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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.

Pantry Friendly Cranberry Bread

Pantry Friendly Cranberry Bread

Pantry Friendly Cranberry Bread

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

One 16-ounce can whole cranberry sauce, mashed with a fork

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 T. cooking oil

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat with nonstick spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing with a fork to distribute. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the entire can of cranberry sauce with a fork. It should be kind of lumpy when you’re done. Stir in the eggs and oil. Add the flour mixture to the cranberry mixture and stir to combine. The batter should be a bit thick and stiff. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Let it stand in the pan for 10 minutes to cool. For easier slicing, wrap the bread in plastic wrap after the initial cooling period.

Standing Rib Roast of Bison with Herbs

Standing Rib Roast of Bison with Herbs

Standing Rib Roast of Bison with Herbs

 

1 Bison rib roast

Salt and pepper

1/4 cups chopped fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, savory and parsley

 

Preheat the oven to 450°. Remove the roast from the refrigerator and allow it to come up to room temperature. Dry the roast very well and season liberally with salt, pepper and the chopped herbs. Place the roast directly on the oven rack with a pan below it, or on a roasting rack and roast for about 1 ½ hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 120° (for medium rare) or 130° for medium. Allow the roast to rest, loosely covered with foil, for at least 30 minutes before carving. The leftover bones from the duck and bison should be made into a delicious stock. Cover them with cold water, add a couple of peeled onions, some carrot and a bay leaf and simmer gently for as long as you can stand, up to 8 hours. Skim the foam and fat that rises to the surface, pour through a fine strainer and freeze in small batches for future soups and sauces.

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

Glazed Red Pearl Onions

 

2 1/2 lb fresh red pearl onions

3/4 cup apple juice

3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 T. unsalted butter

2 (4-inch) sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

Garnish: fresh thyme leaves for sprinkling

 

Blanch pearl onions in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a colander. When onions are cool enough to handle, peel. Cook onions with remaining ingredients, covered, in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, shaking pan occasionally, until onions are tender and glazed and most of liquid is evaporated, about 45 minutes. Discard thyme.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

 

1 (16-oz) loaf French bread

⅓ cup honey mustard dressing

20 slices Canadian bacon

20 slices very thin Swiss cheese slices (Sargento’s)

8 eggs

2 C. half-and-half

1 cup milk

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Powdered sugar

Raspberry jam

 

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. Brush both sides of bread slices with honey mustard and arrange the slices in the baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. Place one slice of cheese and one slice of Canadian bacon between each slice of bread. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over bread slices. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Remove casserole dish from refrigerator and uncover. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until slightly puffed and eggs are set. Sprinkle casserole with powdered sugar and top with raspberry jam, if desired.

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

 

Chicken Salad

Croissants

Romaine Lettuce Leaves

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Grapes

Other Snacks: olives, pickles, cheese, charcuterie, vegetables, crackers, etc.

 

Place the chicken salad in a bowl and set on a board. Serve with crisp romaine lettuce leaves, bread and extra mayo, for people to make their own sandwiches. Add roasted Asparagus and roasted grapes, and other snacks to the board to round out the party at your table.

Holiday Crantini

Holiday Crantini

Holiday Crantini

 

2 ounces White Cranberry Juice

1 ounce Vodka or Gin

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

 

Mix in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour. Garnish with dried cranberries.

Holiday Popcorn Balls

Holiday Popcorn Balls

Holiday Popcorn Balls

 

6 T. unsalted butter

1 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows

1/4 C. brown sugar

8 C. popped salted popcorn

Unsalted butter

 

Melt the butter in a large heavy stockpot. Add the marshmallows and the sugar and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the popcorn. Butter your hands and shape the balls into desired sizes. Set on a parchment paper or silicone-lined cookie sheet to set.

For PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN BALLS, reduce the butter to 4 T. and add 1/3 C. creamy Peanut Butter.

*To color the popcorn balls, add a few drops of food coloring to the smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well to distribute the color evenly, then pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn as instructed above.

Wassail

Wassail

Wassail

 

2 Granny Smith apples

12 to 15 whole cloves

8 C. apple cider

2 C. fresh orange juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

4 cinnamon sticks

1/4 tsp. each ginger and nutmeg

1 T. honey or maple syrup

Brandy, whiskey, or dark rum (optional)

Garnishes: fresh cranberries, orange slices, apple slices

 

Poke cloves into the apples on all sides. Place in a large pot with all other ingredients except the alcohol and garnishes. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes. Add a shot of alcohol to a mug (if desired) and ladle the wassail over the top. Garnish and enjoy!

Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fresh Cranberry and Salted Caramel

Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fresh Cranberry and Salted Caramel

Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Fresh Cranberry and Salted Caramel

 

1 small sugar pumpkin, halved, seeds scooped, roasted until tender and puréed (about 1½ cups prepared pumpkin)

1½ cups heavy cream

½ cup whole milk

⅓ cup sugar

3 large eggs

2 egg yolks

⅛ tsp. salt

⅛ tsp. ground allspice

⅛ tsp. ground ginger

⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 T. vanilla extract

10 cups (from 1 loaf) country-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 T. butter, melted

1 cup fresh cranberries, halved

 

1½ cups granulated sugar

10 T. unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 scant cup heavy cream

2 tsp. kosher or sea salt

 

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Whisk together prepared pumpkin purée, cream, milk, sugar, eggs and yolks, salt, spices and vanilla until smooth. Add cubed bread, butter and cranberries and stir to coat bread. Allow to soak for 30 minutes. Transfer to the baking pan. Bake, uncovered, on middle rack until custard sets, about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to sit and cool slightly before cutting. Salted Caramel Sauce: In a heavy-bottom 4-quart saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring and melting sugar until sugar begins to turn a light to medium amber color, then stop stirring. When sugar is reddish brown, carefully add butter and whisk together. Sugar will bubble up, so use caution and a long whisk. Add cream and continue to whisk over medium-low heat until smooth. Add salt and whisk again until smooth and creamy. Reserve to cool slightly or make ahead and microwave to reheat. Drizzle bread pudding with caramel sauce before serving.

PNW Cranberry Tart

PNW Cranberry Tart

PNW Cranberry Tart

 

For the pastry:

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 stick plus 2 T. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/3 c. ice water

 

For the filling:

1 lb. cranberries, preferably locally grown

1 scant c. sugar

2 T. orange liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, etc.)

2 T. cornstarch

Zest of 1/2 large orange

Egg white (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a food processor, combine the flour with the sugar, salt and butter and process for about 5 seconds. With the processor running, drizzle in the ice water over the flour mixture until the pastry just begins to come together, about 10 seconds. Transfer the pastry to a work surface, gather it together and pat into a disk. Wrap the pastry in plastic or wax paper and refrigerate until chilled, about one hour. Just before the dough finishes chilling, place cranberries in a large bowl and add sugar, liqueur, cornstarch and orange zest. Remove dough from refrigerator and place on well-floured surface. Roll out into large round approximately 14-15″ in diameter. Transfer to large, parchment-covered baking sheet (I usually fold the dough in half very carefully, transfer it to the sheet and unfold it). Brush the bottom of the dough with a very thin coating of egg white to within 4″ of the edge. Place cranberry filling in the middle, keeping it within 3-4″ of the edge of the dough. Lift the edges of the dough and fold over on top of filling, pleating it slightly to keep the tart’s rounded shape. An option here is to brush the dough with egg white and sprinkle it with sugar to give it a shiny appearance. Place in oven and bake at 375° for one hour or so until filling is bubbling and crust is golden.

Evergreen Holiday Mixed Drinks

Evergreen Holiday Mixed Drinks

~Spruce Tip Martini~

 

1 1/2 oz Verstovia Spruce Tip Vodka

1/2 oz Dry Vermouth

Flake of Sea Salt

 

Stir with ice, strain into glass and garnish with a lemon twist

 

 

~Salal Martinez~

 

1 oz Cold Tree Gin

1/2 oz  Salal Berry Liqueur

1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth

1 dash Portland Bitters Project Cacao Bitters

 

Stir with ice, strain into glass

 

 

~Huckleberry Gimlet~

 

1 oz Riverain Gin

1/2 oz Huckleberry Jam

1/2 oz Lime

 

Shake with ice, strain into glass

 

Holiday Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

Holiday Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

Holiday Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini

 

1 La Brea Bakery French Baguette

extra-virgin olive oil

2-3 large cloves garlic

cream cheese

pesto

finely minced sun-dried tomatoes

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the baguette on the bias into 1/4″ slices. You should get about 24 slices. Generously brush one side of each baguette slice with extra-virgin olive oil, and place slices oil-side up on a large baking sheet. Toast the baguette slices for 8-9 minutes. When the baguette slices have cooled just enough that you can touch them without burning yourself, rub the top of each slice with garlic. You won’t be able to see that anything is happening, but tiny bits of garlic will rub off on the crispy bread, and eventually, the garlic will get smaller. Allow the garlic-rubbed crostini to cool completely. Top each crostini with cream cheese, then pesto, then sun-dried tomatoes. Serve immediately.

 

Baked Apples with Spices, Olive Oil and Nuts

Baked Apples with Spices, Olive Oil and Nuts

Baked Apples with Spices, Olive Oil and Nuts

 

4 tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped

4 tablespoons shelled unsalted pistachios, finely chopped

4 tablespoons slivered almonds, finely chopped

1 cup (250ml) fresh apple juice

Finely-grated zest and juice of one organic lemon

1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out

4 crisp, flavorful apples, e.g. Reinette, Pink Lady, Cortland, Winesap or Liberty

4 cinnamon sticks

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons turbinado (raw) sugar

 

In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, pistachios and almonds; set aside. In a pot, combine the apple juice, lemon zest, vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350F(175C). Core the apples, then slice the top off each one (set these aside) and drizzle with lemon juice. Place the apples in a baking dish and divide the stuffing mix among them. Place a cinnamon stick in each apple and cover them with their tops. Pour the infused juice and the oil over the apples and sprinkle with sugar. Place the apples in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the flesh is tender, regularly drizzling with the cooking juices. Remove from the oven and serve warm with the juices and plain yogurt on the side.

Cranberry Poblano Salsa

Cranberry Poblano Salsa

Cranberry Poblano Salsa

 

1 red bell pepper

1 poblano chili

1/2 cup sugar, plus more if needed

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup water

12 ounces cranberries

2 T. grated orange peel

1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Pinch cayenne

Salt

 

Roast the bell pepper and Poblano chile under the broiler until blackened, about 5 minutes per side. Place the peppers in a paper sack or plastic food-storage bag, close it tight and let the chiles steam for 20 minutes. After the chiles have steamed, remove from the bag and rub off the skin. Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles and dice. Meanwhile, place the sugar, orange juice, water, and cranberries into a large saucepan and toss until the sugar is evenly distributed over the cranberries. While occasionally stirring, cook the cranberries over medium-low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Taste and if the cranberries are way too tart for your liking, stir in more sugar, a T. at a time.

Once the peppers are ready, stir them into the cranberry salsa along wit the orange peel, pecans, cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings. Can serve either warm or chilled. This can be made ahead and will keep 4 days in the refrigerator.

Holiday Eggnog Cake with Apricot Filling

Holiday Eggnog Cake with Apricot Filling

holiHoliday Eggnog Cake with Apricot Filling

 

1 package (18.25) yellow or vanilla cake mix, plain or with pudding

1 1/4 cups eggnog

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

4 large eggs

3 T. bourbon (optional), for brushing the tops of the cake layers

 

1 jar (10 ounces) apricot all-fruit spread

1 T. bourbon or water

Spiced cream cheese frosting:

4 T. (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature

4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Heaping 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

 

Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist three 9-inch round cake pans with vegetable oil spray, then dust them with flour. Shake out the excess flour; set pans aside. Place the cake mix, eggnog, oil, vanilla, nutmeg and the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are incorporated, 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for two minutes longer, scraping down the side of the bowl again, if needed. The batter should look well blended. Divide the cake batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, about 11/2 cups of batter per pan, smoothing the tops with the rubber spatula. Place the pans in the oven. If your oven is not large enough to hold three pans on the center rack, place two pans on that rack and one in the center of the rack above. Bake the cake layers until they are golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly pressed with a finger, 18 to 20 minutes. The cake layer on the higher rack may bake faster, so it for doneness first. Transfer to wire racks and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edge of each cake layer and give the pans a good shake to loosen the cakes. Invert each layer onto a wire rack, then invert it again onto another rack so that the cakes are right side up. If desired, brush the cakes with the 3 T. of bourbon, using 1 T. for each; set aside to cool, 15 minutes longer. Meanwhile, make the filling: Place the fruit spread and 1 T. of bourbon or water in a small bowl and stir until well combined.  Make the spiced cream frosting: Place the butter and cream cheese in a medium-size bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined, 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon and beat with the mixer on low speed until the ingredients are well incorporated and the frosting has a spreading consistency, 1 to 2 minutes. To assemble cake, transfer one layer, right side up, to a cake plate. Spread half of the filling to the edge of the first layer, about 1/2 heaping cup. Place a second cake layer, right side up, on top of the first and spread the remaining filling over it. Place the third layer on top, right side up, and frost the top and side of cake, working with smooth, clean strokes. To make slicing easier, place the uncovered cake in the refrigerator until the frosting sets, 20 minutes. Store in a cake saver or loosely covered with waxed paper in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freeze the cake, wrapped in aluminum foil, for up to six months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

White Chocolate Cranberry Tart

White Chocolate Cranberry Tart

White Chocolate Cranberry Tart

 

crust

1 1/2 C. gluten-free oats

1/2 C. almonds

5 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

2 tbsp maple syrup

 

cranberry layer

2 C. cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 C. water

1/4 C. maple syrup

1 tsp agar agar

 

white chocolate layer

â…” C. coconut milk

â…“ C. cashew pulp (optional)

1 C. cashews (soaked overnight)

¾ C. cacao butter

¼ C. maple syrup

Pinch of salt

Optional: 4 tbsp vegan white chocolate

 

For the crust add oats and almonds into a food processor. Pulse until combined and add maple syrup and coconut oil. Process into a moist mixture. Firmly press dough into the tart and press up on the sides as well. Bake at 350F for about 10-15 minutes until crust appears golden brown. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes and then transfer onto a cooling rack.  In a small saucepan add cranberries, water and maple syrup. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes over low-medium heat until cranberries have broken down. With a hand mixer puree cranberries and add a little bit of water if sauce is too thick. Add 1 tsp of agar agar powder and simmer for another 5 minutes over low-medium heat. Set aside to cool for a couple minutes, then spread cranberry jam/sauce into the crust (½ way full) and let set in the fridge for another 15 minutes. In the meantime prepare the white chocolate layer. Melt white chocolate and cacao butter in a small saucepan over low heat and set aside.  In a food processor or high speed blender add cashews, maple syrup, coconut milk and cashew pulp. Process until completely smooth. Add melted chocolate/cacao butter and process until combined. Pour white chocolate mixture into the tart and let set in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours. Garnish with cranberries and white chocolate chips and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

So This is Christmas Cocktail

So This is Christmas Cocktail

So This is Christmas Cocktail

 

1/2 ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup (see below)

1/2 ounce pomegranate juice

1 tsp. pomegranate seeds

Champagne, for topping glass

Rosemary sprig, for garnish

 

Rosemary Simple Syrup:

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

2 cardamom pods

2 small fresh rosemary sprigs

 

 

In a champagne flute or highball glass, combine the rosemary syrup, pomegranate juice, and pomegranate seeds. Top off the glass with champagne and add a rosemary sprig for garnish.

 

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Strain, transfer to a lidded jar and refrigerate; the syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks.

 

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 48g

 

Wild Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing

Wild Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing

Wild Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing

For a 20-25 pound turkey

 

6 C. Brioche, Cut into ½ Cubes

6 Challah Bread or Pane Di Me, Cut into ½ Cubes

8 T. Unsalted Butter

6 Large Garlic Cloves, Minced

½ Cup Finely Chopped Shallots

1 Cup Finely Chopped Onion

1 Cup Finely Chopped Celery

4  Pounds Mix Fresh Wild Mushrooms, Cleaned, Trimmed and Sliced

1 oz. Dried Porcini Mushrooms, reconstituted in 1 C. Water, Drained, Finely Chopped, Liquid Reserved

2 Tsp. Coarse Sea Salt

1 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 Cup Finely Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley

2 C. Roasted Chestnuts, Coarsely Chopped

8 Large Eggs

1 Cup Heavy Cream

1 Cup Homemade Chicken Stock or Canned Low Sodium Chicken Broth

½  Cup of the Reserved Porcini Liquid, Strained Through Cheesecloth to Remove Sand

1T. Dried Rubbed Sage

 

Preheat oven to 225°F. Divide the bread cubes between two rimmed half-sheet pans in 1 layer on each pan. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring the cubes half way through the baking time. Turn oven off and allow bread cubes to dry in oven for at least an hour. Remove from oven and place in a large bowl. At this point you can cover the bread cubes in the bowl with foil. The bread cubes can sit overnight on the counter. Melt the butter over medium high heat and in a large heavy skillet, sauté the garlic, shallots, onion and celery, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook until liquid mushrooms give off has almost evaporated, about 15 minutes. Add parsley and chestnuts and cook, stirring about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Whisk together, eggs, chicken stock, reserved porcini liquid, cream and sage in a large bowl. Stir in mushrooms and bread cubes until coated with the liquid. Gently fold the ingredients together. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight. Loosely stuff the cavity and neck of the turkey just before putting the turkey in the oven. Place the rest of the stuffing in a ceramic 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake the stuffing in a 350ºF pre-heated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until a slight crust forms on top and is cooked all the way through, about 20 minutes longer.

Roasted Prime Rib with Sautéed Mushrooms and Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Roasted Prime Rib with Sautéed Mushrooms and Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Roasted Prime Rib with Sautéed Mushrooms and Creamy Horseradish Sauce

 

2 T. kosher salt, plus more to taste

3 tsp. ground black pepper

3 cloves garlic

2 medium shallots

2 T. fresh rosemary leaves

2 T. fresh thyme leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

1 ( 8lb) standing rib roast, trimmed (to multiply or divide the recipe,this translates to roughly 1 rib for every 2-3 people)

 

1 cup heavy cream

6 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

2 pounds mushrooms, washed, dried, and if large, chopped

4 T. unsalted butter

2 T. olive oil

1 1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

6 T. fresh parsley, chopped

 

MARINATE: In a food processor, place salt, pepper, garlic, shallots, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. Pulse until combined. Place the roast bone-side down in a large pan and pour the marinade over it. Rub as much as you can into every crevasse. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours. ROAST: Remove the meat and let it come to room temperature, about 1 hour before you plan to put it into the oven. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 550° F and place the rack in the center. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. When the oven is ready, place the roast, uncovered, into the oven. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350. Cook until the thermometer registers 125 degrees, about 15-20 minutes per pound, or 2 1/2 hours for an 8 lb roast. Check the temperature of the meat in several other places. A range of 125-155 will give you a good variety of doneness. Cover the roast with foil and let it rest on the counter at least 15 minutes before carving. MAKE THE SAUCE : You can do this while the meat cooks. In a medium bowl, beat cream until stiff. With the mixer on, add lemon juice, salt, paprika, cayenne and horseradish. Chill until ready to serve. SAUTE THE MUSHROOMS: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When the butter foams, give the pan a shake and then add the mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Toss the mushrooms until brown, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with parsley and then place in a serving dish. CARVE: Slice the first piece between the ribs, close to the bone. Cut the second piece half way to the next bone and so on and so on giving each person basically half of the meat between the ribs. SERVE: Top with sauteed mushrooms and whipped horseradish sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.

 

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

Cranberry White Chocolate Tart

 

crust

1 1/2 C. gluten-free oats

1/2 C. raw almonds

5 T. coconut oil (melted)**

2 T. maple syrup

 

cranberry layer

2 C. cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 C. water

1/4 C. maple syrup

1 tsp. agar agar (substitute with gelatin powder 1:1 ratio)

 

white chocolate layer

â…” C. coconut milk (sub with cashew milk)

1 C. raw cashews (soaked*)

¾ C. cacao butter (sub with vegan white chocolate), melted and cooled

1/3 C. maple syrup

Pinch of salt

4 T. vegan white chocolate, melted and cooled

 

For the crust add oats and almonds into a food processor. Pulse until combined and add maple syrup and coconut oil. Process into a moist mixture. Firmly press dough into the tart and press up on the sides as well. Bake at 350F for about 10-15 minutes until crust appears golden brown. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes and then transfer onto a cooling rack. In a small saucepan add cranberries, water and maple syrup. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes over low-medium heat until cranberries have broken down. With a hand mixer puree cranberries and add a little bit of water if sauce is too thick. Add 1 tsp. of agar agar powder (or gelatin powder) and simmer for another 5 minutes over low-medium heat. Set aside to cool for a couple minutes, then spread cranberry jam/sauce into the crust (½ way full) and let set in the fridge for another 15 minutes. In the meantime prepare the white chocolate layer. Melt white chocolate and cacao butter in a small saucepan over low heat and set aside.  In a food processor or high speed blender add cashews, maple syrup and coconut milk. Process until completely smooth. Add melted chocolate/cacao butter and process until combined. Pour white chocolate mixture into the tart and let set in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours. Garnish with sugar coated cranberries and white chocolate chips and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Notes

*soak cashews in water overnight or for at least 3-4 hours.

**use refined (vs unrefined) coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

Baked Eggnog Donuts with Eggnog Glaze

 

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup Traditional Eggnog

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 egg

2 T. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Eggnog Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 T. Traditional Eggnog

 

Christmas Sprinkles to taste

 

Preheat oven to 375F and grease a donut pan with butter or oil. In a medium-large bowl combine the dry ingredients (whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt). In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut holes. Bake for 9-11 minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean and donuts are fully set. Wait about an hour to let the donuts fully cool to room temperature. Then, mix the powdered sugar with the eggnog to make the glaze. Dip donuts in the glaze and then add sprinkles. Eat immediately or store in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat!

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

1 C. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large egg white

3 T. Kahlua

4 C. pecan halves

 

Preheat oven to 325F. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and Kahlua. Add pecans and stir well to combine. Sprinkle half the sugar mixture on top and mix well. Pour the rest of the sugar on top and stir until completely combined. Scoop the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with foil and coated with nonstick spray. Spread the pecans to an even single layer. Bake until pecans are lightly toasted and browned, stirring every 10 minutes, about 20 to 25 minutes total. Remove from the oven and scoop the hot pecans onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely.

Petite Beef Wellingtons

Petite Beef Wellingtons

Petite Beef Wellingtons

 

1 2-2.5 pound center cut beef tenderloin roast, cut into eight 1-inch-thick slices

Kosher salt and coarse ground pepper

3 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoon butter

½ cup finely chopped shallots

3 portobello mushroom caps, stemmed and sliced (3 1/2 cups)

½ cup chopped fresh thyme, oregano, basil, and/or parsley

1 17.3 ounce package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed

¼ cup Dijon-style mustard

½ cup crumbled goat cheese (chévre), or shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

2 2 ounce packages very thinly sliced prosciutto (about 16 slices)

3 egg yolks

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

4 cup baby arugula

 

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line an extra-large baking sheet with foil. Season both sides of beef with salt and black pepper. In an extra-large skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add half the fillets. Cook each side 1 minute or until browned. (Fillets will not be cooked through.) Remove. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining four fillets. In same skillet heat butter over medium. Add shallots; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and browned and liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Stir in herbs. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Let cool slightly. Cut each pastry sheet into quarters. On a lightly floured surface roll each quarter to an 8-inch square. Cut 1/4-inch-wide strips from each side of each square; set aside. Spread a 3-inch area in the center of each pastry square with mustard. Divide mushroom mixture then cheese evenly between squares, placing them on mustard. Wrap each filet with two slices prosciutto. Place a fillet on cheese. Beat together egg yolks and 1 tablespoon water. Brush edges of pastry with egg mixture. Bring corners of pastry up and over fillet, pinching edges to seal. Place seam sides down on prepared baking sheet. Brush egg mixture over pastry. Use trimmed pastry strips to make bows. Attach pastry bows; brush bows with egg mixture. Bake 14 minutes or until pastry is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into fillet registers 135°F*. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. (Temperature will rise to 145°F.) For salad: In a large bowl whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss in arugula; serve with beef Wellingtons. Serves 8.

Prime Rib with Cognac-roasted Vegetables and Crunchy Greens

Prime Rib with Cognac-roasted Vegetables and Crunchy Greens

Prime Rib with Cognac-roasted Vegetables and Crunchy Greens

1 (5-pound) bone-in or (4-pound) boneless prime rib roast

4 large carrots (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 2-inch sections

1 (3/4-pound) fennel bulb, cut into 8 sections through the core

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved if large

6 small shallots, peeled

6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

1 T. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

2 T. plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 C. chopped winter greens, such as kale, collard greens, or chard (about ¼ pound), ribs removed if large

1⁄3 C. cognac

 

Remove the roast from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour while you prepare the vegetables and preheat the oven.  Place the carrots, fennel, potatoes, shallots, and garlic cloves in a large roasting pan. Add 2 tsp. of the thyme, 1 T. of the oil, salt and pepper to taste, and mix the ingredients together. Nestle the roast into the center of the vegetables (bone side down, if using a bone-in roast). Coat it with the 2 tsp. oil, then sprinkle with the remaining T. of thyme, salt, and plenty of pepper. Preheat the oven to 450°F. When the oven is hot, roast the beef and vegetables for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and roast for 40 minutes longer. Mix the greens with the remaining T. olive oil, nestle them into the vegetables, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes longer (80 to 90 minutes total) or until the inside of the roast reaches 125°F on an instant-read thermometer for rare—the timing will depend on the shape of your roast. (You’ll want to cook it to 135°F for medium, or 145°F for well-done meat.)  Transfer the roast to a large cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle the cognac over the vegetables and roast for 10 minutes longer. Cut the meat into thin slices and serve immediately, when the vegetables are piping hot.

Vegetable Spiral Tart

Vegetable Spiral Tart

Vegetable Spiral Tart

Tart Crust

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour

3/4 tsp kosher salt

16 tbs butter (chilled and cut into 1/2″ pieces)

1/2 cup water (very cold)

Vegetable Filling

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 1/4 cup parmesan (finely grated, 1/4 cup reserved)

2 tbs kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper (ground)

1/4 tsp nutmeg (grated)

1/4 tsp chili powder

3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

3-4 purple carrots (medium)

2 russet potato (large)

2 green zucchini (medium)

2 sweet potato (large)

 

Sprinkle the cold water on top and pulse again just until the dough comes together into a ball, but it won’t be completely smooth yet. You should still see small bits of butter. Place a piece of plastic wrap on your working surface and turn the dough out onto it. Fold the plastic over and press the dough into a 1-inch thick disc. Make sure it is wrapped completely and refrigerate the disc of dough for 2 hours (or overnight). When chilled, place the disk of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out until 1/8 inch thick, periodically lifting and rotating to make sure it isn’t sticking to your surface (dust your surface as needed). Carefully transfer the dough to your tart pan, easing it in without stretching the sides, and gently press into place. Trim with a sharp knife even with the rim of your pan. Chill until firm to touch, 30 min – 1 hour. At this point it can be frozen (well- wrapped) for 2 weeks if needed. No thawing necessary if you freeze it! Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (or dried beans). To partially bake, bake until the surface looks dry and pale, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove the paper and weights. Return to the oven a bake for 5 minutes longer.

 

Tart Crust

 

To make the dough in a food processor, put your flour and salt in the food processor and sprinkle on your cold butter pieces. Cover and pulse several times until the butter is cut into pea size pieces.

 

Vegetable Filling

 

As your tart shell is being partially baked, prep the vegetables by shaving them into thin ribbons. A mandolin would work but I find a vegetable peeler even easier and faster – and you get even finer shavings, which cuts down on the cooking time of the tart. For the potatoes and sweet potatoes, I recommend cutting them in quarters, length-wise. All the vegetables should roughly be around the same width so when they’re laid upright in the tart, you can visibly see all the pretty, colorful layers. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg and chili pepper. Whisk until combined. Toss the vegetable ribbons into the cream mixture until they’re all coated. Take a ribbon (I like to use zucchini here) since it’s so flexible. Roll it into a tight spiral and place it on the center of the partially baked tart shell. Take another vegetable and wrap it around the center spiral. Continue working outwards, alternating vegetables. The cream actually makes the vegetables stick to each other so it’s not as hard as it looks! Once you’ve reached the edge of the tart shell, brush the top of the tart with olive oil and sprinkle with a good sprinkling of finely grated parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 °F for 50 to 60 minutes, until vegetables are soft and cooked through. Cool in tart pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

 

Baking time will greatly depend on how thin your vegetables are. Using a good quality, sharp Y-peeler is preferred over a mandolin, and much safer and faster to use. If you use a mandolin, I recommend covering the tart with foil to bake for 20 minutes and then removing the foil and bake uncovered for another 45 minutes. In the spring and summer,  you can replace the root vegetables with different varieties of squash and eggplant. I would just decrease the baking time.

Pan-Roasted Miso Brussels Sprouts and Shiitake Mushrooms

Pan-Roasted Miso Brussels Sprouts and Shiitake Mushrooms

Pan-Roasted Miso Brussels Sprouts and Shiitake Mushrooms

2 pounds Brussels sprouts

1 pound shiitake mushrooms

2 tsp. grapeseed oil or other neutral flavored oil for high-heat cooking, you may need more

¼ C. shiro (white) miso

2 tsp. rice vinegar

1 tsp. maple syrup

1 small garlic clove, very finely minced,

salt to taste

optional: crushed red pepper or togarashi (Japanese chili spice)

 

Wash Brussels sprouts and peel off any wilted or browned outer leaves. Trim the base of each Brussels sprout, then cut into quarters length-wise. Wash shiitake mushrooms, trim off stems (save stems for vegetable stock or other use later). Cut shiitake mushrooms into roughly the same size as the Brussels sprouts quarters. For small/baby shiitakes, cut caps into halves; for larger shiitake mushrooms, cut caps like you would a pizza, into quarters.  Heat grapeseed oil in large pan over medium heat. When hot, add the Brussels sprouts, turning the quarters so one of the cut sides faces down. Allow to cook until starting to brown, about 3 minutes, then turn each Brussels sprout so the other cut side is down. Allow to cook for another 3 minutes. While the Brussels sprouts are cooking on their first side, whisk together the miso, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside. Turn the heat under the pan to medium-high. Add the shiitake mushrooms to the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Cook while stirring so the shiitake mushrooms do not stick to the pan. Once the shiitake mushrooms are browned and the Brussels sprouts are just starting to char, remove the pan from the heat. Pour in about half the miso mixture and stir to coat the Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms. Taste a Brussels sprout. Add more miso mixture if necessary. Season with salt to taste. Miso is salty so you may not need any salt. Transfer Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms to large shallow serving bowl (or serve straight from skillet). If you are using chili pepper or togarashi for heat, sprinkle over Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms. Serve immediately. Leftovers will keep in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for about 2 days.

The Walking Dead Brain Cupcakes

The Walking Dead Brain Cupcakes

The Walking Dead (Zombie) Brain Cupcakes

Pink or white paper Cupcake liners

1 recipe batter for Red Velvet Cupcakes

1 recipe Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

Red and black food coloring

Pastry bag and large round tip

 

Line Cupcake tins with the liners. Fill the Cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter and bake the Cupcakes as directed in the recipe. Mix a drop of red and black food coloring into the frosting to make it a pinkish gray brain color. Using the pastry bag, pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on half of each Cupcake top (brains have two hemispheres, you know). Now pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on the other half of the Cupcake top.

Colcannon Cakes with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise

Colcannon Cakes with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise

Colcannon Cakes with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise

 

Colcannon:

 

2 1/2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

Salt

5 T. unsalted butter

3 lightly packed cups of chopped chard, kale, spinach, or cabbage

1/2 cup of green onion greens, chopped

1 cup milk or cream

Colcannon cakes:

 

About 3 cups of colcannon

1 cup flour

1 egg

2-3 teaspoons salt

4 T. butter or vegetable oil

Lemon for garnish

 

Poached Eggs, for serving

Hollandaise Sauce, for serving

Diced Scallion or Chives, for serving

 

Make the colcannon: Make the colcannon first (see our colcannon recipe.) Put potatoes in a pot, cover with cold, well salted water by an inch, bring to a boil, and cook until fork tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.  Drain the potatoes and remove them from the pot. Melt the butter in the still warm pot, add the chopped greens, cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted, then add the green onions and cook for another minute. Add the potatoes, milk or cream to the pot, mash until everything is well mixed.  Mix with egg, flour, salt, and chill: Mix the egg, flour and salt in with the colcannon. You may want to chill the mixture for 15 minutes or longer to make it easier to shape the patties.  Form into patties: Form into little cakes of whatever size you want but make them flat so they will cook through without burning. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour until the mixture is easy to shape. Fry until golden: Heat the butter or vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the formed patties in the pan so they are not touching. Lower the heat to medium and gently fry until golden, about 3-4 minutes.  Turn and cook the other side. Let the cakes rest on a paper towel while you cook the others.  Top with Poached Egg, Hollandaise, and diced Scallion or Chives for garnish.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing (Thanksgiving for a Small Crowd)

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing (Thanksgiving for a Small Crowd)

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing (Thanksgiving for a Small Crowd)

8 T. (1 stick) butter, divided

1 1/2 pounds sage sausage, removed from casing

1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 C.)

4 large stalks celery, finely chopped (about 2 C.)

4 cloves garlic, minced or grated on microplane, divided

1/4 C. minced fresh sage leaves (or 2 tsp. dried sage leaves)

32 ounces (4 C.) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, preferably homemade

3 whole eggs

2 1/2 pounds (about 2 loaves) high quality sandwich bread or soft Italian or French bread, stale or dried in the oven

1/2 C. minced fresh parsley leaves

2 T. minced fresh oregano leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 whole bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds), patted dry

 

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. In large Dutch oven, melt 5 T. butter over medium high heat until foaming subsides (don’t allow butter to brown), about 2 minutes. Add sausage and mash with stiff whisk or potato masher to break up into fine pieces (largest pieces should be no greater than 1/4-inch). Cook, stirring frequently until only a few bits of pink remain, about 8 minutes. Add onions, celery, garlic, and sage and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add half of chicken stock. Whisk remaining chicken stock, eggs, and 3 T. parsley in medium bowl until homogeneous. Stirring constantly with wooden spoon, slowly pour egg mixture into sausage mixture. Add bread cubes and fold gently until evenly mixed. Using poultry shears, cut off and remove any back portion that may be attached to the turkey (there may not be any). Fill cavity under turkey breast and under flap of fat around neck with stuffing. Transfer remaining stuffing to a buttered 9- by 13-inch casserole dish and place turkey on top. Using your hands, carefully separate the turkey skin from the meat by inserting at the bottom of the breast, being careful not to tear it. In a small bowl, combine remaining butter with remaining parsley and oregano. Add 1 T. kosher salt and 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Stir with a fork until homogenous. Rub mixture evenly over and under turkey skin. Transfer to oven and roast until stuffing starts to brown, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer turkey to a wire rack set in a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, and return turkey to oven. Continue roasting until turkey is golden brown and crisp, and thickest part near bone registers 145 to 150°F on an instant read thermometer, about 30 minutes longer. Remove from oven, transfer to a plate, and let rest for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, pour exuded juices back over stuffing. Return stuffing to oven and cook until it’s golden brown and registers 160°F on an instant read thermometer, about 15 minutes. Carve turkey, spread over stuffing, and serve.

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

 

1/4 C. sugar

3 T. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. table salt

6 large eggs

2 C. heavy cream

1/2 C. butter, melted

6 C. fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen)

Vegetable cooking spray

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk eggs together in a large bowl; whisk in cream and melted butter. Gradually add sugar mixture, whisking until smooth; stir in corn. Pour mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until mixture is deep golden and set. Let stand 5 minutes.

 

Bûche de Noël Log

Bûche de Noël Log

Bûche de Noël Log

6 egg whites
3/4 C. sugar
6 egg yolks
3/4 C. flour
1 C. canned pumpkin
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 C. confectioner’s sugar
1/4 C. chopped pecans, toasted
2 T. each butter and milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Prepare 15″ x 10″ x 1″ jellyroll pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray; line with wax paper; spray again. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 C. sugar, beating until stiff peaks form when beater is raised. Set aside. Beat yolks at high speed gradually adding 1/2 C. sugar until very thick. At low speed, beat in flour, pumpkin, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold mixture into egg whites. Spread into jellyroll pan. Bake at 375º for 15 minutes or until surface springs back when gently pressed with fingertip. Turn out on towel sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. Remove wax paper. Roll up starting with short end. Cool on rack 1 hour, seam side down. In bowl beat cream cheese with confectioner’s sugar, pecans, butter, milk and vanilla. Unroll cake. Spread cheese mixture to within 1-inch of edges. Roll cake; place seam side down on serving plate. Chill at least 1 hour. Makes 10-12 servings. Refrigerate leftovers.

Pile o’ Presents Cheeseballs

Pile o’ Presents Cheeseballs

Pile o’ Presents Cheeseballs

1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
24 oz. (3 packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground white pepper

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
3/4 C. dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 T ginger apple chutney (or other flavorful chutney)
6-8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1 shallot, finely chopped (should yield about 1/4 c)
1 C. finely chopped pecans
8 oz. chèvre
1/2 C. green onions, finely chopped (whites & greens)
1/3 C. fresh parsley, finely chopped
Additional dried cranberries, green onions, parsley leaves, and pecan halves to “wrap” packages
Various crackers for serving


Combine butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper, salt, and white pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until smooth & creamy. Divide the mixture evenly into three separate bowls, using the original mixing bowl for one third. To the first bowl, add the cheddar, cranberries, and chutney and mix well. To the second bowl, add the feta, shallot, and pecans and mix well. To the third bowl, add the chèvre, green onions, and parsley and mix well. Find a serving platter large enough to hold three cheeseballs and crackers and set aside. Stretch out a piece of plastic wrap to about 2 feet long. Scoop the contents of one bowl onto the plastic wrap and fold the wrap around the cheese. Mold the cheese to the desired shape using your hands. Gently pull the plastic wrap away from the cheese and carefully place the cheeseball onto the serving platter. Repeat with new plastic wrap for the other two mixtures, shaping each one slightly differently to make your pile of packages more interesting. Refrigerate for at least one hour. After an hour, the cheeseballs should be fairly firm.  Wrap your packages by arranging the additional cranberries, green onions, parsley leaves, and pecan halves (each to their respective flavor) as you would ribbons and bows. Use your creativity! Return the cheeseballs to the fridge until 1 hour prior to serving. Remove one hour prior to serving. Arrange crackers around the cheeseballs, providing an additional bowl of crackers on the side.

Prime Rib Roast

Prime Rib Roast

Prime Rib Roast

1 (3 to 4-lb.) bone-in rib-eye roast

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. olive oil

Gravy:

1 large shallot, finely chopped

1/2 bottle drinking red wine, such as Malbec

5 C. beef stock

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Using a heavy hand, season rib-eye roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Place beef in hot pan and sear until deep golden brown on all sides. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per lb. for medium-rare, making an approximate hour of cooking time. Remove the pan from oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for at least 15 minutes, tented with foil, before carving. Pour off excess fat from the Dutch oven (reserve for Thyme for Yorkshire Pudding, if desired) and place on the stovetop over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft and brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Deglaze the pot with 1/2 C. of the wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add remaining wine, bring to a boil and reduce by half. Add stock and simmer until reduced again by about half. Pass the gravy through a fine mesh sieve and return to the pan. Bring back to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until desired gravy consistency is reached. Taste for seasoning and adjust, if necessary. Carve beef against the grain, into thin slices, and serve with gravy.

Bruschetta with Homemade Ricotta, Prosciutto and Arugula

Bruschetta with Homemade Ricotta, Prosciutto and Arugula

Bruschetta with Homemade Ricotta, Prosciutto and Arugula

15 or so 1/2-inch slices from a baguette, cut on the diagonal

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

1 whole clove garlic, peeled, halved

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

15 arugula leaves

4 ounces prosciutto or other salty, cured pork such as coppa, lomo or speck

Best quality extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Grill the bread until golden all over, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Rub one side of each with the garlic clove.   Spread a tablespoon or two of the ricotta on each bread slice, then press an arugula leaf into the cheese. Place a slice of the prosciutto on top, drizzle with the best quality olive oil, and serve.

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Vegetable cooking spray
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnishes: powdered sugar, chocolate-coated pecan halves

Coat bottom and sides of a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with cooking spray, and line with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray; set aside. Beat eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer 5 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored; gradually add granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients. Gradually add to egg mixture, beating well. Combine pumpkin, pecans, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and gradually add to mixture, beating well. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Sift 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a 15- x 10-inch rectangle on a clean, dry dish towel. Run a knife around edges of pan to loosen cake, and turn cake out onto prepared towel. Peel wax paper off cake. Starting at narrow end, roll up cake and towel together; place, seam side down, on a wire rack to cool completely.

Red Cider Zipper

Red Cider Zipper

Red Cider Zipper

1 quart apple cider, preferably fresh
8 whole cloves
8 allspice berries
3 cinnamon sticks
3 inches of fresh ginger, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
5 orange slices, including rind
4 tea bags of red hibiscus and rosehip herbal tea, such as Red Zinger or Tazo Passion
2 C. boiling water
1 tsp. honey (optional)
9 fluid oz. apple brandy (optional)
Orange or Angostura bitters (optional)

Pour the cider into a medium saucepan with all of the spices, the ginger, and the orange slices. Bring to a low boil on medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, steep the four tea bags in two C. boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, stir in the honey, if using, and set aside. After the cider has simmered for 20 minutes, pour the herbal tea into the cider. Serve immediately or leave to mull further on low heat until ready to drink. For a cocktail, ladle 6 oz. cider into a mug or hot toddy glass. Stir in a shot (3 T.) of apple brandy and two or three dashes of bitters.

Roast Chicken with Prosecco Herb Sauce

Roast Chicken with Prosecco Herb Sauce

2 lb. chicken thighs and drumsticks
3 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
½ C. flour
â…“ C. shallots, diced
1.5 C. Prosecco (or any champagne)
1.5 C. chicken stock
1 T. fresh oregano, chopped (see notes)
1 tsp Herbs de Provence
½ C. heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350º. In a Dutch oven, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour. Place in skillet and let the chicken cook for ten minutes undisturbed. This is what creates that wonderful crispy skin. After ten minutes, turn the pieces and cook an additional ten minutes. Remove chicken and place on a plate. Set aside. Add shallots to the pan. Sauté until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add Prosecco, stock and herbs. Using a wooden spoon, loosen the crusty browned chicken bits from the bottom of the pan. This is the good stuff and it will add so much flavor to the final dish. Simmer for ten minutes. Add chicken pieces back to pan, cover and place in the oven for thirty minutes. At that point, remove chicken from pan and pour in the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and add chicken pieces back in. Serve immediately. Notes: Herbs de Provence already has oregano in the mix, but the addition of fresh adds a different flavor. You could skip fresh oregano and replace with fresh parsley, but I do like the way the fresh oregano plays with the Prosecco in this dish.