03-04-10
Creamy Roasted Broccoli
Makes 6-8 Servings
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh broccoli, florets removed, about 2 large bunches, divided
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons orange zest, plus juice from 1 large orange
Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Put 2/3 of the broccoli in a large bowl with the olive oil and orange juice; season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Transfer the broccoli to a large rimmed baking sheet in 1 layer and roast until just tender with golden brown edges, approximately 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour the cream into a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the remaining broccoli, garlic, and orange zest and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook until the cream has reduced to half its original volume and the broccoli is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
With a hand-held immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor, blend or pulse the cream and broccoli mixture until coarsely blended and still a bit chunky. Gently fold in the roasted broccoli; taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.
03-04-10
Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (recommended: Maytag or Point Reyes)
4 slices smoked bacon, cooked until crisp and finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
4 skin-on, bone-in organic chicken breasts
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
In a large bowl, using a rubber spatula, mix the butter, blue cheese, bacon, and chives together until combined. Dollop half of the compound butter along the long edge of a 12-inch piece of parchment or waxed paper. Roll into a log, twisting opposite ways on both ends of the paper to create a tightly wrapped log of butter. Refrigerate or freeze for another use.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin from chicken breasts. Stuff about 1/4 of the remaining blue cheese butter under the skin of each breast; smoothing the skin to evenly distribute the butter over the surface of the breast meat.
Put the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and rub any remaining butter over the skin. Season each breast with just a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Roast the chicken breasts, skin sides up, in the center of the oven until skin is crisped and chicken is cooked through, about 35 to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should register 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Remove from the oven to a serving platter. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Cook’s Note: This recipe makes 2 logs of compound butter; unused butter can be used to top grilled meats, burgers, or baked or mashed potatoes.
03-04-10
Chai Spiced S’mores
Makes 4 Servings (2 s’mores/serving)
Ingredients:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon loose chai tea leaves
16 honey graham cracker squares (2 1/2-inch squares)
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows or 16 jumbo marshmallows
Special equipment: 8 metal skewers
Directions:
Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Put the cream in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the tea leaves, stir, remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Return the tea-infused cream to medium heat until just simmering. Pour the cream through a fine mesh strainer set over the bowl of chocolate. Shake the bowl to evenly distribute the cream and let stand 5 minutes to melt the chocolate. Stir until very smooth and let the chocolate cool to room temperature. Discard the tea leaves.
To make the s’mores in the oven, set an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler.
Put 8 graham cracker squares on a baking sheet and spread 1/2 teaspoon of the cooled chocolate over the entire surface of each square. Arrange mini marshmallows on each chocolate covered graham, being sure to cover the cracker completely. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of the chocolate on each remaining graham crackers and set them aside.
Transfer the pan to the oven and toast the marshmallows under the broiler until deep golden brown, about 30 seconds. (DO NOT leave the oven – keep an eye on the marshmallows – they toast very quickly).
Remove the s’mores from the oven and top with the chocolate covered grahams, chocolate side down. Press lightly to spread the chocolate to the edges. Let the s’mores cool for 1 to 2 minutes before devouring.
To make s’mores the old fashioned way, and you have access to open flame, either a gas stove or fireplace, put 2 jumbo marshmallows on a metal skewer. Spread 1/2 teaspoon chocolate on each of 8 graham squares (this will be the bottom of the s’more). Dollop a teaspoon of chocolate onto the center of the remaining 8 squares and reserve (these are the tops).
Toast the marshmallows over an open flame until brown (or charred), as desired. While holding the skewer, put the toasted marshmallows onto the center of the bottom graham square. Invert a graham cracker top over the marshmallows and press lightly while you simultaneously pull the skewer from the marshmallows to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining marshmallows and serve while still warm.
Cook’s Note: Unused chocolate chai sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be melted and poured over ice cream or stirred into hot milk for chai-spiced hot chocolate.
03-04-10
Roasted Figs with Fresh Ricotta
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
6 to 8 Mission figs, halved
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
Pinch ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
Fresh ricotta or fat free Greek yogurt, for serving
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Put the figs, cut side up, in a baking dish. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, and whisk in the honey, cinnamon and salt. Drizzle the hot honey butter over the figs and roast in oven until very soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
Divide the fresh ricotta or fat free yogurt among 4 serving dishes and top with the warm figs and sauce. Enjoy!
Cook’s Note: These hot figs are really great over mixed greens or even on a toasted baguette as a crostini!
03-04-10
Deconstructed Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter, divided
12 fresh sage leaves, divided
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup water
2 Vidalia or sweet onions, chopped
8 large eggs
Directions:
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 sage leaves and fry quickly until crisp, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Reserve.
Add the sweet potatoes to the skillet, toss until coated in the butter, then add the water and the remaining 8 sage leaves. Bring the water to a simmer and cook the potatoes, uncovered, until the water has evaporated and the potatoes are just fork tender, about 10 minutes. If there is any excess water in the pan, remove it with a large spoon and reserve. Continue cooking the potatoes, scraping the pan frequently with a spoon, until crusty brown, about 10 more minutes. Add a tablespoon of the leftover cooking liquid or fresh water if the potatoes stick or begin to scorch.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, adding water as necessary when the pan gets dry, until deep golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer the onions to a serving bowl. Wipe out the pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and fry the eggs, 2 at a time, to your preference. Cook’s Note: I like mine over easy.
Plate the potatoes in the center of 4 plates with the caramelized onions alongside. Top each plate with 2 fried eggs, garnish with a fried sage leaf and enjoy!
02-17-10
Ranch Dipper
Makes 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, grated or finely chopped, then mashed into paste with salt
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Stir together all ingredients in a small serving bowl. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Originally paired with Rachael Ray’s Fresh Oven Baked Chili (Pepper) Fries.
02-17-10
Baked Fresh Chili (Pepper) Fries
Makes 6 Servings
Ingredients:
6 large jalapeno peppers
4 large poblano peppers
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons
3 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons spicy mustard
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Remove the seeds from all of the peppers and cut into 1/2-inch lengthwise strips.
Set up a breading station: 1 pan of 1 cup of flour, 1 pan of eggs beaten with milk, 2 tablespoons of flour and mustard, and 1 pan of bread crumbs seasoned with cheese, and salt and pepper, to taste.
Coat the peppers in the flour, then in the egg mixture and then in the bread crumbs.
Arrange the chili fries on a nonstick baking sheet and roast for 18 minutes, turning once.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with Ranch Dipper Sauce (or any ranch dressing).
02-15-10
Mini Strawberry Mascarpone Tarts
Makes 12 mini tarts
Ingredients:
8 ounces frozen pizza dough, thawed
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
8 large strawberries, hulled and finely diced
4 ounces mascarpone cheese, whipped
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
In a small bowl add 1/2 cup of sugar and the salt. Stir to combine and pour about half of it evenly onto a work surface. With your hands, press the dough into the sugar and roll out into a flat disk, about 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of the sugar evenly over the top of the dough and press it a few times to adhere. With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a thickness of about 1/8-inch, turning and flipping as you roll to incorporate the sugar into the dough and to keep it from sticking to the surface. With a 3-inch round cutter, cut out 12 dough rounds and arrange them on the lined baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and bake until crisp and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the crisp rounds completely on the pan.
Meanwhile, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer until thick and syrupy, about 4 minutes; it should still swirl in the pan. If too thick, simply add about a teaspoon of balsamic, stir, and remove from the heat.
Put the strawberries in a small bowl and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let them stand until juicy, 5 to 10 minutes. To assemble the tarts, spread about 2 teaspoons mascarpone on each crisp dough round with a spoon or small offset spatula. Using a spoon to drain any excess liquid, put about 1 tablespoon of diced strawberries on the top of each tart. Drizzle a little balsamic syrup over the tarts and serve immediately.
Cook’s Note: The sugared dough scraps can be tossed with cinnamon and baked in the 400 degree F oven until browned and crisp as a treat for the little ones. Leftover strawberries or balsamic syrup are delicious over ice cream!
02-15-10
Faux Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1/2 cup garlic-flavored olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, divided, plus more as desired
4 ounces frozen pizza crust, thawed
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 medium head romaine, chopped, rinsed, and dried
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Put 1/4 cup of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese to a medium bowl and set aside.
Brush a work surface with a little oil and press the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide. When the oil is hot, using kitchen scissors, carefully hold the dough strips, 2 at a time, over the pan and snip off 1/4-inch pieces, letting them gently fall into the hot oil (this may take several batches). Shallow-fry the dough pieces, tossing frequently with a slotted spoon, Chinese strainer or tongs, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the croutons to the bowl with the cheese and toss to coat. Continue frying and dredging the dough in the cheese until all the dough is used.
When ready to serve, add the romaine to a large bowl, drizzle with lemon juice and add the remaining 1/4 cup oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste and toss well to evenly coat the lettuce. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and the croutons and toss well until combined.
Transfer to a serving platter and top with additional cheese, if desired.
02-15-10
Easy White Pizza
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
Garlic-flavored olive oil
1 (1-pound) ball frozen pizza dough, thawed and at room temperature
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus more for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third of the oven.
Brush the pizza pan with oil. On a work surface, using your hands, press the pizza dough into a large flat disk and transfer it to the greased pan. Using your fingers, press the dough out until it has stretched to the perimeter of the pan. Create a dough “lip” around the outer edges of the pan. Brush the entire surface of the dough lightly with garlic oil and pierce the bottom of the crust all over with a fork, to prevent bubbling.
Evenly spread the mozzarella over the crust. Using 2 spoons, dollop teaspoon-sized mounds of ricotta evenly over the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and evenly sprinkle the chopped oregano over the top.
Bake in the lower third of the oven until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly and browning on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before garnishing with additional oregano and slicing into 8 pieces.