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Marinated White Beans

Marinated White Beans

Marinated White Beans

 

1/3 C. olive oil

Finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon

Juice of 1 medium lemon

1 medium shallot, diced (about 1/4 C.)

1 clove garlic, grated or minced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed

Freshly ground black pepper

2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/3 C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1/4 C. chopped fresh oregano leaves

 

Place the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, shallot, garlic, salt, and few generous grinds of black pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the white beans, parsley, and oregano and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or overnight. Let come to room temperature before serving. Make ahead: These beans get better with time, so feel free to make them up to 2 days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Serving suggestions: The beans can be enjoyed as is, piled on toast, tossed with cooked grains, or served over salads.

Gnocchi Alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)

Gnocchi Alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)

Gnocchi Alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)

1 quart (4 C.) 2% or whole milk

1 heaping C. (175 grams) semolina flour (not fast-cooking variety)

1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as desired

4 T. unsalted butter, divided, plus more for greasing

1 heaping C. (3.5 ounces) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

freshly ground black pepper

2 large egg yolks

 

Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until tiny bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan and the liquid is just short of boiling. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the semolina flour in a very thin steady stream with one hand as you stir the mixture steadily with a stiff large whisk. The mixture will cook for roughly 15 to 20 minutes total, or until it becomes very thick and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. It will be very loose for the first few minutes and will thicken to the consistency of a loose pudding within about 5 minutes. Once the mixture thick enough that it becomes difficult to continue whisking, switch to a wooden spoon. Continue stirring with a wooden spoon, scraping the sides of the pan as well, until the mixture begins to form a loose-ish mass and begins to pull away from the sides (approximately 15 to 20 minutes of total cook time ). Remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two. Stir in 2/3 of the grated parmesan cheeses, 2 T. unsalted butter, and salt. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Allowing the mixture to cool slightly will also prevent the eggs from coagulating. Add the egg yolks and mix rapidly with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Moisten a half sheet pan with cold water over a sink and allow the excess water to drip off the pan. Spoon the hot semolina mixture onto the moistened sheet pan, spreading it with an offset spatula into an even layer that is just under 1/2-inch thick. Let cool for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees with a rack in the center position. Grease the bottom and sides of an oven-safe baking dish (roughly 2 quarts in capacity) with unsalted butter. Using a small biscuit cutter (roughly 2.5-inch), cut the semolina into disks, dipping the biscuit cutter into water continuously to prevent sticking. Transfer and layer the semolina rounds into the greased baking dish, overlapping the slices slightly with each row to resemble roof shingles. Distribute the top of the polenta with the remaining 2 T. butter, divided into small pieces. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese. Gnocchi alla romana can be prepped ahead up this stage and stored, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake uncovered at 425 for 15 to 20 minutes or until a light golden crust is formed. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

 

Alternate Cooking:  Preheat the oven to 400° F (200°C). Using a cookie cutter or the mouth of a glass that’s about 2 inches wide, cut the cooled semolina into gnocchi. Dip the cutter or glass into water between each press to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the cut gnocchi on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave at least 1/2 inch between them so that their edges can caramelize. Sprinkle 1/2 C. Parmesan and ½  C. bread crumbs on top of the semolina gnocchi. If you don’t want them thickly coated, don’t use all the cheese and crumbs. Bake until the semolina gnocchi are golden brown, slightly puffed, and crisp around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Olives, Garlic and Thyme

Roasted Butternut Squash with Olives, Garlic and Thyme

Roasted Butternut Squash with Olives, Garlic and Thyme

1 butternut squash

12 cloves of garlic

4 T. olive oil

salt and pepper

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 C. cured olives

1 C. mini grape tomatoes

 

Preheat oven to 390F. Peel and dice the butternut squash and place it in a large ovenproof dish with the garlic. Pour over olive oil, and season with salt, pepper and thyme. Mix well.  Place in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Take it out, stir and mix in olives and tomatoes. Place it back in the oven and roast until the squash is soft, about another 15 minutes. Serve warm or cold.

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts

soaking and cooking the chickpeas:

3 T. + 1 tsp. salt

4 qt. water

1 lb. dried chickpeas

1 onion, peeled and halved through the core

a few sprigs thyme

1 clove garlic, smashed

1 bay leaf

for the sauté:

1/4 C. pine nuts

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced or thinly sliced

4 C. cooked chickpeas, drained

nice sea salt and pepper to taste

1/3 C. thinly sliced basil or more to taste

a few T. finely minced parsley or more to taste, optional

bread for serving

 

Soaking and cooking the beans: Dissolve the 3 T. of salt into the water. Add the chickpeas and soak for 8 to 24 hours. Drain, and place in a pot with the onion, thyme, garlic, bay leaf and remaining tsp. of salt. Cover with water by three inches. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook at the gentlest simmer for about an hour or until the chickpeas are cooked through. Let chickpeas cool in their cooking liquid. Discard thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and onion. Store chickpeas in their cooking liquid. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over low heat until light brown, about 5 to 10 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate to cool. Making the sauté: Place the oil and chopped garlic in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When the garlic starts sizzling in the oil, add the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to go big on the salt—chickpeas can handle it. I started with 1 tsp. of Maldon sea salt, and then added a pinch more. Add the pine nuts and the herbs, and sauté for a few minutes or until the chickpeas are heated through and nicely coated in the oil and herbs. Serve with more salt and pepper on the side.

Baked Fennel with Garlic Butter and Vermouth

Baked Fennel with Garlic Butter and Vermouth

Baked Fennel with Garlic Butter and Vermouth

 

3 large heads fennel

1 clove garlic, finely sliced

3 large knobs (T.) of butter

2 wine glasses (10 ounces) vermouth (white wine also works)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Remove any discolored parts of the fennel, then cut the tops off and slice finely, reserving the leaves. I normally slice each fennel from the top to the root, into about 4 pieces, but it’s not that important. You can slice them finer and more delicately if you like. Literally throw all the ingredients except the reserved leaves into a baking dish. Rip off a piece of parchment paper, run it under cold water and scrunch it up to make it soft. Then place it snugly over and around the fennel, not the actual dish. This bakes and steams the fennel at the same time-basically making it really tasty! Cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender. Scatter with the fennel leaves before serving.

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Boursin and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

4 T. butter

5 T. flour

3 C. 1% milk

4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

2 5.2 oz packages Boursin cheese, crumbled

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

Salt & pepper, to taste

1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped

4 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced and patted dry

2 oz grated parmesan

6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

 

In a small sauce pan, make your roux: Melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook mixture over low heat for a few minutes, so the raw flour taste is gone but the roux is still a pale yellow. Slowly whisk in the milk, and add the garlic and Boursin. Keep whisking until bubbly and thickened, about 10 minutes. The mixture should be the consistency of cheese sauce or warm queso. Add nutmeg, thyme, cayenne, parsley and salt & pepper to taste. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a buttered 9×13 baking dish, layer about 1/4 of the potato slices slightly overlapping one another. Top with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1/4 of the grated parmesan. Ladle over about 1/4 of the cream sauce & spread evenly over potatoes, top with 1/4 of the crumbled bacon. Repeat layers until you have used all your ingredients, making sure that you have enough cream sauce to cover the top layer. Finish with the last of the parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is brown and bubbly. Allow pan to sit for about 15 minutes to set up, so you can cut the potatoes into pieces.

Tortilla Espanola – Spanish Omelet

Tortilla Espanola – Spanish Omelet

Tortilla Espanola – Spanish Omelet

 

1 C. EVOO

4 Potatoes, about 1 lb, peeled and cut into ½” cubes

1 Onion, thinly sliced

6 Eggs

Salt and Pepper

 

Heat oil in a 9” skillet until hot; add potatoes and onion and turn to coat.  Reduce temperature and cook for 15 minutes, or until soft, turning often, without letting them brown.  Remove from oil with slotted spoon and set aside to drain on paper towels.  Pour oil into small bowl.  Add eggs, salt and pepper into a bowl and beat with a fork.  Add potatoes and onions to eggs, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes.  Put 2 T. of reserved oil back into skillet and heat until smoking.  Pour in potato and egg mixture, spreading potatoes evenly in the pan.  Cook 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium and shake the skillet often to keep omelet from sticking.  When eggs are brown underneath and nearly firm on top, lay a plate over the skillet and flip the omelet out onto the plate.  Add ¼ C. remaining oil to the skillet and slide the omelet back in to brown the other side.  Lower heat to low and flip the omelet 3 more times, cooking 1 minute each side, to help give it a good shape.  Transfer to plate, brush top with oil, and let stand until cool.  Serve in squares or wedges.

 

 

 

From Easy Tapas

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

Grapefruit Jicama Salad with Pistachios and Asian Lime Vinaigrette

3 Large Grapefruit (Peeled and segmented )

¾ Pound Jicama (Peeled and coarsely shredded)

1 Medium Carrot (About ½ cup; Peeled and grated or finely shredded)

1/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves (Plus 2 tablespoons)

2 Tablespoons Pistachios (Toasted and crushed)

 

1 Serrano Chile

1 Large Garlic Clove

1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar (Packed)

3 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (About 2 Medium Limes)

1½ Tablespoon Asian Fish Sauce (Preferably Nuoc Mam)

 

For the Vinaigrette: Cut the chile in half, scrape out the seeds, and mince it, being careful to wash your fingers and the knife when you’re done. (You should have about 1 1/2 teaspoons.) In a small bowl, whisk together the chile, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice and fish sauce until the sugar has dissolved.  For the Salad: In a large serving bowl, toss together the grapefruit, jicama, carrot, and 1/3 cup of the cilantro leaves. Add just enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat the grapefruit and vegetables. Scatter the pistachios over the salad and garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves.

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

 

1/2 lb spaghetti

1 T. sesame oil

Sauce

2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 T. sherry wine

1 1/2 T. Chinese chili sauce

1 1/2 T. tahini

1/2 T. white sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 slice fresh ginger, size of a dime, peeled and chopped

2 green onions, finely sliced

freshly ground black pepper

1/2 C. finely chopped English cucumber

1 T. fresh coriander, finely chopped

 

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions just until al dente stage; drain and rinse with cold water; drain well. Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil; set aside. To prepare sauce, whisk all sauce ingredients together. Pour over noodles and toss well. Grind pepper over to taste, then garnish with cucumber and coriander.

Creamy Baked Fennel with Bacon & Mushrooms

Creamy Baked Fennel with Bacon & Mushrooms

Creamy Baked Fennel with Bacon & Mushrooms

 

1 fennel bulb, sliced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 rashers of bacon, chopped to small pieces

4 brown mushrooms, sliced or chopped

Salt

Black Pepper

Dried parsley

Scant C. Cream

A handful of grated parmesan

Olive oil

1 tsp. butter

 

Fry your bacon in a pan with a little oil till they’re crisp. Plate the bacon and keep the grease in the pan. Cook your onions with the bacon grease for 3 mins. Toss in sliced fennel and garlic. Sautee till fennel is slightly soft. Throw in mushrooms. Add a tiny pinch of salt, black pepper and your parsley. Throw in your cooked bacon. Pour your cream into the mix and let it heat on low fire. Grab half of your parmesan and mix it into the cream. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer fennel to an oven-proof dish. Top with the remaining parmesan and bake in a pre-heated oven of 400 for about 20 mins. Let it cool a bit. Garnish with the fennel fronds.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary and Black Olives

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary and Black Olives

3 lb. russet baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. good-quality extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 C. finely chopped pitted black olives

 

In a large pot, cover the potatoes with salted water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil and rosemary in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is fragrant, about 4 minutes. (If wisps of smoke start to rise off the surface of the oil, immediately remove it from the heat.) Cover and set aside to steep, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, reserving 1 C. of the potato water. Return the potatoes to the pot and add ½ C. of the potato water, mashing well. Slowly drizzle in the rosemary-oil and continue mashing until combined. Stir in the olives and season generously with salt and lots of pepper. Serve warm.

Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

6 medium peeled and cubed potatoes
1/4 C. 2 percent milk
1 (8-ounce) package light cream cheese
1 C. reduced-fat sour cream
1 T. minced parsley
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 C. shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Cook potatoes in boiling water 15 minutes or until fork tender; drain. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Coat an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine cooked potatoes, milk, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley and garlic powder in a mixing bowl and mix with electric mixer on medium-high until smooth. Spoon into baking dish, cover, and bake 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 to 10 more minutes or until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 174
Fat: 9g
FIber: 2g

Potatoes with Artichokes and Olives

Potatoes with Artichokes and Olives

2 (9-ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1 pound red potatoes, cut in chunks
2 C. fat-free chicken broth
2 T. olive oil
1 small thinly slice onion
1/2 C. sliced Kalamata olives
1 tsp. drained capers
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired

In a large bowl, place artichokes and lemon juice. Add enough water to cover artichokes. Let stand until artichokes are thawed; drain well. In a 3-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and chicken broth; add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tender; drain. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; stir in artichokes, potatoes, olives and capers. Cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 129
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 5g

Caramelized Onion and Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Caramelized Onion and Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

1/4 C. butter, divided
4 C. chopped onion
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 T. white balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 1/2 lb. cubed peeled baking potato
1/2 C. whole milk
1/4 C. Dijon mustard
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. prepared horseradish
1 T. light mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. salt

Melt 1 T. butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sugar; sauté 10 minutes or until caramelized. Remove from heat; stir in vinegar, if desired. Place potato in a saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and return potato to pan. Add 3 T. butter and milk; mash to desired consistency. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Combine Dijon mustard and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended. Add Dijon mustard mixture and caramelized onion mixture to potato mixture, stirring to combine.

Yield: 10 servings
Serving size: 3/4 C.

Calories: 186
Fat: 6.3g
Fiber: 2.9g

Creamed Spinach Casserole

Creamed Spinach Casserole

2 bags (9 to 10 oz. each) fresh spinach leaves
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 C. fat free milk
3/4 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning

Preheat oven to 350°F. Empty spinach into a large colander. Pour boiling water over the spinach until wilted. Squeeze the spinach to remove excess moisture; place on cutting board and coarsely chop. Mix remaining ingredients in large bowl. Stir in spinach. Spoon into greased 1-quart baking dish. Bake 25 to 30 min. or until heated through.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 90
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g

Speckled Corn Bread

Speckled Corn Bread

1 tsp. stick margarine or butter
Cooking spray
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 1/3 cups self-rising yellow cornmeal mix
2/3 cup self-rising flour
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1 1/4 cups fat-free milk
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400°. Melt margarine over medium-high heat in a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. sauté corn and bell pepper for 8 minutes or until corn is lightly browned and bell pepper is tender; stir frequently. Cool. Combine vegetable mixture, cornmeal mix, flour, sugar, and ground red pepper in a large bowl; add milk and egg whites, stirring until moist. Pour batter into a 9-inch round cake pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool completely on a wire rack. Note: Substitute 1 1/3 cups plain yellow cornmeal, 2 tsp. baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt for 1 1/3 cups self-rising yellow cornmeal mix, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)
Calories: 100
Fat:1g
Fiber: .5g

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries

Zucchini Fries1 C. plain bread crumbs (homemade or storebought)
1/4 C. grated Parmesan or pecorino
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (scale back to 1/4 tsp. if you’re adverse to spice)
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
4-5 zucchini

Preheat oven to 425˙F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. On a plate, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, red crushed pepper flakes, oregano, salt and pepper. In a small to medium bowl, beat the two large eggs. Cut the zucchini into batons. One by one, dip the zucchini batons in the beaten eggs and transfer to the plate with the bread crumb mixture, being sure to coat the zucchini thoroughly. Place the bread crumb covered zucchini on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, checking on them after 10 and flipping them to ensure thorough baking. Serve with a dipping sauce like roasted garlic aioli or sriracha mayo.

“Fried” Baked Onion Rings

“Fried” Baked Onion Rings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 cups buttermilk
4 eggs
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow sweet onions, such as Maui, sliced 1/4-to-1/2-inch thick

Fried Baked Onion RingsPreheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place parchment paper onto 2 baking sheets and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the flour, paprika and 2 teaspoons salt. In another bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Add half of the flour mixture to the buttermilk and beat until smooth and thickened. In a separate bowl, combine the panko, olive oil and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Lightly dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture and then drop into the buttermilk. Drain the excess batter and then dredge in the panko mixture. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. You can place smaller rings inside bigger rings if necessary, just make sure there is space between them. Then place in the oven. Cook until golden brown, 14 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip over each onion ring to ensure even crisping and browning.

Baked Mini Cheese Puffs with Chives

Baked Mini Cheese Puffs with Chives

Baked Mini Cheese Puffs with Chives

2 tsp. Butter
3/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. Finely Shredded Medium Cheddar
2 tsp. chopped chives
2 large eggs
3/4 C. whole milk
1/4 C. water

Preheat oven to 375˚F.  Butter C. of a 24-C. non-stick mini muffin pan. In small bowl mix together flour, salt, cheese and chives. In bowl with pour spout whisk together eggs, milk and water. Add flour mixture and whisk until ingredients are blended, but still lumpy. Heat muffin pan in oven for 2 minutes. Remove and divide batter among muffin cups. Bake 20 minutes until puffed and golden. Quickly cut a small slit in each puff for steam to escape and serve immediately.

Cornbread/Sausage Dressing With Dried Cranberries

Cornbread/Sausage Dressing With Dried Cranberries

stuffing12 C. of day-old cornbread (make 3 packages of cornbread mix and allow to cool overnight)

4 T. olive oil

4 T. fresh thyme leaves or 1 T. dried thyme

2 lb. bulk pork sausage

2 T. unsalted butter

3 C. chopped onions

6 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 C. dried cranberries or dried cherries

4 T. chopped fresh sage leaves or 2 tsp. dried sage

1/4 C. chopped parsley

2 C. chicken broth

Salt and pepper

 

Preheat oven to 350. Cut cornbread into 1-inch cubes and place in large mixing bowl with 2 T. of olive oil. Add 2 T. of fresh thyme (1/2 T. dried) to mixing bowl and toss cornbread to coat. Spread the cornbread out on baking sheets and bake at 350 until slightly toasted (about 15 minutes). Allow toasted cornbread to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then return to bowl. While cornbread is cooling, brown bulk sausage over medium heat until cooked through/lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage from frying pan (or drain grease) and add sausage to mixing bowl. Heat remaining 2 T. of olive oil and butter over medium heat and add onion and celery. Sauté onions and celery for about 10 minutes. 0Add dried cranberries or cherries to onion/celery and sauté for about 5 minutes. Fold the mixture into the bowl with cornbread and sausage. Add the remaining thyme, sage, parsley to the mixing bowl and toss well with spatula. Drizzle the mixture with chicken broth to moisten and add salt and pepper to taste. Place into baking pan (s), cover with foil and cook for 25-30 minutes.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Celery Root French Fries with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

Celery Root French Fries with Remoulade Dipping Sauce

2 lb. whole celery root, peeled, and cut into 2-inch by 1-inch batons

1/2 C. flour, seasoned with 1 tsp. Essence, recipe follows

1 egg, beaten

1/2 C. bread crumbs, seasoned with 1 tsp. Essence, recipe follows

Salt and pepper

Oil, for frying

1/4 C. Parmesan

1/4 C. snipped chives

Remoulade Dipping Sauce:

1 C. prepared or homemade mayonnaise

2 T. minced celery

2 T. minced green onions

1 tsp. minced shallots

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 T. Creole mustard

2 T. ketchup

Salt and pepper

 

For remoulade: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.  For the celery root French-fries: Lightly toss the celery root in the flour. Dip into the egg mixture, removing any excess. Turn into the bread crumbs, coating both sides completely. In a large sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the celery root fries, carefully not to over- crowd the fries. Fry on one side until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over and continue frying until done, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-lined plate. Spoon a small amount of the remoulade onto the plate and pile the fries in the center. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Garnish with the Parmesan and chives.

 

Essence (Emeril’s Creole Seasoning):

 

2 1/2 T. paprika

2 T. salt

2 T. garlic powder

1 T. black pepper

1 T. onion powder

1 T. cayenne pepper

1 T. dried leaf oregano

1 T. dried thyme

 

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

 

Yields:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Mario Batali’s Chickpea Fries

Mario Batali’s Chickpea Fries

chickpea fries4 cups water

3 cups Chickpea Flour

4 cups Zucchini (grated; or 2 large Zucchini)

Olive Oil for deep frying

1 Lemon (cut into wedges)

Salt to taste

 

Place the zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 15 minutes. Put the zucchini in a towel and wring out the liquid. Grease a baking sheet and place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper on the bottom. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually pour in the chickpea flour while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Once all the flour is in, whisk rapidly until the mixture is thick and most of the lumps have been worked out, like a thick pancake batter, about 1 minute. Take care to adjust the heat to so the batter doesn’t boil or it will become too thick. Stir in the zucchini. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out with a small spatula. Refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour. In a heavy bottomed pot, add olive oil to the pan for deep frying. Heat to 370 degrees F. Flip the set chickpea mixture on to a cutting boards, peel off the paper and cut into fries (approximately 3 x 1/2 inches).  Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, add the fries. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted utensil to a paper towel lined plate and season immediately with salt. Squeeze a few lemon halves over the fries and season with salt just before serving.

Scallion Pancakes with Korean Dipping Sauce

Scallion Pancakes with Korean Dipping Sauce

scallion-pancakes-1

For the Korean Dipping Sauce:
¼ c. soy sauce
3 T. water
1 T. rice vinegar
1 t. sugar
1 t. sesame oil
½ t. sesame seeds
¼ t. red pepper flakes
2 T. thinly sliced green onions
1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)

For the Scallion Pancakes:
6 green onions, trimmed into 3 inch pieces and halved
¾ c. flour
1 t. sugar
½ t. salt
1 t. black pepper
½ c. ice cold water
2 T. vegetable oil, divided

Combine all the ingredients for the Korean dipping sauce in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate. In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar, salt, and pepper for the pancakes. Add the ice water and whisk until smooth. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Take 6-8 green onion pieces and arranged them in a row in the pan. On the other side of the pan do the same thing so you have two rows of green onions. Spoon ¼ cup of batter over each onion pile and gently spread over top of the onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes or each side and gently flip over. Cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining onions and batter, making 2 more pancakes. Serve immediately with dipping sauce

Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

1-2600x400_mushroom-stuffing1378827168 lb. chestnuts, the more the better, boiled and peeled
1 lb. white mushrooms (do not used canned) sliced
6 stalks of celery sliced
2-3 onions sliced finely
2 cloves of garlic chopped very fine or preferably run through a press
Bag of bread croutons or make you own
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried sage
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
Vegetable oil
The method

First wash the chestnuts and add to boiling water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, take one out to test after 15 minutes. After boiling, allow to cool until you can handle the chestnuts. While their cooling, heat up a heavy pan with about 3 T. oil and place the onions, garlic, mushrooms, celery and spices in the pan. Cook gently while you peel the chestnuts-do not fry, you want soft ingredients. When the vegetable are cooked well, crumble the chestnuts into the pan. Sauté for a few minutes, making sure not to burn the stuffing. Finally, add the croutons and continue sautéing briefly, then add about one cup of boiling water. Mix and check if you need more water then taste and add more spice if necessary. The stuffing will be more dry now so again, be careful not to burn it. Now stuff your turkey with your chestnut mushroom stuffing or serve as is as a delicious side dish with your Thanksgiving dinner. The stuffing refrigerates well so if you actually have some left-which is very unlikely since it’s so good, keep it in the fridge for up to a few days and microwave or heat in the oven as needed.

Chickpea Pancakes

Chickpea Pancakes

6a00d8341c63d853ef00e5523b15108834-800wi1 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
About 1/3 C. very thick tomato sauce
1 egg
A few T. heavy cream, but you could use bean broth or stock
Cumin to taste (I used quite a bit, a T. probably)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
Oil to cook the garlic and to fry the patties. I used olive oil

Heat 1 T. oil in a small pan and sauté the garlic for a few minutes. Add the tomato sauce and cook a few minutes more. Add the sauce mix, the chickpeas, egg, cumin, flour, and cream to a food processor. Process until the chickpeas are pureed with the other ingredients. Add salt and pepper if you wish. I didn’t. Wet your hands and form the puree into rough patties and drop them gently into a non-stick skillet with about an inch of hot oil. It took me about 2 minutes per side to cook the pancakes. Drain them on paper towels and serve with whatever you like–cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, etc.

Chickpea Patties with Mixed Vegetables and Dried Cherry and Tomato “Jam”

Chickpea Patties with Mixed Vegetables and Dried Cherry and Tomato “Jam”

6a00d8341c63d853ef00e5533b51578833-800wi1 15 ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed well.
1/2 C. finely diced onions
1/2 C. finely chopped carrots
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 C. frozen or fresh green peas
1/2 heaping C. chopped cilantro
1 tsp. cumin (or more or less)
1 T. olive oil
1 egg
About 1/2 tsp. salt (check to see if you need more before you add the egg)

Heat the oil in a small skillet and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots until they are soft. Add the peas when the onions are almost done. Salt them to taste. Add the cumin and cook one minute more. Put the chickpeas, into a food processor and chop until they are a rough texture. Combine the chickpeas and onion mixture in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste. Add the egg and cilantro and mix together until fully incorporated.

Heat a non-stick skillet with a thin film of oil until hot. Wet your hands and scoop up handfuls of the mixture. (Smaller patties are easier to cook), and flatten them into patties. Slip them gently into the skillet. If they break apart, just use a spatula to push them into shape. Press down gently with spatula to compress the patty. Cook over a medium high heat for about 4 minutes, then slip a spatula under the bottom to see if they are set enough to lift up. If they are, lift and look at the bottom. If they have browned some, gently flip them over and cook that side for 4 or however many minutes until they are done. If they beak a little when you flip them–just push them together and press down and cook them until they are browned. Serve with the dried cherry and tomato jam.

Dried Cherry and Tomato “Jam”

1 15 ounce can of petite cut tomatoes, drained
1/2 C. dried cherries or raisins or dried cranberries
2-3 T. lemon juice
1 T. honey

Put the tomatoes into a sauce pan and heat until it simmers. Reduce the heat and cook the tomatoes at a gently simmer until it has thickened and is not too juicy. Stir occasionally. Add the lemon juice and honey and cook gently for a few minutes more, stirring. Taste it to see if it needs more lemon juice or salt and pepper.

Tortas de Aceite (Olive Oil Wafers)

Tortas de Aceite (Olive Oil Wafers)

1536468384_f26bd40e03_m125 g bread or pizza dough
1 T. sesame seeds
2 tsp. anise seeds
1/4 C. olive oil
zest of 1/4 lemon, in wide strips
1.5 tsp. anise liqueur
70 g flour
sugar for sprinkling

Preheat the oven to 375F. If the dough has been refrigerated, remove it from the refrigerator. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast the sesame and anise seeds until they are fragrant and the sesame seeds start to pop. Optional step: Transfer the seeds to a mini-processor or mortar and pestle and grind them a bit (they should not be be completely ground up). In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and lemon zest over high heat until the peel is black. Remove the zest and cool the oil. .Place the dough, seeds, olive oil, and anise liqueur in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the oil is evenly distributed through the dough (but it will not really be incorporated into the dough). Add the flour and pulse until a homogeneous ball of dough forms. It will feel very soft and oily. Turn the dough onto an unfloured counter and divide it into 8 balls (about 30 g each). Roll each ball into a 4-inch round (initially roll them a little larger to allow for some spring-back). Place the rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Bake for 15 – 17 minutes until the wafers are lightly brown. Remove the wafers from the oven and turn on the broiler. When the broiler is hot, broil the wafers about 5 inches from the heat, until they appear toasted and some of the sugar has melted, about 40 seconds. (Watch them to make sure that they do not broil too long!) Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy these with morning coffee, or any time. If by some miracle they’re not all gone within a few hours, you can wrap the wafers individually in waxed paper. But I’ve not been able to keep them around long enough to tell you how long they will last that way. Break it up and wrap with Serrano ham. Spread with cheese and honey. Eat with goat cheese and spicy chutney.

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes recipe at TidyMom.net2 tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella, grated
fresh basil, chopped
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher salt
fresh ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Cut the tomatoes into slices, approximately 1/3 to 1/2 -inch thick. Place tomato slices in baking dish. Season with kosher salt, then top with parmesan, mozzarella, basil and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake in center of oven for 10-15 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed Mushrooms

Choose mushrooms that you like. I used 1 pound plain white mushrooms, but others are fine too. Wipe them with a damp paper towel and slice or quarter them. Put about 2-3 T. olive oil in a skillet and heat until hot, add a lot of minced garlic. I used 9 big cloves of a very peppery garlic, and added a pinch of crushed red pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute and then add the mushrooms and stir them around with the garlic until the mushrooms have cooked the way you like them (5 to 10 minutes usually). Part of the fun is to pull out a mushroom occasionally and eat it. When it’s ready, toss in some chopped herbs (I used parsley) and serve as a side dish or add it to couscous or pasta. Kiss a lot of people, to share the wonderful garlic aroma.

Fresh Mushroom Three Bean Salad

Fresh Mushroom Three Bean Salad

10 oz. fresh white mushrooms, quartered (about 3 C.)
1 (7 oz.) jar roasted red peppers, drained, cut in strips
1 (15 oz.) can cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 ribs celery, sliced (1 C.)
½ C. coarsely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
¾ C. homemade or prepared fat-free Italian salad dressing
¼ C. chopped fresh parsley

In a large bowl combine mushrooms, peppers, the three kinds of beans, celery and ¼ C. of the cheese. Add dressing and parsley; toss to coat well. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with remaining cheese.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 148
Fat: 5g
Fiber:

Polenta with Fresh Corn

Polenta with Fresh Corn

1 C. white corn grits
2 C. reduced-fat (2 percent) or whole milk
2 C. water
1/4 tsp. sea salt
3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed
Butter (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

In a medium saucepan, combine grits, milk, water, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until grits become soft and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add more water if the mixture becomes too thick. Remove from heat. Stir corn kernels into the cooked grits. Cover and let stand to allow heat to cook the fresh corn. Just before serving add butter, if desired, and sprinkle with parsley.

Panisses

Panisses

I fried my panisses in olive oil in my cast iron skillet, although some might say you’ll get a better crust using a more fryer-friendly oil. Mine tasted perfect. I love the flavor that comes from frying them in olive oil, but you’re welcome to use whatever oil you prefer.

1 quart (1l) water
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. coarse salt
2 1/4 C. (285g) chickpea flour

olive oil, for frying
coarse salt and freshly-cracked pepper, for serving

Lightly oil a 9-inch (23 cm) square cake pan, or similar sized vessel. Heat the water with the oil and salt in a saucepan. Once hot, but not boiling, whisk in the chickpea flour. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about three minutes. Switch to a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes until very thick and the batter holds its shape. Scrape into the oiled pan and let cool. To fry the panisses, unmold the solidified mixture on a cutting board and slice into batons about as wide as your fourth finger and as long as your middle one. In a heavy-duty skillet, heat 1/4-1/2 inch (1-2 cm) of olive oil. When shimmering hot, fry the panisses in batches, not crowding them in the pan. Once the bottom is nicely browned and crisp, turn with tongs, frying the panisses until they are deep-golden brown on each side. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels, sprinkling them very generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be stingy with either. Continue frying the rest, heating more oil in the pan as needed. Panisses are best served warm sprinkled with sea salt and black pepper.

Chickpea Pancakes with Spicy Vegetables

Chickpea Pancakes with Spicy Vegetables

1 C. chickpea flour
3/4 C. cold water
2 T. olive oil
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 small onion
1 zucchini
2 large cauliflower florets
1 tsp. fresh ginger
.12 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 T. tomato sauce
1 scallion

Generously coat an 8″ nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Place the flour in a bowl and gradually whisk in 3/4 C. cold water to make a smooth batter the consistency of thin cream (add more water if needed). Whisk in 2 T. of the oil, the egg, 1/8 tsp. of the salt, and 1/8 tsp. of the pepper. Pour 3 T. batter into the skillet and quickly tilt the skillet to coat the bottom with a thin layer of batter. Cook the first side until nicely browned, about 1 minute. Turn the pancake with a spatula and cook the second side for 30 to 45 seconds (it will look spotty). Slide the pancake onto a plate and cook the rest in the same fashion. Cover with foil to keep warm. Heat the remaining 1 T. oil in another skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, zucchini, cauliflower, ginger, cumin, and pepper flakes. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the scallion, the remaining 1/8 tsp. salt, and the remaining 1/8 tsp. pepper. Arrange a pancake, attractive side down, on a plate, and spoon the vegetables in a line one-third of the way from one edge and roll up. Assemble the remaining pancakes in the same manner.

Calories: 214
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g

Cook’s Illustrated Scallion Pancakes

Cook’s Illustrated Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes should boast multiple paper-thin layers laced with scallions and just a hint of sesame flavor. The exterior should be brown and crisp while the interior retains a soft chew. We found 2 tsp. scallions per pancake was just right for bold allium flavor. Cilantro lent a great herbal flavor. Brushing a thin layer of sesame oil onto the pancakes before sprinkling on the scallions and cilantro added the right sesame flavor. As for forming the pancakes, we got the best results from rolling the dough into a pancake, sprinkling the flavorings over, rolling it into a log, then coiling it around itself like a snake and rolling it out into a pancake again. This was easier to do than expected and the result was a pancake with tender layers and evenly incorporated scallions.

We like these pancakes with the dipping sauce, but if preferred, you can omit the sauce and simply sprinkle with salt to taste before serving.

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C. warm water, plus extra if needed
1/4 C. vegetable oil, plus extra for brushing
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
6 scallions, minced (1/2 C.)
2 tsp. minced fresh cilantro
1 recipe Scallion Dipping Sauce

Whisk flour and salt together in medium bowl. Add water and mix with dinner fork until combined. (If there are any floury bits left in bottom of bowl, add additional water, 1 tsp. at a time, until dough comes together.) Turn dough out onto lightly floured counter and knead until smooth and satiny, about 5 minutes, adding extra flour to counter or your hands as needed to prevent sticking. Transfer dough to clean bowl, brush with thin layer of vegetable oil, and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces and cover to keep dough from drying out. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll into 7-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured counter. Brush dough round lightly with sesame oil, then sprinkle with 2 tsp. scallions and 11 1/2 tsp. cilantro. Following illustrations, roll dough into cylinder, then coil cylinder into round, tucking tail end underneath.

Roll into 5-inch pancake about 1/4 inch thick. Cut a small (1/2 inch) slit in the center of each pancake to allow for the release of steam that would otherwise cause the pancake to puff up. Set aside and cover while repeating with remaining dough pieces. Heat 1 tsp. vegetable oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Swirl oil to coat skillet, then add 1 dough round, cover and cook 1 ½ to 2 minute. Remove lid, brush top with oil, flip and cook another 1 ½- 2 minutes, covered. Remove lid and cook 40 seconds or so per side to get crisp. Transfer pancake to cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and repeat 3 more times with remaining 3 tsp. oil and remaining 3 dough rounds. Slice cooked pancakes into wedges and serve with Scallion Dipping Sauce.
Scallion Dipping Sauce

¼ C. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Rice Vinegar
2 tsp. Mirin
1 tsp. Water
1 tsp. Chili Oil
½ tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
1 Scallion, minced

Combine all ingredients and serve.

Carrot, Jicama, and Red Cabbage Slaw

Carrot, Jicama, and Red Cabbage Slaw

2 tsp. whole anise seeds
2 C. julienned red cabbage
1 C. julienned carrots
1 C. julienned jicama
1 large jalapeno, thinly sliced crosswise
3 T. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 scant tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/3 C. chopped cilantro
1 T. chopped fresh mint

Heat a small, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add anise seeds and toast, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove anise seeds from pan and let cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, mix together cabbage, carrots, jicama, and jalapeno. Add lime juice, salt, sugar, cilantro, mint, and cooled anise seeds; toss to combine; let stand at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, before serving. Slaw is best when made up to 3 days in advance and can be stored in an airtight container, refrigerated.

Tomato and Sweet Onion Crumble

Tomato and Sweet Onion Crumble

1 T. olive oil
2 sweet onions (about 1 lb. total), such as Walla Walla or Oso, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 lb. ripe tomatoes, rinsed, cored, and sliced (1/4 in. thick)
1/3 C. chopped fresh basil
3 T. chopped fresh oregano leaves
Salt and pepper
4 slices crusty artisan-style bread (each about 1 in. thick and 3 by 5 in.), cut into chunks
1/4 C. (1/8 lb.) butter
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add onions and garlic. Stir frequently until onions are limp and beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Pour into a 2- to 3-quart baking dish with sides at least 2 inches high, and spread onions level. Top evenly with tomato slices, basil, and oregano. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. In a food processor, whirl bread with butter and cheese until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over tomatoes. Bake in a 350° oven until topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes and serve warm.

Pasta with Lemon, Olive Oil, and Goat Cheese

Pasta with Lemon, Olive Oil, and Goat Cheese

Pasta with Lemon, Olive Oil, and Goat Cheese

1/2 pound angel hair pasta

grated zest and juice of 1 meyer lemon

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus a little more for garnish

2 to 3 ounces fresh, soft goat cheese, crumbled, plus a little more for garnish

1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente, or tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. While the pasta is cooking, combine the zest and juice of the meyer lemon in a large bowl.  If using a regular lemon, start by adding about 2/3 of the juice since regular lemons are more sour.  Add more, if needed, once the sauce is thoroughly combined.  Add the parmesan, goat cheese, olive oil, and a little bit of the hot pasta cooking water. (I added about 3 ounces of goat cheese because I like it and it makes the sauce creamier.)  Season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.  Whisk sauce together until smooth. Transfer the cooked and drained pasta immediately to the bowl and toss to completely coat the pasta with the sauce. Garnish with more parmesan and crumbled goat cheese on top.

Garlic Potatoes with Cheese Sauce

Garlic Potatoes with Cheese Sauce

5 large potatoes
1 medium onion
6 or more large cloves fresh garlic
2 T. butter
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated

2 T. butter
2 T. flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. each, salt and dry mustard
Dash of paprika
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Peel and thinly slice potatoes; peel and mince onion; peel garlic. Grease a 10-inch baking dish or equivalent-size casserole. Cover bottom with one layer of potato slices. Sprinkle with minced onion. Using a garlic press, press 2 cloves of garlic and sprinkle over potatoes. Dot with a portion of the butter. Repeat until all potatoes are used, making 3 or 4 layers. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated cheese over top. Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes longer, or until potatoes are done. To make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Blend in flour. Slowly stir in milk. Cook and stir over moderate heat until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Blend in salt and dry mustard, a generous dash paprika, and 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese. Heat, stirring, until cheese melts.

Smashed Baked Potatoes

Smashed Baked Potatoes

12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
3 T. Olive Oil
Kosher Salt to Taste
Black Pepper to Taste
Rosemary (or Other Herbs of Choice) To Taste

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender. On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato. With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil. Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.) Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Corn & Spam Pancakes

Corn & Spam Pancakes

1 7-oz. can SPAM® Classic, finely chopped
1 8-oz. can cream-style corn
1 large egg
1 C. milk
1 C. pancake mix
1 T. vegetable oil

In medium bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, corn, egg and oil. Stir in SPAM® Classic. On greased griddle, pour batter using 1/3 C. for each pancake; cook over medium heat until browned on bottom. Turn and brown other side. Serve pancakes with maple or buttered pancake syrup or honey.