Lemon-Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Shelling Peas and Green Garlic

Lemon-Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Shelling Peas and Green Garlic

Lemon–Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Shelling Peas and Green Garlic

8 ounces slightly soft, mild fresh goat cheese, at room temperature|

8 ounces cream cheese (preferably without stabilizers), at room temperature

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 2 small lemons)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 eggs

1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for rolling the dough

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 small stalks green garlic, thinly sliced on the diagonal, or 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

¼ cup dry white wine or vermouth

3 cups freshly shelled green peas

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh chives, cut into ½-inch lengths

 

In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, zest, salt, and eggs. Mix with a rubber spatula until smooth and add ¾ cup of the flour. Combine well and gently mix in the remaining flour to form a moist, slightly sticky dough. Do not over- mix or your gnocchi will be heavy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Lightly flour a baking sheet or large platter and set aside. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, form it into a ball, and cut the ball into quarters. Roll each quarter into a ½-inch-thick rope. Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into ½-inch gnocchi and put them on the baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces; you should get about 84. Lightly dust the gnocchi with flour. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Boil the gnocchi in batches of 15 to 20; they will take about 3 minutes to cook. They’re done when they float—wait a few seconds before using a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi to a baking sheet to cool. (They will be delicate when warm but will become sturdier as they cool.) Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. The cooked gnocchi will keep in the refrigerator for 24 hours. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until the liquid in the skillet has reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the gnocchi, peas, butter, and ½ cup of the reserved gnocchi cooking liquid to the skillet. Cook until the ingredients are warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon juice, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine. Divide the gnocchi between 6 or 8 bowls. Garnish with the chives and serve immediately.

Canning Cuban Black Beans

Canning Cuban Black Beans

Canning Cuban Black Beans

2 lb. dried black beans

2 cups onions, chopped

1 cup bell pepper, chopped

6 teaspoons garlic, chopped

1 1⁄2 tablespoons salt

1 1⁄2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon oregano

1⁄4 cup cider vinegar

1⁄2 lb salt pork

 

Sort dry beans. Soak overnight in water. Drain beans, add new water covering by 2″, and bring to a boil. When boiling begins, remove from heat and set aside. Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil until onion is glassy. Add remaining spices, salt and vinegar to the sauté pot. Sterilize 8-pint Mason Jars. Add 1/4 cup of sauté mixture to each jar. Chop Salt pork into small pieces and divide into eight “piles”. Put one “pile” of salt pork into each jar. Add 1 slightly heaping cup of black beans to each jar. This should leave about 1 1/2″ headspace in jar. Do not overfill with beans. They expand a lot during processing. Overfilling will cause jars to leak in canner. Top off each jar with bean juice, leaving 3/4″ headspace. Put of lids and process 1 hour 5 minutes at 10 psi. After processing, remove from heat and allow canner to return to ambient pressure of its own accord. Remove and cool jars. Needs to age a month or so to blend flavors. When serving, it is normal to add a bit of water, since water boils out during processing. Serve ladled over rice and add a dollop of sour cream.

Summery Bean Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Summery Bean Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Summery Bean Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 preserved lemon, lightly rinsed and flesh discarded, rind thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon agave nectar

1/3 cup olive oil

couple grinds fresh ground pepper

1 – 2 pinches salt

for the bean salad

2 cups cannellini beans, either cooked from dried or from one can of no sodium added beans

1 dry pint French green beans (haricots verts), stem ends trimmed and cut in two

1 handful or two of yellow or red cherry or grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise

3 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion

 

To prepare the vinaigrette, place the shallot and vinegar in a bowl and let sit for about 5 minutes. Whisk in the agave nectar, and then the oil. Add in the preserved lemon rind and a couple of grinds of pepper. Set aside. Combine the two kinds of beans, the tomatoes and onions in a serving bowl. Spoon about half the dressing over top and mix gently to combine. Add more Tablespoon by Tablespoon until you achieve a balance you like. You might not use it all and can save the rest in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

 

1 can Chicken

1 can Black Beans, rinsed & drained

1 can Pinto Beans

1 can White Beans

1 can Kidney Beans

1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes (or Rotel)

1 can Mexican-Style Corn

½ C. dried Onions

1 tsp. Garlic Flakes

1 tsp. Cumin

4-6 drops Hot Pepper Sauce, optional

1 Bay Leaf

 

Do not drain any cans except the black beans.  Mix all ingredients and heat through.  Discard bay leaf before serving. Serve over cooked rice if desired.   (100-Day Pantry)

Orange and Avocado Salad with Pea Tendrils

Orange and Avocado Salad with Pea Tendrils

Orange and Avocado Salad with Pea Tendrils

6 oz baby greens

4 oz pea shoots

1 orange peeled and sliced into rounds

1 red bell pepper chopped

1/2 avocado peeled, pitted, and sliced

1/4 red onion sliced

1 oz feta cheese crumbles (1/4 cup)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup  balsamic vinaigrette

 

In a large mixing bowl combine the baby greens and pea shoots. Divide among four dinner plates.

Divide the orange, bell pepper, avocado, onion, feta cheese, and sunflower seeds among the salads.

Serve the salads with the dressing on the side.

Arugula Salad with Pea Shoots

Arugula Salad with Pea Shoots

Arugula Salad with Pea Shoots Recipe

8 cups fresh spring greens (arugula, mizuna, red lettuce, etc)

1 cup pea shoots

1 cup edamame (or fresh peas)

1 handful fresh mint (optional)

1/2 cup walnuts

Parmesan cheese

1 recipe Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

Wash and dry the greens and pea shoots. If using frozen edamame, steam the edamame for about 3 to 4 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Cut the mint into thin strips (chiffonade). In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure to watch them constantly so they do not burn. Make the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette. To serve, place the greens in serving bowls or plates. Top with pea shoots, edamame, mint, shavings of Parmesan cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and top with fresh ground pepper.

 

 

Best Balsamic Vinaigrette

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

6 tablespoons olive oil

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt until fully combined. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, adding 1 tablespoon at a time and whisking until it incorporates, until an emulsion forms. Serve immediately. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks).

LTS Pumpkin Soup

LTS Pumpkin Soup

LTS Pumpkin Soup

 

1 can Vegetable Broth

1 29oz. can Pumpkin Puree

1 can Chicken Broth

2/3 C. Powdered Milk

2 T. dried Bell Pepper

¼ C. dried Onion

1/8 tsp. Thyme

¼ tsp. Nutmeg

½ tsp. Salt

1-2 T. Parsley Flakes

 

Dissolve Powdered milk in broth in pan.  Add all other ingredients except parsley; heat through.  Sprinkle parsley over each serving. (100-Day Pantry)

LTS Chicken Capri

LTS Chicken Capri

LTS Chicken Capri

 

1 can Chicken, undrained

1 can diced Tomatoes

1 6oz. can Tomato Juice

1 can Mushrooms, undrained

1 can Chicken Broth

1 C. Couscous

½ C. dried Bell Pepper

½ C. dried Onion

1 T. Garlic Flakes

½ tsp. Rosemary

Salt & Pepper

 

Cook couscous in broth according to the directions on the package.  Combine remaining ingredients in a separate pan and heat through.  Serve chicken over couscous.  (100-Day Pantry)

Pollo Canzanese (Chicken in Canzano Style)

Pollo Canzanese (Chicken in Canzano Style)

Pollo Canzanese (Chicken in Canzano Style)

 

This Canzanese recipe is anything but a peasant dish, with the prosciutto and wine—it probably descended from Spanish royalty, long-time tenants in and around Napoli .

Two 3-pound CHICKENS, cut into 8 serving pieces each

 

1 T. Salt

2 sprigs Rosemary

2 fresh Sage leaves

4 Bay Leaves

3 cloves Garlic, sliced

12 whole Cloves

A small handful of Black Peppercorns, crushed

1 small dried Hot Chile

Two 1/4-inch-thick slices Prosciutto di Parma , finely chopped

3/4 cup dry Red Wine

2 T. finely chopped Italian Parsley

Place the chicken in a large bowl and season with the salt. Add cold water to cover, and set aside for 30 minutes. Drain the chicken, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a large Dutch oven and add the rosemary, sage, bay leaves, garlic, cloves, peppercorns, chile, prosciutto, and wine.

Cover, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost tender, about 35 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer to reduce the sauce by half, about 15 minutes longer. Remove the chile, if desired. Transfer the chicken to a warmed serving platter, garnish with the parsley, and serve

Kale & Bacon Breakfast Skillet

Kale & Bacon Breakfast Skillet

Kale & Bacon Breakfast Skillet

1 1/2 teaspoons coconut oil or ghee

6 bacon slices, chopped into small pieces

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup chopped white mushrooms

5 large kale leaves, stemmed and chopped

Pinch of sea salt

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

 

In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until just crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook until just soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add the kale, salt, and pepper and cook until the kale wilts and turns dark green, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm.  Change it up: Use another hearty green such as Swiss chard instead of kale.

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

1 cup whole milk

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. fine salt

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

2 T. warm water

2 T. vegetable oil, plus about 10 cups for frying

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. lemon zest

3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting

1 cup blackberry jam

White Chocolate Ganache, recipe follows

1 1/2 cups hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped

 

Bring milk to a simmer in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in sugar and salt. Pour into a large bowl and let cool slightly. While milk is cooling, dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl, stirring. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir the yeast mixture into the milk, along with 2 T. oil, eggs, and zest. Stir in 2 1/2 cups flour with a wooden spoon to make a very soft dough. Spread 1 cup flour on work surface and put dough on top, scraping it from bowl with a rubber spatula. Knead dough, incorporating all of flour from work surface and adding just enough additional flour (if necessary), about 5 minutes; dough should be slightly sticky. Transfer dough to an oiled large bowl and sprinkle lightly with additional flour. Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and roll out with a floured rolling pin until 1-inch thick. Cut out rounds with a 2-inch cutter. Place on a sheet pan and cover doughnuts with another kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. While doughnuts rise, heat oil in a deep 4-quart pot until it registers 365 degrees F on a thermometer. Fry doughnuts 2 at a time, turning once or twice, until puffed and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Place jam in a pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch plain tip and poke the tip into the center of each doughnut (entering from the side) and squeeze in some of the jam. Ice the top with some of the ganache and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

 

White Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream

1 pound good-quality white chocolate, finely chopped

 

Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Place white chocolate in a large bowl, pour hot cream over, and let sit for 1 minute; whisk until smooth. Let cool until slightly thickened

Quarantine Chicken Corn Chowder

Quarantine Chicken Corn Chowder

LTS Chicken Corn Chowder

 

1 can Chicken

¼ C. Bacon Crumbles

1 can Potatoes, undrained

1 can Chicken Broth

2 12oz. cans Evaporated Milk

2 cans Creamed Corn

1 can Corn, undrained

2oz. jar Pimientos, drained

½ C. dried Onion

½ C. dried Celery

1 tsp. Parsley

Salt & Pepper

 

Combine all ingredients and heat through. (100-Day Pantry)

Seared U-10 Scallops with Bacon Jam and Basil

Seared U-10 Scallops with Bacon Jam and Basil

Seared U-10 Scallops with Bacon Jam and Basil

1/2 lb. scallops preferably U-10

6 oz. bacon preferably center cut

1 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped grape tomatoes

1 T. sherry vinegar or balsamic

1 T. sugar

salt and pepper

olive oil

a handful of basil leaves

 

Fry up the bacon over medium heat until nice and crispy. Move to a paper towel and blot the excess grease off. Add the onion to the pan and caramelize for 10 minutes over medium heat until softened.

Add the chopped tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 more minutes so the tomatoes can soften, and the flavors can meld together. Heat up a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Pat your scallops dry with a paper towel, and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, then sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side (you don’t want to overcook these beauties)! Chop up the bacon and stir it into the onion tomato jam and serve alongside the seared scallops. Chiffonade or chop the basil leaves and sprinkle over the dish and drizzle a little bit of olive oil on the plate. Enjoy!

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 544kcal

Fat: 39g

Fiber: 2g

Breakfast Smoothie Trio

Breakfast Smoothie Trio

Breakfast Smoothie Trio

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 banana, sliced

1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk

1 tablespoon almond butter

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

 

Apple Pie Smoothie

1 banana, peeled, frozen, and sliced

1 cup sliced apples

1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk

1 tablespoon almond butter

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon raw honey or pure maple syrup

 

Cherry-Spinach Smoothie

1 banana, peeled, frozen, and sliced

1 cup frozen pitted cherries

1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk

Large handful of spinach

 

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Noelle’s tip: Using some frozen fruit makes the smoothies slightly thick and creamy bat still easy to blend. If you’d like to thin out the smoothie, simply add a little more coconut milk or coconut water.  Change it up: Add 1 scoop grass-fed collagen peptides to each smoothie to give it gut-healing properties.

Peach Melba Smoothie

Peach Melba Smoothie

Peach Melba Smoothie

 

2 handfuls raspberries

2 large ripe peaches or nectarines, peeled, pitted, and quartered A small glass of freshly squeezed orange or apple juice

1 to 2 T. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately. Variation: Use 4 ripe apricots in place of the peaches.

LTS Chicken Macaroni Stew

LTS Chicken Macaroni Stew

LTS Chicken Macaroni Stew

1 can Chicken

2 cans Mushrooms

1 can Carrots

1 can Green Beans

1 can Diced Tomatoes

1 can Chicken Broth

½ C. dried Onion

2 tsp. Italian Seasonings

Salt & Pepper

1 C. Macaroni Noodles

Do not drain any cans; use all the juice.  Mix all ingredients except macaroni. Bring to a boil, add macaroni, reduce heat and summer, covered, until macaroni is tender. (100-Day Pantry)

Chive Blossom Vinegar

Chive Blossom Vinegar

Chive Blossom Vinegar

Harvest healthy chive blossoms by snipping off the blossoms.  If you have some extra chive blossoms, don’t throw them away! Separate the blossoms into flowerets and sprinkle them over a salad or use them as a garnish.

 

2 cups chive blossoms enough to fill a pint jar

1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar or champagne, rice, or distilled white

 

Rinse the chive blossoms in water and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. In a small saucepan, warm vinegar over medium low heat to a simmer (not boiling). Turn off heat. Loosely pack chive blossoms into a clean glass pint jar. Carefully pour warm vinegar over chive blossoms leaving about a 1-inch space at the top of the jar. Cover the jar and store in a dark, cool location for 3-4 days. Once the vinegar has infused and turned a lovely shade of purple, strain out the blossoms and store vinegar in a clean glass jar or bottle. Compost the spent chive blossoms.

Braised chicken with lemon, oregano & olives

Braised chicken with lemon, oregano & olives

Braised chicken with lemon, oregano & olives

600g boneless chicken thighs, skin on

1 lemon

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. butter, cold

1 cup chicken stock (check gluten-free if required)

1 T. chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

2 tsp. fresh oregano leaves, plus extra to serve

1/2 tsp. chopped thyme leaves

1/2 cup of your favorite black olives

1/2 T. honey

1 tsp. sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Boiled rice or soft polenta, to serve (use rice for gluten-free)

 

Cut the chicken thigh pieces in half. Cut about a quarter off one end of the lemon then slice very finely, stopping about a quarter from the other end. Discard the two end pieces and remove any pips. Heat oil and half the butter in a shallow pan over high heat. Brown chicken on both sides in batches, remove from pan. Drain half the oil from pan and discard. Add the stock and lemon slices to the pan and bring to a simmer, then return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer very gently for about 12 minutes, or until chicken is just cooked. Add parsley, oregano, thyme and olives to pan. Increase heat, remove chicken and lemon, and simmer sauce until reduced by half. Add remaining butter to sauce, remove from heat, and quickly start whisking. The sauce will change color and thicken slightly. Stir in the honey, salt and pepper then return chicken and lemon to pan. Simmer for 1 minute. To serve: Check seasoning, garnish with oregano leaves and serve with rice or polenta.

Elderflower Panna Cotta with Gooseberry Compote

Elderflower Panna Cotta with Gooseberry Compote

Elderflower Panna Cotta with Gooseberry Compote

 

A delicately wobbly, creamy panna cotta is such a simple but sophisticated dish. Infused with the scent of elderflowers and partnered with a sharp gooseberry compote, it makes a stunning summer dessert. You can use fresh elderflowers during their short season in May, but otherwise elderflower liqueur works fine. Leave out the elderflower altogether and this is a great recipe for a plain panna cotta, with a little tang from the yogurt.

1/3 C. whole milk

1 C. heavy cream

1 T. T. superfine sugar (or 1 1/2 tsp. if you’re using elderflower liqueur)

3 to 4 large heads of elderflower, or 2 T. elderflower liqueur

1 1/2 tsp. plain gelatin

2/3 C. plain yogurt

 

1 pound gooseberries, topped and tailed

1/4 C. superfine sugar

A few sprigs of elderflower (optional)

 

Combine the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan. Tie up the elderflower heads in a piece of cheesecloth and add to the pan, or stir in the elderflower cordial. Scald the liquid – bring just to a simmer, but don’t let it bubble. If you’re using elderflower heads, let stand for half an hour to infuse, then remove the elderflower. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes, until softened. If you left the cream mixture to infuse for half an hour, reheat it almost to boiling – if you have used liqueur, the cream should still be hot enough. Add the gelatin to the hot cream mixture and stir until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature, stirring from time to time. Once cooled, stir in the yogurt until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into four 1/2-cup molds, such as ramekins, and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, until set. Meanwhile, make the compote. Put the gooseberries in a pan with the sugar and V4 C. water. Tie up the elderflower sprigs, if using, in a piece of cheesecloth and add to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 10 minutes, until the gooseberries are soft. Let cool completely, then remove the elderflower sprigs and chill the compote. To turn out the panna cottas, dip each mold very briefly in hot water – literally just a few seconds – then turn upside down onto a serving plate and give it a shake; if necessary, run a knife around the edge. Serve with the gooseberry compote.

KOREAN BEEF ZUCCHINI NOODLES

KOREAN BEEF ZUCCHINI NOODLES

KOREAN BEEF ZUCCHINI NOODLES

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1 1/2 pounds (4 medium-sized) zucchini, spiralized

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds

 

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and Sriracha. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Stir in zucchini noodles, green onions and soy sauce mixture until well combined, allowing to simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, if desired.

LTS Whole Grain Bread with Barley Flour

LTS Whole Grain Bread with Barley Flour

LTS Whole Grain Bread with Barley Flour

Good, heavy, dense bread for open face sandwiches and fancy toast.

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups barley flour

2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour, divided

1 tablespoon shortening,, melted (butter is better flavor, if it’s on hand)

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes, or until foamy. Stir in the honey and salt until incorporated. Using a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the barley flour, 2 cups of the whole wheat flour, yeast mixture, and the butter for 5 to 6 minutes on medium slow, or until all the flour is incorporated. Remove the dough from the mixer and put it on a well-floured (with whole wheat flour) work surface. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth. Add as much whole wheat flour as necessary, but don’t incorporate more than another 2 cups here. The dough will be tacky to the touch. Place the dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp dish towel, and set in a warm spot until it doubles in size, usually about 2 to 4 hours. Punch down the dough and place it in a loaf pan (approximately 9 inches by 5 inches). Cover with plastic wrap or a damp dish towel and let the dough rise a second time, until it hits the top of the pan, usually another 1 to 2 hours. (If you do not have a loaf pan, free-form a batard-shaped loaf, put it on a sheet pan, and cover as directed.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the bread browns lightly. The loaf should fall easily from the pan when tapped and sound hollow when you knock on the bottom. Cool slightly before serving.  PANTRY NOTE: When possible, store baked whole grain bread in a plastic bag in your fridge, where it will keep for about two weeks. If the bread turns stale, slice it thin and bake for 7 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees for a crispy homemade crostini. You can also store baked bread in a plastic bag in the freezer, where it will keep for two to three months.

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Portland summers are perfection. The weather is glorious and the farmers’ markets brim with local fruit, lettuces, and Willamette Valley hazelnuts. This salad is a summer celebration meal you can put together after a successful trip to the market.

 

3 T. sherry vinegar

1 shallot, finely minced

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/3 C. hazelnut oil

 

1 head butter lettuce, leaves washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

2 packed C. baby arugula

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces fresh chevre (goat cheese), such as Portland Creamery

2 ripe peaches, sliced or diced (grilled if desired)

3/4 C. fresh blueberries

1/2 C. chopped roasted hazelnuts

 

Make the hazelnut vinaigrette: Combine the vinegar, shallot, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a small bowl and marinate about 10 minutes. Add the hazelnut oil and whisk until blended. Set aside. Make the salad: In a bowl, combine the lettuce and arugula. Drizzle with 2 T. vinaigrette and toss, adding more until the leaves are lightly coated and glistening, but not dripping. Taste and season with the salt and black pepper. Crumble the chevre on top, followed by the peaches, blueberries, and hazelnuts. Drizzle with a little more vinaigrette and serve

Pantry Friendly Spiced Kibbe

Pantry Friendly Spiced Kibbe

Pantry Friendly Spiced Kibbe

 

3/4 cup uncooked bulgur

1 1/2 cups boiling water (plus a smidge more)

1 cup (about 8 ounces or 1/2 pound) ground beef or lamb

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried mint, oregano, or dill

Freshly ground black pepper

Olive Oil

 

Put the bulgur in a medium-sized glass bowl and pour in the boiling water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate and set aside to steam until the water is absorbed and grains are al dente, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain any additional water from the grains, and cool. In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to combine the ground beef, bulgur, and all the spices. When the mixture is well-combined, form 6 small, equally proportioned patties and set aside. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the kibbe patties until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from the heat and serve immediately. Serve with herbed or plain yogurt.

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini

 

Golden yellow chanterelles grow in abundance in the forests surrounding Portland, and those in the know have their own secret foraging spots. But even if you are not a forager, you can easily find these delicacies in local markets every spring and fall. I add these buttery beauties to all manner of dishes, but I especially love them simply sautéed with brown butter to let their subtle flavor shine through. Here I have added a touch of cream to increase their luxe quotient.

3/4 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Olive oil

4 T. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 large shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, one cut in half, one minced, divided

1 pound chanterelles, cleaned and roughly chopped

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves or more as needed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. dry vermouth or white wine or more as needed

1/2 C. heavy cream, plus more to taste

Garnish: freshly grated Parmesan

 

Heat the oven to 425°F. Place a bowl or measuring C. near the stove. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast until just golden, about 10 minutes. Rub the cut garlic on each slice twice. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids turn brown. Remove from the heat and strain into the bowl; using a spatula, scrape the brown butter bits out of the pan and into the strainer. Reserve the contents of the strainer. Wipe the pan with a paper towel and place over medium-high heat. Add the melted butter and the shallot. Sauté until tender. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add the mushrooms and thyme, season with the salt and black pepper, and sauté until the mushrooms are tender and have given off their liquid. Add the vermouth and stir, scraping any brown stuff off the bottom of the pan (add more vermouth if necessary, to deglaze the whole pan). Cook until the pan is mostly dry. Stir in the cream and browned butter bits from the strainer and simmer until the mixture is thickened and sauce-like. It if seems dry, add a little more cream. Taste and season with more salt, black pepper, and thyme.

7 Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread and garnish with the Parmesan.

Cheesy Ham Chowder

Cheesy Ham Chowder

Cheesy Ham Chowder

10 bacon strips, diced

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup diced carrots

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1-1/2 cups water

2-1/2 cups cubed potatoes

1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules

Pepper to taste

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

 

In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, sauté onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the potatoes, corn, bouillon and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham; heat until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon.

 

Serving Size: 1 C.

Calories: 418

Fat: 28g

Fiber: 2g

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bacon, Fig Jam, & Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Bruschetta Bread (Olive oil toasted artisan bread)

4 oz. fig jam

6 oz. plain goat cheese

4 slices of cooked bacon crumbled

2 T. fresh basil finely chopped

 

Spread goat cheese on each slice of Bread. Spread fig jam over the goat cheese. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the fig jam. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve at room temperature.

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

LTS Four-Bean Chicken Chili

 

1 can Chicken

1 can Black Beans, rinsed & drained

1 can Pinto Beans

1 can White Beans

1 can Kidney Beans

1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes (or Rotel)

1 can Mexican-Style Corn

½ C. dried Onions

1 tsp. Garlic Flakes

1 tsp. Cumin

4-6 drops Hot Pepper Sauce, optional

1 Bay Leaf

 

Do not drain any cans except the black beans.  Mix all ingredients and heat through.  Discard bay leaf before serving. Serve over cooked rice if desired.   (100-Day Pantry)

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

2 T. coconut aminos

1 T. fresh lime juice, plus more as needed, and lime wedges for serving

2 tsp. fish sauce, plus more as needed

3 T. toasted sesame oil

1 large celery stalk, finely diced

2 T. pine nuts

2 green onions, white and light green parts only, sliced, plus more for garnish

5 oz [140 g] shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 lb. [455 g] ground chicken thigh meat

Kosher salt

¼ C. [10 g] thinly sliced fresh basil

12 inner leaves iceberg or butter lettuce, trimmed and chilled

Black sesame seeds for garnish

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, lime juice, and fish sauce. In a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 T. of the sesame oil. Add the celery and pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, or until the pine nuts are just starting to brown. Add the green onions and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms start to soften, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl, and return the pan to the stove. When the pan is very hot, add the remaining 1 T. sesame oil. Add the chicken and a generous pinch of salt. Stir constantly, breaking up the meat with your spatula, until it’s barely cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, return the vegetable mixture to the pan, and pour in the coconut aminos mixture. Stir to coat. Taste, adding salt, fish sauce, or lime juice as needed. Stir in the chopped basil. Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture inside each lettuce cup. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Saucy Pork Chop Skillet

Saucy Pork Chop Skillet

Saucy Pork Chop Skillet

3 cups uncooked instant brown rice

2 teaspoons canola oil

6 boneless pork loin chops (6 ounces each)

1 small onion, sliced

1 cup canned diced tomatoes

1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup water

 

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown pork chops on both sides; remove from pan. Add onion to drippings; cook and stir until tender. Stir in tomatoes, broth, parsley and seasonings; bring to a boil. Return pork to pan. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 145°, 6-8 minutes. Remove pork to a serving plate; keep warm. In a small bowl, mix flour and water until smooth; stir into sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Spoon over pork; serve with rice.

Melon and Lemon Verbena with Prosecco

Melon and Lemon Verbena with Prosecco

Melon and Lemon Verbena with Prosecco

 

¾ C. sugar

¼ C. lemon verbena leaves

1 small ripe cantaloupe

Prosecco or other sparkling wine (for serving)

 

Bring sugar, lemon verbena, and 1½ C. water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer 10 minutes. Let cool. Strain syrup into a pitcher; discard solids. Meanwhile, halve cantaloupe and remove seeds. Scoop flesh into a blender and purée until smooth. Stir into syrup and chill melon mixture until cold and foam has settled, 1–2 hours. To serve, fill 8 glasses a third of the way full with melon mixture (you’ll have some leftover); gently top off with Prosecco. Do Ahead: Melon mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

LTS Beef Barley Stew

LTS Beef Barley Stew

LTS Beef Barley Stew

 

1 can Beef

1 can Carrots

6oz. can Mushrooms

3 cans Beef Broth

½ C. dried Onion

¼ C. dried Bell Pepper

½ tsp. Thyme

½ tsp. Basil

½ tsp. Garlic Powder

Salt & Pepper

1 Bay Leaf

¾ C. Barley

 

Do not drain cans.  Mix all ingredients in pot and simmer until barley is tender (about 1 hour simmering on the stove top).  Remove bay leaf before serving. (100-Day Pantry)

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).