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Tag: Side Dish

Frozen Peas with Lemon Butter

Frozen Peas with Lemon Butter

Frozen Peas with Lemon Butter

 

2 T. salted butter

1 (1-pound) bag frozen peas

1 tsp. kosher salt tsp.

ground black pepper

Zest and juice from 1 medium lemon

 

Add butter and frozen peas to a 12″ skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 minute, stirring frequently to melt the butter and heat the peas through. Raise heat to medium-high. Add salt, pepper, lemon zest and juice. Cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve immediately.

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

Parmesan Butter Linguine

 

2 pounds dry linguine

16 T. unsalted butter

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

4 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp. salt

2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese

 

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

Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Anchovy, Parmesan and Rosemary

Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Anchovy, Parmesan and Rosemary

Crunchy Baked Potatoes with Anchovy, Parmesan and Rosemary

 

4 large russet potatoes 10 to 12 ounces each, scrubbed well

1¾ tsp. kosher salt

¼ cup grated Parmesan

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, more for drizzling

2tsp. minced fresh rosemary

4 anchovy fillets, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

 

6 T. panko or plain dried bread crumbs

3 anchovy fillets, minced

3 T. grated Parmesan

¼ tsp. packed grated lemon zest

1 large pinch red pepper flakes

Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

 

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Rub the potatoes with 1½ tsp. salt and pierce twice with a fork (don’t worry if some salt falls off). Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until skin is crispy and insides are tender when pierced with a fork, 60 to 70 minutes. When potatoes have cooled enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slice off tops. Scoop out insides, leaving about ¼ inch around skin; transfer potato flesh to a bowl. Add cheese, olive oil, rosemary, anchovy, garlic and remaining ¼ tsp. of salt to bowl and mash with a fork until combined. Stuff potato skins with potato mixture. In the same bowl, mix all topping ingredients, except olive oil, and divide among the potatoes; drizzle tops very generously with olive oil. Return potatoes to oven and bake until heated through, about 10 minutes. Run under broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until tops are golden brown and crisp. Replace tops on potatoes if you like and serve hot.

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

 

5 poblano peppers

1 T. butter

1 medium onion, sliced root to tip, ¼”

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

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

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

1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Creamy Brazilian Beans

Creamy Brazilian Beans

Creamy Brazilian Beans

 

2 1/2 cups dry, uncooked pinto beans

8 cups water

1 large yellow onion, chopped small – divided

4 cloves garlic, crushed – divided

3 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp. salt – or to taste

1 tsp. granulated onion

1/4 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. sweet paprika

1/4 tsp. dried parsley

1 pinch dried oregano

1 pinch dried savory

 

Spread beans out on clean counter top (or a clean dish towel) and sort through beans, removing small rocks or debris. Place beans in a large colander and rinse well. Transfer beans to Instant Pot. You can also use a stove-top pressure cooker. Be sure to read your pressure cooker manual before using.) Add water, half of the onion, half of the garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Lock the lid on and set the Instant Pot to “Manual”and “High Pressure” for 45 minutes. Be sure the valve on top is set to “Sealed”.  When cooking time is done, turn off the heat, and allow pressure to release on its own (natural/slow release method) before opening lid. Remove lid and turn Instant Pot back on. Add remaining onion and garlic and stir into beans along with the remaining seasonings. (If desired, onions and garlic can be sauteed before adding to beans.) Boil beans uncovered for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beans will become super soft and creamy. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Earthy Celery Root Salad

Earthy Celery Root Salad

Earthy Celery Root Salad

 

1 celery root, cleaned, peeled and shredded.
1 green Granny Smith apple, cleaned and shredded.
1 T. lemon juice
½ cup parsley leaves, cleaned and separated from stems
½ cup almond halves, toasted

 

¼ cup olive oil
½ lemon, squeeze the juice
1 T. whole-grain Dijon mustard
1 tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp. salt (if desired)

 

Pour 1 T. lemon juice on the shredded apple and celery to prevent oxidation. Add salad ingredients to a bowl: shredded celery root, apple and parsley leaves. Mix well. In a separate bowl mix all the dressing ingredients till the sauce is homogenous. Pour sauce on the salad, mix well, add almonds and serve

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

Cheesy Spinach Pancakes

 

14.1 ounces (400 g) frozen spinach, drained

8 large eggs

1 cup (90 g/3.2 oz) finely grated Parmesan

1/4 cup (37 g/1.3 oz) chopped sun-dried tomatoes

2 T. (16 g/0.6 oz) coconut flour

1 T. (5 g/0.2 oz) dried Italian herbs

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 T. (30 g/1.1 oz) ghee or duck fat

Optional: sliced avocado, cooked bacon, and Sriracha sauce for serving

 

Defrost the spinach (in a microwave oven or in the fridge overnight). Squeeze out as much moisture as possible (you will end up with about half of the original weight). Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the drained spinach, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, coconut flour, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Heat a large skillet greased with the ghee over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, use a 1/3-cup measure to make 3 to 4 pancakes at a time. Shape them into small pancakes in the pan using a spatula. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm enough to flip onto the other side, and then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat for the remaining pancakes. Serve warm or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Optionally, serve with avocado, cooked bacon, and Sriracha sauce.

 

Makes 12

Serving Size: 2 Pancakes

Calories: 244

Fat: 17g

Fiber: 3g

Baked Polenta Wedges

Baked Polenta Wedges

Baked Polenta Wedges

 

¾ tsp. salt

1 cup cornmeal

¼ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. onion powder

1 T. olive oil or melted butter for prebake brushing

 

Lightly grease or coat with nonstick spray an 8- or 9-inch cake pan. In a medium saucepan, put on 1 ¾ cups of water to boil with the ¾ tsp. salt. In a bowl that will hold at least 3 cups of liquid, combine the cornmeal with the sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the dry mix with a whisk to distribute. Add 1 cup of water to the mix, stirring to combine. When the water on the stove boils, slowly add the cornmeal mix, whisking as you do to prevent clumping. Continue cooking and whisking for several minutes (it may take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes). When the mixture thickens enough so that a wooden spoon can stand up in it, it’s ready. Pour the mixture into the cake pan and smooth it as evenly as you can (I use a batter scraper). Let it set until cool, probably half an hour, though you can make this part up to a day ahead and then bake it when you’re ready. Keep in mind that if you store it in the refrigerator, the baking time will increase. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease the baking sheet you’ll use to bake the polenta. Brush a little oil or melted butter over the top of the polenta. (I haven’t been able to get a good browning with olive oil.) Turn the polenta out onto a plate and brush the other side. Slice on the diagonal to produce eight triangular wedges. (If using a square pan, use perpendicular lines to make rectangular wedges.) Carefully (they’ll be a little flimsy) place the wedges on your baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes on each side, or until the wedges begin to turn golden and a little crisp. If you don’t want to bake them, you can pan-fry them in the butter or olive oil as an alternative.  Serve with Red Pepper-Mango Coulis.

Braised Fennel with Orange

Braised Fennel with Orange

Braised Fennel with Orange

 

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 medium fennel bulbs (about 4 lb. total), stalks trimmed and bulbs cut into quarters (cores left intact), fronds reserved for garnish

2 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth

1/2 cup lower-salt chicken broth

1 medium navel orange

1/2 tsp. fennel seeds, toasted and lightly crushed

1/2 tsp. coriander seeds, toasted and lightly crushed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the fennel, cut side down. Cook undisturbed until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other cut sides. Arrange the fennel browned sides up in a large (10×14-inch) gratin or shallow baking dish. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil to the skillet and repeat with the remaining fennel. Lower the heat to medium if any smoking occurs. It’s OK if the wedges are snug in the baking dish; they’ll shrink as they braise. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to dissolve any browned bits, about 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer to meld the flavors, about 2 minutes. Pour over the fennel. With a vegetable peeler, remove three 3-inch strips of zest from the orange and then juice the orange. Nestle the pieces of zest in the fennel and pour the juice over. Sprinkle with the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, 1 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil and braise in the oven until the fennel has collapsed and a paring knife penetrates the cores with no resistance, about 1-1/4 hours. Spoon some braising liquid over the fennel, garnish with the reserved fronds, and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

White Beans with Sorrel Pesto

 

Fresh sorrel, a hardy, leafy green perennial, gives simple white beans a zap of color and a lemony tang. Farmers’ markets often carry it from spring into early fall, depending on where you live. If you can’t find it, swap in basil. This recipe comes from Erin Scott, creator of the blog (and cookbook) Yummy Supper.

 

1 pound dried white beans, such as cannellini or navy

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 bay leaf

1 T. kosher salt

 

Pesto

4 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh sorrel or basil leaves (from a 6-oz. bunch)

2/3 cup pine nuts or Marcona almonds

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (use the smallest punched-out holes on a box grater)

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pepper and flaky sea salt to taste

 

Rinse beans under cool tap water. Put in a pot, cover with 3 in. cold water, and let soak overnight. Or, bring them just to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and let sit 1 hour, covered. If soaking liquid is cloudy, drain and replace, covering beans with at least 2 in. water; if clear, add enough to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Skim any foam from surface. Add sliced garlic and bay leaf and simmer, partly covered, until tender, 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long beans have been sitting on the shelf. Stir in salt. While beans are cooking, put pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to a coarse purée. Ladle out 1 cup cooking liquid and set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer warm beans to a serving bowl and stir in 1 1/2 cups pesto, along with some reserved cooking liquid to loosen them up. Serve hot, with remaining pesto on the side. Make ahead: Beans and pesto separately, up to 2 days, chilled (store beans in cooking liquid, and press plastic wrap against surface of pesto).

Cheddar Ranch Buttermilk Biscuits

Cheddar Ranch Buttermilk Biscuits

 

2 cups self-rising flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)

1 1/2 T. Ranch salad dressing & seasoning mix

½ T. dried herbs, such as Thyme

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped cooked bacon

2¼ cups buttermilk

1 egg

1 T.p milk

 

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour, all-purpose flour, room temperature butter, Ranch seasoning, herbs, cheddar cheese and bacon. Make sure to break up any large clumps of butter. Gently mix in half of the buttermilk into the flour mixture. Add remaining buttermilk and gently combine. Knead dough until just combined. Remove from bowl and place on a floured surface. Gently knead dough a few times, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky. Fold dough over on itself 3 times, and press to 1-½ inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with a 3-inch cutter. Place biscuits on prepared pan. Press together unused dough and repeat kneading and cutting. Whisk together egg and milk. Brush over tops of biscuits. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking.

Boxty

Boxty

Boxty

 

1 cup (250g) mashed potato freshly made or leftovers

1 cup (250g) peeled and grated raw potato

1 ½ cups (220g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)

1 tsp. baking soda (bicarb of soda)

1 tsp. salt

1 cup (250ml) buttermilk (or 250ml milk with 2 tsp. white vinegar or lemon juice stirred in and left for 5 mins)

Butter or oil for frying

 

Wring the grated potato out in a clean tea towel to dry it out a little. Discard the starchy water. Add all ingredients except the buttermilk to a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Stir in the buttermilk to make a thick batter. Heat a little oil or butter in a frying pan over a medium/low heat, then add tablespoonfuls of the boxty batter and fry until golden and cooked though, about 5 minutes per side. Flip and cook the other side.

If making batches, keep them warm in the oven.

Summer Squash Fritters with Garlic Dipping Sauce

Summer Squash Fritters with Garlic Dipping Sauce

Summer Squash Fritters with Garlic Dipping Sauce

 

20 garlic cloves, peeled (about 2 heads)

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ cup chives, minced

 

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup shredded white Cheddar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 large eggs

¾ cup cold beer

1 cup grated zucchini (about one 6- to 7-ounce zucchini), drained on paper towels 15 minutes

1 cup grated yellow squash (about one 6-to 7-ounce squash), drained on paper towels 15 minutes

1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

½ cup canola oil, for frying

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees, put garlic cloves in a small baking dish and add enough olive oil to cover. Roast until garlic is soft and golden, about 30 minutes. Cool. Drain garlic, reserving oil. Transfer to a food processor, add 1 tablespoon reserved oil and the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper and purée. Transfer to a bowl and stir in chives. Use remaining oil for another purpose. Combine flour, Cheddar, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, gently whisk eggs with beer. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir until combined. Stir in zucchini, yellow squash and onion. Heat canola oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter into the oil per fritter and fry 6 fritters at a time until golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes a side. Remove to paper towels to drain. Serve hot, with the sauce on the side.

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

 

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the pancakes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

¾ to 1 cup boiling water

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

4 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 Tablespoon sliced scallions

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

 

Add the flour and salt to the bowl of a food processor and pulse for 15 seconds. With the motor running, stream in ¾ cup of boiling water. Continue processing until the dough balls up around the blade. If the dough does not come together, add more boiling water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.  Lightly flour your work surface then turn out the dough. Knead it for 30 seconds then cover it with a damp towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.  Working with one piece of dough at a time (and keeping the remaining pieces covered with a damp towel), roll it out into a 8-inch circle. Brush it lightly with sesame oil then sprinkle it with scallions. Roll the dough up into a log then shape it into a coil, tucking the end under the bottom of the coil. Flatten the coil slightly with your hand then roll it out again into a 7-inch circle. Set the pancake aside under the damp cloth while you repeat the rolling and filling process with the remaining pieces of dough.  Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to a medium skillet set over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pancake and cook it, turning frequently to prevent the scallions from burning, until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the pancake to a plate or wire rack then repeat the cooking process with the remaining vegetable oil and pancakes. Cut the scallion pancakes into wedges and serve them with the dipping sauce (recipe follows). In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, scallions and crushed red pepper flakes (optional).

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Chili Pepper

 

2 big heads of broccoli

Extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves of garlic

1 fresh red-hot chili pepper; or a good pinch of crushed chili flakes

A lemon for squeezing; or red wine vinegar

 

Preheat oven to 375. Cut the broccoli florets into more-or-less bite-sized pieces, and add to a bowl large enough to comfortably accommodate them. You’ll have plenty of stem left over—and the stem has good flavor. So thinly slice a bit of the stem, starting from the floret side (see picture), and add it to the bowl with the florets. About an inch’s worth of sliced stem from each broccoli head will do. Add a couple of glugs of olive oil to the bowl, and then a good pinch of sea salt and several grinds of black pepper. Using your hands, toss the broccoli pieces well, making sure they’re evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings. Add the seasoned broccoli to a roasting pan or oven-proof skillet large enough to accommodate them in a single layer. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, finely mince the garlic and (if using) the fresh chili pepper. When the florets have just begun to brown, remove the pan from the oven and add add the minced garlic and chili pepper (or dried chili flakes). Toss well with a spatula, and return pan to the oven for another couple of minutes. The broccoli pieces are done when the florets are browned in spots but still slightly crunchy. Finish with a few dashes of vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice, and taste for salt. This dish can be made ahead several hours and is just fine served room temperature.

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

Beans and Greens Gratin

 

Extra virgin olive oil

½ stick unsalted butter

2 onions, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 fat leek, cleaned and sliced into rounds

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

pinch chili flakes

1 large bunch white-stemmed Swiss chard

2 T. fresh thyme leaves

1 T. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. white wine vinegar

2 cups cooked white or brown beans with some of the cooking broth

1 cup grated hard sheep’s milk cheese, like Pecorino

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (pulse a couple of slices of good bread in the food processor to make coarse crumbs)

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a heavy-bottomed pan heat 2 T. olive oil and 2 T. butter, then add the onions, garlic and leeks. Season with salt and pepper and add the chili flakes. Sauté slowly until onions are softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes but as long as 30; you want them to turn a deep golden brown. While the onions cook, strip the leaves of the Swiss chard; chop the stems and slice the leaves, keeping them separate. When the onions are about halfway to brown, add the Swiss chard stems to the pan, stirring to combine. Once everything is a nice golden brown, add the sliced chard leaves, the herbs, and the vinegar, tossing to wilt. Butter the bottom of a ceramic oval baker or casserole dish and spread the onion and chard mixture at the bottom. Layer on the cooked beans and pour in enough liquid to come about halfway up the casserole (this helps the beans not to dry out in the oven). Sprinkle the grated cheese over the beans and then spread the breadcrumbs on top. Dot with the remaining butter, season again with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Confit Mushrooms

Confit Mushrooms

Confit Mushrooms

 

1 ½ lb mushrooms (of your choice)

2 T. minced shallots

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

2 C. neutral olive oil or grapeseed oil

Salt, to taste

 

Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel. If the stems are edible, simply trim the ends; otherwise, separate the caps from the stems and reserve the stems to make a mushroom broth. In a saucepan, combine the minced shallots, thyme leaves, cleaned mushrooms, and oil. Heat gently for about 40 minutes; you do not want the oil to bubble or the shallots to burn. Remove from heat and cool completely. Season with salt to taste and transfer to a cool, sterilized jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Terrence Hill’s Beans

Terrence Hill’s Beans

Terrence Hill’s Beans

 

2 T. olive oil

1 bunch scallions, white and green parts, sliced

5 garlic cloves, crushed lightly

6 pancetta rashers, sliced into ribbons

3 T. tomato paste

2 cups red kidney beans

3 cups chicken stock or water to cover

1 T. brown sugar

2 Poblano peppers, soaked, seeded and chopped roughly

3 sprigs thyme

1 bunch flatleaf parsley

1 T. red wine vinegar

2 cups dry but fruity red wine

salt and pepper

 

Soak the beans in water overnight or bring to a boil and allow to rest in water until it is cold, discarding water in either event. In the olive oil, gently sauté the scallions, the garlic, and add the pancetta, cooking over medium heat until the fat runs a little. Add the tomato paste and stir until it has lightly caramelized.

Add the drained beans, with enough chicken stock or water to cover them. Add the sugar, the peppers and the herbs, stir, and cover. Cook gently until the beans are fork-piercable tender, adding additional stock or water from time to time. When barely tender add vinegar and red wine. Cook, with lid removed, until the wine has been absorbed. Taste! Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Serve with crusty baguette and sweet butter. Not that Terence ever had either. Or the wine for that matter.

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

Caramelized Red Bell Peppers and Onions

 

2 red bell pepper, cut into strips

2 red onions, cut into strips

1 T. olive oil

1 tsp. butter

¼ cup red wine (Optional)

1 pinch salt

1 pinch ground black pepper

1 pinch dried basil

 

Variation: Add some golden raisins

 

In a hot saucepan over a medium heat, combine red peppers, onion, oil and butter; sauté for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers soften. If desired, stir red wine into the vegetables and cook until the wine evaporates; approximately 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

 

10 corn tortillas

1/2 C coconut oil (or avocado oil)

1/2 C coconut shortening*

Fine salt (not kosher salt)

2 T Lime juice (fresh-squeezed or bottled)

 

Prepare a bowl (or alternatively, a baking sheet) lined with paper towels. In a heavy pan such as a cast iron skillet, heat the 1/2 C coconut oil and 1/2 C coconut shortening (or as much as you need to make 1 inch of melted oil) over medium-high heat. The temperature should be about 350 – 370 degrees if using an instant read thermometer or an infra-red thermometer. While the oil is heating, cut the corn tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips, cutting the longer ones in half as needed so you’re left with strips 3-4 inches long. Alternatively, you can cut into triangles to make your own tortilla chips! Fill a small spray bottle with 2 T of lime juice, and have some fine salt ready (not kosher salt). When the oil is heated, carefully place 8-10 corn tortilla strips into the oil and allow to crisp for about 10-15 seconds. Turn them over and repeat on the other side. Remove the strips with a pair of nylon-tipped tongs and drain on the paper towels. While still hot and a little oily, spritz with the lime juice and toss with a pinch of salt. Repeat the process until the corn tortilla strips are all fried.

Corn Bites

Corn Bites

Corn Bites

 

2 T. butter

2 T. of all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups corn kernels

1 egg

1/2 cup Cotija cheese, grated

1 ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko)

Oil in spray

 

Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the flour and mix until combined; cook for 1-2 minutes. Add milk and constantly mix to avoid forming lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the corn kernels; mix until they combine. Remove from the heat and add the eggs and cheese; continue mixing for 2 minutes. The residual heat will cook the egg. Let it cool down and then place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until it is completely cold and compact. Heat the oven to 450° F. Cover an oven tray with parchment paper. Using your hands, form the bites into disks. Cover with panko on all sides and place in a previously prepared tray. Spray with oil. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the bites are golden. Garnish with more Cotija cheese and minced cilantro, if you want. Serve immediately.

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

Cheddar and Dill Buttermilk Quick Bread

 

2 cups flour

2 T. sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1/4 cup melted butter

1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Whisk the melted butter into the buttermilk mixture. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mix, and gently combine. Don’t over mix the batter. Stir in the shredded cheese and dill. Line a 9 x 5 baking tin with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

Cheese Rice with Vegetables (Stoplight Rice)

 

2 T. canola oil

½ tsp. garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pinch of salt

1 medium zucchini, grated

1 small carrot, grated

¼ red bell pepper, diced

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the minced garlic and rice to the saucepan and toss until fully coated. Add the chicken broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Cooke for 15 to 20 minutes until most of liquid is absorbed. Remove the rice from the heat, and stir in the grated zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and cheese. Ready to serve and eat!

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

 

1-1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

Salt

4 slices pepper bacon

1 bunch miner’s lettuce, separated into single leaves, tough bottom stems discarded (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 T. lemon juice

3 T. finely chopped chives

2 T. thinly sliced cornichons or pickles

1 T. capers

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the potatoes in a medium sauce pan. Add 6 cups of cold water (or enough to cover by 2 inches). Bring to a boil, add 2 tsp. salt, and cook until tender and a paring knife slides easily into the potatoes without resistance, 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain. When cool enough to handle but still warm, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch slices. Place the potatoes in a large serving bowl. Cook the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate in the microwave or in a frying pan until crisp. Crumble the bacon and add it to the potatoes along with the miner’s lettuce. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon juice, chives, cornichons, and capers. Toss with the potatoes with the miners lettuce and dressing. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or room temperature.

Spoon Bread

Spoon Bread

Spoon Bread

 

1 cup self-rising cornmeal

2 tsp. sugar

pinch baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 cup boiling water

1 ½ cups buttermilk

3 eggs

¼ stick butter, melted

 

Preheat oven to 375°. Put the cornmeal in a bowl and add the sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the boiling water. Add the buttermilk and then the eggs and butter and mix together well. Pour the batter into a greased cast-iron skillet and bake for 30 minutes.

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

Fried Cabbage and Bacon

 

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 small head green cabbage, cored and cut into about 1-inch pieces

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. celery seed

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 T. apple cider vinegar

 

Place bacon in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in the Dutch oven. Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, 2 T. water, salt, celery seed, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cabbage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender, 8 to 12 minutes.  Remove the cabbage from the heat and stir in the vinegar and bacon. Serve hot.

Long Leek Pie

Long Leek Pie

Long Leek Pie

 

4 sheets all-butter puff pastry

3 leeks

¾ cup white wine

butter

a few thyme sprigs

Salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup aged goat cheese, grated or crumbled, or 1/2 cup crème fraîche

1 egg white, loosely beaten

 

Cut the leeks into three sections, removing the bottom and the dark green leaves. Wash the leeks, then simmer in the white wine, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes. Remove the leeks from the simmering liquid and pat them dry. While the leeks are simmering, stack the puff pastry and roll it out lengthwise. Use the back of the knife to score a rectangle just a few centimeters inside the edge; this will form a border. Place the leeks next to each other inside the border of the puff pastry. Top the leeks with goat cheese or crème fraîche, and brush the outer edges with lightly beaten egg white. (I put a little bit of freshly grated parmesan on top of the crème fraîche). Bake for about 25 minutes at 400°F. The edge will rise and become browned.

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

Roasted Fennel & Potatoes

 

2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into six wedges

12 red potatoes, cut in half

salt and pepper, to taste

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Combine the fennel wedges and potatoes in a large roasting pan and toss with olive oil and seasoning to coat. Roast the vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing once, until tender and golden brown.

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

 

1 pint mini peppers (8 oz)

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons Parmesan dry-grated

 

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise. I usually leave the stem as I think it’s pretty – but you can cut it off if you wish. The larger mini peppers might have some seeds and membranes – remove those with your fingers or with a paring knife.  Place the peppers in a large bowl. Toss them with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and Parmesan. Arrange the seasoned mini peppers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake them until tender, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

Delicata Squash with Agrodolce

 

1 delicata squash

Kosher salt

3 shallots sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 T. sugar

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Cut off one end of each of the squashes to reveal the seeds and core. Using a long-handled spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard (or save for another use). Cut the squash crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Heat a grill or a grill pan over moderate heat. Do not oil the grates of the grill or the pan, but make sure they are very clean. Have a platter and a piece of foil on hand. Dry-grill the squash until charred on one side, about 5 minutes, then use tongs to flip the squash and continue to cook until the slices are well browned and almost tender, about 5 minutes more. As the slices are grilled, transfer them to a platter and cover with foil. Season lightly with salt and keep tightly covered while you make the agrodolce. Combine the shallots and olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat and cook, stirring from time to time, until softened and golden brown in spots, about 10 minutes. Stir in the raisins, vinegar, sugar, 1 tsp. salt and several grinds of black pepper and simmer until the mixture has reduced to a juicy glaze, about 2 minutes. Immediately pour the shallot mixture over the squash and let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

With its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors plus a wonderfully creamy texture that kids love, it’s a great comfort food for any season. The concept works with many different vegetables, so you might want to make budín de camote (sweet potato), budín de maíz (fresh corn), or budín de calabaza (squash or pumpkin), depending on what you have handy.

2 pounds fresh carrots

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup finely chopped piloncillo (This is a Mexican raw sugar, but you can substitute brown sugar, Sucanat, rapadura, granulated palm sugar, or maple syrup)

3 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for garnish)

3/4 cup rice flour (can substitute white flour)

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cut carrots into big chunks and steam until completely tender, almost falling apart. Transfer into another pot or bowl and mash with a potato masher, fork, or whisk. Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat until sugar is dissolved or incorporated (I recommend using an electric hand mixer if you have one. You could also use a food processor or a whisk). Add the eggs and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Mix in the sour cream. Add in the steamed mashed carrots and beat until completely incorporated. Mix or sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then add to the carrot mixture. Beat for another minute or two until everything is completely incorporated. Stir in the cheese and the nutmeg. Pour custard into a buttered baking dish, then bake until set, about 45 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

Cacio e Pepe Potatoes Anna

 

1/2 cup (65 grams) finely grated aged Pecorino Romano

1 tablespoon (10 grams) potato starch or cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, or a larger amount coarsely ground

3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil

2 pounds (roughly 1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/8-inch-thick, ideally on a mandolin

 

8 cups (5 2/3 ounces or 160 grams) loosely packed arugula

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

2 teaspoons (10 ml) white wine vinegar

 

Assemble the potatoes: Heat your oven to 375°F. Combine the cheese, potato starch or cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Taste a pinch; you want it to have a strong salty-peppery kick, because it’s going to be distributed all over the galette.  Pour 1 tablespoon butter or oil into the bottom of a 9-inch-diameter cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, and swirl it up the sides. Arrange the potatoes in overlapping concentric circles in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. (This will use approximately a quarter of your sliced potatoes.) Drizzle with 1 teaspoon butter or oil, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the cheese-pepper mixture. You’ll need to repeat this three or four times to use up your potatoes (depending on their size). At the end, you should have about 1 tablespoon cheese-pepper mixture left over; reserve this. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top. To bake: Lightly coat a piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover the skillet tightly with it. Put in heated oven for 35 minutes, at which point the potatoes will be almost tender. Use pot holdered hands to press firmly on the foil to compact the potatoes a bit. Remove and reserve the foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes more, until lightly brown all over. Press again with the foil, remove, then briefly run under the broiler for an even golden-brown finish. To finish and serve: While the galette bakes, toss the arugula with the olive oil and vinegar, keeping the dressing very light. Once the galette is out of the oven, let it rest in the skillet for a few minutes before running a knife around to ensure that it is loose. Gently tip the skillet over your sink to drain any excess butter or oil. Invert it onto a plate or cutting board, then flip right side up. Cut the galette into wedges, then top with the dressed greens, and sprinkle with the reserved cheese-pepper mixture. Do ahead: This galette can be made up to 3 days in advance. Rewarm at 350 degrees for 15 minutes with foil on top.

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

Instant Pot Butter Stewed Potatoes

 

4-5 medium sized Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.5 inch rounds

5-8 tablespoons of butter

1/4 cup diced onion (optional)

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock

salt

pepper

1/4 cup cream (optional)

 

Turn Instant Pot on to SAUTE mode, high. Once heated, add half of the butter and let it melt. Stir in onions and let them cook until soft, not browned. (Omit steps 1-3 if not using onion.) De glaze Instant Pot liner with chicken stock, add potatoes, salt, pepper, and the rest of the butter. Cancel the SAUTE mode, and press the PRESSURE cooker or MANUAL button on the Instant Pot. HIGH pressure. Set the cooking time to 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, release the pressure manually. Stir potatoes and adjust seasonings. If using cream, stir it in. Garnish with chopped chives.

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

Les Potatoes de la Semaine (weeknight potatoes)

 

Six big Yukon Gold (or any of your favorite yellow flesh potatoes)

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

1 tsp Harissa, or your favorite hot sauce (Optional)

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven at 400F. Peel and slice the potatoes into wedges or fries. Put them in a bowl, along with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika and harissa, if used. Toss the potatoes to combine. Arrange them in a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crisp on the outside, turning them over once, about 25-30 minutes. Mix the herbs, garlic, lemon juice in a bowl. When the potatoes are baked, toss them quickly with the garlic infused herbs and serve.

Chive Corn Pudding

Chive Corn Pudding

Chive Corn Pudding

 

2 ears corn, husks and silks removed; or 2 cups frozen corn thawed

2 cups 1-percent milk

2 T. low-fat sour cream

2 eggs

2 T. flour

1 T. sugar

2 T. minced chives

1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If using fresh corn, use a sharp knife to scrape the corn from the cob.  Combine the corn with the remaining ingredients in a food processor or blender.  Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour the corn pudding into the casserole dish.  Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until pudding is set and tester put in the center comes out clean.

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

 

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 tsp. flaky sea salt, or to taste

1 tsp. pink peppercorns, lightly crushed with your fingers, plus more for garnish

1 large fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced, fronds reserved

1 small jicama (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, halved and cut into thin matchsticks

1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1 ounce Feta cheese, crumbled

coarsely cracked black pepper

 

Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and add hot water to cover. Set aside for about 20 minutes, then drain and thinly slice them. Meanwhile, in a small, lidded jar, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pink peppercorns. Cover and shake until emulsified. Finely chop the fennel fronds to make ¼ cup and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the fennel, jicama, cucumber, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the fennel fronds and cheese, finish with a little salt, a couple of grinds of pepper, and a sprinkling of pink peppercorns lightly crushed between your fingers. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Ramp Filled Crescents

Ramp Filled Crescents

Ramp Filled Crescents

 

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 cup ramps finely chopped

2 T. Butter

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup gruyere cheese shredded

 

Preheat oven to 375F. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook finely chopped ramps in butter for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Add cream cheese to the skillet, stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Roll out crescent roll dough. Spread ramp cream cheese filling onto each triangle and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Then roll up. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy while warm, room temperature or chilled in the fridge. Notes: For this recipe you can use the whole ramp (bulb, stem and leaves) or all leaves. While the leaves have less flavor than the bulbs they are still totally delicious!

Easy Baked Polenta

Easy Baked Polenta

Easy Baked Polenta

 

You can use medium-grind cornmeal or polenta here.

 

8 cups water

2 cups medium-grind polenta

2 tsp. table salt

â…› tsp. pepper

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (2 cups)

4 T. unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

 

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine water, polenta, salt, and pepper in 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Transfer dish to oven and bake, uncovered, until water is absorbed and polenta has thickened, about 60 minutes.  Remove baking dish from oven. Whisk in Parmesan and butter until polenta is smooth and creamy. Serve.

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Oven Roasted Baby Turnips with a Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

 

1 lb (1/2 kilo) of baby turnips, washed and with stalks trimmed short

2 T. hi temp cooking oil such as avocado or grape seed

 

1/2 T. of freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ tsp. of finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp. of Dijon mustard

1 T. of finely chopped shallot

2 heaped T. of chopped parsley

A pinch or two of sugar

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients together and set aside.  Preheat the oven to 425F / 220C and put a roasting pan in the oven to heat. Cut the turnips in half lengthwise, toss them with the two T. of avocado oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the turnips in the preheated pan and roast for 18-25 minutes or until tender and tinged brown in patches. Transfer them turnips to a bowl, allow them to cool a bit then toss them with the vinaigrette. Serve warm or at room temp. If you make them ahead, cover and chill in the fridge but bring them back to room temp before serving.

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

Gulerodsalat – Danish Carrot Salad

 

3-5 Large carrots

1-2 apples

1 lemon

handful of raisins

1-2 tsp sugar

 

Shred carrots and apples. Juice the lemon. Mix all of the ingredients together and let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour