CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS IN CREAMY DILL SAUCE

Adapted from Jo Cooks

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil or schmalz

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces

1 T olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced or crushed

16 oz baby bella mushrooms, stemmed, halved and cut into 1/4" slices

1 1/2 c chicken stock

1/2 c sour cream

1/4 c fresh dill, chopped

2 T unsalted butter

1 T flour

Black pepper

2 t lemon juice, or to taste

1 t fish sauce, or to taste

Methodology:

Heat the 1 T olive oil or schmalz in a large dutch oven over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until lightly browned.  Remove to a plate.

Add the remaining olive oil and onion to the pan and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent.  Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.  

Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture, slump, and the liquid begins to cook down.

Return the chicken to the pan, add in the chicken stock, sour cream and half the dill, and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Remove 1/4 c liquid from the pan to a small bowl.  Whisk the flour into the small bowl.  Meanwhile, add the butter to the pan.  Once it has melted, add in the flour mixture and stir the pan well.  Add remaining ingredients, taste for seasoning, and cook 5 more minutes.  Add remaining dill and serve over pappardelle or mashed potatoes.

THE APPLE PANCAKE

Originally from thekitchn

Ingredients:

2 large apples

5 1/2 T salted butter

1/3 c dark brown sugar

3 + 1 T granulated sugar, divided

1 t cinnamon

1/2 t ground ginger

3/4 c AP flour

1/4 t salt

1/4 t nutmeg

5 large eggs

1 c milk

1/2 t vanilla extract

Methodology:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Place a large cast iron skillet into the oven to heat.

Quarter and core the apples, cut into 1/4" slices, and then cut those slices crosswise into thirds. 

Add the butter to the skillet and return to the oven to melt.  Meanwhile, mix 3 T granulated sugar, cinnamon and ginger together in a small bowl.  

Once the butter is melted, evenly sprinkle in the brown sugar, lay down the apple slices, and cover that with the cinnamon sugar mixture.  Return to the oven.

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt and nutmeg together.  Crack the eggs into the center of the flour and whisk to break them up, then gradually whisk more and more flour into the eggs, until a smooth batter forms.  Add the milk and vanilla, and mix for 2 more minutes, until smooth and frothy.  Let stand for 5 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the oven.  The sugar should be bubbly and caramelized.  Pour over the batter, return to the oven, and bake for 20 minutes.

ROASTED CARROTS

From here

Ingredients:

1 lb carrots, cut into 3" lengths, halved or quartered lengthwise

olive oil

salt

Methodology:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Roast 20-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

GINGERBREAD OVEN PANCAKE

Adapted from the basic oven pancake on this site, with flavor inspiration from Smitten Kitchen

*Note the result was both too much for three of us to eat, and kind of dense, so try something new next time?

Ingredients:

Small       Large     cast iron pan

1 1/2T      3T          butter

Batter:

3              6            eggs

3/8 c        3/4 c      flour

3/8 c        3/4 c      milk

1/4 t         3/8 t       salt

1/4 c        1/2 c      molassas (not black strap)

1/4 t         1/2 t       cinnamon

1/2 t         1 t          ground ginger (substitute with 1 T, or 2 T grated fresh ginger)

1/8 t         1/4 t       ground cloves

1/8 t         1/4 t       ground nutmeg

Methodology:

Heat the oven to 425°F.  Place the skillet(s) in the oven to preheat.

Mix the batter.

Remove the skillet(s) from the oven and add the butter.  Once it has melted, swirl to coat the sides of the pan.

Pour the batter into the skillet(s), return to the oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed, golden and set.  Pancake will deflate and slump as it cools.

DANISH DREAM CAKE

Adapted from Milk Street

Ingredients:

105 g cake flour

3/4 t baking powder

2 eggs

107 g white sugar

1 t vanilla

1/8 t salt

1/2 c + 3/8 c coconut milk, divided

150 g brown sugar

85 g salted butter

170 g unsweetened shredded coconut

Methodology:

Heat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle position. Butter a broiler-safe 8x8" baking pan, dust evenly with flour, then tap out the excess. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs, white sugar, vanilla and salt on low until sugar dissolves, about 20 seconds. Increase to medium-high and whip until the mixture is pale and thick, 5 to 6 minutes.

Reduce to low, add about one-third of the flour mixture and mix until almost incorporated, about 10 seconds. With the mixer running, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of coconut milk. Repeat with half of the remaining flour mixture and another 1/4 cup of the remaining coconut milk. With the mixer still running, add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until no flour clumps remain, about 20 seconds. Using a silicone spatula, fold the batter, scraping along the bottom of the bowl, to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until just beginning to brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, checking after 15 minutes. Set the pan on a wire rack and heat the broiler.

In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3/8 cup coconut milk, the brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the coconut and stir until evenly moistened.

Spoon the topping onto the outer edges of the warm cake, then, using an offset or silicone spatula, gently spread into an even layer over the surface. Broil until the top is bubbling and deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, rotating the pan if needed for even browning.

Set the pan on a wire rack and tent with foil. Let cool for at least 30 minutes. Cut into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

COCONUT CAKE

Adapted from Star Chefs

See the bottom for omitted lime curd and nut brittle.

Size modified for two half sheet-pans, cut into thirds, to form six layers

Ingredients

Cake:

246 g cake flour

1/3 t baking soda

1/3 t baking powder

2/3 t salt

2 eggs

300 g sugar

1/2 t vanilla

183 g canola oil

228 g full fat coconut milk

Coconut Pastry Cream:

(makes 2/3 qt)

260 g Coco Lopez

192 g full fat coconut milk

1/6 t salt

1/3 vanilla bean

19 g cornstarch

6 g all-purpose flour

3 egg yolks

38 g butter

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

(makes 3/4 qt)

60 ml fluid oz egg whites

100 g granulated sugar

1 t vanilla

1/8 t salt

142 g butter, softened

Methodology:

Cake:

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

To a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip eggs with sugar until pale yellow and doubled in volume. Continuing to whisk, drizzle the oil in slowly so the mixture emulsifies like making mayonnaise. On low speed, add half the dry ingredients, then the coconut milk, then finishing with the remaining dry ingredients. Divide the batter evenly between 2 parchment-lined, sprayed, half-sheet trays with 500 grams of batter each. Bake until pale golden and set, rotating when done, about 15 minutes total.

Coconut Pastry Cream:

In a pot over low heat, gently melt the Coco Lopez until smooth and uniform.  Simmer on low until slightly thickened.   Add half the coconut milk and the salt.  Return to simmer.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, yolks, and the remaining coconut milk.  Temper the yolk mixture into the pot and whisk until thick and bubbling; it should reach 165°F on a candy thermometer.  Strain and immediately whisk in butter and vanilla.  Whisk thoroughly, place in a tupperware and cover the surface with plastic wrap.  Chill thoroughly.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

In a mixing bowl set over a double boiler, stir together egg whites and sugar until sugar is fully dissolved and foamy and it reaches 160°F.  Transfer to the bowl of a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.  Add vanilla and salt.

Switch to the paddle attachment and add butter, about 1 T at a time, allowing each piece to fully mix in before adding the next.  Once butter is incorporated, transfer to a container and chill.  Bring to room temp before spreading on cake. 

Assembly:

Layer coconut cake with pastry cream.  Crumb coat with buttercream, then wrap and chill overnight.  Finalize decoration with buttercream and sprinkle with shaved coconut.

________________________

Omitted portions of the recipe, at the original (3x) scale:

Lime Curd:
8 fluid ounces lime juice
4 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
223 grams sugar
1 pinch of salt
5 ounces butter, softened

In a non-reactive bowl over a double boiler, combine the juice, eggs, sugar, and salt. Blend with an immersion blender until uniform. Cook over simmering water, stirring constantly with a spatula until it starts to thicken. Stir in butter and allow to further thicken. Strain and transfer to quart containers, pressing a layer of plastic directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming; chill.

Nut Brittle:
(Yield: 2 quarts)
594 grams sugar
42 grams butter
12 grams salt
1 tablespoon vanilla
9 grams baking soda
14 ounces cashews, toasted and chopped
Sea salt
Pink peppercorn dust

Set up a full sheet tray, upside-down and lined with a silpat. In a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, combine sugar and add enough water to reach a wet sand consistency. Add butter, salt and vanilla. Bring sugar to a very pale caramel, then add baking soda and stir vigorously with a spatula. It will foam up and take on a bright orange color. Working quickly, remove pot from heat and fold in cashews. Dump cashew caramel out onto the silpat and spread into an even layer. Top with another silpat and use a rolling pin to press out into a flat layer. Sprinkle liberally with sea salt and pink peppercorn dust. Once cool, break into chunks and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

ATAKILT WAT

From Spoons of Flavor

Ingredients:

5 T olive oil

3 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut (quartered, sixthed, twelfthed)

4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2" sections

1 onion, peeled, quartered and sliced

1 green chili, halved, deseeded, and chopped

3 garlic cloves, pressed

2" ginger, grated

1 t turmeric powder

2 t cumin powder

1/2 t black pepper

2 t salt

1/2 head cabbage, chopped

Methodology:

Add the vegetables to a large dutch oven as they are chopped.  Add the oil and heat over medium flame, stirring, until the onion and potato take on golden color, 5-10 minutes.

Add the garlic, ginger, spices and salt and thoroughly combine, cook 2 minutes.

Add the cabbage and 1/2 c water.  Cover, cook until steam comes out, then reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are cooked through, adding more water if necessary.  Cook any remaining water off, then taste for seasoning.

FRENCH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

From Food52, with modifications

Ingredients:

3 eggs, separated

200ml whole milk

200g dark or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

40g sugar

Generous pinch of salt

Methodology:

Place the egg yolks into a small saucepan and whisk to break apart.  Add milk and whisk to combine.  Gently heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture steams.  Remove from heat and add the chocolate, then let rest for 5 minutes.  Whisk until the custard emulsifies, and refrigerate until cool.

Once the chocolate mixture is cool, add the egg whites, sugar and salt to the top of a double boiler and heat gently, whisking continuously, until the sugar has dissolved.  Pour into a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and beat at medium speed until soft, glossy peaks form.  

Mix 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate custard to lighten, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites, mixing until no white streaks remain.  Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

For a delightful modification, consider adding a few licorice pieces to the milk in the first step.

WHEATCAKES

Adapted from here

Ingredients:

1/2 c whole wheat flour

1/2 c einkorn (or buckwheat) flour

1 t baking powder

1/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

2 eggs, whites and yolks separated

1 T granulated sugar

1 c buttermilk

1 T molasses

2 T butter, melted

Methodology:

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.

Mix remaining wet ingredients, then add to dry ingredient bowl and mix until combined.  Gently but thoroughly fold in egg whites.

Cook 1/4 c scoops of batter in a buttered pan.

BEST CAKE

Marian Burros's Italian Plum Torte, from the NYT via Leite's Culinaria

Ingredients:

4 oz (1 stick) butter, softened

3/4 c sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

4.75 oz (1 c) AP flour

1 t baking powder

large pinch salt

12 Italian plums, halved and pitted

2 T granulated sugar

1 t ground cardamom

Methodology:

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease an 8" square glass dish.

Cream butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Add eggs and mix thoroughly.  

Mix dry ingredients and stir into wet ingredients.  Spread evenly in dish and cover with fruit, pressing into batter slightly.  Sprinkle with sugar and cardamom.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

SAUTEÉD SHISHITO PEPPERS

From Gimme Some Oven

Ingredients:

6-8 oz shishito peppers, stems attached

2 t olive oil

Salt

1/2 t sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds (optional)

Methodology:

Heat a large dutch oven or skillet over high heat, and add the oil.  Once it's hot, add the peppers and cook for 5-8 minutes, tossing frequently.

Remove from heat, plate, and season with salt.  Alternatively, add sesame oil, soy sauce and sesame seeds.

SLOW COOKER SHORT RIBS FOR BORSCHT

Ingredients:

2 lbs bone in short ribs

Salt

Ghee

1 carrot, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1-2 onions, diced

2 T tomato paste

Methodology:

Place 3 c boiling water inside a slow cooker set to high.

Divide the short rib meat from the bones, taking care to keep the meat in large pieces.

Roast the bones at 425°F for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a dutch oven over high heat, melt the ghee, then season and brown the short rib meat on both sides.  Place the meat in the slow cooker. 

Turn the heat under the dutch oven down to medium.  Add the vegetables to the dutch oven and cook for 10 minutes, stirring to lightly brown them on all sides.  Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.  Add 2 c water and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot.  Pour the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Cook for 5-7 hours on high.

Once cooked, remove the meat and reserve in the fridge.  Remove the bones and discard.  Strain vegetable stock and discard solids, reserving stock in fridge.  

Once meat has cooled, cut into appropriate sized pieces.  Once stock has cooled, remove solidified fat, and proceed with borscht recipe.

MICHAEL'S GRANOLA

Recipe from Michael McIlrath

Ingredients:

6 c            12 c oats

1 1/2 c      3+ c nuts (ch. almonds, raw sunfl. seeds, walnuts, added 10 min from end)

1/4 c         1/2 c unsweetened coconut

1/2 t          1 t cinnamon

1 pinch      2 pinches salt

2 T            1/4 c vanilla (added to oil and honey)

1/3 c         2/3 c oil

1/2 c         1 c honey or maple syrup

1 1/2 c      3 c dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, raisins or dried currants)

Methodology:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix the wet ingredients and warm the mixture in a small, heavy saucepan.

Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, reserving walnuts and dried fruit.

Split the dry mixture into a second large bowl.

Slowly mix in half the wet ingredients into each of the dry bowls.

Toss mixtures from one bowl to another.

Spread on two large cookie sheets (in a layer approx. 1/2" - 3/4" thick, with furrows).

Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Add walnuts for the final 10 minutes.

Add dried fruit to cooked mixture as it cools.

SUGARPINE DRIVE-IN CORN AND MELON CHILI CRISP SALAD

Inspired by a salad at Sugarpine Drive-In

"Curried Corn and Melon:

Salad of fresh Hermiston watermelon & honeydew with arugula, cucumber and watermelon radish, dressed in chili crisp and lime vinaigrette and served on a base of curry coconut-creamed corn, crispy corn dust."

Ingredients:

Curried Coconut Corn:

4 ears corn, kernels removed from cob

1 c lite coconut milk

1/4 t salt

1 t lime juice

1/2 t curry powder, or 1/16 t each turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin

Chili Crisp Vinaigrette:

1 T chili crisp

1 t black vinegar

1 t lime juice

1 t soy sauce

1/4 t sugar

1/4 t sesame oil

2 t shallot oil

2 c cut cucumbers

2 or 3 radishes, shaved

3 c balled or cut watermelon and honeydew melon

2 c arugula

corn nuts for garnish

Methodology:

Simmer all corn ingredients together until liquid has mostly evaporated.  Taste for seasoning and set aside.

Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together.

Place 1/2 of corn in the bottom of a large salad bowl.  Assemble remaining salad ingredients on this corn base, top with corn nuts and vinaigrette, and serve.

NETI POT RINSE

1/2 t salt (non-iodized)

1/4 t baking soda

8 oz water, sterilized by boiling 5 minutes

CINNAMON SWIRL CHALLAH

From the Cupcakes and Sarcasm blog

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:

7/8 c warm water

3/4 T active dry yeast

1/4 c white sugar + 1 1/2 t for proofing

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 c oil, plus more for the bowl

1 1/2 t salt

4 - 4 1/4 c AP flour, plus more for dusting

1/4 c brown sugar

1 t vanilla

3 t cinnamon

1T water

1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

Methodology:

Combine the water, yeast and 1 1/2 t white sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer, and proof for 5 minutes.  Once frothy, mix in the eggs, oil, salt and remaining white sugar.  With the dough hook on and set to slow, gradually mix in one cup of flour at a time, incorporating completely between additions.

Lightly oil a large bowl, add the dough, cover, and leave to rise for one hour, or doubled in size.

Knock the air out and leave to rise another 30 minutes. 

Mix the cinnamon sugar mixture together. 

Divide the dough into six pieces.  Roll each piece out into an 8-inch log.  Flatten each log and equally distribute the cinnamon sugar mixture.  Pinch each log closed again, and braid according to this method.

Preheat oven to 375°F, and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Brush the top and sides with the egg wash and let dry for 20 minutes.  Brush again and bake on prepared sheet for 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 190°F. 

Cool before slicing.

STUFFED SHELLS

Adapted from Love and Lemons

Ingredients:

25-30 jumbo shells

Olive oil, for drizzling

3 c marinara sauce

16 oz ricotta cheese

1/4 c grated pecorino cheese, grated

1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, grated and divided in half

1/4 c sun dried tomatoes, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped

Zest from 1 lemon

1 t pizza party seasoning

1 t oregano

1/4 t salt

1/4 t pepper

Chopped fresh parsley

Methodology:

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Cook the shells to al dente according to their package.  Drain, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and set aside. 

Spread the sauce in the bottom of a 9"x13" baking pan, and set aside.

Mix all remaining filling ingredients but the reserved mozzarella and parsley in a large bowl.  Stuff each shell with approximately 2 T filling,  using a small cookie scoop, and arrange in 5 rows of 5 atop the spread marinara sauce (filling in any gaps with extra shells).

Top with reserved mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake 25 minutes, or until sauce and cheese are bubbling.  Serve sprinkled with parsley. 

ITALIAN BREAD CRUMB TOPPING

Especially good atop steamed peas or broccolette.

Ingredients:

2 T butter

1/2 c panko bread crumbs

1 t Italian seasoning

1/2 t onion granules

1/8 t garlic powder

1/8 t paprika powder

1/8 t ground pepper

1/8 t kosher salt

Methodology:

Melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan.

Add bread crumbs and seasoning mixture, and toss to coat with butter.  Toast, stirring, until bread crumbs are golden brown, and remove from heat.

Taste for seasoning, and serve over vegetables.

If using in a context that will be heated further, toast for less time, to prevent the bread crumbs from burning in the final dish.

ROASTED GREEN BEANS

Adapted from Amee's Savory Dish

Ingredients:

12 oz green beans, trimmed

4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1/2 t salt

1 T olive oil

Methodology:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Toss beans and garlic in olive oil and spread on a rimmed baking sheet.  Sprinkle with salt.

Roast until beans are tender and blistered golden in spots, 35-40 minutes, tossing at 25 minutes.

SHEET PAN FETA LEMON CHICKEN

From Baking the Goods

Ingredients:

1/3 c olive oil

Juice from 1 large lemon

1 t salt

1 t pepper

1 t sumac

2 T fresh oregano, chopped

2 T parsley, chopped

2 T rosemary, chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

2 lb yukon gold or baby potatoes, cut into 1/2" cubes

1 container cherry tomatoes

1 red and 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1" pieces

2 red onions, quartered and cut into 1/2" slices

2 lemons, cut into 3 slices each

6 chicken thighs, boneless & skinless (approx. 2 lb)

1/2 lb feta, cut into 1/4" cubes

Methodology:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Combine the first group of ingredients in a measuring cup and set aside.

Add all remaining ingredients but the feta to a very large bowl, pour over the sauce previously made, and toss well.  Spread out evenly over 2 rimmed baking sheets, and roast for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through.  

Add feta cheese evenly to both sheets, and roast an additional 10 minutes. 

KALE & BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD

Adapted from Bon Appétit, November 2011

Ingredients:

2 T lemon juice

1 T Dijon mustard

1 t minced shallot

1/2 small garlic clove, minced or grated

1/8 t kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 c extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 bunch Lacinato kale, center rib discarded, leaves shredded

6 oz. Brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely shredded with a mandoline

1/4 c almonds with skins

1/2 c finely grated pecorino

Methodology:

Combine lemon juice, mustard, shallot, garlic, salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl.  Set aside to allow shallot and garlic to mellow.

Measure 1/4 c oil into a cup.  Spoon 1 T oil from cup into small skillet; heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes.  Transfer nuts to a paper towel-lined plate.  Sprinkle almonds lightly with salt.  Set aside to cool.  When almonds are cool, chop roughly.

Slowly whisk remaining oil into lemon-mustard mixture.  Season dressing to taste. Whisk in 1/4 c cheese.  

Mix kale and Brussels sprouts in your salad bowl.  Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Garnish with almonds. 

Variations:

1. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, they will be a beast to shred.  Pulse the kale and Brussels sprouts in a food processor until they’re a consistency you like instead!
2. Replace the toasted almonds with pecans, and add some chopped dried cranberries or currants.

GOAN SHRIMP CURRY

Modified from Burlap and Barrel

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Salt to season

2 - 3 T ghee or oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced 

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/4 t salt

5 garlic cloves, sliced

1 2" piece ginger, peeled and julienned

1/4 c Burlap & Barrel Goan masala spice blend

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, shaken

1/2 c water

4 t sugar

1 qt shishito peppers

1/4 c cilantro, sliced

Juice of 1 lime

Methodology:

If the shrimp are frozen, defrost in a large bowl in cool water in the fridge, with 2 T salt.  If shrimp are thawed, season with 1 t salt and set aside.

Heat the ghee in a large dutch oven over medium heat.  Add the onion and pepper, season with salt, and cook until the onion is translucent and softened.

Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the spice blend, as well as more ghee if necessary.  Cook for 40 seconds, stirring constantly.

Deglaze with coconut milk and water.  Add sugar, knorr powder and shishito peppers, and cover.  Cook 7 minutes.

Taste for seasoning.  Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes.  Add cilantro and lime, and serve with rice and naan.

BLOOD ORANGE MARMALADE

From Food Wishes

Ingredients:

4 or 5 blood oranges, rolled and halved

Sugar, to equal total volume of zest and juice (approx. 1 3/4 c)

1/2 lemon, juiced

Methodology:

Juice oranges, reserving juice in a large measuring vessel (note volume, juice should equal at least 1 c).

Juice lemon, adding juice to vessel.  

Cut each juiced orange (and one lemon) half in half, longitudinally, and then in half latitudinally, so you have 8 rounded wedge-shaped pieces of pulpy peel. Scrape the pulp off and add it to the reserved juice.  Pare down the peel from the pith side, removing the pith until you begin to see the pores.  

Place all pared peel into a saucepan, and cover with 6 c cold water.  Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until peel is very soft, 45 - 60 minutes.

Drain peel, allow to cool, finely julienne, and add to cup measure.  Note final volume, then pour into saucepan (no need to wash), and add an equal volume of granulated sugar.

Add half the juice volume (in this case, 1/2 c) of water, and bring to boil.  Simmer, stirring continuously, until marmalade thickens slightly and reaches 220°F.

Pour into sterilized jars, or store in refrigerator.

As written, this mixture makes 3 half pint jars of marmalade.

CHICKEN LAAB

From Hot Thai Kitchen

Ingredients:

3 T jasmine or sticky rice grains

2 makrut lime leaves

3 T water

1 lb ground chicken

1 t + 1 T fish sauce

2 shallots, sliced lengthwise

2 - 3 T lime juice

2 t urfa chili flakes

1/4 t sugar

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1/3 c cilantro, chopped

1/3 c mint leaves, torn

Methodology:

Sauté the rice grains and lime leaves in a dry cast iron skillet over high heat, stirring and tossing until the rice is golden.  Pour into a mortar and grind into a rough powder.  Set aside.

Bring the water to simmer in a large dutch oven.  Add the chicken and 1 t fish sauce, and cook until the chicken is done.  Add shallots, and cook 1 more minute.  Remove from heat.

Add remaining ingredients, and top with 1 T toasted rice powder per serving, at the table.

Serve with sticky or jasmine rice and sliced fresh vegetables (cucumbers, peppers, beans)

CHICKEN, LEEK AND BEAN BRAISE

From Bold Bean Co

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 slices pancetta, finely diced

1 t olive oil

Truffle salt and black pepper

4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs

2 large leeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise and cleaned

3 garlic cloves, sliced

1 t dried thyme

1/2 c prosecco or white wine

2 T whole grain mustard

3 T crème fraîche

1/4 t dried black garlic granules

3 - 4 c cooked cannellini or pinto beans (2 cans)

Methodology:

Place the pancetta in a pot or dutch oven over medium heat.  Cook until crisp and fat has rendered.  Remove pancetta to the side and reserve fat in pan.  Add olive oil.

Season the chicken with truffle salt and pepper, and sear skin down in the pot for 12-15 minutes, or until well golden.  Turn the heat down if the skin is browning too fast.  Flip chicken and cook for another 4 minutes, then move off heat to a plate.

Remove all but 3 T chicken fat, and supplement with butter if there's not enough fat in the pot.  Reduce heat to medium.

Add the leeks, stir well and add 1/2 t truffle salt.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks begin to caramelize, 8-10 minutes.  Add garlic and thyme and cook for another minute.

Deglaze with the wine and simmer, scraping the bottom and edges of the pot, until the wine has almost entirely evaporated.  

Stir in the mustard, crème fraîche and dried garlic, and pour in the beans, rinsing the container with 1-2 c water and adding that to the pot as well.  Stir well, and taste for seasoning, but be aware that the braise will reduce a little as it cooks.  

Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium low.  Add the chicken thighs, skin up, and simmer for 15 minutes.

______

Serve with mashed potatoes or fresh pasta and broccolette.

ROAST CHICKEN WITH GARLIC CROUTONS

From the French Farmhouse Cook Book, by Susan Hermann Loomis

Ingredients:

10 half slices sourdough bread

3 large garlic cloves, peeled

1 chicken, 3 1/2 - 4 lb, with giblets

1 T cognac, whiskey, or marsala

1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper

Thyme, optional

Ingredients for a caesar salad

Methodology:

Heat the oven to 450°F.

Remove the giblets, place the liver in a small ramekin on a baking sheet, cover with 1 T liquor, and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

Place the chicken breast up in a roasting pan.  Squeeze the lemon into the cavity and tie the legs together.  Add the chicken neck.  Roast for 30 minutes.

Spread the bread out on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.  Remove from the oven, cool until it's not too hot to touch, and rub the garlic cloves on both sides of each slice of bread.

Cut the bread into large pieces (4-6 pieces per slice).  Remove chicken from oven, and spread bread pieces around and under chicken (lifting temporarily with tongs).  Roast an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Remove the chicken, drizzle the croutons with the juices and stir around the pan, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pan.  Roast an additional 20 minutes, pouring over any remaining juices from the chicken after 10 minutes.  Remove from oven, drizzle over any remaining juices.

Serve with a sharply-dressed caesar salad.

BISCUITS

From CM, via the Secret Family Cookbook

This recipe makes enough to fit into an 8" square glass pan, to serve two or three people.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c flour

1/4 t salt

2 1/4 t baking powder

1/4 c butter, cut into small cubes

~3/4 c milk or buttermilk

Methodology:

Preheat the oven to 450°F. 

Whisk dry ingredients together.  Add the butter pieces, toss to cover in flour, then rub into the flour mixture with your fingers until no chunks remain.  Stir in the liquid.  More may be necessary if using buttermilk.  The dough should be sticky.

Turn out on a well-floured surface, flour the top surface, and knead once or twice before patting out to 3/4" thick.  Cut with a well-floured round cutter (or slice into square biscuits using a sharp, well-floured knife) and place into an 8" glass baking dish (no preparation of the pan is necessary).

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Serve with butter, jam and honeycomb, or with sausage or bacon gravy.

CORNBREAD

From Creme de la Crumb

Here is a 6-muffin recipe, see below for 1 8x8 pan or 12 muffin amounts

This amount will make ~10 waffles in a min-waffle maker.

Ingredients:

2/3 c flour

1/3 c cornmeal

3 T sugar

1 1/2 t baking powder

3/8 t salt

1 t mesquite flour

1/3 c olive oil or (melted butter (5 1/3 T))

100 ml milk

2 T greek yoghurt

1 egg

Methodology:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease muffin wells.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Whisk wet ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk to combine.

Transfer to pan.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

12-muffin or 8 x 8 pan amounts:

1 1/3 c flour

2/3 c cornmeal

1/4 + 2 T sugar

1 T baking powder

5/8 t salt

1 T mesquite flour

1/3 c olive oil (or 1/3 c (5.5 T) butter, melted)

200 ml milk (2/3 + 1/6 c)

1/4 c greek yoghurt

2 eggs

Increase baking time to 40 minutes for 8 x 8 pan.

CREPES

From The French Farmhouse Cookbook, by Susan Hermann Loomis

Ingredients:

3 large eggs

1/4 t salt

2 1/2 c (625 ml) milk, divided

1 t vanilla

1 3/4 c (230 g) flour

Butter, to cook

Methodology:

Mix the eggs and salt in a stand mixer on medium until well broken-up.

Add 1 c milk and vanilla, and mix again.

Add the flour and mix until combined, stopping to scrape down the bowl when necessary.  Once the batter is smooth, add the remaining milk and mix until smooth.  Rest for half an hour, or up to overnight.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then turn down to low.  Butter lightly.  Pour a thin layer of batter into the skillet, swirling it to coat the pan bottom completely.  Once the edges begin to crisp and dry, flip carefully and cook another minute, or until pale brown spots appear on the underside of the crêpe.

Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve warm, with whipped cream, raspberry jam, and fresh fruit.

RED LENTIL DAL

 From youtube

Ingredients:

1 c washed red lentils, soaked for 20 minutes and drained

bay leaves 

1/2 t ground turmeric

1/4 c cashews

1 T olive oil

1 onion, chopped (200 g)

1 carrot, grated (80 g)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 t ginger, minced

250 g diced fresh tomatoes

1 T tomato paste

1 t cumin

1 t coriander

1 t paprika

salt and pepper to taste

1 c water

1/4 c cilantro, chopped

tadka:

1 T olive oil

1 t chili flakes

1/2 t paprika

Methodology:

Add the lentils to a medium pot, cover with water, add the bay leaves and turmeric, and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Soak the cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes.  Blend the soaked cashews with 1/2 c water until smooth.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion over medium heat until it is translucent.  Add all remaining ingredients in that section, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the cashew cream, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. 

Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the sauce and cook for an additional 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, check for seasoning, adjust the consistency, and add the cilantro.

Make the tadka:

Heat the oil in a small saucepan.  Add the spices, heat through, and pour over the lentils.

Serve hot with steamed rice and naan.

VIETNAMESE ALPHABET SOUP

From Katie's Test Kitchen, via chrissstttiiine

Ingredients:

Meat mix:

1 lb ground chicken (beef is traditional)

1 or 2 shallots, diced

2 t sugar

1/2 t ground black pepper

1/2 t ground white pepper

1 T mushroom seasoning (or knorr)

1/2 t salt (omit salt if the mushroom seasoning is salty)

1 T fish sauce

3 T shallot oil

Soup:

(1/2 t salt) Salt to taste, as the mushroom seasoning may have enough salt

1 t sugar

2-3 t mushroom seasoning

12 oz letter pasta, or stelline/pastina, cooked 2 minutes less than package directions, drained

Toppings:

Fried shallots

2 scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced

Large handful cilantro leaves and stems

Ground black and white pepper

Methodology:

Combine the meat mix well and set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.

Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat.  Add the meat mix and sauté, breaking the meat up, until it's just cooked through.  Add 10 c boiling water, and remaining soup ingredients, and simmer on low 15 minutes.

To serve, add all of pasta to dutch oven, cook to heat through, and serve, topped generously with herbs, shallots and pepper.