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Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

 

2 cups elbow macaroni

2½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups small curd cottage cheese

1 (8-oz) carton sour cream

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

2 T. butter, cut into small pieces

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Stir together macaroni, 2 cups Cheddar, cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased baking dish; dot with butter. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese

 

4 slices sourdough or country style bread

Onion jam

4 slices prosciutto

½ apple (or pear), thinly sliced

¾ cup white cheddar, coarsely grated

½ cup gouda, coarsely grated

2 T. butter

2 T. olive oil

1½ T. fresh sage, roughly chopped

 

Start with a slice of bread and top with a generous smear of onion jam, 2 slices of prosciutto, a few slices of apple (or pear), and half of the cheddar and gouda cheeses. Place another slice of bread on top and press down firmly. Heat 1 T. of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully transfer assembled grilled cheese onto the pan and cook until golden and cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Add ½ T. of butter to the pan with a pinch of sage leaves. Let butter melt and swirl the pan so the grilled cheese can absorb the sage butter. Flip the sandwich over, cook until bread is golden, another 4-5 minutes, and repeat melting ½ T. of butter in the pan with a pinch of sage leaves. Swirl the second side to absorb sage butter and remove grilled cheese from the pan. Repeat with remaining ingredients for a second grilled cheese, then serve immediately.

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

Jammy Eggs in Toast Cups

 

4 slices of bread, crusts removed (white bread or sourdough works best here)

1 T. unsalted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil, for greasing

4 eggs

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese (I use Cheddar or Swiss)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Avocado slices, fresh sprouts, and sour cream or salsa

 

Preheat the oven to 3 75 °F. With a rolling pin, roll over each slice of bread to flatten it out and make it pliable. Brush or spray each muffin tin with butter or oil. Gently place and press a slice of flattened bread into each muffin bin. Crack an egg into each crust, sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and top with shredded cheese and sliced green onions.  Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the eggs are done to your preference. Cooking longer will produce more of a hard-boiled egg texture. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool for a few minutes. Serve with avocado slices, fresh sprouts, and dollops of sour cream or salsa.

Mushroom Gruyere Tartlet

Mushroom Gruyere Tartlet

Mushroom Gruyere Tartlet

 

1 package frozen butter puff pastry

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms

2 cups gruyere cheese, grated

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Package cremini mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon soy sauce

4 tablespoons Madeira or white wine

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Fresh Italian parsley to garnish

 

Thaw puff pastry according to directions on package. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Add 1 cup hot water to porcini mushrooms in a small bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes. Drain and coarsely chop.  Sauté onion over medium/low heat in 2 tablespoons olive oil until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add cremini mushrooms, butter, soy sauce, wine, dried thyme, and reserved porcini mushrooms. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.  Using 4 ¼ inch bowl to trace, cut four rounds from puff pastry. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheet. Score ¼ inch edge of each round with sharp knife.  Top each round with approximately 1/3 cup mushroom mixture, being careful to leave ¼ inch edge. Add roughly 3 tablespoons grated gruyere on top of mushroom mixture and garnish each with 3-4 fresh parsley leaves.  Bake for 25 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Fresh Goat Cheese Shanklish

Fresh Goat Cheese Shanklish

Fresh Goat Cheese Shanklish

 

Traditionally made from dried yogurt that is shaped and rolled in herbs, often kept in jars of olive oil, with styles that range from very dry and pungent to slightly soft and creamy. We wanted to bring some of that tradition and technique home with us, but give it a more familiar flavor by combining beautiful fresh local goat cheese with rustic za’atar. Spicing and storing the cheese in olive oil, as has been done for generations, makes it all the more special. Bonus: the oil the cheese steeps in makes a fantastic dressing with the addition of fresh lemon juice.

 

8 ounces fresh goat cheese

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 to 2/3 cup za’atar

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 lemon

2 sprigs fresh thyme

 

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the goat cheese and salt together in a mixing bowl with a spatula. Take 1/2-ounce spoonfuls of cheese and, with wet hands, shape the cheese into balls. Set the balls on the baking sheet. Take a ball of cheese and place in a bowl with the za’atar. Toss the za’atar over the ball to completely cover, then place back on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cheese balls. Add more za’atar to the bowl if needed. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 8 hours, to let the cheese dry. Once the cheese has dried, pour half of the olive oil into at least a quart-size jar and place several of the balls in a layer on the bottom. Tear the thyme sprigs into 1-inch pieces and tuck them between the cheese pieces. Remove a strip of zest from the lemon and lay over cheese pieces. Continue layering the cheese balls, thyme, strips of lemon zest, and oil until the jar is filled, then cover and refrigerate. The drier the goat cheese is, the longer it will keep, but try to use it within a week.  When ready to serve, remove the cheese from the oil and place on a serving plate or in a bowl, then drizzle with some of the oil. Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving.

Baked Spasagna

Baked Spasagna

 

1 1/2 lbs 24 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked

2 lbs shredded mozzarella cheese, you could probably get away with less

8 ounces ricotta cheese

8 ounces sour cream

1 1/4 cups half-and-half

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon kosher salt

 

12 ounces ground beef or sausage

1/2 cup chopped white onion

1 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spaghetti al dente according to package directions. Drain and place in large mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, ricotta, half-and-half, mozzarella, oregano, basil, pepper, garlic, salt, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add above cheese mixture to the spaghetti. Mix gently until spaghetti is evenly coated with mixture. Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Gently place spaghetti mixture into prepared dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees in pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil and place dish on cooling rack for 10 minutes. While pasta is cooking, prepare the meat sauce. For the meat sauce: Add ground beef or sausage to a skillet over medium heat and brown meat well. Add salt and pepper. Add the onion and cook until soft. Drain meat and set aside. Add spaghetti sauce and let simmer for about ten minutes. Cut pasta into into squares and top with meat sauce.

Onion Cheddar Chips

Onion Cheddar Chips

Onion Cheddar Chips

 

Crated Cheddar Cheese

Sliced Onion

 

Spray Muffin top Pan with Nonstick Spray.  Layer grated cheddar cheese in wells. Top with a slice of onion.  Sprinkle with seasonings as desired. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes to crisp up.

Homemade Cream Cheese

Homemade Cream Cheese

Homemade Cream Cheese

 

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups whole milk, ultra-pasteurized is ok!

2 tablespoons buttermilk, shaken

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3 drops liquid vegetable or animal rennet, dissolved into 2 tablespoons of water

 

In a large pot, combine heavy cream, whole milk, buttermilk and salt. Heat to 75 degrees F. (Warm to the touch.) Mix in rennet being sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover with clean kitchen towel and allow to stand in place that’s 75 degrees for 14 hours. Just a heads up, I tried this once during the day and once at night. No surprise that the batch that sat for 14 hours during the day was MUCH better. It was just warmer and was overall a better environment for the cream cheese. Line a fine-mesh strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth; and then nestle it over a large bowl. Pour the cream/milk mixture into the cheesecloth and allow it to strain, on its own (don’t work it through), for about 4 hours to 5 hours. When it’s completely drained, the final product should be a creamier, smoother and lighter version of cream cheese that you’re probably used to. It keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Quinoa With Thyme and Taleggio

Quinoa With Thyme and Taleggio

Quinoa With Thyme and Taleggio

 

2 T. olive oil

leaves from 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 bay leaf (optional)

1 medium leek, trimmed and shredded

1 clove garlic, sliced

2/3 cup quinoa

1 wineglass of dry white wine

1 1/4 cups hot vegetable stock

4 ounces Taleggio cheese, sliced

 

Warm the oil with the thyme leaves, and a bay leaf if you have one, in a pan over gentle heat.  Add the leek and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, covered, stirring from time to time. Tip in the quinoa and the wine. Let the wine bubble away (you need its flavor, not its liquid), then pour in the hot stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, watching that is does not stick on the bottom.  When the stock has been absorbed by the quinoa grains, stir in the cheese, serve right away.

Prosciutto Wrapped Apple with Cheddar Cheese and Arugula

Prosciutto Wrapped Apple with Cheddar Cheese and Arugula

Prosciutto Wrapped Apple with Cheddar Cheese and Arugula

 

2–3 apples

8 ounces sharp white cheddar

1 bunch/package arugula

1 package/several slices

dry cured prosciutto

 

Use as many apples and cheddar slices as desired. One apple will make approximately 8 bites. Slice apples thinly, leaving on the skin for color. Slice cheddar cheese into ½-inch thick slices to fit on top of apple slices. Assemble by laying cheese onto apple slices, then arugula on top of the cheese. Wrap prosciutto around middle of apple, cheese and arugula. These can be kept in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Take out and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Lemon Thyme Farmer Cheese Asparagus Appetizer

Prosciutto-Wrapped Lemon Thyme Farmer Cheese Asparagus Appetizer

Prosciutto-Wrapped Lemon Thyme Farmer Cheese Asparagus Appetizer

 

1 pound asparagus (1 bunch or approximately 20 spears)

7.5 ounces farmer cheese* (1 package)

1½ T. skim milk

1 T. fresh lemon thyme (stems removed), plus more for garnish

12 ounces sliced prosciutto (four 3-ounce packages or approximately 20 slices)

Zest from 2 lemons (2 T. separated)

1 lemon for garnish (sliced into wedges)

*Farmer cheese is a soft, mild cheese made by pressing cottage cheese. Ricotta cheese or goat cheese can be substituted.

 

Rinse and pat dry asparagus. Remove the tough ends. To do this, hold one spear in both hands, and gently bend until it snaps. Discard ends (compost or store in the freezer for later use). Set aside. Zest lemons and set aside. This should yield about 2 separate tablespoons. Mix 1 T. thyme and 1 T. lemon zest into farmer cheese. Add milk and mix until incorporated. Set aside. In a Dutch oven, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Gently place asparagus spears in boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until asparagus has turned bright green and is a little tender. Do not overcook! Remove asparagus and place into a strainer. Immediately rinse with very cold water, then arrange on a paper towel-lined plate, and let cool. Gently remove one slice of prosciutto from its packaging. Keeping the prosciutto flat, add one heaping tsp. of the cheese mixture to one end, and then use the back of a spoon spread slightly. Vertically center one asparagus spear on top of the cheese mixture. Using both hands, gently roll the prosciutto, cheese, and asparagus. Think of it as wrapping a prosciutto blanket around the center of the asparagus. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a rectangular plate or on a medium-sized wooden cutting board. Be sure spears are all facing the same direction. To garnish, sprinkle 1 T. lemon zest and lemon thyme on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately.

Happy Halloumi

Happy Halloumi

Happy Halloumi

 

2.5 oz. Halloumi, cut into equal slices

1 clove Garlic, roughly chopped

1” piece Ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tsp. Garam Masala

¼ tsp. Chili Powder

7 oz. Baby Spinach

Olive Oil

S & P

 

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large frying pan on medium heat and fry the sliced halloumi for 1 minute on each side, until golden all over. Push the halloumi to one side of the pan and lower the heat a little. Add a drop more olive oil to the empty side of the pan and add the chopped garlic and ginger. Fry them for 30 seconds, or until they are just starting to crisp. Lower the heat slightly and add the garam masala or curry powder and the chile powder (if using). Mix well using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir the spinach into the garlic and spice mixture and cook for 30 seconds more, until the spinach is just starting to wilt. Plate the spinach and top with the halloumi. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites

Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites

Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites

 

1/4 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

1/4 C. fresh mint, finely chopped

3 T. finely chopped fresh chives

2 T. fresh dill, finely chopped

1 T. finely grated Meyer lemon zest

1 T. T. pink peppercorns, crushed or chopped

2 (4-ounce) logs fresh goat cheese

Pretzel sticks, for serving

 

Combine parsley, mint, chives, dill, lemon zest, and peppercorns in a bowl. With damp hands, roll cheese into balls (about a heaping tsp. each), then roll in herb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Serve with pretzel sticks alongside.

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

Bruleed Goat Cheese with Bacon Jam

 

1 pound bacon, cooked, drained and chopped

1 large white onion, julienned

1 C. local honey

1/2 C. sugar

1 C. apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper

 

2 C. goat cheese

6 cloves roasted garlic, pureed

1/2 tsp. white pepper

Turbinado or raw sugar

Herbs for garnish

 

Sweet Potato Chips

 

To prepare Bacon Jam, saute onions in oil until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add honey, sugar, and vinegar and bring to a strong simmer. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid becomes thick and syrupy (about 15 minutes). Reduce heat to low and add bacon. Season with salt and pepper and let cool at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with Bruleed Goat Cheese. Bacon jam will keep for up to 8 days in your refrigerator. To prepare Bruleed Goat Cheese, with a mixer or by hand, mix the goat cheese, roasted garlic, white pepper and salt. Press the mixture into an oven safe ramekin and bake at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes, until warmed. Sprinkle raw sugar over the top in a thin layer, and brown (brulee) with a torch or place under broiler for 30 seconds. Top with bacon onion jam and serve with sweet potato chips.

15 Minute Spinach Burrata Omelet with Avocado Salad

15 Minute Spinach Burrata Omelet with Avocado Salad

15 Minute Spinach Burrata Omelet with Avocado Salad

 

5 large eggs

2 T. water

pinch salt and pepper

1 T. coconut oil

1 C. baby spinach

4 ounces burrata cheese

 

3 C. torn butter lettuce

1 T. olive oil

2 tsp. white balsamic vinegar

1/2 avocado thinly sliced

 

Place the eggs and water in a bowl and whisk until combined. Whisk in the salt and pepper. You want to really whisk to get some air into those eggs! Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the coconut oil. Make sure it melts all over the entire pan. Add the eggs and swirl the pan until the eggs cover the bottom. Let the eggs cook, untouched, for a few minutes until set – I like to tilt the pan so the egg in the center runs around the outside edges and cooks, and sometimes I even lift up the edges so the egg runs underneath. This allows the whole omelet to cook without flipping! Once the eggs are almost set. Place a handful of spinach on top and then the burrata. I pull the burrata apart so it’s melty and delicious over the center, because I’m going to cut this omelet in half when serving. After a minute, fold the omelet in half gently. You can briefly cover it, or just continue to cook until the cheese is melty and the spinach is wilting inside. I remove the omelet from the heat and let it sit for a minute before slicing it in half. In a bowl, toss the butter lettuce with a pinch of salt and pepper, long with the olive oil and vinegar. Serve with the avocado sliced on top and alongside the omelet.

Leek and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

Leek and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

Leek and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

 

1 T. olive oil

1 T. unsalted butter, plus more for grilled cheese

1 leek, trimmed and thinly sliced

Salt

3 ounces of mushrooms, sliced

Pinch of crushed red pepper

1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 C. of grated Gouda cheese

Bread of choice

 

To a medium skillet, set over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. when the butter is melted, add the leeks and a few pinches of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently for another 7 minutes, until the mushrooms have cooked down. Stir in the crushed red pepper and Dijon mustard. Transfer to a bowl.  To assemble the grilled cheese, add a few spoonfuls of the leek mixture to one half of bread. Top with a liberal handful of cheese. To a medium skillet, set over medium heat, add a T. of butter. When melted, add the grilled cheese and cover with a lid. Cook until lightly golden brown on the first side, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook on the opposite side for about 3 minutes. Slice and serve.

Burrata and Spring Pesto Toast

Burrata and Spring Pesto Toast

Burrata and Spring Pesto Toast

 

1 thick slice of sourdough bread, toasted

½ ball of burrata

2–3 tbsp (30ml–45ml) Spring Pesto

1 radish, very thinly sliced

Flaky salt

Choice of spring flowers, pea shoots, crushed pistachios, extra-virgin olive oil, and/or herbs for garnish

 

Build up your toast by layering the burrata, pesto, radish slices, flaky salt, and garnish. Drizzle some good quality extra-virgin olive oil on top and enjoy it right away.

Grilled Halloumi and Lamb Skewers with Greek Chimichurri

Grilled Halloumi and Lamb Skewers with Greek Chimichurri

Grilled Halloumi and Lamb Skewers with Greek Chimichurri

 

For the skewers

1 small boneless leg of lamb (about 5 lb.)

1 1/2 pounds halloumi cheese (we love Bee Tree Farm & Dairy halloumi)

1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup(s) freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup(s) red wine vinegar

1 cup(s) olive oil

2 T. kosher salt

1 tablespoon(s) freshly cracked black pepper

5 garlic cloves, chopped

1/3 cup(s) chopped fresh oregano

1/3 cup(s) chopped fresh parsley

1/3 cup(s) chopped fresh rosemary

For the chimichurri

1/4 cup(s) white wine vinegar

1/4 cup(s) red wine vinegar

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1 large shallot, chopped

1/2 teaspoon(s) red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh oregano

1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup(s) chopped fresh thyme

1 cup(s) high-quality olive oil

 

Clean the lamb of any residual fat or sinew and cut into 1½-inch chunks. Set aside. Cut the halloumi into 1½-inch chunks and set aside. Wash the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Combine the next 9 ingredients in a large plastic bag or casserole dish. Place the lamb, halloumi and cherry tomatoes in the bag or dish, toss to coat and allow to rest for 12 to 24 hours. For the chimichurri: Combine all ingredients except for the olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until well incorporated. Do not overmix—a smooth texture here isn’t ideal. Pour the contents into a bowl and pour the olive oil over the herb mixture. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Before serving, whisk the oil and herb mixture together. It will not completely emulsify, but that’s okay. Once the cheese, tomatoes and lamb have marinated, thread them onto either metal or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water—alternating pieces of cheese, tomatoes and lamb. Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook until the cheese and lamb are slightly charred and the lamb is medium rare—about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until desired doneness is achieved. Serve immediately drizzled with the chimichurri.

Cheesy Grits

Cheesy Grits

Cheesy Grits

 

2 T. unsalted butter

1/4 C. minced onion

1 1/2 C. water

1/2 C. milk

1/4 tsp. Sriracha

½ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 C. grits (coarse cornmeal)

2 oz. havarti cheese, grated

2 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 C. fresh or frozen corn kernels, pureed

1 green onion, sliced thin

 

Melt 1 T. butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in water, milk, Sriracha, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Whisk grits into saucepan. When smooth, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in cheeses, pureed corn, and remaining 1 T. butter until incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with green onion slices and additional Sriracha, if desired

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

Asiago Pizza Stuffed Shells

 

1 C. of your favorite marinara sauce

½ pound jumbo pasta shells, cooked (about 18 shells)

2 C. ricotta cheese

1 large egg

8 ounces Stella Aged Asiago Cheese, freshly grated

4 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

¼ C. mini pepperoni

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pour ½ C. of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch round pie plate). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the directions on the package. In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, all but ¼ C. of the Stella Aged Asiago, all but ¼ C. of the mozzarella, the basil, oregano, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Spoon the mixture into each shell. Place the shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara. Add the remaining marinara on top. Top with the remaining Stella Aged Asiago and mozzarella cheese. Top with the pepperoni. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Remove the shells from the oven and top with fresh basil and more asiago if you wish. Serve!

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Peach Salad

 

3 T. olive oil

2 T. lemon juice

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

small pinch salt and pepper

 

2 little gem lettuces

2 peaches

1 Mozzarella ball

6 slices Parma Ham

10 fresh leaves basil

 

Mix together the vinaigrette ingredients in a jam jar or small jug and set aside while you make the salad. In a large salad bowl add the lettuce. Slice up the 2 peaches and remove the stone and add it to the lettuce. Pull the 1 mozzarella ball apart and add the pieces to the mix. Take the Parma Ham and pull it apart into chunky strands and add to the salad. Mix the salad together with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy

Cheesy French Bread Pizza

Cheesy French Bread Pizza

Cheesy French Bread Pizza

 

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 (1-pound) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise

8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella, divided

1 cup jarred marinara sauce, such as Rao’s

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

On the side: Mixed green salad

 

Heat the oven to 425 degrees with a rack placed in the upper third of the oven. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until aromatic, 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Place the bread halves cut-side down on a cutting board. Place a large baking sheet on top of the bread and press down firmly to flatten. Flip right-side up and place on the baking sheet. Brush with the garlic butter. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the bread halves. Transfer to the oven and cook until the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the sauce, followed by the remaining cheese and return to the oven. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Cut into slices and serve with salad on the side.

 

Servings: 4

Calories: 794

Fat: 41g

Fiber: 5g

Aged Cheddar, Smoked Ham, and Apple Galette

Aged Cheddar, Smoked Ham, and Apple Galette

Aged Cheddar, Smoked Ham, and Apple Galette

1 T. salted butter

2 T. all-purpose flour

¾ cups milk

2 T. grainy mustard

2 cups grated aged cheddar cheese

1 cup (1-inch) cubed smoked ham

2–3 large baking apples, cored, cut into ¼-inch slices (peel left on)

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Flaked sea salt and cracked black pepper

1½ cups all-purpose flour

2 T. thyme leaves

½ tsp. fine sea salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes

5–6 T. cold water

1 large egg

1 T. milk

 

To make the pastry, place the flour, thyme, and salt in a food processor. Pulse once to combine. Add all the butter and pulse a few more times until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is cut down into pea-sized pieces. Add the cold water, 1 Tbsp at a time, pulsing in between to bring the dough together. Dump the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a disc. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. To make the filling, first melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add the flour. Stir to combine and cook until the flour begins to brown and has a slightly nutty aroma. While whisking constantly, add the milk and continue to stir until the roux thickens. Remove from the heat and add the grainy mustard. Set aside.  In a large bowl, place the cheese, ham, apple slices, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss lightly just to combine. Place the dough on a well-floured work surface and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard roux over the middle of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch-wide border along the perimeter. Top with the cheese, ham, and apple mixture. Fold the bare edges of the dough in towards the centre to form a rustic crust. Make an egg wash by beating the egg with the milk. Brush the crust with the egg wash and bake the galette for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove the galette from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before serving

Easy Fried Halloumi Recipe with Warmed Honey

Easy Fried Halloumi Recipe with Warmed Honey

Easy Fried Halloumi Recipe with Warmed Honey

 

extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces Halloumi cheese, pat dry and cut into ½-inch sticks

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

crushed red pepper flakes (I used Aleppo pepper)

 

In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.

When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the halloumi sticks in one single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minute on one side, until a golden brown crust forms. Using a pair of tongs, turn over and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes watching for that beautiful crust to form. Meanwhile, warm your honey either in a skillet or put your tightly-closed jar in warm water to help the honey loosen a bit. Transfer the fried halloumi to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and a dash of red chili flakes or Aleppo pepper. Drizzle with the warmed honey all over (serve unused honey in a small bowl to the side). If you like, arrange some fruit such as grapes, figs, or berries on the same platter around the cheese. Serve immediately!

Baked Camembert in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

Baked Camembert in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

Baked Camembert in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

 

1 round rye sourdough loaf or cobb

250g camembert cheese disk

4 T. cranberry sauce

Splash of dry white wine

3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary

3-4 sprigs fresh thyme

 

Trim the top from the loaf to leave a circle 1cm larger in diameter than the camembert. Cut down 2cm into the dough to make a circular hole, pulling out the bread. Spread the cranberry sauce all over the cavity, then sit the camembert inside. Score the top, pour over a splash of dry white wine and add the herb sprigs. Wrap in foil and bake at 200°C/ 180°C fan/gas 6 for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and return to the oven for 5 minutes until golden and oozing. Tear or slice to serve.

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

Lemon Dill Cheese Truffles

 

4 ounces (113 g) goat cheese

4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese

16 tsp. garlic powder

4 to 5 T. chopped fresh dill

Zest of 1 lemon

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Use a #100 scoop to scoop the cheese mixture into balls. You can leave them domed with a flat side, like the shape of the scoop, or you can roll them into balls with your hands. In a small bowl, combine the fresh dill and lemon zest. Roll the cheese balls in the lemon-dill mixture to coat.

Smoked Almond Cheese Truffles

Smoked Almond Cheese Truffles

Smoked Almond Cheese Truffles

 

8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened

1 C. (90 g) shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

Chopped smoked almonds, to taste

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a #100 scoop to scoop the cream cheese mixture into balls. You can leave them domed with a flat side like the shape of the scoop, or you can roll them into balls with your hands. Roll the cheese balls in the chopped smoked almonds to coat.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola

Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola

Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola

 

8 ounces fresh figs (about 9 figs)

¼ pound prosciutto (thinly sliced)

4 ounces gorgonzola cheese

2 T. balsamic reduction or aged balsamic vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Gently clean figs, remove stem and slice each in half lengthwise.

Stack gorgonzola cheese pieces on each half fig. Wrap fig and gorgonzola with thinly sliced prosciutto all the way around. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375F for 5 minutes, cheese should be soft and prosciutto has begun to crisp. Drizzle with balsamic reduction. For the balsamic reduction: In a saucepan, heat 3 T. good quality balsamic vinegar over very low heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the vinegar has started to thicken.

Notes: This appetizer can be served cold and is just as delicious! Baking the figs for 5 minutes will soften the cheese so it’s just a touch melty and warm the figs. Fresh figs are recommended. You can definitely substitute dried figs, they will be much sweeter and you will need to stuff them with the cheese instead of using half a fig. If making in advance, wait until serving to drizzle with balsamic.

Floral Cheese Truffles

Floral Cheese Truffles

Floral Cheese Truffles

 

4 ounces (113 g) honey goat cheese

4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese

Dried edible flowers (such as lavender, calendula, rose), to taste

 

In a medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese and cream cheese. Use a #100 scoop to scoop the cheese mixture into balls. You can leave them domed with a flat side, like the shape of the scoop, or you can roll them into balls with your hands. Roll the cheese balls in the dried flowers to coat.

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

Creamy Beef Noodle Bake

 

1 lb ground beef

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 package (12 oz) wide egg noodles

3/4 cup sour cream

1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese (equals 2 cups)

2 cups shredded cheese

 

Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray.

Cook the ground beef in a skillet pan, over medium-high heat, until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.  Add the tomato sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the meat. Stir and let it simmer, over medium heat, while the egg noodles cook.

Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Don’t forget to add at least 1 teaspoon of salt in with the noodles. In large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and cottage cheese. When noodles are done cooking, drain the noodles, but do not rinse. Add the noodles into the mixing bowl with the cottage cheese and stir to coat all the noodles. Pour half the egg noodle mixture into your prepared pan, top with half the ground beef mixture, and then half the shredded cheese. Repeat. Cover with foil and cook for 20 minutes. If you want those crunchy casserole edges and noodle edges then don’t cover with tin foil.

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

Herb-Marinated Goat Cheese Mini Jars

 

4 mini jelly jars with lids, 1.5 to 2 ounces (45 to 60 ml) in size

½ tsp. chopped fresh basil

½ tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

½ tsp. chopped fresh thyme

½ tsp. chopped fresh oregano

Salt, to taste

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

1 log goat cheese, 4 ounces (113 g)

Extra-virgin olive oil

 

Remove the lids of the jars so that the jars are ready to fill.  In a small bowl, mix together the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Cut the goat cheese log into fourths, and then cut the fourths into smaller pieces. Alternate layering the goat cheese pieces and herbs in each jar. Slowly pour olive oil into each jar until filled. Fasten the lids on the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. The olive oil will become firm in the refrigerator, so let the jars sit at room temperature until the olive oil becomes liquid again before serving.

Everything Bagel Cheese Truffles

Everything Bagel Cheese Truffles

Everything Bagel Cheese Truffles

 

8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened

Everything bagel seasoning, to taste

Use a #100 scoop to scoop the cream cheese into balls. You can leave them domed with a flat side, like the shape of the scoop, or you can roll them into balls with your hands. Roll the cheese balls in the everything bagel seasoning to coat.

Asiago Bisque

Asiago Bisque

Asiago Bisque

 

3 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

3 cups chopped carrots

6 T. butter

4 cups chopped and peeled potatoes, cut into small bite sized pieces

1 cup white wine

2 cups chicken stock

2 cups half and half

2 cups shredded Asiago cheese

6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped

 

In a large sauce melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and carrots until tender. Add potatoes, wine and chicken stock. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Add cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Asiago cheese. With an immersion blender, blend soup until creamy or until slightly chunky, whichever your preference. Garnish with bacon and more cheese.

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

 

2 pounds dry linguine

16 T. unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped tarragon (or more to your taste)

4 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp. salt

2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be edible but still al dente—if you are freezing you want to make sure it is even more al dente. Drain and set aside when done. While the pasta is cooking, start making the butter mixture. In a large skillet on medium heat, melt the butter. Once it has completely melted, let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown a bit. Add the tarragon and garlic. Continue to stir until the butter has browned completely, approximately another 4 to 6 minutes. It should have a nutty smell but not be close to burning (if your butter does burn you unfortunately need to start over). Turn the heat off and allow the butter to cool for a few minutes. Combine the lemon juice, salt, and drained pasta with the butter. Once it is completely coated, stir in the Parmesan. Make sure to mix in that order, otherwise the cheese will clump. If eating now, serve hot.

Roasted Red Pepper Triangles

Roasted Red Pepper Triangles

Roasted Red Pepper Triangles

 

2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls

1-1/2 cups finely diced fully cooked ham

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni, chopped

8 slices provolone cheese

1 jar (12 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained and cut into strips

4 large eggs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian salad dressing mix

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough into 1 long rectangle; press onto bottom and 3/4 in. up sides of a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Seal seams and perforations. Top with half of the ham; layer with Swiss cheese, pepperoni, provolone cheese and remaining ham. Top with red peppers. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese and salad dressing mix; reserve 1/4 cup. Pour remaining egg mixture over peppers. On a lightly floured surface, roll out remaining crescent dough into a 13×9-in. rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Place over filling; pinch edges to seal. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover; brush with reserved egg mixture. Bake until crust is golden brown, 20-25 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut into triangles. Serve warm.

Melted Brie with Honey and Thyme

Melted Brie with Honey and Thyme

Melted Brie with Honey and Thyme

 

1 (8oz) wheel of brie

2 T. of honey

½ tsp. chopped fresh time (reserve sprig fresh thyme for garnish)

Crackers or sliced Baguette

 

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the rind from the top of the wheel of the brie. Drizzle honey over the top. Top with sprigs of fresh thyme. Bake the brie in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese has completely melted. Serve the baked honey thyme brie warm with crackers or bread. The brie is best eaten immediately but can be reheated and served later.

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

 

5 poblano peppers

1 T. butter

1 medium onion, sliced root to tip, ¼”

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste

3/4 cup Mexican crema (store bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese

 

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place poblano peppers on top. Set your oven rack directly underneath the broiler and turn the broiler on high. Broil poblanos in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered. Carefully flip them over and broil for another 5 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides. Remove them from the oven, loosely cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep in some of the heat to help them steam and let them sit for 5 minutes. Pull and rub off as much of the loose skin on the peppers as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Transfer poblanos to a cutting board, discard the stems and seeds. Cut poblanos into strips and set aside. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add roasted poblano pepper strips, Mexican crema, and salt. Stir together to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.  Add shredded cheese and stir together until the cheese completely melts. Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm tortillas or with tortilla chips.

 

If poblanos are too spicy for you, use anaheim peppers or bell peppers instead.

If poblanos are not spicy enough, add in some a sliced jalapeno or serrano pepper.

Make this dish a little more hearty with the addition of cooked shredded chicken. Add it in the skillet along with the sliced peppers.

Need a little more texture? Add in 1 cup of frozen corn kernels when cooking the onions.

Parmesan Frico Fried Eggs

Parmesan Frico Fried Eggs

Parmesan Frico Fried Eggs

 

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (packed if grated on a Microplane)

2 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cheese and spread to about a 5-inch round. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Crack the eggs on top of the cheese and season with salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook undisturbed until the whites are set and yolks are still runny. (Flip if you want a firmer yolk).

Eggs in a Nest Pesto Pizza

Eggs in a Nest Pesto Pizza

Eggs in a Nest Pesto Pizza

 

1 7 inch whole grain pita bread (do not split in half)

2 tsp. fresh basil pesto

1/3 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup packed baby arugula (or spinach)

1 large egg

pinch salt

pinch grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

pinch red pepper flakes, for serving

 

Preheat oven to 450F. Put the pita bread on a baking sheet. Spread the pesto evenly over the top of the pita, coming to just shy of the edge. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pesto. Lay the arugula on top of the cheese to form a ring of greens, leaving a space in the center that’s the size of a cooked egg. Crack the egg into the center of the pita so it drops into the space and the ring of the arugula holds the egg in place. Sprinkle with pinch salt and fresh cracked pepper over the top. Put the pizza in the oven and bake until the egg is cooked to your liking. For a soft egg, cook until the white is just firm and the yolk is still soft, about 10 minutes. For a firm yolk, cook another 2 minutes or so. Finish with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Remove from the oven and cut into quarters.

Cremini Mushroom, Goat Cheese, and Leek Crostata with Fresh Thyme

Cremini Mushroom, Goat Cheese, and Leek Crostata with Fresh Thyme

Cremini Mushroom, Goat Cheese, and Leek Crostata with Fresh Thyme

 

For the pastry (makes 2 crusts):

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold butter, diced

6 T. ice water

1 egg

 

For the filling

1 T. butter

1 small leek, chopped

8 ounces quartered cremini mushrooms

Kosher salt

2 tsp. fresh thyme

4 ounces goat cheese

 

Place the flour and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt in the food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Add the butter and pulse 12 to 15 times, or until the butter is the size of peas. With the motor running, add the ice water all at once through the feed tube. Keep hitting the pulse button to combine, but stop the machine just before the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured board, roll it into a ball, cut in half, and form into 2 flat disks. Wrap the disks in plastic and refrigerate one for at least 1 hour. The other disk of dough can be frozen for a future use. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the mushrooms for a few minutes until they’re slightly softened. Add the leeks and a pinch of salt and continue to cook for several more minutes. Stir in thyme. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the pastry into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to the baking sheet. Cut the goat cheese into small pieces onto the center of the crust, and top with the vegetables. Fold in the edges of the crust, and brush with a beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.