WIW: Pizza Margherita with Waffled Crust

WIW: Pizza Margherita with Waffled Crust

WIW: Pizza Margherita with Waffled Crust

4 C. bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp. instant yeast
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 ½ C. lukewarm water
Neutral-flavored oil, such as canola, for coating the bowl
Nonstick cooking spray

 

3 C. marinara sauce
2 C. shredded mozzarella
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 large bunch basil, washed, dried, and finely chopped

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the water and mix until the dough is shaggy and most of the water has been absorbed. Turn the dough out of the bowl onto a lightly floured counter and knead until it is just blended but not too smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Knead the dough until it is fairly smooth, 5 to 10 minutes. Coat a bowl with the oil, add the dough to the bowl, and turn to coat. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with plastic wrap, for 2 ½ hours, or until nearly doubled in size. Dust your work surface with more flour. Punch down the dough, divide it into 6 pieces, place the pieces on your work surface, and form each into a smooth ball. Allow the pieces to rest for 5 minutes, covered by a cloth or plastic wrap. When you are ready to waffle, remove the wrap and shape each piece into a disk, pulling gradually on the dough to expand it. If it resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing. Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Coat both sides of the waffle iron grid with nonstick spray. Pull a disk of dough evenly until it’s as thin as possible, roughly circular, and about 8 inches in diameter (but no bigger than your waffle iron). If the dough tears, repair the tear by pushing the dough together and continuing to stretch other parts of the dough. Repeat with each dough disk. Preheat the broiler. Put a disk of dough in the waffle iron and cook about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the disk from the waffle iron and set it on a baking sheet. Repeat Step 8 with the remaining disks. Top each waffled crust with about 1/2 C. of sauce, 1/3 C. of cheese, and a handful of the tomatoes, if using, and place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove the pizzas from the broiler, sprinkle with basil, and serve warm.

Grilled Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella Garlic Toasts with Fresh Basil

Grilled Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella Garlic Toasts with Fresh Basil

Grilled Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella Garlic Toasts with Fresh Basil

1 baguette
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
3 T. of olive oil
8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced
6 slices of prosciutto, thinly sliced
sea salt & cracked pepper
fresh basil, chopped

Prepare the bread by slicing it into thin slices. Grill bread just before serving. You can do it under the broiler in your oven, or on the grill. Brush the bread with olive oil on one side. If broiling, place them on a sheet oiled side up and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn! If grilling, also grill the bread for 1-2 minutes. When you remove them from the grill or oven, let them cool slightly, then rub the raw clove of garlic on each piece. If grilling, brush the other side of the bread with oil, the put that side down on the baking sheet or tray. If you are broiling in the oven, just keep the toasts on the sheet with their toasted side up. Top each piece of bread with small, thin slices of prosciutto. Then, top each with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Grill or broil the toasts for 2 minutes, or just until the mozzarella begins to melt. Remove from the grill or broiler and top with salt, pepper and fresh basil.

Champagne Grapefruit Mojito

Champagne Grapefruit Mojito

Champagne Grapefruit Mojito

1 T. agave nectar

12 mint leaves

juice of one lime, about 2 T.

3 ounces good rum

juice of one grapefruit

1 C. ice, broken into large cubes

about 1/3 C. champagne, club soda or tonic can be substituted

 

I like to juice the lime and grapefruit, then cut them into wedges and muddle. To a shaker add grapefruit juice and wedges, mint, agave, ice, lime juice and lime wedges. Muddle crushing to release flavors. Add rum and shake. (do not add carbonated beverage) Spoon out the grapefruit and lime wedges. Fill 8 to 10 ounce glasses with ice and pour half full with grapefruit/mint mixture. Finish filling glass with champagne and stir to combine. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and mint stem

Anytime Tomato Salad

Anytime Tomato Salad

Anytime Tomato Salad

 

¼ C. Apple Cider Vinegar

1 T. Brown Sugar

1 T. Canola Oil

½ tsp. Salt

¾ C. thinly sliced Red Onion

3 Tomatoes

1 small Cucumber

Pepper

 

Whisk together vinegar, sugar, oil and salt. Add onions and allow to stand 10 minutes. Cut tomatoes into wedges and cucumber in thin slices and add to onion mixture. Stir gently to combine. Season with pepper and serve.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 65

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 2g

Mixed Greens with Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette

Mixed Greens with Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette

Mixed Greens with Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

1 Tomato

3 T. Balsamic Vinegar

2 T. minced Shallot

1 ½ T. EVOO

¼ tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Pepper

 

5 C. Mixed Greens

¾ C. Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed

2 Tomatoes, sliced

1 small Cucumber, seeded, and sliced

½ C. thinly sliced Red Onions

 

Seed and chop a tomato; you should have about ¾ C.. Add remaining dressing ingredients along with tomato to blender and puree until smooth. Toss salad ingredients, divide among 4 plates and drizzle each with ¼ dressing.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 135

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 5g

Korean-Style BBQ Tacos

Korean-Style BBQ Tacos

Korean-Style BBQ Tacos

3 T. reduced sodium Soy Sauce

2 tsp. Sesame Oil

1 tsp. minced Garlic

1 tsp. minced fresh Ginger

1/8 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

3 T. Rice Vinegar, divided

1 ½ T. plus 2 tsp. Brown Sugar, divided

12 oz. Pork Tenderloin, chopped

2 C. bagged Coleslaw Mix

2 Scallions, thinly sliced

2 T. chopped Cilantro

8 (6”) Corn Tortillas (or flour)

 

To chop tenderloin, cut in half inch thick slices. Place on cutting board and pound lightly to flatten. With sharp knife, cop into bite sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients (soy sauce through pepper flakes) with 1 T. rice vinegar and 1 ½ T. brown sugar. Add the pork, stir, and let marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. In another medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, cilantro, remaining 2 T. vinegar, and remaining 2 tsp. brown sugar. Set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add half the pork (not crowding it in the pan browns it much better), and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until nicely browned, stirring occasionally. Set aside and repeat with remaining pork. Lightly wet the tortillas and wrap them in a dishtowel or paper towel and microwave for 1 minute, or until warm. Spoon about 1/4 C. pork into each tortilla and top with 1/4 C. slaw.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 265

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 3g

Waffle Taco Shell

Waffle Taco Shell

Waffle Taco Shell

1 low-fat waffle, thawed from frozen

Serving suggestion: egg whites, light cheese, lean sausage crumbles, cilantro, and salsa

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay the waffle flat on a clean, dry surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the waffle as much as possible. Very carefully hang the waffle over one grate of an oven rack, so it resembles the shape of an upside-down taco. Bake it until crispy and firm, about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the waffle taco shell, and stuff it with breakfasty taco items such as egg whites, light cheese, lean sausage crumbles, cilantro, and salsa!

 

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

Zucchini and Olive Breakfast Cake, French-Style

This French-style cake is baked in a loaf pan, using whatever ingredients are on hand.  I love having a basic cake recipe like this because it is simple to make and encourages my creativity in the kitchen with different flavor combinations. Next time, I will bake one with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. (I know these are not French ingredients, but that combination of flavors in a cake sound good to me, just the same.)Â Since it is French, you know it would contain cheese, and Gruyère and Comté come to mind immediately, of course, as well as parmesan, cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. A cake salé could also contain vegetables, herbs, meats, fruits, or nuts.  Instead of butter, use olive oil, which is healthier and lends a more subtle savory flavor.

This cake is more like a quick bread, or a cross in texture between a muffin and a quiche. It is made much like a muffin, with the dry ingredients mixed together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, and the two are combined.  To the American palate, this type of cake is more likely to be eaten for breakfast.  Yes, I, too, enjoyed it with my morning coffee, but I can also imagine this cake cut into small bites and served with an aperitif at my next dinner party.

Makes 9×5 inch 1 loaf

1/3 C. olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan and drizzling

1/2 pound zucchini,

1 tsp. salt

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

3 large eggs

1/3 C. milk

2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

1/2 C. Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Kosher salt

 

Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with olive oil. Grate the zucchini on the coarsest side of a box grater. Place the zucchini in a colander in the sink and toss with 1 tsp. of salt. Let drain while preparing the rest of the recipe.  In a large bowl, whisk the minced garlic with the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. In a separate, medium bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then whisk in the milk and olive oil. Use a rubber spatula to fold the wet ingredients into the dry until barely mixed. Fold in the crumbled goat cheese and the sliced olives. Press firmly on the zucchini in the colander, pressing out as much water as possible. Quickly fold the zucchini into the batter. Spread the batter in the prepared loaf pan, and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the top with kosher salt. Bake loaf for about 45 minutes, or until golden and a knife inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs attached.  Transfer to a rack to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around edge to release. Turn out loaf onto rack to firm up before slicing, about 30 minutes; using a serrated knife, cut into 3/8-inch slices, then cut into halves or quarters.

 

Beef Tri-Tip with Olives & Capers

Beef Tri-Tip with Olives & Capers

Beef Tri-Tip with Olives & Capers

1 pound beef tri-tip, cut into l-inch cubes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

6 cups sliced Swiss chard, leaves and stems

2 garlic cloves, minced

l (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes with juices

1/3 cup halved pitted kalamata olives

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained

 

Put a large skillet over high heat. Season both sides of the beef with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the pan. Put the beef in the pan and cook, without stirring, for 1 minute. Flip and cook, without stirring, for 1 minute for medium-rare. Remove to a platter. To the pan, add the Swiss chard, garlic, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chard begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with their juice, the olives, capers, and seared beef (with any accumulated juices) and cook until everything comes together, and the sauce reduces slightly, about 1 minute. Serve.

Celery Scrap Pesto

Celery Scrap Pesto

Celery Scrap Pesto

This pesto is simple, boasts good flavor and texture, and keeps well. You can use it as a spread, a dip, or a snack. (Make sure to include the pecans!)

 

1 C. finely chopped celery leaves

1/4 C. chopped celery (inner yellow-white parts are fine also)

1/3 C. chopped pecans

1/3 C. olive oil.

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp. lemon juice.

½ tsp. kosher salt.

 

In a medium bowl, combine the celery leaves, celery, and pecans. Drizzle with the oil until it is well combined, then mix in lemon zest, juice, and salt.

Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup

 

1 tsp. canola oil

1 C. onion, chopped

2 tsp. garlic, minced
1/2 pound lean ground beef (96% lean)

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14-ounce) can reduced-sodium beef broth

2 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

3 C. bag shredded coleslaw mix
1/4 C. instant brown rice

 

Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cover, and cook for 3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Push the onions to one side of the pot, add beef to the empty side, and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Stir the beef into the onions and cook another 3 minutes, or until the pink color is gone. Add the next 6 ingredients to the pot (tomatoes through salt). Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in the coleslaw mix, reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir in the brown rice, cover, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 190

Fat: 4g

Fiber: 4g

Quick and Spicy Tomato Bisque

Quick and Spicy Tomato Bisque

Quick and Spicy Tomato Bisque

1/2 cup diced onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

28 ounces no-salt-added packaged chopped tomatoes

No-salt seasoning blend, adjusted to taste

1 cup carrot juice

3 unsulfured, no-salt-added sun-dried tomatoes

1/3 cup raw cashews

 

Water-sauté onion over medium heat until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring until fragrant. Add tomatoes, seasoning blend, carrot juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a low boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully pour into a high-powered blender. Blend on low speed, letting steam escape as necessary. Gradually increase speed to medium and add cashews. Blend until combined. Return to stove, bring back to low simmer, then serve. Serve by itself or over steamed greens or mixed vegetables.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 313

Fat: 13g

Fiber: 6.1g

WIW: Chocolate Waffles with Caramel-Bacon Syrup

WIW: Chocolate Waffles with Caramel-Bacon Syrup

WIW: Chocolate Waffles with Caramel-Bacon Syrup

3/4 C. water

1/4 C. pure vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 packet (7 oz.) chocolate chip pancake mix or

1 packet (7 oz.) buttermilk pancake mix

1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

3 T. sugar

Nonstick cooking spray

 

1/4 C. pancake syrup

3/4 C. sundae syrup, caramel flavored

Whipped cream

Ground cinnamon to taste

1/4 C. diced cooked bacon

 

Heat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. Whisk water, oil, egg and vanilla in large bowl. Stir in pancake mix, cocoa and sugar until evenly moistened. Allow to stand 1 minute. Coat waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 C. batter for each waffle onto waffle iron. Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until done. Repeat to make a total of 10 4-inch waffles.

 

Caramel Syrup: Whisk together pancake syrup and caramel flavored syrup in small bowl. Drizzle 1 T. on serving plates. Cut 2 waffles in half diagonally to make 4 triangles. Arrange on top of syrup. Top with additional caramel flavored syrup, whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and bacon pieces.

Asian Flavors Chicken Wings

Asian Flavors Chicken Wings

Asian Flavors Chicken Wings

4 pounds chicken wings

1 1/4 C. hoisin sauce

3/4 C. plum sauce

1/2 C. soy sauce

1/3 C. cider vinegar

1/4 C. dry sherry

1/4 C. honey

6 green onions — minced

6 cloves garlic — minced

 

Cut off and discard wing tips. Separate wing at joint. At the drumstick joint, separate bones with small knife and push meat to tip. Remove smaller bone and discard. Mix all other ingredients in large bowl. Add chicken and coat well. After refrigerating coated chicken for at least 24 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking pan with foil and place rack over foil, first coating rack with cooking spray. Drain chicken, reserving liquid. Place chicken on rack and roast for 30 min. Baste, turn wings and return to oven for an additional 30 min.

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

1 1/2 C. packed shredded zucchini (no need to peel the zucchini)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 – 1/2 C. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 C. panko or regular bread crumbs

1/4 tsp. dried basil (or 1-2 tsp. fresh)

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray or lightly grease an unlined baking sheet. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out all the excess water over the sink until the zucchini is really dry. Place the zucchini and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly press the mounds with your hands to flatten slightly. Bake for 16-20 minutes until the edges are golden.

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

Zucchini Parmesan Jalapeno Flatbread

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vegetable broth mix

2 egg whites, or 4 teaspoons pasteurized dried egg whites plus ¼ cup water

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. Coat a 9-inch-square nonstick baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and broth mix. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the zucchini, yogurt, jalapeno, and Parmesan, and blend well. Stir the zucchini mixture into the flour mixture and combine well. Spread the dough on the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Crab Cakes Waffled

Crab Cakes Waffled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crab Cakes Waffled

1 170g tin crab meat, drained (squeeze the water out by pushing the lid down and pouring off the liquid)
1 tbs coconut flour
2 tbs almond flour/meal
1/2 tsp. onion flakes
1/2 tsp. garlic flakes
1/4 tsp. massel vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. dried parsley or a tbs fresh parsley
1 fresh range organic egg

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly. Cook in a pre-heated waffle maker until cooked through. NOTE: You can also shape into patties and cook in a fry pan or bake in the oven.

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Cheesy Bread with Thyme

Herbs, poppy seeds, and a nippy topping of cheese transform basic baking powder biscuit dough into a flavorful dinner bread. Cut in generous squares and serve hot.

1/2 cup (l stick) butter

1 large yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F and grease an 8-inch square pan. In a small skillet, melt l tablespoon of the butter and sauté the onion until it is soft and golden. Combine the egg and buttermilk in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, and cut in 5 tablespoons of the butter. Blend into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Add the onion and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the remaining cheese, the thyme, and the poppy seeds. Spread the dough in the pan and pour the cheese mixture over the top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, cut into squares, and serve hot.

Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders

Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders

Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders

Cooking spray

7 ounces broccoli rabe, trimmed

1 1/2 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. sugar

1 pound 93% lean ground sirloin

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 (1-oz.) slices reduced-fat provolone cheese, torn into small pieces

8 (1-oz.) whole-wheat slider buns

8 heirloom tomato slices

 

Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add broccoli rabe; cook 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Coarsely chop. Combine vinegar, oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Add broccoli rabe; toss. Combine beef, paprika, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into 8 (3-inch-wide) patties. Return pan to medium-high. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add patties to pan; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Turn; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Top patties with cheese; cover and cook 1 minute or until cheese melts. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun; top with tomato, broccoli rabe mixture, and top halves of buns

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 404

Fat: 15.9g

Fiber: 2g

Roast peach & Parma ham salad with Creamy Mozzarella

Roast peach & Parma ham salad with Creamy Mozzarella

Roast peach & Parma ham salad with Creamy Mozzarella

6 peaches

extra virgin olive oil

2 X 125 g balls of buffalo mozzarella

12 slices of Parma ham

1 lemon

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

100 g rocket

a few sprigs of fresh mint, leaves picked

 

Fire up the oven an hour or so before you’re ready to cook. When the temperature has reached between 180°C and 200°C (check with your thermometer) and the smoke and flames have died down, you can start cooking. Always keep an eye on the fire and top up the heat source, if needed. Halve and destone the peaches, then lie them cut-side up in a snug-fitting roasting tray. Drizzle with oil, slide into the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until charred and sticky. Keep an eye on them and rotate the tray for even cooking. Place two peach halves on each serving plate. Pop a small chunk of mozzarella and a slice of Parma ham over each one. Squeeze the lemon juice into a jam jar and add three times as much oil, season with salt and pepper and shake well. Place the rocket and mint leaves in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, then scatter the leaves over the peaches. Serve straight away.

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Cracklin’ Cornbread

Makes one 9-inch round loaf

4 ounces bacon

2 C. Coarse Yellow Cornmeal

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder

1½ C. whole-milk buttermilk

1 large egg, lightly beaten

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to preheat for at least 10 minutes. Run the bacon through a meat grinder or very finely mince it. Put the bacon in a skillet large enough to hold it in one layer and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so that it doesn’t burn, until the fat is rendered and the bits of bacon are crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the bits of bacon to a paper towel to drain, reserving the fat. You need 5 T. bacon fat for this recipe. Combine the cornmeal, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and bits of bacon in a medium bowl. Reserve 1 T. of the bacon fat and combine the remaining 4 T. fat, the buttermilk, and egg in a small bowl. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just to combine; do not overmix. Move the skillet from the oven to the stove, placing it over high heat. Add the reserved T. of bacon fat and swirl to coat the skillet. Pour in the batter, distributing it evenly. It should sizzle. Bake the cornbread for about 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm from the skillet.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, New York City Deli-Style

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, New York City Deli-Style

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, New York City Deli-Style

1 everything bagel, or other bagel of choice

1 T. unsalted butter, plus more for buttering bagel

2 large eggs

1 thin slice cheese, such as American or cheddar

2 to 3 slices cooked bacon

Hot sauce and/or ketchup, for serving

 

Slice bagel in half. Butter cut sides of each half and toast in a toaster oven or on a griddle (if using a pop-up toaster, butter halves after they are toasted). Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron or nonstick skillet. Add butter to skillet. Carefully crack both eggs into skillet. When whites begin to set, immediately puncture yolks. Top one egg with cheese and bacon. Place remaining egg, yolk-side down on top of bacon (like an egg-on-egg sandwich). Transfer eggs onto one toasted half of the bagel; top with remaining bagel half and lightly press together. Serve immediately with hot sauce or ketchup or wrap halfway in parchment paper or aluminum foil for a portable breakfast.

WIW: Caribbean Shrimp Stuffed Waffle Pops & Mango Cilantro Dip

WIW: Caribbean Shrimp Stuffed Waffle Pops & Mango Cilantro Dip

WIW: Caribbean Shrimp Stuffed Waffle Pops & Mango Cilantro Dip

3/4 C. yellow corn meal

3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. Caribbean seasoning divided

2 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 C. milk

1 egg

1 T. vegetable or canola oil

1 jalapeño seeds & ribs removed, finely chopped

1/3 C. red onion finely chopped

1 lb. large or jumbo precooked shrimp

Wooden skewers

 

3/4 C. plain yogurt

2 ripe mangos chopped

1 lime juiced & zested

1/4 C. fresh cilantro chopped

1 T. honey

 

Prepare waffle batter by mixing together dry ingredients corn meal, flour, 2 tsp. Caribbean seasoning, sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl mix together wet ingredients milk, egg, and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Mixture should be fairly thick, but add a little more milk if needed. Mix in jalapeño and onion. Lightly brush waffle iron with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray if desired. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer directions. Sprinkle remaining 1 tsp. of Caribbean seasoning onto shrimp. Place a wooden skewer in each shrimp. Dip in waffle batter, then place in waffle iron in batches. Cook about 2-3 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Meanwhile, place yogurt, mangos, lime juice and zest, cilantro, and honey in food processor and process until smooth. Recipe Notes: waffle batter should be fairly thick, but add milk as desired so that you can dip shrimp. You don’t want the batter too thin, or it won’t stick to the shrimp. If you don’t have a food processor for the dip, you can chop the ingredients and mix together or mash with a fork or use a blender. You can use any kind of Caribbean or Jerk seasoning. You may need to adjust the amount of seasoning based on the spiciness. You can substitute bell pepper for the jalapeño for a more mild flavor.

 

Prosciutto & Provolone Sandwich with Fig Jam

Prosciutto & Provolone Sandwich with Fig Jam

Prosciutto & Provolone Sandwich with Fig Jam

 

1 ciabatta roll, split lengthwise, or 2 thick slices peasant bread, lightly toasted l T. fig jam (see Note)

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

2 ounces provolone, fontina, Havarti, or mozzarella cheese (2 slices)

1 ounce prosciutto (3 or 4 slices)

1/2 C. (loosely packed) arugula leaves

 

Spread the split roll with the fig jam and sprinkle with the lemon zest. Layer on the provolone, prosciutto, and arugula.

 

For a quick DIY fig jam, simmer halved and stemmed dried figs in simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) to cover until they are quite soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool a bit, then purée the figs and syrup in the food processor until they form a nice spreadable jam. Keep refrigerated in an airtight jar. This jam is also excellent on a cheese plate or melted into a glaze for pork chops.  Storage & Serving: This sandwich won’t sog, so just wrap it tightly. Keep (chilled) for up to 6 hours.

 

Mozzarella Parcels

Mozzarella Parcels

Mozzarella Parcels

4 pieces of crustless medium-thick sliced white bread

8oz roughly chopped mozzarella

Dried chilli flakes and seasoning

2 medium eggs

1 ½oz plain flour

3 ½ fl oz) vegetable oil

 

Lay 4 pieces of crustless medium-thick sliced white bread on a board and top each with 50g (2oz) roughly chopped mozzarella, mounding the cheese in the centre of the bread. Sprinkle over as many dried chilli flakes as you like and season well. Top each piece of mozzarella bread with another crustless slice, then seal the edges by squeezing tightly together. Put two beaten medium eggs into a shallow bowl and 40g (1½oz) plain flour on to a plate. Heat 100ml (3½fl oz) vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Meanwhile, dip the parcels in the egg, followed by the flour (tapping off excess). Add to the pan and fry for 5min, turning once, until golden and crisp. Pat dry on kitchen paper, then serve with salad or seasonal vegetables.

 

Calories: 577

Fat: 27g

Fiber:

Fromage Fort

Fromage Fort

Fromage Fort

1 pound cheese, at room temperature (leftover ends, mixed types is fine)

1/4 C. dry white wine

3 T. unsalted butter, softened

2 T. fresh parsley leaves

1 small clove garlic

Remove any rinds from hard cheeses. Grate hard cheeses and cut others into 1/2-inch cubes. Place cheese, wine, butter, herbs, and garlic in a food processor and blend until smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour for a firmer consistency. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Fried Eggs with Tomatillo-Cilantro Sauce

Fried Eggs with Tomatillo-Cilantro Sauce

Fried Eggs with Tomatillo-Cilantro Sauce

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups medium-diced husked tomatillos

1 small jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

8 large eggs

 

Put a medium saucepan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the tomatillos, jalapeno, garlic, and V2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook until all the vegetables have softened, about 4 minutes. Pour the contents into a blender or food processor, add the cilantro, and process until smooth. Meanwhile, put a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom. Add the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are completely set but the yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes.  To serve, transfer the eggs to plates and top with tomatillo sauce.

Authentic Carne Asada & Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Authentic Carne Asada & Grilled Mexican Street Corn

Authentic Carne Asada

2 pounds skirt steak, flank steak, or beef flap meat

1/3 C. orange juice

1/4 C. lime juice

2 T. olive oil

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. apple cider vinegar

1 jalapeno, minced with seeds removed

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

1/4 C. chopped green onions

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. chipotle chili powder

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. pepper

 

Place the meat in a large gallon-size zip-tight bag or glass bowl.  Mix together all of the remaining marinade ingredients, then pour over the meat.  Seal the ziploc bag tightly and squish the marinade around the meat to make sure it is covering all parts of the meat, then place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 5 hours, up to 12 hours.   Heat a grill to high heat and clean and lightly oil the grates.  When the grill is hot, add the meat and grill to your desired level of doneness, between 5-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.   Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin slices.  Serve with tortillas, beans, rice, and pico de gallo.

 

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

 

8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed

1/2 C. sour cream or Mexican crema

1/2 C. mayonnaise

1/2 C. cilantro, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. chipotle pepper

2 tsp. lime zest, from one lime

2 T. lime juice, from one lime

1 C. cotija cheese, crumbled and divided

Additional chopped cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, to serve

 

Heat a gas grill to 400 degrees F or prepare charcoal for a charcoal grill.  Husk the corn. While the grill is heating, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and 1/2 C. of the cotija cheese.  Taste and season with salt, if needed. Grill the corn by placing the husked corn directly onto the grill grates.  Grill for about 10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until the kernels are lightly charred on all sides of the cobs.  Remove from the grill to a large baking dish or plate. Using a brush or spoon, slather each ear of corn with the sauce, then sprinkle with remaining crumbled cojita cheese.  Sprinkle with additional chipotle pepper and chopped cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges, if desired.

WIW: Waffled Breakfast Quesadillas

WIW: Waffled Breakfast Quesadillas

WIW: Waffled Breakfast Quesadillas

 

4 8 in. flour tortillas

2 C. scrambled eggs, (about 7 eggs)

1 1/2 C. Mexican cheese

12 pieces bacon, cooked

1 T. canola oil

 

Heat waffle iron and then using a brush, coat waffle iron with Canola Oil. Place 1/2 C. scrambled eggs onto half of one 8in tortilla, layer with cheese and three bacon pieces. Fold other half of quesadilla over and transfer to waffle iron. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Repeat with remaining 3 tortillas.

 

Salt & Vinegar Zucchini Chips

Salt & Vinegar Zucchini Chips

  • 1 (7-oz.) zucchini, cut into 1/8-in.-thick slices (about 48 slices)
  • 1 tablespoon malt vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp. Sea Salt

Preheat oven to 200°F.  Combine zucchini, vinegar, and oil in a medium bowl, tossing to coat well. Let stand 10 minutes. Place zucchini slices in a single layer on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper; sprinkle evenly with salt. Bake at 200°F for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until chips are dried, crisp, and lightly golden, flipping chips halfway through baking. Remove from oven; cool completely.

Eggs Baked in Tomatoes with Prosciutto & Basil

Eggs Baked in Tomatoes with Prosciutto & Basil

Eggs Baked in Tomatoes with Prosciutto & Basil

6 large tomatoes

basil leaves, a handful (plus extra whole and finely chopped to serve)

extra virgin olive oil, for cooking

6 slices prosciutto (or pancetta)

6 large eggs

 

Preheat the oven to 350. Remove the tomato tops with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds with a tsp. and discard, them place the tomatoes upside-down on paper towel for about 15 minutes to drain. Smash the basil with a pinch of salt with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a paste, then add a little extra virgin olive oil to loosen it. Season with black pepper and smear the oil inside the tomatoes.

Wrap a slice of prosciutto or pancetta around each tomato and secure with a toothpick. Place the tomatoes on a greased baking tray or in an ovenproof fry pan and cook in the oven for 15 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and the prosciutto is beginning to crisp around the edges. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and carefully break an egg into each one. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked but the yolks are still runny. Scatter with extra basil and serve immediately with toast soldiers.