanilla; beat until smooth. Slowly add flour mixture; beat until dough comes together. Wrap in foil; chill 1 hour. Meanwhile, put candy canes in a zip-close bag and crush them. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough 1-inch thick, press out shapes, and place on cookie sheets. Press candy pieces on top. Bake 10 minutes, or until just golden. Remove from sheet; cool.

 

Yield:  48 servings

Calories:  73

Fat:  4g

Fiber: 0g

Slow Cooker Cocoa

Slow Cooker Cocoa

Slow Cooker Cocoa

2 C. Whipping Cream

6 C. Milk

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 – 1 ½ C. Semi Sweet Chips

 

Optional: ¼ C. baking cocoa

Optional: ¼ C. Sugar

 

Combine all ingredients except marshmallows in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook, covered, until everything is melted, stirring occasionally, 2 – 2 ½ hours on LOW. Stir well after heated and melted.  Taste.  Adjust sweetness with cocoa or sugar if desired, cook 30 additional minutes, and stir well before serving.  Optional: Ten minutes before serving, add marshmallows and let them get melty.  Garnish with more mini marshmallows, if desired.

Christmas Tree Squares

Christmas Tree Squares

Christmas Tree Squares

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

11 T. (about 2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 C. granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 T. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

 

8 T. unsalted butter, softened

1 tsp. almond extract

pinch salt

4 C. confectioners’ sugar

3 to 4 T. milk

red and green food coloring

 

To prepare the dough. Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Scoop mixture into a 10″ x 15″ baking pan coated with cooking spray, then spread to an even thickness. Place into the oven and bake until set, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and set pan on a wire rack to cool completely. To prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, almond extract and salt until smooth. Mix in confectioners’ sugar. Gradually add enough milk until you get a spreadable consistency. Scoop out 1/2 C. frosting and set aside. Spread remaining frosting over the cooled slab of baked bars. Slice into 24 bars. Tint half of reserved frosting with red coloring and the other half with green. Pipe a tree design in center of each square, alternating colors every other bar.

Cinnamon Cardinal Cookies

Cinnamon Cardinal Cookies

Cinnamon Cardinal Cookies

½ C. butter, softened

½ C. packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 C.  all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon or cardamom

1/3 C. whipping cream

48 miniature chocolate chips

Red, black and yellow decorator sugar crystals

 

In large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy; stir in vanilla. In small bowl, stir together flour, soda and cinnamon. On low speed, beat flour mixture into butter mixture alternately with cream. Divide dough in half. Wrap halves in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray or grease 2 large cookie sheets. On lightly floured surface, roll half of dough at a time about 1/8 inch thick. Using 3-inch lightly floured cardinal-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place on cookie sheets. Place miniature chocolate chip on each for eye. Sprinkle top of back, crown, tail and wing of each bird with red sugar crystals, neck and eye with black sugar crystals, and beak with yellow sugar crystals. Leave bottom breast of bird without sugar. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown and set.

Ombre Sugar Cookie Bars

Ombre Sugar Cookie Bars

Ombre Sugar Cookie Bars

 

1/2 C. Butter, softened

1/2 C. sugar

1 large Egg

1 T. milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/4 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

 

2 1/4 C. powdered sugar

3/4 C. Butter, softened

1/8 tsp. salt

1 to 2 T. Heavy Whipping Cream

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Green food color

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 1/2 C. butter, sugar, and egg in bowl. Beat at medium speed, until creamy. Add milk and 2 tsp. vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Add flour and baking powder; beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.  Spread into bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake 23-26 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely. Combine powdered sugar, 3/4 C. butter, and 1/8 tsp. salt in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Add whipping cream and 2 tsp. vanilla; continue beating until smooth. Divide frosting in half. Tint one-half with 30 drops green food color. Divide remaining white frosting in half again. Tint one-half with 6 drops green food color. Leave remaining frosting white. Dollop white frosting into center of cookie. Dollop light green frosting around white. Dollop dark green frosting around light green. Using offset spatula, carefully spread frosting in a circular motion to create ombre pattern, wiping off spatula every time it’s lifted off cookie.  Cut cookie into 12 wedges to create Christmas trees.

Baby Polar Bear Shortbread Cookies

Baby Polar Bear Shortbread Cookies

Baby Polar Bear Shortbread Cookies

1 C. butter, softened

¾ C. granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

2 ¼ C. Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

 

1 C. powdered sugar

3 to 5 teaspoons milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla

 

¾ C. grated white chocolate baking bar (about 1 oz from 4-oz package)

76 white vanilla baking chips, tips cut off (about 1/4 cup)

76 mini semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 teaspoons)

19 small round chocolate-covered creamy mints, cut in half

1 pouch (7 oz) Betty Crocker™ Cookie Icing chocolate icing

 

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt; beat until blended. Beat in flour gradually on low speed until soft dough forms. Shape dough into ball. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 38 circles, gently pressing together and rerolling scraps as necessary. Onto ungreased cookie sheets, place circles 2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just beginning to brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely before decorating. In small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons milk and the vanilla until blended. If necessary, stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and desired consistency. To Decorate Cookies: Using knife, spread icing over cookies in thin layer. For each cookie, immediately sprinkle about 3/4 teaspoon white chocolate evenly over icing. Press into icing 2 vanilla baking chips, cut side down, for ears, 2 chocolate chips for eyes and 1 mint, cut side down, for nose. Using chocolate icing, pipe mouth.

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

1 C. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large egg white

3 T. Kahlua

4 C. pecan halves

 

Preheat oven to 325F. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and Kahlua. Add pecans and stir well to combine. Sprinkle half the sugar mixture on top and mix well. Pour the rest of the sugar on top and stir until completely combined. Scoop the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with foil and coated with nonstick spray. Spread the pecans to an even single layer. Bake until pecans are lightly toasted and browned, stirring every 10 minutes, about 20 to 25 minutes total. Remove from the oven and scoop the hot pecans onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely.

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

Easy Pre-Cooked Egg Cups

 

For Turkey Spinach Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

6 slices roasted turkey breast lunch meat (Applegate)

1 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach

6 eggs

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

For Sweet Potato Chive Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

1 small sweet potato

6 eggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

 

For Ham and Cheddar Egg Cups

 

Cooking spray

6 slices ham lunch meat (Applegate)

6 eggs

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

For Caprese Egg Cups

 

1 cup sundried tomatoes

Boiling water

6 eggs

6 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped (or use pearl-size balls)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

 

For Turkey Spinach Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Line each of one of the sprayed cups with one slice of the turkey breast. Divide the chopped spinach evenly between each cup, pressing down to pack in. Carefully break an egg into each cup—it’s okay if a little bit spills out of the turkey “bowl.” In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Sweet Potato Chive Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Using the large holes in a box grater, grate the entire sweet potato (you should get about 1 1/2 cups of grated sweet potato). Scoop 1/4 cup of grated sweet potato into the bottom of each greased muffin cup. Press down to form a crust. Carefully break an egg into each cup. Evenly divide the chives over top of each cup. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Ham and Cheddar Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Line each of one of the sprayed cups with one slice of the ham. Carefully break an egg into each cup. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Sprinkle cheese evenly over cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon.

 

For Caprese Egg Cups: Preheat oven to 350°F. Liberally spray six cups of a regular size muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside. If using dried tomatoes: Place the sundried tomatoes in a small bowl and cover with boiling water to reconstitute. Set aside for 10 minutes, then drain, squeeze out excess water with a clean kitchen towel, and chop roughly. If using oil-packed tomatoes: Drain from oil and chop roughly.

Divide the sundried tomatoes between the six greased muffin cups. Carefully break an egg into each cup. Then top with 1 ounce of fresh mozzarella each. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the egg cups. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes (for a soft yolk), or 12-15 minutes (for a hard yolk). Let cool for 10 minutes in the muffin tin, then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cups and lift them out with a spoon. Sprinkle cups immediately with fresh basil.

Braised Fennel with Cannellini and Bacon

Braised Fennel with Cannellini and Bacon

Braised Fennel with Cannellini and Bacon

8 slice bacon, sliced cross wise into ½ pieces

1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into ¼‑inch-thick slices (about 3 cups)

1 medium red onion, trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into ¼‑inch-thick slices (about 2 cups)

1 can (15 ½ ounces) white beans

1 chicken broth

2 teaspoon coarsely chopped fresh oregano, plus whole leaves for garnish

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

 

Heat a large heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until almost crisp. Using a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Discard all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Add fennel and onion to the same pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and edges are brown, about 10 minutes.  Add beans, stock, chopped oregano, red pepper flakes, 1‑teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced by about half, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in vinegar and butter; remove from heat. Garnish with oregano leaves. Serve as a side dish or over toast as a rustic meal.

IQS Breakfast Casserole

IQS Breakfast Casserole

IQS Breakfast Casserole

coconut oil or butter for greasing

3 turnips, peeled (or 2 rutabagas or 1 large sweet potato)

2 sausages or a large handful of ground pork or beef

3 scallions, green parts only, chopped

4 eggs, beaten

½ C. shredded Cheddar or Gruyere

 

Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a small glass or ceramic baking dish. Grate the turnips, using a food processor. if you have one. If using sausages, remove the meat and discard the casings. Brown the meat with a little oil in a large hot frying pan until not quite cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Toss in the rest of the ingredients and stir, then spoon into the baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake for 45 minutes. Let it stand for a few minutes so the casserole sets before you cut into it. Serve warm.

Chickpea Crepe / Omelet

Chickpea Crepe / Omelet

Chickpea Crepe / Omelet

 

1 C. chickpea flour

2 T. ground flax seeds

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 C. water

 

Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Set aside and let sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare a filling.  Spray a 10-inch non-stick pan generously with cooking spray and heat the pan on medium-high heat. Spoon a ladleful of the omelet batter into the pan, using your other hand to swirl the pan in a circular motion, so the batter spreads out evenly on the pan. Let cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Add your filling to the omelet, then fold in half over the filling..

 

(Pictured filling is sautéed garlic and shallots, wilted spinach and fresh shelled peas)

Chia Omelet

Chia Omelet

IQS Chia Omelet

I stumbled upon this idea when making an omelet where I’d put in too much milk by accident. I added chia seeds to soak up the liquid (I do the same with casseroles and soups…a few tsp. get everything nice and thick again).

 

1 tsp. olive oil

2 eggs

1 tsp. chia seeds

Basil and oven roasted tomatoes

sea salt and black pepper to taste

 

Beat eggs for one minute then add chia seeds. Warm olive oil in omelet pan. Pour mixture in and swirl until thinly covered. Cook on medium heat and then fold. Remove from pan and serve with basil and tomato. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

2 C. zucchini, unpeeled & grated

1 tsp. fine grain sea salt

2 1/2 C. ricotta cheese

1/2 C. freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

2 shallots, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 C. fresh dill, chopped

zest of one lemon

2 large eggs, well beaten

1/3 C. goat cheese, crumbled

drizzle of olive oil

Preheat oven to 170C degrees. Butter/oil a 7-inch springform pan.

 

In a strainer, toss the grated zucchini with the salt and let sit for ten minutes. Now aggressively squeeze and press out as much moisture as you can. Set aside. Combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, shallots, garlic, dill and lemon zest. Stir in the eggs and mix. Now stir in the zucchini. Fill the pan with the mixture and place on a baking sheet and in the oven and for sixty minutes. Sprinkle with the goat cheese and return to the oven for another 20 -30 minutes or until the goat cheese is melted and the cake barely jiggles in the center (it will set up more as it cools). Let cool five minutes, then release the cake from its pan. Serve at room temperature drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a few sprigs of dill.

Malassadas | Portuguese Doughnuts

Malassadas | Portuguese Doughnuts

Malassadas | Portuguese Doughnuts

1/2 C. whole milk

2 T. unsalted butter (1 oz), plus more for the bowl

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp. or 1/4 ounce)

1/3 C. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar

2 T. warm water, 110°F (43°C)

3 large eggs

3 1/2 C. all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface

Nonstick cooking spray

Vegetable oil, for frying

 

1 C. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

 

Make the doughnuts | malassadas: Heat the milk, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it just begins to steam and form bubbles around the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool until lukewarm. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in the warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the remaining 1/3 C. sugar and the eggs on medium-high until thick and luscious looking, about 5 minutes. Switch to the dough hook, add the milk mixture, the yeast mixture, and the flour, and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, about 7 minutes, adding more flour if needed. The dough should be just slightly tacky but not sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, shape into a ball, and place in a lightly buttered large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until double in size, about 2 hours. Lightly coat a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and turn the dough onto the pan. Press and poke it with your fingers, much like making focaccia, to help stretch it until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly coat the top of the dough with cooking spray, loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest at room temperature until double in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Make the cinnamon sugar: Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Fry the doughnuts | malassadas: Fill a medium saucepan with 3 inches of oil and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C) on a deep-fry or candy or instant-read thermometer. Monitor the heat to keep a steady temperature. Using scissors or your hands, cut or pull a 2-to-3-inch piece of dough from the baking sheet and stretch it into a 4-to-5-inch circle, then lower it into the oil and fry, turning frequently, just until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, depending on the size. Drain the doughnut on paper towels for 30 seconds and then toss in the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough. Devour warm.

Baked Ham and Cheese Savory Custard

Baked Ham and Cheese Savory Custard

Baked Ham and Cheese Savory Custard

3 eggs

1 C. milk

1 C. heavy whipping cream

Freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Salt

About 5 1/2 T. butter, softened (or less if you melt the butter first)

1 loaf white bread, crusts removed and cut into 1/2 thick slices

8 ounces thinly sliced ham

1 2/3 C. grated fontina, pecorino or something similar

2/3 C. crated parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease an ovenproof dish.  Whisk the eggs in a bowl and then add the cream and milk along with the nutmeg and a bit of salt.  Dip half of the bread slices in the melted butter and arrange them on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly, so that the dish is completely covered.  Pour on half of the egg/milk mixture and allow to sit for 5 minutes of so to give the bread a chance to soak up the milky goodness.  Next, add a layer of half of the ham and top with a layer of half the cheese.  Repeat the process with one more layer of bread, milk, ham and cheese.  Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crusty.  When finished, allow the custard to cool a bit before serving.

Gâteau Breton with Raspberry Jam

Gâteau Breton with Raspberry Jam

Gâteau Breton with Raspberry Jam

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

2 C. superfine sugar (process granulated until it is finer but NOT powdered sugar)

5 T. unsalted butter cut into small pieces and then held out of the refrigerator to soften.

5 large egg yolks

Zest of 1 orange

Several spoonfuls of your favorite jam, I didn’t measure how much I used, since this part wasn’t in the recipe. I just put some good dollops on the first layer and spread it around.

 

Preheat the oven to 325F. Butter or spray a 9 or 10″ tart/cake pan with a removable bottom and set aside. Put the flour, sugar, butter, egg yolks and orange zest into a large bowl and work all of the ingredients together with your fingers until the mixture is blended and start to hold together in a sticky dough. Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough into the prepared cake pan. Spread several good dollops of jam on top of the dough in an even layer. Carefully press the remaining half of the dough on top of the jam, making sure it reaches to the edges. Just press in small-ish pieces of dough as you go, like you’re patching it together. Don’t just dump the dough in the center and try to press it out, or you’ll get a jammy mess. Bake for 35 minutes until it is a golden-brown color and the sides start to release from the pan. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the bottom from the pan. Serve the same day it’s made.

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

 

2 to 3 5- to 7-inch fresh nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) with thorns removed or 1 7 1/4-ounce can natural cactus in salt water, drained

Salt

4 strips bacon, diced

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 to 1 tsp. ground New Mexican red chili or chili powder

4 to 6 eggs

Ground pepper (optional)

 

Rinse fresh nopales well under cold running water and examine carefully to make sure all tiny thorns have been removed.  Trim around the edges with scissors to remove the base of thorns.  Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove a thin layer of peel.  Rinse again, cut into thin strips, and simmer in lightly salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender.  Rinse and drain.  If using canned nopales, rinse and drain. Cook bacon until crisp in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Add onion and chili to the drippings in skillet.  Sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.  Stir in reserved cactus strips and bacon.  Sauté briefly.  Break desired number of eggs on top of cactus mixture.  Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until whites are set and yolks are cooked to taste.  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, if desired.

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

 

potatoes (cut into bite sized pieces)

olive oil

lemon (juice and zest)

oregano

salt and pepper

 

Toss the potatoes in the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Bake the potatoes in a preheated 350F/180C oven until tender, about an hour.

Fennel Gratin

Fennel Gratin

Fennel Gratin

2 pounds fennel bulbs (about 3-4 bulbs), fronds and stems removed and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices

1 T. oil

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C. mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 C. panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)

1/2 C. parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated

2 tsp. thyme, chopped

1 T. oil

 

Boil the fennel in water until tender, about 5-6 minutes and drain. Toss the fennel in the olive oil along with the salt and pepper and place it into a baking dish. Sprinkle on the mozzarella. Mix the bread crumbs, parmesan, thyme and oil and sprinkle on top. Bake in a preheated 375F/190C oven, covered for 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Breakfast Lettuce Cups

Breakfast Lettuce Cups

Breakfast Lettuce Cups

1 lb. breakfast sausage

4 large eggs plus one egg yolk

Salt and pepper

3 green onions thinly sliced

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

1 head Butter lettuce

 

In a small skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until lightly browned, breaking up in small bits. Remove sausage from skillet, leaving a little of the rendered fat in the skillet. Whisk eggs and yolk together and pour into skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly, cooking the eggs until cooked through and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Remove eggs from skillet. Spoon the sausage, eggs, green onions and diced sun-dried tomatoes into washed and dried butter lettuce leaves. Enjoy

California Raisin Bacon Brussels Sprouts

California Raisin Bacon Brussels Sprouts

California Raisin Bacon Brussels Sprouts

1 Pound Brussels sprouts

3 slices hickory smoked bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 C. California raisins

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Red pepper flakes; for garnish

 

Wash, trim and quarter Brussels sprouts; arrange in microwave-safe container with 1 T. water. Cover, and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp; remove with slotted spoon to drain on paper towels; set aside. Reserve 1 T. drippings in skillet; add onion and cook over medium heat until tender. Then, stir in cooked Brussels sprouts, raisins, salt and pepper; toss to combine and continue to cook just until heated through. Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces on top. Turn into large serving dish; garnish with cooked bacon pieces and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, as desired.

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

1 acorn squash, washed, cut in half, scooped and cut into 1/2 inch thick crescents

1 T. oil

1/4 tsp. thyme, finely chopped

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 C. parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated

 

Toss the acorn squash crescents in the oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, lay in a single layer in a greased baking sheet and sprinkle on the parmesan cheese. Roast in a preheated 400F/200C oven until the squash is tender and the cheese has melted, about 15-20 minutes.

 

Option: Use a garlic infused oil or add 1/4 tsp. garlic powder to the seasoning.

Option: Add lemon zest to the seasoning or hit the squash with a splash of lemon juice after roasting!

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 51

Fat: 2g

Fiber: .8g

Raisin-Apple Stuffed Squash

Raisin-Apple Stuffed Squash

Raisin-Apple Stuffed Squash

1 acorn squash

21/2 T. maple syrup

2/3 C. cooked rice

1/2 tart apple; peeled, cored and diced

3/4 C. California golden raisins

2 tsp. chopped pecans

11/2 T. chopped onion

1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

1 tsp. melted butter

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Maple syrup, as needed

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Set aside. In large bowl, mix maple syrup, rice, apple, raisins, pecans, onion, parsley, butter and cinnamon together well. Divide and spoon into cavity of squash, mounding as needed to use all the filling. Arrange on baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake 1 hour, or until tender. Drizzle with additional maple syrup. Divide and serve hot.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories 160

Fat: 1.5g

Fiber: 3g