Fruit and Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Fruit and Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Fruit and Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temp

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed

1 1/2 cups fruit (See Kelly’s Note)

1 large egg

Sanding sugar (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese with the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract until creamy. Unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly roll the pastry with a rolling pin to seal the perforations. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or glass), cut out four circles from each sheet of puff pastry. Transfer four pastry circles onto each baking sheet, spacing the circles about 2 inches apart. Lightly score a circular border 1/4-inch from the edges then prick the centers of each pastry with a fork. Spread a portion of the cream cheese mixture inside the border of each pastry then top the cream cheese with fruit. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg wash then sprinkle them with the sanding sugar (optional). Bake the pastries for 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re golden and puffed. Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Any type of fruit will work for these breakfast pastries. Opt for your favorite flavors or whatever is in season, such as strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, apples or pears.

LTS Chicken Tortellini Soup

LTS Chicken Tortellini Soup

LTS Chicken Tortellini Soup

1 package Dried Tortellini

1 tsp. dehydrated Garlic (powder, flakes or minces)

½ C. dehydrated Onion

4-6 C. Chicken Broth (or Water + Bouillon)

1 tsp. tomato paste (You can use the whole can if it’s not possible to reserve it for another use.  Use 5-6 C. stock, not 4)

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

1 to 2 tsp. sugar, to taste

1-2 cans Chicken

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried parsley

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed

Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Basil, Parsley, or Thyme, for garnish, if available

 

Simmer tortellini with garlic and onion in broth until tortellini is not quite yet al dente.  Add tomato paste, marinara and sugar and stir until incorporated and heated through; the tortellini should be at the texture that you like before continuing.  Stir in chicken (undrained), and all herbs and spices.  Simmer just to heat chicken and serve.  In garden season, wilting spinach or other dark leafy green into this soup is lovely

Open Face Steak Sandwich with Onions & BBQ Sauce

Open Face Steak Sandwich with Onions & BBQ Sauce

Open Face Steak Sandwich with Onions & BBQ Sauce

2 ½ lb. piece hanger steak, at room temperature

For drizzling: olive oil

2 ciabatta rolls, halved horizontally

2 Spanish onions, thickly sliced

2 vine-ripened tomatoes, thickly sliced

To serve: good-quality mayonnaise

1 cup (loosely packed) wild rocket

 

Barbecue sauce

 

2-3 T. butter, coarsely chopped

2 onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ C. Kentucky bourbon

1 ½ C. tomato sauce

1 C. each tomato passata and cider vinegar

¾ C. brown sugar

1/3 C. Worcestershire sauce

¼ C. molasses

3 canned chipotle chilies in adobo

1 T. chipotle Tabasco

Juice of 1 lemon

 

For barbecue sauce, heat butter in a large saucepan over low heat, add onion and garlic and stir occasionally until very tender (10-15 minutes). Increase heat to medium, add bourbon, bring to the simmer, then add remaining ingredients except lemon juice. Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally until thick and dark (45-50 minutes). Add juice, season to taste, pour into sterile containers or jars, seal and refrigerate to cool. Makes about 1 litre. Barbecue sauce will keep refrigerated for 3 weeks in a sterile airtight container. Preheat a barbecue to medium heat. Drizzle steak with a little olive oil, season to taste and barbecue, turning frequently, until cooked to your liking (15-20 minutes for medium-rare). Set aside to rest for 10 minutes then thickly slice. Meanwhile, drizzle cut sides of ciabatta with a little oil, season to taste, grill on barbecue until toasted (1-2 minutes), set aside.  Drizzle onion with a little oil, season to taste and barbecue on the flat plate, stirring occasionally, until tender (5-10 minutes).  Spread cut-sides of ciabatta with mayonnaise, divide steak among ciabatta, top with tomato, onion and rocket, season to taste and serve with barbecue sauce.

Zucchini Pancakes with Blossoms and Basil

Zucchini Pancakes with Blossoms and Basil

Zucchini Pancakes with Blossoms and Basil

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup water

1 egg, beaten

1 cup grated green zucchini, from 1 medium zucchini (about ½ pound)

¼ cup packed fresh basil, very thinly sliced

3 tablespoons canola oil

4 zucchini blossoms

 

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Add the water and egg and whisk until just combined. Add the zucchini and basil and stir together gently with a spoon.  Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small (8- or 9-inch) nonstick pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add about half the batter (1 heaping cup) and spread it evenly into the pan. Cook until browned on the bottom side, 4 to 5 minutes. While the pancake cooks, break two of the zucchini blossoms apart into distinct petals. Place the petals in a flower pattern on the raw side of the batter, then flip the pancake over with a large spatula. Cook until puffed and evenly browned, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.  Serve the pancakes piping hot, cut into eight pieces each. Note: You can reheat the pancakes in the microwave or on the stovetop, but they’re best fresh from the pan.

Muffin Tin Eggs Benedict Casserole Cups

Muffin Tin Eggs Benedict Casserole Cups

Muffin Tin Eggs Benedict Casserole Cups

12 oz of Canadian bacon, diced

6 English Muffins, split and cut into cubes

4 eggs

1 C. whole milk

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. paprika

 

3 large egg yolks

1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 C. unsalted butter, melted

 

Grease a standard 12-C. muffin pan. Fill each muffin C. with several bread cubes, pressing into the bottom. Sprinkle diced Canadian bacon among the cups. Fill all the space in each C. with the remaining bread cubes. They should be packed fairly tight. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk and onion powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the 12 cups. Press the bread to help soak in the eggs. Continue to fill the cups until all the liquid is used. Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove casserole C. from the refrigerator and uncover. Sprinkle paprika on top of the C. and return the foil. Bake at 375°F, covered for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until a knife, inserted in the middle, conies out clean. Once the casserole C. are ready to serve, prepare the hollandaise. In a blender, combine all egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, cayenne, and pepper. Cover and blend until well combined, about 5 seconds. Melt butter in a microwave safe spouted measuring cup for about 1 minute. With the blender on high speed, very slowly pour butter into the blender. The mixture will thicken quickly. Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Orange Chicken with Garlicky Green Beans

Sheet Pan Orange Chicken with Garlicky Green Beans

Sheet Pan Orange Chicken with Garlicky Green Beans

8 (6-oz.) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

3/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided

3/4 cup orange marmalade

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon hot mustard

1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

8 ounces haricots verts (French green beans), trimmed

2 teaspoons Asian chili-garlic sauce

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub chicken thighs with 1/2 tablespoon of the canola oil, and place on an aluminum foil-lined sheet pan or rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Bake in preheated oven until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, about 35 minutes.  Meanwhile, stir together orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium, and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 8 minutes. Set aside. Toss green beans with chili-garlic sauce and remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Increase oven temperature to broil. Brush orange marmalade mixture on chicken thighs, and spread green beans around chicken. Broil until green beans are tender and chicken is browned and glazed, about 3 minutes.

Jumbo Breakfast Cookies

Jumbo Breakfast Cookies

Jumbo Breakfast Cookies

1 1⁄4 C. sugar

1⁄2 C. butter

1⁄2 C. peanut butter

1⁄4 C. water

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

1 1⁄2 C. whole wheat flour or 1 1⁄2 C. all-purpose flour

1 C. old fashioned oats or 1 C. quick-cooking oats

1 C. raisins

1⁄2 tsp. salt

1⁄2 tsp. baking soda

4 C. Cheerios toasted oat cereal

 

Heat oven to 375°. Stir together sugar, butter, peanut butter, water, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except cereal. Gently stir in cereal. Drop dough by rounded 1/3 cupfuls 4 inches apart onto ungreased large cookie sheet. Flatten dough to about 1 inch thick.

Bake right away (do not chill) 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet. Store loosely covered.

One Pan Pasta with Bacon & Peas

One Pan Pasta with Bacon & Peas

One Pan Pasta with Bacon & Peas

8 oz bacon, diced

3/4 C. diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 1/2 C. chicken broth

1/2 C. milk

8 oz dry penne pasta

1 C. frozen peas

1/2 C. sour cream

salt and pepper

grated Parmesan, for serving

 

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain all but about 2 tsp. of the bacon grease in the skillet. To the hot bacon grease, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken broth and the milk, and bring to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, add the dry pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the pasta to cook until al dente, about 15 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, add the peas and continue to cook until they have defrosted. Stir in the sour cream and the reserved bacon. Taste and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with parmesan cheese.

Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper

Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper

Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper

1 lb ground beef

1 medium sweet onion, diced

8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. ground black pepper

4 C. low sodium beef or chicken broth

12 oz. egg noodles

1/2 C. sour cream

1/2 C. chopped parsley

 

Heat large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the onion, mushrooms, and salt and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the onion is translucent, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Sprinkle the paprika, thyme, and pepper over the top and stir to combine.  Pour in the broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Add the pasta. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and continue to cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Return the reserved ground beef to the pan and stir through until warm, about a minute. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and parsley. Serve immediately.

Pigs in a Blanket Bites

Pigs in a Blanket Bites

Pigs in a Blanket Bites

 

Sheet puff pastry (1/2 of a 17.3 oz package)

all purpose flour, for rolling out

1 large egg

1 tsp. water

18 ounces fully cooked andouille sausage (6 sausages)

2 tsp. yellow mustard seeds

2 tsp. fine cornmeal

Creole mustard, for serving

 

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner. Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll the puff pastry into a 12×12-inch square. Brush away any excess flour. Cut the square into half horizontally, then in thirds vertically to make 6 4×6-inch rectangles. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the rectangles with the egg wash. Place one sausage along the long end of the rectangle, (don’t worry if the ends stick out), and roll the pastry around the sausage. Press the edge to seal. Place on the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining sausages and rectangles. Set aside the remaining egg wash and refrigerate the sausages for 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 400F. Combine the mustard seeds and cornmeal in a shallow baking dish. Working with 1 roll at a time, brush the outside of the pastry with the egg wash. Roll in the seed-cornmeal mixture. Repeat with the remaining sausages. (If the pastry becomes warm or soft, return to the refrigerator for a few minutes.) Using a sharp knife, cut off any ends of the sausages that stick out of the ends. Cut each roll into 6 pieces. If using skewers or toothpicks, insert into the pieces and arrange on the baking sheet, alternating the orientation so the skewers don’t touch the pastry as it expands while baking. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip. Continue cooking until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes more. Remove to a rack to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with the Creole mustard for dipping.

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium sweet onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes

8 oz. dry mafalda pasta (small wavy like lasagna pieces)

3 C. chicken broth

1 C. (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tsp. minced fresh parsley

In a large, deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is well browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat, if needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and stir. Season with salt, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper, and cook until the onion gets soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the crushed tomatoes, pasta, and chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring to a boil then reduce to medium low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through; most of the sauce should be absorbed. Stir in the cheese and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Nectarine Crumble

Sheet Pan Nectarine Crumble

Sheet Pan Nectarine Crumble

8 T. (1 stick) (4 oz./125 g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing

1 1/3 cups (4 oz./125 g) rolled oats

2/3 cup (4 oz./125 g) all-purpose flour

2/3 cup (5 oz./155 g) plus 1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz./105 g) firmly packed light brown sugar

Kosher salt

2 batches basic pie dough

4 1/2 lb. (2.25 kg) ripe nectarines, pitted and sliced (about 12 cups)

1/2 cup (4 fl. oz./125 ml) honey

3 T. cornstarch

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

 

Preheat an oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a half-sheet pan. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, swirling the pan frequently, until the butter foams, begins to brown and smells nutty, about 6 minutes; be careful not to burn the butter. Remove the pan from the heat and let the butter cool to room temperature. In a bowl, stir together the oats, flour, the 2/3 cup (5 oz./155 g) brown sugar and 1 tsp. salt. Add the brown butter and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out all of the pie dough into a 22-by-18-inch (55-by-45-cm) rectangle about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Roll the dough around a rolling pin and unroll it on top of the prepared pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim the edges, leaving a 1/2-inch (12-mm) overhang, and fold in the excess dough. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, toss the nectarines with the remaining 1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz./105 g) brown sugar, the honey, cornstarch, lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt. Pour the nectarine mixture into the prepared crust. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the top. Transfer to the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 1 hour before serving. Serves 12.

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Veggies

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 cup Honey

1 tablespoon minced Garlic

1 teaspoon Chilli Powder or smoked Paprika

1/4 cup Olive Oil

2 tablespoons whole grain Mustard

1 tablespoon Oregano

Salt to taste

6 bone-in, skin-on Chicken Thighs

6-7 cups Vegetables (Root vegetables will be better for 30 minutes (Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, etc).  Smaller, lighter vegetables (Green Beans, Broccoli, Peppers, etc) can be added halfway through)

2 tablespoons Garlic Powder or fresh garlic

3 tablespoons Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 220C/425F. Chicken: Mix together all the ingredients under honey balsamic chicken and toss the chicken thighs well. Set aside while you prep the veggies. Veggies: Add all the veggies to the sheet pan or jelly roll pan and toss them in garlic powder, olive oil, salt and pepper and spread them out on the pan. Bake: Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies and bake for 30-35 minutes or till the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165F.  (You can remove the chicken once its cooked and place the sheet pan with veggies back into the oven on the top rack. Turn the broiler or the top element on and let the veggies broil for 3-4 minutes. This will get them nice and crispy and evaporate all the juices in the sheet pan.)

Basic Green Smoothie

Basic Green Smoothie

½ banana, peeled

1½ cup (225 g) green grapes

1 Large orange, peeled, halved

1 slice pineapple, peeled

1½ cup (60 g) spinach

â…› teaspoon lime zest

2 Tablespoons agave nectar

1 cup (130 g) ice cubes

 

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to variable 10, then to High. Blend for 30 seconds, or until desired consistency is reached.

Carciofi Fritti (Tuscan Fried Baby Artichokes

Carciofi Fritti (Tuscan Fried Baby Artichokes

Carciofi Fritti (Tuscan Fried Baby Artichokes)

small baby artichokes, peeled and trimmed as in video

1 extra large egg

1/4-1/2 cup flour

salt

oil for frying

Prepare the artichokes as seen in the video, tearing off the tough outer leaves. Cut off the tough top of the leaves. Trim off the bottom stem and the bottom of the heart. Place in water with lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Drain the artichokes and cut into smaller pieces, 1/2’s or 1/4’s if they are larger. Place in a bowl. Add one whole egg, and mix to blend well with the artichokes and a pinch of salt. Add enough flour to create a rough “Batter” which will stick on the artichokes. There should be no extra liquid. It will probably not seem like a lot of batter. Fry in hot oil, not touching each other, until golden. Salt when done.

 

Bloody Mary Soup

Bloody Mary Soup

Bloody Mary Soup

2¼ cup (532 ml) tomato juice

3 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 carrot, halved

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

1 lime, peeled, halved

4 drops Tabasco sauce

1 fluid ounce (25 ml) vodka

salt and pepper, to taste

 

Place Ingredients into the Vitamix Container in the order listed. And secure Lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 5 minutes or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid. Chef’s Note: Garnish with your favorite Bloody Mary toppings, such as olives, diced celery or pickles.

Tropical Escape Smoothie

Tropical Escape Smoothie

Tropical Escape Smoothie

¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice

¾ cup (180 ml) water

¼ cup (60 ml) light coconut milk

1 lime, peeled, halved

½ banana, peeled

½ cup (80 g) frozen mango

1 cup (160 g) frozen pineapple

2 cups (260 g) ice cubes

 

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 30-45 seconds.

Almond crusted pork chops with apples

Almond crusted pork chops with apples

Almond crusted pork chops with apples

3/4 cup whole almonds, toasted

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (reserve the orange)

4 (1-inch-thick) boneless pork chops (about 8 ounces each)

5 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 egg yolks

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 

3/4 cup whole almonds, toasted

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (reserve the orange)

4 (1-inch-thick) boneless pork chops (about 8 ounces each)

5 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 egg yolks

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 shallots, sliced

2 golden delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon packed brown sugar

1/2 cup chicken stock

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. To make the pork chops: In a food processor, pulse the almonds to coarse crumbs, about the size of the panko. Mix together the panko and almonds in a shallow dish and stir in the orange zest. Season the crumbs and pork chops with salt and pepper. In another small dish, mix the mustard and egg yolk together. Brush the chops with the mustard mixture, then dredge all over in the crumbs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, brown the chops on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove them to a plate. To make the apples, wipe skillet clean and set over medium heat. Melt the butter. Add the shallots and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the apples and cook and toss until they begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the rosemary and season with salt and pepper. Add the brown sugar, orange juice and chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Cook just until the sauce comes together, then put the chops on top of the apples and bake until the chops are just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Park’s Ham and Biscuits

Park’s Ham and Biscuits

Park’s Ham and Biscuits

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 tablespoons cold shortening, cut into pieces

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup chilled buttermilk

Heavy cream or milk, for brushing

8 ounces thinly sliced country ham, for serving

Hot-pepper jelly, for serving

 

Preheat the oven to 45O°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Put the butter and shortening in a small bowl and freeze while you prepare the dry ingredients. In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Pulse a few times, just to combine. Scatter the cold butter and shortening pieces on top of the flour and pulse the food processor in short bursts until you have pea-size pieces. Pour the buttermilk over the top and pulse two or three times, just to make a shaggy dough. Don’t over process. Dump the dough onto a floured work surface and knead once or twice. Pat or roll into a V2-inch-thick square. Dip a 2-inch-round cutter in flour and cut as closely together as possible to get 12 to 14 biscuits. Arrange on the baking sheet without touching. Lightly brush with the cream. Bake until puffed and golden brown all over, until the bottoms are golden, too, 8 to 9 minutes. Remove to a wire cooling rack. Split the warm biscuits and serve with the ham and a dollop of pepper jelly.

Barley with Green Tahini Vinaigrette

Barley with Green Tahini Vinaigrette

Barley with Green Tahini Vinaigrette

1 1/2 cups pearl barley

1 pinch salt

1 medium sized zucchini, finely diced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup tahini, stirred

1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts

1 small jalapeño, seeded

1 garlic clove

1/2 cup chopped green olives

2 tbsp chopped drained capers

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

 

Cook the barley in a medium pot in plenty of salted water until tender but still chewy, 30 to 40 minutes. Drain and cool.  Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the zucchini just until it turns bright green, about 30 seconds. Cool in ice water. Drain well and set aside. In a food processor, combine the oil, tahini, vinegar, scallions, jalapeño and garlic. Process until you have a smooth, thick green dressing. The mixture will thicken to a paste in the food processor. Add about 1/4 cup very hot water to thin. In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley and zucchini, the olives and the capers. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Mound the salad on a platter and sprinkle with the cilantro. Serve at room temperature.

 

Beijing Pea Pod Salad

Beijing Pea Pod Salad

Beijing Pea Pod Salad

 

1 C. Snow Peas

1 C. Chinese Cabbage, shredded

1/4 C. Bamboo Shoots, drained

4 Water Chestnuts, sliced

4 Mushrooms, sliced

2 T. Lemon Juice

4 tsp. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

 

In saucepan, cook snow peas until boiling salted water just until tender; drain and chill. Combine with remaining vegetables in bowl. In small bowl whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, and mustard; drizzle over vegetables.

Berry Delicious Salad

Berry Delicious Salad

Berry Delicious Salad

2 T. canola oil

1/4 C. sliced fresh strawberries

1 1/2 T. raspberry or red wine vinegar

1 1/2 tsp. sugar substitute or honey

1/4 tsp. fines herbes or dried thyme

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

6 C. mixed baby salad greens

1 C. sliced fresh strawberries

1/4 C. crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese or blue cheese

1/4 C. chopped toasted pecans

 

To make dressing: put all of the ingredients in a mini blender jar, and blend until smooth. Chill until ready to serve. To make salad: place 1/4 of the salad greens on each of four salad plates. Top the greens with 1/4 of the berries, cheese, and pecans. Drizzle a T. of dressing over each salad and serve immediately.

Berry Freezer Jam

Berry Freezer Jam

Berry Freezer Jam

 

4 C. Berry

4 C. Sugar

1/4 tsp. Shredded Citrus Peel

3oz. Liquid Fruit Pectin

2 T. Lemon Juice

 

Crush berries. Measure 2 C. berries. In bowl combine berries, sugar, and lemon peel. Let stand 10 minutes. Combine pectin and lemon juice. Add to berry mixture and stir for 3 minutes. Ladle at once into jars or freezer containers, leave a 1/2” headspace. Seal, label. Let stand at room temperature about 2 hours or until jam is set. Store in fridge for 3 weeks, or up to 1 year in the freezer.

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

Easy Onion and Pear Marmalade

3 T. lightly salted butter

1 C. Pear, skinned and cored, diced

3 large onions, sliced

2/3 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 C. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

 

Heat butter in large pan, add onions and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes until onions are very soft and lightly browned. Add pears and sugar, stir simmer uncovered, until mixture is thick and caramelized. Add vinegar and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Stir in the rosemary. Serve at room temp.

Peach Sunrise Cocktail Cubes

Peach Sunrise Cocktail Cubes

PEACH SUNRISE COCKTAIL CUBES

3 3-oz. pkg. orange-flavor gelatin

1 ½ cups boiling water

11/2 cups cranberry juice

¾ cup vodka

6 Tbsp, peach schnapps

Nonstick cooking spray

 

In a bowl stir together gelatin and boiling water until completely dissolved. Add cranberry juice; vodka- and schnapps. Coat a 3-qt. rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Pour gelatin mixture into dish. Chill about 3 hours or until firm. Cut into 1-inch squares. Serve in cocktail glasses.

 

number of servings 6

per Serving 296 cal., o gfat, o mg chol., 169 mg sodium, 52 g carb., o g fiber, 52 g sugars, 4gpro.

Florentine-Feta Rolls

Florentine-Feta Rolls

Florentine-Feta Rolls

4 green onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T. olive oil, divided

1 (6 ounce) bag fresh Baby Spinach

1⁄4 cup fresh basil

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 (13 7/8 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough (I have used both whole wheat dough and crescent rolls with great results!)

1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 T. toasted pine nuts

1 T. butter, melted

1⁄4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 12 muffin cups and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 T. oil and cook green onions and garlic until tender. Add spinach and basil; cook and stir over medium heat until just wilted. Drain off excess liquid. Stir in salt and pepper; set aside to cool. On a well-floured surface, unroll pizza dough and shape into a 12×8 rectangle. Brush surface of dough with remaining olive oil. Spread spinach mixture to within one inch of the edges of the dough. Sprinkle with feta and pine nuts.

Starting with a long side, roll into a spiral. Slice roll into 12 pieces and place cut-side up in prepared muffin cups. Brush with butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand in muffin cups for 2 minutes. Remove carefully and serve warm.

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Zoodle Pizza Casserole

Nonstick cooking spray

3 10 ounces zucchini

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz.)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 T. cornmeal

1 8 ounce can pizza sauce

½ cup miniature sliced pepperoni

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 3-qt. rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Using a vegetable spiralizer, julienne cutter, or mandoline, cut zucchini into long, thin noodles (zoodles). Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt; toss gently. Let stand 15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. In a large bowl combine eggs, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, flour, and cornmeal. Stir in zoodles. Transfer to prepared dish. Bake 10 minutes or until set and no excess liquid remains. Spread with pizza sauce. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Bake 15 to 20 minutes more or until cheese is light brown.

 

If you don’t have a spiralizer, julienne cutter, or mandoline, coarsely shred the zucchini, or halve the zucchini lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Continue as directed.

 

8 servings. 191 calories, (5 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat), 75 mg cholesterol, 678 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 13 g protein.

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Nonstick cooking spray

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

16 ounces dried orzo pasta

6 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped, or 6 slices bacon, chopped

1 cup chopped onion (1 large)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup shredded provolone cheese (4 ounces)

½ cup chopped roasted red sweet peppers

½ cup whipping cream

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 12 ounce package (12) refrigerated cooked turkey Italian meatballs

½ cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)

â…“ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

2 T. olive oil

Snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a 4-quart Dutch oven bring broth to boiling. Stir in orzo. Cook, uncovered, for 6 to 7 minutes or until orzo is almost tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. In a large skillet cook and stir pancetta over medium heat until brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove pancetta and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 T. drippings in skillet. Add onion to the reserved drippings; cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add wine, stirring to scrape up crusty brown bits. Return to heat and simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until wine is reduced by half. Add wine mixture to orzo in Dutch oven. Stir in pancetta, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, whipping cream, salt, and black pepper. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add meatballs to baking dish, pressing lightly into orzo mixture. In a small bowl combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle mixture over meatballs and orzo mixture. Bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

 

Servings: 6

743 calories, (12 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat), 81 mg cholesterol, 1211 mg sodium, 72 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 35 g protein.

Pistachio-Cranberry Baklava

Pistachio-Cranberry Baklava

Pistachio-Cranberry Baklava

1 ½ cups pistachio nuts, finely chopped

1 ½ cups dried cranberries

1 ⅓ cups sugar

½ teaspoon ground cardamom

¾ cup butter, melted

½ of a 16-ounce package (20 to 24 sheets) frozen phyllo dough (14×9-inch rectangles), thawed

¾ cup water

3 T. honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 325°F. For filling, in a large bowl stir together pistachio nuts, dried cranberries, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and the cardamom; set aside. B Brush the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with some of the melted butter. Unroll phyllo dough; cover phyllo dough with plastic wrap. Layer one-fourth (5 or 6) of the phyllo dough sheets in the prepared baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle with about 1 cup of the filling. Repeat layering phyllo dough sheets and filling twice more, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top of the last layer of filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Drizzle with any remaining melted butter. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into 24 to 48 diamond-, rectangle-, or square-shape pieces. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly in pan on a wire rack. Meanwhile, for syrup, in a medium saucepan stir together the remaining 1 cup sugar, the water, honey, and vanilla. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Pour the syrup evenly over the slightly cooled baklava; cool completely.

Blueberry-Lemon Poke Cake

Blueberry-Lemon Poke Cake

Blueberry-Lemon Poke Cake

1 box lemon cake mix and the additional ingredients called for on the box

For the Lemon Blueberry Sauce

1½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen

1 large lemon zest and juice (about 1 tsp. of zest and 1 tbsp. of juice)

¼ cup sugar

2 tsp. corn starch

pinch of salt

½ tsp. vanilla extract

For the Topping:

½ cup jarred lemon curd

1 8 oz. container whipped topping cool whip

 

Prepare the lemon cake according to the package directions using a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In the meantime, prepare the blueberry lemon sauce. In a medium saucepan, add blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken (about 12 minutes for frozen blueberries, about 6-7 minutes for fresh). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Set aside. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake that are about an inch apart. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the blueberry lemon sauce on top. Spread the sauce into an even layer over the cake ensuring some of the sauce and blueberries get down into the holes. Let the cake cool completely (about an hour). Add the lemon curd and ½ cup of the cool whip to a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add another ½ cup of the cool whip and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining cool whip to the bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula and gently fold the cool whip into the lemon curd mixture. Spread the whipped lemon topping on top of the cake into an even layer. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

2 pounds turnips

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 T. unsalted butter

1 T. honey

1 to 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (about 4 sprigs)

Juice of 1/2 orange (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash the turnips, peel away any dings, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl with the oil, salt, and pepper, and stir until well coated. Arrange the turnips on a sheet pan in a single layer and roast until tender to the bite, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer them to a serving bowl.

3 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Add the thyme, stir, and pour over the turnips, turning them with a spatula until well coated. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze the orange juice all over the turnips and serve hot.

 

From: PNW Veg

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

Roasted cauliflower steaks with salsa verde

1/2 cauliflower see prep notes below

1 tbsp butter 15g (can be replaced with olive oil for vegan version)

1/2 lemon zest

salt and pepper

For salsa verde

3 tbsp parsley

1 tsp. capers

3 anchovy fillets (can be omitted for vegan/vegetarian version)

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

 

Preheat oven to 400F/200C. Cut the base off the cauliflower so that it sits more or less flat. Next, cut the cauliflower in half through the middle of the core, all the way through. Cut a slice around 1 – 1.5 in/2.5 – 4 cm thick from each half right the way through from each half so you get two flat ‘steaks’. Keep the florets you have cut off for something else. Warm 1/2 tbsp butter over a medium heat in a small to medium skillet/frying pan that fits both of the cauliflower steaks in lying flat. Add the cauliflower and cook a couple minutes on each side so that it becomes nicely browned. Add the lemon zest and some salt and pepper as it cooks. Add the additional butter in places that seem short on butter so that all of the edges being cooked are coated to help it brown. Turn as needed to brown on both sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and allow to cook for around 10 minutes, or possibly a little longer, until the cauliflower is completely tender. For the salsa verde: While the cauliflower is in the oven, finely chop the parsley, capers, anchovies and garlic together until they are very fine and mixed. Put all into a small bowl and add the mustard, lemon juice and olive oil. Mix well so they are well combined and serve over the cooked cauliflower steaks (you probably won’t need all of it).

 

2 servings Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 134mg | Vitamin A: 13.2% | Vitamin C: 28.9% | Calcium: 2.3% | Iron: 3.7%

Huckleberry Polenta Cake

Huckleberry Polenta Cake

Huckleberry Polenta Cake

6 T. unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into 6 pieces, plus more for greasing

1 cup stone-ground cornmeal (fine or medium grind)

1/2 cup almond meal, or ‘/3 cup raw almonds, ground

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1/4 cup plain Greek or strained yogurt

Zest of 1 lime

3 T. freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes)

2 T. honey

1/4 cup candied ginger, minced

1 1/2 cups huckleberries

 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.  In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside. Using a handheld electric beater or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light yellow and malleable, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one a time, beating until just combined; after the third egg, the mixture should be thick and glossy and will have increased in volume. Stir in the yogurt, lime zest and juice, and honey, beating until everything is well combined. Add the cornmeal mixture to the wet ingredients and stir by hand with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Gently stir in the ginger and huckleberries. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm on the top and not jiggle in the center. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Peel away the parchment and serve.

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

Robin’s Mushroom Conserva

 

The story behind this dish and her notes follow: “In the fall, chanterelles are oozing out of the forest floor in Washington. My forager, Matsutaki Joe, would show up with bins of them at incredible prices. This is how we captured their essence and enjoyed them in a variety of ways at Crave. My favorite was serving them atop grilled baguette slices rubbed with garlic and smeared with goat cheese. They were incredibly addictive and lasted all winter long. I make sure I have a batch of these on hand all year round for that appetizer on the fly when a friend stops by.” Serve the mushrooms over pasta (such as pappardelle), on flatbread, or even on grilled fish.

 

kitchen notes: Use the freshest possible mushrooms; anything tough, wilted, or with evidence of mold or tiny holes should be discarded. Brush away any pine needles or debris, and trim tough stems.

 

2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (Robin’s favorites are chanterelle, hen-of the-woods, porcini, and oyster)

2 cups distilled white vinegar

1 cup red wine vinegar

3 cups water

2 medium cloves garlic, slivered

2 T. fine sea salt

10 sprigs thyme

3 bay leaves

2 (2-by-1/2-inch) strips lemon peel, removed with a vegetable peeler

Ground black pepper

2 cups good-quality’ extra-virgin olive oil

 

Tear or cut the mushrooms into thin strips, V4 to V2 inch wide and 2 inches long. Any small mushrooms should be left whole for added aesthetics. (Robin likes to do this with baby oyster mushrooms and hen-of-the-woods.) In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegars, water, garlic, salt, 7 of the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and 1 of the lemon peel strips. Over medium-high heat bring the brine just to a boil. Remove from the heat and let steep for about 15 minutes.  3 Return the brine to a boil over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, pressing the mushrooms down into the brine if they float to the top. Drain the mushrooms and spread on a clean lint-free towel to absorb excess moisture. While cooling, sprinkle the mushroom with pepper. Transfer the mushrooms into 2 sterilized pint jars (or 1 quart jar) and completely cover them with the oil. Add 2 of the bay leaves from the brine, the remaining 3 sprigs thyme, and the remaining lemon peel strip, along with a large pinch of additional salt. Cover and tap the jar on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set the jar in a dark pantry away from sunlight and let the mushrooms cure at room temperature for 1 week. The mushrooms will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 year. The oil may congeal, so remove the jar from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using. Note that the mushrooms pack a puckery punch and a little goes a long way. “Save the preserved oil!” says Robin, who likes it brushed on crostini.

Baked Heirloom Plum Tomatoes

Baked Heirloom Plum Tomatoes

Baked Heirloom Plum Tomatoes

6 ripe heirloom plum tomatoes

1 cup fine breadcrumbs made from local bread (adjust the herbs depending on the bread type)

1/3 cup finely grated hard aged cheese

1/3 cup of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley; whatever you like and have on hand. (basil can burn, so maybe save that for topper as you serve)

1/4-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or finely chopped shallot

1 T. olive oil

1/4 teaspoon Chardonnay Oak Barrel salt (bread may be salty, so adjust)

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground mixed peppercorns

 

Preheat the oven to 350F. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out the bread crumbs and lightly toast them in the oven. This takes less than 5 minutes. Do not brown them, just dry them out a bit. When they come out, mix them with the olive oil, shallots/garlic, herbs and cheese, salt & pepper

Wash and dry each tomato. Slice each tomato lengthwise. You can scoop out a bit of the center seeds and juice if you like. I did to make some room for the topping, but it’s not necessary. Place each half on the baking sheet with the parchment paper. Evenly divide and top each half tomato with the bread crumb mixture. You can drizzle additional olive oil on top of each tomato at this point, or simply watch the baking process so you don’t burn the topping. Bake for about 30 minutes. The longer you bake, the softer the tomatoes will get. I prefer mine firmer for market samples, but you can bake these up to 45 minutes if you closely watch the topping. Riper tomatoes will take less time and be more flavorful.

Pork Rib Roast with Warm, Buttery Gremolata and Roasted Garlic

Pork Rib Roast with Warm, Buttery Gremolata and Roasted Garlic

Pork Rib Roast with Warm, Buttery Gremolata and Roasted Garlic

4 1/2 lb pork rib roast (ask your butcher to remove the vertebrae and the skin but leave the fat)

a large bunch of parsley

1/3 cup plus 2 T. extra-dry vermouth

3 T. unsalted butter at room temperature

3 1/2 T. olive oil

1 T. salt

1 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes or ground black pepper

2 heads garlic

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Score the layer of fat on the outside of the roast with a sharp knife. I like to make a checkered pattern, but you can also just carve a few parallel straight lines, I leave that up to you. Place the roast in the middle of a roasting pan. In a food processor, combine all the remaining ingredients except the garlic and pulse to a thick sauce. The butter will remain visible in the small bits, but those will melt in the oven. Reserve a little of the sauce for later, and rub the remaining sauce over the entire roast. Place the garlic heads in the roasting pan. Roast for 1 1/2 hours. If you use a meat thermometer, the core temperature you’re looking for is 150 degrees F. This will leave the center nicely rose colored. Remove the roast from the oven, remove the heads of garlic from the pan, and cover the roast with aluminum foil. Let the roast rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the reserved sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a container and skim off the clear fat with a spoon and discard it. Pour the juices into the warmed sauce. Squeeze the mushy roasted garlic cloves into a bowl. Carve the rib roast at the table and serve it with the sauce and the garlic in separate bowls.

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

Gooseberry Jam with Orange

 

2 lb gooseberries (green or red)

juice and zest of 2 large oranges

4 1/2 cups jelling sugar or use granulated sugar and pectin (add pectin according to instructions on the package)

4 clean jam jars

 

Wash the gooseberries, remove stems and crowns and heat, just covered with water, until soft. Add orange zest and juice and return to a boil. Add all of the sugar. Stir using a wooden spoon (a metal spoon will get too hot!) until the sugar is dissolved. Test whether the jam is setting properly: Allow a drop of jam to fall on a saucer and place in the refrigerator for 1 minute. If it has thickened nicely, the jam is ready. Quickly fill the jars and apply the lids. Tighten the lids securely and turn the jars upside down, in order for the vacuum to be created. The jam will have a shelf life of one year. After opening, store in a cool place.

Confit de Vin

Confit de Vin

Confit de Vin

This is actually not a jam but a jelly. After having made it once, you will be sold. Serve with a cheeseboard, for example. We also eat the confit on toast with aged cheese. The type of wine you choose matters: This recipe calls for white wine, but red wine is also fine. Adjust your spices and use those that are warmer and fuller in flavor: Cloves, mandarin peel, and star anise, for example. You can also vary the types of wine: A sauvignon blanc will result in a different jelly from a muscat.

 

For approx. 4 1 cup jars

 

2 vanilla beans

1 1/2 bottles white wine

4 1/2 cups jelling sugar or use granulated sugar and pectin (add pectin according to instructions on the package)

6 cardamom pods

juice of 1 lemon

zest of 1/2 lemon

zest of 1/2 orange

 

Cut open the vanilla beans, scrape out the seeds and combine with all other ingredients in a large pot (seeds and pods). Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for approx. 30 minutes. Check if the jelly sets properly by pouring a teaspoon on a saucer and briefly placing it in the refrigerator. If it is nice and stiff, it can be poured into clean jars. First remove the cardamom pods and vanilla beans. Tighten the lids on the jars and turn the jars upside down, allowing them to cool.