April 29th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 2-3 cups
1½ cup fresh pineapple, chopped small
1 small red onion, chopped small
2 serrano pepper, sliced thin
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste if needed)
Toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl and mix well. Let stand approximately 1 hour before serving, keep cold.
April 29th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 2-3 cups
10-12 medium tomatillos, quartered
1 medium white onion, peeled and quartered
2-3 jalapeños, cut in half and deseeded
2 pablano peppers, cut in half and deseeded
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cumin
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatillos and onions on a lined baking sheet. On another lined baking sheet place the peppers, cut side down. Roast the ingredients for about 15 minutes or until lightly charred. Allow to cool a few minutes and chop tomatillos and onions very small and place in a medium bowl . Remove the skin from the peppers and chop them fine and add them to the same bowl. Season with salt and cumin and the juice of the lime, mix well and toss in cilantro leaves until mixed.
April 9th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes approximately 3 cups of pickled onions
1½ cups water (boiling)
1½ cups citrus champagne vinegar (can substitute regular vinegar)
1 tablespoon salt
¼ cup tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 2 limes
4 medium red onions, sliced thin
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
Shake together all ingredients except the red onions and lime juice until the sugar and salt melt and are incorporated fully. Add the onions and the lime juice and stir well, making sure that the onions are fully submerged in the liquid. Cover tightly with a lid and let stand while the mixture cools. (This cooling process will also partially cook the onions). Once cool, add the cilantro leaves and refrigerate for about 6 hours before serving.
*Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
April 6th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons oil of choice (walnut, sesame, almond or pistachio)
1 cup shallots, sliced in thin rounds
2 teaspoons fresh herbs of choice, chopped fine
Maldon salt
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and oil of choice to a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shallots and stir until they are completely coated with oil. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the shallots often, slowly cooking until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the herbs in the last 5 minutes, making sure to coat them entirely in the oil. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. The shallots and herb bits should be crispy once they are placed on the paper towels and the oil has drained. Season with Maldon salt.
March 9th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 20 pierogies
For the dough (should be made at least an hour in advance)
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 egg, beaten
¾ cup water
For the filling
3 russet potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
For the Bacon Fried Onions & Chive Sour Cream
Oil
3 slices bacon
1 medium red onion, halved and sliced
1½ cups sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
For the dough
In a large mixture bowl combine all ingredients and mix until a stick dough forms, using your hands to bind and mix, adding more water or flour as needed. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a plastic bag and refrigerate for about an hour before using.
For the filling
Mix together all filling ingredients until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For the Bacon Fried Onions & Chive Sour Cream
In a hot cast iron skillet with a small amount of oil, cook the bacon until crisp and drain on a paper towel. In the same pan on medium heat, cook the red onions until caramelized, about 12 minutes. Drain onions on paper towels. In a small mixing bowl combine the sour cream and chives. Crumble in the cooked bacon, mix well and set aside.
Roll out the peirogi dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out either circles or squares that are approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each shape and fold the dough over the filling. Seal the sides carefully and well, making sure to use damp fingers. When all the pierogies are made, heat a large skillet with a little oil on a medium high heat. Sear the pierogies on each side until they are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with a dollop of the Bacon Fried Onions & Chive Sour Cream and a few onions.
February 14th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
½ cup flour
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cayenne
6 pounds elk shank cut into 2-3 inch long pieces
5 tablespoon canola oil or grape seed oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium yellow onion, sliced in half and sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped small
3 medium carrots, chopped small
3 medium gold beets, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped
1 dark amber beer
3 cups chicken or beef or vegetable stock
3 fresh bay leaves
In a small bowl mix the flour, pepper, cayebbe and salt until well combined. Toss the mixture over the elk shanks until they are evenly coated. Heat the oil and butter in a large Dutch oven on high heat. Add the elk shanks and brown all over turning every few minutes. When brown remove from pan and add the garlic and onions, sauté until the onions are slightly brown or about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the carrots, celery and gold beets and continue to sauté for a few more minutes. Reduce heat to a medium low and add herbs and tomato paste and stir well. Add the tomatoes, beer and stock and the elk shanks back into the pot. Throw the bay leaves in cover, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 2½-3 hours or until elk shanks are falling off the bone completely. Serve over polenta or potato puree.
December 16th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4
5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, boiled and chopped
½ cup caramelized onions
1-2 roasted jalapeños, stems removed (whole), chopped
2 teaspoons salt (more to taste)
3 teaspoons Tabasco
½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
Herbs for garnish
In a well oiled hot cast iron skillet smash the potatoes with a potato masher, cooking and searing to get some brown color. After a few minutes add the caramelized onion and jalapeños and mix and continue to sear. Season with salt and Tabasco and continue to cook and mix. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mix gently and allow cheddar to melt in. Garnish with herbs of choice!
December 15th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Take some premade flat bread and brush it with olive oil. Place a bunch of caramelized red onions on top and Medjool dates (chopped fine). Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and a little fresh rosemary and salt and bake until golden brown and crispy!
September 16th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 2-3 cups
10-12 medium tomatillos, quartered
1 medium white onion, peeled and quartered
2-3 jalapeños, cut in half and deseeded
2 pablano peppers, cut in half and deseeded
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cumin
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatillos and onions on a lined bakking sheet. On another lined baking sheet place the peppers, cut side down. Roast the ingredients for about 15 minutes or until lightly charred. Allow to cool a few minutes and chop tomatillos and onions very small and place in a medium bowl. Remove the skin from the peppers and chop them fine and add them to the same bowl. Remove the skin from the peppers and chop them fine and add them to the same bowl. Season with salt and cumin and the juice of the lime, mix well and toss in cilantro leaves until mixed.
September 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4
Olive oil or canola oil
6-8 baby potaotes, halved
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 medium carrots, chopped large
1 red bell pepper, chopped large
1 green bell pepper, chopped large
1 red onion, chopped large
1 medium yellow onion, chopped large
Salt & pepper
1.5 ounces of Ger-Nis’ tandoori spice mix (recipe follows)
½ cup yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
¼ cup lemon juice
½ tablespoon lemon zest
½ tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Cucumber Mint Chutney (recipe follows)
Season all the vegetables with salt and pepper and drizzle a little olive all over the top and mix. Next sprinkle a little bit of tandoori spice mixture all over the vegetables and again mix well. Preheat oven to 425°F. And place seasoned vegetables in the oven in a glass baking dish to roast for about 15 minutes or until lightly charred. In the meantime in a blender blend the yogurt, cilantro, mint, lemon juice, zest, ginger and garlic until a thick chunky paste is formed. Not too smooth and not too chunky. Pour the mixture in a bowl and whisk in remaining tandoori spice mixture until incorporated. Drizzle the yogurt tandoori paste over vegetables coating evenly and mixing well. Turn the oven down to about 325°F and place the baking dish back in the oven for about 15-20 minutes more. Serve over rice and garnish with the Cucumber Mint Chutney.
Makes 1½ cups chutney
1 cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
½ tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice, with pulp
2 tablespoons grape seed oil or vegetable oil
½ tablespoon black mustard seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste possibly)
½-¾ cup cucumbers, peeled and chopped superfine
Mix together all ingredients and mix thoroughly and gently. Let stand for about 20 minutes before serving, serve cool not cold over tandoori spiced chicken.
Makes about 1.5 ounces of mix
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch ground cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon turmeric
Mix together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months, preferably in a dark and cool location.
*Toasting the whole spices first and then grinding gives a deeper richer flavor to the spice mix and dish!
August 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium shallot, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
2 patty pan squash, chopped
1 yellow zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups onion broth or light vegetable stock
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic
½ cup olive oil
½ tablespoon red chili flakes
½ teaspoon salt
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter on a medium high heat, add the shallots and the onions and cook until translucent. Add the squash and chives and cook for about 5 minutes or until semi soft. Season with salt and add vegetable stock and cook on medium for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly and blend until smooth using a blender or a hand held mixer. In the meantime in a blender combine the fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil and blend until smooth, season with chili flakes and salt and drizzle on top of the soup.
August 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 1 mini Quiche
1 large portabella mushroom, stem removed
2 eggs, beaten
3 cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
½ tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
Salt/pepper
2 tablespoons half and half
2 tablespoons gruyere cheese, grated
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Gently scoop out the inside of the portabella mushroom using a spoon so it resembles a bowl. Reserve the scoop mixture for another dish. Mix eggs, tomatoes, green onions, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, cream and cheese. Place the portabella mushroom bowl side up on a baking sheet. Pour the egg mixture inside the scooped portabella, filling to the rim. Place in the oven and bake about 25-30 minutes.
August 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
Sesame oil
Canola oil
1 red chili, deseeded and chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 red pepper, cut into 2 inch thin strips
1 orange pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow pepper, cut into thin strips
8 eggplant (small baby and thai style) halved
2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon tamari sauce
2 tablespoons mirin sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup fresh thai basil leaves
Green onions, sliced thin
Peanuts
In a large sauté pan or work heat oil until hot, add the chili garlic and ginger and sauté a few minutes. Next add the peppers and sauté a few more minutes. Add the baby eggplants and sauté about 5 minutes or more until soft and tender. Add the hoisin, tamari, mirin and lime juice and stir and cook another few minutes. Add the basil leaves, stir and take off heat. Serve over rice with green onions and chopped peanuts for garnish.
August 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 white onion, chopped fine
2 zucchinis, chopped fine
1 portabella mushroom, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 jalapeño, chopped fine
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon cumin
Salt
Tortillas, soft or hard, for serving
Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Avocado (optional)
In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, add canola oil and avocado oil. Sauté onion until translucent, 5 minutes. Add zucchini, peppers and jalapeño and cook, about 3-4 minutes more. Add the portabellas and cook another few minutes (3-4). Add lime juice, zest, cumin and season with salt. Serve with tortillas. Garnish with cheese and avocado.
August 10th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-9
2 large globe eggplants, sliced thin, long ways
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
3 medium tomatoes, roasted and chopped small
3 cloves garlic, roasted and chopped small
1 medium yellow onion, roasted and chopped small
1 small zucchini, roasted and chopped small
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped fine
1 cup fresh ricotta
Lay the eggplant down on a large baking sheet and season with salt. Set aside. Pre-heat oven to 425°F. On another baking sheet place the tomatoes, garlic, onions and zucchini, making sure they are in large pieces and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place in the oven and roast for about 10 minutes or until charred slightly. Set aside and allow to cool. In the meantime grill the eggplant on a hot grill for about 3 minutes per side or until browned and grilled nicely. Chop all the roasted vegetables and toss in a bowl and toss together with lemon zest, juice and fresh herbs. Spoon a dollop or two of the ricotta on the grilled eggplant and spoon some of the roasted salsa on top. Roll up the eggplant and drizzle some of the juice from the roasted salsa over the top.
August 10th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
2 small white eggplants (about 1 pound each) cut into ½ inch thick slices the long way
Sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 shallot, chopped fine
2 red chilis, deseeded and chopped fine
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons yuzi rice vinegar
Juice of 1 lime
Cilantro Red Pepper Relish (recipe follows)
Lay the eggplant down on a large baking sheet and season with salt. Set aside. In a small bowl whisk together the garlic, shallot, chilies, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, zest, peanut butter, tamari, vinegar and lice juice. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and flip brushing it all over the eggplant. Grill the eggplant on a hot grill for about 3 minutes per side or until browned and grilled nicely. Serve with Cilantro Pepper Relish.
Makes 2 cups
3 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped small
2 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
1 shallot, chopped superfine
1 teaspoon lemongrass bulb, chopped fine
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoon red chili, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh thai basil, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 tablespoon yuzu rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon salt
Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
August 10th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
4 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Salt/pepper
Peach BBQ Sauce (recipe follows)
2 nectarines, not fully ripe, firm, deseeded and chopped small
½ red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped small
1 green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped small
½ red onion, chopped small
1 serrano chili, deseeded and chopped fine
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon salt
Pound the chicken breasts in between two sheets of plastic or in a zip lock bag with a meat hammer until about ½ inch thick and consistently even. Cut into small triangle or similar shapes about 3-4 inches in circumference. Season with salt & pepper. Place them in a large flat baking dish and smother them with the peach BBQ sauce. Let stand for about 20 minutes. Preheat your grill or an oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl combine the nectarines, peppers, onions, chili and cilantro and mix together well. Squeeze the lime juice and season with salt and mix well. Let stand while the chicken cooks. Place chicken, letting all excess BBQ sauce drip off, on greased grill for a few minutes on each side or in the oven for about 5-10 minutes flipping once more. Serve the chicken paillards with the salsa spooned over the top.
Makes 2 cups of sauce
3 peaches, peeled and halved
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
¼-½ cup bourbon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup sweet yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Sprinkle peaches (open halves) with sugar and grill until soft. Combine all ingredients in a blender (or use a handheld food processor) and blend until relatively smooth but still has some coarseness. Brush the sauce on meats while they are cooking.
August 10th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
4 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Salt/pepper
1 teaspoon lime zest
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons almond oil
1 tablespoon agave nectar
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
½ medium sized cantaloupe, deseeded, peeled and chopped small
2 large cucumbers, deseeded and chopped small
½ red onion, chopped fine
Salt & black pepper
Pound the chicken breasts in between two sheets of plastic or in a zip lock bag with a meat hammer until about ½ inch thick and consistently even. Cut into small triangle or similar shapes about 3-4 inches in circumference. Season with salt & pepper. Preheat your grill or an oven to 325°F. In a small bowl whisk together the zest, citrus juices, vinegar, oil and agave nectar until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the fresh herbs. Pour over the cucumbers and melons in another bowl and mix well. Let stand at room temperature while the chicken cooks. Place chicken on greased grill for a few minutes on each side or in the oven for about 5-10 minutes flipping once more. Serve the chicken pillards with the salsa spooned over the top.
August 10th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons onions, red or yellow, sliced in rounds and separated
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped fine
2 tablespoons Madeira, port or sherry (optional)
Pinch of salt
Directions
In a large sauté pan heat the butter and the oil to a medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent and soft, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Turn heat down to medium and continue to sauté slowly stirring for another 10 minutes. Add the thyme and the parsley leaves and continue to sauté, they should be turning brown now and caramelizing. Make sure you scrape the bottom the pan and stir often. Add the Madeira, port or sherry and a little more butter. Sauté a few more minutes until well caramelized and brown.
August 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 10
2 red bell peppers, roasted & peeled
2 yellow bell peppers, roasted & peeled
2 medium red onions, quartered and roasted
9 cloves garlic, roasted
20 cherry tomatoes yellow and red, roasted lightly
2 cans artichoke hearts, halved
1 cup back brine cured olives
½ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves, halved
¼ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Maldon salt
Crusty Italian Bread
Arrange all the vegetables on a platter, top with olives. In a small bowl whisk together herbs, lemon juice and zest, chili flakes, and olive oil. Drizzle a top the antipasto and season with salt! Serve over crusty bread.
August 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4
4 medium cuttlefish, cleaned and kept whole
½ cup fresh shelling beans, cooked
½ cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup pecorino cheese, finely grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon fresh pesto
Salt and pepper
Lemon wedges
Chop the tentacles up and toss together in a mixing bowl with the beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, breadcrumbs and pecorino. Mix in lemon zest and juice and pesto and season with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully stuff the bodies of the cuttlefish and brush with the reaming pesto on both sides. Grill on a hot grill for about 10-12 minutes flipping 2-3 times as needed.
August 3rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
Wine Pairing: Syrah
Ingredients
½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted natural pistachios
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, peeled
¼ cup olive oil
16 1-inch pieces red onion (1/3 inch thick)
16 1-inch squares red bell pepper
8 lemon slices, halved
1 pound chicken tenders (about 8 large)
8 metal or wooden skewers (soak in water if wooden)
Directions
Purée the first 5 ingredients in a food processor. Add ¼cup olive oil and blend until slightly coarse paste forms. Mix in 2 tablespoons water. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 3 tablespoons pesto to small bowl (for brushing chicken and vegetables); reserve remaining pesto.
Prepare grill (or griddle pan), heating to medium-high heat. Brush grill or gridle with olive oil. Thread 1 onion piece, 1 bell pepper square, 1 lemon slice half, 1 chicken tender (lengthwise), then 1 onion piece, 1 bell pepper square, and 1 lemon slice half alternately on each of 8 skewers. Brush vegetables and chicken on skewers with olive oil, then with 3 tablespoons pesto from small bowl. Sprinkle skewers with salt and pepper. Grill until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are slightly softened, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve with reserved pesto.
August 2nd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
This recipe is a slow poached rib recipe with the seasonings that are normally incorporated into a dry rub in the poaching liquid, creating simple and succulent ribs!
Ingredients
4 Spanish onions, chopped
12-15 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons mustard Seeds
1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
2 teaspoons peppercorns
4 pounds St Louis ribs (specially cut spare ribs)
Directions
In a large soup pan filled with water, place, onions, garlic and seasoning sand bring to just before simmer. Add the spareribs to the pan of water and slow poach for about 3 hours or until meat begins to slide of the bone. Allow ribs to cool in the poaching liquid. The seasonings in the poaching water can be altered according to taste. Grill the ribs slathering the Bourbon BBQ sauce all over them as they grill and after.
*Recipe Property of Polo Dobkins
July 22nd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 12
Ingredients
For the dressing
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
½ teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon habanero pepper, deseeded and chopped
½ teaspoon lime zest
½ teaspoon orange zest
1 pinch allspice, ground
1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
1 pinch cinnamon, freshly grated
½ teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¾ cup mayonnaise
For the salad
3 cups red cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
1 red onion, chopped
1 jalapeño, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
In a mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients for the dressing until smooth and set aside. Toss together cabbage, onions, carrots, peppers and cilantro until mixed. Mix in dressing and toss until evenly distributed. Season with salt to taste.
July 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 5-7 people
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large red onion, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ cup pitted green olive (ideally calabrese or something equally briny)
Red wine vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil (ideally Frantoia or Montevertine)
Black pepper
Place ricotta cheese in mixing bowl and whisk with about a ¼ cup of olive oil until cheese is smooth. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Place Heirloom and Cherry tomatoes on plate and season with generous amount of sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a dash of red wine vinegar (important to get a little vinegar on each tomato). In a separate mixing bowl, toss together onions, herbs, and olives, and season with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over tomatoes. Place healthy dollops of ricotta on top of entire salad and drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with final pinch of sea salt.
Recipe courtesy of John Adler, franny’s
July 11th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 1 cup of salsa
Olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, chopped fine
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, cracked
In a medium sauté pan, heat the oil to a medium high heat, add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent or about 4-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until semi soft but not mushy. Turn the heat to low and add the fresh herbs and cook for about one minute. Take off heat and season with salt & pepper.
July 7th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 2-3 people
2 tablespoons white onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh Serrano chili, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup chopped cilantro, divided
1 large avocado
A squeeze of lime
Mash the onion, chili, salt, and half the cilantro to a paste consistency. Score the flesh of the avocado halves in a crosshatch pattern with a knife then scoop into a bowl. Combine ingredients and mix well. Add the rest of cilantro season with lime and salt.
Recipe Property of Roberto Santibañez, from Contemporary Flavors of Mexico
July 7th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes about 10 scones
These amazingly delicious scones are perfect for those who want a quick and savory breakfast option.
Easy on the go and healthy! Eat with a dollop of herbal butter or tomato preserves.
1½ cups whole wheat flour
½ cup buckwheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
¼ cup fresh corn kernels
½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped fine
2 tablespoons carrots, grated
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced fine
3 tablespoons zucchini, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
1⁄3 cup butter, unsalted, cubed and chilled
½ cup low fat milk or buttermilk
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper, stir well. Add the vegetables and mix until all the vegetables are mixed and covered in flour. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles a course meal with chunks of vegetables in it. In a spate mixing bowl whisk together milk and eggs until beaten. Add the milk mixture to the flour and vegetable mixture and stir until combined fully. Pick the dough up and give it a few kneads but just enough to hold it together. Roll the dough out onto a cutting board forming an 5-8 inch circle about an inch thick. Cut the dough into 8-10 wedges and place on a lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned and a stick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool before serving. For storage wrap in a plastic zip lock or tupperware and store refrigerated up to 2 weeks. Alternatively scones can be stored outside of the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
July 5th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 10
2 red bell peppers, roasted & peeled
2 yellow bell peppers, roasted & peeled
2 medium red onions, quartered and roasted
9 cloves garlic, roasted
20 cherry tomatoes yellow and red, roasted lightly
2 cans artichoke hearts, halved
1 cup black brine cured olives
½ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves, halved
¼ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Maldon salt
Crusty Italian Bread
Arrange all the vegetables on a platter, top with olives. In a small bowl whisk together herbs, lemon juice and zest, chili flakes, and olive oil. Drizzle a top the antipasto and season with salt! Serve over crusty bread.
July 5th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 3-4
1½ cups raw walnuts (soaked and dehydrated)
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
¾ teaspoon ground coriander
2 tablespoon nama shoyu
¼ of dried chipotle, soaked
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
1 green onion, sliced in very thin slices
½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
2-4 small collard green leaves
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
Tomato salsa
Take the walnuts, grind them in the food processor.
Put the ground walnuts in a bowl, add cumin and coriander and mix well.
Add nama shoyu and mix well.
Spread approximately 1⁄3 cup of the walnut mixture along the center stem of each collard green leaf, add a layer of shredded lettuce and some salsa and roll.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half or quartered depending on size
¾ cup cilantro, chopped fine
½ cup yellow onions, diced small
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
½-1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
© Kristin Slaby All rights reserved
July 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 2-4
1 carrot, julienne
1 red pepper, filled, julienne
½ red cabbage, thinly sliced or mandolin
¼ cup snow peas, cut thinly on diagonal
1 spring onion, sliced thin
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons tamari
1 shallot, sliced thin
1 small red chili, minced
2 tablespoons coconut nectar
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
1 cup mung bean sprouts
½ cup kelp noodles, soak in hot water 10 minutes
10 leaves of basil, chiffonade
1 small handful cilantro, roughly chopped
10 mint leaves, chiffonade
½ tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon tamari
½ teaspoon of sesame oil
3 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon coconut nectar
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoon tamari
½ cm ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
A pinch of cayenne
Take Phad Thai ingredients except the kelp noodles, put in a medium size bowl and mix, set aside.
Mix all together in a bowl almond butter, tamari and sesame oil. Once mixed together put the drained kelp noodles in the bowl of sauce and massage thoroughly with hands. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Take part the almond sauce blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
Take the pad thai mixture and the kelp noodles with it’s sauce and mix together, put a good amount on a plate drizzle almond sauce around and over pad thai.
Garnish with mint, chiffonade, cilantro leaves and finely chopped almonds.
© Kristin Slaby All rights reserved
July 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
1 head of cauliflower, cut up in pieces
¼ cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup cucumbers, seeded and diced
¼ cup hemp seeds
2 bunches of flat parsley, finely chopped
1 handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
Put the cut cauliflower in the food processor and process until it resembles couscous.
Put the cauliflower that now resembles couscous in a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients and mix. Taste and make adjustments.
© Kristin Slaby All rights reserved
July 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
2 cups of coconut meat
1½ cups filtered water
1 tablespoon coconut butter
1 thumb size knob of ginger, peeled and minced with micro plan
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 small chili peppers or other small red chilies, with seeds
1 tablespoons kaffir lime powder (take kaffir leaves, dehydrate over night, grind into a fine powder)
1 tablespoon of curry powder or paste
1 teaspoon sea salt
Black pepper
4 cups jicama, peeled and chopped
2 cups coconut meat
½ cup pistaciho
¾ cups almonds (ideally they should be soaked, and dehydrated)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or a little more
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground cardamom
½ cup ground turmeric
Large knob of ginger, peeled and mince with a micro plan
1 handful cilantro leaves, minced
3 jalapeños, seeded and minced
½ small yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 handful golden raisins
Sea salt
Black pepper
Place the jicama in a food processor and pulse until the pieces resemble grains of rice.
Place the jicama in a fine sieve and squeeze out the excess water.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Take the coconut meat place in the food processor and pulse until it resembles grains of rice.
Transfer to the mixing bowl with the jicama.
Take the pistachios and almonds, put in the food processor and pulse until ground into crumbs.
Add to the jicama and coconut bowl and mix together.
In a high speed blender, combine the olive oil, coriander, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger. Blend until thoroughly combined.
Pour the oil/spices over the jicama/coconut and the nuts.
Add all the remaining ingredients. With a large spoon mix well seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve in a small bowl with the coconut curry sauce on top.
© Kristin Slaby All rights reserved
July 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 4 servings
Wild puslane (Portulaca oleracea) takes the place here of the okra used in traditional gumbo recipes. It has similar thickening properties, but adds a flavor all its own. Closely related to celery, bishop’s elder (Aegopodium podograria) replaces that vegetables here. The filé powder stirred into traditional gumbos is made from dried powdered sassafras (Sassafras albidum) leaves – a tree native to our region’s forests (and parks)!
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup bishop’s elder stems and leaves, chopped
1-3 fresh or dried hot chilé peppers
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups chopped purslane leaves and stems
2 links andouille, chorizo, or other smoked sausage cut into ½-inch chunks
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoons filé powder
Salt to taste
(Plus cooked rice to serve the gumbo over)
In a Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the roux is a rich brown color. Remove from the heat and let cool for 1 minute.
Add the onion, bell pepper, bishop’s elder and hot peppers. Return to the heat. Whisk in the stock. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking constantly.
Reduce the heat to a medium. Add the purslane, sausage and garlic. Simmer until the sausage is cooked and the vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the filé powder and salt to taste. Serve over cooked rice.
Vegan Variation: leave out the sausage, add 1 cup cooked beans, substitute 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo for the hot chilé peppers.
July 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
4-6 Servings
For the filling
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ medium white or yellow onion, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup)
3 ears sweet yellow corn, kernels removed from their cobs
1 cup jumbo lump crab meat, pickled over very well for shells
¾ cup mascarpone
Zest of 1 lemon, freshly grated
Pinch of pimento d’espelette pepper
Salt
For the pasta dough
2 large eggs plus 6 yolks
14 ounces all-purpose or Italian OO flour
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch salt
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 zucchini, diced (green parts only)
Pinch espelette pepper
¾ cup spicy soppressata, cut into small cubes
2 red bell peppers, charred on a grill or gas burner, skins and seeds/ribs removed, and cut into strips
Reserved cooked corn kernels
1 cup fresh Italian basil leaves, gently torn
Zucchini blossoms, cut in half, stems and pistils removed
For the filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the onions in olive oil, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add all but a few tablespoons of the corn and continue cooking until it is tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt.
In a food processor, purée the corn and onion mixture. Transfer to a large bowl and fold in the mascarpone, crab, lemon zest and espelette. Adjust seasoning. Place the mixture in a pining bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the pasta dough
Lightly beat the eggs and egg yolks in a large bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Add in the flour little by little, mixing together with a fork until the dough is not too sticky to handle. The dough should still be a rough, shaggy mass.
Turn the dough out onto the work surface and knead by hand, adding more of the flour, as necessary until the dough is smooth, elastic and not sticky. Wrap in plastic or store in a Ziploc bag to rest for 20 minutes.
Cut the dough from the ball into pieces and flatten into disks. Work with one disk at a time and keep the rest covered with plastic or under a kitchen towel so they do not dry out. Run the disk through the rollers of the pasta machine, starting at the widest setting. Fold the dough in half or in thirds and press down to seal. If the dough feels sticky sprinkle it with flour, but brush off the excess. Feed the open side of the pasta through the rollers and repeat a few times. Continue to dust the dough with flour and brush it off if the dough feels tacky.
Advance the pasta machine to the next thinnest setting. Without folding anymore, put the pasta sheet through the next setting. Continue advancing the rollers to the next thinnest setting, rolling the pasta sheet one time through each setting without folding, until the dough is thin enough so that you can see your hand through it.
Place the sheet of pasta on a lightly floured work surface. Cut out circles of dough from the sheet using a fluted biscuit cutter or a juice glass, approximately 3 inches in diameter. Pipe a blob for the filling in the center of each circle and then fold over the dough to form a half-moon shape. Press the dough together to seal. Bring the ends of the half moons together and press to seal them. Place the finished cappelletti on a well-floured sheet tray covered with a clean towel until ready to cook. Repeat the process with all the disks of dough.
For the sauce
In a large wide skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the diced zucchini, season with salt and espelette, and cook over medium heat until just tender. Add the reserved corn kernels, diced soppressata and red peppers and warm through.
Cook the cappellacci in abundant boiling salted water until they float to the surface. Strain from the water and add to the pan with the soppressata and peppers. Add some of the pasta cooking water and toss together to make a creamy sauce. Gently tear the basil leaves and add to the skillet along with the zucchini blossoms. Adjust the seasoning. Spoon the pasta onto warmed bowls or plates.
June 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
Olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
½ tablespoon lemon zest
2 pounds cranberry beans, shelled
1 cup white wine
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
½ cup fresh thyme leaves
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch of cayenne
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 links of herbal chicken sausage, sliced 1 inch thick
1 cup bread crumbs
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley for garnish
Pre-heat oven to 400°F. In a ceramic casserole pan heat the olive oil on a medium high heat, cook the onions, garlic and lemon zest for about 3-4 minutes or until semi translucent. Add the cranberry beans, white wine and stock and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes add the herbs, seasonings and sausage, stir well. Cook about 5-8 more minutes and take off heat. Mix together, bread crumbs and cheese and season with a little salt. Sprinkle atop the mean mixture and place in a preheated oven, uncovered for about 10 minutes or until browned on the top. Take off heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
June 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups red onion, sliced
½ cup goat cheese
1 tablespoon chives
1 tablespoon parsley
Salt/pepper
Whole wheat puff pastry
Preheat oven to 375°.
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add butter. Cook red onions until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, and add goat cheese and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Place puff pastry on a lined baking sheet, either on a large square or small squares. Spoon mixture into tart and bake in oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
June 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium shallot, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
2 patty pan squash, chopped
1 yellow zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups onion broth or light vegetable stock
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic
½ cup olive oil
½ red chili flakes
½ teaspoon salt
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and butter on a medium high heat, add the shallots and the onions and cook until translucent. Add the squash and chives and cook for about 5 minutes or until semi soft. Season with salt and add vegetable stock and cook on medium for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly and blend until smooth using a blender or a hand held mixer. In the meantime in a blender combine the fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil and blend until smooth, season with chili flakes and salt and drizzle on top of the soup.
June 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
1 small shallot, chopped fine
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1 pinch chili flakes
½-1 cup goat cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine
½ tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 jar piquillo peppers
Olive oil & garlic
Sherry vinegar garnish
Salt
In a medium bowl, stir together, shallot, vinegar, chili flakes, goat cheese and herbs until fully combined. Split the piquillo pepper and spoon cheese into the inside. Place about 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and a few cloves of garlic in a large frying pan and heat to medium high heat. Cook the stuffed peppers about a minute on each side and serve immediately with a drizzle of sherry vinegar and a pinch of salt.
June 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small medium yellow onion
½ cup flour
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup Serrano ham, chopped
1 cup manchengo cheese, grated
1 cup bread crumbs
Oil for frying
In a medium sauce pan, heat oil to a medium high heat, add onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add flour and stir well until completely mixed in, sauté about a minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the milk whisking continuously for about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add parsley, Serrano ham and cheese, again whisking continuously as the mixture cooks and the cheese melts. Spread misture onto a large baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to cool. When cool, beat eggs and set aside in a bowl and place bread crumbs in a bowl as well. Remove cheese mixture from the refrigerator and scoop up and form into balls, dip in the egg mixture and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Place rolled croquettes in a pan filled with oil and deep fry for about 3-4 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Serve warm, serve with garlic aioli if desired.
June 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 1-2
1 tablespoon shallot, chopped fine
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon red onion, chopped fine
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch or two of salt
Pinch or two of black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (optional)
2 cups spring mix salad greens
In a large mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients except the mixed greens, the mixture will be thick and not drippy. Season with salt to taste. Toss together with the mixed greens and serve.
June 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 1 mini quiche
1 large potabella mushroom stem removed
2 eggs, beaten
3 cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
½ tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
Salt/pepper
2 tablespoons half and half
2 tablespoons gruyere cheese, grated
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Gently scoop out the inside of the portabella mushroom using a spoon so it resembles a bowl. Reserve the scoop mixture for another dish. Mix eggs, tomatoes, green onions, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, cream and cheese. Place the portabella mushroom bowl side up on a baking sheet. Pour the egg mixture inside the scooped portabella, filling to the rim. Place in the oven and bake about 25-30 minutes.
June 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound beef, sliced or cubed (about 1 inch-chunk or sirloin is best)
2 teaspoons grated ginger
1 can 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce of tamari
1 tablespoon canola oil or peanut oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped small
1 small shallot, chopped fine
2 cardamom pods, whole
1 cinnamon stick, whole
1 star of anise
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons massaman curry paste
In a large mixing bowl combine beef, ginger, hoisin sauce and coconut milk and stir. Let stand to marinate at least 30 minutes. In a large sauté pan heat oil to a medium high heat, add the garlic, yellow onions, shallot, cinnamon stick, star of anise and the cardamom and saut&eactue; until onions are just beginning to be translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to saut&eacte; on high heat another 3-4 minutes or until it begins to caramelize. Strain the meat from the marinade and add to the sauté mixture, and cook milk from the marinade. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the meat is tender. Serve over rice.
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-9
1¼ unbleached all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into ½ inch cubes
4 tablespoons (or more) ice water
6 eggs
2 small zucchinis, sliced thin
½ cup red onions, sliced thin
½ cup fresh marjoram leaves
Salt/pepper
1 cup half and half
¼ cup gruyere cheese, grated
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
In a bowl combine flour and salt. Add butter. Using a wooden spoon and your hands, mix until coarse meal forms. Add 4 tablespoons ice water. Mix until dough comes together in moist clumps, adding more ice water if dough becomes too dry and won’t form into a ball. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap and chill at least one hour. Roll out and form crust and bake in a 350° preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
Mix eggs, cream, salt and pepper and fresh herbs. Blend well. Add cheese. Add the majority of the zucchini and onions saving a few pieces of each for the top. Pour batter into pie crust and place a few leftover zucchini and onions on top for aesthetics. Bake for 45 minutes at 350° or until golden brown on top and/or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
A classic recipe herbalized, just the way summer basil likes it!
10 ounces orecchiette or small shell pasta or pasta of choice, cooked
¼ cup fresh pesto (using herbs and pesto of your choice)
2 eggs (room temperature)
½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
6 slices thick cut bacon
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 bunch green onions, chopped fine
In a large pot of salted boiling water cook the pasta to al dente, drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water. Whisk together the eggs and parmesan cheese and pesto, slowly whisk in the pasta liquid. In a large sauté pan on medium heat cook the bacon until crispy, drain the bacon on a paper towel and let it stand for a few minutes, break it into lots of pieces, set aside. Add the garlic and onions and sauté for a few minutes. Add the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is well heated. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and stir until the sauce is creamy and the eggs have cooked into a velvety sauce. Take off heat, be careful not to overcook the egg sauce! Stir in the bacon and garnish with additional grated cheese and a basil leaf!
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
This quick and easy dish has its origins in Naples and originated as a means to use up leftover sauce at breakfast time. The eggs are essentially cooked in the tomato sauce, hence the purgatory! Many cultures all over the world utilize this Italian idea, this recipe has more of the Middle Eastern influences that we see in shakshuka, which is originally and Israeli version of eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce!
Olive oil
2 green or red chilies (as spicy as you want your dish to be, use mild chilies for no heat)
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 yellow onion, chopped fine
¼ cup green onions, sliced thin
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon smoky paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Warm pita or bread for serving
In a large sauté pan with raised edges at least 3 inches, heat olive oil about 4 tablespoons on a moderate high heat. Add chilies, onions, garlic, and sauté until onions are beginning to caramelize and char or about 5-7 minutes. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and stir well. Pour in the canned tomatoes and break apart with your hands as you add them in. Stir well and cook down about 10 minutes or until all mixture is juicy and tomato saucy. Turn burner to a moderately low heat and make sure the tomato sauce is even throughout the pan. Crack the eggs one by one, making sure not to disturb the yoke, and making sure the eggs are all over the pan. Poach the eggs, basting them with tomato sauce from the pan using a spoon. The eggs should be done in about 4 minutes, if you would like the yolks more done, place more tomato mixture atop the yolks (carefully) and cook for about 6 minutes.) Remove from heat and sprinkle with the feta and the herbs! Serve with warm pita or bread.
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 4-6 calzones
1 recipe Ger-Nis Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ham, cooked and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour
¼ cup milk
1 cup milk cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
Preheat oven 425°F.
Roll the pizza dough out into 4-6 five inch circles. Place on a large baking sheet or two of them. In a pot of boiling water blanch the broccoli florets for a few minutes until just al dente and beginning to soften. Remove and set aside. In a medium sauté pan add butter and oil and bring to a medium high heat. Sauté ham and onions for a few minutes until onions and ham begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add broccoli florets and mix well. Add the flour and sauté a few minute longer until all flour is absorbed around the ham and broccoli. Add the cheese and the milk and reduce heat to low, stirring constantly until all the cheese has melted and the cheese is smooth. Remove from heat season with salt and pepper.
Place a dollop of the broccoli close to the center of each of the whole wheat dough circles, off to one side but still centered. Fold over the dough so that the sides are even and touching and a half circle is formed. Starting with one side top or bottom roll up or down the pizza dough sides curling up and twisting until top or bottom is reached. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 4-6 calzones
1 Ger-Nis Calzone Dough Recipe
2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, deseeded and chopped
Olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 fresh red chili pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine (or water)
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a medium sauté pan heat olive oil to a medium high heat and sauté garlic, onions and fresh chili for about 3-5 minutes or until the onions begin to caramelize and get brownish tips. Add the spices, chili flakes, oregano and salt and sauté for another few seconds. Add the basil and spinach leaves and sauté about 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and white wine and stir well keeping on a medium high heat and cook until a liquid is absorbed or cooked off. Take off heat and place in a small mixing bowl and add in the fresh ricotta cheese. Mix well.
Roll out the calzone dough into 4 to 6 circles. Place about ¼-½ cup on one side of the circle close to the center. Fold on half over the ricotta making sure that the sides of the dough are touching, forming a half circle. Start from one end and roll the side of the dough closed using a twist motion. Place the calzones on a baking sheet (greased or lined with parchment paper) in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
June 12th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 2 cups of sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
9 medium tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup garlic, chopped fine
1 small yellow onion, chopped fine
1 carrot, chopped fine
1 red pepper, chopped fine
1 green pepper, chopped fine
½ cup red wine
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
½ cup fresh oregano, chopped fine
½ cup fresh basil, chopped fine
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
Sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and chili flakes in olive oil on medium heat until soft. Place all remaining ingredients except ½ cup oregano in a large pot and bring to a boil. Place on low and simmer for about 45 minutes stirring regularly until all tomatoes are broken down. With a handheld food processor blend all ingredients in the pot until totally smooth and all ingredients are well blended. Skins are included in the sauce because they give a very rustic look and texture and provide a quick, easy sauce. Cook blended sauce on low for another 10 minutes adding more salt to taste. When finished , add remaining fresh oregano. Boil sauce on a low boil uncovered for another 10-20 minutes or until you reach desired thickness. Add remaining chopped oregano at end.
May 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 chicken breast, 1 chicken wing, 1 chicken thigh and 1 chicken drumstick
Salt
Pepper
Vegetable oil (avocado oil preferred)
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
1 bunch green onions, chopped fine
1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped fine
1 cup yucca, chopped in ½ inch squares
1 red pepper, chopped fine
1 medium carrot, chopped fine
1 cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped fine
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 cup zucchini or pumpkin, chopped, medium
1 large plantains, sliced in 1 inch sliced
Juice and zest of 2 limes
1 tablespoon hot sauce
4 cups chicken stock, or water
1 -2 ears of fresh corn on the cob, sliced in 2-inch sections
Cotija cheese
Season all the chicken parts with salt and pepper. In a large soup pan heat oil to a high heat. Brown chicken and remove from pan. Sauté garlic, onions and jalapeno until semi translucent or about 3 minutes. Add the yucca, red pepper and carrot and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Next add the tomatoes, the fresh herbs and the cumin and mix well. Add the squash, the plaintains, the lime juice and zest, the hot sauce and the chicken stock or water and add chicken. Mix well and bring to a boil. Once at a boil turn to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add the corn pieces and simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve garnishes with cotija cheese. Serve over Arroz con Coco.
May 26th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 small Spinach onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, minced
2 pounds ground pork
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large egg, scrambled
¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon fish sauce
2 tablespoon soy sauce
Sriracha (optional, to taste)
Hoisin (optional, to taste)
Canola oil
Sesame oil
2 pounds baby spinach
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
2 parts soy sauce
1 part lime juice
Red pepper flakes
In a small sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil up to a medium heat. Add onions and sweat for about 1 minute. Add in garlic and ginger and sweat for another minute. Place onion mix into a bowl and cool. In a large mixing bowl, add pork, cilantro, egg, cooled onion mix, breadcrumbs, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sriracha or hoisin to taste. Mix together evenly. Shape into 20-24 balls and fry them in a pan (6-8 minutes) or bake them in a 400 degree oven (10-15 minutes). In a large sauté pan, heat 2 teaspoons of canola and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil on a medium/high heat. Sauté spinach in two batches. Plate spinach and sprinkle white sesame seeds on top and serve with meatballs.
Mix all ingredients together and use for dipping.
May 26th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
1 loaf ciabatta bread
Olive oil
Salt
2 ham hocks, raw or smoked
1 large Spanish onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 leek, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
2 cups white wine
1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme, parsley, Grains of Paradise, or black pepper)
2 quarts stock, vegetable or chicken
2 cups fresh peas
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the ciabatta into 1″ squares. Toss with olive oil and salt onto a baking sheet and place into oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
In a 1 gallon stock pot, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Bring to a medium-high heat and sear the ham hocks until golden brown. If the ham hocks are smoked, you can just go to the next step and add the hocks later. Add to the stock pot the onion and sweat for about a minute. Then add in the celery and sweat for another minute. Now add in your leeks and garlic and sweat again for another minute or two. Try to do this without getting any color on the vegetables. Deglaze the bottom of the pan with the white wine and reduce heat to a medium flame. Reduce wine for about 3 minutes. If using smoked ham hocks, add them now as well as the bouquet garni and stock. Bring stock to a simmer and let cook for about 45-60 minutes. Add in the fresh peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking or until soft and remove ham hock. Using an immersion blender, purée soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and serve with croutons. Use extra parsley for garnish.
May 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound ground chicken
1 cups fresh basil, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fien
½ cup pine nuts, chopped
8-9 cloves garlic, chopped fine (2 tablespoons reserved for sauce)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 egg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped small
2 cloves garlic, chopped fien
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
6 cups chicken stock
2 carrots, chopped small
2 celery ribs, chopped small
1 fennel head, chopped small
Parmesan rind
1 cup Ditalini pasta, or other small-shaped pasta
3 cups baby spinach
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
In a large bowl, using your hands to combine ground chicken, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes until mixed well. Add the egg, and gently bind together. Roll about a tablespoon of mixture at a time into 1-inch balls and set aside.
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and red chili flakes, cook 1 minute more. Add chicken stock, carrots, celery, fennel, and parmesan rind. Increase heat and bring to a boil, drop in chicken meatballs, lower heat to a simmer and cook, 15 minutes. Add pasta and continue to cook until vegetables are tender, meatballs are cooked through, and pasta is cooked, about 7 minutes. Add spinach and cook, 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
May 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
6 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine
3 carrots, chopped medium
3 celery ribs, chopped medium
5 asparagus stalks, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup fresh English peas
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups arugula leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add vegetable stock, thyme, carrots, celery, asparagus, and green beans. Season with salt. Increase heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are almost soft, about 20 minutes. Add peas, beans and tomatoes and cook 10 minutes more. Add arugula and cook just until wilted. Serve soup drizzled with herb pesto.
Place all ingredients, except olive oil, in blender. Stream in olive oil while blending and combine.
May 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks (white and light green parts only), chopped small
1 onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
Hearts of 6 large artichokes, cut in quarters
3 medium size white potatoes (Yukon gold), peeled and chopped
8 cups vegetable stock
1 fresh bay leaf
3 sprigs of fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
10 fresh parsley stems, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook leeks and onions until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add artichoke hearts, potatoes, and stock. Place bay leaf, thyme and parsley stems in cheesecloth, tie and add to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until ingredients are cooked through and flavors have melted together. Remove herbs in cheese cloth. Puree soup with immersion blender or food processor. Heat soup, and add butter. Taste for salt and serve.
May 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
This lovely & lively dish is perfect for a chilly spring day, perfectly fresh yet warming with loads of fresh herbs and spring vegetables.
4-6 cross-cut veal shanks (osso bucco tied with kitchen string)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
¼ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 sprigs onions, whites and green parts, chopped fine
1 medium carrot, chopped fine
1 small fennel bulb, cut in half and sliced thin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken or onion broth
3 plum tomatoes, chopped medium
1 cup fresh peas
Herbed Germolata (recipe follows)
Tie the veal shanks up with the kitchen twine so that the shanks stay together. In a small mixing bowl mix the flour and mint and season with salt. Dredge the osso buco in the flour until they are all coated. In a large dutch oven or le creuset bring the oil to a medium high heat. Brown the osso buco on all side or about 2 minutes on each. Take out of the pan and set aside. Sauté the garlic, onions and lemon zest for a few minutes or until translucent. Add the carrots and the fennel and sauté a few more minutes. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne and add the herbs. Mix well and continue to sauté a few more minutes. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne and add the herbs. Mix well and continue to sauté. Add the wine and stir well removing any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken stock and the tomatoes and stir well. Add the veal shanks to the pot and cover with the vegetables and juice. Turn the burner to low and cook for about 30 minutes. Add the peas and cook another 5 minutes. Take off heat and serve on its own, with pasta, polenta or rice and topped with the herbed gremolata.
Makes approximately ½ cup
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh marjoram, chopped fine
3 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
3 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon maldon salt
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
In a small mixing bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.
May 24th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-8
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
4 medium baby eggplants, cut in half
2 medium red onions, cut in half
3 medium tomatoes, cut in half
1 red pepper, cut into thick long strips
¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Place eggplants, red onions, tomatoes, and red pepper flesh side up on a large cutting board, sprinkle with a decent amount of salt. Let stand for about 30 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and mix in a large mixing bowl. Grill all items on grill placing eggplant flesh side down until all items are grilled to medium consistency and eggplant is cooked through. Cool. Remove eggplant from skin and mash in a large mixing bowl. Chop onion and peppers and add to eggplant mixture. Add fresh herbs, garlic, salt and pepper and mix well. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and mix again.
May 24th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
2 cup plum tomatoes, chopped (include juices)
¼ cup Santorini Dried Tomatoes, chopped
½ cup yellow onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
2 small red chilies, roasted and chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and ground black pepper
1 cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup bread crumbs
Olive oil for frying
Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs, chilies and spices in a large bowl. Add flour, bread crumbs, baking powder, salt and pepper and mix together to the consistency of a thick batter (adding a little water if need be). In a large heavy skillet, heat enough olive oil for frying. Take one heaped tablespoon at a time and drop the batter into the hot oil; fry until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Tzaziki.
May 23rd, 2011 § 1 comment § permalink
Serves 6
2 english cucumbers, peeled and chopped fine
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped fine
1 medium red onion, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 red chili, chopped fine
½ cups fresh mint, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Salt
Roasted peanuts, chopped coarsely
Toss together in a large mixing bowl the cucumbers, garlic, ginger, red onion, bell pepper, red chili and chopped mint. Squeeze lime juice on top and add the sugar and the vinegar. Mix together well and season to taste with salt. Garnish with roasted chopped peanuts.
May 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
2 firm-greenish ripe mangoes, sliced in thin long wedges
½ cup scallions, chopped fine
1 small red onion, sliced thin
½ cup fresh mint leaves, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, sliced
1 small thai chili, sliced thin
Salt
Zest of one lime
Juice of two limes
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
In a medium mixing bowl toss together the mangoes, scallions, onion, herbs and chili until mixed well. Season with about 2 teaspoons salt. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime zest and juice, vinegar, chili sauce and brown sugar. Drizzle over the mango salad and toss until mixed. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.
May 16th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-8
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped small
1 medium shallot, chopped small
1 cup mixed fresh wild mushrooms (morels, chanterelles, etc)
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup asparagus spears, ends trimmed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup white wine
¼ cup vegetable stock
1 cup brown rice, cooked
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
In a large skillet over medium high heat, add butter and olive oil. Cook the onions and shallots for a few minutes or until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, nutmeg, and asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Add the wine and vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half then stir in the cooked brown rice. Fluff mixture with a fork and sprinkle herbs into pilaf. Serve warm or at room temperature.
May 16th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-8
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium shallot, chopped
2 cups asparagus stems
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves
4 cups vegetable broth (preferably onion-herb or neutral based)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup heavy cream
Salt
Black pepper
In a large skillet, over medium high heat, add butter. Cook the onions and shallots for a few minutes or until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus and sauté a few minutes. Add the lemon thyme and sauté until the asparagus is soft. Add the vegetable stock, lemon zest, and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree into a smooth soup. Slowly blend in the heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
May 7th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
10 baby artichokes
Juice of 3 lemons
½ cup pancetta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup white wine
2-3 cups farro, cooked
½ cup parmesan
Salt
Pepper
Lemon Zest Thyme Butter (Recipe Follows)
In a large bowl of ice water, add the juice of 2 lemons. Trim the baby artichokes by cutting off the stems and top quarter, remove the outer layer leaves until you are at the pale yellowish-colored leaves. Cut the baby artichoke in quarters and place immediately in the cold ice water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and place the baby artichokes in the boiling water (straight from the ice water, we are avoiding oxidization or browning by using the lemon ice bath first). Cook the baby artichokes until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large sauté pan cook the pancetta until crispy, remove and set aside. Add the oil, garlic and onion and cook until caramelization process begins or about 7 minutes. Add the lemon zest and the baby artichokes and sauté a few minutes (about 3 minutes total), then add the wine and cook a few minutes longer. Add the cooked farro and stir well, making sure that the farro is heated all the way through. Remove from heat and mix in the parmesan. Seasonn with salt and pepper and serve with a tablespoon of the lemon zest-thyme butter atop.
Makes ½ cup butter
1⁄3 cup butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
1 medium yellow onion
1 shallot, chopped superfine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup fresh thyme, chopped fine
1 teaspoon maldon salt
In a small mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients and mix well until a smooth butter paste is formed, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Place the mixed butter on a small sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a tight log. Place in refrigerator to solidify.
May 7th, 2011 § 1 comment § permalink
Makes ½ cup butter
1⁄3 cup butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
1 medium yellow onion
1 shallot, chopped superfine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped fine
1 teaspoon maldon salt
In a small mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients and mix well until a smooth butter paste is formed, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Place the mixed butter on a small sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a tight log. Place in refrigerator to solidify.
May 7th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 cup fish stock
1½ cups asparagus stock (made from the asparagus ends and water)
1½ cups asparagus spears (about 1½ bunches)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium shallots, chopped fine
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup long grain brown rice
½ white wine
1 cup grated parmesan
Parsley Chive Salt Butter (recipe follows)
In a medium-sized saucepot combine the fish and asparagus broths and heat until warm. Keep simmering on a separate burner while making risotto. Blanch the asparagus tips in the simmering water for 2-3 minutes, remove and place in an ice bath. Set aside. In a separate medium saucepot, heat butter and olive oil to a medium heat and add shallots. Cook shallots until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink and tender, or about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. add the rice and white wine and stir well. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Next, add 1 cup liquid, reduce liquid and then add another ½ cup liquid every 7 minutes or so until rice is almost cooked through, about 30 minutes. Add the shrimp and asparagus spears to re-warm, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and finish with the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper and place about a tablespoon of parsley-chive butter onto each serving.
Makes ½ cup butter
1⁄3 cup butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
1 medium yellow onion
1 shallot, chopped superfine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped fine
1 teaspoon maldon salt
In a small mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients and mix well until a smooth butter paste is formed, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Place the mixed butter on a small sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a tight log. Place in refrigerator to solidify.
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 15 tamales (large)
Nacatamales are similar to Mexican tamales but they are quite large and filled with a potato, rice, corn, vegetable and herb mixture and are typically served on holidays and special occasions. This recipe makes ½ size portions of the traditional tamale.
2 cups masa harina
2 cups pork stock, reserved from poached pork
½ cup lard
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 pound pork butt cubed (about 1 inch cubes)
1 medium red onion, sliced thin
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced thin
2 medium tomatoes, chopped medium
1 cup fresh corn, chopped fine
½ cup long grain rice, cooked al dente
3 potatoes, 1-inch cubes (about 1½ cups)
½ cup fresh mint, chopped fine
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine
Juice of 3 limes
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon hot sauce of choice
Salt
Pepper
Banana leaf squares
In a large mixing bowl combine the masa harina, lime zest, and 2 cups of the reserved pork liquid. Mix well. In a kitchen aid or with an electric mixer, mix the lard until fluffy or about five minutes. A little at a time mix the lard into the masa harina until fully incorporated. Mix in the baking powder and the salt and mix well. The dough is ready (well mixed) when a small piece of the dough floats in a glass of cold water.
In a large mixing bowl combine the filling ingredients and mix well, making sure the rice is well combined. In the center of each banana, place about 4 tablespoons of masa harina mixture. Flatten with a spoon leaving about 1 inch around each border of the banana leaf. Atop that place about 2 tablespoons meat and vegetable mixture. Fold over the banana leaf like you are folding a present. Tie the wrapped package with banana leaf ties or kitchen twine.
Place the wrapped tamales in a steamer and cover the top of the tamales with a kitchen towel (to prevent drips from making tamales soggy). Steam tamales on medium heat for about 45-60 minutes or until soft and cooked through.
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound beef brisket, cut into strips
3 cloves garlic
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, sliced thin
1 medium white onion, sliced thin
Juice of 5 limes
1 tablespoon salt
1 ripe plantain, sliced
½ pound yucca, cubed
Banana leaves
In a large bowl, mix together beef, garlic, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, lime juice and salt. Place in the refrigerator covered and marinate overnight. In a large steamer with about 3 inches of water, cover the bottom of the steamer with banana leaves about two layers, making sure there are no holes exposed from the steamer (all steamer holes should be covered with banana leaves). Place the plantain and the yucca on the bottom over the banana leaves and then add the marinated vegetables and beef, including any juices. Cook on high for about 1 hour or until tender. The Baho is typically served on banana leaves with Ensalada de Repollo (Cabbage Salad).
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 tablespoons lard or canola oil
1 medium white onion, chopped fine
2 cups cooked black beans, drained but cooking liquid reserved
2 cups long grain rice, cooked
Salt
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine (optional)
In a large skillet, heat oil to medium, add onions and sauté until edges start to brown or about 5 minutes. Add the beans and stir well, continuing to sauté beans. Add about ½ cup of the bean liquid and cook down to about half. Add the rice and mix well, making sure to get the beans and rice well mixed and stirring constantly so that the mixture does not stick. Season with salt and fresh cilantro, mix well.
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup baby lettuce
¼ cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon jalapeño, chopped superfine
2 teaspoons Ger-Nis Tabasco
Salt
In a mixing bowl, toss together onions, tomatoes, cilantro and baby lettuce. In a small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, jalapeño, Tabasco and salt. Toss together with salad and serve.
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
Avocado or canola oil
1 medium white onion, chopped fine
3 cups black, red or pinto beans
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt
In a medium sauté pan heat the oil to a medium high heat. Sauté the onions until slightly translucent or about 3 minutes. Add the beans and sauté, smashing the beans with a potato smasher or other smashing tools. Add the cilantro leaves, cumin and salt and cook for about 2 minutes longer.
May 6th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
Avocado or canola oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
½ jalapeño, deseeded and chopped
½ red pepper, chopped small
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
6 eggs
Salt
Ger-Nis Tabasco
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped fine
Avocado (optional)
¼ cup cotija cheese
Corn tortillas, warmed
In a medium sauté pan, heat oil on medium heat and sauté onions for a few minutes. Add peppers and sauté another few minutes (3 minutes). Add the cherry tomatoes next and sauté for a few seconds. Crack the eggs into the pan one by one and mix gently and cook until eggs are just done, a few minutes. Make sure not to overcook the eggs. Season with salt and serve with Tabasco and avocado, cheese and tortillas.
May 5th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 10-12
½ cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped fine
1 tablespoon cloves, whole
1 tablespoon cardamom seeds
2 tablespoons coriander, whole
1 tablespoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
6 pound leg of lamb, trimmed of fat
6 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 medium yellow onions, divided into 12 wedges or cubes
2 bottles dry red wine
8 cups veal or chicken stock
1 pound or approximately 1½ cups dried prunes
Salt
Mix the rosemary and the spices together in a small mixing bowl. Rub the mixture all over the leg of lamb, carefully coating each section. Place the leg of lamb in a large bin or bowl and add the garlic and the onions and cover with the red wine. Allow the leg of lamb to marinate for at least one day.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large roasting pan, place the leg of lamb and the marinade. Add the veal or chicken stock and the dried prunes. Season the mixture with salt. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for about 4-6 hours or until the lamb is falling of the bone tender.
Recipe by Rafael Hasid
May 4th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6-8
2 pounds extra lean ground turkey
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped fine
2 sprigs onions, chopped (including green parts)
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons lemon thyme or regular thyme
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
¼ – ½ cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 tablespoon tabasco or hot sauce (Ger-Nis tabasco)
2 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
3 jalapeño peppers, roasted, peeled and chopped
1 can chipotle chilies in adobo, chopped
3 cloves garlic, roasted
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup citrus champagne vinegar
½ cup water
Zest of 2 limes
Juice of 3 limes
1 teaspoon smoked salt
In a medium sauce pan, combine red bell peppers, jalapeño, chipotles, garlic, salt, vinegar and water. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool. Place in a bottle for dispensing.
April 26th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes about 20 meatballs
Meatballs are one of the most popular dishes in Holland, with traditional and fusion type recipes due to the ever changing population. This version gives a fresh new take on meatballs with the bright additive of cilantro!
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ cup yellow onion chopped fine
1 egg, beaten
½ pound ground beef
½ pound ground veal
Olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup tomato sauce
Black pepper, freshly ground
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
In a large mixing bowl combine breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and all spices, mix well. Add the yellow onion, the egg and the ground beef and veal and again gently mix with wooden spoon (hands and fingers work even better) until all ingredients are well mixed. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes; reduce the heat to moderately low if the meatballs begin to brown too quickly. Drain on paper towels. Spoon off any excess fat from the pan and the meatballs back to the skillet, add the tomato sauce and stir, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan gently with a wooden spoon. Mix well and place heat to very low, simmer on low uncovered for about 2-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander (cilantro).
April 26th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Bitterballen are a staple in old Dutch cooking and have been modernized quite a bit over the years and essentially made a bit healthier. Originally served alongside a Dutch bitter Gin, hence the name, these snacks are seen throughout the country in many different forms. These lovely snacks and medium-sized meals are essentially a fried meatball. Typically loaded with fresh herbs and made in various ways, a common version is where the meat and herbs are mixed with mashed potatoes or another starchy vegetable, deep fried, and served with spicy, herbed mustard. Here is an adapted & healthier version from Ger-Nis.
Makes about 20 bitterballen
1 medium celery root, peeled boiled and mashed
1 small carrot, shredded
1 medium red onion, grated or chopped super fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped fine
½ cup cooked ground veal
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
¼ cup butter melted
3 eggs, beaten
1-2 cups breadcrumbs, superfine
Oil (for frying)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed celery root, carrots, onion and herbs, mix well. Add the ground veal and continue to mix well. Season with the salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add melted butter and mix well. Place in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Heat oil in a large frying pan.
To assemble bitterballen, take a spoonful of the celery mash mixture and form into a ball, dip in the beaten egg and roll or cover in the breadcrumbs. Place in the fryer and fry until balls are floating and they are cooked through about 3 minutes. Take out of oil and place on a towel so that the excess oil drains off. Serve warm or hot with the mustard!
Makes 1 cup
¼ cup black mustard seeds
¼ cup brown mustard seeds
¼ cup yellow mustard seeds
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon tumeric
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
¾ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup water
In a small, non-metallic mixing bowl, cover the mustard seeds with the sugar, tumeric, salt, ½ cup of the vinegar and the water and soak covered overnight. Then, with a mortar and pestle pound the mustard seeds until coarse and broken to desired texture. Add the herbs. Add remaining vinegar and continue to mix and mash until coarse yet smooth. (A blender or coffee grinder works perfectly as well.) Place in a covered jar, and refrigerate.
April 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 pounds fava beans
1 red onion, cut in half and sliced thin
3 cups arugula
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
¼ cup fresh mint
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup pecorino, freshly grated
1 tablespoon black pepper, cracked
Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside.
To prep and cook fava beans, pull on the stem of the pod and pull to open. If a pod doesn’t open easily, use a paring knife and slit the bean pod open, exposing the spongy insides and the beans. Remove the beans and discard the pods. In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch the beans for 2 minutes. Remove the beans with a slotted spoon immediately plunge into prepared bowl of ice water. With your fingers, and helped with the tip of a paring knife is necessary, slip the outer skin off each bean, revealing the inner bright green fava. Discard the outer skin.
In a medium size bowl, combine fava beans, red onion, arugula and mint. In a separate small bowl combine lemon juice and zest and olive oil. Drizzle over salad, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Serve with pecorino lemon zest.
In a small mixing bowl combine the ingredients and mix well, adding more cracked black pepper and lemon zest according to preference.
April 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound raw snap peas, trimmed and julienned
¼ white onion, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
April 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks (white and light green parts only), chopped small
1 onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
Hearts of 6 large artichokes cut in quarters
3 medium size white potatoes (Yukon gold), peeled and chopped
8 cups vegetable stock
1 fresh bay leaf
3 sprigs of fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
10 fresh parsley stems, plus 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook leeks and onions until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add artichoke hearts, potatoes, and stock. Place bay leaf, thyme and parsley stems in cheesecloth, tie and add to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until ingredients are cooked through and flavors have melted together. Remove herbs in cheese cloth. Puree soup with immersion blender or food processor. Heat soup, and add butter. Taste for salt and serve.
April 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound ground chicken
1 cup fresh basil, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
½ cup pine nuts, chopped
8-9 cloves garlic, chopped fine (2 tablespoons reserved for sauce)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 egg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped small
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
6 cups chicken stock
2 carrots, chopped small
2 celery ribs, chopped small
1 fennel head, chopped small
Parmesan rind
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup Ditalini pasta, or other small-shaped pasta
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Italian Herb Gremolata, recipe follows
In a large bowl, using your hands to combine ground chicken, basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes until mixed well. Add the egg, and gently bind together. Form into 1-inch balls. Roll about a tablespoon of the mixture into balls and set aside.
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and red chili flakes, cook 1 minute more. Add chicken stock, carrots, celery fennel, and parmesan rind. Increase heat and bring to a boil, drop in chicken meatballs, lower heat to a simmer and cook, 15 minutes. Add pasta and continue to cook till vegetables are tender, meatballs are cooked through, and pasta is cooked, about 7 minutes. Add spinach and cook, 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper and serve drizzled with mixed herb gremolata.
Makes approximately ½ cup
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped fine
2 tablespoons fresh marjoram, chopped fine
3 cloves garlic, chopped superfine
3 tablespoons lemon zest
April 25th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
6 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine
3 carrots, chopped medium
3 celery ribs, chopped medium
5 asparagus stalks, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup fresh English peas
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rined
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups arugula leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add vegetable stock, carrots, celery, asparagus and green beans. Season with salt. Increase heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are almost soft, about 20 minutes. Add peas, beans, and tomatoes and cook 10 minutes more. Add arugula and cook just until wilted. Serve soup drizzled with herb pesto.
Place all ingredients, except olive oil, in blender. Stream in olive oil while blending and combine.
April 24th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 6
1 pound raw snap peas, trimmed and julienned
¼ white onion, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup pecorino cheese (optional)
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
April 24th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 2
½ cup millet, cooked
¼ cup adzuki beans, cooked
¼ cup red cabbage, shredded
6-8 shitake mushrooms, sliced
3-4 green onions, sliced
1 carrot, sliced thin or shredded
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh Thai basil, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon miso paste
½ teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 small baby bok choy, steamed slightly and cut in half
Sesame seeds
In a large mixing bowl, combine millet, beans, mushrooms, green onions, carrots and fresh herbs, and toss together well. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together fresh ginger, garlic, miso, olive oil, and rice vinegar. Drizzle over millet mixture and gently toss. Serve with baby bok choy atop the millet mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 20 tacos
2 cups water
1 chicken breast, skinless
2 chicken thighs, skinless
2 chicken legs, skinless
½ large white onion (half reserved), chopped
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup green pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 whole allspice berries
3 cloves
2 black peppercorns
1 pound tomatillos, cut in quarters
3 fresh serrano chilies, chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 poblano pepper, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups chicken stock, reserved from poaching chicken
Tortillas, for serving
In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, add water, chicken, half the white onion, black pepper and allspice and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl and reserve liquid. After chicken has cooled, shred chicken with a fork removing from the bone and set aside. Preheat oven to broil. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, allspice berries, cloves, peppercorns, tomatillos, serrano chilies, garlic, and poblano peppers, and broil, about 3-4 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds start to char. Remove from oven and place in a blender with the cilantro leaves and chicken stock, blend until smooth. Mix in with chicken and serve with warm tortillas.
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 20 tamales
2 cups water
1 medium tomato, chopped medium
1 red chile, torn into pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped medium
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted
1 pound pork butt
1 teaspoon salt
1 fresh bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups masa harina
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cups pork stock, reserved from poached pork
½ cup lard
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Corn husk wrappers
Hot sauce
Place water, tomatoes, chile, onions, garlic, spices, pork butt, salt and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until pork is falling apart and soft. Take off heat and cool. Discard the bay leaf. Shred the pork by pulling apart the fibers using a fork or your fingers. Place shredded meat into a medium sized bowl and add fresh herbs and combine. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine masa harina and lime zest with 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid from pork and mix well. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a kitchen aid mixer or with an electric hand held mixer, mix the lard until fluffy, about five minutes. Add the lard to the masa harina mixture, a little at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the baking powder and the salt and mix well. The dough is ready (well mixed) when a small piece floats in a glass of cold water.
For corn husk wrappers, place the corn husks in boiling, water for 1-2 minutes, take out and cool slightly before handling. In the corn husk, place about ½ cup of the masa mixture topped with shredded pork and herb mixture. Fold over the corn husk like you are folding a present and tie the package with a corn husk tie or kitchen twine.
Place the wrapped tamales in a steamer and cover the top of the tamales with a kitchen towel (to prevent drips and tamales from getting soggy). Steam tamales on medium heat for about 30-45 minutes or until soft and cooked through. Serve with hot sauce.
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 8 tamales
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 green onions, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped fine
1 cup water
Salt
6 tablespoons lard or margarine
1 pound potatoes, cooked and mashed
2 cups masa harina
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon achiote powder, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
Corn husks or banana leafs
Lemon wedges
In a medium sauce pan on high heat, add tomatoes, green onions, garlic, red bell pepper, jalapeño and water and cook, about 5-8 minutes until soft. Transfer to a blender, season with salt and process until smooth. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve (sauce should be very smooth) and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine lard, cooked and mashed potatoes, masa harina, salt, allspice, black pepper, and dissolved achiote powder, and mix well. Add the tomato pepper sauce and mix until incorporated well. In the center of each banana leaf or corn husk, place about ½ cup of the potato masa mixture. To make tamales, fold over the banana leaf or corn husk like you are folding a present and tie the package with a corn husk tie, a banana leaf tie, or kitchen twine.
Place the wrapped tamales in a steamer and cover the top of the tamales with a kitchen towel (to prevent drips and tamales from getting soggy). Steam tamales on medium heat for about 30-45 minutes or until soft and cooked through. Serve with lots of fresh lemon wedges.
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes 15 tostadas
2 cups water
1 chicken breast, skinless
2 chicken thighs, skinless
2 chicken legs, skinless
½ large white onion (half reserved), chopped
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup green pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 whole allspice berries
3 cloves
5 black peppercorns
1 pound tomatillos, cut in quarters
3 fresh serrano chilies, chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 poblano pepper, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups chicken stock, reserved from poaching chicken
15-20 tostada shells (corn tortillas cooked in oil)
In a medium sauce pan over medium high heat, add water, chicken, half the white onion, black pepper and allspice and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl and reserve liquid. After chicken has cooled, shred chicken with a fork removing from the bone and set aside. Preheat oven to broil. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, allspice berries, cloves, peppercorns, tomatillos, serrano chilies, garlic, and poblano peppers, and broil, about 3-4 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds start to char. Remove from oven and place in a blender with the cilantro leaves and chicken stock; blend until smooth. Mix in with chicken and serve with warm tostada shells.
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups onions, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
Salt
1 small potato, peeled and diced
1 bunch dandelion greens
1 large bunch arugula
4 cups vegetable stock or water
1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach
½ cup fresh mint leaves
½ cup créme fraiche
Combine the oil, onions, and garlic in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. When the onions begin to sizzle add 1 teaspoon salt, cover the pan and simmer 20 minutes until meltingly tender, check occasionally and add a tablespoon of water if the onions threaten to brown.
Meanwhile, steam the potato for 8-10 minutes until tender, set aside. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the dandelion and arugula for 2-3 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain well and chop.
Add the stock to the onions and bring to a boil. Add the steamed potato, blanched greens, spinach and mint, simmer 3-4 minutes.
Puree the soup with the créme fraiche. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Recipe Property of Peter Berley
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
4 6-8 ounce rainbow trout fillets (skin on), or two whole cleaned trout*
Salt and pepper
All purpose flour, for dredging
Vegetable oil or butter for searing
1 onion, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Fresh parsley and thyme sprigs
¼ cup white wine
2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 350°F. Season the trout fillets with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. When hot, add the fillets, skin side up. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until you can easily flip the fillets over and they are not sticking. With fillets now skin-side-down, strew the onion, lemon, and herbs over the fish, and place in hot oven for about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, remove fillets to warmed platter, and place skillet back over flame. Add the wine to the pan to deglaze. Swirl butter in pan juices until melted, and then pour over fillets. Serve immediately.
*If using whole trout, dredge the whole fish, season the interior with onions, lemon and herbs. Heat large skillet and add oil. When oil is hot, add the trout to the skillet. Let sear on one side, and then flip over. Add wine to skillet, then place in oven. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, then check to see if trout is cooked through. When done, remove skillet, remove trout to platter, add butter to skillet and swirl to melt, and then pour over trout.
Recipe Property of Emily Casey
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
Smoked ham hock (optional)
2 bunches fresh young collards, washed free of any grit
1 onion, chopped medium 1 tablespoon bacon grease or vegetable oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 red chili pepper, or ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ cup water, plus more as needed
Pepper vinegar, for serving
If using the ham hock, simmer in water to cover for ten minutes, then remove and reserve. Discard cooking water.
Strip the stems off the collards. Chop into pieces about 1″ by 2″.
Heat the far or oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add collards and all the other ingredients (plus the ham hock, if using). Stir to mix. Add more water if necessary – you are looking more to steam, not boil, so add water about a quarter to midway up the greens. Bring to a simmer. Cover the pot, turn the flame down to low, and simmer for half an hour, stirring occasionally. Check the pot and add more liquid if necessary. You may remove the greens at this point, if they are done to your liking. Southerners tend to cook them for about 45 minutes to an hour, or even longer, to get them really tender. Serve with cornbread to sop up the “pot likker”. Pass pepper vinegar alongside.
Recipe Property of Emily Casey
April 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
2 long regular or English cucumbers
2 Vidalia or other sweet onions
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
A pinch of fresh black pepper or crushed red pepper
¼ cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, mint, basil, or tarragon
Slice the cucumbers and onions as thin as you can. Mix the sugar, vinegar, and pepper together and pour over the cucumbers and onions. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Chill. Just before serving, add the chopped herbs and toss together. Serve quickly (the vinegar will make the herbs lose their bright color fairly soon).
Recipe property of Emile Casey
March 31st, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
4 servings
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, leaves chopped
2 flatbreads (whole wheat or spinach)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 ounces herbed goat cheese
¼ cup pine nuts, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup fresh arugula
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350ËšF. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook onions and rosemary until onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Place flatbread on a sprayed cookie sheet. Top flatbread with crumbled goat cheese, caramelized onions and pine nuts. Bake for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine arugula, balsamic and 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Top flatbread with chopped parsley. Slice flatbread in ½ and serve with the fresh arugula salad.
Recipe courtesy of Robin Simpson
February 24th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
4 cups carrots, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth or water
Juice of ½ a lime
Salt
Cilantro-Lime Cream, to garnish (recipe follows)
In a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium heat, add canola oil. Add the garlic and onions, and sauté for a few minutes or until the onions start to get translucent. Add the cumin and cook, 1 minute. Add the carrots and vegetable broth or water, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 25 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Remove from heat, and cool for a few minutes.
Once soup has cooled, add lime juice, and season with salt. Puree soup with a hand blender or standing blender until smooth. If your soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth.
Finish soup with a drizzle of cilantro-lime cream, and serve.
Makes a ½ cup
½ cup sour cream
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt
Place all ingredients in a small bowl, and whisk. Set aside.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8-10
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 pounds beef chuck, cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped medium
3 carrots, peeled and chopped fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup brown mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef stock
1 cup Guinness
Salt and pepper
1 package puff pastry
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, thyme, and flour. Rub the spice mixture onto the beef. Heat the oil in a pan over med-high heat. Sauté the beef for 5 minutes, then add garlic and yellow onion. When onions are translucent, add carrots and sauté for 3 minutes. Next, add parsley, tomato, and mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. Add stock, Guinness, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. In 8 (6 oz) ramekins or one large baking dish, fill with beef stew and cover with puff pastry. Bake 10 minutes or until browned.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8-10
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped fine
2 tablespoons pickling spices, ground medium
1 tablespoon black pepper, ground medium
1 (3-4 pounds) prepared (brined) corned beef
3 carrots, peeled and chopped coarsely
3 yellow onions, chopped into quarters
8-10 baby potatoes, halved
1 medium cabbage, cut into 8 pieces
2 tablespoons butter, softened
In a small bowl, mix the mustard, thyme, pickling spices, and black pepper. Rub spice mixture onto the corned beef. Place in a large soup pot and add carrots, onions, potatoes, and cabbage. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 hours (or use a crock pot). Take the brisket and vegetables out of the water. Brush with butter and serve.
Make 1 (3-4 pound) Corned Beef
1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket
2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
2 tablespoons black mustard seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons allspice berries
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 tablepoon dill seeds
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon whole cloves
8 bay leaves, fresh
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
1 small dried chili, crushed
2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
¼ cup salt
Place beef brisked into a large ziplock bag. Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl until well distributed. Add spice mixture to the bag along with brisket and refrigerate. Flip the bag daily for 2 weeks.
February 23rd, 2011 § 1 comment § permalink
Serves 8-10
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
6-8 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped fine
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 cup half & half
In a large soup pan over medium-high heat, add butter and oil. Cook shallots, yellow onion, parsnips, apple and thyme until onions are translucent and the parsnips and apple are lightly browned, about 7-10 minutes. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until parsnips and apples are soft and can be pierced with a fork. Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender. Slowly add the half & half while blending until smooth and creamy.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 8
½ pound (about 1½ cups) cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
2 fresh bay leaves
4 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt
Pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
In a large heavy bottomed soup pot, over medium low heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Add the drained white beans, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and vegetable broth. Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, until the beans are very soft. Remove the thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. Pass the soup through a food mill or use an immersion blender to puree. Return the soup to the pot to reheat and add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Serves 4-6
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 white onion, sliced thin
2 zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thin
1 red bell pepper, sliced in strips
1 jalapeño, deseeded and thinly sliced
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt
Tortillas, for serving
In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, add canola oil. Sauté sliced onion until translucent, 5 minutes. Add zucchini, peppers and jalapeño and cook, 7 minutes more. Add lime juice, zest, cumin and season with salt. Serve with tortillas.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes approximately 1½ cups
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium dried red chilies, seeded and chopped (stems included)
½ a medium yellow onion, chopped
½ a poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon smoky chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup water (or chicken broth)
In a medium sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chilies, onions, and poblanos until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cilantro, garlic, spices, salt and water, and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Let cool and process in blender.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes approximately 1½ cups
4 avocados, ripe and soft, but not mushy
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped fine
¼ cup tomatoes, chopped fine
¼ cup white onions, chopped fine
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped fine
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt
Juice of 3 limes
In a large mixing bowl mash avocados one by one with a large fork until chunky, but relatively smooth.
Add cilantro, tomatoes, white onions, jalapeño, and cumin. Continue to mash and mix all ingredients and then add a few pinches of salt and mix well. Begin to juice the limes into the guacamole one by one mixing and mashing after each one. Taste the guacamole and adjust seasoning if needed, and more salt, pinch by pinch until desired flavor, which will be approximately 3 teaspoons of salt in total.
February 23rd, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink
Makes approximately 1½ cups
3 tomatoes, chopped fine
¼ cup white onion, chopped very fine
¼ cup red bell peppers, chopped very fine
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped fine
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped fine
½ teaspoon cumin
Juice of 2 limes
Salt
Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until well combined. Add salt to taste.