It's time for another Meatless Monday. Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, I'm posting vegetarian recipes that can make a nice addition to the holiday meal. Another nice thing is that these are good any time of year, including Sweet Potato Casserole and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Enjoy!
SWEENEY POTATOES
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.
Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE
Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.
While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This comes from Julia Moskins in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is Julia Moskin's fantasy of what this dish should be: nothing more than tender elbows of pasta suspended in pure molten cheddar, with a chewy, golden-brown crust of cheese on top.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
This was featured in “THE WINTER COOK; Macaroni and Lots of Cheese” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)
2 cups milk (not skim)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch cayenne
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked
Preparation
Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together. Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This came from a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list. While the miniature marshmallows aren't technically vegetarian, if you can find a vegetarian type of miniature marshmallows, go with that.
Ingredients
4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)
1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Water
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup Chopped pecans
Directions
Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.
Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.
Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.
CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP
Yield: 8 servings
View Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/876.shtml
Ingredients:
Filling Ingredients:
3 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples
2 cups fresh or frozen thawed cranberries
1 cup Equal Spoonful*
Topping Ingredients:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup stick butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup Equal Spoonful**
* Substitute 24 packets Equal sweetener
** Substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener
Directions
For Filling, combine apples, cranberries and 1 cup Equal in an ungreased 10-inch pie plate.
For Topping, combine flour, pecans, melted butter and 1/2 cup Equal. Mix until well blended. Sprinkle flour mixture over apples and cranberries in pie plate.
Bake in preheated 350F oven 55 to 60 minutes or until fruit is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 145; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 67 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1-1/2 fat
CROCK POT BROCCOLI & RICE CASSEROLE
This came from a long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Ingredients
1 sm. onion, diced
1/4 c. butter, melted
2 c. quick cooking rice
2 c. water
1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
1 (5 oz.) jar sharp cheese spread
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli, partially thawed
1/4 lb. Velveeta cheese
Corn flake crumbs, browned in butter (opt.)
Directions
Combine all ingredients except corn flake crumbs in crock pot. Stir thoroughly. Cover. Cook low 7 to 10 hours or high 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle crumbs over top. If crock pot comes out of your crock pot, brown under broiler for extra crispness. I double this in my large crock pot. Great for pot luck.
Showing posts with label Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Gingery Goodness
One of my favorite (though under-used) spices is ginger. So, today's post is in honor of gingery goodness, and includes Kung Pao Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes (which happens to be my favorite way to fix mashed potatoes), and Homemade Ginger Tea. Enjoy!
THAI STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES WITH GARLIC, GINGER, AND LIME
This is from Darlene Schmidt on The Spruce Eats. Darlene wrote, “Making a 'simple stir-fry' isn't always all that simple if you can't get the stir-fry sauce to taste just right. But with this no-fail recipe for Thai stir-fried vegetables, the technique is a shoe-in mostly because the sauce is made up before beginning to fry the vegetables, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. This can be made vegetarian/vegan by substituting soy sauce for the fish sauce.
“This is quite a 'saucy' stir-fry that is never dry and is terrific served over rice or noodles. Feel free to experiment with your own choice of vegetables, using whatever is fresh and available where you live.
“Great as a side dish, you can turn it into a main course by adding tofu, wheat gluten, cashews, cooked shrimp or slices of chicken as a protein source.
“Best of all it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for gathering the family around the table for a weeknight meal. Things will go even faster if much of the slicing, dicing, and chopping is done the night before.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup shallots (finely chopped, or purple onion)
5 to 6 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
1 to 2 pieces galangal (thumb-size OR ginger, sliced into thin matchstick pieces)
1/2 to 1 small fresh red chili (sliced OR 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes)
1 medium-size carrot (sliced)
5 to 6 shiitake mushrooms (sliced or left in halves or quarters)
Optional: 1 small head cauliflower (cut into florets)
1 small head broccoli (cut into florets)
1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
2 to 3 cups baby bok choy (or other Chinese cabbage, leaves left whole if not too large, otherwise cut in half or thirds)
1 handful fresh Thai basil (chopped)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
2/3 cup coconut milk
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/3 to 1/2 teaspoons dried crushed chili flakes
2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
Directions
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a large cup or small bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and brown sugar, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Taste-test, keeping in mind that the first taste should be spicy-salty, followed by sweetness and the rich taste of the coconut milk.
Adjust these flavors to suit your taste, adding more lime juice if too sweet or salty (note that it will be less salty when combined with the vegetables).
Stir-Fry the Dish
Warm a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl around, then add the shallots, garlic, galangal, and chili. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, then add the carrot, mushrooms, optional cauliflower, and 1/4 of the stir-fry sauce. Continue stir-frying 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the broccoli and red pepper plus enough stir-fry sauce to gently simmer vegetables (about 2 minutes). This is meant to be a "saucy" stir-fry that is never dry so the sauce can flavor the rice or noodles it is served with.
Finally, add the bok choy or Chinese cabbage. Add more of the stir-fry sauce as needed, almost enough to just cover vegetables in sauce. Simmer until bok choy or cabbage is cooked but still bright green with some crispness (2 to 3 minutes more).
Remove from heat and taste-test. If not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce. If too salty or sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice. Add more sugar or chili if desired.
Top with fresh basil and serve over Thai jasmine rice or Thai coconut rice.
Note: Any leftover stir-fry sauce can be stored for 1 week in a covered container in your refrigerator for future stir-fries.
Main Course Variation
Use this sauce to make a main course dish by adding cooked chicken or shrimp, or tofu/cashews if vegetarian/vegan.
If using raw chicken or raw shrimp, combine with 3 tablespoons of the stir-fry sauce as a marinade. Add marinated chicken/shrimp at the beginning of stir-frying together with the shallots, garlic, galangal, and chili.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
This was posted by Daring Gourmet in tbsp. (tablespoon)’s website. She wrote, “One of the most popular dishes throughout China and the Western world alike, this sweet and spicy chicken dish is not for the faint of taste buds. It packs a punch, or should we say, ‘PAO, right in the kisser!’” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
6-10 dried hot red chili peppers (or less according to heat preference), seeded and membranes removed (gloves recommended)
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 bunch green onions (about 6 green onions)
For the Marinade:
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup black Chinese vinegar or dark balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat and let the chicken sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, stirring until the cornstarch and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Fry the chilies for a few seconds until they turn darker in color.
Add the chicken and marinade and fry until no longer pink. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions and fry for two minutes. Add the sauce and stir until thickened. Reduce the heat to medium-high and stir in the peanuts. Simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
THE SPICIEST GINGERBREAD COOKIES EVER
This recipe from The Food Network Kitchen begins, “This gingerbread cookie is super-spicy from the very first bite. Molasses makes it chewy and white sugar rounds out the spices. Cayenne, allspice and a hefty dose of black pepper result in a complex, lingering heat that is surprising and pleasant.” Total Time: 5 hr 20 min; Prep: 1 hr 10 min; Inactive: 3 hr 40 min; Cook: 30 min; Yield: Eighteen 4-inch gingerbread people; Level: Intermediate
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/the-spiciest-gingerbread-cookies-ever.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting and rolling (see Cook's Note)
3 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter cut into 1-inch pieces, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup meringue powder (egg white powder)
Cinnamon candies, such as Red Hots, chocolate chips, raisins or other candies for decorating
Directions
Make the cookies: Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes (scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed). Beat in the molasses until combined, then the egg (the mixture will look curdled). Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in 2 pieces, flatten each half into a disk and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Position 2 racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Keeping one disk refrigerated, roll the other disk on a well-floured work surface to 1/4 inch thick, sprinkling flour on and under the dough as needed and sliding a spatula underneath every so often to prevent sticking (If the dough looks crackly or breaks apart, press it back together from the outside edge in). Using cookie cutters, cut out gingerbread shapes as close together as possible. Pull away the extra dough around each shape then use a small offset spatula to transfer the shapes to the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Reroll the scraps and cut out more cookies. Freeze the cookies until firm, about 15 minutes.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and from front to back halfway through cooking, until they are slightly firm to the touch but not browned at the edges, about 12 minutes. Repeat the rolling, cutting and baking with the remaining dough disk.
Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes (The cookies will continue to firm as they cool).
Make the icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the frosting thickens, trying not to incorporate too much air. (The icing should be pure white and thick, but not fluffy and bubbly.)
Scrape the icing into a resealable plastic bag and snip the corner to the desired size. Pipe the icing onto the cookies to decorate, as desired, sticking the candy onto the icing while it is still wet. Let the cookies stand at room temperature until the icing hardens, at least 1 hour.
Special equipment: a small offset spatula
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
GINGERED ORANGE CARROTS
Yield: About 2 cups (4 servings)
Source: "The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes"
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/351.shtml
Ingredients
6 medium carrots (about 3/4 pound), peeled and sliced
1/2 cup homemade chicken broth or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons margarine
1 teaspoon grated fresh gingerroot, or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
Combine the carrots and broth in a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat until almost tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the orange juice, margarine, and ginger; simmer, uncovered, until almost all the liquid is absorbed. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 cup): Calories: 52, Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 72 mg, Carbohydrate: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 1 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
THAI STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES WITH GARLIC, GINGER, AND LIME
This is from Darlene Schmidt on The Spruce Eats. Darlene wrote, “Making a 'simple stir-fry' isn't always all that simple if you can't get the stir-fry sauce to taste just right. But with this no-fail recipe for Thai stir-fried vegetables, the technique is a shoe-in mostly because the sauce is made up before beginning to fry the vegetables, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. This can be made vegetarian/vegan by substituting soy sauce for the fish sauce.
“This is quite a 'saucy' stir-fry that is never dry and is terrific served over rice or noodles. Feel free to experiment with your own choice of vegetables, using whatever is fresh and available where you live.
“Great as a side dish, you can turn it into a main course by adding tofu, wheat gluten, cashews, cooked shrimp or slices of chicken as a protein source.
“Best of all it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for gathering the family around the table for a weeknight meal. Things will go even faster if much of the slicing, dicing, and chopping is done the night before.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup shallots (finely chopped, or purple onion)
5 to 6 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
1 to 2 pieces galangal (thumb-size OR ginger, sliced into thin matchstick pieces)
1/2 to 1 small fresh red chili (sliced OR 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes)
1 medium-size carrot (sliced)
5 to 6 shiitake mushrooms (sliced or left in halves or quarters)
Optional: 1 small head cauliflower (cut into florets)
1 small head broccoli (cut into florets)
1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
2 to 3 cups baby bok choy (or other Chinese cabbage, leaves left whole if not too large, otherwise cut in half or thirds)
1 handful fresh Thai basil (chopped)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
2/3 cup coconut milk
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/3 to 1/2 teaspoons dried crushed chili flakes
2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
Directions
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a large cup or small bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, and brown sugar, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Taste-test, keeping in mind that the first taste should be spicy-salty, followed by sweetness and the rich taste of the coconut milk.
Adjust these flavors to suit your taste, adding more lime juice if too sweet or salty (note that it will be less salty when combined with the vegetables).
Stir-Fry the Dish
Warm a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and swirl around, then add the shallots, garlic, galangal, and chili. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, then add the carrot, mushrooms, optional cauliflower, and 1/4 of the stir-fry sauce. Continue stir-frying 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the broccoli and red pepper plus enough stir-fry sauce to gently simmer vegetables (about 2 minutes). This is meant to be a "saucy" stir-fry that is never dry so the sauce can flavor the rice or noodles it is served with.
Finally, add the bok choy or Chinese cabbage. Add more of the stir-fry sauce as needed, almost enough to just cover vegetables in sauce. Simmer until bok choy or cabbage is cooked but still bright green with some crispness (2 to 3 minutes more).
Remove from heat and taste-test. If not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce. If too salty or sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice. Add more sugar or chili if desired.
Top with fresh basil and serve over Thai jasmine rice or Thai coconut rice.
Note: Any leftover stir-fry sauce can be stored for 1 week in a covered container in your refrigerator for future stir-fries.
Main Course Variation
Use this sauce to make a main course dish by adding cooked chicken or shrimp, or tofu/cashews if vegetarian/vegan.
If using raw chicken or raw shrimp, combine with 3 tablespoons of the stir-fry sauce as a marinade. Add marinated chicken/shrimp at the beginning of stir-frying together with the shallots, garlic, galangal, and chili.
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats Jolinda wrote, “Wondering how to make a simple and easy homemade ginger tea? Why go out and buy stale old tea bags when you can easily make your own fresh and homemade ginger tea at home using fresh ginger? Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that's great for digestion.
”Here's how to make the tastiest and most soothing and healing ginger tea you've ever had! There's really no comparison.
“This healing ginger tea recipe actually comes from the raw food and natural health retreat center I used to work at in Thailand, where we served it to our guests bright and early every single morning, seven days a week. The secret to the perfect healing ginger tea? Lots and lots of fresh ginger, simmered for a long time to bring out the flavor, and the lime, which compliments the ginger perfectly, and plenty of natural agave nectar or honey for a refined sugar-free sweetener (or you might prefer it unsweetened, depending on your health goals - It's still delicious, I promise!). Try this simple ginger tea for an immune system boost or for an invigorating way to start the morning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 2 servings of ginger tea
To check this out online, click here.
Ingredients
About 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it!)
1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar, to taste)
Optional: 1/2 lime (juiced, or to taste)
Directions
First, prepare the fresh ginger by peeling it and slicing it thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. You really can't over do it, so feel free to add as much ginger and simmer it for as long as you want.
Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey (or agave nectar) to taste.
The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger-more than you think you will need-and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.
Enjoy your hot ginger tea! A homemade ginger tea is excellent in soothing stomach aches and in aiding digestion.
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
This was posted by Daring Gourmet in tbsp. (tablespoon)’s website. She wrote, “One of the most popular dishes throughout China and the Western world alike, this sweet and spicy chicken dish is not for the faint of taste buds. It packs a punch, or should we say, ‘PAO, right in the kisser!’” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
6-10 dried hot red chili peppers (or less according to heat preference), seeded and membranes removed (gloves recommended)
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 bunch green onions (about 6 green onions)
For the Marinade:
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup black Chinese vinegar or dark balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Directions
Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat and let the chicken sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, stirring until the cornstarch and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Fry the chilies for a few seconds until they turn darker in color.
Add the chicken and marinade and fry until no longer pink. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions and fry for two minutes. Add the sauce and stir until thickened. Reduce the heat to medium-high and stir in the peanuts. Simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
THE SPICIEST GINGERBREAD COOKIES EVER
This recipe from The Food Network Kitchen begins, “This gingerbread cookie is super-spicy from the very first bite. Molasses makes it chewy and white sugar rounds out the spices. Cayenne, allspice and a hefty dose of black pepper result in a complex, lingering heat that is surprising and pleasant.” Total Time: 5 hr 20 min; Prep: 1 hr 10 min; Inactive: 3 hr 40 min; Cook: 30 min; Yield: Eighteen 4-inch gingerbread people; Level: Intermediate
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/the-spiciest-gingerbread-cookies-ever.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting and rolling (see Cook's Note)
3 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter cut into 1-inch pieces, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup meringue powder (egg white powder)
Cinnamon candies, such as Red Hots, chocolate chips, raisins or other candies for decorating
Directions
Make the cookies: Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes (scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed). Beat in the molasses until combined, then the egg (the mixture will look curdled). Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in 2 pieces, flatten each half into a disk and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Position 2 racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Keeping one disk refrigerated, roll the other disk on a well-floured work surface to 1/4 inch thick, sprinkling flour on and under the dough as needed and sliding a spatula underneath every so often to prevent sticking (If the dough looks crackly or breaks apart, press it back together from the outside edge in). Using cookie cutters, cut out gingerbread shapes as close together as possible. Pull away the extra dough around each shape then use a small offset spatula to transfer the shapes to the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Reroll the scraps and cut out more cookies. Freeze the cookies until firm, about 15 minutes.
Bake the cookies, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and from front to back halfway through cooking, until they are slightly firm to the touch but not browned at the edges, about 12 minutes. Repeat the rolling, cutting and baking with the remaining dough disk.
Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes (The cookies will continue to firm as they cool).
Make the icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the frosting thickens, trying not to incorporate too much air. (The icing should be pure white and thick, but not fluffy and bubbly.)
Scrape the icing into a resealable plastic bag and snip the corner to the desired size. Pipe the icing onto the cookies to decorate, as desired, sticking the candy onto the icing while it is still wet. Let the cookies stand at room temperature until the icing hardens, at least 1 hour.
Special equipment: a small offset spatula
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
GINGERED ORANGE CARROTS
Yield: About 2 cups (4 servings)
Source: "The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes"
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/351.shtml
Ingredients
6 medium carrots (about 3/4 pound), peeled and sliced
1/2 cup homemade chicken broth or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons margarine
1 teaspoon grated fresh gingerroot, or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions
Combine the carrots and broth in a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat until almost tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the orange juice, margarine, and ginger; simmer, uncovered, until almost all the liquid is absorbed. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/2 cup): Calories: 52, Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 72 mg, Carbohydrate: 8 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 1 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
Friday, December 29, 2017
Friday Recipes for New Year's Eve
It's the last Friday of 2017. Here are six recipes you can make if you're having anyone over for New Year's Eve (or any time at all), including New England Roast Turkey and Pumpkin Spice Scones. Enjoy!
SWEENEY POTATOES
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.
Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE
Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.
While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
NEW ENGLAND ROAST TURKEY
This also comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This adaptation of an old Yankee Magazine recipe for classic New England roast turkey is solid and unfancy, the sort that has adorned tables from Portsmouth north for generations. Old-line New Englanders may be tempted to soak an old cotton button-down dress shirt in butter and drape it over the bird for the first two hours. But this is not necessary.” Yield: 12 or more servings; Time: 4 1/2 hours, plus bringing.
This was featured in “The United States of Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 12- to 14-pound turkey
2 1/4 cups kosher salt, more as needed
1 cup white sugar
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked, more as needed
3 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage
1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
2 ribs of celery, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
Preparation
Rinse turkey under cold water and place on a rack in its roasting pan while you make the brine.
For the brine, combine salt, sugar, bay leaves, pepper and herbs with 2 1/2 gallons water in a pot or cooler large enough to hold turkey comfortably. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Put turkey in brine and refrigerate or ice overnight, at least 12 hours.
When ready to cook, heat oven to 425 degrees. Remove bird from brine, drain well and pat very dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Set turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set into a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, then fill the cavity with onion, celery and carrots. Fold wings under the bird and tie its legs together with butcher’s twine. Roast for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast approximately 3 hours more, basting bird every 30 minutes with drippings and tenting it with foil if skin is turning too dark, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board or platter and allow to rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
KFC’S COLESLAW
Okay, I admit it: I love KFC’s Coleslaw. When I drove cab for a living, I used to pick up some of their coleslaw probably once a week.
This copycat recipe comes from Recipe Lion; it was one of the recipes in their e-cookbook, titled “24 New Top Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes.” The site has quite a few free e-cookbooks to check out. Please feel free to do so!
This recipe begins, “KFC copycat recipes are always delicious, and this one is an all-time favorite. When you're preparing for your next picnic or potluck with friends, consider this easy coleslaw recipe. It's always a crowd pleaser any time it's served and it couldn't be any easier to make.”
Ingredients
8 1/8 cups cabbage
1/3 cup carrots, shredded
1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Core the cabbage, then shred using the slicing disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor.
Shred the carrot the same way or use pre-shredded carrots.
Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined.
Add the salt and pepper.
Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in.
Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Mix thoroughly before serving.
PUMPKIN SPICE SCONES
This absolute yumminess comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven’t checked out her blog, I highly recommend doing so, along with subscribing to it. Go ahead, I’ll wait. (Imagine the sound of me tapping my foot….) Did you ? Great, if you did. If you didn’t, check it out sometime.
Okay, Audra starts off by writing, “Let’s grab a cup of coffee and a scone, what do you say? It’s been a long day, and right now I just want something delicious and a warm cup of coffee. Doesn’t that sound lovely? And, since pumpkin season seems to be at it’s peak, how about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth, Pumpkin Spice Scones? Oh these were so good. Everything you want in a scone really. Nothing dense or tough about these babies- just fall baked good perfection.” At the end of the recipe, Audra, added, “This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 8 scones. Yum!
To view this online at Audra’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup pumpkin pureé
3 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 large egg
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
dash of cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F. Prep a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a sil-pat. Set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Add the butter, and use a pastry blender or your hands to break down the butter chunks until they are no bigger than the size of a pea. (I like to use my hands and work them in.)
Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the pumpkin and creamer. Stir gently until dough just comes together. (It may seem dry)
Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until dough has moistened and is a cohesive ball.
Shape into a 6-7 inch circle, about 2 inches thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges, and arrange on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until scones are just golden on the edges. Allow them to cool slightly while you make the glaze.
For the glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar, creamer, and cinnamon until smooth and thick. Drizzle over the scones and enjoy warm or room temperature.
SWEENEY POTATOES
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.
Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE
Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.
While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
NEW ENGLAND ROAST TURKEY
This also comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This adaptation of an old Yankee Magazine recipe for classic New England roast turkey is solid and unfancy, the sort that has adorned tables from Portsmouth north for generations. Old-line New Englanders may be tempted to soak an old cotton button-down dress shirt in butter and drape it over the bird for the first two hours. But this is not necessary.” Yield: 12 or more servings; Time: 4 1/2 hours, plus bringing.
This was featured in “The United States of Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 12- to 14-pound turkey
2 1/4 cups kosher salt, more as needed
1 cup white sugar
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked, more as needed
3 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage
1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
2 ribs of celery, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
Preparation
Rinse turkey under cold water and place on a rack in its roasting pan while you make the brine.
For the brine, combine salt, sugar, bay leaves, pepper and herbs with 2 1/2 gallons water in a pot or cooler large enough to hold turkey comfortably. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Put turkey in brine and refrigerate or ice overnight, at least 12 hours.
When ready to cook, heat oven to 425 degrees. Remove bird from brine, drain well and pat very dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Set turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set into a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, then fill the cavity with onion, celery and carrots. Fold wings under the bird and tie its legs together with butcher’s twine. Roast for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast approximately 3 hours more, basting bird every 30 minutes with drippings and tenting it with foil if skin is turning too dark, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board or platter and allow to rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
KFC’S COLESLAW
Okay, I admit it: I love KFC’s Coleslaw. When I drove cab for a living, I used to pick up some of their coleslaw probably once a week.
This copycat recipe comes from Recipe Lion; it was one of the recipes in their e-cookbook, titled “24 New Top Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes.” The site has quite a few free e-cookbooks to check out. Please feel free to do so!
This recipe begins, “KFC copycat recipes are always delicious, and this one is an all-time favorite. When you're preparing for your next picnic or potluck with friends, consider this easy coleslaw recipe. It's always a crowd pleaser any time it's served and it couldn't be any easier to make.”
Ingredients
8 1/8 cups cabbage
1/3 cup carrots, shredded
1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Core the cabbage, then shred using the slicing disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor.
Shred the carrot the same way or use pre-shredded carrots.
Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined.
Add the salt and pepper.
Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in.
Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Mix thoroughly before serving.
PUMPKIN SPICE SCONES
This absolute yumminess comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven’t checked out her blog, I highly recommend doing so, along with subscribing to it. Go ahead, I’ll wait. (Imagine the sound of me tapping my foot….) Did you ? Great, if you did. If you didn’t, check it out sometime.
Okay, Audra starts off by writing, “Let’s grab a cup of coffee and a scone, what do you say? It’s been a long day, and right now I just want something delicious and a warm cup of coffee. Doesn’t that sound lovely? And, since pumpkin season seems to be at it’s peak, how about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth, Pumpkin Spice Scones? Oh these were so good. Everything you want in a scone really. Nothing dense or tough about these babies- just fall baked good perfection.” At the end of the recipe, Audra, added, “This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 8 scones. Yum!
To view this online at Audra’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup pumpkin pureé
3 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 large egg
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
dash of cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F. Prep a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a sil-pat. Set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Add the butter, and use a pastry blender or your hands to break down the butter chunks until they are no bigger than the size of a pea. (I like to use my hands and work them in.)
Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the pumpkin and creamer. Stir gently until dough just comes together. (It may seem dry)
Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until dough has moistened and is a cohesive ball.
Shape into a 6-7 inch circle, about 2 inches thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges, and arrange on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until scones are just golden on the edges. Allow them to cool slightly while you make the glaze.
For the glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar, creamer, and cinnamon until smooth and thick. Drizzle over the scones and enjoy warm or room temperature.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Italian Wedding Soup and 15-Minute Fried Herbed Chicken. Enjoy!
VEGAN PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BROWNIES
This is from Alissa Saenz at Connoisseurus Veg, and starts off, “Fudgy chocolate chip-studded vegan brownies are topped with a layer of luscious cashew cheesecake to make this decadent and totally vegan fall dessert.”
Servings: 16; Calories 254 kcal; Author Alissa Saenz
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup organic granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water 4-8 hours and drained
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly oil a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
To make the brownie layer, stir the coconut oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir just until fully blended. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake just until set in the center, 18-20 minutes.
While the brownie layer bakes, place all ingredients for the cheesecake layer except for the chocolate chips into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Remove the blade or transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips.
When the brownie layer is set, remove the pan from the oven and spread the cheesecake mixture over top. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheesecake layer is set, 22-24 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
CAPPUCCINO COOLER
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “There's no need to pay the small fortune that your corner coffee bar charges for a frozen concoction when you can make this smoothie. If you like your coffee strong, omit the sugar.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 1; Preparation Time: 6 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup black coffee, but brewed espresso preferred, cooled to room temperature
1/4 cup ice cube(s), about 3 cubes
1/2 tsp sugar, superfine
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients; puree until smooth.
Pour into a tall, chilled glass; sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if you like.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Prep Time 15 minutes; Cooking Time 60 minutes; Serves 10
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, (or 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth
6 cups water
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
2/3 cup orzo, (tiny rice shaped grains of pasta)
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 7 ingredients and form into tiny balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Bring 6 cups of water to a slow boil in a stockpot. Add the chicken broth and season with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meatballs, and cook for a few minutes until done. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon. Add the orzo and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the escarole. Add the meatballs back to the soup pot, heat and serve.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips
The secret to this recipe's flavor is the cheese, add a tablespoon or two to the finished soup to enhance the flavor!
ONE PAN LEMON CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS
This is from Chungah Rhee on her site, Damn Delicious. Chungah wrote, “An easy peasy one pan meal! And the chicken breasts come out so tender and flavorful!”
Yield: 4 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut in 1-inch chunks
1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, halved
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, basil, lemon zest and orange zest; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Place butternut squash and brussels sprouts in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with chicken in a single layer and brush each chicken breast with honey mixture.
Place into oven and roast until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 25-30 minutes. Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
15-MINUTE FRIED HERBED CHICKEN
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “This chicken takes so little time but tastes so good that it raises the bar for weeknight cooking. Chicken pieces are smothered in an herb and onion paste, dredged in flour and fried in the amount of time needed to make a salad. The amount of oil you need to crisp up the chicken is minimal, and the flavor is terrific.” Time: 15 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, like tarragon and sage
2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
1/4 cup olive oil, more for frying
Flour for dredging
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 half-breasts
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Salt to taste
Preparation
In a blender or the container of a food processor, combine garlic, onion, herbs and tahini. As you purée the mixture, slowly add just enough olive oil through the feed tube to make a thick, smooth paste; do not let it get too thin.
Put flour in a shallow bowl. Place chicken in another bowl. Rub puréed mixture over chicken, then dredge each piece in flour. Gently shake off any excess flour, coat again with paste and dredge once more in flour.
Heat 1/4 inch olive oil in a skillet; when it is hot, fry chicken for about 4 minutes each side, until well browned and cooked through; it will take longer if you use chicken with the bone in. Garnish with parsley and serve hot or warm, with lemon wedges.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
VEGAN PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BROWNIES
This is from Alissa Saenz at Connoisseurus Veg, and starts off, “Fudgy chocolate chip-studded vegan brownies are topped with a layer of luscious cashew cheesecake to make this decadent and totally vegan fall dessert.”
Servings: 16; Calories 254 kcal; Author Alissa Saenz
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup organic granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer
1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water 4-8 hours and drained
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly oil a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
To make the brownie layer, stir the coconut oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir just until fully blended. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake just until set in the center, 18-20 minutes.
While the brownie layer bakes, place all ingredients for the cheesecake layer except for the chocolate chips into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an S-blade. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Remove the blade or transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips.
When the brownie layer is set, remove the pan from the oven and spread the cheesecake mixture over top. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheesecake layer is set, 22-24 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
CAPPUCCINO COOLER
This was in a Weight Watchers' email several years ago. The recipe begins, “There's no need to pay the small fortune that your corner coffee bar charges for a frozen concoction when you can make this smoothie. If you like your coffee strong, omit the sugar.”
POINTS® Value: 3; Servings: 1; Preparation Time: 6 min; Cooking Time: 0 min; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup black coffee, but brewed espresso preferred, cooled to room temperature
1/4 cup ice cube(s), about 3 cubes
1/2 tsp sugar, superfine
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
In a blender, combine all ingredients; puree until smooth.
Pour into a tall, chilled glass; sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if you like.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Prep Time 15 minutes; Cooking Time 60 minutes; Serves 10
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg, (or 2 egg whites)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups chicken broth
6 cups water
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
2/3 cup orzo, (tiny rice shaped grains of pasta)
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine first 7 ingredients and form into tiny balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Bring 6 cups of water to a slow boil in a stockpot. Add the chicken broth and season with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meatballs, and cook for a few minutes until done. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon. Add the orzo and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the escarole. Add the meatballs back to the soup pot, heat and serve.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips
The secret to this recipe's flavor is the cheese, add a tablespoon or two to the finished soup to enhance the flavor!
ONE PAN LEMON CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS
This is from Chungah Rhee on her site, Damn Delicious. Chungah wrote, “An easy peasy one pan meal! And the chicken breasts come out so tender and flavorful!”
Yield: 4 servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut in 1-inch chunks
1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, halved
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, basil, lemon zest and orange zest; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Place butternut squash and brussels sprouts in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with chicken in a single layer and brush each chicken breast with honey mixture.
Place into oven and roast until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 25-30 minutes. Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
15-MINUTE FRIED HERBED CHICKEN
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “This chicken takes so little time but tastes so good that it raises the bar for weeknight cooking. Chicken pieces are smothered in an herb and onion paste, dredged in flour and fried in the amount of time needed to make a salad. The amount of oil you need to crisp up the chicken is minimal, and the flavor is terrific.” Time: 15 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, like tarragon and sage
2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
1/4 cup olive oil, more for frying
Flour for dredging
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 half-breasts
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Salt to taste
Preparation
In a blender or the container of a food processor, combine garlic, onion, herbs and tahini. As you purée the mixture, slowly add just enough olive oil through the feed tube to make a thick, smooth paste; do not let it get too thin.
Put flour in a shallow bowl. Place chicken in another bowl. Rub puréed mixture over chicken, then dredge each piece in flour. Gently shake off any excess flour, coat again with paste and dredge once more in flour.
Heat 1/4 inch olive oil in a skillet; when it is hot, fry chicken for about 4 minutes each side, until well browned and cooked through; it will take longer if you use chicken with the bone in. Garnish with parsley and serve hot or warm, with lemon wedges.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
New Year's Eve
I know, I've posted here the past couple of weekends - something I seldom do. This will probably be the last weekend post, for a while, anyway.
Here are six recipes you can make if you're having anyone over for New Year's Eve - or if it's just you and family. Of course, you could fix these any time at all. Enjoy!
SWEENEY POTATOES
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.
Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE
Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.
While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
NEW ENGLAND ROAST TURKEY
This also comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This adaptation of an old Yankee Magazine recipe for classic New England roast turkey is solid and unfancy, the sort that has adorned tables from Portsmouth north for generations. Old-line New Englanders may be tempted to soak an old cotton button-down dress shirt in butter and drape it over the bird for the first two hours. But this is not necessary.” Yield: 12 or more servings; Time: 4 1/2 hours, plus bringing.
This was featured in “The United States of Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 12- to 14-pound turkey
2 1/4 cups kosher salt, more as needed
1 cup white sugar
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked, more as needed
3 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage
1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
2 ribs of celery, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
Preparation
Rinse turkey under cold water and place on a rack in its roasting pan while you make the brine.
For the brine, combine salt, sugar, bay leaves, pepper and herbs with 2 1/2 gallons water in a pot or cooler large enough to hold turkey comfortably. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Put turkey in brine and refrigerate or ice overnight, at least 12 hours.
When ready to cook, heat oven to 425 degrees. Remove bird from brine, drain well and pat very dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Set turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set into a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, then fill the cavity with onion, celery and carrots. Fold wings under the bird and tie its legs together with butcher’s twine. Roast for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast approximately 3 hours more, basting bird every 30 minutes with drippings and tenting it with foil if skin is turning too dark, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board or platter and allow to rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
KFC’S COLESLAW
Okay, I admit it: I love KFC’s Coleslaw. When I drove cab for a living, I used to pick up some of their coleslaw probably once a week.
This copycat recipe comes from Recipe Lion; it was one of the recipes in their e-cookbook, titled “24 New Top Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes.” The site has quite a few free e-cookbooks to check out. Please feel free to do so!
This recipe begins, “KFC copycat recipes are always delicious, and this one is an all-time favorite. When you're preparing for your next picnic or potluck with friends, consider this easy coleslaw recipe. It's always a crowd pleaser any time it's served and it couldn't be any easier to make.”
Ingredients
8 1/8 cups cabbage
1/3 cup carrots, shredded
1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Core the cabbage, then shred using the slicing disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor.
Shred the carrot the same way or use pre-shredded carrots.
Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined.
Add the salt and pepper.
Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in.
Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Mix thoroughly before serving.
PUMPKIN SPICE SCONES
This absolute yumminess comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven’t checked out her blog, I highly recommend doing so, along with subscribing to it. Go ahead, I’ll wait. (Imagine the sound of me tapping my foot….) Did you ? Great, if you did. If you didn’t, check it out sometime.
Okay, Audra starts off by writing, “Let’s grab a cup of coffee and a scone, what do you say? It’s been a long day, and right now I just want something delicious and a warm cup of coffee. Doesn’t that sound lovely? And, since pumpkin season seems to be at it’s peak, how about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth, Pumpkin Spice Scones? Oh these were so good. Everything you want in a scone really. Nothing dense or tough about these babies- just fall baked good perfection.” At the end of the recipe, Audra, added, “This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 8 scones. Yum!
To view this online at Audra’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup pumpkin pureé
3 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 large egg
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
dash of cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F. Prep a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a sil-pat. Set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Add the butter, and use a pastry blender or your hands to break down the butter chunks until they are no bigger than the size of a pea. (I like to use my hands and work them in.)
Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the pumpkin and creamer. Stir gently until dough just comes together. (It may seem dry)
Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until dough has moistened and is a cohesive ball.
Shape into a 6-7 inch circle, about 2 inches thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges, and arrange on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until scones are just golden on the edges. Allow them to cool slightly while you make the glaze.
For the glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar, creamer, and cinnamon until smooth and thick. Drizzle over the scones and enjoy warm or room temperature.
Here are six recipes you can make if you're having anyone over for New Year's Eve - or if it's just you and family. Of course, you could fix these any time at all. Enjoy!
SWEENEY POTATOES
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This is a variation of a dish sometimes called ‘company potatoes,’ popular in the postwar kitchens of the 1950s, made with canned condensed soups and frozen hash browns. Maura Passanisi, of Alameda, Calif., shared it with The Times as a tribute to her grandmother, Florence Sweeney, who originally served it as a Thanksgiving side dish. Ms. Passanisi uses fresh russet potatoes and no condensed soup, but plenty of cream cheese, sour cream, butter and cheese. ‘Legendary,’ she calls the dish. And so it is. Small portions are best. It's rich. And feeds a crowd.” Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 1 hour.
This was featured in “The American Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for the pan
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Put potatoes in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Set on stove over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow potatoes to simmer until they have just started to soften, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine cream cheese, melted butter and sour cream in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add enough milk so that the mixture is creamy but not soupy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add potatoes to bowl and stir gently to combine.
Generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Tip half the potatoes into the dish and spread to the edges, then scatter half the grated cheese over the top. Add remaining potatoes and spread to the edges, then top with remaining cheese.
Bake until casserole is bubbling at the edges and cheese has melted across the top, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if you'd like.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY SAUCE
Many of us get by with store bought cranberry sauce. But after seeing this guide by Melissa Clark, I may just start making my own cranberry sauce.
While I’m not posting any particular recipe on making cranberry sauce, you can click here to find out how to make great cranberry sauce.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
NEW ENGLAND ROAST TURKEY
This also comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “This adaptation of an old Yankee Magazine recipe for classic New England roast turkey is solid and unfancy, the sort that has adorned tables from Portsmouth north for generations. Old-line New Englanders may be tempted to soak an old cotton button-down dress shirt in butter and drape it over the bird for the first two hours. But this is not necessary.” Yield: 12 or more servings; Time: 4 1/2 hours, plus bringing.
This was featured in “The United States of Thanksgiving” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
1 12- to 14-pound turkey
2 1/4 cups kosher salt, more as needed
1 cup white sugar
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked, more as needed
3 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage
1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
2 ribs of celery, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
Preparation
Rinse turkey under cold water and place on a rack in its roasting pan while you make the brine.
For the brine, combine salt, sugar, bay leaves, pepper and herbs with 2 1/2 gallons water in a pot or cooler large enough to hold turkey comfortably. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Put turkey in brine and refrigerate or ice overnight, at least 12 hours.
When ready to cook, heat oven to 425 degrees. Remove bird from brine, drain well and pat very dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Set turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set into a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper, then fill the cavity with onion, celery and carrots. Fold wings under the bird and tie its legs together with butcher’s twine. Roast for 30 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast approximately 3 hours more, basting bird every 30 minutes with drippings and tenting it with foil if skin is turning too dark, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board or platter and allow to rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
KFC’S COLESLAW
Okay, I admit it: I love KFC’s Coleslaw. When I drove cab for a living, I used to pick up some of their coleslaw probably once a week.
This copycat recipe comes from Recipe Lion; it was one of the recipes in their e-cookbook, titled “24 New Top Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes.” The site has quite a few free e-cookbooks to check out. Please feel free to do so!
This recipe begins, “KFC copycat recipes are always delicious, and this one is an all-time favorite. When you're preparing for your next picnic or potluck with friends, consider this easy coleslaw recipe. It's always a crowd pleaser any time it's served and it couldn't be any easier to make.”
Ingredients
8 1/8 cups cabbage
1/3 cup carrots, shredded
1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Core the cabbage, then shred using the slicing disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor.
Shred the carrot the same way or use pre-shredded carrots.
Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined.
Add the salt and pepper.
Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in.
Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. Mix thoroughly before serving.
PUMPKIN SPICE SCONES
This absolute yumminess comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven’t checked out her blog, I highly recommend doing so, along with subscribing to it. Go ahead, I’ll wait. (Imagine the sound of me tapping my foot….) Did you ? Great, if you did. If you didn’t, check it out sometime.
Okay, Audra starts off by writing, “Let’s grab a cup of coffee and a scone, what do you say? It’s been a long day, and right now I just want something delicious and a warm cup of coffee. Doesn’t that sound lovely? And, since pumpkin season seems to be at it’s peak, how about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth, Pumpkin Spice Scones? Oh these were so good. Everything you want in a scone really. Nothing dense or tough about these babies- just fall baked good perfection.” At the end of the recipe, Audra, added, “This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 8 scones. Yum!
To view this online at Audra’s blog, click here.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
1/2 cup pumpkin pureé
3 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 large egg
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
dash of cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F. Prep a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a sil-pat. Set aside.
In a large bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Add the butter, and use a pastry blender or your hands to break down the butter chunks until they are no bigger than the size of a pea. (I like to use my hands and work them in.)
Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the pumpkin and creamer. Stir gently until dough just comes together. (It may seem dry)
Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and knead until dough has moistened and is a cohesive ball.
Shape into a 6-7 inch circle, about 2 inches thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges, and arrange on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until scones are just golden on the edges. Allow them to cool slightly while you make the glaze.
For the glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar, creamer, and cinnamon until smooth and thick. Drizzle over the scones and enjoy warm or room temperature.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Tuesday Recipes
Enjoy!
15-MINUTE FRIED HERBED CHICKEN
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “This chicken takes so little time but tastes so good that it raises the bar for weeknight cooking. Chicken pieces are smothered in an herb and onion paste, dredged in flour and fried in the amount of time needed to make a salad. The amount of oil you need to crisp up the chicken is minimal, and the flavor is terrific.” Time: 15 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, like tarragon and sage
2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
1/4 cup olive oil, more for frying
Flour for dredging
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 half-breasts
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Salt to taste
Preparation
In a blender or the container of a food processor, combine garlic, onion, herbs and tahini. As you purée the mixture, slowly add just enough olive oil through the feed tube to make a thick, smooth paste; do not let it get too thin.
Put flour in a shallow bowl. Place chicken in another bowl. Rub puréed mixture over chicken, then dredge each piece in flour. Gently shake off any excess flour, coat again with paste and dredge once more in flour.
Heat 1/4 inch olive oil in a skillet; when it is hot, fry chicken for about 4 minutes each side, until well browned and cooked through; it will take longer if you use chicken with the bone in. Garnish with parsley and serve hot or warm, with lemon wedges.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
SUPERFAST FUDGE BROWNIES
This recipe comes from The Working Stiff Cookbook, by Bob Sloan and illustrated by Michael Klein. I absolutely love this cookbook. Even vegetarians can find plenty to love in it. The great thing about this recipe is that it really doesn't take much longer than a boxed mix, and is so much better!
The recipe starts with, "The perfect comfort food to go with your burgers. (Burger Bliss was on the preceding page.) Brownies always lift the spirits. Especially these brownies. They're fast, easy, and foolproof." I agree!
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter (or margarine), cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter an 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the cocoa powder, stirring continuously until the butter is just melted. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the butter mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 2 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until each is well combined. Add the flour and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with tiny crumbs on it. Serve warm or at room temperature.
OUTRAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE
Not sure where this recipe came from. Possibly Ocean Spray®? That’s the closest I can think of. I received it in an email in early 2009. Makes 10 servings.
Ingredients:
For cake:
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 cup Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For glaze:
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Directions:
Make cake:
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tap to remove excess.
Microwave 2/3 cup chocolate chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on High for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
Add cranberry sauce and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour and baking powder mix well. Pour batter in prepared pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.
Make glaze:
Microwave cream and chocolate chips together in medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate. Add cranberry sauce; mix well.
Turn cake out onto serving plate; remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill 1 hour or until glaze is firm. Can be made a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Ingredients
3 medium, firm green tomatoes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs or cornmeal
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with Salt and pepper. Let tomato slices stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Place flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip tomato Slices in milk, then flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs. In the Skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 Minutes on each side or until brown. As you cook the rest of the Tomatoes, add olive oil as needed. Season to taste with salt and Pepper.
LOW FAT CARROT AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com’s Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, “The natural sweetness of this low fat carrot and sweet potato soup is complemented by the spiciness of curry powder and cumin. Full of beta-carotene and a good source of fiber, this is a wonderfully nutritious beginning to a meal or a perfect lunch. Enjoy with whole grain bread or crackers.” Prep Time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp curry powder
1 pound bag of baby carrots
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 1/2 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Preparation
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven and saute onion until softened. Stir in cumin and curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add carrots, sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
When cool, transfer vegetables to a blender and blend until smooth, working in batches. Return to Dutch oven to reheat.
Per Serving: Calories 146, Calories from Fat 21, Total Fat 2.3g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 73mg, Carbohydrate 28.4g, Fiber 4.6g, Protein 2.9g
15-MINUTE FRIED HERBED CHICKEN
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “This chicken takes so little time but tastes so good that it raises the bar for weeknight cooking. Chicken pieces are smothered in an herb and onion paste, dredged in flour and fried in the amount of time needed to make a salad. The amount of oil you need to crisp up the chicken is minimal, and the flavor is terrific.” Time: 15 minutes; makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, like tarragon and sage
2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
1/4 cup olive oil, more for frying
Flour for dredging
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 half-breasts
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Salt to taste
Preparation
In a blender or the container of a food processor, combine garlic, onion, herbs and tahini. As you purée the mixture, slowly add just enough olive oil through the feed tube to make a thick, smooth paste; do not let it get too thin.
Put flour in a shallow bowl. Place chicken in another bowl. Rub puréed mixture over chicken, then dredge each piece in flour. Gently shake off any excess flour, coat again with paste and dredge once more in flour.
Heat 1/4 inch olive oil in a skillet; when it is hot, fry chicken for about 4 minutes each side, until well browned and cooked through; it will take longer if you use chicken with the bone in. Garnish with parsley and serve hot or warm, with lemon wedges.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
SUPERFAST FUDGE BROWNIES
This recipe comes from The Working Stiff Cookbook, by Bob Sloan and illustrated by Michael Klein. I absolutely love this cookbook. Even vegetarians can find plenty to love in it. The great thing about this recipe is that it really doesn't take much longer than a boxed mix, and is so much better!
The recipe starts with, "The perfect comfort food to go with your burgers. (Burger Bliss was on the preceding page.) Brownies always lift the spirits. Especially these brownies. They're fast, easy, and foolproof." I agree!
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter (or margarine), cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter an 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the cocoa powder, stirring continuously until the butter is just melted. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the butter mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 2 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring until each is well combined. Add the flour and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with tiny crumbs on it. Serve warm or at room temperature.
OUTRAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY FUDGE CAKE
Not sure where this recipe came from. Possibly Ocean Spray®? That’s the closest I can think of. I received it in an email in early 2009. Makes 10 servings.
Ingredients:
For cake:
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 cup Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For glaze:
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Directions:
Make cake:
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tap to remove excess.
Microwave 2/3 cup chocolate chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on High for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate.
Add cranberry sauce and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, vanilla, flour and baking powder mix well. Pour batter in prepared pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.
Make glaze:
Microwave cream and chocolate chips together in medium microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on High. Stir until smooth. Microwave for 30 more seconds if necessary to melt chocolate. Add cranberry sauce; mix well.
Turn cake out onto serving plate; remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill 1 hour or until glaze is firm. Can be made a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten-emailing-list.
Ingredients
3 medium, firm green tomatoes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs or cornmeal
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with Salt and pepper. Let tomato slices stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Place flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip tomato Slices in milk, then flour, then eggs, then bread crumbs. In the Skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 Minutes on each side or until brown. As you cook the rest of the Tomatoes, add olive oil as needed. Season to taste with salt and Pepper.
LOW FAT CARROT AND SWEET POTATO SOUP
This is from Fiona Haynes, About.com’s Low Fat Cooking expert. Fiona wrote, “The natural sweetness of this low fat carrot and sweet potato soup is complemented by the spiciness of curry powder and cumin. Full of beta-carotene and a good source of fiber, this is a wonderfully nutritious beginning to a meal or a perfect lunch. Enjoy with whole grain bread or crackers.” Prep Time: 0 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp curry powder
1 pound bag of baby carrots
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 1/2 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Preparation
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven and saute onion until softened. Stir in cumin and curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add carrots, sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
When cool, transfer vegetables to a blender and blend until smooth, working in batches. Return to Dutch oven to reheat.
Per Serving: Calories 146, Calories from Fat 21, Total Fat 2.3g (sat 0.3g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 73mg, Carbohydrate 28.4g, Fiber 4.6g, Protein 2.9g
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Wednesday Recipes - and Two Recalls
Before getting to today's recipes, I want to warn you about two tuna recalls. Bumble Bee Foods has announced a voluntary recall of 3 specific UPC does of its Chunk Light tuna. Click here to view the recall. Also, Tri-Union Seafoods is recalling select 5 oz. cans of Chick of the Sea tuna due to “possible life-threatening health risks.” Click here to read the Chicken of the Sea recall.
Now, on to today's recipes. Enjoy!
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This came in a recent New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
COCONUT CREAM TARTLETS
This yummy recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If I ever take a road trip and end up in Seattle, I'll have to drop by. In the meantime, I'll keep checking out their e-newsletter.
This recipe's intro is by Leslie Mackey, who writes, “A few years ago I challenged our pastry team to come contemporary take on the ever popular coconut cream pie. After making adjustments both large and small, we came up with something I’m super proud to offer at Macrina: Coconut Cream Tartlets. I have friends that make a 9”version of this. The pie holds a special place on their Christmas table each year. This recipe is also featured in my More From Macrina cookbook. I am positive you will enjoy it as much as we do.
“There are many different tartlet pan sizes and styles, and I encourage you to use what you have. For the quantities in this recipe, however, the ideal size is 4 inches wide.” Makes six 4” tartlets.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough
1-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 large egg, beaten
Coconut Custard Cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Garnish
1/2 cup large flake unsweetened coconut, toasted
6 fresh raspberries
6 edible flowers, such as Johnny jump-ups or nasturtiums
Directions
To make the tart dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, and coconut on low speed. Add the butter and mix for 1 to 2 minutes, until the flour is coarse and crumbly. Add the egg all at once and mix just until the dough comes together.
Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a 1-inch thick block by pulling the sides of the wrap toward the center and patting. Wrap the dough well, then refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
Meanwhile, to make the custard, mix the sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a medium bowl. I use a stiff wire whisk; the mixture is thick, so it takes a little effort. Set aside.
Cook the milk, coconut milk, coconut, and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and scald the mixture by bringing it just to a boil. Take the pan off the heat. The next step is to temper the hot liquid into the sugar mixture: whisking constantly, pour the hot mixture in a slow stream into the bowl of sugar and yolks. Continue whisking and pouring slowly, until about three-quarters of the milk has been added. Then pour all of the sugar mixture back into the saucepan.
Return the saucepan to the burner over low heat and continue whisking to thicken the custard. This will take about 2 minutes: make sure you are constantly mixing (you don’t necessarily have to stir fast, but it’s important to be moving the mixture at all times). If the custard sticks to the bottom of the pot and scorches, it will give it a burned taste.
Using a rubber spatula, scrape the custard into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the custard’s surface and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. On a floured work surface, roll the dough out from the center of the square to about 1/8-inch thickness. (Check frequently to make sure the dough isn’t sticking; add flour as needed to the dough and work surface.) Cut out 6 tartlet shells by inverting a tartlet pan onto the dough and cutting a circle slightly larger than its diameter with a paring knife. (This dough is fragile, so handle it with care.) Use an offset spatula to lift each circle into a tartlet pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pans. Trim the outer edge with scissors, or simply use your fingers to pinch the dough off at the pan’s edge. Place the pans on a baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes in the freezer.
Bake the tartlet shells for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown. Make sure they are fully baked and not spongy. Cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes – the shells will continue to firm and crisp as they cool.
Meanwhile, to make the topping, in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla on low speed until the cream forms medium-firm peaks. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Pull the custard from the refrigerator and use a rubber spatula to mix and smooth it. Divide it among the tartlet shells; they should be slightly heaping. (I like to use an ice cream scoop.) Using a small off-set spatula or the rounded side of a teaspoon, smooth the edges of the custard and form a slight dome in the center. Top each tartlet with an equal volume of whipped cream, smooth, and sprinkle the entire top evenly with toasted coconut.
Garnish each with a raspberry and edible flower. Keep chilled until ready to serve. These decadent tartlets will keep, wrapped and refrigerated, for up to 2 days.
SLOW-COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter. It begins, “Classic beef- and rice-stuffed peppers are now easier to make than ever with some help from your slow cooker.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 6 hr 15 min; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (5 oz)
Directions
Trim tops off bell peppers; remove ribs and seeds. Set aside.
Place beef in large bowl; set aside.
In 6-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add chopped onion. Cook until onion softens, stirring every few minutes. Add garlic; cook 60 seconds. Remove from the heat; cool slightly.
Add rice, salt and pepper to beef. Add cooked onion and garlic; mix to combine. Stuff peppers with beef mixture; arrange in slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce over peppers.
Cook on Low heat setting 6 hours; last 30 minutes of cooking, top peppers with cheese.
CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI QUINOA SKILLET
This also comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter, and begins, “A healthy new twist on chicken and broccoli casserole, this simple skillet is prepped on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet, then baked until gooey and golden.” Prep Time: 10 min; Total Time: 45 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 (18 oz.) can Progresso™ Creamy Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 cups French fried onions
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion salt
3 tablespoons butter, ghee or olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Nonstick olive oil spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º F. In a 8 to 9-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook all the way through. Transfer to a small bowl.
Spray skillet with nonstick olive oil spray, Toss quinoa, Progresso™ soup, 1 cup French fried onions, garlic powder and onion salt together in skillet. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken and broccoli to top. Sprinkle with cheddar and remaining French fried onions.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and begins to bubble around the edges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
LEMON YOGURT CAKE
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 20 min; Prep: 20; Inactive: 10 min; Cook: 50 min; Yield: 1 loaf; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-yogurt-cake-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
3 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into 1 bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.
When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool.
For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cake.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
Now, on to today's recipes. Enjoy!
KATHARINE HEPBURN'S BROWNIES
This came in a recent New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. It begins, “Much like its author, this recipe is a no-fuss classic. It calls for just 1/4 cup of flour, which yields an incredibly rich and gooey brownie, and it's super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that baking a batch of these might just become part of your weekend routine.” Time: about 45 minutes; makes 12 brownies
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped or broken-up walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Melt butter in saucepan with cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Add to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8 x 8-inch-square pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Do not overbake; the brownies should be gooey. Let cool, then cut into bars.
COCONUT CREAM TARTLETS
This yummy recipe comes from Seattle's Macrina Bakery. If I ever take a road trip and end up in Seattle, I'll have to drop by. In the meantime, I'll keep checking out their e-newsletter.
This recipe's intro is by Leslie Mackey, who writes, “A few years ago I challenged our pastry team to come contemporary take on the ever popular coconut cream pie. After making adjustments both large and small, we came up with something I’m super proud to offer at Macrina: Coconut Cream Tartlets. I have friends that make a 9”version of this. The pie holds a special place on their Christmas table each year. This recipe is also featured in my More From Macrina cookbook. I am positive you will enjoy it as much as we do.
“There are many different tartlet pan sizes and styles, and I encourage you to use what you have. For the quantities in this recipe, however, the ideal size is 4 inches wide.” Makes six 4” tartlets.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough
1-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 large egg, beaten
Coconut Custard Cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Garnish
1/2 cup large flake unsweetened coconut, toasted
6 fresh raspberries
6 edible flowers, such as Johnny jump-ups or nasturtiums
Directions
To make the tart dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, and coconut on low speed. Add the butter and mix for 1 to 2 minutes, until the flour is coarse and crumbly. Add the egg all at once and mix just until the dough comes together.
Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a 1-inch thick block by pulling the sides of the wrap toward the center and patting. Wrap the dough well, then refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
Meanwhile, to make the custard, mix the sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a medium bowl. I use a stiff wire whisk; the mixture is thick, so it takes a little effort. Set aside.
Cook the milk, coconut milk, coconut, and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and scald the mixture by bringing it just to a boil. Take the pan off the heat. The next step is to temper the hot liquid into the sugar mixture: whisking constantly, pour the hot mixture in a slow stream into the bowl of sugar and yolks. Continue whisking and pouring slowly, until about three-quarters of the milk has been added. Then pour all of the sugar mixture back into the saucepan.
Return the saucepan to the burner over low heat and continue whisking to thicken the custard. This will take about 2 minutes: make sure you are constantly mixing (you don’t necessarily have to stir fast, but it’s important to be moving the mixture at all times). If the custard sticks to the bottom of the pot and scorches, it will give it a burned taste.
Using a rubber spatula, scrape the custard into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the custard’s surface and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. On a floured work surface, roll the dough out from the center of the square to about 1/8-inch thickness. (Check frequently to make sure the dough isn’t sticking; add flour as needed to the dough and work surface.) Cut out 6 tartlet shells by inverting a tartlet pan onto the dough and cutting a circle slightly larger than its diameter with a paring knife. (This dough is fragile, so handle it with care.) Use an offset spatula to lift each circle into a tartlet pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pans. Trim the outer edge with scissors, or simply use your fingers to pinch the dough off at the pan’s edge. Place the pans on a baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes in the freezer.
Bake the tartlet shells for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown. Make sure they are fully baked and not spongy. Cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes – the shells will continue to firm and crisp as they cool.
Meanwhile, to make the topping, in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla on low speed until the cream forms medium-firm peaks. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Pull the custard from the refrigerator and use a rubber spatula to mix and smooth it. Divide it among the tartlet shells; they should be slightly heaping. (I like to use an ice cream scoop.) Using a small off-set spatula or the rounded side of a teaspoon, smooth the edges of the custard and form a slight dome in the center. Top each tartlet with an equal volume of whipped cream, smooth, and sprinkle the entire top evenly with toasted coconut.
Garnish each with a raspberry and edible flower. Keep chilled until ready to serve. These decadent tartlets will keep, wrapped and refrigerated, for up to 2 days.
SLOW-COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS
This comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter. It begins, “Classic beef- and rice-stuffed peppers are now easier to make than ever with some help from your slow cooker.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 6 hr 15 min; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (5 oz)
Directions
Trim tops off bell peppers; remove ribs and seeds. Set aside.
Place beef in large bowl; set aside.
In 6-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add chopped onion. Cook until onion softens, stirring every few minutes. Add garlic; cook 60 seconds. Remove from the heat; cool slightly.
Add rice, salt and pepper to beef. Add cooked onion and garlic; mix to combine. Stuff peppers with beef mixture; arrange in slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce over peppers.
Cook on Low heat setting 6 hours; last 30 minutes of cooking, top peppers with cheese.
CHEESY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI QUINOA SKILLET
This also comes from the Tablespoon e-newsletter, and begins, “A healthy new twist on chicken and broccoli casserole, this simple skillet is prepped on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet, then baked until gooey and golden.” Prep Time: 10 min; Total Time: 45 min; Servings: 8
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 (18 oz.) can Progresso™ Creamy Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 cups French fried onions
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion salt
3 tablespoons butter, ghee or olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Nonstick olive oil spray
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º F. In a 8 to 9-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook all the way through. Transfer to a small bowl.
Spray skillet with nonstick olive oil spray, Toss quinoa, Progresso™ soup, 1 cup French fried onions, garlic powder and onion salt together in skillet. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken and broccoli to top. Sprinkle with cheddar and remaining French fried onions.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and begins to bubble around the edges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
LEMON YOGURT CAKE
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 1 hr 20 min; Prep: 20; Inactive: 10 min; Cook: 50 min; Yield: 1 loaf; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-yogurt-cake-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
3 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into 1 bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.
When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan. While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon-sugar mixture over the cake and allow it to soak in. Cool.
For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cake.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Friday Recipes
Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving, here are six recipes that can be used for the holiday meal - or anytime, for that matter. Enjoy!
Note: I will be taking Thanksgiving off, so I'll attempt to post a double-batch of recipes on Wednesday. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
SIMPLE ROAST TURKEY
This comes from Melissa Clark of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Melissa writes, “For all the attention we lavish on Thanksgiving turkeys, the truth is more work does not necessarily yield a better bird. That's right: You can skip brining, stuffing, trussing and basting. Instead of a messy wet brine, use a dry rub (well, technically a dry brine) — a salt and pepper massage that locks in moisture and seasons the flesh. No stuffing or trussing allows the bird to cook more quickly, with the white and dark meat finishing closer to the same time. And if you oil but don’t baste your turkey, you’ll get crisp skin without constantly opening the oven.” Makes 10 to 12 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015474-simple-roast-turkey.
Ingredients
1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
Coarse kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 lemon, zested and quartered
1 bunch fresh thyme or rosemary
1 bunch fresh sage
12 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 bottle hard apple cider (12 ounces)
Dry white wine, as needed
2 onions, peeled and quartered
3 bay leaves
Olive oil or melted butter, as needed
Preparation
Remove any giblets from the cavity and reserve for stock or gravy. Pat turkey and turkey neck dry with paper towel; rub turkey all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound of turkey, the pepper and the lemon zest, including the neck. Transfer to a 2-gallon (or larger) resealable plastic bag. Tuck herbs and 6 garlic cloves inside bag. Seal and refrigerate on a small rimmed baking sheet (or wrapped in another bag) for at least 1 day and up to 3 days, turning the bird over every day (or after 12 hours if brining for only 1 day).
Remove turkey from bag and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey, uncovered, back on the baking sheet. Return to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours to dry out the skin (this helps crisp it).
When you are ready to cook the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for one hour.
Heat oven to 450 degrees. In the bottom of a large roasting pan, add the cider and enough wine to fill the pan to a 1/4-inch depth. Add half the onions, the remaining 6 garlic cloves and the bay leaves. Stuff the remaining onion quarters and the lemon quarters into the turkey cavity. Brush the turkey skin generously with oil or melted butter.
Place turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set inside the roasting pan. Transfer pan to the oven and roast 30 minutes. Cover breast with aluminum foil. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh reaches a temperature of 165 degrees, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
BREAD STUFFING
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter, and goes well with the Simple Roast Turkey. According to the newsletter, “Mark Bittman writes that this bread stuffing, based on a James Beard recipe, has been a staple on his Thanksgiving table for decades. First you make fresh bread crumbs: just whiz a few cups of slightly stale cubes of decent bread (crust and all, unless it’s super-hard) in a food processor. Keep the crumbs very, very coarse. Cook them with plenty of butter (yes, you can use olive oil) and good seasonings. Baked in a pan, this is delicious, with or without gravy. You could use it to stuff the turkey if you’d like — but once you've tried it cooked on its own, you won't look back.” Time: 1 hour; makes 6 to 8 cups, enough for a 12-pound bird.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/147-bread-stuffing.
Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
6 to 8 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (see tip)
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or sage leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon or sage, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Preparation
Melt butter over medium heat in a large, deep skillet, Dutch oven or casserole. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add nuts and cook, stirring almost constantly, until they begin to brown, about 3 minutes.
Add bread crumbs and tarragon or sage and toss to mix. Turn heat to low. Add salt, pepper and scallions. Toss again; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add parsley and stir. Turn off heat. (You may prepare recipe in advance up to this point; refrigerate, well wrapped or in a covered container, for up to a day before proceeding.)
Pack into chicken or turkey if you like before roasting, or roast in an ovenproof glass or enameled casserole for about 45 minutes, at 350 to 400 degrees; you can bake this dish next to the bird, if you like. (Or you can cook it up to 3 days in advance and warm it up right before dinner.)
Tip: To make the bread crumbs, tear bread into chunks and put them in the container of a food processor; you may need to do this in batches. Pulse until you have coarse, irregular crumbs, no smaller than a pea and preferably larger.
MAKE-AHEAD GRAVY
This also comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “You need gravy on Thanksgiving to lubricate the turkey, moisten the potatoes, douse the stuffing. But traditionally it's made at the last minute, after the turkey has been removed from the roasting pan. Here’s a secret: There's no need to make gravy right before serving. You can make it up to five days ahead. Then, as you reheat it, whisk in the turkey pan drippings for extra flavor. The result is every bit as good as last-minute gravy — and far less crazy-making.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 5 to 6 cups.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015197-make-ahead-gravy.
1 stick butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup flour
Salt and pepper
4 to 5 cups rich stock, warmed
Turkey drippings and giblets (optional)
Preparation
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on the onions, stirring constantly, and cook until flour is golden to brown. Adjust heat so mixture does not burn.
Gradually whisk in 4 cups stock until mixture thickens and is smooth. If it is too thick, add liquid. Cool, cover and chill.
When ready to serve, reheat mixture over low heat, stirring. Scrape bottom of turkey pan and add drippings or giblets to gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
PERFECT PARKER HOUSE ROLLS
Guess which emailed newsletter this is from? Okay, that's a trick question! I know, I know...after several recipes from the same newsletter, you're expecting today's whole blog to be from there. However, this recipe comes from another favorite newsletter that I subscribe to: The Baker Chick. If you haven't signed up for Audra's newsletter (Audra is The Baker Chick), please do so. You'll find some yummy recipes there – as well as in the New York Times' cooking newsletter.
Anyway, Audra writes, “Are you dinner roll with your Thanksgiving meal people? My family always had a bread basket on the table with rolls and a full stick of butter on the side. I always loved sopping up the gravy and sauces and making mini turkey sandwiches later in the night when I realized I was hungry again. Our rolls were normally store-bought, nothing special but they served their carby purpose and everyone was happy.
“Well…I have now tasted what were the most fabulous, soft, pillowy, buttery rolls that I am ruined for life. Never again could I even consider a store-bought dinner roll as these were both easy and fantastic. The texture was out of this world- they almost had a croissant-like taste, so buttery and rich. Dipped in a bowl of pea soup we enjoyed these immensely over the weekend, (Hugo had 3!) but I know they will be a huge hit with my family for Thanksgiving as well. If your Thanksgiving spread needs a bread basket I highly recommend these gorgeous rolls make it to your table.” Makes 24 – 30 rolls.
To view this yumminess online, go to http://www.thebakerchick.com/2015/11/perfect-parker-house-rolls/. Also, to learn more about Hugo (as in Hugo had 3!), well...you'll just have to sign up for her newsletter!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing
1/4 – 1/2 cup sugar*
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 – 8 cups all-purpose flour
Sea Salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool to luke warm.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast, warm water, milk mixture, eggs, salt and half the flour.
Mix for a few minutes until combined, scraping the bowl down with your spatula if needed. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until dough comes together and forms a soft, loose ball. (The dough will be very soft but shouldn't be too sticky. I used 7 cups total flour.)
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is still very sticky, until smooth.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and proof in a warm place for 60-70 minutes, or until doubled.
Turn proofed dough onto your floured surface, punch it down a bit, and roll or spread the dough into a rectangle. Shape into rolls and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. **
Cover again and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes:
The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, which definitely gives the rolls a little bit of a sweet taste. I didn't mind it, but will cut it down to 1/4 cup next time just to make it a bit more subtle.
* If I had wanted these to be perfectly the same size, I would have measured each one to weigh 1.5 oz on my kitchen scale. I eyeballed it though and was fine with them being a bit more rustic. To shape them into round rolls, I cut off the portion of dough, turned all the edges under and pinched them together to form a ball.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
Note: I will be taking Thanksgiving off, so I'll attempt to post a double-batch of recipes on Wednesday. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
SIMPLE ROAST TURKEY
This comes from Melissa Clark of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Melissa writes, “For all the attention we lavish on Thanksgiving turkeys, the truth is more work does not necessarily yield a better bird. That's right: You can skip brining, stuffing, trussing and basting. Instead of a messy wet brine, use a dry rub (well, technically a dry brine) — a salt and pepper massage that locks in moisture and seasons the flesh. No stuffing or trussing allows the bird to cook more quickly, with the white and dark meat finishing closer to the same time. And if you oil but don’t baste your turkey, you’ll get crisp skin without constantly opening the oven.” Makes 10 to 12 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015474-simple-roast-turkey.
Ingredients
1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
Coarse kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 lemon, zested and quartered
1 bunch fresh thyme or rosemary
1 bunch fresh sage
12 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 bottle hard apple cider (12 ounces)
Dry white wine, as needed
2 onions, peeled and quartered
3 bay leaves
Olive oil or melted butter, as needed
Preparation
Remove any giblets from the cavity and reserve for stock or gravy. Pat turkey and turkey neck dry with paper towel; rub turkey all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound of turkey, the pepper and the lemon zest, including the neck. Transfer to a 2-gallon (or larger) resealable plastic bag. Tuck herbs and 6 garlic cloves inside bag. Seal and refrigerate on a small rimmed baking sheet (or wrapped in another bag) for at least 1 day and up to 3 days, turning the bird over every day (or after 12 hours if brining for only 1 day).
Remove turkey from bag and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey, uncovered, back on the baking sheet. Return to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours to dry out the skin (this helps crisp it).
When you are ready to cook the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for one hour.
Heat oven to 450 degrees. In the bottom of a large roasting pan, add the cider and enough wine to fill the pan to a 1/4-inch depth. Add half the onions, the remaining 6 garlic cloves and the bay leaves. Stuff the remaining onion quarters and the lemon quarters into the turkey cavity. Brush the turkey skin generously with oil or melted butter.
Place turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set inside the roasting pan. Transfer pan to the oven and roast 30 minutes. Cover breast with aluminum foil. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh reaches a temperature of 165 degrees, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
BREAD STUFFING
This comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter, and goes well with the Simple Roast Turkey. According to the newsletter, “Mark Bittman writes that this bread stuffing, based on a James Beard recipe, has been a staple on his Thanksgiving table for decades. First you make fresh bread crumbs: just whiz a few cups of slightly stale cubes of decent bread (crust and all, unless it’s super-hard) in a food processor. Keep the crumbs very, very coarse. Cook them with plenty of butter (yes, you can use olive oil) and good seasonings. Baked in a pan, this is delicious, with or without gravy. You could use it to stuff the turkey if you’d like — but once you've tried it cooked on its own, you won't look back.” Time: 1 hour; makes 6 to 8 cups, enough for a 12-pound bird.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/147-bread-stuffing.
Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
6 to 8 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (see tip)
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or sage leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon or sage, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Preparation
Melt butter over medium heat in a large, deep skillet, Dutch oven or casserole. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add nuts and cook, stirring almost constantly, until they begin to brown, about 3 minutes.
Add bread crumbs and tarragon or sage and toss to mix. Turn heat to low. Add salt, pepper and scallions. Toss again; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add parsley and stir. Turn off heat. (You may prepare recipe in advance up to this point; refrigerate, well wrapped or in a covered container, for up to a day before proceeding.)
Pack into chicken or turkey if you like before roasting, or roast in an ovenproof glass or enameled casserole for about 45 minutes, at 350 to 400 degrees; you can bake this dish next to the bird, if you like. (Or you can cook it up to 3 days in advance and warm it up right before dinner.)
Tip: To make the bread crumbs, tear bread into chunks and put them in the container of a food processor; you may need to do this in batches. Pulse until you have coarse, irregular crumbs, no smaller than a pea and preferably larger.
MAKE-AHEAD GRAVY
This also comes from Mark Bittman of the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Mark writes, “You need gravy on Thanksgiving to lubricate the turkey, moisten the potatoes, douse the stuffing. But traditionally it's made at the last minute, after the turkey has been removed from the roasting pan. Here’s a secret: There's no need to make gravy right before serving. You can make it up to five days ahead. Then, as you reheat it, whisk in the turkey pan drippings for extra flavor. The result is every bit as good as last-minute gravy — and far less crazy-making.” Time: 30 minutes; makes 5 to 6 cups.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015197-make-ahead-gravy.
1 stick butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup flour
Salt and pepper
4 to 5 cups rich stock, warmed
Turkey drippings and giblets (optional)
Preparation
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on the onions, stirring constantly, and cook until flour is golden to brown. Adjust heat so mixture does not burn.
Gradually whisk in 4 cups stock until mixture thickens and is smooth. If it is too thick, add liquid. Cool, cover and chill.
When ready to serve, reheat mixture over low heat, stirring. Scrape bottom of turkey pan and add drippings or giblets to gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve.
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? This comes from Florence Fabricant, also from the New York Times' cooking newsletter. Florence writes, “These are classic mashed potatoes, brightened up with a substantial amount of garlic. Feel free to adjust the garlic to taste, and to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cloves before mixing them in with the potatoes. (For everything you need to know to make perfect potatoes, visit our potato guide.)” Time: 40 minutes; makes 6 servings.
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/4288-garlic-mashed-potatoes.
Ingredients
3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup hot milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
Cut the potatoes into uniform two-inch chunks and place in a heavy saucepan along with the garlic. Cover with water, bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash the potatoes and garlic together. Stir in the hot milk, season to taste with salt and pepper and add the butter (less if desired) or oil. Serve at once.
PERFECT PARKER HOUSE ROLLS
Guess which emailed newsletter this is from? Okay, that's a trick question! I know, I know...after several recipes from the same newsletter, you're expecting today's whole blog to be from there. However, this recipe comes from another favorite newsletter that I subscribe to: The Baker Chick. If you haven't signed up for Audra's newsletter (Audra is The Baker Chick), please do so. You'll find some yummy recipes there – as well as in the New York Times' cooking newsletter.
Anyway, Audra writes, “Are you dinner roll with your Thanksgiving meal people? My family always had a bread basket on the table with rolls and a full stick of butter on the side. I always loved sopping up the gravy and sauces and making mini turkey sandwiches later in the night when I realized I was hungry again. Our rolls were normally store-bought, nothing special but they served their carby purpose and everyone was happy.
“Well…I have now tasted what were the most fabulous, soft, pillowy, buttery rolls that I am ruined for life. Never again could I even consider a store-bought dinner roll as these were both easy and fantastic. The texture was out of this world- they almost had a croissant-like taste, so buttery and rich. Dipped in a bowl of pea soup we enjoyed these immensely over the weekend, (Hugo had 3!) but I know they will be a huge hit with my family for Thanksgiving as well. If your Thanksgiving spread needs a bread basket I highly recommend these gorgeous rolls make it to your table.” Makes 24 – 30 rolls.
To view this yumminess online, go to http://www.thebakerchick.com/2015/11/perfect-parker-house-rolls/. Also, to learn more about Hugo (as in Hugo had 3!), well...you'll just have to sign up for her newsletter!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing
1/4 – 1/2 cup sugar*
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 – 8 cups all-purpose flour
Sea Salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool to luke warm.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast, warm water, milk mixture, eggs, salt and half the flour.
Mix for a few minutes until combined, scraping the bowl down with your spatula if needed. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until dough comes together and forms a soft, loose ball. (The dough will be very soft but shouldn't be too sticky. I used 7 cups total flour.)
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is still very sticky, until smooth.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and proof in a warm place for 60-70 minutes, or until doubled.
Turn proofed dough onto your floured surface, punch it down a bit, and roll or spread the dough into a rectangle. Shape into rolls and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. **
Cover again and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes:
The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, which definitely gives the rolls a little bit of a sweet taste. I didn't mind it, but will cut it down to 1/4 cup next time just to make it a bit more subtle.
* If I had wanted these to be perfectly the same size, I would have measured each one to weigh 1.5 oz on my kitchen scale. I eyeballed it though and was fine with them being a bit more rustic. To shape them into round rolls, I cut off the portion of dough, turned all the edges under and pinched them together to form a ball.
CRANBERRY PIE
This recipe can be found in my e-cookbook Off the Wall Cooking, which is for sale on Amazon.com. (To buy a copy of it for your Kindle or tablet, click here.) My dad sent this recipe in a letter dated “18 No 79”. He wrote, “Here is a recipe for a pie. 1st the way it was in the paper and the way I made it.”
2 T cornstarch
1 C sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T butter
2 C cranberries
Pie crust
Blend 1st four ingredients & cook in double boiler until thick. Add next 3 ingredients & cook 10 minutes. Put in pie shell & bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, covering pie with foil for the first 10-15 minutes. (Crust can be any kind you want, whether double crust or simply a bottom crust.)
VARIATION
2 Tbls cornstarch
3/4 C honey + 1/4 C molasses
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 C hot water
1 C raisins
1 T margarine
1 1/2 C cranberries + 1 C canned cranberries (kind with berries in sauce)
Pie crust
Make as above.
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