Sweet Cherry Lemonade

Sweet Cherry Lemonade

Sweet Cherry Lemonade

 

1 pound pitted fresh or frozen Bing cherries

3/4 C. sugar

1 C. water

 

1 1/2 C. sugar

8 C. cold water, divided

1 1/2 C. freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 10 lemons

2 lemons, thinly sliced and seeded, for garnish

 

Combine the cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing against the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Pour into a bottle and chill well before using. Combine the sugar and 1 C. of the water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Add the lemon juice and the remaining 7 C. water to the cooled sugar water and mix well. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, until well chilled. Serve the chilled lemonade over ice in tall glasses. Invite guests to sweeten it to their liking with the Sweet Cherry Syrup.

Simply Delicious Apple Pork Chops

Simply Delicious Apple Pork Chops

Simply Delicious Apple Pork Chops

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 pork chops (1/2 inch thick)

1/2 teaspoon salt

Ground black pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup apple juice

2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (I use Granny Smith apples)

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in large skillet. Brown the pork chops on both sides. Place chops in a baking dish just large enough so they do not overlap and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, apple juice, and apples. Give them a toss together. Pour the mixture over the chops. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Sweet Pea Shoot Salad

Sweet Pea Shoot Salad

Sweet Pea Shoot Salad

1 tsp. sherry vinegar

1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 pinch sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound sweet pea tendrils, washed and dried, thick stems discarded

2 carrots, peeled and shaved into thin ribbons with a mandoline or horizontal vegetable peeler

6 radishes (such as French breakfast or icicle), thinly sliced

1/2 Vidalia or other sweet onion, thinly sliced

 

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until a light emulsion has formed. In a large serving bowl, combine the tendrils, carrots, radishes, and onion. Drizzle in just enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the vegetables and tendrils and serve.

LTS Broccoli Cheese Soup

LTS Broccoli Cheese Soup

LTS Broccoli Cheese Soup

 

6-8 cups water

2 cups instant potatoes

2 cubes chicken bouillon

2 tablespoons dried onions

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 cup freeze-dried cheese (or cheese sauce mix + 1/2 cup water, blended)

1 cup dehydrated broccoli (reconstituted with 1 cup water)

salt and pepper to taste

 

In a large pot, heat water until hot and then add potatoes, stirring briskly. Turn heat down to medium and add the onions, chicken bouillon, parsley and cheese, mixing well. Add the broccoli with the water and stir in. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Correct consistency with more water and seasonings if necessary.

Herbed Cucumber Bites

Herbed Cucumber Bites

Herbed Cucumber Bites

 

1 C. soft goat cheese

3 T. chopped marjoram

1 T. freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

2 peeled cucumbers, sliced crosswise into 1-inch rounds (about 8 rounds per cucumber)

12 radishes, each cut into 4 slices

16 fresh herb tips (oregano, marjoram, savory, or thyme)

 

In a small bowl, combine cheese, marjoram, and lime juice. To assemble bites, spread 2 tsp. of the cheese mixture on a cucumber. Arrange 3 slices of radish over cheese. Spread 1 tsp. of cheese on top of a radish slice and top with an herb tip. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Pan Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce

Pan Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce

Pan Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce

 

6 T. olive oil

2 T. orange juice plus 1 T. zest

1 T. lime juice

1 small shallot – finely chopped

1 T. chopped Lemon Verbena or Cilantro

â…› tsp. chili flakes or aleppo chili pepper

2–4 portions of scallops or fish (try to find large “dry” scallops)

1–2 T. olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Optional- 2-4 portions Green beans or substitute asparagus

 

In a small bowl, mix dressing ingredients together and set aside. If steaming green beans, set them inside a steamer basket inside a pot, with a little water. Bring to a boil, cover, steam 2 – 3 minutes, or until bright green and just tender. Uncover. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until smoking. Season the oil with salt and pepper. Add the patted dry scallops (or fish) and sear for 1-2 minutes until golden. Turn over. If cooking a thick piece of fish, finish in a warm oven. Spoon flavorful dressing over the scallops and green beans.

Pink Petals Jam

Pink Petals Jam

Pink Petals Jam

1 C. clove pink petals or rose petals

1 C. sliced, peeled fresh apricots or peaches

3/4 C. freshly squeezed orange juice

1 T. grated lemon zest

1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp. crushed coriander seeds, optional

2 1/2 C. sugar

2 tsp. pure almond extract

 

In a large canning kettle or pot, arrange three 1-cup canning jars on a rack. Add water to 1 inch over the tops of the jars. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat off and keep the pot covered until jam is ready to fill the jars. I11 a shallow pan, pour boiling water over flat metal lids and set aside until jam is ready. In a canning kettle or Maslin pan, combine pink petals, apricots, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, and coriander if using. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the sugar, 1 C. at a time, stirring to dissolve before adding the next cup. Boil, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thick and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes or until it reaches the jelly stage (212°F) on a candy thermometer. Skim off and discard any foam, remove the pan from the heat, and stir in almond extract. Fill hot jars, one at a time, leaving a Vi-inch headspace. Run a thin non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar to allow air to escape. Add more hot jam, if necessary, to leave the 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rim. top the jar with a flat lid, and screw on a metal ring. Return the filled jar to the hot water in the canning kettle and continue to fill jars until all are filled. Cover the C. aiming kettle and return the water to a full rolling boil. Boil jars for 10 minutes, keeping the water vigorously boiling the entire time. Turn the heat off and wait for 5 minutes before removing the canning lid and the jars to a towel or rack to cool completely. Check seals, label, and store jam in a cool place for up to 1 year.

Lemon-Butter Sauce with Chervil

Lemon-Butter Sauce with Chervil

Lemon-Butter Sauce with Chervil

Juice of ½ lemon (about ¼ cup)

4 T. cold butter, cut into 8 pieces

3 T. minced fresh chervil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

In a small saucepan, heat lemon juice to boiling. Quickly whisk in cold butter, one piece at a time, creating a fully emulsified sauce. When you’ve added all the butter, you should have a rather thin and creamy sauce. Whisk in chervil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over poached white fish, sautéed chicken breasts, steamed prawns or crunchy zucchini matchsticks. Note: Chervil-Chive Butter: To make a spreadable herb butter, simply beat fresh, chopped chervil and chives into soft butter, then chill.

Cherry Anise Jam

Cherry Anise Jam

Cherry Anise Jam

4½ lb. pitted cherries

2 lb. sugar

4 star anise

¼ tsp. (or to your taste)

2 juiced lemons

 

Mix ingredients in a sauce pan Cover and cook on low heat for 1 – 1½ hours (or until desired consistency).

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters

1 head cauliflower or a 16 oz. bag of frozen cauliflower

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 C. parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1 C. bread crumbs panko or Italian, I used panko

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning optional

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper more of less to taste

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic or onion powder

olive or canola oil

 

Cut cauliflower into florets and cook in boiling water until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, then process the cauliflower in the food processor until it become the texture of rice. This can also be done using a knife. Combine the minced cauliflower, cheeses, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Heat skillet to medium/high heat. Coat with oil (about 1/2 inch) Form cauliflower mixture into patties about 3 inches across. Cook until golden brown & set, about 3-4 minutes per side. Enjoy with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce!

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ C. of your favorite BBQ sauce

¼ C. pineapple juice

1 head broccoli, cut into florets

1 orange or red pepper, sliced

6 radishes, halved

1 small pineapple, cut into rings or chunks

¼ C. olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper

1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced

Juice of 1 lime

1-2 tsp. honey, to taste

¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice. On a rimmed baking sheet, combine the chicken and half of the BBQ sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, radishes, and pineapple and toss with 2 T. olive oil and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Arrange everything in an even layer and then transfer to the oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies tender. Meanwhile, make a Honey Lime Vinaigrette: combine the remaining 2 T. olive oil, jalapeno, lime juice, honey, cilantro, and a pinch of both salt and pepper To serve, top the chicken with the Honey Lime Vinaigrette. Serve with rice.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 T. olive oil

3 T. unsalted butter, divided

1 1/2 T. minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)

2 T. finely chopped fresh parsley

 

Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Dab chicken on all sides dry with paper towels. Sprinkle flour, Italian seasoning, and desired amount of salt and pepper (I use about 1 scant tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper) over chicken. Toss well to evenly coat (all flour should stick to chicken and not be left behind on cutting board, keep tossing if needed). Add 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter to skillet, butter should melt quickly. Tilt pan to evenly coat. Add chicken in an even layer, work to leave some space between pieces so they’ll brown rather than steam.  Let cook until nicely golden brown on bottom, about 3 minutes then flip to opposite side and cook 2 minutes longer, or until nearly cooked through. Add remaining 2 T. butter in small pieces, along with garlic and parsley. Cook 1 minute longer (chicken should be 165 in center and no longer be pink).  Serve right away.

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

4 ounces soba noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti

1 1/2 T. white miso

1 T. mirin

1 T. rice vinegar

1 T. canola oil

1/2 tsp. minced ginger

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 pound dry sea scallops

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 C. sliced scallions (3 to 4 scallions)

 

Put a large saucepan of water on to boil. Cook noodles, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a medium bowl.  Meanwhile, whisk miso, mirin, vinegar, canola oil, ginger and garlic in a small bowl. Add scallops and stir gently to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes (scallops will begin to break down if marinated longer). Using a slotted spoon, remove the scallops, reserving the marinade for the sauce.  Heat olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the reserved marinade to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until brown, about 30 seconds. Pour the sauce over the noodles, add scallions and toss to coat. Top with the scallops and serve immediately.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 430

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 1g

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

Bruschetta with Tuscan White Beans

 

1 T. + 2 tsp. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. crumbled dried sage

Pinch of salt

Pinch of ground red pepper

1 C. cooked cannellini beans

1/2 C. canned diced tomatoes in juice

20 thinly sliced rounds whole wheat baguette, toasted, or whole wheat crackers

 

In a nonstick skillet, combine the oil, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the beans and tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes, mashing occasionally with a fork, or until thickened. Spread the mixture on the baguette slices or crackers. Serve right away. The bean topping can be prepared and refrigerated several days in advance of serving. Reheat in a microwaveable dish for about 2 minutes on high power before spreading on the toast or crackers.

 

Yield: 10 servings

Calories: 84

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 1g

Chicken Cilantro Lime Soup

Chicken Cilantro Lime Soup

Chicken Cilantro Lime Soup

2 T. olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. chili powder

2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

5 C. canned low-salt chicken broth

1 C. fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 C. chopped seeded tomatoes

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro sprigs, tied together with kitchen string.

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 C. fresh lime juice

Sour cream

 

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add chili powder; stir 1 minute. Add chicken; stir 2 minutes. Add broth, corn, tomatoes and 1/2 bunch cilantro sprigs to saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Discard cilantro sprigs. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill. Bring to simmer before continuing.) Add chopped cilantro and lime juice to soup. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sour cream.

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams

 

4 ounces orange juice

1 ounce half and half

1/2 ounce sugar, or simple syrup

1 dash grenadine syrup

 

Blend all ingredients with ice and pour into a 12 ounce glass.  Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Note:  To make simple syrup – In a medium saucepan, cook 2 C. of sugar in 1 C. of water over high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.  Bring mixture to a full boil.  Remove from heat and cool.  It may be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake

Key Lime Cake

Cake:

1 package moist deluxe yellow or lemon cake mix

1 small package lemon instant pudding and pie filling

4 eggs

1 C. vegetable oil

3/4 C. water

1/4 C. key lime juice, fresh or bottled

Glaze:

2 C. confectioners’ sugar

1/3 C. key lime juice

2 T. water

2 T. melted butter

Garnish:

Confectioners’ sugar

Key lime slices

Mint

 

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease and flour 10-inch Bundt or tube pan. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, water and 1/4 C. key lime juice in large bowl and beat with electric mixer on low speed until ingredients are moistened and mixed well. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan for 20 minutes, invert cake onto cooking rack and poke holes with skewer or long tined-fork. Place cake on cake plate or serving plate. Combine glaze ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour glaze slowly over top of warm cake. Finish cooling cake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Garnish plate with key lime slices.

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

4 large Egg Whites

¼ tsp. Cream of Tartar

1 ½ C. Sugar

2 ½ unbleached All-Purpose Flour

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 ½ tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1 ½ C. Buttermilk

¼ C. Canola Oil

1 T. Vanilla Extract

1 C. mini Dark Chocolate Chips, divided

2 T. 1% Milk

 

Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly oil a 12 C. bundt pan. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer on low speed until foamy.  Add cream of tartar, increase speed to medium high and beat until soft peaks form.  Gradually add ½ C. sugar, beating until stiff, but not dry, about 5 minutes.  In another bowl, combine remaining C. sugar with flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  With mixer on medium speed, beat in buttermilk, oil vanilla, and a heaping spoonful of egg whites.  Fold in remaining egg whites and ½ C. chocolate chips.  Scrape batter into prepared pan, smoothing top.  Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until skewer inserted in center comes out clean.  Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Invert onto rack and let cool completely.  To make icing, combine 1/3 C. chocolate chips with milk in small saucepan.  heat over very low heat, stirring until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.  Drizzle over cake and let stand about 30 minutes before slicing.

Mango Raspberry Fruit Leather

Mango Raspberry Fruit Leather

Mango Raspberry Fruit Leather

1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped

6 ounces fresh raspberries

2 T. sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 15O°F. Line a rimmed half-sheet pan with a silicone baking mat. In a blender or food processor, blend the mango until smooth. Transfer the mango to a bowl and set it aside. Add the raspberries and sugar to the blender and blend until smooth. (It is important to blend the raspberries with the sugar, as the sugar helps liquefy the berries.) Place dollops of the mango and raspberry purees on the prepared pan. With a small offset spatula, spread the purees evenly over the pan—try to spread them as evenly as possible, not too thin and not too thick, and try not to spread them to the very edges, so you’ll have room to grab the fruit leather and peel it off the mat when it’s cool. Bake for 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, rotating the baking sheet every hour. The leather is done when it is still tacky but not too sticky or wet. Let the leather cool. Remove it from the mat and place it on top of a sheet of wax paper. Cut the leather and wax paper into strips with scissors and roll them up paper-side out, then store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Boston Market Creamed Spinach

Boston Market Creamed Spinach

Boston Market Creamed Spinach

1 20oz Package Chopped Spinach Frozen

1 C. White Sauce (Thick)

1/2 C. Sour Cream

1 tsp. Salt

2 T. Butter

2 T. Finely Chopped Onion

1/4 C. Water

 

White Sauce:

3 T. Butter

4 T. Flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 C. Whole Milk

 

Prepare the white sauce using a medium low setting melt butter in a saucepan add flour and 1/4 tsp. of salt until creamed together. Add milk a little at a time on medium heat. Constantly stir with a whisk until mixture becomes thick and smooth.  Place butter in a 2-quart saucepan on medium heat, add onions. Cook until the onions are transparent. Place spinach and add water to pan, lower the heat and place lid on pan. Stir several times until the spinach is almost completely cooked. Add 1 tsp. of salt. When spinach is almost done add white sauce and sour cream, stir well and simmer until completely blended.

Blueberry-Hazelnut Crumble

Blueberry-Hazelnut Crumble

Blueberry-Hazelnut Crumble

2.5 C. blueberries (about a pint)

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 T. flour

1/2 T. lemon juice

1/2 C. flour

1/2 C. brown sugar

1/4 C. oats

1/4 C. chopped hazelnuts

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

4 T. butter

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse the berries and drain thoroughly. Put the blueberries in a mixing bowl and add lemon juice, sugar and one-half T. of flour. Set aside until you are already with the crumble topping. In a food processor, pulse together the remaining ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Pour the blueberries into four 1 1/2-C. ramekins. You could, of course, just make one big crumble in a 9-inch pie pan. Next, cover the berries with the topping and bake for thirty minutes until the top has browned and the fruit is bubbling. Can be served hot or at room temperature. Goes very well with ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Blue Lemon Pancakes

Blue Lemon Pancakes

Blue Lemon Pancakes

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

3 T. granulated sugar

1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 C. buttermilk

1/4 C. butter — melted

2 large eggs — separated

1 C. blueberries — washed and sorted

Lemon wedges and confectioners’ sugar — optional

 

Heat oven to 200 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter & egg yolks. Pour buttermilk mix into flour mix & stir until combined. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Gently fold in blueberries. Heat a large nonstick griddle to medium-low heat. When griddle is hot, grease with butter or spray with cooking spray. Using 1/3 C. dry measure for each pancake, spoon batter on griddle. Cook until top of each pancake is speckled with bubbles & edges begin to look dry, 3-4 min. Turn pancakes with spatula & cook until the underside is lightly browned, 2-3 min. more. Serve immediately with extra butter; sprinkle with lemon juice & confectioners’ sugar. Repeat process with rest of batter.

Sprinkle Cookies

Sprinkle Cookies

Sprinkle Cookies

2 1/2 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 C. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 C. sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Sprinkles

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.  In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed, about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat just until combined.  Using a heaping T. for each cookie, roll dough into balls. Put the sprinkles in pie plates so they won’t scatter. Roll the top half of each ball into the sprinkles and place balls on ungreased baking sheets, 3 inches apart. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 5 minutes.  Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, just until they start to turn golden but are still soft. Remove from the oven and cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling.

Gourmet Vinegars

Gourmet Vinegars

Gourmet Vinegars

 

Fresh pearl onions

Baby carrots with greens

Empty glass wine bottles & Corks

Funnel

Vinegar

Cranberries

Scallions

Whole peppercorns

 

Carrot & Pearl Onion Vinegar

 

Peel dry skin from onions, removing additional layers until small enough to fit in bottle.

Clean and peel carrots. Cut off all but an inch of greens. Fill bottle with enough onions to cover bottom. Add several carrots. Using funnel, fill bottle with vinegar. Seal bottle with a cork and store in a dark place for 5-6 days, shaking every few days.

 

Cranberry Vinegar

 

If using frozen cranberries, wipe off moisture before using. Place approximately 1-2 c. cranberries in bottle. Using funnel, fill bottle with vinegar. Seal bottle with a cork and store in a dark place for 5-6 days, shaking every few days.

 

Scallion-Peppercorn Vinegar

 

Clean scallions and trim greens to just below the neck of the bottle. Place inside.

Add peppercorns. Using funnel, fill bottle with vinegar. Seal with a cork and store in a dark place for 5-6 days, shaking every few days.

 

 

Tips: Be sure to sterilize bottles with hot water, or clean thoroughly with soap and water before using. Use white wine, red wine, cider or any type of vinegar. Carrot & Pearl Onion Vinegar is a fantastic salad dressing; Cranberry Vinegar is a great base for coleslaw; and Scallion-Peppercorn Vinegar is good for stir-frying. If a veggie gets stuck in the neck of a bottle, use a chopstick to gently push it down.

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Mushrooms

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Mushrooms

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Mushrooms

 

2 T. salted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely diced

21 oz. mushrooms, washed and dried with paper towel

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 C. white wine. optional, use stock for lower carb

5 oz. jarred sun-dried tomato strips in oil, (reserve 1 T. of the jarred oil for cooking)

1 1/2 C. heavy cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 C. baby spinach leaves, washed

1/2 C. fresh grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. cornstarch, optional — (mix cornstarch with 1 T. water for a thicker sauce), omit for lower carb

1 tsp. dried Italian herbs

1 T. fresh parsley, chopped

 

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and sauté onion until transparent; add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about one minute). Cook the sun-dried tomatoes and oil in with the butter for about 2 minutes to release all their flavors. Cook mushrooms in the tomato flavors for about 5 minutes. Pour in the white wine or broth (if using), and allow to reduce to half, while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Add in the spinach leaves; allow to wilt in the sauce, then add in the parmesan cheese. Allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce. (For a thicker sauce, add the milk/cornstarch mixture to the center of the pan, and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.) Mix in the herbs and garnish with parsley. Serve over mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles or steamed veg.

Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Spicy Shrimp 

Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Spicy Shrimp 

Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Garlic Spicy Shrimp

 

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

pinch crushed red pepper flakes

4 oz peeled and deveined shrimp

2 cloves garlic, sliced thin and deveined

1 medium, 7 oz zucchini, spiralized

pinch salt and fresh black pepper

1/4 lemon

1/4 C. halved grape tomatoes

 

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the oil and crush red pepper flakes, add the shrimp and season with pinch salt and pepper; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add half of the garlic and continue cooking 1 more minute, or until the shrimp is cooked through and opaque. Set aside on a dish. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil and garlic to the pan, cook 30 seconds then add the zucchini noodles and cook 1 1/2 minutes. Add the shrimp and tomatoes to the pan and squeeze the lemon over the dish. Remove from heat and serve.

Blueberry Low-Carb Muffins

Blueberry Low-Carb Muffins

Blueberry Low-Carb Muffins

4 eggs

1/2 C. Greek yogurt

1 tsp. vanilla

3 C. almond flour

2/3 C. Swerve sweetener

1 tbsp baking powder

1 C. blueberries

 

Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a 12-C. muffin tin with paper baking C.. Whisk the eggs in the bowl, then add yogurt, vanilla and Swerve and mix until combined. Add almond flour and baking powder and mix until combined. Add the blueberries and carefully stir them in. Divide the batter between 12 muffin C.. Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden-brown and firm to touch.

Wheat Germ Pancakes with Berry Syrup

Wheat Germ Pancakes with Berry Syrup

Wheat Germ Pancakes with Berry Syrup

 

1 C. flour

1/2 C. wheat germ

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 C. skim milk

1/4 C. egg substitute

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 C. pancake syrup

2 C. fresh blueberries, blackberries or raspberries

Chopped Walnuts for Garnish, optional

 

In large bowl, combine first five ingredients. In separate bowl combine milk, egg substitute and oil. Add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Cook on non-stick griddle coated with cooking spray until golden brown. In small saucepan combine syrup and fruit. Bring to a boil. Serve over pancakes.

Winter Fruit Martinis

Winter Fruit Martinis

Winter Fruit Martinis

 

1 apple

1 pear

Lemon juice

Fresh blueberries

1 orange

Orange juice

About 1/4 c. coconut rum or vodka

Sugar (for coating glasses)

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

 

Dice apple and pear. (For fun you can cut slices of the apple with a cookie cutter.) Place in mixing bowl.  Add lemon juice to keep fruit from turning brown. Add blueberries to bowl.  Peel and segment orange: Cut off both ends and slice off rind. Then cut along natural segments. Add orange segments, orange juice and rum (or vodka) to bowl. Let sit for approximately 2 hours.  Serve in a martini glass with a sugarcoated rim. Garnish with an orange wedge and mint leaves.

Winter Squash Gratin

Winter Squash Gratin

Winter Squash Gratin

Winter Squash, such as Butternut or Acorn

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T. minced fresh parsley

1 tsp. minced fresh sage

3 eggs

1/2 C. low-fat milk

2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (1/2 C.)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 C.)

 

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush lightly with olive oil. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy membranes, brush the cut sides with olive oil and lay cut side down on the foil-covered baking sheet. Bake 40 minutes, or until soft enough to pierce easily with a knife. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then peel and either mash with a fork, puree in a food processor fitted with the steel blade, or finely dice. You should have about 2 C. of pureed or finely diced squash. Turn the oven down to 375ºF and oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish with olive oil. Heat the remaining oil over medium heat in a medium heavy skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the parsley and sage, and squash, and remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Beat the eggs in a large bowl and whisk in the milk. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in the squash mixture and the Gruyère. Taste and adjust seasonings. Scrape into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the Parmesan over the top. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned on the top and sizzling. Serve hot, warm, or room temperature.

Root Beer Cookies

Root Beer Cookies

Root Beer Cookies

1 C. butter, softened

2 C. brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1 C. buttermilk

3/4 tsp. root beer concentrate or extract

4 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 C. chopped pecans, optional

3 1/2 C. powdered sugar

3/4 C. butter, softened

2 T. water

1 1/2 tsp. root beer concentrate or extract

 

Cream butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in buttermilk & root beer concentrate. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, stir in nuts. Drop by rounded T. 3″ apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees f. for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine frosting ingredients together, beat until smooth. Frost cooled cookies. Enjoy!

Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette-Dressed Arugula and Pears

Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette-Dressed Arugula and Pears

Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette-Dressed Arugula and Pears

2 lemons

2 T. fresh thyme leaves, stripped and chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 lb. flank steak

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 T. white wine vinegar

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1/4 C crumbled blue cheese

4 kaiser rolls, split

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 ripe Bartlett, Anjou or Bosc pear

8 slices prosciutto di Parma

1 large bunch of arugula, cleaned and trimmed

 

In a shallow bowl, combine the juice of 1 1/2 lemons, the thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and toss to coat. Marinate the steak 5-10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard with the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk in 3 T. of the EVOO, then the blue cheese. Toast the rolls. Rub the toasted cut sides with the garlic clove. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill on high. Grill the steak for 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate and loosely tent with foil to let the juices redistribute before slicing. Thinly slice the pear and toss in a salad bowl with the juice of the remaining lemon. Slice the prosciutto into strips. Add the arugula leaves and prosciutto to the salad bowl and toss with the vinaigrette. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and on an angle. Layer half of the steak slices onto the rolls and top with the arugula pear salad. Add the remaining steak and roll tops.

Dulce De Leche Bars

Dulce De Leche Bars

Dulce De Leche Bars

2 rolls (16.5 oz each) Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies

1 3/4 C. quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

2/3 C. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped

1/2 C. butter

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

3 tsp. caramel topping

 

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, break up 1 roll of cookie dough. Stir or knead in 3/4 C. of the oats, 1/3 C. of the brown sugar and 1 tsp. of the vanilla until well blended. With floured fingers, press mixture evenly in bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch pan to form crust. Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Meanwhile, in same bowl, break up remaining roll of cookie dough. Stir or knead in remaining 1 C. oats, 1/3 C. brown sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla until well blended. In large heavy saucepan, heat caramels, butter and condensed milk over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Spread caramel mixture evenly over crust. Crumble remaining dough mixture evenly over caramel. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool 1 hour. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen bars. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. With small spoon, drizzle caramel topping over bars. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Store in refrigerator.

Devilish Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Scallion Rice

Devilish Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Scallion Rice

Devilish Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Scallion Rice

3 T. vegetable oil

1 C. white rice

2 C. chicken broth

Salt

1/2 lb. green beans

1 lb. chicken breast, chicken cutlets or chicken tenders, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

3 T. tamari (dark soy sauce)

3 T. honey

1 T. hot pepper sauce

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

2 T. sesame seeds, toasted

 

In a large saucepan, heat 1 T. oil, 1 turn of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the rice; toast, stirring, for a minute or two. Add 1 1/2 C. chicken broth, lower the heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 17 minutes. In a medium skillet, bring enough water to reach a depth of 1 inch to a boil, salt it, add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 T. oil, 2 turns of the pan, over high heat until rippling. Add the chicken and cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the red pepper and cook until just softened, 3 minutes. Add the green beans and cook, tossing, for 1 minute. In a bowl, mix together the tamari, honey, hot sauce, mustard and remaining 1/2 C. chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables; toss. Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken. Stir the scallions into the rice and fluff with a fork. Serve the chicken over the rice and top with the sesame seeds. and pepper. Cover to keep warm.

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinega

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinega

Chicken Thighs with Sweet Red Onions and Balsamic Vinegar

2 tsp. olive oil

1 lb. red onion, cut into (1/2-inch-thick) slices and separated into rings (about 3 medium)

1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper, divided

1/4 tsp. salt, divided

4 (6-oz.) chicken thighs, skinned

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. dried marjoram

4 tsp. balsamic vinegar, divided

2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 lemon wedges

 

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 1/8 tsp. salt; sauté for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp. salt, chicken, oregano, and marjoram to pan, and sprinkle with 3 tsp. vinegar. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until chicken is done. Uncover, increase heat, and cook 2 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in 1 tsp. vinegar, and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Valentine Sandwich Cookies

Valentine Sandwich Cookies

Valentine Sandwich Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

 

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons half and half (or milk)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

pinch of salt

3-3 ½ cups powdered sugar

 

Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well incorporated. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, beating on the lowest speed. Continue to mix on the lowest setting until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Divide the dough in half, and shape into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Set aside. Taking only one portion of dough out of the refrigerator at a time, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to 1/8-1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cooled, prepare the filling. Combine the softened butter, half and half, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined. Add the powdered sugar slowly until the filling is smooth. It should be slightly stiffer than cupcake frosting. Add pink or red food coloring until desired color is reached. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or a freezer zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off.) Pipe the filling onto half of the cookies, and top with the remaining cookies to form a cookie sandwich.

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

Brown Sugar and Vanilla Bean Apple Sauce

 

10 C. peeled, cored, sliced apples

1/2 C. packed brown sugar

Juice of 1 1/2 -2 lemons {plus zest if you like it extra lemony}

1 vanilla bean, seed it and throw in both the seeds and cook with the pod

 

Place all ingredients in a large stock pot and cook for 30-ish minutes or until apples are soft and begin to break apart. Mash with a hand masher or just stir until a good chunky consistency is reached.