Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

Orecchiette with Sausage & Swiss Chard

1 lb. Orecchiette pasta

1 lb. Spicy Italian sausage

1 lb. Swiss chard rough chopped with stems (1/4″ wide)

1 cup Cooked Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

8 oz Pasta water

1/2 cup Chopped parsley

1 tablespoon Lemon zest

2 tablespoons Lemon juice

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Butter

1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil

 

Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil with 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Cook the pasta until very al dente, about 8 minutes. Remove the pasta to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before discarding. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the sausage and brown. Add the Swiss chard and cook down for 2 minutes. Add the reserved pasta water and simmer for 1 minute. Add the beans and pasta and simmer until pasta is done, about 2 more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest, cheese, parsley, butter, and extra virgin olive oil and it is ready to serve.

French Style Scallops and Mushrooms

French Style Scallops and Mushrooms

French Style Scallops and Mushrooms

4 T. butter

1 T. finely chopped shallots

2 C. thinly sliced mushrooms

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 C. dry white wine

1 pound sea or bay scallops

2 T. flour

1/2 C. milk

1 C. plus 2 T. heavy cream

Pinch cayenne

 

Melt 1 T. of the butter in a saucepan and add the shallots. Cook briefly, stirring, and add the mushrooms. Cook until wilted and add the salt, pepper, and wine. Add the scallops and bring to the boil. Cook until all the scallops are heated through, stirring gently as necessary. Take care not to let the scallops overcook or they will toughen. Using a slotted spoon, remove and set aside the scallops and mushrooms. Reserve the liquid. There should be about 3/4 C. of liquid. Melt 2 T. of butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring rapidly with a wire whisk. When blended add the reserved liquid, stirring until thickened and smooth. Add the milk and 1 C. of the cream. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and a pinch of cayenne. Whip the remaining 2 T. of heavy cream. Fold it into the sauce. Use 6 individual scallop shells or ramekins. Spoon equal portions of the scallops and mushrooms into each shell. Spoon the sauce over the scallop mixture. Preheat the broiler to high. Place the filled shells under the broiler about 6 inches from the source of heat and bake until a nice brown glaze forms on top. As the scallops broil, turn shells occasionally for even browning, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Pork and Clam Alentejo (Carne de Porco com Ameijoas a Alentejo)

Pork and Clam Alentejo (Carne de Porco com Ameijoas a Alentejo)

Pork and Clam Alentejo (Carne de Porco com Ameijoas a Alentejo)

2 lb. pork tenderloin or boneless pork butt, cut into 1″ cubes

3 cloves minced garlic

2 T. pimento paste (spicy or sweet)

2 tsp paprika

1 bay leaf

1 whole clove

Salt & pepper

1 – 1 1/2 C. dry white wine

2 T. Lard

1 chopped medium onion

2 lb. small clams

4 large white potatoes, cut to small cubes

vegetable oil to fry potatoes

chopped coriander

picked vegetables

black olives

 

In a large bowl combine garlic, pimento paste, paprika, bay leaf, clove and one C. of white wine. Mix to make a marinade, season with salt and pepper.  Add cubed pork. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove pork from marinade and set marinade aside. In large skillet add lard then add cubed pork and fry until brown. After, remove pork and keep warm. Add onion to skillet and cook until tender but not brown. Return meat to skillet adding reserved marinade and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until desired tenderness. (add a dash of tabasco, if you want more heat.) Add clean clams to the meat, cover for 8-10 minutes until clams open. Discard any closed clams.  In separate skillet, fry the cubed potatoes in vegetable oil, until golden brown. Place meat and clams in a serving dish surrounded by fried potatoes. Garnish with chopped coriander, pickled vegetables and olives. Spoon some juices left in the skillet over dish.

Balsamic Grilled Skirt Steak

Balsamic Grilled Skirt Steak

Balsamic Grilled Skirt Steak

 

1 1/2-2 pound Skirt Steak (or Flank; Hanger; Beef Heart)

1 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

2 Garlic cloves (smashed)

2 sprigs of Rosemary

1 teaspoons Chili Flake

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, rosemary and chili flakes. Add about 1/3 of a cup of olive oil. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade into it. Marinate for a minimum of 2 hours and preferably overnight in the fridge. Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes prior to use. Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Wipe off the bits of marinade from the steak and drizzle it with olive oil. Place the steak on the grill and cook 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until the meat has grill marks. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes, then slice across the grain and serve.

Bagel Bear Bento

Bagel Bear Bento

Adorable bears made from half bagel, cheese, nori, and washi tape on stick.  I see sausage/hot dog cut into flower, hard boiled egg, and something i don’t recognize.  My kids would probably gag over the black rye bagel, but a single color is doable.  So cute!

Hand Tossed Pizza Salad

Hand Tossed Pizza Salad

Hand Tossed Pizza Salad

1 T. tomato paste
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 T. olive oil
½ tsp. each, garlic powder, dried oregano, and sugar
1/8 tsp. each, salt and pepper

4 generous C. chopped romaine lettuce
1 ounce (16 slices) turkey pepperoni (like Hormel)
1/3 C. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 C. halved cherry (or fresh chopped) tomatoes
2 T. fresh chopped basil (optional)
¼ C. croutons (cheese and garlic flavored work well)
2 T. fresh grated Parmesan

In a small bowl whisk the tomato paste with 2 T. water until smooth. Whisk in the vinegar and oil, and then the spices, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk well adding 1 tsp. more water. Set aside. Place the chopped romaine in a large bowl. Cut 10 of the pepperoni slices in half and add to the bowl. Sprinkle in the mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil, if desired. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until coated. Place ½ of salad mixture onto each of two plates. Divide croutons among salads and garnish with remaining pepperoni (3 slices each). Sprinkle 1 T. Parmesan on top of each salad and serve.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 250

Fat:14g

Fiber:3g

Waffled Croque Madam

Waffled Croque Madam

Waffled Croque Madam

1 piece Pillsbury Crescent Dough or homemade Brioche Dough

1 T. unsalted Butter, melted

3 T. Béchamel Sauce

2 slices Black Forest Ham

¼ C. shredded Gruyere Cheese

1 Egg

 

Preheat waffle iron to medium. Use one wedge of crescent dough, cut it in half and arrange to make a square about 4-5 inches on each side. Brush both sides of waffle iron with melted butter using a silicone brush. Place dough square on the melted butter, close and cook that dough square 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to a plate. If using brioche dough, cook as above, but dough will cook a little longer depending on how thick you rolled your down, probably 4-5 minutes. Pour béchamel into cooked dough, allowing it to pool in the divots. Layer on ham, then cheese and transfer the assembled stack back to the waffle iron, close lid, and cook 10 seconds, just to melt the cheese. Remove to a plate. Crack egg into a small bowl, pour into buttered waffle iron and cook without closing the lid until the white is cooked through and yolk slightly set, 2-3 minutes. Carefully loosen edges and transfer to top of your sandwich and serve.

Polish Split Pea Soup {GROCHÓWKA}

Polish Split Pea Soup {GROCHÓWKA}

Polish Split Pea Soup {GROCHÓWKA}

2 C. / 16 oz / 454 g of yellow split peas

8 C. / 2 liters of vegetable (or chicken) broth

A small piece (about 6-7 oz / 200 g) of smoked meat of choice (smoked turkey wing, or a leftover piece of ham, a couple smoked ribs or home-smoked bacon)

3 small carrots

6 small/medium potatoes

2 tbs of butter

1/2 of a medium onion, chopped

Salt

1 tbs of dried marjoram

 

Wash peas and take out any impurities. Place in pot with broth and smoked meat (add salt to taste, if broth isn’t salty). Bring to boil and simmer on low for 35 min.  In the mean time, peel and slice carrots, peel and cube potatoes (keep in water, so they don’t brown). After 35 min add vegetables to the soup and boil for another 20 min, or until peas cook and dissolve into the soup.  When cooked add onion sautéed in butter and marjoram. Taste. Add salt, if needed.

Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup

2 tsp. olive oil
½ C. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, finely grated
2/3 C. roasted red peppers, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can no-salt diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. dried basil
¼ tsp. black pepper
¾ tsp. cornstarch
1 C. fresh spinach leaves, cut into ½ inch ribbons
¼ C. crumbled reduced fat feta cheese

Heat the oil in a medium soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened and translucent. Add the garlic and carrot, sauté another 2 minutes, and then add the red peppers, tomatoes, broth, basil, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the hot soup to a blender, or use an immersion blender, and blend until smooth. Mix the cornstarch with one 1 T. of water, return the pureed soup to the pot if using a blender, and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Bring the bisque to a low simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and warm. Stir in the spinach and simmer one additional minute to wilt spinach.

Crumble feta on top of soup just before serving. Jars of roasted red peppers come in many sizes. An 8-ounce jar, drained, yields about 2/3 C.. Leftover peppers can be used in salads or layered on sandwiches for extra flavor!

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 90

Fat: 3.5g

Fiber: 3g

Shrimp Poached in Coconut Milk with Fresh Herbs

Shrimp Poached in Coconut Milk with Fresh Herbs

Shrimp Poached in Coconut Milk with Fresh Herbs

2 lb. medium- to large-sized shrimp, shelled and deveined

7 T. vegetable oil

2 C. finely chopped onions

2 tsp. finely chopped garlic

1 1/2 T. crushed fresh ginger

2 hot green chilies, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped

1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

2 T. ground coriander seeds

3 C. coconut milk

1 1/2 tsp. coarse salt

2 T. finely chopped fresh coriander leaves

 

Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan and add the onions. Over high heat, fry the onions until they turn golden brown-about 10 minutes-stirring constantly to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, ginger and chilies, and fry for an additional two minutes. Add the turmeric and ground coriander seeds, stir rapidly for 15 seconds, then add the coconut milk and salt. Cook the sauce, uncovered, until it thickens-about 10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure that the sauce does not stick and burn. Add the shrimp, mix, reduce the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for five to seven minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and chewy. Check for salt, stir in the coriander leaves and serve.

Kristen’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce

Kristen’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce

Kristen’s Linguine with White Clam Sauce

8oz. Linguini, cooked, drained and kept warm

2  6 1/2 oz. Can Minced Clams, drained, reserve juice for 1 can.

Light Cream

1/2 C. Onion, chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

2 tsp. Butter

1/2 C. Flour

1/2 tsp. Oregano

1/4 tsp. each: Salt, Pepper

1/4 C. each: Parsley, White Wine, Parmesan Cheese

 

In medium saucepan, cook onion and garlic in butter until tender.  Stir in flour and spices.  Add cream to reserved juices to make 2 C.  Add this to saucepan all at once, and cook, stirring, until thick and bubbly.  Cook 1 minute and then stir in clams, parsley, and wine.  Heat through and serve over pasta.

Sheet Pan Spanish-Style Chicken Legs with Potatoes

Sheet Pan Spanish-Style Chicken Legs with Potatoes

Sheet Pan Spanish-Style Chicken Legs with Potatoes

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (about 1 lb)

2 T. olive oil, divided

½ T. smoked paprika (or use other paprika)

½ tsp. salt, divided

½ tsp. pepper, divided

¾ lb. small red potatoes, quartered

1 red onion, cut into thin wedges

1 lemon, cut into wedges

½ T. bottled minced garlic

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss together chicken, 1 T. oil, paprika, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper in a large bowl; place on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Toss potatoes with onion, lemon, garlic, remaining 1 T. oil, ¼ tsp each salt and pepper; surround chicken on pan with potato mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until chicken legs are done and potatoes are tender; sprinkle with parsley. Note: For extra-crispy chicken, increase the oven temperature to broil after the 20-minute bake time and broil 3 minutes. Or to save fat and calories, remove chicken skin before serving.  Serve with Radicchio, Orange and Olive Salad

Prosciutto Caprese Parcels

Prosciutto Caprese Parcels

Simple & Pretty

Prosciutto Caprese Parcels

 

10 Slices Prosciutto

2 balls Fresh Mozzarella (125 gr each)

10 Sun-dried Tomatoes

20 Fresh Basil Leaves

 

Slice each mozzarella ball into 10 slices. Cut your sun-dried tomatoes in half. Half the prosciutto slices lengthways. Put a piece each of mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and a basil leaf at the end of each strip of prosciutto and roll it up

WIW: Waffles Coated with Cinnamon Sugar

WIW: Waffles Coated with Cinnamon Sugar

WIW: Waffles Coated with Cinnamon Sugar

2 tsp. yeast

½ C. warm water

1¾ C. milk

6 T. melted butter

2 eggs

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 C. all-purpose flour

1 T. sugar

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cinnamon

 

1 C. sugar

2 T. cinnamon

 

Make the batter: In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, whisk the milk with the melted butter, eggs and vanilla to combine. Gradually mix in the yeast mixture. In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, salt and cinnamon to combine. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight. Make the waffles: Preheat the waffle iron, and preheat the oven to 200°. Lightly spray the plates of the iron with nonstick cooking spray, ladle batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the waffle is done, remove it with tongs and place it on a baking sheet. Make the cinnamon sugar: In a large, shallow bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon to combine. Toss the hot waffles in the cinnamon sugar, then return to the baking sheet. Keep the waffles warm in the preheated oven while you cook the rest of the batter. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, icing or syrup.

Roasted Cherries with Salmon

Roasted Cherries with Salmon

Roasted Cherries with Salmon

1/2 pound about 1 1/4 cups cherries, pitted and halved

2 tablespoons lime juice divided

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon chopped sage

6 ounces salmon fillet cut in half

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1/2 pound spinach thoroughly washed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Arrange one rack about 8 inches from the heating element and another around 4 inches away. Preheat broiler. (My broiler is 550 degrees) In a large bowl, toss together cherries, 1 tablespoon lime juice, honey and sage. Arrange salmon skin-side down on a large foil-lined baking sheet. Scatter cherry mixture around salmon and broil until salmon is just cooked through and cherries are juicy and caramelized, 5 to 6 minutes. Move pan to upper rack in oven for one more minute to brown salmon. Remove from oven. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and garlic. Sauté garlic in oil for 2 minutes. Add spinach to the pan and turn leaves in warm oil until they wilt. Season the wilted spinach with salt and pepper. Transfer half the spinach to each plate and top with salmon. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of lime juice over cherries and place on salmon and spinach. Serve while hot.

Linda & Greg’s Barbequed Salmon

Linda & Greg’s Barbequed Salmon

Linda & Greg’s Barbequed Salmon

 

Salmon

1/2 lb. Butter

1 clove Garlic

1/4 C. Ketchup

1/4 C. Soy Sauce

2 T. Mustard

1 T. Lemon Juice

3 dashes Worcestershire

Pepper

 

Melt butter, add remaining ingredients except salmon.  Place salmon on large piece of foil.  Fold up edges to form a “pan”.  Pour butter mixture over the salmon, then fold foil up and crimp edges to form seal.  Bake until done.

One-Pan Chicken with Lemon and Potatoes

One-Pan Chicken with Lemon and Potatoes

One-Pan Chicken with Lemon and Potatoes

Scant 1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper

1 1/2 pounds unpeeled potatoes (small red- or white-skinned are nice here), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 small red or yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges

4 cloves garlic, smashed

5 large chicken thighs or 10 drumsticks or a combination (about 2 1/2 lbs total), patted dry

1 small lemon, sliced (optional)

 

Heat oven to 450 degrees , with a rack in middle position. In a 15 x 10-inch or larger baking dish, add oil, lemon juice, oregano and paprika, season very generously with salt and pepper, and stir. Add potatoes, onion, garlic and chicken. Using your hands, combine well, coating ingredients with as much oil mixture as possible.  Spread potatoes and onion across dish and top with chicken, skin side up. Sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on chicken and top with lemon slices, if using. (It’s a nice touch, but the dish will be fine without it.)  Bake until potatoes are tender and chicken is just cooked through, about 35 minutes. If chicken is cooked but potatoes aren’t tender yet, transfer chicken to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Toss potatoes, return them to oven and cook until tender, 5 to 10 minutes more. Check seasonings, then serve topped with pan juices (spoon off any excess fat first, if needed). Tip: Serve hot or warm. It will keep, covered, in a 200 degrees oven for about 1 hour.

 

Yield: 5 servings

Calories: 404

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 4g

Sheet Pan Chicken Tikka

Sheet Pan Chicken Tikka

Sheet Pan Chicken Tikka

For the chicken

1 3/4-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced (see Note up top)

4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

1 fresh green chili (I used a jalapeno), seeded and minced

1/2 cup whole-milk yogurt

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne, or adjusted to taste (I used 1/4 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 pounds chicken thighs, drumsticks or halved chicken breasts (all skin-on, bone-in)

 

For the vegetables

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/4 pounds (about 4 medium) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if desired, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1 3/4 pounds (1 small or half a very large head) cauliflower, cut into 3/4-inch-wide florets

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

 

To finish, if desired

A few thin slices of red onion

Lemon wedges

Salt

Dollops of yogurt

A few tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro, parsley or mint, or a mix therof

 

Combine ginger, garlic, fresh chili, yogurt, salt, spices and sugar in a freezer bag, bowl or container. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes or up to a day in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook the dish, heat your oven to 425°F. Line a half-sheet (13×18-inch) with foil and coat it with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add potatoes, cauliflower, salt, cumin and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss together with you hands until evenly coated. Remove chicken from marinade and leave excess behind. Make spaces in the vegetables for chicken parts throughout the pan. Roast in oven for 20 minutes, then toss the potato and cauliflower to ensure they’re cooking evenly, and return the pan to the oven for 10 to 20 minutes more (i.e. 30 to 40 minutes total roasting time), until chicken and vegetables are cooked through. While it roasts, if you’d like to use the lightly pickled onion rings that we did on top, which added a nice tangy fresh zip to the dish, separate the rings and toss them in a small bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside until needed.   When chicken and vegetables are cooked, top with garnishes of your choice — we used dollops of yogurt, herbs and scattered the above onion rings all over. Serve right in the pan.

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total), patted dry

Salt and pepper to taste

2 garlic cloves, minced

Large pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 (28 ounce) can (785-g) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded packaged mozzarella or sliced fresh mozzarella, patted dry

Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)

Handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C), with a rack in the middle position. In a large high-sided sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper; add to the pan and cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Flip the pieces over and cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle the garlic around the chicken, followed by the pepper flakes and oregano. Pour the tomatoes evenly over the chicken, season with salt and pepper, then gently shake the pan to distribute the sauce (you can also do this with a small spoon). Top the chicken with the mozzarella and Parmesan (if using) to taste. Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is just cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. (Brown it under the broiler, if you like.) Off the heat, top with the basil leaves (if using), tearing any large ones. Let the Parm rest for about 5 minutes before serving, and keep the pan’s handle covered with an oven mitt; it’s easy to forget it’s hot. Serve with more Parmesan cheese, if you like.  Tips: Small chicken breasts work best here in terms of timing and the ratio of meat thickness to cheese and sauce. If you need to use larger ones, pound them between pieces of plastic wrap with a meat mallet or a small skillet to about ½-inch (12-mm) thickness.  For Staggered Serving: Serve hot or warm. We often keep the Parm at the back of the stove alongside a pot of spaghetti so plates can be made up as needed, but it will also keep, covered, in a 200°F (90°C) oven, for about 1 hour.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Parmesan Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Lemon-Parmesan Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Lemon-Parmesan Gnocchi with Mushrooms

16 ounces dried gnocchi

8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms

1 bunch asparagus cut into 3-inch pieces

1 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup Parmesan, plus more for serving

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 lemon, thinly sliced

5-6 fresh basil leaves. thinly sliced (optional)

 

Heat your oven to 450ºF.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the gnocchi, mushrooms, asparagus, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. Pour the gnocchi mixture onto a baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Scatter the lemon slices over top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is plump and tender and the asparagus is slightly charred.  Remove the gnocchi from the oven and discard the lemon slices. If desired, Stir in the fresh basil. Serve with extra parmesan.

Breads in Español

Breads in Español

I can’t translate all the colorings and flavorings, but aren’t they pretty?

I see mushroom, a carrot and ?something, basil, chili pepper, spinach and something, chocolate and coffee and I think beet root.

Lamb in a Field Bento

Lamb in a Field Bento

Cuteobento posted back in the height of flickr and never had a blog (at least not in english) that I ever could find, so no idea whats all in there!

We can see cabbage, and cherry tomato and a nice blanket of egg sheet, but it was the color and egg sheet field decor that I liked anyway —

I love how she thinly sliced pea pod as the leaves, simple cuts in the sausage / hot dog rounds as flowers, and of course the cloud shaped cheese becomes a lamb with a few bits of nori.

Sheet Pan Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders and Veggies

Sheet Pan Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders and Veggies

Sheet Pan Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders and Veggies

16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 (1-ounce) package Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

2 large eggs, beaten

3 cups crushed Corn Flakes

4 zucchini, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. Place potatoes in a single layer onto one side of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste; set aside. In a small bowl, combine flour and Ranch Seasoning. Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip into eggs, then dredge in crushed Corn Flakes, pressing to coat. Place onto the opposite side of the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and coat with nonstick spray. Place into oven and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 16-18 minutes. Stir in zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

 

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 549

Fat: 9.5g

Fiber: 4g

Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe

Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe

Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferably organic)

16 ounces shelf stable gnocchi

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

1 bunch broccoli rabe or broccolini

Parmesan shreds, for serving (optional)

 

Heat your oven to 450ºF. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, gnocchi and lemon slices. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Mix well, then pour onto a sheet pan and spread in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir well, then add the broccoli rabe to the pan. Bake for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Top with parmesan, if desired.  Recipe Notes:  You can use broccoli rabe or broccolini for this recipe. Broccoli rabe is leafy and slightly bitter. Broccolini looks more like long broccoli, and has a mild flavor. I prefer broccolini, but can’t always find it.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 482

Fat: 11g

Fiber:

Japanese-Style Fried Chicken

Japanese-Style Fried Chicken

Japanese-Style Fried Chicken

3 T. Soy Sauce 1 ½ T. Dry White Wine, or Saki

Large Pinch Sugar

1 T. grated peeled fresh Ginger

2 cloves Garlic, grated

1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs (skin optional) cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

Oil for frying

¾ C. Potato Starch (or cornstarch)

Salt

Lemon Wedges

 

In medium bow, stir together soy sauce, wine, sugar, ginger and garlic until sugar is dissolved.  Add chicken, toss until well coated, and let marinate for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.   If you have refrigerated, allow to rest 30 minutes at room temperature before proceeding.  Pour oil into heavy bottomed saucepan to a 1” depth and heat over medium high until it reaches 350.  Line large plate with paper towels and put potato starch in medium bowl.  Transfer chicken to starch, allowing excess marinade to drip away first and toss until coated.  Don’t worry about any excess starch.  When oil is ready, add about half the chicken, one piece at a time, and cook, stirring and turning occasionally, until just cooked through and golden brown, 3-5 minutes.  Using spider or tongs, transfer to plate to drain and sprinkle with salt.  Repeat with remaining chicken, letting oil come back up to temperature between bathes.  Serve with lemon wedges.

Teriyaki Chicken Brown Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Brown Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Brown Rice Bowl

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup mirin

1/4 cup ginger wine

1 T. brown sugar

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

4 skinless boneless chicken thighs (approximately 600g)

2 tsp. vegetable oil

1 large carrot, peeled and spiralised

1 bunch Chinese broccoli, trimmed, chopped into bite sized pieces

1 cup frozen soy beans, thawed

1/4 cup pickled ginger

2 spring onions, julienned

1 tsp. sesame seeds

1 cup brown rice, cooked (to serve)

1 tsp. Japanese rice seasoning (bonito and nori furikake), optional (to serve)

 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy, mirin, ginger wine, sugar, sesame oil and garlic together, stirring to combine. Add chicken thighs, cover and marinate for 30 minutes. Heat a sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken and marinade, cover and cook for 15 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. Remove the chicken from pan and set aside. Increase heat to medium high and reduce marinade by two-thirds until it thickens slightly. Steam Chinese broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until tender To serve, combine cooked rice and furikake together in a small mixing bowl, stirring until combined. Divide between four serving bowls. Top each bowl of rice with one sliced chicken thigh and a ¼ of each carrot, steamed broccoli, soy beans, pickled ginger, spring onion and sesame seeds. To finish drizzle over the teriyaki sauce.

Chinese Glazed Riblets with Garlic and Thai Basil

Chinese Glazed Riblets with Garlic and Thai Basil

Chinese Glazed Riblets with Garlic and Thai Basil

4 pounds pork spareribs trimmed St. Louis-style, membrane removed, cut in half across the bone*

3/4 cup mushroom soy sauce, or regular soy sauce plus 1 1/2 tbsp. molasses

6 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry

1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

3 star anise pods

3/4 cup coarsely chopped unpeeled fresh ginger

 

6 tablespoons sugar

6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1/2 cup Chinese red vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce

Vegetable oil for deep-frying, plus 1/4 cup oil for cooking in wok

1 cup cornstarch

3 tablespoons minced garlic

1/2 cup Thai basil leaves or small regular basil leaves, plus a few basil sprigs

 

Prepare ribs: Cut apart between bones. Rinse and put in a 6- to 8-qt. pot. Add 2 1/2 qts. water, cover, and bring to a boil. Skim and discard any foam. Add mushroom soy sauce, rice wine, five-spice powder, star anise, and ginger. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meat is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Strain rib mixture through a colander set over a large bowl. Set bowl of braising liquid in a larger bowl of ice water. Let ribs and seasonings cool in colander, then return to liquid and chill, covered, at least 4 and up to 12 hours.  Meanwhile, make sauce: In a small bowl, stir together sugar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce until sugar dissolves. Set aside.  Preheat oven to 250° and set a rimmed baking sheet in it. Pour 1 1/2 in. oil into a 5- to 6-qt. pot. Insert a deep-fry thermo­meter and heat oil over high heat to 350°. Meanwhile, skim and discard fat from bowl of ribs. Transfer ribs to a colander and discard seasonings. Working with one-quarter of ribs at a time, toss in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup cornstarch. Gently add ribs to oil. Cook until bones are browned and meat is crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer ribs to baking sheet in oven.  Heat a wok or 12-in. frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp. of remaining 1/4 cup oil. When it’s hot, stir in one-quarter of garlic; cook about 15 seconds, then add one-quarter each of ribs and sauce. Cook, stirring with tongs (or a wide metal spatula, if using a frying pan), until sauce thickens and coats ribs well, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in one-quarter of basil leaves; cook and toss ribs until basil turns bright green, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a platter. Scrape out excess sauce from wok and spoon over ribs.  Cook remaining ribs the same way, adding a splash of water and reducing heat if pan starts to scorch.

 

*Ask a butcher to trim and cut the ribs for you.

 

TRIM SPARERIBS ST. LOUIS-STYLE. Meaning, trim them into a tidy, rectangular shape that cooks evenly. Ask a butcher to trim them, or do it yourself: On the bony side, trim the flap of meat from the center, flush with the bones. Then cut the rack lengthwise between the 4- to 5-in.-wide rib section and the chewy skirt (above). Save scraps for soup.

 

REMOVE THE MEMBRANE. Pork spareribs have a membrane on the underside that can shrink up and make the meat cook unevenly. It’s easy to remove: Slide the tip of a meat thermometer under the membrane at one end to loosen an edge. Pull off membrane with a paper towel (it may come off in pieces) while holding the rack down with your other hand.

Corn, Bacon & Egg Fried Rice

Corn, Bacon & Egg Fried Rice

Bacon & Egg Fried Rice

 

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

4 large eggs, beaten

½ pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cloves minced garlic

â…“ cup chopped red onion

1 heaping cup peas

1 heaping cup corn

sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper

4 cups cooked white rice

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), plus more for serving

chopped green onions, for garnish, optional

hot sauce, for serving, optional

 

Heat the oil in a wok or heavy duty frying pan over medium-low heat. Pour in the eggs and cook through, stirring them often. Remove to a dish and cut into bite-sized pieces. Turn the heat up to medium and add the bacon. Cook until crispy or however you like it. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Turn off the heat and let the grease cool a little – drain it off leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Turn the heat back to medium and add the garlic, onion, peas & corn with a couple dashes salt & pepper. Cook, stirring often until the peas & corn are tender. Stir in the rice and soy sauce, cook, stirring often, until the rice is hot. Stir in the egg and bacon. Garnish with green onion. Serve with extra soy sauce and hot sauce.

Creamy Lemon Chicken

Creamy Lemon Chicken

https://drive.google.com/open?id=10zvvAE8BubI3uEF1_cezUE-nbZ-25Ln6

Creamy Lemon Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 cup (125 g) flour

1 ½ tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 ¼ cups (295 mL) chicken stock

1 cup (235 mL) heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 lemon, juiced

1 lemon, sliced

fresh parsley, for garnish

 

On a cutting board, cut the chicken breasts in half, widthwise.  Lay chicken flat and season both sides with salt and pepper.  Gently coat the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.  Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the butter and oil, swirling together to coat the pan.  Place the chicken breasts into the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.  Flip the chicken and cook the other side, another 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.  Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.  Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) of the chicken stock in the pan and scrape up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the stock and the cream and stir. Season with salt and pepper and add the lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and top with sliced lemons. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serve with parsley and extra sauce.

DP Roasted Cod with Potatoes, Tomatoes and Olives

DP Roasted Cod with Potatoes, Tomatoes and Olives

DP Roasted Cod with Potatoes, Tomatoes and Olives

 

1½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 3mm (1/8-inch) thick slices

3 T. olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

salt and pepper

1 heaping cup cherry tomatoes halved

4 6 oz skinless cod fillets*, about 2.5 cm (1″) thick

½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

3 garlic cloves, minced

*You can substitute any thick, white flaky fish, such as halibut or mahi mahi.

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F, with a rack in the middle position. Spread the potatoes in a shallow 2.8 L (3 quart) baking or gratin dish (preferably a metal one), sprinkle with the oil and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Toss and separate the slices until they’re evenly coated, then spread them evenly in the dish. Bake until just tender, about 30 minutes. Scatter the tomatoes evenly over the potatoes, top with the fillets skinned-side down (spacing them out), then scatter the olives and garlic around the fillets. Lightly drizzle everything with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until the fillets are just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer portions to plates, cutting into and scraping under the potato mixture with a spatula.

DP Peanut Sauce

DP Peanut Sauce

1/2 C. Smooth Peanut Butter

1/4 C. Warm Water

2 T. each Soy Sauce, Lime Juice

1/2 T. Brown Sugar (packed)

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 T. Ginger, grated, peeled

Hot Sauce, such as Sriracha

Combine all ingredients, including hot sauce to taste.  Whisk, check seasonings and adjust to taste.  This consistency is good for dipping, and can be thinned for a dressing.

 

Lion Bento

Lion Bento

I used to love those little round metal tins of pastillines candies!  Seems like you could get single flavors or citrus or mixes.  They were small bits of hard candy.  Ahhhhh

Anyway…

Sandwiches, cheeses, ham, nori

mini hotdogs

Corn (looks like a quarter mini cob), broccoli

meat patties

 

Early Start

Early Start

Early Start

1 1⁄2 oz Krogstad Festlig aquavit

1⁄2 oz Fresh lime juice

1⁄2 oz Orgeat syrup

1 Egg white

1 French sorrel leaf

Red-veined sorrel leaf

Muddle the French sorrel leaf in a mixing tin. Add the rest of the ingredients, dry-shake, then shake with ice. Fine-strain into a coupe. Garnish with a red-veined sorrel leaf.

Dinner Plan Shrimp Scampi

Dinner Plan Shrimp Scampi

Dinner Plan Shrimp Scampi

 

Many scampi recipes involve cooking the shrimp with the other ingredients. You can do that here, too, but the benefit of cooking the shrimp separately is twofold: it’s easier not to overcook them, and you can whisk in the butter to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. Serve as an appetizer or as a main course with rice, orzo or your favorite grain, spooning the garlicky sauce over everything. It’s also great with crusty bread.

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra, if needed

1½ pounds (680 g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined and patted dry

Salt and pepper to taste ( â…› tsp. each)

3 garlic cloves, minced

Large pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine

4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

1 lemon, zested and halved lengthwise, one half cut into wedges

Large handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)

 

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then put them in the skillet in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until the bottoms of the shrimp begin to turn pink, about 1 minute. Flip the shrimp over and cook until almost cooked through, about 1 minute more. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, pepper flakes and a little more oil if the pan seems dry; cook, stirring often, until the garlic just starts to turn golden, about 1 minute. Add the wine, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan, and simmer until most of the wine has evaporated. Whisk in the butter one piece at a time, then season the sauce with salt and lemon juice from one lemon half. Add the cooked shrimp, any juices accumulated on the plate, the lemon zest and parsley (if using) and toss together until the shrimp are warmed through, about 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges, if you like.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Serving size: ¼ recipe

Calories: 316

Fat: 20 g

Fiber: 0g

Spicy Baked Chickpeas

Spicy Baked Chickpeas

Spicy Baked Chickpeas

2 cans, or 3 C., chickpeas
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried onion
1 dash paprika
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 ° F. Drain and rinse chickpeas in colander. Rub dry on paper towels, removing skins from chickpeas. In a medium-sized bowl, stir chickpeas and remaining ingredients until well blended. Place chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and then bake for an additional 10-20 minutes.

 

Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 203

Fat: 5.4g

Fiber:8.8g

WIW: Turkey & Swiss Waffle Panini

WIW: Turkey & Swiss Waffle Panini

WIW: Turkey & Swiss Waffle Panini

 

Sliced bread (I used an Italian Round)

Sliced turkey

Sliced swiss

Lettuce

Mustard, your favorite kind

Plug in your trusty waffle maker. Set to medium heat (if you can adjust). Place cheese then lettuce then turkey on one slice of bread. Spread the other slice of bread with mustard. Place bread together. Spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Place sandwich on griddle. Slowly press down the top, squishing the sandwich as much as you can. Cook for about 2-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron and how hot it cooks, etc. When golden brown and crispy, carefully remove from the griddle and serve right away. Enjoy!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Punch

Animal Kingdom Lodge Punch

Animal Kingdom Lodge Punch

1 8 ounce can Lemon Juice, frozen and canned

1 8 ounce can Pineapple Juice, frozen and canned

1 8 ounce can Orange Juice, frozen concentrate and canned

12 ounces Mango Juice

6 ounces Grenadine

 

This recipe is easier for home use when frozen juice is used.  Follow the package instructions on the frozen juice containers. Mix in a large bowl. Add the mango juice and grenadine. Mix well and server over ice in a tall glass.

WIW: Waffle Iron Cinnamon Apples

WIW: Waffle Iron Cinnamon Apples

WIW: Waffle Iron Cinnamon Apples

 

2 Apples

Coconut sugar or brown sugar

Cinnamon

Greek Yogurt

Berries

Heat the waffle iron and grease lightly with some spray oil. Cut the apple into 1/2 cm slices and sprinkle each slice with a little sugar and cinnamon. Place the apple slices in the waffle iron for approximately 2 minutes. Serve immediately with greek yogurt and berries.

Cinderella’s Breakfast Au Gratin Potatoes

Cinderella’s Breakfast Au Gratin Potatoes

Cinderella’s Breakfast Au Gratin Potatoes

 

1/4 tsp. garlic salt

¼ tsp. white pepper

½ tsp. salt (optional)

3 C. milk

1 C. mild and shredded cheddar cheese

4 C. diced and cooked potatoes

1/2 C. flour

1/2 C. fresh and cooked bacon bits

1/2 C. diced onions

1/4 C. melted butter

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Dice and cook the potatoes. Dice onions. Gather remaining ingredients. Melt butter. Add onion and sauté. Add bacon and cook for 2 minutes. Add flour and stir to make a paste. Cook for 5 minutes. Add 3 C. milk. Stir till lumps are gone. Cook mixture 10 minutes and continue stirring. Add potatoes, cheese and seasonings. Mix until cheese is melted. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.