Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New England Lobster Rolls


Although I had heard of them, I really had no idea what a lobster roll was until my recent trip to Boston....

After a tour of the Sam Adams brewery, a trolley shuttled us to Doyle's Cafe - a "bah" with the best "lahbstah" rolls in town, according to the driver. I'd trust that driver any day, because this was one of the best things I've ever tasted.


Some research back at home led me to realize that this tasty delight is available across the country. A Bon Appétit article (click here), highlighted six of the best lobster rolls available in the US, from Santa Monica to Rhode Island.

This Esquire article (click here) has a recipe for "The Perfect Lobster Roll". Maybe someday...

Baked Rigatoni with Turkey & Yellow Squash

Source: Me & the garden...

Inspired by fresh squash and tomatoes from my garden, this rigatoni became dinner tonight. It was delicious and I would absolutely make it again. Nothing was measured, but here's a rough roadmap of how it came about:
  • Boil rigatoni noodles, drain and place into a baking dish
  • Toss noodles with a small amount of melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  • Layer the following onto pasta:
    • Cooked ground turkey* (Browned and seasoned. Can be prepared & frozen ahead of time... as it was tonight.)
    • One small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Prepared tomatoes: Slice two medium tomatoes. Saute slices in water, olive oil, basil, garlic powder (next time fresh minced garlic*) and pepper. Layer tomatoes onto the pasta and pour liquid evenly over dish.
    • Roasted cherry tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes in olive oil. Place atop foil on a cookie sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Broil tomatoes until browned.
    • Prepared yellow squash: Cut yellow squash into 1-inch pieces, saute in olive oil until golden brown (add water at beginning to steam if needed). Season with garlic powder and pepper. Remove squash from pan.
    • 1-2 slices provolone cheese, cut into strips
    • (Because no sauce was used I drizzled a small amount of olive oil over the entire dish before baking... this wasn't necessary.)
  • Cover with foil, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove foil, bake an additional 15 minutes.

* This could easily be made with beef, chicken, or as a vegetarian dish.
* Fresh garlic would absolutely have been included if I had any on hand!




Monday, July 29, 2013

Mike & Patty's

I love a dish that sticks with you... in the figurative sense. After having this breakfast sandwich at Mike & Patty's in Boston, I woke up craving it days later.

It was the "North South Classic - fried egg, american cheese, peameal bacon, collards on an english muffin". This article from Boston Magazine shows it on a sub roll. Hmmmm.... maybe next visit.

I'm pretty sure there must have also been a secret (highly addictive) ingredient added, because it made me want to do backflips.


Vino Volo

At the end of a recent trip to Boston, my fellow travelers and I stopped at Vino Volo in Logan airport for a quick sip and bite.

Everything was delicious. I was envious of my coworkers' marcona almonds... perfectly sweet, salty, and seasoned with rosemary. But when my food arrived, the envy quickly dissolved into food bliss.

The chickpea & chorizo chili was mouthwatering, and the brie & prosciutto sandwich with fig jam made me feel like I had taken a quick jaunt to wine country. I think I could recreate the sandwich fairly easily, not so sure about the chili... but maybe with a little practice.

 


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Company French Toast

Tried it: I think so (?)


Popovers

Source: Cousin Emilee's Kitchen

Tried it: NOT YET

Breakfast Strata

Source: Cousin Terri's Kitchen

Tried it: YES

Thoughts: This is DEEEEEEE-licious. And easy.

Ingredients:

1 lb. Bob Evans sausage, browned, drained, & crumbled
1 lb. (loaf) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or grated
1 dozen eggs
1 cup (approx) half & half

Preparation:

The night before: Mix together eggs and half & half. Mix in remaining ingredients. Pour into a butter-greased baking dish. Refrigerate overnight.

In the morning: Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Veggies can be added as well... mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc. But it's GREAT as-is.


Monday, July 8, 2013

Beef Tinga - Rachael Ray

Source: Rachael Ray Show
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET (Had it for dinner at a friend's house, though)

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and pepper
Flour, for dredging
3 tablespoons corn oil
1 pound Mexican chorizo (fresh), about 1 pound, casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tablespoon cumin, half a palmful
1/2 tablespoon Mexican oregano, half a palmful
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander, half a palmful
1 can beef consommé or 1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 to 2 tablespoons puréed chipotle in adobo for a medium to extra-spicy heat level
1 tablespoon honey

For Serving:
Flour tortillas, warmed
Wedges of lime
Queso fresco, crumbled
Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers
Thinly sliced red onions

Yields: 4-6

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Pat meat dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge pieces in flour.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat with the oil. Add meat and brown in batches until very brown; remove to a plate, add chorizo and brown. Add onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander and let onions soften a few minutes. Add in stock, tomatoes, chipotle purée, honey and reserved meat to the pot. Bring to a boil and transfer to oven. Cook 1 1/2 hours, until very tender.

Serve in shallow bowls with tortillas, lime wedges, queso fresco, jalapeños and onions alongside.

Chop Suey

Source: Grandma Fletcher's Kitchen

Tried it: YES. Many, many times.

My thoughts: Comfort food.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds round steak, cut up
1 large can La Choy Chop Suey
1 or 2 cans mushrooms (stems & pieces)
1/4 cup molasses
Kitchen Bouquet browning & seasoning sauce

Preparation:

Brown meat in butter or oil, then add water and cover and cook for at least one hour. Add molasses and Kitchen Banquet. Taste & cook 1/2 hour longer. If it cooks down add more water or beef broth. Then add vegetables and mushrooms.

Grandma's Recipe

Gorilla Bread - Paula Deen

Source: Food Network, Paula Deen
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 count)
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Preparation:

Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring well; set aside. Cut the cream cheese into 20 equal cubes. Press the biscuits out with your fingers and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each biscuit, wrapping and sealing the dough around the cream cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the nuts into the bottom of the bundt pan. Place half of the prepared biscuits in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, pour half of the melted butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle on 1/2 cup of nuts. Layer the remaining biscuits on top, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar, pour the remaining butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of nuts. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Place a plate on top and invert.

Garlic & Herb Soup with Croutons

Source: Food Network immersion blender cookbook

Tried it: NOT YET

Blueberry Lime Sauce

Source: Food Network immersion blender cookbook

Tried it: NOT YET



Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Source: Food Network immersion blender cookbook

Tried it: NOT YET


Dijon Vinaigrette

Source: Food Network immersion blender cookbook

Tried it: NOT YET


Bleu Cheese Dressing

Source: Food Network immersion blender cookbook

Tried it: Not yet






Roasted Garbanzo Beans

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: There are several variations of this recipe floating around out there. It's easy to make, and a great snack to have on hand.

Ingredients:

Canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and patted dry
Olive oil (about one tbsp. for a can of beans)
Spices! - Get creative here... paprika, salt, black or white pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, cumin, chili powder, ginger, curry, wasabi, etc.

Preparation:

Toss it all together. Spread beans into one layer on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 25 - 45 minutes, until the beans are crunchy/crispy. The longer they cook, the crunchier they will be.

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Cups

Source: South Beach Diet - online recipes
Recipe Link

Tried it: YES

Notes: This recipe fits in all phases of the SB Diet. Nice to have on hand for a quick breakfast!

Ingredients:

4 ounces turkey sausage or crumbled turkey bacon
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 onion, chopped
5 large eggs
1 can (12 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Preparation: 

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 6-cup nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray, or line with paper baking cups.

In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, pepper, and onion for 5 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and cool slightly. Stir in the eggs and mushrooms. Evenly divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the egg is set.

Makes 6 cups

Hot Fudge Cake

Source: Taste of Home
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Notes from Taste of Home: "A cake baked in a slow cooker may seem unusual. But smiles around the dinner table prove how tasty it is. Sometimes, for a change of pace, I substitute butterscotch chips for chocolate." —Marleen Adkins, Placentia, California

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups packed brown sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1-3/4 cups boiling water
Vanilla ice cream

Preparation:

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt. Combine the milk, butter and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined.

Spread into a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. In another bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar and cocoa; stir in boiling water. Pour over batter (do not stir).

Cover and cook on high for 4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean. Serve warm with ice cream. Yield: 8 servings.

Chicken Enchiladas

Source: Food Network, Marcela Valladolid
Recipe Link

Tried it: I've eaten it (thanks, Mike!) but haven't made it myself

My thoughts: I must make it.

Ingredients:

9 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
1/2 medium white onion
1 serrano chile
1 yellow chile (guero)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 store-bought rotisserie chicken breasts, skinned and shredded (to yield 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Put the tomatillos, onion, serrano, yellow chile and 3/4 cup water in a medium, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and boil until the tomatillos turn olive-green color, about 10 minutes. Transfer the tomatillos, onion and chiles to a blender. Add the garlic and cilantro and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas until golden but still pliable, about 10 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Put the tortillas on a work surface. Divide the shredded chicken evenly among the tortillas and roll up each like a cigar. Spread 1/3 cup sauce in a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the enchiladas, seam-side down, in one layer snugly inside the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas.

Drizzle with the Mexican crema and sprinkle the cheese all over. Bake until the cheese melts and starts to brown in spots, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Buttermilk Cornbread

Source: USA Weekend

Tried it: NOT YET

Clipping

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Crunchy Garden Salad

Source: Food Network
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Ingredients:

8 ounces radishes, thinly sliced
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2 limes)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups arugula

Preparation:

Combine the sliced radishes, sliced cucumber, mint and cilantro in a medium bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Pour the dressing on top of the salad and toss to combine. Place arugula on a serving dish and top with tossed salad. Serve immediately.

Brownie Batter Dip

Source: Crumbs and Chaos
Website
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Ingredients:

8 oz CREAM CHEESE
1/2 cup BUTTER
2-3 cup POWDERED SUGAR -- varies by desired consistency
5 Tablespoons FLOUR
5 Tablespoons COCOA POWDER
2 Tablespoons BROWN SUGAR
3+ Tablespoons MILK -- varies by desired consistency
1 teaspoon VANILLA

Preparation:

With a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the butter. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and 1 tablespoon of milk until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla and 1 more tablespoon of milk if needed. Beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk alternately until dip reaches your desired consistency.

Cookie Dough Dip

Source: add a pinch.com
Website
Recipe Link

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: I was not crazy about the test of this dip when following the instructions exactly. But it was better after adding a pinch of salt and a little bit of flour to thicken.

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package cream cheese (NOT reduced fat)
½ cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup toffee bits

Preparation:

Cream together cream cheese and butter.
Add all remaining ingredients and mix until well-combined.
Serve with graham crackers or apple wedges.


Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cookies

Source: Chocolate Covered Katie
Web Site Link
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET... but I reallllllllllllly want to. Originally found this one on Pinterest.

(gluten-free and sugar-free)

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp raisins
salt to taste (I used a little over 1/4 tsp, but I like salty pb cookies!)
2 tbsp roasted, unsalted peanuts (If you can only find salted, reduce or omit added salt)
1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

Throw everything into your food processor (I used an Osterizer) and combine until very smooth. Roll into balls, cookies, bars, or simply eat shovel the dough into your mouth, straight from the machine. Dough can be stored on the counter, in the fridge, or in the freezer.

Italian Sausage Pasta Side

Source: Mom's kitchen

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: Delicious. This could be a main dish, but is great served as a hearty side as well.


Spicy Pretzels

Tried it: NOT YET

I'm not sure where I got this recipe, but it must have been tasty enough to request it!

Ingredients:

1 bag pretzels
1 tsp dill weed
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Salad Supreme spice mix
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients in a Ziploc bag or a bowl. Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours.


Spicy Caramel Popcorn

Tried it: NOT YET

I'm not sure where I got this recipe, but it must have been good enough to request it!

Ingredients:

2 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn
1 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp light corn syrup
1 1/2 tsp coarse salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 cup salted peanuts

Preparation:

Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes.







Zuppa Toscana

Source: Mom's kitchen

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: Yum.

After trying (and loving) Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, Mom went home and figured out this recipe. I like spice, so I added a few traditional Italian sausage spices to the mix when I made this: paprika, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. I might even skip the sweet and use entirely hot Italian sausage next time.

(Others have tried to figure out this recipe as well. Click here for another "copycat" recipe from restaurant.food.com.)

Mom's recipe card

Chicken Marsala

Source: Owosso Country Club

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: This is good stuff.
Mom's recipe card




Pumpkin Poke Cake

Source: Something Swanky Desserts & Designs
Recipe Link

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: The name of this dessert on the website is "Pumpkin Better than ... Cake." The name fits. This is easy and sinfully delicious. It has a very pumpkin-y flavor, and would be great for Thanksgiving or as a fall dessert.

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 - 14 to 28 oz can pumpkin puree*
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 - 8 oz. tub cool whip
1/2 bag Heath Bits
Caramel Sundae Sauce

Preparation:

Mix together the cake mix, the pumpkin puree (DO NOT add the other ingredients on the cake mix box), and the pumpkin pie spice until a batter forms. Using the 14 oz. can of pumpkin puree will yield a thicker batter. Add more pumpkin if you'd like a thinner batter (which will yield a slightly fluffier cake).
Pour batter into a well greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350º according to the directions for a 9x13 cake on the cake mix box.
Let cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Spread the cool whip over top of cake. Sprinkle on the heath bits, and drizzle caramel over top (just to your liking). Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight (best).

Digging in...

Oh, so good.

Cheesy Chicken Chilaquiles

Source: The Pampered Chef
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Ingredients:

1 1/2   lb (750 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1   tbsp (15 mL) Southwestern Seasoning Mix
1 3/4   cups (425 mL) salsa verde
1   cup (250 mL) 33% reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4   cup (175 mL) chopped fresh cilantro
12   cups (3 L) authentic restaurant-style tortilla chips (see Cook's Tips)
2   cups (500 mL) shredded Chihuahua cheese
1   cup (250 mL) crumbled queso fresco (4 oz/125 g)
Sour cream or crema (optional)

Preparation:

  1. Cut chicken into 1-in. (2.5-cm) pieces with Utility Knife. Combine chicken and seasoning mix in Deep Covered Baker; mix well. Spread chicken evenly over bottom of baker. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 4 minutes; stir to separate chicken. Microwave, covered, an additional 4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Drain using small Colander.
  2. Combine salsa and broth in (4-cup/1-L) Easy Read Measuring Cup. Chop cilantro using Santoku Knife. Arrange half of the tortilla chips over bottom of same baker, breaking chips; top with half each of the chicken, salsa mixture and cheeses. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cilantro. Repeat layers one time ending with cheeses.
  3. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 5-7 minutes or until cheeses are melted and most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup (50 mL) cilantro. Serve with sour cream, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings


Cook's Tips:

  • Queso fresco, also called queso blanco, is a salty, crumbly cheese that is common in Mexican dishes. Farmer’s cheese can be substituted for the queso fresco. 
  • Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted for the Chihuahua cheese. 
  • Authentic Mexican restaurant-style tortilla chips are thicker than other types of chips and keep their texture in this casserole. 
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts, if desired.
  • Taco seasoning mix can be substituted for the Southwestern Seasoning Mix, if desired. 

Smothered Chicken with Garlic

Source: The Pampered Chef
Recipe Link

Tried it: NOT YET

Ingredients:

3   tbsp (45 mL) fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried rosemary, divided
1/2   tsp (2 mL) paprika
1/2   tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4   tsp (1 mL) ground black pepper
1   whole chicken (about 4 lb/1.8 kg)
1   lemon, cut into quarters
1   tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
2   heads garlic, peeled (about 40 cloves)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray Deep Covered Baker with oil. Combine half of the rosemary with paprika, salt and black pepper in small bowl; set aside. Remove and discard giblets and neck from chicken cavity. Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat, if necessary. Place lemon quarters and remaining rosemary inside cavity of chicken. Tie ends of legs together with cotton string. Lift wing tips up toward neck, then tuck under back of chicken. Place chicken breast side up into baker.
2. Brush outside of chicken with oil; coat completely with seasoning mixture. Arrange garlic around chicken. Bake, covered, 60 minutes. Carefully remove lid and continue roasting 25-35 minutes or until Pocket Thermometer registers 180°F (82°C) in thickest part of thigh and juices run clear. Remove chicken from baker; let stand 10 minutes before carving. Remove garlic from drippings; serve with chicken.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Recipe Card



Red Hot Tomato Sauce

Source: Martha Stewart Living, May 2000
Tried it: NOT YET


MSL Magazine Clipping

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Hoppin' John

Tried it: NOT YET

Serves 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • One 32-oz container (4 cups) vegetable broth
  • 1 bunch collard greens, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Two 15.5-oz cans black-eyed peas, rinsed
  • 3 tbsp cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vegetable broth, collard greens and thyme. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. 
  2. In a small bowl, coarsely mash 1 cup black-eyed peas. Add them to the pot along with the remaining black-eyed peas and 3 cups water and simmer until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper.


Article from unknown magazine


Tabbouleh

Tried it: NOT YET (but Mom has, and says it's great!)

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 

  • 2-3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 5-6 long green onions, chopped
  • 4 cups parsley, chopped
  • 3 sprigs FRESH mint, chopped (approx 1/2 cup, 1/2 bunch)
  • 1 tsp dried mint
  • 2-3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 seedless cucumber, chopped (either peeled or unpeeled)
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp salt to taste
  • pepper to taste: 1/2 tsp cayenne or 1 tbsp black pepper
  • lemon juice (2 - 2 1/2 lemons, approx. 1/2 cup juice)
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dry Bulgar

Preparation: 

Soak Bulgar in hot water for one hour. Drain & cool.
Combine all ingredients.
Serve immediately.

Mom's recipe card!






Coconut Blender Pie

Tried it: NOT YET (but Mom has, and says it's great!)

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation:
Add all ingredients to blender. Pour into pie tin after blending (no pie shell required!) Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Mom's recipe card!

Herb, Garlic, & Lemon Rub

Tried it: NOT YET...

Preparation: 

Combine the following ingredients together. Use as a rub on meats or fish.

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tsp chopped thyme
  • 1 tsp chopped rosemary
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Lemongrass Tea


Tried it: NOT YET...

Preparation:

Infuse a crushed stalk of lemongrass in boiling water for 10 minutes. Cool. Use the water to make green tea.

Butternut Squash Soup


Tried it: NOT YET...


Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

Butternut squash
Canola oil
Curry
Tumeric
Cinnamon
Celery
Onions
Carrots
White wine
Water or chicken broth
Cream
Apple cider vinegar
Roasted pumpkin seeds

Preparation:
  • Peel & cube butternut squash
  • Toss in canola oil, curry, tumeric, & cinnamon
  • Roast until golden brown & soft
  • While roasting: chop celery, onions, carrots. Sweat in oil until soft - don't brown.
  • Deglaze with white wine, add water or chicken broth to cover
  • When sqush & veggies are finished, mix together in pan
  • Blend with stick blender (emulsifier)
  • Simmer 20-25 minutes
  • Remove from heat
  • Add cream & blend again
  • When ready to serve, add apple cider vinegar, blend & serve
  • Top with roasted pumpkin seeds

Pattigeorge's Hashed Brussels Sprouts

Source: Pattigeorge's, Longboat Key, FL
Restaurant Website

Tried it: YES

My thoughts: Quick, easy, & delicious. I've made it without the garlic as well.

Ingredients:

2oz olive oil
1# Brussels sprouts shredded
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp roasted garlic purée
2 oz butter
Kosher salt and pepper

Preparation:

In a sauté pan on high heat add the olive oil and when it starts to smoke add the Brussels sprouts. Toss in pan to start them browning, add the poppy seeds, salt and pepper, butter, lemon juice and roasted garlic. Serve immediately.