Mushroom Vegetable Stock

Mushroom Vegetable Stock

Mushroom Vegetable Stock

 

4 quarts (4 L) water

8 large dried shiitake mushrooms

2 cups (500 mL) whole button mushrooms

1 cup (250 mL) peeled and chopped onions

1 cup (250 mL) peeled and chopped carrots

1 cup (250 mL) chopped celery

4 garlic cloves

1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary

1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh sage

 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Strain the stock into a container and remove the shiitake mushrooms. Discard the rest of the vegetables and the herbs. Cut the stems off the shiitakes and discard. (The shiitake caps can be used in a stir-fry or stew, or may be sliced thinly and returned to the broth.) Place the container on a wire rack and let stock cool until room temperature, then refrigerate in a covered container. Keeps for 3– 4 days in the fridge or for up to 3 months when frozen.

Island-Style Fried Rice

Island-Style Fried Rice

1 ½ C. Jasmine Rice
3 C. Water
1 12oz. Can Spam, cubed
3 Eggs, Beaten (If you have a shelf stable egg substitute that scrambles up OK, you can use that)
2 tsp. Oil
1 8oz. Can Pineapple Bits (small chunks, or large chucks, but give em a quick dice)
3 tsp. Oyster Sauce
½ tsp. Garlic Powder

Bring the rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the rice cool completely. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a skillet over medium heat, and brown the luncheon meat. Set aside, and pour the beaten eggs into the hot skillet. Scramble the eggs, and set aside. Heat 2 T. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, and stir in the rice. Toss the rice with the hot oil until heated through and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic powder, toss the rice for 1 more minute to develop the garlic taste, and stir in the luncheon meat, scrambled eggs, pineapple, and oyster sauce. Cook and stir until the oyster sauce coats the rice and other ingredients, 2 to 3 minutes, and serve. If you have fresh cilantro or scallions from the garden, they are quite nice in this. Just add at the end, toss and serve.

Linguine with Spicy Shrimp Sauce

Linguine with Spicy Shrimp Sauce

Linguine with Spicy Shrimp Sauce3 T. olive oil
4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 T. sun dried tomato paste
15 oz. Italian-style canned tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste
1/4 C. parsley, chopped
1 oz. white wine
1 T. butter (room temperature)
12 oz. bite-size shrimp, peeled and deveined, heads and tails removed
8 oz. whole-grain linguine

Smash the garlic cloves with the back of a knife on a cutting board. Heat a medium size sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat for 1 minute. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture just until the garlic starts to sizzle. Meanwhile cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions. Add sun dried tomato paste to garlic oil mixture. Stir to combine. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine and cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp; cook just until shrimp turns pink. Remove pan from heat and add butter. Swirl or stir pan to melt butter in sauce. Drain pasta and place in warmed serving dishes. Top with shrimp mixture.

Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella Crostinis with Basil Oil

Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella Crostinis with Basil Oil

1 baguette, sliced on the bias about 3/4″ thick
1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 slices prosciutto
Basil Oil (Below)

Grill or toast the baguette slices if desired. Pour a little basil oil down on a plate. Place grilled baguette slice on plate, layer mozzarella and then prosciutto on top. Insert baguette into mouth, bite, chew, and understand what all the fuss is about.

Basil Oil

1 bunch basil, stems removed (about 1 C.?)
1/2 C. oil – this is one instance where using a canola or vegetable or other unflavored oil might be better than olive oil so that it doesn’t drown out the flavor of the basil

Boil a pot of water. Put basil in for 30 seconds. Take basil out, rinse under cold water. Pat dry (important!), add basil and oil into blender. I had to add in a little more oil than pictured below. Salt and pepper to taste while blending!

Baked Chicken with Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Baked Chicken with Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Baked Chicken with Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes1 lb chicken breasts, boneless, cut into 4 oz. portions
1 oz. vegetable or olive oil
20 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1 medium yellow or white onion, cut in half root to tip then sliced thin
1/2 C. sun dried tomatoes, chopped, (not packed in oil)
1/4 C. white wine
1/2-3/4 C. chicken stock
1 tsp. dried oregano
White pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat dry. Crush two of the 20 garlic cloves. Place an ovenproof skillet over moderate heat. Once warm add oil .Once oil is hot add crushed garlic to pan then place chicken in the pan on top of the garlic. Toss in remaining garlic cloves. Cook chicken for about 8 minutes or until it will release itself easily from the pan then flip to cook the other side. Continue to cook for 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Set aside. Place onions and tomatoes over the caramelized garlic. Allow the onions and tomatoes to sweat in the pan for 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat and add wine. With a spoon stir the pan to remove the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing technique will remove the flavor stuck to the bottom of the pan and release it to the vegetables. Add chicken back to the skillet. Add stock just until the liquid level reaches halfway up the sides of the chicken. Add oregano and pepper to taste. Cover with tight fitting lid and place in oven. Bake 30 minutes.

Wine-Spiked Julienne Carrots

Wine-Spiked Julienne Carrots

1 ¼ pounds (567 g) carrots, either orange or rainbow (red, orange, yellow)
2 T. coarse sea salt
1 C. (237 g) white wine vinegar
3/4 C. (150 g) sugar
½ C. (118 g) dry white wine, such as Orvieto, Pecorino, or Soave
Pinch of finely grated lemon zest, plus the juice of 1/2 lemon
18 whole peppercorns

3 sterilized 1/2-pint jars and their lids
Basic water-bath canning equipment

Cut the carrots crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise into slices about Vs inch thick, then cut each slice into matchstick (julienne) strips about Vs inch thick. Place the carrot strips in a bowl as you work. Sprinkle the salt over the carrots and toss well. Transfer the carrots to a colander and set the colander over the bowl. Set a plate over the carrots and weight it down with a heavy object (a container of grains, a jug of maple syrup, whatever you have on hand). Let the carrots marinate for 2 hours to release some of their juice. Rinse and drain the carrots, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel, and pat dry. Combine the vinegar, sugar, wine, and lemon zest and juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the carrots, stir once, and return to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Place 6 peppercorns in the bottom of each jar, and then pack the carrots into the jars. Ladle the hot brine over the carrots, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Use a bubble remover or a clean chopstick to get rid of any bubbles. Screw the lids on tightly and process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. The carrots will keep for up to 1 year, though they may eventually lose their crisp texture. Store any jars that fail to seal properly in the refrigerator and enjoy those first.

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs

Italian Sausage Meatballs with Fresh Herbs1 lb ground beef (or bison)
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme, minced
1 long sprig fresh oregano, minced
¼ C. roughly chopped flat leaf parsley
½ small yellow onion, roughly chopped
½ C. almond meal
2 eggs, whisked
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
Black pepper
¼ C. cream (optional)
½ C. finely shredded parmesan (optional)
¼ C. bacon fat

Remove the Italian sausage from its casing. Mix all of the ingredients, except bacon fat, together until well combined. With lightly oiled hands, roll the meatballs into the desired size. To cook, heat bacon fat in a sauté pan over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs. Fry 5-7 minutes, until bottom is browned. Turn meatballs to opposite side and fry until that side is nicely browned, another 5-7 minutes. Cut one open to determine if it is fully cooked on the inside. If not quite done, turn heat to low and cover pan for a few more minutes or put meatballs in a warm oven while you fry another batch.

Berry Souffle Pancake

Berry Souffle Pancake

Berry Souffle Pancake

 

3 eggs separated

1/2 cup half & half

1/3 cup flour

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup mixed berries, slice any strawberries

Powdered sugar for garnish, optional\

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place a rack 5 inches or so under broiler and one in the center of the oven. Beat the egg yolks and half & half in a large bowl until well mixed. Slowly whisk in the flour, stirring just until combined, then whisk in the butter, salt, and vanilla. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric beater until almost stiff peaks. Gently fold the whites into the batter, folding just until the whites disappear. A few streaks are fine. Lightly grease or spray an 8-inch ovenproof skillet and heat over medium high heat. Pour and spoon the batter into the skillet while the skillet is on the burner, turn the heat down to medium. Cook several minutes, just until the batter looks a little firmer and there is a bit of light golden brown on the bottom when an edge is carefully lifted. Turn on the broiler. Remove skillet from heat and working quickly scatter the berries on top of the batter. and place pan under the broiler. Watch closely and cook broil until the top of the souffle is golden brown. Turn broiler off and switch to bake, 450 degrees F. and move the pan to the center rack and bake for three to four minutes or until just firm to the touch in the center. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Note there is no sugar in the batter; if you have a sweet tooth, add a tablespoon or two to the egg yolks before mixing.

Magic Mushroom Powder

Magic Mushroom Powder

Magic Mushroom Powder can be used in place of salt in virtually any dish, adding an immediate flavor punch to everything from scrambled eggs and ground meat to roasted veggies and chicken wings.

3 oz. dried Mushrooms (try Porcini!)
2 C. Kosher Salt
3 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
2 tsp. Dried Thyme
1 tsp. Pepper

Dump your dried ’shrooms in the food processor and pulse a few times to chop them up uniformly. If the lid of your food processor isn’t on tight, a fine mist of mushroom dust will erupt from the crack, so check the seal before you continue blitzing. Next, turn the processor on for 2 minutes or as long as it takes for the mushrooms to break down into a fine powder. (If you use a super-charged blender like a Vitamix, you’ll finish in less time.) Warning: Do not open the container immediately after switching off your processor. A mushroom cloud will literally explode out of the top and you’ll find yourself coughing up Magic Mushroom Powder for the next few minutes. Instead, be patient and let the powder settle before you open it. Combine powder with remaining ingredients and mix well. Store in airtight jar.

Bacon, Chicken, and Avocado Salad

Bacon, Chicken, and Avocado Salad

Bacon, Chicken, and Avocado Salad¼ lb bacon, or 4–5 slices, cut into ½-inch bits
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into 2 inch pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
1 avocado – peeled, pitted and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ C. chopped red onion
½ C. chopped walnut
1 apple – cut into 1 inch chunks (optional)

In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon “bits” until crisp. Remove and set aside, but save the bacon grease in the pan. Add the chopped and seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and sauté in the bacon grease. Cook the chicken and turn so that every side is browned. Allow it to simmer over low heat while you prepare the rest of the salad. Toss the chopped romaine, avocado, chicken and bacon together. Top with red onion and walnuts. Dress with your favorite vinaigrette.

DIY Sparkling Bar

DIY Sparkling Bar

DIY Sparkling Bar

Sparkling Wine: Because you obviously need the base product, right? Rather than grabbing your usual bubbly, we recommend offering up a few variations of bubbles for your guests to experiment with. A dry Cava, fruit-forward Prosecco or fizzy sweet Moscato d’Asti will have all of your dry-sweet bases covered, as well as a varying range of textural bubbles.

 

Mixers: Take your OJ to the next level by adding some additional juice options and fresh-fruit purées to your bar. Peach purée is a classic; your same Bellini lovers will also appreciate the juicy goodness of a sweet apricot purée. Apple juice, orange juice and red grapefruit juice are necessities, though if seasonally available, swap out that apple juice for a freshly squeezed cider.

 

 

Fresh Fruit: The only time we’re happy to be finished with a drink is if there’s booze-soaked fruit at the bottom. Providing an array of fresh raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries will provide a sweet finish to your guest’s glass. Keep a stash of frozen berries on the side to double as ice cubes; fresh, fruity and won’t water down your bubbly creations.

 

Herbs: Adding fresh herbs to your creations will add a layer of flavor complexity to the beverage, as well as provide it with stunning aromatics. Fresh basil, rosemary and mint leaves are great choices for those who’d normally be intimidated by adding greens to their glass — though once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

 

Lemons & Limes: A fresh squeeze of lemon or lime not only provides garnish to the glass; it actually plays off the other components that make up cocktails as well. The acid in citrus meshes with alcohol in wine and sugar in juices to create an equally balanced final product. Slice up some lemon and lime wedges for a pop of flavor — and color — to add to your guest’s creations.

 

St. Germain: St. Germain is an elderflower-based liqueur produced in France. The light, floral flavors add a classy component to any of your sparkling wine cocktails. Plus, the bottle will look gorgeous on your creation station bar cart.

Mini-Veggie Pancakes

Mini-Veggie Pancakes

Mini-Veggie Pancakes¼ cabbage, chopped rough
¼ onion, chopped fine
1 whole egg
1 egg white, beaten
1 sundried tomato, chopped fine
¼ tsp. paprika
¼ tsp. mixed herbs
Salt

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Heat a non-stick pan on medium to med-high heat. Drop a T. of mixture onto the pan and press down lightly for a few seconds with a spatula. Cook on one side, flip, and press down again until mixture is cooked through.

Pantry Friendly Graham Crackers

Pantry Friendly Graham Crackers

1/3 C. dry powdered milk
½ C. water
1 T. lemon juice or vinegar
1 C. brown sugar
½ C. honey
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten slightly
6 C. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
I tsp. baking soda

Mix milk, water, and lemon juice or vinegar. In separate bowl, add dark brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and eggs (in that order). Blend well to keep oil in emulsion. Combine the two mixtures and add flour, salt, and soda. Divide into four equal parts. Place each part on a greased and floured cookie sheet. Roll from center to edge until 1/8 inch thick. Prick with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven and cut into squares.

Horseradish Dill Schmear

Horseradish Dill Schmear

Horseradish Dill Schmear

 

8 oz. whipped cream cheese (about 1 C.)

½ C. finely chopped fresh dill

¼ C. prepared horseradish Kosher salt

 

Mix cream cheese, dill, and horseradish in a small bowl; season with salt.

One-Egg Cake

One-Egg Cake

oNE-eGG cAKE2 C. Cake Flour
2 Tsp. Baking Powder
¼ tsp. Salt
¼ C. Shortening
1 Egg
1 C. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
¾ C. Milk

Sift dry ingredients together. Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately in small amounts, beating well after each addition. Pour into 2 greased 9” pans and bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. When cool, fill with jam in between the two layers and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Whole-wheat Spaghetti with Chard and Ricotta

Whole-wheat Spaghetti with Chard and Ricotta

1 lb. dried whole wheat spaghetti
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 T. minced garlic
1 lb. green chard (rinsed, ends trimmed, and coarsely chopped)
1 container (15 oz.) low-fat ricotta
1/3 C. chopped roasted, salted pistachios
1/2 C. freshly grated pecorino or parmesan cheese
1 1/2 T. grated lemon peel
1 T. lemon juice
Salt and pepper

In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 C. pasta-cooking water. Return spaghetti to pan. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic; stir until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add chard; stir 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1 C. of reserved water; cook until chard stems are tender to bite, 6 to 8 minutes. Mix chard mixture into hot spaghetti with ricotta, pistachios, pecorino, lemon peel, lemon juice, remaining 1/2 C. reserved pasta-cooking water, and salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Calories: 430
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 11g

24 Street Spritz

24 Street Spritz

24 Street Spritz

 

An herbaceous, refreshing—and alcoholic—take on Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda.

 

4 celery stalks, chopped

1 C. sugar

¼ C. celery seeds

 

1½ C. gin

⅓ C. fresh lemon juice

Seltzer or club soda

8 celery heart stalks (from 2 bunches)

8 lemon wedges

 

CELERY SYRUP: Bring celery, sugar, celery seeds, and 2 C. water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until celery is soft and liquid is reduced by half, 30–35 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on solids. Strain celery syrup again, if desired, through cheesecloth-lined sieve (to make liquid clearer). Syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

 

COCKTAIL: Stir gin, lemon juice, and 1 C. celery syrup in a large pitcher. Divide among glasses filled with ice and top off with seltzer. Garnish with celery stalks and lemon wedges.

Classic Roast Canvasback with Fried Hominy

Classic Roast Canvasback with Fried Hominy

There is no substitute for canvasback duck. It is a unique taste in the animal world, one you cannot replicate with a domestic duck or even another worthy wild duck, like a mallard or pintail. That is not to say you cannot do this with any of these lesser stand-ins, but be prepared to be in awe when you finally get the chance, someday, to taste the real thing.

As for the other things on this plate, white hominy grits are easily bought in much of this country, but California (where I live) is not one of them. So I use polenta instead. Any breadcrumbs are fine. For the fat I went authentic and fried the little cakes in lard, but I would only recommend this if you can get fresh-rendered lard. Never use the hydrogenated stuff that needs not be refrigerated. Use butter instead. Keep in mind you need to make the hominy a few hours ahead to let it cool.

Red currant jelly is sold in many supermarkets, but you can use any red fruit jelly really. I used chokecherry syrup from Montana, but cherry syrup or jelly would be ideal, as would cranberry jelly or syrup. You are looking for red and tart.

I use glace de viande for my pan sauces, and so should you. You can either use my recipe for duck demi-glace and make it yourself, or you can buy it online.

Serve this with a bitter green salad, dressed with a light coating of walnut oil and white wine vinegar, and serve with a big, burly red wine. This would be the time to break out the Bordeaux.

Classic Roast Canvasback with Fried Hominy

1 cup finely ground hominy or polenta
Salt
5 cups water
1 canvasback duck or other whole duck, plucked and gutted
1/4 cup butter or duck fat, divided
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 shallot, minced
1/3 cup red currant jelly or syrup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup demi-glace (or 1 cup stock reduced to 1/4 cup)
A dash of hot sauce

Make the hominy by bringing the water and about a tablespoon of salt to a boil. Start stirring the water and pour the hominy grits into the water in a steady stream. Turn the heat to low and cook this for at least 20 minutes, and up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Turn out the grits into a loaf pan or other small, high-sided container and let cool for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 500°F, or if your oven won’t get that high, as high as it will go. This would be the time to fire up the pizza oven, if you have one. Pat the canvasback dry with a paper towel and salt the inside. Smear duck fat or butter all over the bird and salt it well on the outside. Let this sit at room temperature for at least 2o minutes, while your oven heats up. Meanwhile, turn the cooled hominy grits out onto a cutting board and slice off the side that had been exposed to air. Cut the rest into shapes of your choice. Get a bowl with your egg ready, and another bowl for the breadcrumbs. Put the canvasback in an oven-proof pan — I use a cast-iron pan — and set the timer for 18 minutes. Once you do this, put the remaining butter or lard into a frying pan and heat it on medium-high. As soon as it is hot, dredge the hominy grits in egg, then the breadcrumbs and fry in the lard until golden. Set aside on a paper towel to drain. At the 10-minute mark of roasting, baste the canvasback with some butter or duck fat. When it is done to your liking, take the duck out, remove it from the hot pan and set it on the cutting board tented loosely with foil. A medium-rare duck will be about 18 minutes, medium 20-22, and don’t go past 25 minutes unless the canvasback is really fatty. Domestic ducks will need this extra time. Look for a temperature in the breast of about 135-140°F. As the duck is resting, make sure you have at least 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan you roasted the bird in. Set this on the stove over medium heat. Be careful, as the pan will be hot. Add the shallots and sauté for 2 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and any salt if needed. Bring this to a rolling boil and let it cook down until a wooden spoon dragged through it leaves a noticeable trail. You want a thick consistency, but not so much as syrup or gravy. Carve the canvasback (save the carcass for duck stock) and add any juices to the sauce. Pour some sauce on the plate, add a hominy cake or two and top with the duck. Serve at once.

Nettle Flan

Nettle Flan

Softened butter for the ramekins or flan molds
½ to 1 lb. fresh young nettle leaves (depending on how much nettle you desire, I generally use about ¾ lb.)
4 large fresh farm eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 C. chopped chives
4 fresh sage leaves
1/3 C. grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
2 C. heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 275° F and place the rack in the center position. Butter six 8-oz. ceramic ramekins, glass custard C. or glass canning jars. Cook the nettle leaves in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle, then with your hands, squeeze out as much water as possible. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg together until blended. Combine the squeezed nettles, chives and sage in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the egg mixture and grated cheese and process until the mixture is extremely smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and process until thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds. Divide the nettle mixture among the prepared ramekins. Set the ramekins in a large baking dish so they don’t touch each other. Place the dish on the oven rack and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the centers are firm to the touch, about an hour. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the flans cool in the water for 10 minutes. Run a thin-bladed knife around the sides of the ramekins and invert the flans onto serving plates. Serve with a light tomato sauce or a simple green salad and a little grated or shaved cheese over the top if desired.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

 

½ C. blanched hazelnuts

2 rhubarb stalks, thinly sliced on the diagonal

2 T. sugar

1 T. Cointreau or fresh orange juice

1 T. fresh lemon juice

2 pounds strawberries, hulled, quartered

¼ C. torn fresh mint leaves

Preheat oven to 350°. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then chop.  Meanwhile, toss rhubarb, sugar, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let sit until rhubarb is slightly softened and releases its juices, about 30 minutes. Toss with strawberries, mint, and hazelnuts.

Pan-Roasted Rabbit

Pan-Roasted Rabbit

1 medium Rabbit
3 oz. Bacon, diced
2 sprigs Rosemary
7 cloves Garlic
2/4 – 1 C. White Wine
8 T. EVOO
White Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste

Divide rabbit into pieces. Slip into white vinegar for some moments, pat dry with paper towels and place into frying pan without any fat added. Roast for several minutes over medium heat, turning once. Remove from pan and set aside temporarily. Wash and dry pan. Add olive oil to clean pan; add diced bacon and 2 cloves garlic, minced, rosemary and 5 cloves garlic, whole. Return rabbit pieces to the pan. Add white wine, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower the flame to low and continue to cook partially covered (lid ajar) until meat is tender.

Morel Mushrooms

Morel Mushrooms

The easiest presentation for the washed and ready morels is just to slice them in half lengthwise and give them a sauté in some butter. Play around with some logical additions, such as:

•finely chopped onion, garlic, or shallots (sauté these in the pan first, then add the mushrooms)
•chopped parsley
•more butter!
•some white wine
•a touch of cream
•a bit of salt or soy sauce as desired.

 

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

 

5⅓ C. All-purpose flour

1 pound Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

1 C. Ice-cold water

1 T. Kosher salt

 

12 Eggs

2 C. Milk

2 C. Heavy cream

2 C. Onions, sliced thinly

1 C. Bacon, cut into squares

1 C. Gruyère cheese, grated

2 T. Chives, sliced thinly

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

 

For pâte brisée (pie dough): Add flour, butter, and salt to bowl of stand mixer. Using paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until butter forms pea-sized pieces. Start adding ice water and keep mixing until all water is incorporated and dough grabs onto paddle. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see small pieces of butter in the dough as this will ensure a flaky crust. Remove dough from mixer, wrap with plastic wrap, and let rest in refrigerator for 1 hour before rolling out. Remove dough and let sit on counter for about 10 minutes. Then, using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangular shape, about 3/16-inch thick. Carefully roll dough onto rolling pin and transfer to a half-sheet (13-by-18-inch) pan. Cut off excess dough and place lined pan in refrigerator for another hour to allow dough to relax. Make quiche filling. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Once dough is relaxed and firm, line dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans, then par-bake pie crust until exposed edges are golden brown. Remove pie weights and prick holes in bottom of crust with a fork to release steam. Place crust back in oven until center is golden brown. Let cool before adding the filling. For quiche filling: Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add cut bacon and cook until bacon is crispy and has rendered most of its fat. Stir in onions, salt, and pepper, and cook until onions are dark brown, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool bacon-onion mixture. Using a whisk and in a medium sized bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, cream, and cheese. Add bacon-onion mixture to egg mixture. Stir in chives. To make quiche: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour filling into pre-cooked quiche shell and bake for about 40 minutes, until filling is browned and firm to the touch. Test with a cake tester or small knife in the center. The knife should come out clean when quiche is ready. Allow quiche to cool to room temperature.  For best results when cutting quiche into perfect little squares, chill quiche overnight. Carefully remove quiche from sheet pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut quiche into desired piece sizes and shapes. Reheat individual portions in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Everyday Tomato Sauce

Everyday Tomato Sauce

Everyday Tomato Sauce¼ C. EVOO
1 large Onion, diced
4 Garlic Cloves, peeled and minced
46oz. can Tomato Juice
29oz. can Tomato Puree
2 6oz. cans Tomato Paste
1 T. each dried Basil, Oregano, and Thyme
2 Bay Leaves

In large saucepot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and light golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato juice, puree and paste and stir until blended. Crush basil, oregano and thyme in your hands and add to sauce. Add nay leaves. Lower heat and simmer at least 30 minutes, up to several hours, until thick. When ready to serve, remove bay leaves and add salt and pepper to taste. ¼ tsp. crushed Fennel seeds may be added with herbs, if desired.

Bean & Pea Shoot Stir Fry

Bean & Pea Shoot Stir Fry

This is a flexible dish that I created to make use of stored beans and rice and sprouted seeds. I like pea shoots, so that’s what I have. You could also use mung bean sprouts or another microgreen, such as arugula, sunflower sprouts, watercress, etc. You can also add any kind of other vegetable that you have on hand. I’ve noted where you add them in the recipe. Longer cooking fresh vegetables first, shorter cooking fresh vegetables later, canned (already cooked and more likely to break apart) even later, and then tender greens at the very end. I chose an Asian flavor profile, because that’s what I like and what I am storing, but you can alter the spices, replace the soy with Worcestershire, vinegars, pickling liquid, fish sauce, coconut milk, Mirin and so on).

1 C. Rice
2 C. Water
1 -2 tsp. Oil (If you have fresh vegetables to add in addition to onion, use more. Otherwise, use less)
1 Onion, Sliced (If you do not have this in your root cellar or from a garden, you can omit it, but food without onions is a sad thing!)
2 C. beans, cooked or canned
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
½ tsp. ground Ginger
¼ C. Soy Sauce
1 small can Tomato Paste
½ C. Water
Couple handfuls freshly harvested Pea Shoots (you could also use tender foraged greens such as purslane, dandelion, red clover, lamb’s quarters – but be sure you are picking what you think you are!)

Heat water for rice to near boiling, add rice, stir once. Cover and reduce heat and cook on low for 22-25 minutes. While Rice cooks, heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent. If you happen to have other fresh (sturdier type) vegetables from a garden or forage, such as celery, peppers, or carrots, etc.you can add them with the onion. After 5 minutes or so, if you have more tender / faster cooking vegetables, such as peas, shredded sturdier dark leafy vegetables like collards or kale, fiddleheads etc., you can add them now and cook with the other vegetables a few more minutes. Add beans, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, tomato paste and water. IF you happen to have a fully cooked meat product on hand, you can add some of that with the beans. IF you did not have onions or any other vegetables, you can boost the flavor with some dried herbs. IF you have a canned vegetable, you can add that now. Cook over lower heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently now and again, until everything is heated through. Add your pea shoots, toss just to combine and slightly wilt the pea shoots. Serve your bean mixture over your cooked rice.

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 lemon, zested

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 1/4 cups milk

1 egg

3 tablespoons butter, melted

 

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, salt and sugar. After sifting, add cream of tarter and lemon zest. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides, creating crispy edges. Top with fresh blueberries and warm maple syrup. Blueberry Compote Topping (recommended) – 3 cups frozen or fresh blueberries, unthawed (save a ½ cup for garnish), 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup water. Combine 1 1/2 cups blueberries, sugar and 1/3 cup water in heavy small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until berries burst, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup berries. Cook until compote coats spoon, stirring often, about 8 minutes. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.) Serve warm over Maple Hill Manor’s Lemon Soufflé Pancakes. Garnish with fresh blueberries and powdered sugar for a nice presentation.

Crispy Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

Crispy Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

Crispy Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms3 ounces herbed goat cheese
12 zucchini blossoms, rinsed, stamens removed
oil for frying
1 C. all purpose flour
1 C. ice water
salt

Gently place 1 tsp. of goat cheese into the center of each blossom, being careful not to tear the petals. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Until it reaches 350 degrees or until a bit of batter dropped into it begins frying. While you are waiting for your oil to heat up, make your batter by whisking together flour and ice water until a smooth and thin batter forms. Once your oil is hot, carefully dredge the stuffed zucchini blossoms in the batter. Allow any excess to drip off and then fry until golden brown 1 – 2 minutes on each side. You may need to do this in batches so you don’t over crowd the pan. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate, sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Baked Sauerkraut with Apples

Baked Sauerkraut with Apples

1 q.t sauerkraut
1/4 C. sliced onion
2 T. butter or bacon drippings
2 or 3 medium-size apples
1 1/2 C. white wine
1/2 C. beef stock or bouillon
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. celery seeds

Drain kraut slightly. Cook onion in butter or drippings until transparent. Add sauerkraut and stir; cook slowly. Wash, peel, and core apples; dice fruit and add to sauerkraut. Add wine and enough stock or bouillon to cover. Cook slowly, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add sugar and celery seeds; cover and finish cooking in moderate 325° oven 30 minutes longer.

Spätzle With Mushroom Gravy

Spätzle With Mushroom Gravy

Spätzle With Mushroom Gravy

 

4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

3/4 tsp nutmeg

6 eggs, beaten

1 cup milk ( more if needed)

 

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp garlic butter

8oz mushrooms, sliced

3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stem

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp flour

2 cups beef broth

2 tbsp 35% cream

1/4 cup sherry

 

Place flour in a bowl and combine with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and mix well. Slowly add the milk and beat until the mixture is thick, glossy, and has no lumps remaining. Press dough into salted boiling water. Let it cook until it floats to the top, remove with a slotted spoon and place into cold water. Cool, drain, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve place some olive oil or butter in a sauté pan and cook the spätzle until it begin to brown. Heat the olive oil and garlic butter in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and thyme, sauté until golden, adding more olive oil if needed. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cook for 2-3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the sherry, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook stirring occasional until the liquid has reduced by half. Finish by stirring in the 35% cream. Serve over the spätzle with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Top of the Hill’s Wild Mushroom Grit Cakes with Shrimp

Top of the Hill’s Wild Mushroom Grit Cakes with Shrimp

Top of the Hill's Wild Mushroom Grit Cakes with Shrimp2 grit cakes (recipe at bottom)
1 T. olive oil
1 C. wild mushrooms, sliced
8 shrimp
2 tsp. garlic, minced
2 T. white wine
1/2 C. heavy cream
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Tomatoes, diced (use as garnish)
Scallions, sliced (use as garnish)
Cashews, toasted (use as garnish)

Get skillet hot. Add oil, mushrooms, garlic shrimp and seasoning. Saute 2 minutes. Add wine to deglaze. Add cream and simmer until sauce has thickened. Place cakes in bowl. Pour sauce to cover. Garnish with tomatoes, scallions and cashews.

For Grits:
1 qt. boiling water
1 1/2 C. yellow grits
2 T. garlic, minced
1 1/2 T. Kosher salt
2 tsp. black pepper
1 C. Parmesan cheese

Bring water to the boil. Drizzle in grits while whisking. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Let simmer approximately 20 minutes until grits are smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese. Pour out into a baking dish about 3/4-inch thick. Chill to harden. Cut into desired shape. Dredge in flour, egg wash and bread crumbs for frying.

Pea Tips Stir-fried with Garlic Recipe Qing Chao Dou Miao

Pea Tips Stir-fried with Garlic Recipe Qing Chao Dou Miao

If you multiply this stir-fry for more people, do it in batches. Otherwise, you’ll not reap the wok-hay benefits and the tips loose a bit of their zest.

6 to 7 oz. pea tips (pea shoots)
6 T. chicken stock
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 T. rendered chicken or duck fat, or canola or peanut oil
2 or 3 large cloves garlic, minced
Salt

Use your fingers to break off and discard the fine curly tendrils from each pea tip. Then break the pea tip into 3-inch lengths, dropping them into a bowl. Set aside near the stove. (This is a great group task or assignment for kids!) Combine the chicken stock and cornstarch and set aside near the stove. Heat the fat in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 15 seconds, until aromatic. Add the pea tips and a generous sprinkling of salt. Stir to combine and prevent the garlic from browning. When the pea tips have wilted to about 1/3 of their original volume, about 45 seconds, give the stock a stir, then add to the pea tips. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, until the liquid has thickened slightly. The pea tips should be now about 1/4 of their original volume, signaling that they are done. Remove from the heat, taste for salt. Transfer to a plate or shallow bowl and serve.

Mushroom Piccata

Mushroom Piccata

Mushroom Piccata

 

1 lemon

4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

12 oz. mixed mushrooms (such as crimini, shiitake, and/or maitake), cut or torn into large pieces if needed

1 tsp. all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Kosher salt

1 large shallot or 1 small red onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

½ cup dry white wine

½ cup Castelvetrano or other olives, crushed, pits removed

1 Tbsp. drained capers

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Freshly ground black pepper

Parsley leaves with tender stems (for serving)

 

Using a sharp knife, slice lemon into very thin rounds, (aim to get about 6–8 thin slices); remove seeds from rounds. Set remaining piece of lemon aside. Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss mushrooms with flour in a small bowl, then cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and crisp all over, 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and transfer to a large plate. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook shallot, stirring often, until softened, 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened and beginning to turn golden around edges, about 4 minutes. Add wine, olives, capers, and lemon slices. Cook, swirling pan occasionally, until wine is mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add butter and swirl skillet continuously until butter is melted and emulsified into sauce. Squeeze in 1 Tbsp. lemon juice from reserved lemon. Taste sauce and season generously with salt and a few grinds of pepper. Return mushrooms to skillet and cook, tossing and adding a splash of water to loosen sauce as needed, just until well coated. Top mushroom piccata with parsley just before serving.

Linguine with Sardines, Fennel & Tomato

Linguine with Sardines, Fennel & Tomato

The sweet, slightly caramelized fennel and the bright tomatoes and lemon work really well with the rich flavor of the sardines, and the crunchy breadcrumb topping makes for a fun textural contrast. Think you don’t like sardines? This simple pasta dish just might make you change your mind.

Kosher or sea salt
1 tin sardines packed in olive oil (about 4 ¼ oz.)
extra virgin olive oil
2-3 fat cloves of garlic, peeled, smashed, and roughly chopped
1 small or ½ large bulb fennel, fronds reserved
1/4 tsp. red chile flakes, or more to taste
1 C. canned peeled tomatoes with their juice, gently crushed
2 oz. white (dry) vermouth
1 medium lemon, juice and zest
1/3 C. toasted bread crumbs
3/4 pound dry linguine

Bring a very large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Open the sardine tin and drain a T. or so of the oil into a wide skillet (the amount of oil in the tin will vary by brand, so add additional extra virgin olive oil if necessary to make up a T.). Warm the oil over medium-low heat and add the garlic, cooking until fragrant. Trim the fennel and slice the bulb very thinly (a mandoline works great here). Add to the skillet with a sprinkle of salt, raise the heat to medium, and cook until the fennel is soft and beginning to caramelize. Add the chile flakes and let them sizzle for a minute, just until fragrant, then add the tomatoes with their juice. Cook until the liquid is reduced, then add the vermouth and let that reduce slightly. Add the sardines to the skillet with the tomato and fennel mixture, breaking up slightly but leaving some chunks. Zest the lemon and combine a T. or so of zest with the toasted breadcrumbs, then set aside. Juice the lemon and add the juice to the pan. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Add the linguine to the boiling salted water, cooking it until it is just short of al dente. Using tongs, transfer the linguine to the sauce to finish cooking, adding a little bit of the starchy pasta water and tossing gently to combine. (You’ll want to leave this a little wet, as the breadcrumbs will soak up the sauce and dry the pasta out a bit once you’ve added them.) Transfer the pasta and sauce to a large warmed serving bowl (or individual pasta bowls), add a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle on the toasted breadcrumb-lemon zest mixture, and garnish with picked small fennel fronds and the remaining lemon zest.

Rosehip Butter

Rosehip Butter

Rosehip Butter

In the Pacific Northwest, wild Nootka roses (and several other wild roses) produce prolific amounts of rose hips. Pick the hips in late fall, once the evenings become cool. A touch of frost is even good for developing the best flavor of the butter

 

6 cups (1.5 L) water

12 cups (3 L) rosehips, washed and trimmed

4 cups (1 L) granulated sugar juice of

1 lemon

2 pouches (170 mL) liquid pectin (such as Bernardin)

 

Makes about 6 cups (1.5 L). Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high. Add the water and rosehips and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to soften the rosehips. Purée with an immersion blender or process in batches in a blender. Using a fine strainer, strain the juice from the purée into a bowl. Press the purée with the back of a ladle or spoon to extract all the juice from the rosehips. Measure the juice; you should have about 4 cups (1 L). Add juice to a clean heavy-bottomed saucepan and add an equal amount of sugar. Bring to a boil and add the lemon juice and pectin. Return to a boil, then remove from the heat, and skim off any foam. Ladle the hot liquid into a hot jar to within ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of top of the jar. Tap the jar to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the jar rim, removing any residue. Place a lid on the clean jar rim. Screw the band down until resistance is met, then increase to gently tighten. Return the filled jar to the rack in the canner. Repeat for remaining rosehip mixture. When all the liquid is used up and the jars are in the canner, make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover the canner and bring the water to a full, rolling boil, processing for a full 10 minutes. Turn the stove off, remove the canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove the jars without tilting, and place them upright on a cooling rack. Cool upright, undisturbed for at least a day. Check each jar for a good seal. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove the screw bands; wipe and dry the bands and jars. Store the screw bands separately or replace loosely on the jars, as desired. Label and store the jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use the rosehip butter within 1 year. Any jars that have not sealed properly should be stored in the refrigerator.

Canning Information

Canning Information

Supplies

Canning Jars & Lids
Large Pot for Canning Kettle
Rack for inside Pot
Jar Lifter
Jar Bubbler
Canning Funnel

Basic Steps:

1. Read recipe all the way through
2. Take care of advance processing first (such as overnight maceration)
3. Inspect jars & Lids
4. Boil jars, keep sterilized and warm
5. Set out needed tools
6. Prepare recipe
7. Remove Jars from water, pour a little into a bowl for cleaning rims later
8. Fill Jar with funnel
9. Use Jar Bubbler to remove bubbles
10. Repeat until all are full
11. Clear rims with warm wet towel; top with flat lids. Screw on bands to fingertip tight, do not over tighten.
12. Transfer with jar lifter into water bath canning kettle, water should be 2 inches above top of jars.
13. With water at a full boil, process for length f time determined by recipe.
14. Turn off heat, let jars sit 5 minutes. With jar lifter, transfer jars from pot to a clean kitchen towel, lifting straight up and down; tilting could prevent a tight seal. Jars should have a bit of space between them in a room temperature and non drafty place. Don’t touch jars or lids yet.
15. Jars should PING as they seal. Let them sit undisturbed for 8-24 hours. Gently press in center of lid; it should not move or pop up and down. If it does, then place in refrigerator and use in next few days.
16. Remove canning lid rings and wash dry and label your successfully sealed jars. These should be consumed within a year.

EPSON MFP image

Stuff to remember:

Follow your recipe. Changing the ratios of low acid foods can allow the spread of botulism.

Pull out the jars your recipe calls for, plus one more. Recipe quantities aren’t always exact, depending on moisture content or how much the food is cooked down. If you have extra, you’ll be glad you cleaned that extra jar.

Start timing processing time only after water reaches a full boil.

Make adjustments for altitude. Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes, and food might not reach a safe temperature without longer processing.

Zucchini “Pasta” Salad

Zucchini “Pasta” Salad

Spiralized vegetables, especially zucchini, make a popular alternative to pasta. I especially like it in this “pasta” salad with a creamy avocado dressing. Add more fresh veggies if you have them on hand.

2 medium green zucchini, cut with a spiral slicer
1 C. thinly sliced cucumber
1 carrot, shredded
1 roasted or fresh red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 C. chopped oil-packed or reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes or 1/3
C. cherry tomatoes, halved
2 scallions, minced
1/4 C. pitted kalamata olives
1/4 C. chopped fresh basil
1 ripe Hass avocado, pitted and peeled
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 C. olive oil
1/4 C. lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 C. toasted walnut pieces

Place the spiralized zucchini in large bowl. Add the cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, scallions, tomatoes, olives, and basil. Toss gently to combine. In a blender, combine the avocado, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over the salad, add the walnuts, and toss to coat.

Pan de Elote con Poblanos, Elote, Tocino, y Queso Cheddar (Skillet Corn Bread with Poblanos, Corn,Bacon, and Cheddar)

Pan de Elote con Poblanos, Elote, Tocino, y Queso Cheddar (Skillet Corn Bread with Poblanos, Corn,Bacon, and Cheddar)

Pan de Elote con Poblanos, Elote, Tocino, y Queso Cheddar (Skillet Corn Bread with Poblanos, Corn,Bacon, and Cheddar)6 to 8 slices thick bacon, preferably center-cut
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup packed packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
l/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
l/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)
3 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat a 9- or 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the fat in the skillet, and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set the pan aside. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then whisk in the milk and cream. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry. Fold in the cheddar cheese, poblano chiles, and corn. Crumble the bacon and fold it in. Pour in most of the bacon fat from the cast-iron pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. and combine well. Reheat the skillet and the remaining bacon drippings over medium heat, and when the pan is hot, pour in the batter, scraping in every last bit with a rubber spatula. Transfer to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the corn bread is golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cut into wedges and serve hot or warm.