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PNW Singing Scallops Steamed with Miso, Ginger and Ponzu

PNW Singing Scallops Steamed with Miso, Ginger and Ponzu

PNW Singing Scallops Steamed with Miso, Ginger and Ponzu

 

2 to 3 lbs. live pink scallops (or clams)

¼ C. peanut oil

1 tsp. sesame oil

¼ C. thinly sliced shallot

2 T. peeled ginger, finely chopped

2 T. finely chopped garlic

¼ C. Shaoxing Chinese rice wine or sake

1½ T. red miso

2 T. butter

¼ C. muscovado sugar

½ C. ponzu

Fresh lime juice to taste

1 bunch of cilantro

 

Scrub the scallops well, and soak in cold water to purge sand. Heat the oils in a large pan. Add shallot, ginger and garlic, and cook on medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add rice wine or sake, and bring to a boil for about 2 minutes. Mash miso and butter together and add to the pan, along with sugar and ponzu. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring to dissolve miso. Add scallops. Cover and steam until open, about 1 to 2 minutes. (If the scallops don’t open in that time, they are likely dead and shouldn’t be eaten. Unlike clams, which can take up to 10 minutes to open, singers start to open as soon as they hit the heat.). Add lime juice and chopped cilantro to taste, or dress whole cilantro stems with a little oil and salt, and char them on a plancha or hot griddle. Serve with cilantro stems on top and grilled bread on the side.

Sautéed Salmon with Roasted Beet Thickened Yogurt Salad

Sautéed Salmon with Roasted Beet Thickened Yogurt Salad

Sautéed Salmon with Roasted Beet Thickened Yogurt Salad

1 pound whole salmon fillet
1 bunch red beets with greens
12 oz. yogurt
One clove garlic
Fresh dill, about a T. chopped
A few drops fresh lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Canola or grapeseed oil
Cheesecloth

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.  Rinse the cheesecloth under cool water. Fold it over one and then a second so you have four layers, and then use it to line a strainer placed over a bowl. Spoon the yogurt into the cheesecloth and set aside to drain. This will take anywhere from two to six hours depending on how thick you prefer it, so it can’t hurt to refrigerate it. Roasting the beets bring out their sweetness, which is essential to this dish. I look for beets with the greens attached because it seems the fresher they are, the sweeter they are. Plus the greens make for an effortless side dish cooked up with chopped onion, seasoning, and olive oil. First, trim the greens leaving a couple inches of the stalk on the beets. Rinse the beets and poke each one with a knife so they can release steam when they roast. Place the beets in an oven-proof container like a ceramic dish or stainless steel pot with a quarter inch of water and cover tightly with a lid or foil. Pop them in the oven, and depending on size they can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes or more. Check them in about 40 minutes. They should offer no resistance when you pierce them with a paring knife, otherwise keep roasting. Set aside and cool. This can be done a day in advance, just refrigerate the cooled beets. To assemble the dish make sure the yogurt is nice and thick. It will have lost as least half the water, and will look like soft cream cheese. Peel the beets, the skin will slip off easily with a little help from a knife, and then grate them and set aside. Take a peeled clove of garlic and mince. Add a generous pinch of salt and mash the garlic with the flat side of a chef’s knife by swiveling it back and forth. This method turns it into a paste by drawing out the juices, maximizing the garlic flavor. It’s a great technique for flavoring home-made mayonnaise. Just don’t overdo it! Add the garlic, thickened yogurt, chopped dill and a little salt and pepper to the grated beets. Mix well – it will turn a shockingly bright fuchsia. Taste and adjust the seasonings. It might need a few drops of lemon juice for balance. Then put in a clean container and refrigerate. Meanwhile, pat the salmon dry. If it’s a whole fillet, remove the pin bones with a pair of sturdy tweezers or needle nose pliers. Season the fish on both sides. Meanwhile, place a skillet over medium heat and when hot add a T. of oil. Slip the fish in skin side down and sauté. It should sound like a gentle hiss rather than sputtering and popping. After about 7-8 minutes the side of the fish will start to look cook. Flip the filet. If you want it medium rare, keep it on for 2 minutes more. If you like it cooked most of the way through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve on a platter or oval dish with the beet salad spooned around the salmon and garnish the salmon with chopped dill

Fillet of Salmon, Sautéed with Granny Smiths and Cider

Fillet of Salmon, Sautéed with Granny Smiths and Cider

Fillet of Salmon, Sautéed with Granny Smiths and Cider

 

4 T. (1/2 stick) butter

4 salmon fillets (6 to 8 ounces each)

1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 large Granny Smith apples, sliced

1/2 C. apple cider

Freshly ground black pepper

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 T. of the butter.

 

Sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt and lay them, skinned side up, in a single layer in the skillet. Let cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes, or until a crisp, brown crust forms. Do not try to move the salmon too early, or the surface of the fish will tear. Remove the fillets from the pan and add the apples. Stir-fry the apple slices for a moment, arrange the salmon fillets, cooled side up, on top of the apple slices, and pour on the apple cider. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer the salmon to plates and with a slotted spoon, lift out the apple slices and place them around the salmon. Swirl the remaining 3 T. of butter into the juices left in the pan, whisking to form a smooth sauce. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper, and pour the sauce immediately over the salmon and apples. Serve at once.

Oregon Pear and Hazelnut Salad with Oregon Blue Cheese

Oregon Pear and Hazelnut Salad with Oregon Blue Cheese

Oregon Pear and Hazelnut Salad with Oregon Blue Cheese

 

1 head butter lettuce

Vinaigrette

1 roasted pear, ripe, peeled, cored and chopped

1/4 C. rice vinegar

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

1/4 C. hazelnut oil

salt and pepper to taste

2 roasted pears, ripe and peeled

1 oz. hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

1/3 C. Oregon blue cheese

 

Wash and spin dry lettuce, breaking larger leaves into 4 inch pieces. Add pear to blender along with rice vinegar, to prevent pear from browning. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, and hazelnut oil and puree until smooth. Place the cleaned, torn lettuce in a bowl. Arrange the dressed lettuce on chilled plates. Slice each pear in half and spoon out the cores. Lay the halves on a cutting board, flat side down, and slice each half on a bias into 7 or 8 even slices. Press the sliced pear halves lightly to fan them out and carefully transfer the pear fan to the lettuce. Scatter hazelnuts and crumbled blue cheese over each salad and serve.

Huckleberry Hotcakes

Huckleberry Hotcakes

Huckleberry Hotcakes

3 C. flour

¾ C. rolled oats

¼ C. oat bran or 100-percent bran cereal

4 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt (optional)

4 eggs

4 C. buttermilk, plus more if needed

¼ C. vegetable oil

1 to 2 C. huckleberries, fresh or frozen (blueberries make a good substitute if huckleberries aren’t available)

 

Stir Together the flour, oats, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk and oil. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir gently until just blended. If the batter is too thick, stir in a little more buttermilk. HEAT A GRIDDLE or a large, heavy skillet, preferably nonstick (if not nonstick, brush lightly with oil). Stir the huckleberries into the batter. Pour ¼ C. batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbly on top, then flip and continue cooking until nicely browned, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Serve with your favorite syrup or fresh fruit jam.

Salad of Herbs and Flowers

Salad of Herbs and Flowers

Salad of Herbs and Flowers

Northwest chefs are guilty of excess in many areas. The sheer abundance of good things we have to work with drives us to experiment with combinations that would be merely ridiculous in regions with a smaller variety’ of fresh local produce. Raspberries garnish grilled salmon, and in the summer when basil becomes almost ubiquitous, it is slipped into everything from salads to desserts. Somehow, in this Oz-like setting where rainbows are as regular as rain, and hundreds of acres of brilliant red and purple, tulips grow against a backdrop of majestic mountain ranges, we feel comfortable serving and eating outrageously colorful things.  So, salads are regularly filled with tiny violas, yellow and orange nasturtiums, and the occasional petals of a day lily. In spring, don’t put it past a Northwest chef to serve the petals of unsprayed tulips in a salad. They’ taste like snow peas and have the texture of the best butter lettuce. Experiment with other edible flowers in season but be sure to use only unsprayed garden flowers and avoid experimenting with blossoms that are of dubious edibility’.

6 to 8 cups mixed baby salad greens, washed and dried

2 to 3 tablespoons Fresh Raspberry and Basil Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

24 to 36 basil leaves

6 tulips (in spring) or day lilies (in summer)

18 nasturtium blossoms

18 violas. Johnny-jump-ups, or pansies

3 chive blossoms

1 cup fresh raspberries

 

Pick through the salad greens, removing any undesirable leaves. Pile in a large salad bowl and toss with the vinaigrette. Add the basil leaves and toss lightly to avoid bruising the basil. Arrange the petals of the tulips or day lilies on each of 6 chilled salad plates, then divide the dressed greens evenly among them. Tuck 3 whole nasturtium blossoms into each salad, scatter the petals of the violas over the greens, then pluck the petals from the chive blossoms and scatter those over as well. Finally, sprinkle each salad with a few raspberries and serve at once.

 

Fresh Raspberry and Basil Vinaigrette

 

Ordinarily a raspberry vinaigrette is made with raspberry-flavored vinegar. This dressing incorporates whole raspberries, and the pulp of the berries allows the oil and vinegar to emulsify to a creamy consistency.

 

1/2 cup raspberries

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

2/3 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12 fresh basil leaves

 

In a blender, combine the raspberries, vinegar, sugar, oil, salt, and pepper; puree the mixture at high speed. Force the puree through a fine strainer to remove seeds. Cut the basil into fine ribbons and stir in. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons for each salad. Dressing keeps, refrigerated, for at least 1 week.

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

Apple Baked Pork Tenderloin

 

3, 1 lbs. Pork Tenderloins

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

4 C. Apple Cider

2 Bay Leaves

6 small baking Apples (I used Granny Smith)

1 stick Unsalted Butter

 

Preheat the oven to 425 and cut each tenderloin in half lengthwise to make 6 even 8-ounce portions. Season each tenderloin with a portion of the salt and black pepper. Place the tenderloins in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. While the tenderloin is baking, heat the cider and bay leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Peel and core the apples but leave them whole. Add them to the boiling cider and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes or until the apples have been heated through but are not mushy. Add the apple cider and apples to the baking dish with the pork tenderloin. Bake until pork is cooked, about 20 minutes or 160 degree internal temperature. Set aside the pork and apples and pour the juice into a saucepan over high heat. Stir in the butter to create a smooth sauce. Cut the pork and serve with the apples and sauce. Note: One thing that can happen is the apples disintegrate while in the oven, as happened to me. In this case I just left them in while I stirred in the butter, and it added an interesting note to the sauce. Try out different types of apples for different flavor profiles with this one and enjoy.

Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns

Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns

Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns

Fiddlehead Ferns

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

4 scallions, white and light green part sliced

Juice of half a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese, to taste

Olive oil for the pan

 

To prep your fiddleheads, cut the touch stems off, including any brown parts. Run them under cold water in a colander, then place them in a bowl of water and swirl around. Dry them on paper towels. Heat the olive oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the scallions and the fiddleheads, cover, and cook for 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and continue to cook for another 4 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Squirt the juice of half a lemon on top. Spoon onto plates and serve with a grating of parmesan cheese over the top.

Grilled Alaska Salmon with Crisp Garlicky Chickpeas

Grilled Alaska Salmon with Crisp Garlicky Chickpeas

Grilled Alaska Salmon with Crisp Garlicky Chickpeas

Nonstick oil spray or olive oil

4 C. (2 ounces) baby arugula

4 watermelon radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced

4 (4-ounce) Alaska salmon fillets, frozen

1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. garlic, minced

1 tsp. kosher salt

3 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp. lemon zest

Freshly ground pepper

 

Heat your grill to 400ºF. Divide washed arugula and watermelon radishes between 4 plates and set aside. Rinse seafood under cold water to remove any ice glaze and pat dry with paper towel. Tear an 18-inch-wide sheet of foil, so that it’s 4 inches longer than the fish. Spray-coat the dull side of foil and place seafood on foil, if using skin-on fillets, place skin-side down first. Brush both sides of fish with oil. Bring sides of foil together and fold over several times to seal; roll up ends to form a packet. Place packet on grill, seam-side down, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove packet from grill; open and add salt and pepper to taste. Crimp foil loosely to close and return packet to grill, seam-side up. Cook an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat just as soon as seafood is opaque throughout. Place one salmon fillet on each plate atop the arugula. While the fish is cooking, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas, oregano, garlic, and salt. Cook the chickpeas, stirring occasionally, until crispy and starting to crackle, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and use a slotted spoon to divide chickpeas among the 4 plates of salmon. Whisk lemon juice and zest into remaining oil in pan, then drizzle heaping T. or so over the salmon and arugula on each plate. Season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt if needed and serve.

Cornmeal Pancakes with Huckleberry Syrup 

Cornmeal Pancakes with Huckleberry Syrup 

Cornmeal Pancakes with Huckleberry Syrup

 

Picking huckleberries along the trails around Mt. Hood is an Oregonian rite of passage. The tiny berries pack a big flavor punch, like wild blueberries. Simmered with honey and lavender, they transform into a thick syrup with a floral yet piney aroma that perfectly captures those late-summer hikes. It’s fantastic with these fluffy7 and light hotcakes. Don’t skimp on the butter; it makes the pancakes irresistibly moist and accentuates the corn flavor. If you can’t find huckleberries or if they are out of season, substitute fresh or frozen regular or wild blueberries.

 

3 C. huckleberries or blueberries

1/2 C. raw honey

1/2 C. dark brown sugar, densely packed

Freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon (about ¥» cup)

1 tsp. finely ground dried lavender buds

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

 

1 1/4 C. buttermilk

2 large whole eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 C. finely ground cornmeal

1 C. all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

1/4 C. packed dark brown sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

5 T. unsalted butter, melted

Vegetable oil as needed

Crispy cooked bacon for serving

Make the huckleberry-lavender syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all the syrup ingredients plus V4 C. water and bring to a simmer. Cook, mashing with a spoon, until the berries are soft and the juices have begun to thicken, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large glass measuring cup, pressing on the solids to discharge all of the juices. Discard the solids. If the syrup seems a little thin, return to the saucepan over medium heat and simmer a few minutes more. It will also thicken as it cools. Cover to keep warm until ready to serve. Make the pancakes: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, V4 C. brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the melted butter. Let the batter rest and thicken for up to 10 minutes while you heat the griddle. Heat the oven to 25O°F and place a baking sheet on the center rack to keep the pancakes warm until ready to serve.  Warm a griddle or skillet over medium heat, lightly coating it with oil if necessary and wiping off any excess. Working in batches, use a V4 C. measure to pour the batter for each pancake. Cook each until the bottoms are golden and the edges are beginning to look set, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn and cook on the second side until golden, about 1 minute more. Transfer the cooked pancakes to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter until all has been used. Serve hot with the warm huckleberry-lavender syrup and crispy bacon

Foraged Oregon Grape and Lemon Curd

Foraged Oregon Grape and Lemon Curd

Foraged Oregon Grape and Lemon Curd

 

Foraged Oregon Grapes are transformed from tart and bitter to an unctuous curd suitable for eating from a spoon.

1 cup Oregon Grape puree

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

1 1/2 cups raw organic cane sugar

6 eggs

8 tablespoons butter cubed

 

To create puree, place a heaping cup of clean Oregon Grape berries into a blender or food processor and pulse a couple times until juices start to release. Do NOT over puree. Place berry puree, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar and eggs into a heavy bottomed saucepan. Over medium heat and whisking constantly, cook the mixture until it thickens (coats back of a spoon and whisk leaves traces in curd).

Remove from heat and pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Whisk butter into hot curd until well combined. Place a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap directly on top of curd and chill until cold. Serve within one week or freeze.

Neskowin Blueberry Salmon

Neskowin Blueberry Salmon

Neskowin Blueberry Salmon

1 cup Oregon blueberries

2 Chinook salmon filets, 6-8 oz. Each

½ fresh ruby red grapefruit

½ cup crushed pineapple

2 fresh limes

fresh ground black pepper

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 small Anaheim chile

2 tablespoons butter

¾ cup brown sugar

 

Generously butter a glass baking dish and spread pineapple in the dish. Sprinkle liberally with fresh ground black pepper. Slice the chile into very thin rings and arrange over the pineapple. Squeeze the juice of two limes over the chile slices, then lay the salmon filets over the sliced chile. Peel and trim the grapefruit, and cut it into bite-size chunks and arrange those over the salmon. Top with Oregon blueberries, sprinkle with brown sugar, and season generously with chili powder. Bake at 425° till top is bubbly and salmon is opaque. Serve with rice and fresh steamed asparagus or artichokes.

Crab Salad with Shallot Dressing

Crab Salad with Shallot Dressing

PNW Crab Salad with Shallot Dressing

2 pounds fresh, cooked crabmeat

12 cups mixed salad greens (see note)

1 cup fresh, whole tarragon leaves

10 tender celery ribs

3 firm, medium-size shallots

1 firm, small cloves garlic, pressed

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

3/4 cup olive oil

 

Flake crabmeat and mound in the middle of a large salad bowl. Wash the salad greens and spin dry. Set aside. Remove the leaves of the tarragon from the stems, wash, pat dry and set aside. Wash, trim and cut the celery ribs in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place the greens, tarragon and celery around the crab in the salad bowl. To make the dressing, peel and mince the shallots, add pressed garlic. Place them in a small bowl and mix in the lemon juice, sugar and poppy seeds. Drizzle this mixture over the salad greens and lightly toss the greens and crab together. Then drizzle on the olive oil and toss again. Serve salad on individual plates; accompany with warm sourdough bread. Note: Use a combination of butter or red leaf lettuce, curly endive, watercress or small leaf exotic greens.

 

Yield: 10 servings

Calories: 272

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Huckleberry Pancakes

Huckleberry Pancakes

PNW Huckleberry Pancakes

2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons oil

1 cup milk

4 ounces huckleberries, fresh or frozen, plus extra, for serving

Whipped butter and maple syrup, as an accompaniment

 

Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Then, stir in eggs, oil, and milk until mixed. Do not beat the mixture. Pour 2 to 6 ounce ladles of batter on a lightly oiled griddle. Then, add 1 ounce of huckleberries to each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Place the pancakes on a large plate. Then garnish with huckleberries, whipped butter, and hot maple syrup.

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

Pacific Northwest Blackberry Filled Doughnuts with White Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts

1 cup whole milk

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. fine salt

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast (2 1/2 tsp.)

2 T. warm water

2 T. vegetable oil, plus about 10 cups for frying

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. lemon zest

3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting

1 cup blackberry jam

White Chocolate Ganache, recipe follows

1 1/2 cups hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped

 

Bring milk to a simmer in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in sugar and salt. Pour into a large bowl and let cool slightly. While milk is cooling, dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl, stirring. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir the yeast mixture into the milk, along with 2 T. oil, eggs, and zest. Stir in 2 1/2 cups flour with a wooden spoon to make a very soft dough. Spread 1 cup flour on work surface and put dough on top, scraping it from bowl with a rubber spatula. Knead dough, incorporating all of flour from work surface and adding just enough additional flour (if necessary), about 5 minutes; dough should be slightly sticky. Transfer dough to an oiled large bowl and sprinkle lightly with additional flour. Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and roll out with a floured rolling pin until 1-inch thick. Cut out rounds with a 2-inch cutter. Place on a sheet pan and cover doughnuts with another kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. While doughnuts rise, heat oil in a deep 4-quart pot until it registers 365 degrees F on a thermometer. Fry doughnuts 2 at a time, turning once or twice, until puffed and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Place jam in a pastry bag fitted with a 1-inch plain tip and poke the tip into the center of each doughnut (entering from the side) and squeeze in some of the jam. Ice the top with some of the ganache and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

 

White Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream

1 pound good-quality white chocolate, finely chopped

 

Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Place white chocolate in a large bowl, pour hot cream over, and let sit for 1 minute; whisk until smooth. Let cool until slightly thickened

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce salad with Summer Fruits and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Portland summers are perfection. The weather is glorious and the farmers’ markets brim with local fruit, lettuces, and Willamette Valley hazelnuts. This salad is a summer celebration meal you can put together after a successful trip to the market.

 

3 T. sherry vinegar

1 shallot, finely minced

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/3 C. hazelnut oil

 

1 head butter lettuce, leaves washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

2 packed C. baby arugula

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces fresh chevre (goat cheese), such as Portland Creamery

2 ripe peaches, sliced or diced (grilled if desired)

3/4 C. fresh blueberries

1/2 C. chopped roasted hazelnuts

 

Make the hazelnut vinaigrette: Combine the vinegar, shallot, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a small bowl and marinate about 10 minutes. Add the hazelnut oil and whisk until blended. Set aside. Make the salad: In a bowl, combine the lettuce and arugula. Drizzle with 2 T. vinaigrette and toss, adding more until the leaves are lightly coated and glistening, but not dripping. Taste and season with the salt and black pepper. Crumble the chevre on top, followed by the peaches, blueberries, and hazelnuts. Drizzle with a little more vinaigrette and serve

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini 

Brown Butter Chanterelle Crostini

 

Golden yellow chanterelles grow in abundance in the forests surrounding Portland, and those in the know have their own secret foraging spots. But even if you are not a forager, you can easily find these delicacies in local markets every spring and fall. I add these buttery beauties to all manner of dishes, but I especially love them simply sautéed with brown butter to let their subtle flavor shine through. Here I have added a touch of cream to increase their luxe quotient.

3/4 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Olive oil

4 T. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 large shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, one cut in half, one minced, divided

1 pound chanterelles, cleaned and roughly chopped

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves or more as needed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 C. dry vermouth or white wine or more as needed

1/2 C. heavy cream, plus more to taste

Garnish: freshly grated Parmesan

 

Heat the oven to 425°F. Place a bowl or measuring C. near the stove. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast until just golden, about 10 minutes. Rub the cut garlic on each slice twice. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter smells nutty and the milk solids turn brown. Remove from the heat and strain into the bowl; using a spatula, scrape the brown butter bits out of the pan and into the strainer. Reserve the contents of the strainer. Wipe the pan with a paper towel and place over medium-high heat. Add the melted butter and the shallot. Sauté until tender. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add the mushrooms and thyme, season with the salt and black pepper, and sauté until the mushrooms are tender and have given off their liquid. Add the vermouth and stir, scraping any brown stuff off the bottom of the pan (add more vermouth if necessary, to deglaze the whole pan). Cook until the pan is mostly dry. Stir in the cream and browned butter bits from the strainer and simmer until the mixture is thickened and sauce-like. It if seems dry, add a little more cream. Taste and season with more salt, black pepper, and thyme.

7 Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread and garnish with the Parmesan.

Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Relish

Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Relish

Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Relish

1 lemon, quartered (about ¾ cup)

2 small shallots, thinly sliced into rings (about ¼ cup)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup pitted, coarsely chopped green olives, such as Castelvetrano

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and patted dry

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¾ cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Ingredients: For the halibut

1½ pounds skinless halibut fillet, cut into 4 pieces

½ teaspoon fennel seed, freshly ground

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

 

To make the relish, remove the pithy ends of the lemon quarters, and thinly slice the rest, discarding any seeds Add the lemon slices to a bowl along with the shallots and salt. Cover, and set aside for 45 minutes or until the lemons release some of their juice. Add the olives, capers, pepper flakes, and the cup of oil. To allow the flavors to develop fully, set the relish aside to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Pat the halibut dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine the fennel seed, salt, and pepper, and sprinkle it all over the halibut. In a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil until it shimmers Add the halibut, and cook, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip, add the butter to the pan, and reduce the temperature to medium. Continue to cook, basting the halibut with the butter, for 2 minutes, or until the fish is opaque in the center. Stir the parsley into the relish, spoon the relish over each piece of fish, and serve immediately.

Crab Risotto with Fine Herbs

Crab Risotto with Fine Herbs

Crab Risotto with Fine Herbs

1 T. oil

½ cup onion, finely chopped

2 cups arborio rice

¾ cup Chardonnay

3 cups light chicken stock, at a simmer

6 oz. shelled crab meat

2 T. fresh parsley, minced

2 T. fresh chives, minced

1 T. fresh chervil, minced

1 T. fresh tarragon, minced

2 T. whole butter

Freshly ground black pepper

1 lemon, juiced

Salt to taste

 

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and stir frequently. Sauté until onions are translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add rice and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine and cook until evaporated. Begin adding simmering broth, ½ cup at a time, and stir constantly until the broth has been absorbed. Total cooking time is approximately 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Add the crab and remove from the heat. Stir in the herbs, butter and lemon juice. Season to taste and serve immediately.

Grilled Oregon Chinook in Matsutake Ginger Broth

Grilled Oregon Chinook in Matsutake Ginger Broth

Grilled Oregon Chinook in Matsutake Ginger Broth

1/4 cup tamari or shoyu

2 ounces fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon chili paste

2 tablespoons lemon zest

1/2 tablespoon sugar

6 (6-ounce) portions wild salmon (Chinook)

1/8 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups julienned carrots

1 cup cleaned and diced leeks

1 cup julienned scallions

Seasoned broth, recipe follows

Sticky rice cakes, recipe follows

6 ounces matsutake mushrooms, grilled and sliced

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

 

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

3 sticks celery, chopped

2 quarts water

1 piece konbu (dried giant kelp)

1 cup tamari or shoyu

4 ounces fresh ginger rootr, sliced

1 tablespoon chili paste

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 ounce katsuo bonito shavings

 

5 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

5 tablespoons sugar

4 teaspoons sea salt

3 1/3 cups short-grain rice, washed

4 cups water

1 (4 by 4-inch) piece konbu

 

Preheat grill. Combine the tamari, ginger, chili paste, lemon zest and sugar and pour over the salmon portions in a shallow dish. Turn the fish to coat it evenly, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove the salmon from the marinade and blot dry with paper towels. Brush the salmon with the oil on all sides. On a hot grill cook over hot coals for 2 to 3 minutes to brown and mark the fish nicely, turn and continue cooking to desired doneness, 2 to 3 more minutes. Simmer the carrots, leeks and scallions in the Seasoned Broth, until al dente, about 4 to 6 minutes. To serve divide the broth with vegetables between 6 bowls, top each with a sticky rice cake, mushrooms, and a grilled portion of salmon. Finally, sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds. Seasoned Broth:  Bring all ingredients, except the bonito shavings, to a simmer in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for 45 minutes, remove from the heat and gently stir in the bonito shavings. Allow the broth to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before straining. Strain and discard solids.  Sticky Rice Cakes:  Bring the rice vinegar, sugar and sea salt to a boil in a small saucepan, remove from the heat and set aside. Place rice, water and konbu in a heavy bottom saucepan and cover, bring to a simmer over medium heat. When the rice begins to boil reduce the heat to low, stir it gently once and continue cooking, covered until all the liquid is absorbed. Allow the cooked rice to cool 10 to 15 minutes covered with a clean towel. Turn the cooked rice out onto a tray or large bowl and fan it to cool. Using a large scoop or your hands moistened with a mixture of the vinegar and water portion the sticky rice into 6 balls and flatten them to form cakes. Lightly wrap the cakes and hold in a warm place until serving time.

Oregon Hazelnut Pancakes

Oregon Hazelnut Pancakes

Oregon Hazelnut Pancakes

3 cups buttermilk pancake mix

1/4 lb. Oregon hazelnuts, chopped

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla

water as needed

 

In a food processor or blender, grind hazelnuts into a meal (some small chunks are fine). Mix nuts with 1 cup water and seasonings. Add to mix with more water (approximately 1-1/2 cups) to proper consistency. Cook on griddle.

Pub Burgers with Bacon and Beer Cheese

Pub Burgers with Bacon and Beer Cheese

Pub Burgers with Bacon and Beer Cheese (PNW)

 

Of all the many brew pubs in Portland, I can’t think of a single one that doesn’t have a burger on the menu. Burgers and beer just go well together, so why not put a little beer right on the burger itself? A light lager or pilsner adds just the right flavor, without too much hoppy bitterness. Flavorful grass-fed beef from Oregon’s local ranches make the best burgers, especially when mixed with a little bacon fat to keep them juicy.

4 slices bacon

1 1/3 pounds ground grass-fed beef

2 cloves garlic, grated on a fine grater

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 potato buns or other burger buns

Condiments: mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup

4 slices of Tillamook Cheddar, if desired/

 

4 ounces extra-sharp Tillamook Cheddar, cut into chunks

1 scallion, ends trimmed, roughly chopped

1 clove garlic

¼ C. lager or pilsner beer, such as pFriem Export Lager

2 T. cream cheese or butter

1 T. Worcestershire sauce Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Make the beer cheese: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the cheese, scallion, and garlic until finely chopped. Add the beer, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce and process until pureed. Taste and season with the salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use; beer cheese can be made several days ahead. Make the burgers: In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until brown and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and transfer the bacon grease to a small bowl or measuring cup. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the beef, 1 to 2 T. bacon grease (use the larger amount if the beef is lean), garlic, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. black pepper and mix with your hands until well combined. Shape into 4 burgers about V2 inch thick. Using the back of a spoon, make a shallow 1-inch-wide indentation in the center of each burger. (This will help them cook evenly and prevents them from shrinking.) Heat the grill to medium (35O°F to 450° F). Place the burgers on the grill and, with the lid closed, grill until charred on one side and they release easily from the grate, 4 minutes. Turn  (add cheddar now, if using) and cook the other side until a thermometer inserted in the side and pushed all the way to the center reads 155°F, about 4 minutes more. Place the buns, cut sides down, and grill until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.  4 Spread the buns with your choice of the condiments. Place the burgers on the buns, spread each patty with the beer cheese, top with the bacon, and garnish as desired.

Dungeness Crab Cioppino

Dungeness Crab Cioppino

Dungeness Crab Cioppino (PNW)

3/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil

8 large garlic cloves-6 finely chopped, 2 whole

3 jalapenos, seeded and minced

2 red bell peppers, finely chopped

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 large bay leaf

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 C. dry red wine

One 28-ounce can peeled tomatoes, finely chopped, juices reserved

Four 8-ounce bottles clam broth

11/2 C. water

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 C. packed basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

4 steamed Dungeness crabs, about 2 pounds each

2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed

2 pounds firm, white-fleshed fish fillets such as halibut, skinned and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined

2 pounds mussels, scrubbed

1 pound sea scallops, halved vertically if large

 

In a very large soup pot, heat 1/4 C. of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped garlic, jalapeños, bell peppers, onion and bay leaf and cook, stirring occasionally, over moderately high heat until softened and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until nearly evaporated, about 1 minute longer. Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices and cook over moderately high heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the clam broth and water, season lightly with salt and generously with pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the broth is reduced to about 8 cups, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a mini food processor, combine the basil leaves with the whole garlic and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the remaining 1/2 C. of olive oil and the crushed red pepper and process the basil puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Working over the sink, pull off the flap on the undersides of the crabs. Remove the top shells and discard. Pry out the brownish insides and pull off the feathery lungs and discard. Rinse the crab bodies in cold water and quarter them so that each piece has body and leg. Add the crabs and clams to the pot. Cover and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the clams begin to open, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the crabs to a large platter. Add the fish, shrimp, mussels and scallops to the pot, pushing them into the broth. Return the crabs to the pot, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the clams and mussels are fully open and the fish, shrimp and scallops are cooked through, about 8 minutes longer. Ladle the cioppino into deep bowls and drizzle each serving with some of the basil puree. Serve with crusty bread and pass the remaining basil puree separately.

Wild Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Watercress Crepes

Wild Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Watercress Crepes

Wild Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Watercress Crepes

 

Crepes:

 

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups low-fat milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter

 

Mushrooms:

 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

8 ounces wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1 medium shallot, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 bunch watercress, stems removed

4 ounces herbed goat cheese

 

To make crepes: Place the eggs, milk, salt and flour in a blender and process until smooth. Let the batter rest at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 days) before using. Place an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Brush the pan lightly with melted butter. Pour a 1/4 cup batter into the hot pan, wait a few seconds, then tilt the pan in all directions to spread the batter into an even circle. Cook over medium heat until the top is dry, about 1 minute. Loosen the edges with the tip of a spatula, slide it underneath the crepe and carefully turn it over. Cook the other side for about 30 seconds, then slide the crepe onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on the plate. To make mushrooms: Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. When hot, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and half the mushrooms. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are seared, golden brown and dry. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining butter and mushrooms. When all the mushrooms are cooked, return them to the pan, set the heat to medium and add the shallot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the watercress and toss to coat. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add one crepe and spread about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese on top. Sprinkle with warm sautéed mushrooms and cook until cheese begins to melt. Top with a small handful of watercress, fold the crepe over and slide onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling (save some of the watercress for garnish). Serve 2 crepes per person, topped with watercress.

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

PNW Roasted Fall Mushroom Bruschetta

 

4 cups seasonal mushrooms (chanterelles, oyster, shiitake, or cremini), roughly chopped

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing bread and drizzling

¼ cup minced garlic

1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

12 pieces of sliced baguette, cut 1/4 inch thick diagonally

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the mushrooms, oil, garlic, onion, rosemary, and parsley in a large bowl. Stir to combine, then salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mushroom mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet, and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are lightly caramelized. Meanwhile, brush the baguette slices with oil on both sides. Sprinkle lightly with salt. When the mushrooms are done, toast the bread for about 5 minutes, turning once, or until light golden brown on both sides. Arrange the warm baguette toasts on a serving platter. Top with the warm mushroom mixture, drizzle with additional oil, and garnish with chopped chives and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

Roasted Glazed Turnips with Honey-Thyme Butter

2 pounds turnips

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 T. unsalted butter

1 T. honey

1 to 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (about 4 sprigs)

Juice of 1/2 orange (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash the turnips, peel away any dings, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl with the oil, salt, and pepper, and stir until well coated. Arrange the turnips on a sheet pan in a single layer and roast until tender to the bite, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer them to a serving bowl.

3 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Add the thyme, stir, and pour over the turnips, turning them with a spatula until well coated. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze the orange juice all over the turnips and serve hot.

 

From: PNW Veg

Spaghetti with Ramps + Breadcrumbs

Spaghetti with Ramps + Breadcrumbs

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook l pound spaghetti according to package directions. Drain the pasta (reserve 1/4 C. pasta water) and set it aside. Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse 2 slices stale bread* (3 oz.) until coarse crumbs form. Chop the bulbs of 8 oz. ramps** (reserve the greens). In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp. olive oil over medium heat; add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl and season with salt and pepper; wipe the skillet with a paper towel. Place 1 tsp. olive oil and 2 tsp. salted butter in the skillet and set it over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the ramps and cook until fragrant and tender, about 4 minutes. Add the pasta to the skillet with the cooked ramps, add the reserved greens, and toss until wilted. Stir in the reserved pasta water to create a thin sauce. Serve sprinkled with the breadcrumbs. * Or use 2/3 C. panko ** Or a small bunch of scallions + 1 small garlic clove

Leek and Lemon Thyme Tarts with Black Trumpet Mushrooms

Leek and Lemon Thyme Tarts with Black Trumpet Mushrooms

1/4 lb. black trumpets
1 T Oregano
1/2 C. Chèvre
1/4 C. Shallots
1 Leek
2 T. Parsley
1 slice bacon
White wine
Lemon
2 bulb garlic, minced
2 T. thyme
2” tart shells
Juice from 3 Lemons
1 bunch chives

First pre-heat your oven to 400, then cut off dirty ends of mushrooms and wash in several changes of water, lifting the mushrooms out of the water to let the grit fall to the bottom. I’ve found it’ impossible to get these mushrooms clean without washing. Now dry sauté your mushrooms. Cook them in a pan without any oil on medium heat to get rid of all that moisture. When the water is mostly gone, and before they start to burn, take them off the heat. Chop and start cooking your bacon (add a bit of extra fat if it needs it) while you slice your shallots and leeks thin and pick your herbs. Cut mushrooms into ½ inch pieces. Now sauté your veggies, mushrooms, and herbs until soft, add wine, lemon, salt and pepper to taste then remove to mixing bowl. Mix veggies with chèvre, taste again for seasoning (this recipe wants a good amount of lemon to counter the heavy bacon and cheese). Use a tablespoon to fill tart shells on wax paper lined sheet tray, and cook for 15 minutes or until cheese and tarts begin to brown. Take out to cool, chop some chives for garnish, and you’re done!

Foraged Trumpet Mushrooms with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme

Foraged Trumpet Mushrooms with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme

4 T. clarified butter
8 large king trumpet mushrooms, sliced no thicker than 1/4 inch
2 cloves garlic, minced
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
Finely ground unrefined sea salt

Melt 2 T. the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute, then turn them over and cook the second sides for another 30 seconds, or until softened slightly and a bit brown at the edges. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving bowl. Add the remaining 2 T. butter to the pan, stir in the garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice and whisk until the mixture forms a uniform sauce. Stir in the thyme leaves, pour the sauce over the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.

Nettle Flan

Nettle Flan

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

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

Morel Mushrooms

Morel Mushrooms

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

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

 

Nettle Soup

Nettle Soup

Nettle Soup

 

3 T. butter

3 T. olive oil

1 large onion chopped

½ C. uncooked rice (wild rice is great but any rice will do)

Several large handfuls stinging nettle tops

3-4 cloves chopped garlic

8 C. chicken broth

1 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

Mixed vegetables, or corn or whatever veggie you like that day

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Potatoes and/or leeks can also be added

 

Carefully pick nettles – gloves are recommended. Take only the top 4-6 inches of new unblemished spring plants that are less than 18 inches tall. Remove the leaves. You may need to rinse and pat them dry. Start cooking your rice. In a separate large soup pan melt the butter, add the onion and garlic and simmer until translucent. Add the chicken broth and onion and garlic mixture and nettles leaves in the soup pan and bring to a full boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes. At this point we use an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Add the vegetables, rice and salt and pepper (and any other herbs you like) and simmer a few more minutes.

Open Faced Dungeness Crab Melt

Open Faced Dungeness Crab Melt

Open Faced Dungeness Crab Melt

 

10 tomatillos, sliced in half shell removed

1/4 cup heavy cream

4 1 inch sourdough bread slices

2 T. butter

1 lb. Dungeness crab

1 cup Tillamook white cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Tillamook medium cheddar cheese, shredded

3 T. mayonnaise

4 tsp. green onion, thinly chopped plus more for garnish

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place tomatillo halves on a sheet pan and roast until charred about 10 minutes.  Remove from oven, reserve 4 halves of tomatillo for crab mixture. Blend the remaining tomatillos with a splash of heavy cream.  Set aside. Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium high heat. Butter both sides of each slice of sourdough bread. Grill on each side and set aside. Drain excess moisture from crab meat and place crab meat in a bowl.  Add Tillamook white cheddar cheese, Tillamook medium cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onion and 4 halves of the roasted tomatillo. Gently fold together.  Place grilled slices of sourdough bread on a sheet pan. Top with 1/4 of the crab mixture. Place under broiler until melted and dripping down the sides. Place a spoonful of tomatillo sauce on each serving plate and toasted crab melt on top. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions. (This is an open faced sandwich. Photo shows two slices of grilled toast, but recipe only calls for one.)

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

 

The combination of bread, eggs, cream, and overnight soaking results in a soufflé-like dish. Assemble this dish the night before and refrigerate. Add the crab just before baking. Instead of using crab, you can cook 1 pound of breakfast sausages, and then cut each sausage into thirds and mix with the bread and cheese.

 

6 large eggs

2 C. half-and-half

2 C. grated Tillamook cheddar cheese

10 slices French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

8 ounces Dungeness crabmeat

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Fresh tomato salsa, for serving

 

Generously butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Whisk the eggs and half-and-half together in a medium bowl until well blended. In another bowl, mix together the cheese and bread cubes, and then spread evenly in the buttered skillet. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 3 50°F. Spread the crabmeat over the eggs, and then place the skillet in the oven and bake the soufflé until puffed and lightly browned, about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, cut into wedges, and serve with a fresh tomato salsa.

Smoked Ribs with Huckleberry BBQ Sauce

Smoked Ribs with Huckleberry BBQ Sauce

untitled2 racks (2 1/2 lbs. each) pork spareribs trimmed St. Louis-style*

Classic Dry Rub

Huckleberry BBQ Sauce

 

On bony side of ribs, loosen edge of membrane with a table knife. Pull off membrane, using a towel. Cut racks in half. Smear all over with rub. Chill airtight at least 4 hours or overnight; let stand at room temperature for last hour. Meanwhile, soak 2 cups apple wood chips in water 30 minutes. Scrunch 6 sheets (1 1/2 ft. long) of foil into logs 9 in. long. For gas, set a drip pan on center burner (the indirect heat area), fill it halfway with very hot water, and then heat the other burners to low (275° to 300°). For charcoal, ignite 50 briquettes in a chimney. Bank evenly on opposite sides of fire grate, leaving a cleared area in center for drip pan; fill pan halfway with very hot water. Let coals burn to low. Add 5 briquettes to each mound of coals every 30 minutes, starting when ribs go on grill; if fire gets too hot, partially close vents on lid. Set racks upright over drip pan facing one another and wedge foil logs into tops of racks (in between bones) to bridge them and hold them in place. For gas, drain half the wood chips and put in a smoker box, if grill has one; or seal chips in foil, poke quarter-size holes all over it, and set over direct heat (in foil, chips may take a while to start smoking). For charcoal, drain half the wood chips and sprinkle evenly over coals. Grill ribs, covered, 1 hour. Drain remaining wood chips and add as before. Cook until meat is tender when pierced and shrinks 1/2 in. from bone tips, 2 to 3 hours. Pour 1 cup sauce into a bowl. Remove foil from ribs and set ribs flat, bony side up, over indirect heat. Brush with 1/2 cup sauce. Cook until sauce sets, 5 minutes. Turn, brush again, and cook 3 minutes more. Let ribs sit on a board, tented with foil, 10 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce. Chill extra sauce 1 week, or freeze.

 

*Ask a butcher to trim ribs, or do it yourself: On bony side, trim flap of meat from center, flush with bones. Cut rack lengthwise between wide rib section and chewy, narrow rib tips. Save trimmings for soup.

 

 

 

Huckleberry Barbecue Sauce

Huckleberry Barbecue Sauce

1 small onion, chopped

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 to 1 tsp. pepper

1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 teaspoons molasses

1 cup fresh or frozen huckleberries* or blueberries

 

In a medium saucepan, cook onion in oil over medium heat until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in salt, chili powder, dry mustard, pepper, chile flakes, and cumin. Cook until seasonings are fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and molasses. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Add berries and simmer gently, uncovered, until softened, 25 minutes. Purée most of sauce in a blender, then stir into remaining sauce.

 

*Buy from specialty produce markets or nwwildfoods.com, or pick your own in the wild from August through October.

 

Huckleberry Streusel Muffins

Huckleberry Streusel Muffins

GLAC_Huckleberry_DavidRestivoNPS2 C. All Purpose Flour

1/3 C. Granulated Sugar

1 T. Baking Powder

3/4 tsp. Salt

1 C. Milk

1 Large Egg

3 T. Butter, Melted

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 C. fresh, rinsed Huckleberries

Streusel (recipe follows)

 

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; make a well in the center of the mixture.  In a 2 cup glass measure, beat milk, egg, butter and vanilla; pour into center of well.  Mix gently just until dry ingredients are moistened.  Batter will be lumpy.  Stir in huckleberries.  Spoon batter equally into 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.  Sprinkle streusel evenly over batter.  Bake at 425 until streusel is lightly browned.  Remove muffins from pan and remove to wire rack to cool.

Streusel:  In food processor, whir 1 C. flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar until blended.  Add 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into chunks and whirl until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Serving Size: 1 Muffin

Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 291

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 1.1g

Oregon Style Pork Chops with Pinot Noir and Cranberries, Oregon Hash with Wild Mushrooms, Greens, Beets, Hazelnuts and Blue Cheese, Charred Whole Grain Bread with Butter and Chives

Oregon Style Pork Chops with Pinot Noir and Cranberries, Oregon Hash with Wild Mushrooms, Greens, Beets, Hazelnuts and Blue Cheese, Charred Whole Grain Bread with Butter and Chives

4 (1 1/2-inch thick) boneless pork loin chops

Salt and pepper

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan

2 leeks

1 C. hazelnut or filbert nut pieces

1/2 C. dried sweetened cranberries

1 C. Pinot Noir (recommended: Willamette Valley Oregon)

1 C. chicken stock

1/2 stick butter, divided

2 shallots, thinly sliced

1 lb. crimini (baby portobello) mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1/2 lb. shiitake mushroom caps, sliced

1 bunch kale, chopped, 4 to 5 C.

1 (15-oz.) can sliced beets, drained

8 oz. blue cheese crumbles (recommended: Oregon)

1 loaf crusty whole-grain bread

3 T. chopped chives

ORport

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Season chops with salt and pepper. Add 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil to the hot skillet and the chops. Cook chops 3 to 4 minutes on each side. While they cook, split leeks lengthwise, slice in 1/2-inch half-moon pieces and wash vigorously under running water in a colander to release sand. Shake to dry.  Preheat a second large skillet for your hash over medium-high heat. Add nuts to the skillet and brown 2 to 3 minutes then remove and reserve them.  To chop skillet, add another T. extra and the leeks. Cook the leeks until tender, 5 minutes. Add cranberries and Pinot Noir to the pan. Scrape up the pan drippings and stir in chicken stock. When sauce comes up to a bubble, add the chops back to the pan and reduce heat to simmer. Finish cooking chops through, 10 minutes.  To the hash skillet, add a T. extra-virgin olive oil and 1 T. butter. When butter melts into oil, add shallots then mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, then add kale. Wilt the kale into the pan and season with salt and pepper, to taste. When kale is hot and wilted, add beets and gently combine. Adjust seasonings. Preheat broiler. Pull chops from their sauce. Raise heat and bring back to a bubble. Cut off 4 thick slices of whole-grain bread. Char bread under broiler on each side while you finish the sauce. Add 2 T. butter to the sauce to give it gloss and weight and turn off heat. Pour sauce over the chops. Serve hash alongside the chops and top with crumbles of blue cheese and reserved nuts. Spread charred bread with remaining butter and sprinkle liberally with chopped chives.

 

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

 

Asparagus Soup with Roasted Shallots and Morels

Asparagus Soup with Roasted Shallots and Morels

1 small onion, coarsely chopped

1 tsp. finely chopped garlic

2 1/2 T. canola oil

2 pounds asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch lengths

6 C. chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth

1/2 C. dried morel or porcini mushrooms (about 1/2 ounce)

2 C. hot water

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

In a large saucepan, combine the onion, garlic and 2 T. of the oil and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and cook until the asparagus are very tender, about 30 minutes.  Preheat the oven to 350°. In a bowl, soak the morels in the hot water until softened, about 20 minutes. Swirl to dislodge any grit; drain and chop.

In a pie plate, toss the morels, shallots, remaining 1/2 T. of oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the shallots are softened and lightly browned.  Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into soup plates, garnish with the mushroom mixture and serve.

 

Curried Chicken-Oregon Hazelnut Salad in Melon Shell

Curried Chicken-Oregon Hazelnut Salad in Melon Shell

3 small melons, cut in half and seeded (drain upside down on towel)

 

Chicken Filling

2 C. cubed cooked chicken

1/2 C. diced celery

1 tart apple, cored, chopped, dipped in lemon juice and water

1 T. green onions, finely chopped

1 T. capers, drained

2/3 C. roasted and coarsely chopped Oregon hazelnuts

1/2 C. mayonnaise

2 T. sour cream

2 tsp. curry powder

Currants, for garnish

 

Combine first six ingredients, except apples.  Mix mayonnaise, sour cream and curry together and stir into chicken mixture.  Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.  Add chopped apples that have been dipped in lemon juice and water.  Fill cavity of melons.  Garnish with sprinkle of currants over top.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber: