Asparagus strudel

Preparation:

Trim and cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths. Blanch in salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and chill in cold water. Drain on pat dry. Reserve in a bowl.
Slice leek across thinly and wash thoroughly. In a non-stick pan, melt 2 ounces of the butter. Sauté leeks and shallots in butter until transparent.
Add to the asparagus together with grated Gruyère cheese, eggs, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh snipped chives, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lay 1 leaf of phyllo on work surface. Brush with melted butter. Continue until there are 6 buttered layers. Place half of the asparagus mixture along one short end, tuck ends in and roll up jelly-roll fashion. Place on a buttered baking sheet.
Make second strudel with remaining phyllo, butter and filling, and place on same baking sheet.
Brush rolls with any remaining butter. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden. Cool lightly and slice into 2-inch pieces. Serve as appetizer with fresh tomato coulis.

Banana nut cake

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups banana, mashed
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped

See Preparation

Banana nut cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour baking pans, one (13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch) or two 9-inch, or 3 8-inch round layer pans.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat 3 minutes scraping bowl occasionally.
Pour into pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes.
If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Bouillabaisse

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 pounds dressed fish (bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie or tilefish)
12 mussels
12 clams
1-2 pound live lobster
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup cleaned and chopped leek
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 bouquet garni
4 ounces fennel, cut into julienne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon saffron
12 slices garlic bread

See Preparation

Bouillabaisse

Preparation:

Use a variety of fish like bass, cod, flounder, whiting, orange roughie, or tilefish. Cut into 1 inch cubes.
Scrub and wash mussels and clams.
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Add onion and leek. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic, parsley, chopped tomatoes, bouquet garni, salt and saffron.
Cut live lobster across into pieces, and crack the claws.
Layer fish, shellfish and lobster on top of vegetables. Cover with boiling water.
Simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange fish in a serving earthtenware dish. Reduce cooking liquid by one third. Cut bread into round slices. Toast lightly.
Rub with a garlic clove. Pour liquid over fish. Heat, and serve in soup plates with bread.

Braised leg of lamb cleopatra

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:3 hours

1 whole leg of lamb
8 garlic cloves
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups onions, chopped
4 cups carrots, chopped
3 cups celery, chopped
2 cups fennel, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded, minced
4 cups tomatoes, peeled, chopped
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup italian parsley, chopped

Spice mix
Combine the following spices, all ground
2 tablespoons cumin
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon cardamon
1 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon star anise
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
a pinch cloves

Couscous
1 pound instant couscous
2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup golden raisins, small
3 tablespoons sweet butter
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons coriander, chopped

See Preparation

Braised leg of lamb cleopatra

Preparation:

Blend the spices into a blender to obtain a fine powder.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Remove lamb hip bone.
Make 18 incisions all around meat with a small knife. Insert small garlic sticks in meat.
Rub lamb with 4 tablespoons of the spice mix, and salt and pepper. Heat olive in a deep roasting pan, brown the lamb on all sides over high heat.
Add remaining garlic, onions, carrots, celery, fennel, and jalapeño. Stir well. Add tomatoes, 1 tablespoon spice mix, and salt. Cover pan, and roast for 1 hour.
Add hot chicken stock to lamb; Decrease oven temperature to 300 degrees. Cover and cook another 2 hours. Turn lamb every 20 minutes.
Remove lamb from pan with vegetables. Add parsley to sauce with salt and pepper; Spread couscous into a casserole. Pour hot chicken stock, honey and 1/2 tablespoon spice mix, and raisins over couscous. Cover. Remove from heat. Add butter, pine nuts, and coriander leaves. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Arrange lamb and vegetables on a platter. Cover with sauce. Carve meat and serve with couscous.

Broccoli apricot and red pepper salad

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 small red pepper, cut into thin strips
3/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup raisins

Dressing:
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup each light mayonnaise and sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
freshly ground pepper to taste

See Preparation

Broccoli apricot and red pepper salad

Preparation:

Steam broccoli and carrots until tender crisp; drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
In a serving cowl, combine broccoli, carrots , red pepper, water chestnuts, red onion, dried apricots and raisins.
Whisk together parsley, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic and pepper.
Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled

Bruschetta orzo salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:None

3/4 cup orzo, freshly cooked, rinsed and drained
2 medium Italian tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

See Preparation

Bruschetta orzo salad

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

Bulgur stuffing with mushrooms

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups dried porcini mushrooms
1 cup dried morel mushrooms
2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
5 cups chicken broth
2 1/2 cups bulgur, (coarse)
1 cup packed fresh flat leafed parsley, chopped

See Preparation

Bulgur stuffing with mushrooms

Preparation:

In a bowl, pour boiling water over mushrooms, and soak 30 minutes or more. In a 4-quart saucepan, sauté onion in butter over moderate heat, stirring until softened.
Add broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in bulgur and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Remove porcini and morel mushrooms from water, squeezing out excess liquid, and reserve soaking liquid. Rinse mushrooms to remove any grit and coarsely chop.

Strain reserved liquid through a fine sieve or cheese cloth. In a large bowl toss together bulgur mixture, mushrooms (porcini, morels, shiitake), 1/2 cup strained soaking liquid, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Cool completely.

Butternut squash and apple soup

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 1/4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 to 6 cups vegetable broth
1 Gala apple, peeled, cored, diced
1/2 cup apple juice
light sour cream
Chopped fresh chives

See Preparation

Butternut squash and apple soup

Preparation:

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and nutmeg; sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add squash, 4 1/4 cups broth, apple, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until squash and apple are tender, about 30 minutes.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with sour cream and chives.

Butternut squash and caramelized onion flatbread

Serves: 4

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour

Roasted Butternut Squash
1 butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
salt + pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions halved & thinly sliced
salt + pepper to taste

1 prepared pizza crust
1/2 cup Fontina or Italian blend cheese shredded
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp sage leaves cut into ribbons
2 tbsp toasted walnuts chopped (optional)

See Preparation

Butternut squash and caramelized onion flatbread

Preparation:

Roasted Butternut Squash
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spread squash onto a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until tender.
Caramelized Onions
Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat.
Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until completely caramelized, stirring occasionally at first and more often as onions begin to brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Season with freshly ground pepper.
Preheat oven to temperature indicated on pizza crust package.
Top crust with caramelized onions, cheese, and squash.
Bake for time on package or until squash is heated through and cheese has melted.
While pizza is baking, heat oil in small skillet over medium high heat. Add sage leaves and saute, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until leaves are crispy, but still green.
Sprinkle sage leaves and walnuts on pizza before serving.

Carrot ginger soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 ounces butter
1 medium onion, peeled and slced
3 ounces flour
8 cups chicken broth
1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon sliced ginger
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Carrot ginger soup

Preparation:

In a saucepan melt butter. Add onion. Mix for a minute. Do not brown. Pour chicken broth. Mix well with roux. Add sliced carrots and sliced ginger. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Puree soup in a blender. Strain. Add milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Chicken provencale

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 3-pound chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 pound small mushrooms
1 cup peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken bouillon
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

See Preparation

Chicken provencale

Preparation:

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for 10 minute, or until golden brown. Turn the pieces. Add the garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.
Pour off the fat in the pan and add tomatoes, wine and bouillion. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Thicken the sauce by reducing it briefly over high heat. Add the parsley or basil and serve.

Chickpea crust pizza

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 cup chickpea flour
½ cup water
1 tsp olive oil
dash of salt
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
handful of shredded kale
1 tsp olive oil
½ cup grated mozzarella

See Preparation

Chickpea crust pizza

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, water, 1 tsp olive oil and salt until thoroughly mixed.
To prepare crust, spread mixture out in a circular shape (Or multiple circles if making individual pizzas) until it's about ¼" thick.
Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, until edges are slightly crispy.
While crust bakes, toss kale in small bowl with 1 tsp olive oil.
Remove crust from oven. Flip parchment paper and crust upside down on baking sheet. Gently pull baking sheet away from crust.
Spread sauce over crust. Layer kale over sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in oven for 5-7 minutes. Slice and enjoy right away.

Chickpea flour pizza crust recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 c. chickpea flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1⅓ c. water
3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. garlic powder

See Preparation

Chickpea flour pizza crust recipe

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You'll end up with a very lumpy batter (not a stretchy dough, don't worry!).
Cover and allow to rest overnight on the counter top. (Note: Best soaking practice is to leave out the salt and incorporate it the following day.) You should find that by the next day, the lumps have all worked themselves out, which is handy.
When ready to make the pizzas, heat 1-2 cast iron skillets over medium heat for at least 5 minutes to get the cooking surface nice and hot.
Prepare all your toppings for efficiency.
Preheat broiler to high (or low, see below).
Add a little oil of your choice to the skillet.
Pour a thin layer (about ⅔-1 cup) evenly into the skillet, tilting it if necessary or using the back of a ladle to spread out the batter to the edges. Thinner crusts are tastier and crispier.
Cook 1-2 minutes until browned on the bottom – it will bubble on the top a lot like pancakes when it's ready to flip.
Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. For extra crispy crust, flip two more times to really brown it without burning.
Remove the crust to a baking stone or cookie sheet. (You can get another one going in the skillet at this point.) If you have a lot of cast iron skillets or are making a smaller batch, you could certainly add your favorite toppings and broil right in the skillet.
Top with sauce, toppings and cheese of your choice.
Broil 1-3 minutes on high to melt the cheese. (or you can broil for about 5-7 minutes on low.

Chickpea salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

For the Chickpea Salad:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

See Preparation

Chickpea salad

Preparation:

Rinse and thoroughly drain the chickpeas. Add to a large skillet or cast iron pan along with the tablespoon of olive oil. Saute on medium high heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the chickpeas are slightly crisped.
Make the dressing by whisking together the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl.
Add the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, diced orange and yellow bell peppers and parsley to the bowl and toss. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and serve at room temperature.

Chickpea stew with coconut and turmeric

Serves: 4

Preparation time:50 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, finely chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 (15-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
2 cups vegetable stock
1 bunch Swiss chard, kale or collard greens, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup mint leaves, for serving
Yogurt, for serving (optional)

See Preparation

Chickpea stew with coconut and turmeric

Preparation:

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add garlic, onion and ginger. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent and starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle and fry a bit in the spices and oil, until they’ve started to break down and get a little browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove about a cup of chickpeas and set aside for garnish.
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, further crush the remaining chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the stew.) Add coconut milk and stock, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stew has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes.

Add greens and stir, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook until they wilt and soften, 3 to 7 minutes, depending on what you’re using. (Swiss chard and spinach will wilt and soften much faster than kale or collard greens.) Season again with salt and pepper.
Divide among bowls and top with mint, reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes and a good drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside yogurt and toasted pita if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you'd like.

Chickpea-broccoli burgers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

½ cup couscous
1 cup water
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs. toasted sesame tahini
¼ to ½ cup plain dry breadcrumbs
Salt to taste

See Preparation

Chickpea-broccoli burgers

Preparation:

In small saucepan, bring couscous and water to a boil; turn off heat, cover and let stand until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup couscous and save remaining for another use.
Meanwhile, steam broccoli until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from steamer and set aside to cool.
In medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Preheat oven to 400F. Line large cookie sheet with foil, then dust with breadcrumbs.
In food processor or blender, combine couscous, broccoli, onions, chickpeas and tahini. Process until blended, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl when necessary. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Gradually add 1/4 cup bread crumbs. Add enough additional bread crumbs until mixture is stiff enough to form into patties but still moist. Season with salt.
Shape mixture into 3-inch patties (1/2-inch thick). Put patties on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until lightly browned on both sides about 30 minutes, turning once halfway. They can be served at this point or grilled or broiled until crispy for 1 or 2 minutes per side.

Corn and black bean salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

1/2 cup sheep’s milk feta
3 tbsp (45 mL) white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (50 mL) olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 cans black beans (540 mL each), rinsed and drained
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 cups frozen corn, thawed and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
1 cup red pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

See Preparation

Corn and black bean salad

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, break up feta with a fork. Whisk in vinegar, olive oil and mustard.

2. To the same bowl add black beans, grape tomatoes, corn, basil, red pepper and onion. Stir well, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Crab tian with gazpacho coulis

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

6 ounces jumbo lump crab, picked over to remove cartilage and bones
1/2 cup avocado, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup tomato concasse
1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, finely sliced
1 lemon, juiced
4 ounces mayonnaise
3 ounces stiffly beaten whipped cream
salt and pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons gazpacho coulis, (see recipe below )
4 sprigs chervil or leaves of basil, for garnish

See Preparation

Crab tian with gazpacho coulis

Preparation:

In a small bowl, gently fold the crab with the avocado, cucumber, tomato concasse, shallots, chives and lemon juice together.
In a larger, separate bowl, fold the mayonnaise with the whipped cream. Using a spatula, fold the crab mixture into the mayonnaise mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Place a 3-inch round cookie cutter in the center of a chilled plate. Fill the cookie cutter with the crab salad and remove the cookie cutter.
There should be a cylinder of crab salad. Drizzle the gazpacho coulis around the crab salad, and garnish with chervil or basil.

Gazpacho Coulis:

1 tomato, peeled and seeded
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded
1 red bell pepper, seeded
1 clove garlic, peeled and cleaned
1 rib celery, cleaned and trimmed
extra-virgin olive oil
salt

In a food processor, liquefy the tomato, tomato paste and cucumber.
Use a juicer to extract juice out of red pepper, garlic, and celery. With the food processor running, add the juice and olive oil to the tomato puree. Season with salt.

Creamy chickpea soup with crisp tofu

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 30 minutes

2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup dried chickpeas, sorted through and rinsed
1 tsp. kosher salt
For the soup:

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 inner rib celery, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
10 oz. firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives

See Preparation

Creamy chickpea soup with crisp tofu

Preparation:

Cook the beans:
Wrap the bay leaves, garlic, and thyme in cheesecloth and tie with twine. Put the chickpeas in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches (about 2 quarts). Add the herb bundle and the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the chickpeas are tender (try biting into one) but not splitting and falling apart, about 2 hours (check occasionally to be sure the chickpeas aren't boiling and are covered with liquid; add water if needed). Discard the herb bundle. Set aside the chickpeas and their cooking liquid.

Make the soup:
Heat 1-1/2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Add the chickpeas and their cooking liquid (there should be about 5 cups; if not, add more water to equal this amount) and half of the thyme. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a bare simmer, and cook for 30 minutes so that the chickpeas soften a little more but don’t break up. Working in batches, purée the chickpeas and broth in a blender. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan, stir in the cream, vinegar, and remaining chopped thyme, and keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Taste for salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Cook the tofu in the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil until it’s brown, about 5 minutes; With a slotted spoon. transfer half the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels and stir the rest into the soup.
Laddle the soup into shallow bowls. Sprinkle with the tofu, scatter with the chives, and drizzle with a bit of the reserved tofu oil, if you like. Serve immediately.

Creamy lemon custards

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup heavy cream or light cream
raspberries (optional)

See Preparation

Creamy lemon custards

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Select a roasting pan to fit six 1/2-cup ramekin or custard cups.
In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until a creamy texture appears.
Mix in lemon juice, lemon rind and cream . Set aside.
Divide lemon custard evenly among the five ramekins or custard cups. Pour hot water into roasting pan to come half way up sides of custards.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until set.
Remove custards from pan. Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with raspberries before serving.

Crispy kale chips

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt, for sprinkling

See Preparation

Crispy kale chips

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet.
Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 30 minutes.
Toss with the olive oil and salt.
Serve as finger food.

Crispy potato eggplant tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 1/4 cups finely diced, peeled eggplant
1 tablespoon coarse salt plus more to taste
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons minced shallots
4 large Idaho potatoes
to taste pepper
1/4 cup butter

See Preparation

Crispy potato eggplant tart

Preparation:

Place eggplant in non-reactive bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Remove to a clean kitchen towel and tightly twist to squeeze out all moisture.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in sauté pan. Add eggplant and shallots and sauté over medium heat until very tender. Remove from heat. Peel potatoes.
Using a mandoline, shred potatoes into a clean kitchen towel. Tightly squeeze out moisture. Heat remaining 1/4 cup of oil in a 9-inch ovenproof, nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Using a spatula, evenly press half of the potatoes into the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the reserved eggplant over the top. Pat remaining potatoes evenly over the eggplant. Again season to taste. Cook, until bottom is golden. Carefully turn and dab the crust with bits of butter. Cook until bottom begins to crisp.
Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked and tart is golden and crisp.
Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

Eggplant and lamb cake with a garlic jus

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

For the lamb medallions:
12 lamb chops from the rack
salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the lamb jus:
3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 cup onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 coriander seeds
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine

For the vegetables:
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 large eggplants, peeled, ends trimmed, and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 large tomatoes, cored, peeled, and sliced
1/4 inch thick
2 cups white mushrooms, caps only, sliced
1 cup onions, peeled and thinly sliced
2 pounds spinach leaves, stems removed, thoroughly washed, drained and blanched in boiling water
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

See Preparation

Eggplant and lamb cake with a garlic jus

Preparation:

For the lamb medallions:
Bone and trim lamb chops. (reserve the trimmed bones for the jus)
Flatten medallions slightly on a cutting board using a mallet.
Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large roasting pan on high heat on top of the stove with olive oil. Brown lamb chops on each side, 2 minutes for rare, 3 to 4 minutes for medium, 5 to 7 minutes for well-done.
Remove the lamb and set aside to cool.
For the lamb jus:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add the reserved lamb bones to the roasting pan and roast in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, onions, cumin, and coriander seeds and roast for another 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and place the pan on the stove. Add the tomato paste, stir well, add the white wine, and reduce over high heat until all the moisture is evaporated. Add 1 cup water, simmer gently, and reduce.
Strain over a small bowl and set the sauce aside. Discard the sauce and herbs.
For the vegetables:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush a baking pan with olive oil. Place the eggplant strips side by side in the pan. Brush the top with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Bake the eggplant in the oven until soft, lightly roasted and golden, about 20 minutes.
Finish cooking under the broiler if necessary. Remove the eggplants with a spatula and set aside to cool.
Use the same pan, brush with olive oil. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Arrange the tomato slices in the pan and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until baked and lightly dried.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive in a heavy skillet.
Sauté mushrooms over high for 5 minutes. Add onions and cook for 5 more minutes.
Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.
To assemble cake, line the bottom of an 8-inch springform cake pan (or regular cake pan lined with parchment paper) with the cooked slices of eggplants, placing the narrow end of the eggplant in the center of the mold and the large end resting over the rim of the mold. Slightly overlap the next slice on the first one and continue lining the pan with the remaining eggplant slices.
Spread the mushroom mixture over the eggplant. Place the baked tomatoes over the mushrooms. Flatten with a spoon. Place the lamb medallions over the tomatoes. Place the spinach over the lamb. Press to flatten. Fold the large ends of eggplant slices over spinach. Press down firmly with a spatula or a plate. Heat the lamb in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat the lamb jus.
To serve:
Invert the eggplant cake on a round platter and unmold it. Serve the warm lamb jus on the side. Cut cake into wedges around lamb medallions.

Eggplant and pepper tian on fried eggplant

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 cups small dice eggplant, lightly salted to release excess water and bitterness
2 cups diced red pepper
2 cups diced yellow pepper
1/2 cup diced apple-wood smoked bacon
5 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons basil cut into fine strips
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fried Eggplant, recipe below

See Preparation

Eggplant and pepper tian on fried eggplant

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place 1/2-teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in a saute pan and add garlic cloves and bacon. Cook until bacon is slightly crisp. Blot the salted eggplant with paper towels to dry slightly. Discard 1/2 of the fat and add the eggplant. Cook until tender, season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Drain and remove garlic.
In 2 separate saute pans add the remaining extra virgin olive oil and gently saute the red and yellow peppers until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Drain.
Form the tians by placing a layer of eggplant in a ring mold and packing it down gently. Next, add a layer of red peppers, then eggplant, finishing up with yellow peppers. Pack everything down gently.
Place in oven to warm. Unmold on a platter and serve with fried eggplant.
Fried Eggplant:
1 Japanese eggplant Salt, to purge the eggplant
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour, seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper

Slice the neck of a Japanese eggplant thin on an electric slicer. It should be the thickness of a potato chip. Lay the slices out flat and sprinkle with salt and let stand for three hours.
Preheat a fryer to 300 degrees F. Blot eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Dip the slices in buttermilk, then in seasoned flour, and fry until crisp. Drain.

Eggplant caviar molds

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 medium eggplants
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 medium sliced onion
5 medium garlic cloves, sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
Tabasco jalapeño
Aromat seasoning
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup roasted red pepper coulis (see recipe below)

See Preparation

Eggplant caviar molds

Preparation:

Peel eggplants. Cut into halves lengthwise. Slice across and sprinkle with lemon juice.
In a microwavable dish, combine eggplants, onion, garlic and olive oil. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes or until eggplants are tender. Season with salt and pepper, Tabasco jalapeño and Aromat seasoning. Mix in the basil. Dissolve gelatin in water. Let set for 5 min. Melt over low heat, and stir into the warm eggplant mixture.
Spoon mixture in small ramekin dishes or molds. Refrigerate until set. Unmold on cold plate. Serve with cold tomato coulis or red red pepper coulis.

ROASTED PEPPER COULIS
Makes about 1 cup

2 red bell peppers
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
coarse salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub peppers with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until almost charred. Remove and place in plastic container with a lid to steam and cool.
When cool enough to handle, push off the skins and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers in food processor fitted with metal blade and puree along with the vinegar, 1 teaspoon olive oil and 3 teaspoons water.
Season to taste.

Eggplant papeton

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 medium eggplants
2 medium shallots, chopped
2 ounces olive oil
1 ounce butter
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup light cream
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup light tomato sauce .

See Preparation

Eggplant papeton

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Peel eggplants. Cut into squares. Remove seeds.
Sauté shallots in oil and butter. Add eggplants. Cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Puree mixture in food processor. Beat in eggs, cream, and cornstarch. Season well.
Pour into buttered oven proof individual dishes. Bake until mixture is firm.
Unmold on plates and serve with hot tomato sauce or marinara sauce

Eggplant-walnut paté

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 large eggplant
1 cup walnut pieces
2 teaspoons fresh gingerroot, peeled, grated, and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
salt and hot pepper sauce to taste

See Preparation

Eggplant-walnut paté

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Pierce the eggplant with a fork in several places and bake until very soft, about 45 minutes.
While the eggplant is baking, grind the walnuts in a food processor until very fine, and set aside.
Remove the eggplant from oven, slash to let steam escape, drain off any liquid, and scrape the pulp into a food processor with the gingerroot, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Add the ground walnuts and allspice, and process until smooth.
Season to taste with the salt, and hot pepper sauce. Spoon into a small loaf dish and chill several hours or until firm.

Figs and goat cheese pizza

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the dough:
2.5g (¾ tsp) active dried yeast
125g (4½oz) plain flour, plus more for dusting
125g (4½oz) bread flour
1 tsp olive oil

For the topping:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups onion, halved and very finely sliced
4-5 medium figs, halved
2 cups peeled choppe dtomatoes
1/2 cup black olives pitted
125g (4½oz) goat’s cheese, broken into chunks
a little extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

See Preparation

Figs and goat cheese pizza

Preparation:

First make the dough. Have 175ml (6fl oz) lukewarm water ready. Put the yeast into a couple of tablespoons of the warm water in a small bowl and add a tablespoon of the flour. Stir together, then leave somewhere warm to “sponge” for 20 minutes or so
Put both types of flour into a large mixing-bowl and make a well in the centre. Pour on the sponged yeast, ¼ tsp salt, the oil and remaining water and gradually mix all the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a dough (it will be quite wet). Knead for 10 minutes until satiny and elastic, then put in a clean bowl, cover with a cloth and leave somewhere warm for 2½ hours. It should double in size. (If you are using bought fresh dough put it somewhere warm for 30 minutes before using.)

Boil the sliced onions until tender. Drain
Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onions. Fry over a medium heat for about ten minutes until golden. Add tomatoes and continue cooking until moisture is all evaporated. Season with salt and pepper Set aside.
Half an hour before you want to cook the pizza, preheat the oven to 230°C/450°F/gas mark 8 – it really needs to be as hot as you can get it. Place a baking-sheet or pizza stone into the oven to heat.
Turn out the dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead it a little, then roll it into a circle or a rough square, depending on whether you are using a pizza stone or a baking-sheet. It should be about 30-32cm (11¾-12½in) across.
Carefully take the hot baking-sheet or stone out of the oven and flour it. Put the pizza dough on to it and, working quickly, top with the onions tomato mixture and the halved figs and olives, leaving a 3cm (1-inch) rim all the way around the pizza. Spoon a little balsamic vinegar on top of each fig half and sprinkle a bit of sugar on each as well. Dot the chunks of goat’s cheese among the figs. Drizzle the goat’s cheese with a little olive oil. Grind some pepper over the top. Bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes. The pizza should be golden and the figs slightly caramelised in patches.
Serve immediately. A rocket, (arugala), spinach or watercress salad is good on the side.

Figs tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 pound puff pastry dough
2 pounds fresh figs
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
8 4-inch round tart molds
Garnish with whipped cream

See Preparation

Figs tart

Preparation:

Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut 8 5-inch pastry circles, and line molds with the circles. Prick dough with a fork and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Cut the figs in 3/8 inch slices. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping on the pastry rounds so that they just reach the edge of the pastry.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over each tart and dot the top with butter.
Bake until the pastry is thoroughly browned and the surface of the figs is lightly caramelized, 20 25 minutes.
Serve warm with whipped cream.

Fillets of salmon with roasted garlic

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 medium heads of garlic, peeled
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
8 6-ounce salmon fillets
4 teaspoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

See Preparation

Fillets of salmon with roasted garlic

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place garlic in a ramekin dish. Pour enough oil to cover. Wrap in double thickness of foil. Bake until very tender, about 35 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic and 1 tablespoon of oil to a small bowl. Squeeze garlic cloves out of heads of garlic. Place cloves and oil in a food processor. Add butter and purée. Season with salt and pepper.
Arrange salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each with lemon juice and spread 1 tablespoon of garlic butter purée over each.
Bake uncovered about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with rosemary.

Fougasse bread

Serves: 10

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For the Yeast starter::

1/2 cup warm water
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

1/2 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

For the Garnish:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme

See Preparation

Fougasse bread

Preparation:

For the Preferment starter:

Pour the warm water into a medium bowl and whisk in the yeast. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes.
Stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth and slightly elastic. It will be a little loose.
Cover the bowl and set aside for 3-4 hours at room temperature, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

For the Bread:

Pour the warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the yeast, whisk by hand to blend, and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes.
Fit the stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Add the preferment and the olive oil and mix on low speed for 1 minute. Add the flour, rosemary, thyme, and salt. Mix on low speed until it comes together in a cohesive mass, about 2-3 minutes. It will look wet and sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 20 minutes to allow it to fully hydrate before any further kneading.
Turn the mixer to medium-low and continue to mix until the dough is firm, elastic, and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. It will still be soft. Add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too sticky to work with.
Lightly oil a large bowl, and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around in the oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2-2 hours.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently press down on the dough to expel some of the air bubbles. Cut the dough in half, and transfer each half to two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using your hands, lightly stretch and form the dough into a large leaf shape.
Make the design, using a sharp knife to cut slits in the dough to resemble leaf veins: one slit down the center, then two or three slits at an angle on each side of the center. If using silicone mats, be careful to not cut through the material. Gently stretch out each slit to make decorative holes.
Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap, and let the dough proof for 30-40 minutes.
While the dough is proofing, preheat the oven to 425°F.
Gently brush the surface of the proofed dough with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and chopped herbs on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly. Serve while still warm.

Frozen orange soufflés

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

3 medium oranges (tangelos or navels)
1 1/2 pints vanilla ice cream
6 ounces frozen concentrated orange juice
1/2 cup orange marmalade

See Preparation

Frozen orange soufflés

Preparation:

Prepare the orange shells: Cut the oranges across in halves. Remove some of the pulp from the orange halves and cut a thin slice off the bottom to level shells. Fit the orange shells with a band of foil, doubled, to form a standing collar extending 1 1/2-inch above orange shells.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ice cream and orange juice concentrate. Soften and mix well to combine. Fill the prepared orange shells, level with the foil.

Freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving coat the top of each soufflé with orange marmalade. Remove the foil surrounding shells and serve.

Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

5 ounces goat cheese
1 teaspoon cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
12 long slices of baguette, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
3 to 4 sun-dried tomatoes
freshly ground black pepper

See Preparation

Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and cream together.
Mix in half of the herbs and set it aside. Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven or under the broiler so that both sides are lightly colored.
Remove them from the oven and spread the cheese over the oiled sides. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice into narrow strips.
Lay the strips of tomato in a crisscross or diagonal pattern over the top and return the bread to the oven.
Bake until the cheese is warm and soft, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the remaining herbs and a grinding of black pepper over the top.

Grapefruit salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 large grapefruit (about 1 1/4 pounds) peeled, membrane removed, sectioned
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
bibb lettuce leaves, washed and dried

See Preparation

Grapefruit salad

Preparation:

In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Whisk to dissolve sugar. Set aside.
Peel and cut grapefruit into sections. Store in a bowl. When ready to serve, pour off juice that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl; reserve for another use.
Add peanuts, shallot, mint and pepper to the grapefruit and toss to combine.
Drizzle the dressing over the top; toss to combine. Taste and if necessary, adjust the balance of salt, sweet and sour. Transfer to a plate lined with lettuce leaves. Serve immediately.

Gratin of swiss chard

Serves: 5

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

5 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
450g/1lb ruby or Swiss chard, stems and broad ribs cut into 1cm/½in pieces, leaves finely sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
60g/2oz black olives, stones removed
2 canned anchovy fillets, chopped
2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
60g/2oz gruyère cheese, grated
30g/1oz parmesan, freshly grated

See Preparation

Gratin of swiss chard

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
Heat two tablespoons of the olive oil in a wide, lidded pan and add the chopped chard ribs. Stir, then cover and cook over a low heat for four minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the leaves, stir, then cover again and cook for a further five minutes, or until just tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
Place the olives, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, parsley and two tablespoons of olive oil into a food processor and blend to make a smooth paste.
Lightly oil a 30cm/12in ovenproof dish. Place a layer of the chard, along with any cooking juices. Spread a little of the olive paste over the chard and season with freshly ground black pepper. Continue to layer up the chard, spreading more of the olive paste between each layer and finishing with a layer of chard.
Mix the gruyère and parmesan in a bowl and sprinkle over the top of the gratin. Drizzle over the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Transfer to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Serve hot or warm.

Grilled vegetable stacks

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 medium eggplants
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium yellow squash
1 medium zucchini
2 medium tomatoes
for the dressing:
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon coarse chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon coarse chopped fresh basil
to taste salt and black ground pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, or hot chile such as serrano

See Preparation

Grilled vegetable stacks

Preparation:

Slice eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt, and layer in a colander. Set aside to drain for 20 minutes.
Press slices with paper towels to remove moisture. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill, (or place a stove-top grill pan over high heat). Slice squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and slice tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Lightly brush all vegetables with oil, then grill turning once, until tender and slightly charred.
The dressing:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
To assemble: Place 1 eggplant round on a plate and stack on top a tomato round, a second eggplant round, and squash and zucchini rounds. Drizzle with dressing and top with diced red pepper.

Honey lavender ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:6 minutes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon dried lavender leaves (pesticide-free)
5 large egg yolks
5 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Benedictine liqueur

See Preparation

Honey lavender ice cream

Preparation:

Make ice cream:
Bring cream, half-and-half and lavender just to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Pour through a fine sieve into a measuring cup.
Whisk together yolks, honey, and Benedictine in a bowl, then add hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking.
Pour custard into pan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and a thermometer registers 175 degrees F. (do not let boil). Pour custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl and cool. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.
Freeze in an ice-cream maker to manufacturer's instructions.

Honey-garlic chicken

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce

See Preparation

Honey-garlic chicken

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken skin side down in a broiler proof dish. Stir remaining ingredients together and pour over top. Bake 15 minutes.
Baste at least once with sauce. Turn chicken skin side up.
Turn on broiler and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, basting often with sauce until skin is crispy.

Italian Celery hearts

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

4 celery hearts
1 small onion
2 cloves of garlic
a few sprigs of fresh thyme
3 slices smoked pancetta or bacon
extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 x 400 g can of chopped tomatoes
75 g Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Italian Celery hearts

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.
Trim the bases of the celery hearts and peel the outer stalks, keeping each heart in 1 piece. Trim the ends so the hearts are 12 to 15cm long. Cut the celery lengthways into quarters, then across in half.
Peel and slice the onion lengthways, and peel and finely chop the garlic. Pick and finely chop the thyme leaves, then chop the pancetta or bacon
Place a saucepan over a medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add the onion and pancetta or bacon, and cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft. Add the celery and cook with the lid on until the celery is soft.
Heat another pan and add a splash of oil. Add the garlic and fennel seeds, then, when the garlic’s golden brown, tip in the tomatoes. Fill the tomato tin with water and add that, along with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook the sauce over a medium heat for half an hour or so, until reduced and thick.
When the celery’s soft, remove the lid and let the ingredients brown slightly on the bottom of the pan.
Lightly oil a shallow 20cm x 20cm baking dish and spoon a little tomato sauce in the bottom. Spread it out and top with about a third of the celery pieces. Cover with more tomato sauce, some thyme leaves and a good grating of Parmesan. Keep layering, then finish with the last of the tomato sauce, lots of cheese and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on top.

Kale tabbouleh

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup fine bulgur
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves finely chopped (5 cups)
3 tablespoons mint, roughly chopped
4 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 spring onions, sliced
½ cucumber, diced
4 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground allspice
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
100g feta cheese, crumbled
4 lettuce leaves separated, to serve

See Preparation

Kale tabbouleh

Preparation:

Cook bulgur according to package instructions. Cool.
Stir the kale, mint, spring onions, cucumber and tomatoes through the bulghar wheat. Season with the cinnamon and allspice, then dress with the olive oil and lemon juice to taste. Scatter over the feta. To serve, scoop the salad onto leaves of lettuce.

Leg of baby lamb niçoise

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 lemons
16 baby artichokes
2 legs of baby lamb, 2 1/2 pound each
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon honey
8 plum tomatoes, cored, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds discarded
1/4 cup black Nicoise olives, pitted
1 tablespoon italian parsley, chopped

See Preparation

Leg of baby lamb niçoise

Preparation:

Zest lemons and cut into julienne. Make juice with two.
Peel and cut the third into sections removing skin and membranes. Blanch lemon zest in boiling water. Strain and set aside. Remove the outer leaves of the baby artichokes.
Cut off leaves 1 inch above the hearts, and trim the bottoms until round and smooth. Halve the artichokes lengthwise and toss them in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.
Remove lamb hip bone and fat. Season with pepper and salt. Heat oil in a roasting pan. Brown lamb on all sides. Add thyme, bay leaf, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and artichokes. Stir well.
Roast in 425 degree oven 25 to 30 minutes tossing vegetables every 10 minutes.
Brush the legs with the honey, pour 2 tablespoons lemon juice over meat with lemon zest. Mix well and roast for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and roast for 15 minutes. Remove from oven when done. For rare inside temperature of lamb is 130 to 140 degrees, medium-rare, 145-155, and for well done, above 170 degrees.
Transfer lamb to a platter. Add 2 tablespoons water to vegetable mix. Taste for seasonings.
Crush pitted olives with a mallet. Carve lamb, surround with vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon fillets and olives.

Lemon yummy dessert

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

FOR THE MERINGUE:

4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons milk

FOR THE TOPPING
1 pint heavy cream
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

See Preparation

Lemon yummy dessert

Preparation:

FOR THE MERINGUE:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until they are frothy and form soft peaks. Whip until stiff. Slowly add sugar and continue whipping until they are glossy and form stiff peaks.
Place in a 9-inch by 13-inch greased and floured pan. Bake 45 min. at 245 degrees. When lightly browned, turn off oven and leave the meringue to dry in oven for about one half hour.

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

Combine sugar, water and butter. Heat until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch blended with cold water. Cook until clear. Add lemon juice and peel. Add egg yolks which have been beaten with milk. Stir constantly till mixture bubbles.
Remove from heat and cool. Cover while cooling to prevent too much thickening on surface.

FOR THE TOPPING

Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff. Spread about a 1/3 of whipped cream on meringue layer. Spread lemon filling on whipped cream, then place remaining whipped cream on lemon filling. Refrigerate overnight.
* Cool whip can be used

Lentil burgers

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 ½ cups dried red lentils
2 large garlic cloves minced
1/3 cup diced shallot
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
oil for pan frying

See Preparation

Lentil burgers

Preparation:

Soak the lentils in cold water to cover by about 2 inches for two hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
Combine the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro or parsley, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Bake the patties for 5 minutes. Flip them over and bake for about 5 more minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve with a bun and desired toppings; a salad; or oven browned potatoes.

Lemon herb Tahini sauce

Mamie zucchini au gratin

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 pounds small zucchini, about 8 small
1 cup of spring water
1 teaspoon chicken base
2 tablespoons semolina or corm meal
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup grated Emmenthal cheese

See Preparation

Mamie zucchini au gratin

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel and slice zucchini. Put in a saucepan together with water and chicken base. Cover and boil until 3/4 of the moisture has evaporated about 20 minutes.
Using a wooden spoon, break zucchini into small pieces. Gradually stir in corn meal then add milk or cream.
Stir over medium heat until mixture is medium thick. Add more cornmeal if necessary. Transfer to a baking dish.
Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or is golden brown

Mediterranean farro salad

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup uncooked Farro, soaked in water for 1 hour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, cut into julienne slices
1 large cucumber seeded and finely diced
3/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers drained and finely diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup frozen petite peas thawed
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Italian Vinaigrette Dressing:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

See Preparation

Mediterranean farro salad

Preparation:

Rinse and drain farro, then cook according to package instructions. Transfer to a large mixing or serving bowl.
While the farro cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly blended. Pour half of the dressing over the warm farro and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat.
Add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl except for the feta: sundried tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes, peas, and parsley. Toss to coat. Taste and add as much of the remaining dressing as you like. Sprinkle with feta, lightly toss again, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Mediterranean fillets of cod

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup oil
8 ounces fresh fennel cut into small wedges
10 ounces tomatoes
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
6 7-ounce cod fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup dry white wine
Garnish with dill sprigs
6 lemon wedges

See Preparation

Mediterranean fillets of cod

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a saute pan. Stir in the fennel and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Peel tomatoes, remove seeds, and chop. Add the tomatoes, garlic and saffron to the fennel. Season with cumin and coriander. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Arrange the fish fillets in a buttered baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with breadcrumbs. Pour the wine over and cover with the sauce.
Bake for 10 minutes at 400 F (205 C). Transfer the fillets onto serving platter. Simmer sauce to reduce. Coat with the sauce.
Garnish with dill and lemon wedges.

Millefeuille Prince Albert

Serves: 5

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

Caramelized puff pastry

1 pound puff pastry
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Diplomat Pastry Cream
2 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant vanilla pudding

1-1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar, for dusting the top
Icing
65 g (1/2 cup) icing sugar
2 teaspoons of water
1 oz (30 g) dark chocolate

See Preparation

Millefeuille Prince Albert

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Diplomat cream.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until slightly pale. Incorporate the cornstarch and salt.
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour about a third of the hot milk over the egg yolks mixture. Pour the whole mixture into the saucepan over the milk. Bring to a boil while stirring. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Pour the cream into a clean bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes then incorporate the butter while stirring. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent forming a skin on the surface. Refrigerate until chilled. Whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla pudding to medium peaks.Fold a few spoonfuls of the custard into the cream. Gradually add the rest of the custard.
3.
4. Preheat the oven to 330F (165C). Butter a baking sheet and line with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface roll out the puff pastry dough to a rectangle of 1/10 inch (2mm) thickness.
6. Using the rolling pin transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Prick the dough with the fork and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Place another baking sheet on top to prevent the dough from puffing too much.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Preheat the oven to 465F 240C .
9. To caramelize the pastry, sprinkle about 1 tbsp of powdered sugar, in a thin layer over the baked pastry. Bake for few minutes using the broil function until the sugar is melted.
10. Caramelize the other side of the puff pastry too.
11. When chilled trim the edged and cut the puff pastry in 3 rectangles.
12. Assemble the millefeuille. Place one layer of caramelized puff pastry on the serving plate. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip with pastry cream. Spread pastry cream over the top and add strawberries. Place another layer of puff pastry on top of the filling. Add pastry cream, raspberries and the last layer of pastry.

Icing
9. In a bowl, combine the sugar and water. Reserve.
Glaze the top of the millefeuille.
Place the chocolate in a bowl. Melt in the microwave. Shape a small cone out of parchment paper and place the melted chocolate in it. Cut off the tip of the cone.
9. Draw straight lines on the frosting, then slide a knife in opposite directions to form marbled patterns.

13.Allow to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight before cutting it for serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
The original Diplomat cream calls for gelatin. Adding a teaspoon of instant vanilla to the cream before whipping helps to stabilize the cream and adds a vanilla flavor.

Mussels and spaghetti

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 pounds fresh mussels
1 bay leaf
6 peppercorns
2 whole cloves
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 quarts water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper

See Preparation

Mussels and spaghetti

Preparation:

Scrub mussels under cold water. Remove beards and drain. In a large saucepan or kettle add mussels, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, and wine. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until mussels open, 4 to 6 minutes. Strain mussels. Remove from shells. Save broth.
Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly, stirring, but do not brown.
Add tomatoes, broth and spaghetti. Cook, stirring often until spaghetti are done. Add mussels. Stir and heat for a moment. Add basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve hot.

Niçoise salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

For the Salad

2 small red potatoes
1/2 cup cut fresh green beans
3-1/2 cups torn Bibb lettuce, washed and spun dry
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or a summer red tomato, cut into small wedges
10 Nicoise olives, pitted
2 hard-boiled large eggs, quartered
1 (5-ounce) can albacore, drained and flaked

See Preparation

Niçoise salad

Preparation:

To make the dressing, combine the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking as you go. Set the dressing aside.

Cook the vegetables on the stovetop. For the potatoes, place the whole red potatoes in a small saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and discard the cooking water and let the potatoes cool before cutting them into quarters.

For the green beans, blanching is best. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. Remove the beans to a bowl of ice water to cool them down.

Divide the lettuce between two salad bowls. Top each plate with half of the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Drizzle the salads with dressing and serve any extra dressing on the side.

Chef's notes:
The 19th century century Niçoise salad recipe as it is kept in the archives in Nice, France consists of local ingredients:
Tomatoes, Broad beans and/or small purple artichokes hearts, green Onions or radishes, local summer peppers, Basil, Anchovy, Nice black olives (small and specific to the region), Olive oil, Garlic, Salt pepper
If we want to respect in an orthodox way the model of the Nicoise salad, we should not add anything more. Forget about the grilled tuna, it was a rich thing back then, nobody ate that. You'll also notice there's no egg: at that time, the Nicoise salad was really all raw - or at least, as far as anchovies and olives go, fermented, but not cooked.
Dressing the salad: Traditionally, the Niçoise salad is laid out flat, so that all the ingredients are visible and well distributed. You should therefore take a large, slightly deep plate rather than a salad bowl.
The local garlic, which is pink, will be used to rub the plate to flavor it. Do not put the minced garlic cloves directly in the salad, it would be too strong. Place the tomatoes in quarters first, then add all the other ingredients on top and drizzle with a little olive oil (and red wine vinegar if you like). A little salt if necessary and a turn of the pepper mill, a few chopped basil leaves, and it's ready.

Nowadays, Niçoise salad has become a mix of various colorful ingredients consisting of potatoes, black olives, green beans, artichokes hearts, green onions, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, anchovies and vinaigrette dressing. Hard boiled eggs , tuna, (canned or fresh broiled and sliced) , grilled salmon pieces, or chicken are often the main proteins in the recipe.
Some people say the salad is served on a bed of lettuce and others say that tomatoes are the base. And some do not arrange the elements of the salad at all, but just toss it all together.

Orange raisin cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

1 large orange, unpeeled
3/4 cup boiling water
1 large egg
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans)

See Preparation

Orange raisin cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut orange into pieces. Remove seeds.
Put in blender with boiling water. Blend until smooth. Add egg and oil. Blend a few minutes more.
Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
Add liquid from blender to the dry ingredients. Stir until just blended.
Pour into greased 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch loaf pan or into 3 mini loaf pans. Bake about 50 minutes. Unmold on cake rack.

Orange sherbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 tablespoons grated orange zest
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg white

See Preparation

Orange sherbet

Preparation:

Place cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Allow to stand 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together boiling water, 3/4 cup sugar and soaked gelatin. Stir until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
Stir in orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and egg yolk. Set aside. In a large bowl, whip cream with 3 tablespoons sugar and salt until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whip egg white until stiff. Fold into whipped cream. Stir in juice mixture a little at a time.
Pour in an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions.

Oven dried tomato and black olive tians

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

12 ripe Italian tomatoes
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper

See Preparation

Oven dried tomato and black olive tians

Preparation:

Blanch the tomatoes in salted boiling water, remove, and shock in ice water. Peel the tomatoes and reserve the peel for the fried garnish.
Cut each tomato into four pieces and remove the inner seed core. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Place the tomato slices on a rack, and bake for 1 hour in a 250 degree F oven.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and cool. When the tomatoes are cool, finely dice them and place on paper towels to dry.
When drained, season the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme and wine vinegar.
In a food processor, add the Kalamata olives and puree to a paste. Remove and set aside.
Place a layer of the tomato mixture into a 1-inch round ring mold and pack down. Place a very thin layer of black olive paste into the mold and pack down. Repeat 10 times.
Finish with 1 more layer of tomato and pack down. Just before you are ready to serve, heat the tians through in a 300 degree F. oven.

Preheat a fryer to 300 degrees F. Blot the reserved tomato skins with paper towels to dry them of any moisture.
Place the skins in the oil and fry just until the water comes out and the skins are crisp and golden. Do not brown skins.
Remove from the molds onto plates and top with fried tomato skins.

Paella of mussels

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 pounds fresh mussels
1 medium chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups rice
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1 medium sliced red pepper

See Preparation

Paella of mussels

Preparation:

Clean and scrub mussels.
Steam in a kettle containing a small amount of water until mussels are opened.
Drain them and retain the cooking liquid. Remove top shells of mussels. In a medium kettle, brown the onion and garlic in oil. Stir in the rice and saffron.
Pour the strained cooking liquid and water over rice, to make 3 1/2 cups. Stir in the red pepper.
Bake covered at 350 degrees F (180 C) for 10 minutes. Add mussels in their half shells and combine with the rice. Continue baking for 10 more minutes or until rice is done.
Serve the paella in a preheated casserole dish.

Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
1 cup diced peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
salt to taste
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the Cod:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 - 6 ounce fillets fresh cod
Salt and pepper

See Preparation

Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce

Preparation:

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, diced peeled tomatoes and the white wine. Cook 9 to 12 minutes, stirring over low heat. Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside until needed. For the Cod:Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Then season both sides of cod with salt and pepper. Place cod in the oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip the cod over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, OR until it's cooked through. Pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, let the sauce warm up for a minute, then remove from heat and and serve at once.

Panisses

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

270 g (2 ¼ cups) chickpea flour
1 liter (4 cups)vegetable or chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
oil, for frying
Salt and pepper
Fleur de sel (optional)
FOR THE PESTO DIP:
50 g pine nuts
½ a clove of garlic
50 g Parmesan cheese
1 bunch of fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

See Preparation

Panisses

Preparation:

Oil a 33 x 23-cm (13 x 9-inch) rectangular pan and line with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour with half the broth (500 mL / 2 cups) using a whisk.
In a saucepan, bring the remaining broth (2 cups / 500 mL) and garlic to a boil. Drizzle in the chickpea paste, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. Spread over the prepared pan in a thin even layer. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm to touch.
On a work surface, gently unmold the dough. Cut into 48 sticks, or into 4 strips crosswise and 12 lengthwise.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 cm (½ inch) of oil until the temperature reaches 165 ° C (325 ° F). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Fry about a quarter of the sticks at a time, about 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning halfway through cooking. Drain on absorbent paper. Continue with the rest of the sticks.
Eat as an aperitif with a little fleur de sel, to taste.
PESTO DIP:
For the dip, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan, then tip into a food processor. Crush in the garlic and grate in the Parmesan, measure in 60ml of extra virgin olive oil, then add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until combined but still coarse. Season to taste, and scrape into a serving bowl.

Panzanella salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

5 oz or ½ loaf of a rustic Italian bread or baguette, preferably stale cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
2 pounds very ripe tomatoes, preferably a mix of varieties and colors
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Black pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot
1/2 cup packed fresh basil torn

See Preparation

Panzanella salad

Preparation:

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until they are golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add onions, garlic, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in basil.
Add bread cubes to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.

Peas and ricotta falafels

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 14-oz can white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup peas, thawed
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
salt and pepper, to taste
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

See Preparation

Peas and ricotta falafels

Preparation:

If using fresh peas, add to a pot of salted boiling water, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Drain the water and cool the peas completely.

Combine all ingredients (except the oil) in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well-combined, but not puréed. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a skillet over medium heat, until it reaches 350°F.

Meanwhile, form the mixture into small patties. Prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet and set aside. Fry the patties in batches, a couple at a time, without crowding the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet to cool. Repeat with the remaining patties, and then serve immediately.

Pissaladiere

Serves: 10

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:1 hour

For the topping (makes 1 pissaladiere):
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus extra for brushing
2 pounds yellow onions, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 whole cloves garlic
For the dough (makes 2 pissaladieres)
1 1/4 cups warm (100 to 110 degrees F) water
2 envelopes dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons good olive oil
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
2 teaspoons kosher salt

To assemble each pissaladiere:
Cornmeal, for baking
12 to 18 anchovy fillets
12 French black olives, preferably oil-cured, pitted

See Preparation

Pissaladiere

Preparation:

For the topping, heat the olive oil in a very large saute pan and cook the onions, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic over low heat for 45 minutes, until the onions are sweet and cooked but not browned. Toss the onions from time to time. After 30 minutes, take out the garlic, chop it roughly, and add it back to the onions.
Meanwhile, for the dough, combine the water, yeast, honey, and olive oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. (If the bowl is cold, start with warmer water so it's at least 100 degrees F when you add the yeast.) Add 3 cups of the flour, then the salt, and mix on medium-low speed. While mixing, add 1 more cup of flour, or just enough to make a soft dough. Mix the dough on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes, until smooth, sprinkling it with flour to keep it from sticking to the bowl. When the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured board and knead it by hand a dozen times. It should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and turn it to cover lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts, rolling each 1 into a smooth ball. If you're only making 1 pissaladiere, place 1 ball on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. (If you're not using the other dough, wrap it well and refrigerate or freeze it for the next time.) Roll the dough lightly with a rolling pin, then stretch it to a 10 by 15-inch rectangle and place it on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
Spoon the onion topping onto the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch border all around. Artfully arrange the anchovies and olives on top, brush the edge of the dough with olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp. Serve hot on a cutting board.

Pistou soup

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
3 medium leeks
1 small fennel bulb
3 carrots
1 stick of celery
3 courgettes
2 sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 fresh bay leaves
250 g baby green beans
1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 x 400 g tin of cannellini beans
1 x 400 g tin of borlotti beans
70 g small macaroni

PISTOU SAUCE
5 cloves of garlic
6 sprigs of fresh basil
60 g Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

See Preparation

Pistou soup

Preparation:

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic, then trim and slice the leek. Chip and chop the fennel, carrots, celery and courgettes, then pick and roughly chop the parsley leaves.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic and leek for 5 minutes.
Add the other chopped ingredients, the bay, green beans and chopped tomatoes. Drain and add the beans. Cover with water, season and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta and simmer until cooked, adding water if the soup is too thick.
For the pistou sauce, peel and add the garlic to a pestle and mortar, pick in the basil leaves and add some sea salt. Pound until puréed, then finely grate in the Parmesan and muddle in the extra virgin olive oil to make a paste.
Serve the soup with a dollop of pistou.

The pistou sauce can also be made in a food processor or blender,

Poached pears with spiced caramel sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For poached pears:
4 juice oranges
1 lemon, halved
8 cups water
2 cups sugar
6 firm-ripe Anjou pears

For caramel:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 whole clove
5 cardamon pods
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts

See Preparation

Poached pears with spiced caramel sauce

Preparation:

Poach pears:
Remove zest of orange in strips with a vegetable peeler and cut away any white pith from strips. Squeeze juice from oranges and lemon into a 6-quart pot and add lemon halves, water, sugar, and zest.
Peel pears, leaving stems attached, and add to pot. Simmer pears until just tender, and cool in liquid. (Poached pears will continue to cook a bit as they cool).
Make caramel:
Put sugar in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and crumble brown sugar over. Melt sugars, undisturbed, over moderate heat until granulated sugar is mostly melted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally with a fork until a deep golden caramel.
Carefully pour in cream (mixture will bubble up and caramel will harden slightly) and stir in clove, cardamon pods, fennel, peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer, stirring until caramel is dissolved and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, about 10 minutes.
Pour sauce through a sieve and cool to just warm. Assemble dessert: Drain pears and pat dry, then transfer to plates. Serve drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with chopped nuts.

Polenta with roasted tomatoes and shallots

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 shallots , halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper , divided
3 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic , thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Cheesy Polenta:
2/3 cups cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (approx)
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

See Preparation

Polenta with roasted tomatoes and shallots

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
On baking sheet, toss together shallots and half each of the oil, salt and pepper; roast for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in bowl, toss together tomatoes, garlic and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Remove pan from oven; add tomato mixture. Return to oven; roast until vegetables are softened, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Cheesy Polenta: Meanwhile, in saucepan, bring 3 1/2 cups water to boil; whisk in cornmeal, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring frequently, until thick enough to mound on spoon, about 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and goat cheese.
Spoon Cheesy Polenta into shallow bowls; top with tomato mixture. Top with more Parmesan, if desired, and chives.

Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine section: ON THE TABLE IN 30 MINUTES

Potato eggplant tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 1/4 cups finely diced, peeled eggplant
1 tablespoon coarse salt plus more to taste
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons minced shallots
4 large Idaho potatoes
to taste pepper
1/4 cup butter

See Preparation

Potato eggplant tart

Preparation:

Place eggplant in non-reactive bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Remove to a clean kitchen towel and tightly twist to squeeze out all moisture. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in sauté pan. Add eggplant and shallots and sauté until very tender. Remove from heat.
Peel potatoes. Using a mandoline, shred potatoes into a clean kitchen towel. Tightly squeeze out moisture.
Heat vegetables in 1/4 cup of oil in a 9-inch ovenproof, nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Using a spatula, evenly press half of the potatoes into the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the reserved eggplant over the top. Pat remaining potatoes evenly over the eggplant. Again season to taste. Cook, until bottom is golden.
Carefully turn and dab the crust with bits of butter. Cook until bottom begins to crisp. Place in oven and bake until potatoes are cooked and tart is golden and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes. Using sharp serrated knife, cut into 6 wedges.

Potato pancakes with goat cheese on mixed greens

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Salad:
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
4 cups mixed baby greens

Pancakes:
2 russet potatoes, peeled, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (Montrachet) crumbled
4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives

See Preparation

Potato pancakes with goat cheese on mixed greens

Preparation:

For salad:
whisk vinegar and mustard. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in chives, shallot and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For pancakes:
Place potatoes in dry kitchen towel and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer potatoes to large bowl. Add salt and pepper and toss to combine.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy skillet over medium heat. Mound 1/3 cup potatoes in skillet. Using spatula, flatten to 3-inch round. Repeat 3 times, forming 4 pancakes.
Top each cake with 1/4 of goat cheese. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon chives.
Cover each with another 1/3 cup potatoes; press to adhere, enclosing cheese completely and flattening slightly. Cook until bottoms are golden. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to skillet. Turn pancakes over; cook until golden. Toss green with enough dressing to coat.
Divide salad among plates. Arrange 1 pancake atop each salad.

Provençal three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup pearl barley
1/3 dark green lentils
3 leeks, white portion only
2 carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. of fresh or dry thyme
1 head of garlic, all the cloves peeled
1 28 oz. can of tomatoes/or your own canned tomatoes,chopped
Sea salt
Olive oil

See Preparation

Provençal three-grain soup

Preparation:

Rinse your grains and lentils off in a fine colander, set aside.

Put about a tablespoon of olive oil, about 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the herbs, leeks or onions, and carrots in a heavy bottomed soup pot. Turn the heat on fairly low and cook them covered for about five minutes, so they soften but don’t brown. This is called sweating.

Add the whole can of tomatoes, juice and all, then add about 5 cups of water. Bring this to a simmer.

Add the grains, lentils and all those garlic cloves (The garlic cloves are the secret weapon! If you or your family is garlic shy, don’t worry, the soup doesn’t taste very garlicky when it’s done.)

Simmer covered until the grains are tender, about 45 minutes, depending on the grains. Add more water if necessary, to keep it at the thickness you prefer.

Test for seasoning. Add some fresh ground pepper, and serve in bowls drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Don’t skip the olive oil swirl. It really makes it, somehow.

It’s that easy, and that good. I usually double this recipe for leftovers.

Note re: leftovers: The grains soak up all the liquid when the soup is sitting in the fridge, leaving the soup a semi-solid mass–so you’ll have to add a good deal of water when you go to reheat. This doesn’t effect flavor at all. It’s an excellent leftover type soup.

Provençale fish soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 pound grouper, cod, or halibut fillet
2 teaspoons saffron
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
2 medium chopped shallots
1 small diced white leek
1 large minced garlic clove
1 14 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 quarts fish stock
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
4 ounces roux
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
croutons

See Preparation

Provençale fish soup

Preparation:

Cut the grouper or halibut fillet into small cubes. Season with1/2 of the saffron, 1/2 of the olive oil, and Aromat seasoning.
Pour the remaining olive oil in a heavy bottom soup pot. Add shallots, leek, and garlic and sauté over low heat. Stir in the remaining saffron and the chopped tomatoes. Add the wine, fish stock, and sea food seasoning.
Whisk in the roux to slightly thicken the soup. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce.
A few minutes before serving, add diced grouper. Simmer the soup for 5 minutes. Serve in soup plates or cups with croutons.

Ratatouille

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 mnutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

2 lbs. tomatoes, preferably fleshy plum tomatoes (rather than a juicy heritage breed)
A good olive oil
A pinch of sugar
A pinch of saffron (optional)
4 medium-sized red bell peppers
3 large onions, peeled and roughly diced
3 medium-sized eggplants, peeled and roughly diced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
Sprigs of rosemary and thyme, tied together into a bouquet garni, plus 1 tsp. of thyme leaves
A handful of basil leaves (optional)
3 medium-sized zucchini
1-3 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar, according to taste
A dozen pitted black Kalamata olives (optional)
Salt and pepper
Basil leaves

See Preparation

Ratatouille

Preparation:

1. Prepare tomatoes. Heat oven to 225 degrees. Drop the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water, and, if necessary, weigh them down with a heavy slotted spoon, to keep them from floating. After 2–3 minutes, test by pulling off a bit of skin with a paring knife. If it comes off easily, pull tomatoes out, one by one, and drop them into the ice bath. After a minute or two, retrieve them and peel off the skin.

2. Place a sieve over an empty bowl. Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place them into the sieve. Set aside.
3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Brush the paper with olive oil and season it lightly with salt and sugar. Place tomatoes on the paper cut-side down and brush them, too, with the oil. Cook for about 40 minutes, until they are cooked but still firm. Cool and set aside.
4. While tomatoes roast, stir the tomato pulp and seeds in the sieve vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon, to extract the maximum possible liquid. You should have between ½ cup and 1 cup. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, place over low heat, and simmer, gently, until the volume is reduced by half. Set aside.
5. If you are using saffron, hydrate in water and set aside.
6. Prepare peppers. Raise the oven temperature to 425 and insert a medium-sized tray. When hot, remove the tray and splash with olive oil, then add peppers and, with a pair of tongs, roll them in the oil to cover. Return the tray to the oven. Check after ten minutes. If the peppers have begun to brown, flip them with the tongs. Check after another 10 minutes and repeat, until peppers are nearly black on all sides. Remove the tray from the oven and, if needed, wrap peppers in a piece of aluminum foil (the trapped steam helps loosen the skin). When peppers are cool enough to touch, peel off the skin with a paring knife. Remove the stems and seeds and cut peppers into quarters.
7. Prepare onion. Heat a sauté pan over a low flame. Season onion with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan. Add onion and cook, tossing occasionally until soft but not browned. Drain in a colander to remove excess oil and set onion aside.
8. Prepare eggplant. Wipe out the sauté pan and place over a low flame. Season eggplant with salt and pepper. Increase the heat and add a little less than 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to the pan. Add eggplant—don’t move or shake until it begins to color slightly. Flip eggplant with a spatula and cook until tender. Drain in a colander and set aside.
9. Begin assembly. Place a medium pot on a low burner. Chop tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add to the pot, then add 2 Tbsp. of tomato water. Chop peppers into bite-size pieces, then add to pot and stir. Add onion, then eggplant. If the mixture seems dry, add more tomato water. Add garlic and bouquet garni. Add saffron, if using. Cover. Check after 5 minutes to insure that the mixture is not boiling. Stir gently. After another 5 minutes, remove lid, stir, and simmer.
10. Prepare zucchini. Cut zucchini into bite-size pieces and toss in a bowl with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, a few twists of black pepper, and reserved thyme leaves. (Do not salt: salt will liquify zucchini and prevent them from crisping up.) Heat a sauté pan over a high flame and add zucchini. Toss occasionally, until zucchini show color but are still crisp: that is, bright green with bite. Remove from the pan and drain in a colander, then salt to taste.
11. Finish assembly. Taste for seasoning and for moisture, and add more salt and pepper and tomato water as needed. Add vinegar, then mix in zucchini and let cook until heated through. Add olives if you’re using them . Remove bouquet garni and garlic. Dress with torn basil leaves. Serve with roasted chicken, French fries, toast, nothing at all, or just about anything.

Red pepper bisque

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup instant rice
3 cups chicken stock
8 cups sweet red peppers
2 medium sliced white onions
6 cups chicken stock
3 cups milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
salt to taste

See Preparation

Red pepper bisque

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, simmer plain rice in the 3 cups of chicken stock.
In another saucepan, simmer sliced red sweet peppers and sliced onion in remaining chicken stock. Simmer till tender.
Purée red pepper mixture with rice in a blender. Add milk and cream. Season with Tabasco, pepper, paprika and salt.

Rhubarb and berry coffee cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/2 cup each chopped rhubarb and chopped apples
1/2 cup each raspberries and blueberries
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon each salt and nutmeg
1/4 cup each butter and shortening, cubed
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 eggs
1 cup plain Balkan style yogurt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

See Preparation

Rhubarb and berry coffee cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly grease 9-inch springform pan; line bottom with parchment or waxed paper.
Mix together rhubarb, apples, raspberries, blueberries and 2 tablespoons of the sugar.
Stir together flour, 1/2 cup of the remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
Cut in butter and shortening until fine crumbs form. Stir in lemon rind. Make well in center.
Beat eggs with yogurt; pour into well and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan.
Arrange fruit over top, leaving 1-inch border uncovered. Spoon remaining batter evenly over top, spread to cover fruit.
Brush with butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake on baking sheet in center of oven for about 1 hour or until golden brown. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove side of pan and cool completely.

Roasted asparagus

Serves: 8

Preparation time:

Cooking time:15 minutes

3 pounds fresh asparagus
extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Roasted asparagus

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash asparagus and trim. Cut to even lengths, about 7 inches. Brush asparagus with olive oil and arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan.
Roast until tender, about 15 minutes. Serve very hot, sprinkled with more Parmesan.

Roasted sweet potato stew with kale and freekeh

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 8-ounce package cracked freekeh (approx 1 cup)
3 sweet potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 bunch of fresh Lacinato kale, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, diced
1 12-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 12-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
2-3 garlic cloves, diced

See Preparation

Roasted sweet potato stew with kale and freekeh

Preparation:

This is a real hit with the Freekeh Foods team!
Try using roasted pumpkin or butternut squash instead of sweet potato for a delicious twist.
Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil on them. Bake in 375° oven for about 25 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside. While the potatoes are cooking, pour all ingredients into a large pot on top of the stove over high heat. Stir with a spoon and heat for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add roasted sweet potatoes. Cover partially and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Check occasionally and give a stir.
Continue to cook longer for richer flavor, adding water or more broth if desired.

options: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Seared tuna with tian of provencal vegetables

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:3 hours

Vegetable Tian:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1-inch wide strips
12 ounces fresh plum tomatoes, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
8 ounces Japanese eggplant, cut into 1/8-inch thick rounds
Assembly:
6 (6-ounce) portions fresh tuna steaks, cut about 2 1/2-inches thick
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

See Preparation

Seared tuna with tian of provencal vegetables

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 by 13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the oil with the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Arrange half of the vegetables in rows in the dish, interspersing the different types until the bottom of the dish is covered. Drizzle with half of the oil mixture.
Make a final layer of mixed vegetables, and drizzle with the remaining oil mixture. Cover the top of the vegetables with lightly oiled parchment paper. Bake until the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.
Remove the vegetable tian from the oven, keep warm in a warm place, and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.
Season the tuna with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the tuna and cook, turning once, until seared on both sides, about 2 minutes.
Uncover the tian and place the seared tuna fillets on top of the vegetables, spacing them evenly. Bake, uncovered, until the tuna is rare to medium-rare, about 5 minutes. Spoon equal amounts of the sauce in the centers of 6 warmed plates.
Using a wide spatula, lift portions of the tuna and vegetables and transfer to the plates.
Tomato Confit:
1 pound ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, halved, and squeezed to remove seeds 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 6 garlic cloves, peeled 2 (3-inch ) sprigs fresh rosemary 1 1/2 cups olive oil, or as needed
Garlic Confit:
1 cup whole, peeled garlic cloves 1 cup olive oil, plus more as needed Place the tomatoes in a colander and toss with the salt. Let drain at room temperature for 2 hours. Pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Place the tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary in a nonreactive 2-quart saucepan. Add enough oil to cover the tomatoes. Cover the saucepan and bake until the tomatoes are very tender, but not falling apart, about 3 hours. Drain, discard the garlic and rosemary, and set the tomato confit aside for the sauce. (The tomato confit can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
Place the garlic cloves and 2 cups cold water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Drain. Repeat the procedure 2 more times. Return the drained garlic cloves to the saucepan and add the oil. Bring to a bare simmer over very low heat. Cook until the garlic is tender, about 40 minutes. Cool completely.
Transfer to a 1-pint canning jar, add enough oil to cover the garlic, and seal. (The garlic confit can be prepared up to 3 weeks in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
Sauce:
1/2 cup Tomato Confit (see above)
1/3 cup Garlic Confit (see above)
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Place the tomato confit, garlic confit, water, salt and pepper in a blender and process on high speed. With the machine running, drizzle in the oil and blend until the sauce is emulsified, about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the parsley and thyme. Set aside at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy Terrance Brennan

Shaved asparagus salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 bunch large asparagus, (not the small pencil thick)
1⁄4 cup toasted nuts of your choice (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
lemon juice to taste
zest of one lemon
a splash of olive oil
a handful salad mix or arugula
Parmesan or crumbled feta
Sea salt and pepper

See Preparation

Shaved asparagus salad

Preparation:

Shave the asparagus into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler or a slicer starting at the root end, shaving downwards towards the tip.
Mix the shaved asparagus together with the salad mix or arugula and toss with the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. Top with the toasted nuts and cheese.
Serve immediately.

Socca Farinata torta di ceci cecina

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
5 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
salt and black pepper
1 3/4 lbs (800g) white onions, cut into thin rings
2 tbsp thyme leaves
1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
1 3/4 cups (230g) chickpea flour
2 cups (450ml) water
2 egg whites
crème fraîche to serve

See Preparation

Socca Farinata torta di ceci cecina

Preparation:

Toss the cherry tomatoes with some olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast them, cut side up, at 275°F for about 25 minutes. You don;t want them to dry out completely.
Chop the thyme leaves and toss with the thinly sliced white onions adding some olive oil, salt and pepper.
Put this in a large pan and cook on high for about a minute, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 25 minutes until the onion is light brown and sweet.
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of white wine vinegar.
When the tomatoes are cooked, set them aside. Increase the oven temperature to 325F.

Make the Socca batter with your chickpea flour.
Combine 1 3/4 cups chickpea flour, 2 cups water, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon salt plus a grind of pepper in a bowl and whisk by hand until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk two egg whites to soft peaks and then gently fold them into the batter. Now line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside to put your pancakes on as you make them.

Use a small 6″ pan to fry the pancakes or a regular non-stick frying pan, keeping the pancakes about 6 ” in diameter. Put a bit of olive oil in the pan, the pour the batter about 1/4 ” thick and then just wait for the bubble to start appearing on the top. Give it a flip and cook for about another minute and pop onto the parchment lined cookie sheet. Make the rest of the pancakes (4-6 total) and then put them all in the oven for 5 minutes.

Top the pancakes generously with the caramelized onion and then add the tomatoes. You can warm this in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
The crème fraîche can be served on the side.

Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce and Basil

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
1/4 cup (60 mL) minced fresh basil, approx
1/4 cup (60 mL) crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) sliced pitted black olives

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce:
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 lb/500 g)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1 pinch hot pepper flakes

See Preparation

Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce and Basil

Preparation:

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce:
In 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal cake pan, toss together tomatoes, garlic, oil, vinegar, rosemary, salt and hot pepper flakes. Roast in 400°F (200°C) oven until shriveled, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until tender but firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to large serving bowl.

Add tomato sauce and basil, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with goat cheese, olives, and more basil if desired.

Spicy edamame burgers

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 lb shelled edamame thawed or fresh
1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
4 ounces (110 g) sliced mushrooms, shiatake or crimini
1/3 cup water
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon low salt soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chickpea flour or cornstarch
Oil, for frying

See Preparation

Spicy edamame burgers

Preparation:

Combine the edamame, chickpeas, mushrooms, water, garlic, cumin, soy sauce and salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer into a large bowl.
Add the flour and mix well
Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to handle when forming the patties.
Shape mixture into 10 patties.Dust both sides of the patties with chickpea flour or cornstarch.
Heat the oil in a sauté pan and fry the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each sides, or until golden brown on both sides.
Serve on top of a spinach sald, or on a toasted bun.

Spinach and ricotta naan pizzas

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
1 pkg (227 g) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
4 garlic naan or plain naan
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) extra-smooth ricotta cheese or grated mozzarella

See Preparation

Spinach and ricotta naan pizzas

Preparation:

In skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook garlic, ginger and cumin seeds, stirring, for 1 minute. Add onion, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes.

Stir in spinach; cook, stirring often, until wilted and no liquid remains, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice; remove from heat.

Arrange naan on large rimless baking sheet; divide spinach mixture among naan. Top with tomatoes; dollop ricotta cheese over top. Bake in 425 F (220 C) oven until bottoms are golden, about 15 minutes.

Change it up: Grilled Spinach and Ricotta Naan Pizzas
Prepare pizzas as directed. Place on greased grill over medium heat; close lid and grill until bottoms are crisp and golden, 5 to 8 minutes.

Strawberry parfait

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 pints strawberries, cleaned

See Preparation

Strawberry parfait

Preparation:

Whip the cream until firm. Fold in the melted chocolate.
Reserve 6 strawberries for garnish.
Puree remaining and strain.
Alternate strawberry puree and chocolate cream in parfait glasses. Top with whole strawberries. Serve cold.

Tomato phyllo tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

12 14-by-18-inch or 24 9-by-14-inch sheets phyllo dough
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon plain dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, (about 4 ounces)
1 large red tomato, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 large yellow tomato, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
10-12 small basil leaves

See Preparation

Tomato phyllo tart

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 17 1/2-by-12 1/2-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay one large sheet of phyllo on the prepared pan. (If using the smaller size, slightly overlap two sheets on the pan to form a rectangle.) Keep the remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap or wax paper and a damp kitchen towel.
Lightly coat the phyllo surface with oil using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon breadcrumbs. Repeat this step, layering the remaining phyllo on top. Brush the final sheet with oil. Carefully roll about 3/4 inch of each side toward the center to form the outer rim of the tart.
Using the same brush, paint pesto evenly on the surface of the tart. Sprinkle about half of the crumbled feta cheese over the pesto layer. Arrange tomato slices, alternating colors, over the pesto layer; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake the tart until the crust turns brown and crispy, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
To serve, lift the parchment paper and slide the tart onto a cutting board or large platter. Scatter basil leaves on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 pear tomatoes or tomatoes from the Canary’s
300 g of creamy goats cheese
200 ml of tomato juice
extra virgin olive oil
apple vinegar
50 g toasted almonds
50 g toasted hazelnuts
25 g pine nuts
salt, pepper and basil
parsley or chives for decoration

See Preparation

Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho

Preparation:

Clean the tomatoes and cut the top off. Empty the inside with the help of a spoon, keeping the pulp and top. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Blend the pulp with a hand blender, adding oil, basil, the tomato juice, a bit of sugar, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of apple vinegar and dried fruits. When it’s mixed, add a little more salt and store the gazpacho in the refrigerator. Stuff the creamy cheese inside the tomatoes, cover it with the lid chopped off earlier and add some pepper and oil. It will be inserted in the oven for 10 minutes at 180 degrees for it to scald and the cheese to melt.
Presentation
Pour the gazpacho into soup bowls and place the tomatoes on top, sprinkle a bit of parsley or chives over, and decorate it with a basil leaf. Serve immediately when cold.

Tomato tart tatin

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 lbs of ripe tomatoes
puff pastry (ready to use)
1 organic lemon
4 tablespoons of black olive tapenade
2 garlic cloves
20 pitted black olives
2 shallots
fresh thyme, fresh oregano, rosemary
1 teaspoons of coriander seeds
1 tablespoon sugar
olive oil
salt and pepper

See Preparation

Tomato tart tatin

Preparation:

Toast the coriander seeds, crush them and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Brown the chopped shallots for 5 minutes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Plunge the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute in order to remove the skin easily. Once cooled, cut tomatoes in haves and squeeze out the seeds and juice. Chop coarsely and cook uncovered in a frying pan with olive oil, chopped garlic, sugar, fresh herbs, salt and the pepper. Stir until it becomes a thick purée.

Wash the lemon, remove 2 strips of peel and boil for 3 minutes. Keep one of the lemon peels for decoration and chop the other one.
Place parchment paper on the bottom of a pie dish and oil it with olive oil.

Mix the tomatoes and chopped lemon zests.
Pour the tomato preparation onto the parchment paper and leave a space on the circumference.
Place the pitted black olives on top.
Then coat with olive tapenade.

Slowly place the puff pastry on the filling, slide the edge of the dough to the bottom of the mold. Prick the dough with a fork. Cook 30 minutes in the oven at 425 F.

Let rest outside of the oven for 20 minutes and then turn the pie over on a flat dish.

Sprinkle a little bit of coriander-perfumed olive oil. Decorate with some lemon peel and serve immediately.

Tomato zucchini pie

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons small fresh basil leaves

ROASTED GARLIC PASTRY:
1 whole head garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt pinch pepper
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
ice water

See Preparation

Tomato zucchini pie

Preparation:

Roasted Garlic Pastry:
Separate garlic cloves; leaving skin on; place in small saucepan and toss with oil. Cover and cook over low heat, tossing occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until softened. Let cool; peel and set aside.
Stir together flour, salt and pepper. Cut in shortening until crumbly; set aside. Mash garlic; whisk in egg yolk, vinegar and enough ice water to make 2/3 cup. Sprinkle over flour mixture, tossing with fork until dough holds together.
Press into disc; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. On floured surface, roll out pastry into 14-inch circle and place on 12-inch round pizza pan, leaving overhang.
In large bowl, stir together ricotta and Romano cheeses, bread crumbs, chopped basil, egg, salt and pepper; spread evenly over pastry, leaving 2-inch border.
Top with alternating circles of tomato and zucchini, overlapping slices. Brush with oil. Fold pastry border over filling.
Bake at 450 degree oven until crust is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil leaves.

Tomatoes with peppers and stewed eggplants

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 medium eggplants
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 white onions, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
a pinch cayenne pepper
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large vine ripe tomatoes
sea salt and ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped basil

See Preparation

Tomatoes with peppers and stewed eggplants

Preparation:

Prepare the eggplant stew a day ahead. Wash and cube with the eggplants with the skin.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add eggplants and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat, until lightly brown. Add chopped onions and coriander seeds; continue cooking for 5 minutes, adding more oil if necessary. Season with cinnamon and cumin ; add cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper, cayenne and chicken broth.
Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until eggplants are soft and almost all liquid has evaporated. Cool and refrigerate.

Prepare the peppers a day ahead. Wash and dry peppers. Grill under a broiler until the whole surface of the peppers is dark brown to black. Remove skin. Cut in halves and remove seeds and white pith. Cut into strips.
Peel and slice garlic. In a glass bowl, combine pepper strips with garlic and oil. Allow to marinate for a day or two.
To assemble:
Slice tomatoes. Arrange on plates or platter. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, oil and vinegar, cilantro and basil. Spoon peppers and eggplant compote around tomatoes. Serve cold.

Trout grenobloise with tian of zucchini

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices good quality white bread, with no crust, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
salt and freshly ground pepper
4 whole brook trouts
1/2 cup all-purpose
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 lemons, segmented and finely diced
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
1/3 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Zucchini Tian:
3 small zucchini, thinly sliced
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped chervil
salt and freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Trout grenobloise with tian of zucchini

Preparation:

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small saute pan over medium high heat, saute the cubes of bread until golden brown on all sides, remove to a plate.
Season each trout on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge each trout lightly on the skin side.
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat until just smoking. Place each trout in the oil and cook until golden brown. Turn the fish over and reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until cooked. Remove trouts to a plate.
Add butter to pan and cook until browned. Add lemon segments and juice. Remove pan from heat and stir in capers and parsley. Plate fish and top with sauce and reserved croutons.

Tian:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush an 8-inch baking dish with olive oil and arrange the vegetables in the dish, alternating rows of zucchini and tomatoes.
Drizzle each row with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the sliced garlic.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chervil and salt and pepper.
Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tuna and white bean salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 can (15 to 15 ½ ounces) white cannellini beans,
rinsed, drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, halved
1 can (6 ounces) tuna in olive oil (drain; reserve oil)
1 cup diced plum tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
¼ teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups torn arugula leaves
4 thick flatbreads

See Preparation

Tuna and white bean salad

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, combine cannellini beans, red onion, tuna, tomatoes, olives, chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to combine. Stir in arugula.
2. Preheat grill or heat grill pan. Brush flatbreads lightly with the remaining reserved olive oil. Grill until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Cut flatbreads in halves or quarters. Serve with salad.
Each serving contains about 480 calories, 31 grams of protein, 51 grams of carbohydrate, 16 grams of total fat (3 grams saturated), 7 grams of fiber, 27 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,273 milligrams of sodium.

Tuna salad sandwich

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

2 6-ounce packages albacore tuna packed in water, drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup diced seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
1/4 cup drained capers
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon

See Preparation

Tuna salad sandwich

Preparation:

Mix tuna, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and next 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper.

Tuscan soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3/4 cup spelt or semipearled farro *
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling, if desired
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 medium-size carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
5 cups vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups or one 15-ounce can cannellini or other white beans, drained and rinsed

See Preparation

Tuscan soup

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt and pepper. Sautee over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and oregano. Add the stock and bring to a boil.
Add the spelt or farro and bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the soup for 20 to 30 minutes or until the farro is almost tender (you don't want the grains completely cooked since the soup will cook for additional time and the vegetables are cooked). Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the beans and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve hot, drizzled with a little olive oil, if desired.

Upside-down peach cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

8 ripe peaches (fresh, canned or frozen)
3 teaspoons soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch salt
melted apricot glaze or strawberry jam

See Preparation

Upside-down peach cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Blanch and peel 8 ripe peaches. Cut in halves. Or use canned or frozen peaches. Slice 1 inch thick.
Butter a 9-by 1 1/2-inch round cake pan with 3 tablespoons soft butter, and sprinkle with 1/2 c. sugar over butter. Arrange peaches close together in a circle in the pan.
In an electric mixer, cream 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) soft butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Sift together 1 1/4 cup cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch salt and combine into butter sugar mixture.
Gradually stir in flour batter over peaches, smoothing top.
Bake cake 55 minutes to 1 hour, or till brown.
Cool on rack for 10 min.
Invert on a platter. Brush peaches with melted apricot glaze or strained strawberry jam. Serve with whipped cream.

Vegetable-chickpea chili with almonds

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 to 2 Tbs. hot paprika
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh (or frozen) corn kernels (from about 4 medium ears)
1 medium red bell pepper, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced crosswise
1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced crosswise into rounds
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds
1/4 cup small basil leaves
6 scallions (white and light-green parts only), thinly sliced; more for garnish
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

See Preparation

Vegetable-chickpea chili with almonds

Preparation:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat until shimmering hot, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and onion, season with 1 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, chili powder, and cumin, cook for 1 minute, and then add the tomatoes and their juice. Stir, smashing the tomatoes against the side of the pot to break them up slightly. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chickpeas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and 1 Tbs. salt and cook until the peppers have lost their raw crunch, 8 to 12 minutes (at this point, if the chili looks too thick, add an additional 1 cup of water).

While the vegetables cook, heat the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil in an 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring constantly, until goldenbrown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels and immediately season them with 1/2 tsp. salt.

Stir the basil and scallions into the chili. Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream (if using), more scallions, and the almonds.

Watercress endive salad with roasted pears and roquefort

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For dressing:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
For salad:

4 large bartlett pears
1/4 cup Port wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 bunches watercress
6 Belgian endives
8 ounces Roquefort cheese

See Preparation

Watercress endive salad with roasted pears and roquefort

Preparation:

Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and mustard in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (200 degrees C).
Peel pears, cut into quarters and core.
Cut into 10 to 12 thick slices each.
Place in a bowl and toss with the Port and olive oil. Arrange on a heavy baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes or until slices are tender. Let cool. (Pears can be roasted up to a day ahead. Cover and Refrigerate).
Place walnuts on baking sheet. Toast in oven for 5 minutes. Remove stems from watercress. Wash and spin. Remove core from endives and cut into thick slices.
To serve, arrange watercress around edge of a large serving platter with endives in center.
Drizzle with dressing. Top with pear slices and sprinkle with Roquefort and walnuts. Serve immediately.

Winter three-grain soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

3 medium leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Fine sea salt
One 14-ounce can peeled whole tomatoes, crushed, juices reserved
6 cups cold water
1 head of garlic, separated into peeled cloves
1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup dark green lentils
1/3 cup barley
Freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Winter three-grain soup

Preparation:

In a 4-quart enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the leeks, carrots, olive oil, bay leaves, thyme and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the water and garlic and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Add the rice, lentils and wheat berries, cover and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thin with water if needed. Discard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Zucchini florentine

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 medium zucchini
1 cup cooked spinach, chopped coarsely
3 ounces butter
1 medium chopped onions
1 clove minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Zucchini florentine

Preparation:

Split zucchini lengthwise. Cut into 2 inch pieces. Scoop out center. Blanch 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Drain and cool in cold water.
Saute onion in butter; do not brown. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill zucchini with spinach mixture. Arrange in baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes
Note: You can coat zucchini with a Mornay sauce and baked.

Zucchini lasagna

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound ground turkey
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 medium zucchini
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)

See Preparation

Zucchini lasagna

Preparation:

Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick). Make sure you salt the zucchini slices generously and then let them “sweat” for about 30 minutes. Zucchinis are made up of a lot of water! You can then run two fingers on either side of the slices, squeezing all the way down over a bowl or the sink, releasing even more water. Pat the slices dry using a clean towel to do this. Make sure the zucchini slices are dry.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large straight-sided skillet set over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up any large pieces with the back of a spoon, until brown throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until it thickens, about 20 minutes. Stir in the oregano and salt. Let cool.

Put 5 or 6 prepared zucchini slices, overlapping slightly, in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the sauce. Dot with 1/4 cup of the ricotta. Repeat the layers twice, alternating the direction of the zucchini. Top with the remaining zucchini and brush the top with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon oil. Dot with the remaining 1/4 cup ricotta and season with the black pepper. Top with the Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 50 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling and the top is brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Zucchini roulades

Serves: 6

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon chopped Greek olives
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 medium zucchini

See Preparation

Zucchini roulades

Preparation:

In a small bowl, mix the first 9 ingredients except the zucchini.

Slice zucchini lengthwise into twenty-four 1/8-in.-thick slices.

On a greased grill rack, cook zucchini in batches, covered, over medium heat. Grill until tender, 2-3 minutes on each side.

Place 1 tablespoon ricotta mixture on the end of each zucchini slice. Roll up and secure each with a toothpick.

Almond sherry ice cream with honeyed figs

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

For ice cream:

3 cups half and half
4-inch strip fresh lemon zest
4-inch strip fresh orange zest
1/2 cinnamon stick
8 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Amontillado Sherry*

For figs:
12 soft (moist) dried Calimyrna figs
1 cup Amontillado Sherry
1 cup fresh orange juice
6 tablespoons honey
candied orange zest

See Preparation

Almond sherry ice cream with honeyed figs

Preparation:

Make ice cream:
Bring half and half with lemon and orange zests and cinnamon stick just to a boil over moderate heat. Cover and let stand off heat 25 minutes, then reheat to a simmer. Discard zests and cinnamon stick.
Whisk together yolks, sugar and Sherry in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk in hot milk mixture.
Transfer custard to cleaned saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat back of a wooden spoon. Pour custard through a fine sieve into a bowl and cover surface with wax paper to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill until thoroughly cold, about 3 hours. Freeze in an ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
Make figs:
Bring figs, Sherry, juice and honey, cover to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer, covered, just until figs are tender, about 40 minutes, then uncover and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 1 cup. Cool figs in syrup.

Serve ice cream with honeyed figs and syrup and a few candied orange zest sprinkled over.
*Note: Amontillado is a mellow almond flavor sherry.

Amaretto fruit bread

Serves: 16

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 3/4 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped candied cherries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped glazed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped mixed peel
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon almond flavoring

See Preparation

Amaretto fruit bread

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Measure flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Stir until blended.
Make a well in center. Chop and measure out cherries, pineapple, peel and almonds.
Beat egg with milk, oil, amaretto and flavoring until blended. Pour into center of flour mixture.
Immediately add cherries, pineapple, mixed peel and nuts. Stir just until dry ingredients are lumpy.
Spoon batter into pan. Smooth top.
Bake until knife inserted into loaf comes out quite clean, from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze.

Apricot tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:35 minutes

All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 recipe never fail pie crust
8 firm but ripe apricots(about 1 1/2 pounds), pitted and cut into sixths
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon heavy cream

See Preparation

Apricot tart

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Roll dough out into one 12-inch circle, and drape over tart pan that has removable bottoms.
In a medium bowl, toss apricots together with sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon juice, zest and cream. Spoon apricot mixture in tart pans. Spread out evenly. sprinkle with sugar.
Place tart on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes; lower oven temperature to 375°.
Continue to bake until tart is evenly browned and apricots are bubbling, about 25 minutes more. Transfer tart from baking sheet to a cooling rack, and cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Apricot-orange shortbread bars

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
3 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 oz (1/4 cup) almond paste, crumbled
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided

See Preparation

Apricot-orange shortbread bars

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Butter a 9 by 9 by 2-inch metal baking pan; line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper, extending over sides. Butter parchment. Mix preserves and orange liqueur in small bowl; set aside.
Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Beat in almond extract. Add flour and salt; beat just until blended. Transfer 1 cup of dough to another small bowl; add crumbled almond paste and mix with fingertips until small clumps form. Mix in 1/4 cup sliced almonds; set aside for topping.
Press remaining dough evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Spread preserves mixture evenly over. Using fingertips, coarsely crumble topping over preserves, then sprinkle 1/4 cup almonds over. Press topping lightly into preserves.
Bake shortbread until top and crust edges are golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool completely in pan on rack. Using parchment paper as aid, lift shortbread from pan. Cut shortbread into 4 equal strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 8 small bar cookies.

Asparagus and tomato salad with feta

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tsp dried tarragon (use 1 tablespoon if using fresh)
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed - 2 bunches
3 green onions, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (551 ml)
3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled

See Preparation

Asparagus and tomato salad with feta

Preparation:

Snap off the woody ends of asparagus where they naturally break when you bend them or cut them off with a knife.

Boil water in a large pot or saucepan with steamer then reduce to simmer, add asparagus, cover with lid and steam asparagus until tender (about 8-10 minutes) This will depend on your preference.

Use tongs to remove asparagus

In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, dijon mustard, salt and pepper together.

Cover and set aside until ready to use.

Arrange cooked asparagus tomatoes on a large platter.

Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.

Drizzle with ½ the dressing and serve the remainder on the side Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.

????Variations & Substitutions
Tomatoes- you could use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
Asparagus -you could use grilled or oven-roasted asparagus instead of steamed
Tarragon- fresh tarragon is ideal, but you can use dried
Feta cheese - you can use regular, light or fat-free feta or use goat cheese
Add-ins- you could also sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and/or add red onions or green onion

Asparagus mimosa

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

3 pounds fresh green asparagus
2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 cup herb-vinaigrette dressing

See Preparation

Asparagus mimosa

Preparation:

Peel and trim the asparagus.
Boil 4 quarts of water in a pot. Cook asparagus in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender.
Gently remove asparagus from boiling water and cool in ice cold water. Drain on paper towels, and set aside.
Separate egg yolks and whites. Wash egg whites in cold water. Drain on paper towel and set aside. Finely chop egg yolks; set aside in a small bowl. Chop egg whites and save in a bowl.
Arrange asparagus on a serving platter. Sprinkle egg yolk and egg white and parsley over asparagus.
Serve cold with the herb-vinaigrette.

Asparagus with cream cheese and prosciutto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

24 fresh asparagus spears, cut to 4 inches
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 ounces Stilton cheese
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
12 thin slices of prosciutto, cut into halves

See Preparation

Asparagus with cream cheese and prosciutto

Preparation:

Clean and peel asparagus. Cook lightly in salted boiling water or steam until crisp. Plunge in ice cold water.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, Stilton cheese, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Spread each half slice of prosciutto with some of the cream cheese mixture. Roll around an asparagus spear. Arrange on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Asparagus with Parma ham and roasted pepper coulis

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

2 red bell peppers
5 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
to taste, coarse salt and pepper
36 spears of asparagus
6 thin slices of Parma
4 sheets of phyllo
3/4 cup melted butter
6 teaspoons dry breadcrumbs
1 cup baby arugula leaves

See Preparation

Asparagus with Parma ham and roasted pepper coulis

Preparation:

Pepper coulis:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub peppers with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until almost charred. Remove and place in plastic container with a lid to steam and cool. When cool enough to handle, push off the skins and remove stems and seeds. Place peppers in food processor fitted with metal blade and puree along with the vinegar, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon water. Season to taste.

Wash asparagus. with a sharp knife, trim bottoms to make spears of equal length. Place the asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and refresh. Pat dry. Toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Cut the ham in half lengthwise.
Hold 3 asparagus spears together. Wrap one strip of ham around the center of the asparagus bundle and set aside. Continue making bundles until you have 12.
Carefully lay one sheet of phyllo dough on damp towel. Lightly brush it with some of the melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon bread crumbs. Butter another sheet and place on top of the crumbled sheet. Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut the phyllo sheets, from top to bottom, into 6 strips. Roll one phyllo strip around the center of an asparagus-ham bundle. continue until you have prepared 6 bundles. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets, butter, crumbs, and 6 remaining asparagus bundles. Place bundles on baking sheet . Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Toss arugula leaves with remaining teaspoon of oil. Place a tablespoon or more of pepper puree in center of each plate. Cross 2 asparagus bundles over the puree. Garnish with a few arugula leaves and serve immediately.

Baked alaska snow balls

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 recipe Fudge sauce
1 recipe chocolate sauce
1 recipe Meringue

1 pint coffee or maple walnut ice cream

See Preparation

Baked alaska snow balls

Preparation:

scoop 6 1/3-cup balls of ice cream onto a plate lined with film wrap and freeze.

For the wafer crumb crust:

1 1/4 cups finely ground chocolate wafers
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
5 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Process the wafers and sugar to a powder. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the crumb into the center of 6 3-inch fluted round tartlet pans. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the pans. The crusts should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the crusts on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool. (can be made a day ahead.)

To assemble:
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Slip the tartlet shells out of their pans and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place an ice cream ball in the center of each tartlet. Freeze.

To serve, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons fudge sauce onto each of 6 warm dessert plates. Drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Prepare the meringue. Spoon meringue in a pastry bag fitted with a large #5 star tube, pipe and completely cover the ice cream with meringue.
Bake for one minute to brown meringue. Watch carefully.

Baked carrot terrine

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

1 pound carrots
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pinch nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
2/3 cup 2% evaporated milk

See Preparation

Baked carrot terrine

Preparation:

Grease 8x4-inch loaf pan.
Line bottom with parchment or waxed paper; grease paper. Cook carrots until softened, drain. Let cool.
In nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat; cook garlic and onion, stirring until very soft.
Let cool completely. In food processor or blender, purée onion mixture, carrots, lemon rind. Lemon juice, nutmeg, salt and pepper until smooth; transfer to large bowl.
Whisk together eggs and evaporated milk. Add to carrot mixture, blending well.
Pour into prepared pan, smoothing top. Cut rectangle of parchment to fit directly on top of mixture.
Place loaf pan in large pan. Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of loaf pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until center of terrine is firm to the touch and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Remove loaf pan from water; peel off top paper. Run knife around sides of pan. Let stand 10 minutes.

Baked goat cheese with salad greens

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:6 minutes

3 small rounds fresh goat cheese, each about 1/4 pound
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups finely dried bread crumbs
4 large handfuls mesclun or mixed salad greens
1 clove garlic, minced
12 walnut halves
Toasts

VINAIGRETTE:
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Baked goat cheese with salad greens

Preparation:

Whisk together the oil, and two vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir in the minced garlic.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut each cheese round horizontally to make 6 rounds.
Place on a plate and drizzle with the olive oil, turning once to lightly coat both sides.
Spread the bread crumbs on a plate. Coat the rounds of goat cheese on both sides with the crumbs and then place well spaced on a baking sheet.
Bake until the cheese rounds are slightly bubbling around the edges, 4-6 minutes.
Drizzle salad greens with the dressing. Toss well and divide the greens evenly among 6 salad plates.
Place a hot cheese round in the center of each mound of greens. Garnish with walnuts and toasts. Serve immediately.

Baked polenta with fontina and gorgonzola

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

For the sauce:

2 pounds Italian tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
4 basil leaves
2 parsley stems
salt and pepper to taste

For the polenta:
1 1/2 cups polenta
8 ounces Fontina cheese, thinly sliced
5 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
1 tablespoon basil, chopped for garnish

See Preparation

Baked polenta with fontina and gorgonzola

Preparation:

For the sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, basil and parsley, and cook slowly for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Put sauce in a food processor on pulse to chop tomatoes and make sauce smoother. Return to the sauce to the pan, and simmer until medium-thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity if necessary. This yields about 1 1/2 cups.
While the sauce is cooking, bring 4 1/2 cups water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the polenta in a stream so that lumps do not form. Lower the heat, and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, while stirring with a wooden spoon. Pour polenta into a loaf pan or a 9-by12-inch baking dish, and set it aside to cool. When cold and firm, turn polenta out on a clean surface, and cut into 3-inch squares or diagonal pieces. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly butter individual gratin dishes, spreading a tablespoon of tomato sauce over bottom of dishes. Arrange the polenta and slices of Fontina in overlapping layers.
Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the layers. Crumble Gorgonzola over the top, season with pepper, and bake the polenta uncovered until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil.

Baked salmon fillet with basil sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

6-5-ounces salmon fillet, boneless and skinless
to taste salt and ground white pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 cups basil leaves, cut in small strips
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream

See Preparation

Baked salmon fillet with basil sauce

Preparation:

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a saute pan with the oil until hot. Saute the salmon fillets on one side for about 3 minutes. Turn salmon. Reduce the heat to medium and cook salmon for 3 to 5 minutes or until done. Transfer the salmon to a warm platter. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan. Cook over medium heat for a minute. Do not brown. Add the basil leaves and wine to the pan. Simmer to wilt the basil. Stir the cream into the sauce. Simmer to reduce sauce to half. Season to taste.

PRESENTATION
Arrange each salmon fillet on a hot plate. Spoon the sauce over.

Baked shrimp with orzo and feta

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Kosher salt
Good olive oil
3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
3/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
1/2 cup small-diced red onion
3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

See Preparation

Baked shrimp with orzo and feta

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente.
Drain and pour into a large bowl.

Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Baked squash risotto with a crispy crumb topping

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

SQUASH PURÉE AND STOCK
1 Hubbard squash, 1 1/2 lbs (680 g), washed with skin on
5 cups (1.25 L) water
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

RISOTTO
1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced onion
3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter, divided
1 cup (250 mL) coarsely grated zucchini
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) arborio rice
1/2 cup (125 mL) dry white wine
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

TOPPING
1/4 cup (60 mL) light olive oil
4 large sage leaves plus more to garnish
1/2 cup (125 mL) seasoned panko bread crumbs

See Preparation

Baked squash risotto with a crispy crumb topping

Preparation:

1. For the squash purée and stock, cut squash in quarters and scoop out seeds. Place in a large pot with water and salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer until squash is soft, about 10 minutes. Remove squash with a slotted spoon and place, skin-on, in a blender. Purée until creamy. Reserve 3 cups (750 mL) stock and keep hot. Remaining stock can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F`(177°C).

3. In a large Dutch oven with a lid, add onions, 1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter, grated zucchini, rice, wine, 2 cups (500 mL) squash purée and 3 cups (750 mL) squash stock. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover with lid and bake until rice is tender, 45 to 50 minutes.

4. While risotto is baking, make topping. In a small saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sage leaves and fry until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towel. Add panko and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Finely crush four sage leaves and mix into panko crumbs.

5. Remove risotto from oven and stir well. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter and cheese. It should have a creamy consistency and will start to thicken as it sits, covered, about 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Plate risotto and top with panko topping. Garnish with extra crispy sage leaves, if using.

Balsamic potato salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3 pounds new little red potatoes
1/2 cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons capers
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or basil

See Preparation

Balsamic potato salad

Preparation:

Cook potatoes in pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain and let cool; cut in half. Add tomatoes and capers.
Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sun dried tomato oil, mustard, salt and pepper; toss with potato mixture.
Let stand for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with oregano.

Bavarois turinoise

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup scalded milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chestnut puree
1 ounce melted semi-sweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons dark rum or brandy

See Preparation

Bavarois turinoise

Preparation:

Dissolve gelatin in cold water. In an electric mixer, cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour and whisk the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour in saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Stir in the gelatin. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Mix in the vanilla, chestnut puree, and melted chocolate.Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold in the cool custard. Mix in the rum or brandy. Pour in a decorative mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Unmold and decorate with whipped cream flavored with rum and glazed chestnuts.

Beet with frizzled leek and gorgonzola crostini

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

3 medium beets, (3/4 lb), trimmed and scrubbed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
To taste salt and ground black pepper
1 leek, white part only
1 cup canola oil
4 slices Italian bread, cut diagonally
2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese

See Preparation

Beet with frizzled leek and gorgonzola crostini

Preparation:

Wash beets. Place in a saucepan, cover with water and cook over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutesor until tender. Drain. When cool enough to handle, slide the peel off by hand, and slice into small wedges. Place in a medium bowl. Season with oil, vinegar, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside and cover.
Cut leek crosswise about 3-inch long. Slice lengthwise into thin strips. Wash in cold water and dry. Heat the oil in a cast iron pan over moderate heat. The oil should not be too hot. Fry the leeks until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Set aside. Can be made a day ahead, and kept in an air tight container.
Toast the bread until golden. Spread each toast with Gorgonzola. Top with 2 to 3 slices of beet mixture, and a few more on the plate. Sprinkle leeks on top, and serve at once.

Bomba italian doughnuts

Serves: 20

Preparation time:2 hours

Cooking time:12 minutes

4 cups double zero “OO” flour (or all purpose)
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 t instant yeast
1 vanilla bean
zest of one orange
pinch of salt
1 cup of milk, heated to 110 degrees
3 whole eggs
3 1/2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Nutella

See Preparation

Bomba italian doughnuts

Preparation:

Place the flour, sugar, instant yeast and zest into a large mixing bowl. Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape to remove the seeds, add the seeds to the flour mixture.
Make a well in the flours and add the warm milk. With a wooden spoon mix the ingredients together. Alternatively, you can use your kitchen aide mixer with the dough hook attachment to prepare your dough.
Add the eggs all at once and mix until a soft ball forms.
Add the butter in small pieces a little at a time.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes. The dough should be a little soft but not sticky.
Place the dough in a well oiled mixing bowl, covered with plastic wrap and in a warm window until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Punch the dough down lightly and roll out on a lightly floured surface until a 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough with a 3 inch cookie cutter and place on a cookie sheet
Take the leftover dough and roll into a ball. Place the dough back into the oiled bowl to rise for another 1/2 hour or so. Roll the dough out and repeat the process.
When all the dough has been used let the rounds raise again covered and in a warm place until doubled in size.
Fill a large pot with enough oil until it is 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil to 340 degrees. Fry the doughnuts until golden brown.
You may use a pastry bag with metal tip to fill the doughnuts with Nutella or just serve Nutella alongside the warm doughnuts and start dipping.

Bowtie pasta with shrimp and asparagus

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

5 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves
8 ounce shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound asparagus
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vegetable stock
2 tablespoon Italian parsley
10 basil leaves
1 pound farfalle pasta
2 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

See Preparation

Bowtie pasta with shrimp and asparagus

Preparation:

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large saute pan and cook the garlic until golden. Add the shrimp and saute for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Remove the shrimp from the pan and add the asparagus, salt, hot red pepper flakes, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Return the shrimp to the pan and add the parsley and basil and stir to combine.
4. Add the well-drained pasta to the sauce and stir over low heat until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and stir. Serve immediately.

Braised salmon steaks with fennel and thyme

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 8-ounce salmon steaks
1 pound fennel bulbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Braised salmon steaks with fennel and thyme

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse salmon in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Trim the base and stalks of the fennel bulbs. Cut across into thin slices.
Heat the oil in a medium frying pan. Add the fennel and saute about 5 minutes, until softened. Add one half of the chopped thyme, white wine, salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
Transfer the fennel to a buttered baking dish.
Arrange the salmon steaks on top, and season with salt and pepper, and the remaining chopped thyme. Cover the fish with foil and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
PRESENTATION
Transfer salmon steaks to warm plates. Cover with fennel and pan juices. Serve hot.

Broccoli au gratin

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

3 pounds broccoli, cleaned, cut into 2-inch florets
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups boiling milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 teaspoon melted butter

See Preparation

Broccoli au gratin

Preparation:

In a kettle of salted boiling water, cook the broccoli flowerets for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender.
Drain broccoli, and plunge into ice cold water to stop the cooking.
Drain broccoli. Pat dry, and transfer to a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a saucepan, cook the onion in 3 tablespoons of butter over moderate low heat, stirring until it is softened.
Stir in the flour and cook the roux over low heat, stirring, for 3 minutes.
Add milk and whisk over moderate heat until the sauce thickens. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and grated nutmeg.
Pour the sauce over broccoli. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce. Pour butter over cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Broccoli with cheddar sauce:
A variation of this recipe uses the cream sauce with the addition of 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, and dry breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top of broccoli.

Broccoli rabe with parmesan cheese

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

2 pounds broccoli rabe
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago cheese

See Preparation

Broccoli rabe with parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Wash and drain broccoli, discarding tough stems. Cook broccoli rabe in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
Drain and immerse in a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again;
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté about 2 minute. Add broccoli rabe and sauté until heated through. Remove from heat. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons cheese over and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to warm platter. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons cheese over.

Broccoli salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

5 cups broccoli florets ( from 1 large head)
1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, toasted
Dressing:
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup chopped red onion
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Broccoli salad

Preparation:

Cook broccoli in medium pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Immerse in ice cold water. Drain well.

Dressing:
Whisk oil and vinegar in medium bowl to blend. Mix in chopped red onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Combine broccoli, bacon and raisins in large bowl. Toss with dressing to coat.
Garnish with sunflower seeds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Brunch strata with crabmeat and asparagus

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1/2 cup melted butter
12 slices white bread
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 ounces cooked asparagus, cut into small pieces
6 ounces cooked flaked crabmeat
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper

See Preparation

Brunch strata with crabmeat and asparagus

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Spread butter over one side of each bread slice.
Arrange 6 slices, buttered sides down, in a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Layer the cheese, asparagus and crab over bread. Place remaining bread slices, buttered sides up, over crab meat.
In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; blend well.
Pour egg mixture evenly over bread.
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Bruschetta orzo salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:None

See Preparation

Bruschetta orzo salad

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

Cacio e pepe pasta

Serves: 2

Preparation time:5 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

6 oz. pasta (such as bucatini, or spaghetti)
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, divided
1 tsp. freshly grated black pepper
¾ cup finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
⅓ cup finely grated Pecorino
1/3 cup cream

See Preparation

Cacio e pepe pasta

Preparation:

Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a 6-qt. pot. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (2 minutes before tender). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.

Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
In a blender, combine grated cheeses with reserved pasta cooking water and cream. Blend to a creamy consistensy.

Add pasta to pot or skillet. Reduce heat to low and add blender creamy cheese mixture, stirring and tossing with tongs until sauce coats the pasta. Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve immediately.

It's about as creamy cacio e pepe gets.
When you're serving pasta,it's nice to use tongs and then give it a twist so it's got a little personality to it !.

Maybe a little bit more cheese, grate it over top with a grating of pepper.

Cajun salmon fillet grenobloise with angel hair pasta

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 ounces butter
2 pounds fillet of salmon
1 tablespoon white wine Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon See recipe for fish seasoning
1 teaspoon dry oregano
2 tablespoons capers
8 ounces angel hair pasta
2 ounces butter
1 cup See recipe for White Butter Sauce

See Preparation

Cajun salmon fillet grenobloise with angel hair pasta

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Butter a baking dish large enough for the salmon fillet. Extract all bones from the fillet. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. Place the salmon fillet skin side down in the baking dish. Season with the white wine Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, fish seasoning, and oregano.
Bake the salmon for 10 minutes.
Brown under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle capers over the fish.
Cook the angel hair pasta in salted boiling water according to the directions on the package.
Drain the pasta, and toss in butter.
PRESENTATION
Divide the salmon fillet into equal portions. Arrange each portion on a hot plate. Top with capers and cooking liquid.
Garnish with the steaming pasta. Serve with the white butter sauce.

Calzones

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

1/3 cup diced peeled eggplant
2 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups diced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced red peppers
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup feta cheese or chèvre
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 batch bread dough for calzones
1 egg white

See Preparation

Calzones

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine in a large bowl, diced peeled eggplant, chopped onion, diced mushrooms, diced zucchini, diced red pepper, salt and pepper. Toss together with olive oil.
Bake at 425 degree F. on baking sheet for 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes or till soft. Spoon back in bowl.
Mix in crumbled feta cheese or chèvre, and chopped fresh basil. Roll out bread dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut into 7-inch circles. Spoon 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture over circles.
Brush edges of dough with egg white. Fold dough into turnovers. Seal and brush with egg white.
Bake till golden. Mixture can also be used for pizza or for pasta.

Campanelle pasta with hen of the woods mushrooms

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

• 12 ounces campanelle
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
12 ounces Hen of the Woods Mushrooms sliced
¼ cup white wine, vegetable broth, or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese divided
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped optional

See Preparation

Campanelle pasta with hen of the woods mushrooms

Preparation:

1. Heat olive oil over medium high heat and cook garlic and mushrooms until mushrooms are tender.
2. Stir in wine (or broth) and cook until wine has almost evaporated. Add heavy cream and simmer 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions (do not rinse).
4. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese, and lemon zest until smooth.
5. Toss with pasta. Top with parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Candied grapefruit peel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 large grapefruit
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water and peel

See Preparation

Candied grapefruit peel

Preparation:

Remove the yellow part of the peel of one grapefruit with a vegetable peeler. Cut into 1/16-inch -wide strips.
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and grapefruit strips. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain the grapefruit peel and spread it on wax paper. Cool 10 minutes, sprinkle with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, toss to coat completely. Let peel dry overnight.

Cannellonis

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
10 ounces spinach, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound ground beef, lean
2 tablespoons parmesan, grated
2 eggs
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
12 crêpes (see recipe)
2 cups cream sauce (see recipe)
1 cup marinara sauce
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Cannellonis

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan. Add onion, garlic and parsley and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not brown. Add chopped cooked spinach.
In a skillet, brown ground beef in remaining olive oil. Chop in a processor. Add grated Parmesan, eggs, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Blend in the spinach mixture.
Divide filling in crêpes. Roll to enclose filling.
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with marinara sauce. Arrange stuffed crêpes in baking dish.
Spoon the cream sauce and tomato sauce over crêpes.
Sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until brown.

Caprese pasta salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

16 oz. box dry pasta (mini penne)
8 oz. container fresh mozzarella pearls, drained and patted dry
2 pints grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 cup thinly sliced red onions (see note)
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar (see note)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup minced fresh basil
Balsamic glaze, optional

See Preparation

Caprese pasta salad

Preparation:

Bring pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta to al dente as directed on package directions. In colander set in sink, drain, rinse with cold water, drain well.
Meanwhile make the dressing. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In large bowl, combine pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and drained onions. Add one half of the dressing; stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Right before serving, add the remaining dressing and the fresh basil; stir well. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
If desired, garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and basil leaves.

Notes

Try a different variety of tomato. Diced whole tomatoes are good, too.
Choose your favorite pasta. Any bite-size pasta will be fine. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta or make it with tortellini.
Add grilled chicken, pepperoni, or diced ham.
Add diced red or green bell peppers, kalamata olives, finely diced zucchini or cucumber, spinach, or another veggie of your choice.
Substitute bottled dressing instead of making your own balsamic vinaigrette.

Caprese salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:None

4 large vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into 1/4 inch slices
15-20 basil leaves sliced into ribbons
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher/sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (optional)

See Preparation

Caprese salad

Preparation:

Caramelized figs with fudge sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter,
½ cup sugar
¼ tsp coarse salt
12 fesh figs, halved lengthwise)
Fudge sauce (recipe below)
Vanilla ice cream

See Preparation

Caramelized figs with fudge sauce

Preparation:

In a medium shallow bowl, stir together sugar and salt. Press the cut side of each fig into the sugar mixture to coat.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter to melt. Add sugar-covered figs, cut side down, and cook until sugar and juices caramelize, about 3-4 minutes. As figs caramelize, turn them over.
Remove from heat and add lemon juice, gently swirling to combine.
Transfer to a serving dish. Serve with the fudge sauce and vanilla ice cream.

For the fudge sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup light cream (half and half)
3/4 cup heavy cream
Preparation:
In a medium pot, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cream. Bring to boil on high heat for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream. Bring to boil, simmer for 8 minutes. Keeps well refrigerated for a week.

Carrot gnocchi

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 pound carrots
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
3 teaspoons butter
1 cup Parmigiano-reggiano cheese
3 teaspoons flour
1 large egg yolk
salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
3 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

See Preparation

Carrot gnocchi

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel and slice carrots. Boil until tender. Drain.
In a medium skillet, cook the onion in 1 tablespoon butter, over moderate heat, stirring until pale gold.
Add carrots, and cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Transfer the carrots to a food processor, and puree until smooth. Transfer the puree to a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of the cheese, the flour and egg yolk, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; mix well.
Bring a wide shallow saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Prepare a bowl of ice cold water. Shape the carrot mixture into ovals, using two soup spoons, scooping a portion between the spoons.
Slide 4 of the gnocchi at the time into the boiling water and cook just until they rise to the surface, about a minute or less.
When the gnocchi are done, transfer to the cold water.
Lightly butter a baking dish large enough to hold the gnocchi in a layer without crowding.
Drain the gnocchi and arrange them in the prepared baking baking dish.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese and butter. Bake for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives and serve at once.

Cauliflower and pasta

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 medium head cauliflower, rinsed and trimmed to 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
7 anchovy fillets, minced
3 tablespoons capers
1 cup white wine
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound dried rigatoni
10 fresh basil leaves, very thinly sliced
roasted pepper, for garnish (recipe follows)

See Preparation

Cauliflower and pasta

Preparation:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add pine nuts, and toast, stirring frequently until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside in a small bowl.
2. Place raisins in a small bowl. Cover with 1 cup warm water. Set aside to plump, about 10 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in the same large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté garlic and cauliflower until golden, about 5 minutes. Add pepper flakes, anchovies, capers, and wine. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, drain raisins, discarding water. Add raisins; season with salt and black pepper. Cook, covered, 10 to 12 minutes, until cauliflower is fork-tender. Uncover, and let liquid reduce slightly over high heat, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until just tender, about 10 minutes or following label instructions. Drain; toss into warm cauliflower mixture. Just before serving, toss pasta with basil and pine nuts. Garnish with roasted pepper.

ROASTED PEPPER
1 yellow or red bell pepper.
Heat a gas burner to high. Place pepper over flame. Roast until blackened all over, turning as necessary. Wrap pepper in a paper towel, enclosing completely. Let steam for 2 minutes. Unwrap, and peel blackened skin from pepper, using a paper towel. Discard skin. Stem and seed pepper.

Cauliflower risotto

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 medium head cauliflower
1 Tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
1 shallot finely chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup vegetable broth (240 mL)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (80 g)
1/4 cup heavy cream 60 mL
Salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Cauliflower risotto

Preparation:

Remove any leaves around the cauliflower. Chop the cauliflower using large pices that fit in a food processor or by grating with a box grater.
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, then add shallot and garlic. Cook until shallot is softened, then stir in riced cauliflower and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender.

Puree 1/4 of the cauliflower mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Drain excess water from the remaining ¾ of the cauliflower.

Stir pureed cauliflower back into the cauliflower rice, along with the parmesan and heavy cream. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.

Celery root and mashed potatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 celery root (about 1 pound)
4 medium potatoes, peeled
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

See Preparation

Celery root and mashed potatoes

Preparation:

Fill a large bowl with ice water and add lemon juice. With sharp knife, peel celery root; cut into 2-in chunks, dropping them into the water and lemon juice as you go. (This stops the celery root from discoloring.)
Cut potatoes into 2-in chunks. Drain celery root. In large saucepan, combine celery root, potatoes, garlic and enough water to cover them. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 20 minutes or until celery root and potatoes are very tender. Drain well; return vegetables to saucepan. Place over low heat to dry out slightly, shaking saucepan occasionally.
Heat butter and cream in small saucepan; transfer to large bowl. Add vegetables to cream mixture and cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir in parsley.
Transfer to heated serving dish; serve immediately.

Cheese tart with artichoke hearts

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 puff pastry sheet, store-bought
1 egg, whisked
A handful of finely chopped parsley
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
A heaping tablespoon crème fraiche or sour cream, or cream cheese
A dozen artichoke hearts, jarred ones
1 to 2 tablespoons capers
1 Serrano pepper, thinly sliced
Lemon zest
Basil or cilantro
Salt and pepper
Shaved Parmesan

See Preparation

Cheese tart with artichoke hearts

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven at 400°F or 205°C.
2. Roll the pastry sheet to 0.5 cm or 1/4 inches. Trim the pastry into a 12 x 9 inch rectangle (or 30 x 23 cm). Sketch a border around the pastry using your knife. You can layer the excess dough over the borders and create a rim for the dough.
3. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg. Combine the mozzarella, ricotta, parsley, crème fraiche, remaining egg (from brushing the pastry), salt and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spread the cheese filling all over the pastry. Arrange the artichoke hearts, Serrano peppers, and capers on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes. You can broil the tart for 2 mins at the end.
5. Finish off the tart with shaved Parmesan, cilantro, and lemon zest on top.

Chestnut stuffing with onion and currant

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

10 cups 1/4-inch dice seven-grain bread, about 1 pound
2 large onions
1 stick butter
1 pound canned whole chestnuts
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup dried currants
1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

See Preparation

Chestnut stuffing with onion and currant

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large shallow baking pan toast bread until just dry.
Peel and slice onions. In a large heavy skillet cook onions in butter over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Rinse canned chestnuts. Chop parsley.
In a large bowl, toss together bread, onions, chestnuts, currants, broth, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste and cool completely.
Stuffing may be made a day ahead and chilled, covered.

Chicken breasts in vermouth

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
¾ cup dry vermouth
½ pint sliced mushrooms
1 cup whipping cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 Tbsp flat, Italian parsley, chopped

See Preparation

Chicken breasts in vermouth

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 200˚F.
In a medium sauté pan over medium flame, heat oil with garlic, being careful not to scorch the garlic. Sauté breast halves in the oil until browned on both sides (about 7 minutes per side for thick breasts)
Remove breasts to an ovenproof serving dish, keeping as much of the oil in the sauté pan as possible. Keep breasts warm in the oven while you prepare the cream sauce.
Add the shallot and sauté until softened and turning golden brown. Add the vermouth and deglaze the pan, scraping brown pits from the side of the pan. simmer until reduced by about half. Add mushrooms and quickly heat through. Pour in cream and bring to a boil and allow to thicken. Reduce the heat and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle parsley over the sauce and serve.

Chicken breasts parma

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

Sauce:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) whole tomatoes, preferably no salt added, crushed
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chopped oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4 ounces each
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Thinly sliced asiago or provolone cheese, about 2 ounces
Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
4 cups cooked pasta

See Preparation

Chicken breasts parma

Preparation:

To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stir well. Partially cover and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat until use.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and drain any excess oil from the pan. Place just enough of the sauce in the pan to cover the bottom. Add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Spread the tops with a little sauce. Place a thin layer of the sliced cheese on top of each breast, then sprinkle with the Parmesan or Romano cheese. Place in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked, about 15 minutes depending on the thickness. Place on individual serving dishes; pass sauce and grated cheese separately. Extra sauce can be spooned on a pasta side dish.
Heat the pasta and serve with chicken

Chicken breasts veronique

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 chicken breasts, boned, skinned
to taste salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1/2 pound seedless green grapes, washed, stems removed, and halved lengthwise

See Preparation

Chicken breasts veronique

Preparation:

1.Season the chicken breasts with a mixture of salt and pepper and flour.
2. Melt the butter in a sauté pan or heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the wine and lemon juice, lower the heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the breasts are tender. Add the almonds and grapes for the last minute.
4. Transfer the chicken to individual plates and spoon the sauce and grapes over each serving.

Chicken primavera

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1/2 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon dried chilies
4 chicken breasts
4 cups Broccoli florets
1 red pepper
1 medium chopped onion
12 ounces egg noodles
salt and black pepper to taste .

See Preparation

Chicken primavera

Preparation:

Combine chicken stock, half of oil, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, ginger and chilies.
Skin and bone chicken breasts. Place in mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Set aside.
Cut red pepper into strips. Heat remaining oil in a skillet. Drain chicken breasts and brown on both sides. Cook pasta according to standard directions.
Transfer chicken to a warm platter. Add vegetables to skillet. Cook until tender.
Pour soy mixture over vegetables. Stir until sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss drained noodles in sauce. Place chicken breasts on top and serve hot

Chicken provencale

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

See Preparation

Chicken provencale

Preparation:

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for 10 minute, or until golden brown. Turn the pieces. Add the garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.
Pour off the fat in the pan and add tomatoes, wine and bouillion. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Thicken the sauce by reducing it briefly over high heat. Add the parsley or basil and serve.

Chicken salad with pasta and asparagus

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

Oven-Poached Chicken:

1 4 to 5 pound roasting chicken
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salad:
1 pound rotini pasta
1 pound asparagus
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed
1 red pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup unblanched almonds, toasted

Basil-Tarragon Dressing:
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

See Preparation

Chicken salad with pasta and asparagus

Preparation:

Place chicken in large roasting pan. Combine chicken stock, wine, bay leaf, tarragon and thyme; pour over chicken, cover with foil and bake in a 375 degree oven until drumsticks move easily and liquid runs clear.
Remove from pan and cool completely. Remove all meat from chicken and cut into bite size pieces. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Break off tough ends of asparagus. Cook in boiling water until tender-crisp. Add snow peas to asparagus for 30 seconds. Drain vegetables and rinse under cold running water. Cut asparagus into bite-size pieces; add asparagus and snow peas to chicken, along with red pepper and almonds.
In food processor, combine onion, parsley, sugar, basil, tarragon and garlic; process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; process until creamy. Add dressing to salad and toss well.

Chicken with endive radicchio and balsamic vinegar glaze

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices, separated into rings
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
6 medium size heads Belgian endive, trimmed, halved lengthwise
1 medium size head radicchio, cut into 8 wedges
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
chopped fresh parsley

See Preparation

Chicken with endive radicchio and balsamic vinegar glaze

Preparation:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to skillet; sauté until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
Transfer chicken to platter (do not clean skillet). Tent chicken with foil.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in same skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and oregano; sauté until onion softens, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer onion to plate. Reduce heat to medium.
Add endive to skillet and sauté until beginning to brown, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add radicchio.
Cover skillet and cook until radicchio begins to brown and endive softens, about 5 minutes.
Return onion to skillet. Sprinkle vegetables with sugar. Stir until sugar melts, about 1 minute. Transfer vegetables to plate. Add vinegar to skillet; boil until slightly thickened, scraping up any browned bits, about 2 minutes.
Add chicken to skillet; turn to coat with glaze. Arrange chicken on platter. Arrange vegetables around chicken. Drizzle remaining glaze from skillet over vegetables. Top with parsley.

Chicken with portobello mushroom sauce

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

2 large portobello mushrooms, stems discarded
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 medium boneless chicken breast halves with skin
1 medium sliced onion, sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream

See Preparation

Chicken with portobello mushroom sauce

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Arrange the mushrooms stem sides down on a baking sheet.
Brush the mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for about 10 minutes or until tender. Slice the mushrooms thinly. Reserve. Heat the remaining oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken breasts over moderate heat with onion, or roast the chicken breast with onion in a roasting pan until done. Pour off fat. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm. Add the wine to the skillet or pan.
Reduce over high heat for 5 minutes. Add chicken stock. Reduce by half. Add the cream, and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.
Set the chicken breast or slice chicken breast on plates or a platter. Spoon the sauce over and serve with potato and fennel hash.

Chocolate hazelnut cheesecake

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

4 oz (200g) honey nut cornflakes
14 oz (400g) jars chocolate hazelnut spread
7 oz (200g)cream cheese,softened
1 tbsp roasted and chopped Hazelnut

See Preparation

Chocolate hazelnut cheesecake

Preparation:

Put the cornflakes and half a of the chocolate hazelnut spread in a bowl and beat to combine. Press the mix into the base of a 4-inch (10 cm) springform tin.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the remaining chocolate hazelnut spread. Smooth onto the cornflake base, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze overnight.
Remove from the freezer 30 mins before serving, or until you can cut it easily with a sharp knife. Serve in slices with hazelnuts sprinkled over. Will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Chocolate raspberry ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cream
1/2 pint raspberries
1/4 cup sugar

See Preparation

Chocolate raspberry ice cream

Preparation:

In a heavy saucepan, combine chocolate and milk. Heat over very low heat and stir until chocolate is fully dissolved into the milk. Remove from heat and cool.
Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add cream and vanilla and beat more. Add chocolate mixture, beat thoroughly, and chill until cold.
Mash the raspberries with the sugar, cover, and refrigerate. When chocolate mixture is cold, freeze it in your ice cream maker.
When the ice cream is thick and smooth, add the raspberry mixture. Continue churning until ice cream is set and creamy. Finish freezing and enjoy

Chocolate-mocha soufflé

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso
1 teaspoon hot water
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon flour
6 egg whites
1 pinch cream of tartar
2 teaspoons sugar

See Preparation

Chocolate-mocha soufflé

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter a 5-cup soufflé mold. Coat inside with teaspoon sugar. Combine espresso with hot water, stir until dissolved.
Melt chocolate on top of double boiler. In a mixing bowl, combine melted chocolate with cream and coffee.
Beat egg yolks and flour. Stir into the chocolate mixture.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to a soft peak. Sprinkle in sugar, and beat until stiff peak. Stir a 1/4 of the whites into chocolate mixture, then fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites, a little at a time. Pour this into the prepared mold.
Bake for 35 45 minutes. Serve hot with lightly whipped cream.

Chocolate-orange sorbet

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 2 hours

Cooking time:5 minutes

1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 cups water
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons grated orange zest

See Preparation

Chocolate-orange sorbet

Preparation:

Combine sugar and cocoa. Whisk in water. Bring to boil in a saucepan, whisking constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.
Reduce heat, and add remaining ingredients. Stir to melt chocolate. Refrigerate 1 hour or more.
Make sorbet in an ice cream maker.

Cocoa sponge cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:18 minutes

1 teaspoon sweet butter
1 teaspoon all purpose flour
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup all purpose flour sifted together with 1/4 cup cocoa powder

See Preparation

Cocoa sponge cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brush an 8-inch springform cake mold with the butter and dust with flour.
With an electric mixer, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar, slowly adding the sugar, and continue to whip until stiff.
With a spatula, fold in the egg yolks, then gradually incorporate the sifted cocoa/flour mixture.
Pour the batter into the cake mold and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat when done and unmold on a pastry rack to cool.

Coconut kisses

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

5 egg whites
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

See Preparation

Coconut kisses

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the sugar and whisk until stiff but not dry.
Fold in the confectioners' sugar, coconut and lemon zest. Place in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over barely simmering water. Stir constantly until the mixture is hot.
Stir in the flour.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using heaping teaspoons full of the batter; spoon the cookies onto the baking sheets, placing them 2 inches apart.
Bake until the cookies are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

Coconut-almond bars

Serves: 24

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups shredded coconut
48 whole almonds
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 teaspoons unsalted butter

See Preparation

Coconut-almond bars

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. In large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Add water, almond extract and vanilla; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
Stir in flour and coconut; mix well. Spread in greased pan. Arrange almonds over top of bars in 8 rows of 6 each.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned and top springs back when lightly touched in center.
Cover pan with foil until cool.
In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally; drizzle over cooled bars.

Coffee custards

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

FOR CARAMEL:
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons water

FOR CUSTARDS:
2 cups warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
2 teaspoons instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 egg yolks

See Preparation

Coffee custards

Preparation:

For Caramel:
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil until it turns into a golden caramel. Dip saucepan in water to stop the cooking of the sugar.
For custards:
In a large saucepan, combine milk, sugar, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Mix in the warm caramel. Bring to a boil. Beat the egg yolks in a bowl, and gradually whisk in the milk mixture. Strain, and pour into individual ramequin dishes. Bake in waterbath at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until custards are firm.

Cold broccoli soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 medium potatoes
4 medium chopped onions
1 1/2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

See Preparation

Cold broccoli soup

Preparation:

In a soup pot, combine potatoes and onions with the stock. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the broccoli and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Puree soup in a blender.
Refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly chilled.
At serving time stir in the cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Garnish soup with lemon slices

Cold salmon and pasta

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

8 ounces small shell pasta or bowtie pasta
8 ounces salmon, cooked, boned and skinned
3 medium carrots
1 bunch watercress
1 cup Italian olives
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dry tarragon
to taste, salt and ground black pepper

See Preparation

Cold salmon and pasta

Preparation:

Cook the pasta to al dente stage, drain, and run under cold water, and drain again.
Flake the salmon and refrigerate.
Peel and slice carrots into 1/4 inch rounds. Cook in salted boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain.
Wash watercress, drain and remove coarse stems.
In a large bowl, combine and mix the dressing ingredients. Add the cooked pasta, salmon, carrots, watercress and olives. Toss and chill before serving.

Cranberry pistachio biscotti

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup shelled pistachios

See Preparation

Cranberry pistachio biscotti

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar; gradually add butter and vanilla.
Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into egg mixture to make soft sticky dough. Add cranberries and pistachios; mix with spoon, then with floured hands, until dough is smooth and fruit and nuts are evenly distributed.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and press into ball. Divide in half; shape each into 7-inch log.
Flatten to 4 inches wide with slightly rounded edges. Place logs about 4 inches apart on greased large baking sheet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until firm to touch. Let cool for 10 minutes on baking sheet.
Transfer logs to cutting board; with sharp knife, cut on slight diagonal into 3/4 inch slices.
Arrange slices upright, about 3/4 inch apart on baking sheet. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Bake slices for 20 to 25 minutes, or until firm and dry.
Let cool. (may be stored in airtight containers for 4 days.)

Creamed fettuccine with smoked salmon

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 ounce butter 6 shallots, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 ounces mushrooms, cut in julienne
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 chili pepper, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
to taste salt and pepper
3 medium tomatoes
1 1/2 pounds fettuccine
2 quarts chicken stock
3 ounces smoked salmon, slivered
1/2 cup fresh basil

See Preparation

Creamed fettuccine with smoked salmon

Preparation:

In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir for one minute. Add the white wine. Boil to reduce by half. Blend in the chili pepper and cream. Reduce by half. Season with salt and ground pepper. Remove from heat.
Dip fresh tomatoes in boiling water fro 30 seconds. Transfer to ice cold water. Peel the tomatoes, cut in halves, and squeeze the tomato halves by hand to remove the seeds. Cut into strips and mix in the sauce.
Cook the pasta al dente in the boiling chicken stock, according to directions on package.
Drain (do not rinse). Just before serving, cut the fresh basil into a fine julienne.
PRESENTATION
Place the pasta in the center of each warm plate. Sprinkle with slivered salmon and basil over the top. Do not overheat the salmon.

Creamed spinach

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

2 pounds cooked spinach, chopped
to taste salt, pepper, grated nutmeg
5 ounces butter
1 cup heavy cream
12 puff pastry fleurons (crescent-shaped puff pastry)

See Preparation

Creamed spinach

Preparation:

In a saucepan, heat the spinach with butter. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Meanwhile, boil the cream until it is reduced to half. Arrange spinach in a dome on serving platter.
Pour cream over. Surround with fleurons. Serve hot.

Creamed spinach with mushrooms

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

3 bunches spinach, each about 3/4 pound
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces shitake mushrooms, stemmed and chopped
2 tablespoons minced shallots
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk, warmed
Pinch cayenne pepper

See Preparation

Creamed spinach with mushrooms

Preparation:

Wash spinach thoroughly and remove any thick or blemished leaves. Put with boiling water into a large pot or wok.
Over medium heat, cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 5 minutes. Drain and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Chop, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. You should have about 3 cups.
Put butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When foaming stops add mushrooms and shallots. Cook, covered, until both wilt, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and stir a few minutes, making sure flour is fully incorporated.
Add milk and bring to a simmer, stirring with a whisk.
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook, stirring gently until heated through.

Creamy polenta with gorgonzola

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 cups milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup polenta *
1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup coarsely chopped, lightly toasted walnuts

See Preparation

Creamy polenta with gorgonzola

Preparation:

Bring milk and whipping cream to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk polenta into milk mixture in slow steady stream.
Cook polenta until creamy and tender, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat broiler.
Transfer cooked polenta to 9-inch-diameter pie dish. Sprinkle Gorgonzola cheese over polenta.
Broil until cheese melts. Sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts and serve immediately.

* If polenta is not available, substitute 1 cup regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about 10 minutes rather than 20 minutes.

Crown roast of lamb in a parmesan-sage crust

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

1 crown roast of lamb
2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
2 tablespoon parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
salt and ground pepper to taste

See Preparation

Crown roast of lamb in a parmesan-sage crust

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place the roast, crown side down, in a roasting pan. Bake for 35 to 55 minutes according to he degree of doneness.
Meanwhile, combine the sage, Parmesan, bread crumb and garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Remove the roast from the oven and pat the sage mixture on the outside of the roast.
Bake for 5 more minutes. Remove from oven. Cut the roast and serve immediately.

Curried mussel salad with tiny pasta

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 1/2 cups tiny shell pasta
4 quarts steamed mussels
10 ounces frozen tiny peas, thawed
1/2 cup chopped parsley

For the curried French dressing:

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced green onions
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the curried mayonnaise dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

See Preparation

Curried mussel salad with tiny pasta

Preparation:

Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the curried French dressing. Clean and cook the mussels.
Cool and discard the shells and any black rims.
In a salad bowl toss with 1/4 cup of the Curried French dressing. Pour boiling water over the peas and drain.
In the salad bowl combine the pasta with the peas and mussels and remaining French dressing.
Mix the Curried Mayonnaise dressing ingredients and carefully fold into the salad ingredients.
Chill at least 2 hours and sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.

Dilled pasta salad

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 8 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 pound ziti or macaronis
1 large cucumbers
1 1/2 cups olive oil
2/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt

See Preparation

Dilled pasta salad

Preparation:

Cook pasta according to directions on package. Drain pasta. Cool under cold running water.
Peel cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise. Remove seeds. Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Toss cucumbers with olive oil, wine, white wine vinegar, dill, and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Add cucumbers and marinade to drained pasta. Toss until well coated.
Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill.

Dried tomato and fennel stuffing

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

10 cups diced country style bread
11/2 pounds fennel bulbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup drained oil-packed dried tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Dried tomato and fennel stuffing

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
Toast bread cubes on a baking pan until just dry. Trim fennel bulbs, discarding stalks.
Dice stalks into 1/4-inch dice. In a large skillet, melt butter; cook fennel over moderate heat for about 15 minutes. Simmer tomatoes in chicken broth for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss together all the ingredients. Cool. May be made a day ahead.

Eggplant and tomato with chevre

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 small eggplant (3/4 lb)
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
salt and pepper
3 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh snipped chives or green onion tops
2 ounces creamy chevre
1/4 cup whipping cream

See Preparation

Eggplant and tomato with chevre

Preparation:

Trim eggplant; peel if desired. Cut crosswise into 1/4-in slices. Sprinkle slices with coarse salt; place in colander to drain for 30 minutes.
Rinse eggplant well under cool running eater; pat dry and set aside.
In skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium high heat; cook onion, garlic and hot pepper flakes, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Spoon half of onion mixture into greased 13-by-9-in baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Overlap slices of eggplant and tomato over onion mixture finishing with remaining onion mixture. sprinkle with chives and drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over top.
Cover with a piece of waxed or parchment paper cut to fit the dish, and applied directly to surface; bake in 400F oven 10 minutes. Remove paper; drizzle with remaining oil.
Replace paper; bake 20 minutes longer, basting occasionally with juices that collect in baking dish, until eggplant is tender.
Remove dish from oven; let stand 1 to 2 hours for flavors to develop.
About 10 minutes before serving, heat broiler and remove paper from baking dish.
In small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream until smooth. Dot teaspoonfuls of the mixture evenly over top of eggplant dish.
Broil about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve at once or at room temperature.

Eggplant caponata

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

2 medium-large eggplants (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 cup olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
6 ribs celery, cut into 1/2 inch lengths, blanched for 1 minute
1 cup Sicilian green olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup capers, rinsed and drained
1cup fresh plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste diluted with a little water
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

See Preparation

Eggplant caponata

Preparation:

Peel the eggplants and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and drain in a colander, weighted, for one hour. Rinse well, and dry in a kitchen towel.
Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large sauté pan and fry the eggplant in batches until golden on all sides, adding more oil if necessary.
Drain on paper towels.
Sauté the onion in a 1/2 cup olive oil, stirring to coat, cover and cook until just tender but not brown. Remove cover, add the blanched celery, and cook a minute longer. Add the olives, capers, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar.
Stir in the eggplant and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Cool and refrigerate for 24 hours. Serve chilled or at room temperature, sprinkled with the toasted, slivered almonds.

Eggplant caviar

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

See Preparation

Eggplant caviar

Preparation:

Peel eggplants. Cut into halves lengthwise. Slice across and sprinkle with lemon juice.
In a microwavable dish, combine eggplants, onion, garlic and olive oil.
Microwave on high for 6 to 8 min. or until eggplants are tender. Season with salt and pepper, Tabasco jalapeño and Aromat seasoning. Mix in the basil.
Dissolve gelatin in water. Let set for 5 minutes. Melt over low heat, and stir into the warm eggplant mixture.
Spoon mixture in small ramekin dishes or molds. Refrigerate until set.
Unmold on cold plate. Serve with cold tomato coulis or red red pepper coulis

Eggplant meatballs in marinara

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 large purple eggplant about 1 lb
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup (100 grams) cooked white beans
5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup (130 grams) vital wheat gluten
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable stock

See Preparation

Eggplant meatballs in marinara

Preparation:

1. Wash and cut eggplant into 2-inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add eggplant and cook over low heat until tender while stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile add marinara to a pan and heat over low heat until simmering.

In a large bowl add bean, garlic, soy, Parmesan cheese, vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, herbs, and mashed eggplant and vegetable stock. Mix to combine then use your hands to mash the mixture together into a dough.
3. Shape mixture into 2-inch size balls. Packing the mixture tightly together.
4. Place them on a lightly greased or paper-lined pan
5. and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them over at 10 minutes. You can eat them still warm from the oven or you can let them cool and reheat them in the sauce later. Letting them cool helps them firm up to a more meaty texture.
6. Transfer meatballs to simmering marinara sauce.
7. Continue until all meatballs are added to marinara sauce and toss to coat, cooking until heated through completely about 10 minutes.
8. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and basil.

Eggplant soufflé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon flour
1 eggplant, about 1 pound
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
2 teaspoons flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
salt and freshly ground pepper
6 eggs yolks
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
marinara sauce, or tomato sauce

See Preparation

Eggplant soufflé

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Brush the interior of a 6-cup soufflé mold with the softened butter.
Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet. Brush eggplant with a teaspoon of olive oil.
Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until eggplant is soft to touch. Remove the eggplant from the oven. Scrape away the inner pulp and discard The skin. Chop the pulp. There should be about a cup. Cover and set aside.
In a heavy saucepan heat the remaining oil. Add the onions and garlic. Cook briefly while stirring, until onions are wilted. Stir in the flour and cornstarch. Add the milk. Cook while whisking until sauce becomes thick. Tranfer the Bubbly sauce to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and chopped parsley. Mix egg yolks, and eggplant pulp into the thick cream sauce.
Using an electric beater, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff And glossy. Do not overbeat. Gently fold into cream sauce mixture. Pour and scrape the mixture into the prepared soufflé mold.
Place on a baking sheet. Cook in the middle of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Heat marinara sauce or tomato sauce. Serve with the soufflé.

Fall greens with walnuts feta and walnut vinaigrette

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

2 heads radicchio, washed, dried and separated into leaves
2 large Belgian endives, washed, root end cut off separated into leaves
1 bunch watercress, stems trimmed, washed and dried
3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted

For dressing:
1 tespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup walnut oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

See Preparation

Fall greens with walnuts feta and walnut vinaigrette

Preparation:

Toss radicchio, endive and watercress in a large salad bowl.
Top with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with walnuts.
Beat together the dressing ingredients.
Just before serving, toss salad with the dressing

Fast focaccia

Serves: 6

Preparation time:2 hours 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) dried instant yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (16 grams) kosher salt
1 tablespoon (11 grams) sugar
3 3/4 cups (18 ounces; 511 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
Coarse or flaky salt, for sprinkling

See Preparation

Fast focaccia

Preparation:

Use a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula to stir together the water, half the oil, the yeast, kosher salt, sugar and flour in a large (five- or six-quart) bowl, forming a rough dough. Transfer to a container with a lid; partially cover and let it rest for about two hours on the counter. (Alternately, if you have a lidded container large enough for mixing, you can assemble the dough in there.) The dough can then be used right away, but it is much easier to handle once it has been thoroughly chilled. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Place a baking stone on the middle oven rack; preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Pour the remaining oil into a 9-inch cake pan and evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
Dust the surface of the refrigerated dough lightly with flour, then pull half of it off (it will be about a 1-pound portion; the dusting makes this task easier, as the dough is sticky). Dust the half you are using with more flour and quickly shape it into a ball by stretching the surface of the dough around to the bottom on all four sides, rotating the ball a quarter-turn as you go.
Use your hands to flatten it into a half-inch-thick round six to seven inches in diameter. Place the dough top-side-down in the cake pan, moving it around a bit to coat it with the oil. It will not fill to the edges of the pan. Turn the dough over, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Use your hands to gently push the dough to the edges of the cake pan. Sprinkle with the rosemary and coarse or flaky salt, as needed.
Cover with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rest and rise for 20 minutes.
Place the cake pan on the heated baking stone in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the focaccia crust is medium brown and feels dry and firm on the surface. The baking time will vary, depending on the focaccia’s thickness.
Use a rounded knife to loosen the loaf from the edges of the pan, then transfer the focaccia to a cutting board. Cut into wedges and serve warm, or allow to cool completely.

Fettuccini primavera and pesto dressing

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

12 ounces fettuccini
1 teaspoons olive oil
2 large tomatoes
1 bunch broccoli
3 ounces pitted black olives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

PESTO DRESSING
2 cups fresh basil
2/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

See Preparation

Fettuccini primavera and pesto dressing

Preparation:

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite.
Drain pasta, rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly. Place in a large bowl.
Mix with olive oil. Seed tomatoes and chop coarsely.
Slice peeled broccoli stems 1/4 inch thick and break florets into smaller pieces. Cook 3 minutes in boiling water. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again.
Add tomatoes, broccoli, olives and walnuts to the pasta and toss gently.

Serve with pesto dressing

PESTO DRESSING
In a blender or food processor, chop the basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese and vinegar.
Add the olive oil in a slow stream until it is all combined. Stir in salt and pepper.

Flatbread pizzas

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

2 6-inch diameter whole wheat pita breads
1 6.5 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, drained well
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano

See Preparation

Flatbread pizzas

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Cut pita bread in half horizontally. Drain artichokes, reserve marinade, and cut any large pieces in halves. Place breads on large baking sheet.
Brush breads with some of artichoke marinade. Bake until just beginning to color. Cool on sheets. Sprinkle breads almost to edges with crumbled feta cheese.
Top with tomatoes, olives, oregano and artichokes. Drizzle with remaining artichoke marinade.
Bake pizzas until heated through, about 4 minutes. Cut into wedges.

Fried green tomatoes

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 green tomatoes, cut in 1/4-inch slices
1 cup flour
1 egg beaten with cup skim milk
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
Canola oil for frying

See Preparation

Fried green tomatoes

Preparation:

Assemble ingredients. Spread flour on a sheet of waxed paper or on a plate. Put the egg wash in a shallow dish. Spread the cornmeal on a sheet of waxed paper or plate, add salt and pepper, and mix well.
Dredge the tomato slices in flour and shake off the excess. Dip each slice in the egg wash and drain off excess, and then coat with the cornmeal, shaking off excess gently.
Place on a tray and set aside. Heat the oil in a large heavy (preferably cast iron) skillet over a medium flame.
When hot, add the tomato slices. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook several minutes, until golden, then turn.
Drain on paper towels and serve while still hot.

Frittata

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
½ lb fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into roughly 1-inch pieces
1 cup sliced stemmed mushrooms
8 large eggs
1 cup diced Fontina cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Frittata

Preparation:

Preheat broiler.
Melt butter in heavy broilerproof 10-inch-diameter nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté 4 minutes. Add spinach and mushrooms, sprinkle lightly with salt, and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.
In a medium bowl, Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup Fontina cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add egg mixture to skillet; fold gently to combine. Cook until almost set. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Fontina cheese and Parmesan cheese over. Broil until frittata is puffed and cheese begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Fruit sorbet

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

2 cups water
10 ounces sugar
1 ounce lemon juice
2 cups fruit pulp and juice (apricot, kumquat, lemon, orange, peaches, pears, pineapple, raspberry, strawberries, tangerine)

See Preparation

Fruit sorbet

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and fruit pulp.
Refrigerate until cold. Churn in an ice-cream machine.

Garlic mussels with pasta and cherry tomatoes

Serves: 2

Preparation time:20 minutes

1/2 pound fettuccine or spaghetti
2 pounds mussels
2 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
5 large garlic cloves, minced or crushed
2 cups whole cherry tomatoes or 1 pint grape tomatoes
1 cup dry white wine, preferably Chardonnay
1 teaspoon dried leaf tarragon
1/2 teaspoon hot red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 cups baby spinach leaves or 1/2 (10-oz) bag spinach

See Preparation

Garlic mussels with pasta and cherry tomatoes

Preparation:

To cook pasta, bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil.
Meanwhile, yank off any hairy beards protruding from mussel shells, then rinse shells under cold running water. Heat butter in a large wide saucepan set over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté, stirring often, just until onion softens a bit, about 2 min. Then add tomatoes, wine, tarragon, chili flakes and salt. Increase heat to high and boil, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until wine is almost evaporated, about 8 min.

Add pasta to boiling water and stir until all strands are separated. Then boil rapidly, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until al dente, from 8 to 10 min. Meanwhile, add all of mussels to onion mixture. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook until most mussels have opened, about 6 min. Stir spinach into mussel mixture just until it starts to wilt, no more than 2 minutes. Discard any mussels that haven't opened. Add well-drained pasta to pan and toss until coated with sauce. Serve immediately.

Garlic roasted potatoes

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

3 pounds small red or white potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat leaf parsley

See Preparation

Garlic roasted potatoes

Preparation:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut potatoes in half or quarters; toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic until well coated.
Spread potatoes in one layer on baking sheet, roast at least 1 hour, or until browned and crisp.
Flip twice with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning. Remove potatoes from oven, toss with minced parsley; season to taste.

Gnocchi alla romana

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3 cups whole or low fat milk
3/4 cup semolina flour or yellow polenta
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 1/2 cups)
2 large eggs
2 cups of pasta or Marinara sauce (optional)

See Preparation

Gnocchi alla romana

Preparation:

Whisk together milk, semolina, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking. Simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until very stiff, 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano. Beat in eggs.
Spread gnocchi mixture 1 inch thick on an oiled baking sheet or a 9-inch square baking pan and chill, uncovered, until very firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut out squares, or other shapes from gnocchi mixture and arrange, slightly overlapping, in a well-buttered 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Brush gnocchi with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Bake in middle of oven until gnocchi are beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with hot pasta or Marinara sauce (optional).

Gnocchi with green chive sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 50 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes.

For gnocchi:
3 russet potatoes
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups flour

For sauce:
4 bunches chives, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 cup cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Gnocchi with green chive sauce

Preparation:

Peel and boil potatoes. Drain, and mash coarsely. Mix in egg, cream and seasonings.
Place flour in a large mixing bowl. Add potato mixture. Using a spatula, mix well. If sticky, add more flour. The dough should be soft but not elastic. On a work surface, form the mass into a log.
Divide the log into smaller portions and using your hands, roll out into 1/2-inch-long pieces.
Dust them well with flour. Hold a flour-dusted fork, concave side up, in one hand. With the other hand, push a piece of dough into the tines, making an indentation with your thumb. Then roll the dough off the tines, making a shape like a tiny bowl with ridges on the bottom. Flour the fork and repeat with rest of dough.
Sauce:
Saute chives in butter and a tablespoon water and vinegar. Simmer for 2 minutes Add cream. Simmer 10 minutes. Cook gnocchi in boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes.
Drain. Stir in the chive sauce. Heat and serve with Parmesan cheese.

Gnocchi with spinach and ricotta

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

1 teaspoon chopped onion
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons fine chopped pancetta or unsmoked ham
1-10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed or 1 pound fresh
salt to taste
3/4 cup ricotta
2/3 cup flour
2 egg yolks
1 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

See Preparation

Gnocchi with spinach and ricotta

Preparation:

Melt butter in a skillet, and saute onion until golden. Add ham and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add spinach, salt to taste and saute for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently.
Transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in ricotta, flour, mixing thoroughly. Add egg yolks, cheese and nutmeg. Season to taste.
To shape gnocchi:
Roll into little sausages. Shape on butter ball wooden board or make small pellets out of the mixture, shaping them quickly in the palm of your hands. Ideally, they should 1/2-inch in diameter.
If the mixture begins to stick to your hands, dust your hands lightly with flour.
Cook gnocchi in salted boiling water for two to three minutes.

Serving suggestions:
- melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Bake to melt cheese.
- Boil in chicken broth, serve with Parmesan.
- tomato and/or cream sauce, and Parmesan.

Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

See Preparation

Goat cheese and sun-dried tomato toasts

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and cream together.
Mix in half of the herbs and set it aside. Brush one side of the bread slices with olive oil, and toast them in the oven or under the broiler so that both sides are lightly colored.
Remove them from the oven and spread the cheese over the oiled sides. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, and slice into narrow strips.
Lay the strips of tomato in a crisscross or diagonal pattern over the top and return the bread to the oven.
Bake until the cheese is warm and soft, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the remaining herbs and a grinding of black pepper over the top.

Grilled bruschetta chicken

Serves: 4

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.)
1/4 cup sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided OR Balsamic vinegar
1 tomato, finely chopped, or canned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

See Preparation

Grilled bruschetta chicken

Preparation:

Flatten the chicken breast slightly.
Coat chicken with 2 tablespoons of the dressing Marinate chicken in a shallow glass dish for 30 minutes to an hour.
Grill the chicken breasts or bake in a 400F oven t for 5 to 6 minutes. Discard the dressing.
Meanwhile, combine remaining dressing, tomatoes, cheese and basil.

Turn chicken over; place on foil. Top with tomato mixture. Grill or bake 8 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF).
Serve with pasta.

Grilled chicken and vegetable pasta salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 red peppers
3 zucchini
2 corn cobs
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or oregano
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each pepper and sugar
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups fusilli noodles

See Preparation

Grilled chicken and vegetable pasta salad

Preparation:

Seed and core red peppers; cut into 1-inch wide strips. Cut zucchini diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush corn and zucchini with 2 tablespoons of the oil.
On lightly greased grill over medium heat and with lid closed, cook vegetables, turning corn often and peppers and zucchini halfway through cooking time until tender. Cool.
Slice kernels off corn and transfer to a large bowl. Cut red pepper strips into 3/4-inch chunks; add to bowl along with zucchini slices. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining oil, vinegar, thyme, mustard, salt, pepper and sugar.
Brush 2 tablespoons of the dressing over chicken. Grill chicken over medium-high heat with lid closed until no longer pink inside.
Slice into thin strips.
Cook pasta until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add to vegetables along with remaining dressing; toss to coat.
Top with chicken.

Grilled chicken pesto

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves minced garlic
salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
2 sweet potatoes
20 cherry tomatoes
6 cups lettuce leaves

See Preparation

Grilled chicken pesto

Preparation:

Cut a slit in thickest part of chicken; insert 2 fresh basil leaves in each one. Chop remaining basil.
Whish together vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk in oil and chopped basil.
Remove 2 tablespoons of the dressing and brush over chicken. Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
Blanch potatoes in boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain.
Thread potatoes and tomatoes onto separate skewers. Brush with some of the reserved dressing.
Grill or broil chicken, potato and tomato skewers. Season lettuce with remaining dressing. Arrange on plates.
Slice chicken diagonally.
Fan over lettuce with vegetables.

Grilled salmon fillets with sun-dried tomatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 salmon fillets with skin on (6 ounce portions)
3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash original blend seasoning
Pam cooking spray for high temp cooking
Aluminum foil

See Preparation

Grilled salmon fillets with sun-dried tomatoes

Preparation:

Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.

Make topping: In a small bowl, combine sun dried tomatoes and butter. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Preheat grill or cast iron griddle to medium heat. Brush fillets with grapeseed oil and season with Mrs. Dash seasoning.

Generously spray cooking surface with cooking spray. Place fillets on the grill, skin side up. Grill side without skin for approximately 2-3 minutes, watching carefully not to burn.

Flip to skin down side and grill for 3-4 minutes. Cover with foil until skin is crispy.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place generous portion of sun dried tomato topping on top of fillets. Heat for another 6-7 minutes, until sun dried tomatoes begin to crisp.

Serve immediately.

Grilled tomatoes kebabs

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:4 minutes

36 small tomatoes, such as Cherry, Ping Pong, or Yellow Pear
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
salt and black pepper to taste
Six wooden or metal skewers

See Preparation

Grilled tomatoes kebabs

Preparation:

Wash and drain tomatoes. Using a paper towel, dry each or spread on towels and allow to air dry so the oil will stick to the skins.
Place the dry tomatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with oregano and pepper.
Toss to coat tomatoes. Thread 6 tomatoes, spaced at least an inch apart, on each of the 6 skewers.
Brush hot grill grate with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange skewers on grate.
Grill 2 to 4 minutes. Turn and grill the other side for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove skewers and sprinkle with salt, if desired.

Holiday biscotti

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped
Red and green sugar crystals, for garnish

See Preparation

Holiday biscotti

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.
Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.

Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

Stir the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Dip half of the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Place the biscotti on the baking sheet for the chocolate to set. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.

The biscotti can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.

Homemade pizza dough

Preparation time: 15 minutes

1 tbsp. – dry active yeast
2 cups – warm water
2 tbsp. – dry milk powder
2 tbsp. – granulated sugar
2 tbsp. – olive oil
4 cups - white bread flour or Manitoba flour or Tipo '00' flour
1 tsp. – salt

See Preparation

Homemade pizza dough

Preparation:

Using a bread machine:
Place all dry ingredients into a bread machine maker pan if available
Add lukewarm water. Set the bread machine to dough cycle. Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine maker.
It takes about 30 minutes for the dough cycle to mix the dough. The rest of the cycle the dough will be rising for about one hour.

To make dough by hand:
Combine yeast, water, milk powder and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir well and allow the yeast to develop. Add flour and salt. Knead the dough into a ball shape. Transfer the dough onto a large greased bowl. Let dough rise until doubled in volume.
Knead the dough and split in two equal halves. Each half of the dough makes one 13” pizza. You can freeze the second half of the dough is it is not used. Just coat it with olive oil, and place it into a freezing bag. You can freeze the dough for a couple of months, and then when the dough is needed, just place it overnight into refrigerator to thaw.

Italian Christmas pastries

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 cups flour
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons dark rum
1/8 teaspoon salt
oil for frying
icing sugar

See Preparation

Italian Christmas pastries

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients. Knead 10 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour. Roll out small pieces of dough until paper thin.
Use pasta maker if available. It is easier.
Cut into pieces of about 3 -inches long of various shapes.

Preheat oil to 375°; fry cookies until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cookies are best served the same day.

Italian garden salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon dill weed
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup black olives

See Preparation

Italian garden salad

Preparation:

Cook macaroni according to directions on package. Drain. Rinse under cold running water. Drain.
For dressing:
In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, dill weed, salt and pepper, mustard, and minced garlic.
Combine cooked macaroni, tomatoes, zucchini, and olives. Pour dressing over salad mixture. Toss well to combine ingredients. Chill at least one hour to blend flavors.

Italian stuffing with sausage

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium celery ribs with leaves, chopped
2 medium red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. crushed hot red pepper
12 ounces day-old, crusty Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 7 cups)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 4 ounces)
8 tbsp unsalted butter(1 stick), melted
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups Homemade Turkey Stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth, or as needed

See Preparation

Italian stuffing with sausage

Preparation:

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it loses its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add the bread and cheese and mix well. Stir in the butter, wine, and enough of the stock to moisten the dressing, about 1 cup. Use to stuff the turkey, or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with an additional ½ cup stock, cover, and bake as a side dish.

Lasagna

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:25 minutes

5 cups meat sauce, see recipe below
1 pound lasagna noodles
2 cups mozzarella cheese
4 cups medium cream sauce (see sauces)
3 cups cooked chopped spinach

For meat sauce:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1-28 ounce can plum tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 cups beef stock
3 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 bay leaves salt and pepper

See Preparation

Lasagna

Preparation:

Meat sauce:
In a large heavy saucepan heat oil over moderate heat. Add onion, parsley and garlic.
Cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add beef and cook while stirring and breaking up the meat, until evenly brown.
Add tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, oregano and bay leaves; cook stirring over medium heat until mixture starts to simmer.
Reduce heat and simmer for one hour or until thickened to desired consistency.
Remove bay leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste.

PASTA:
Cook 1 pound of lasagna in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Transfer to cold water to cool the pasta.
When cold, arrange pasta on a sheet pan.
Cover with a moist towel.
TO ASSEMBLE LASAGNA:
Spread about 1/2 cup of meat sauce over the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch deep baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spread with a little meat sauce, then a little cream sauce, and half of the spinach. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the same process until all ingredients have been used, finishing with cream sauce and cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, or refrigerate until needed, then bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

Lemon chicken breast

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1/4 cup good olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 ounces each)
1 lemon

See Preparation

Lemon chicken breast

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just one minute — but don't allow the garlic to turn brown. Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme and 1 teaspoon salt, and pour into a 9-by-12-inch baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them skin side up over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in eight wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn't browned enough, put it under the broiler for two minutes. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with the pan juices.

Lemon chicken cutlets

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons minced lemon peel
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
salt and white pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 lemon wedges

See Preparation

Lemon chicken cutlets

Preparation:

Mix breadcrumbs, basil and thyme and lemon peel on a large plate. Pound chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper to 1/2-inch thickness.
Rinse chicken with cold water so that coating will adhere. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Press both sides of chicken breasts into crumb mixture to cover.
In a heavy large skillet, Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken to skillet.
Sauté over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Turn chicken and continue cooking about 4 minutes per side. Serve chicken with lemon wedges

Lemon cream tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

8 ounces soft cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons melted margarine
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 eggs, beaten
1 10-inch pie crust

See Preparation

Lemon cream tart

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Line the pie crust in a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press in bottom and sides of pan.
Combine cream cheese and sugar. Add lemon juice and egg. Beat until smooth. Spread over crust.
Combine sugar, flour, corn syrup, lemon juice, margarine, and lemon peel. Mix well. Add beaten eggs.
Carefully pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake 40 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool completely.
Remove from pan and refrigerate.

Lemon custard

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:7 minutes

1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cornstarch
grated rind of 2 lemons
½ cup lemon juice
3 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon lemon extract
whipped cream (optional)

See Preparation

Lemon custard

Preparation:

In medium bowl, whisk sugar and eggs. Mix in cornstarch and lemon juice. Set aside.
In large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear around edges of pan.
Stir into egg mixture. Strain through a fine strainer and add lemon rind. Return mixture to clean saucepan.
Cook over medium heat while whisking 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened.
Divide lemon custard evenly among eight 1/2-cup ramekins or custard cups.
Allow to cool slightly. Cover each custard with plastic wrap. Chill until ready to serve.
As an option, garnish with whipped cream before serving.

Lemon krumkake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon lemon extract

See Preparation

Lemon krumkake

Preparation:

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Cook on pizzelli machine to form wafers, or while wafer is hot, shape into cup over a glass or similar container.

Lemon meringue pie tart

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

For the pastry

3 oz (90 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (20 g) ground almonds (almond meal)
1/2 cup (50 g) icing (confectioners’) sugar
2 large eggs
5 oz (150 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the lemon custard

1 leaf (sheet) gelatine
3 unwaxed lemons
3 eggs
70 g caster (superfine) sugar
4 oz (120 g) unsalted butter

For the Italian meringue
230 g caster (superfine) sugar
2 tbsp water
1 lemon, juice only
4 egg whites

See Preparation

Lemon meringue pie tart

Preparation:

First make the pastry. In a bowl, soften the butter with a spatula. In a mixer with a paddle (flat beater) attachment, beat the softened butter, ground almonds (almond meal) and icing (confectioners’) sugar until smooth.

Then add the eggs, one at a time, while beating. Incorporate the flour and salt. Mix the pastry dough until crumbly.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Make the lemon custard. Soften the gelatine in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes. Zest two of the lemons and squeeze all three. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a fork.

Combine the lemon juice, sugar and butter in a pan and bring to the boil. Gradually add the eggs, incorporating with a whisk. Cook over a low heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Pour the mixture into a bowl. Squeeze the gelatine and incorporate. Add the lemon zest. Use an immersion blender to mix well. Put into an airtight container and rest overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Roll out the pastry dough into a 6-mm/1/4-inch-thick disc. Grease a tart pan with butter and line with the pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Make the Italian meringue. Dissolve the sugar into 2 tablespoons of water and the lemon juice in a pan over a low heat.

Bring to the boil and cook until the mixture reads 120°C/250°F on a cooking thermometer. If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, put a little of the syrup in a spoon and let one drop fall into a glass of cold water. If it forms a small, soft ball, the syrup is ready.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Pour the syrup in a thin stream into the meringue while whisking until the mixture cools.

Fill the pastry case (shell) with the lemon custard. Use a plastic spatula to cover the tart with meringue, creating a dome in the centre. Caramelise with a chef's blowtorch.

Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Lemon mousse

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar

See Preparation

Lemon mousse

Preparation:

Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat over low heat to dissolve. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set. Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds.

Lemon pudding cake

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 large lemons
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups whole milk

See Preparation

Lemon pudding cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Finely grate 1 tablespoon zest from lemons, then squeeze 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons juice.
Whisk together flour, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl.
Whisk together yolks, milk, zest, and juice in a small bowl and add to flour mixture, whisking until just combined. Beat whites in another large bowl with an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks.
Whisk about one fourth of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly (batter will be thin).
Pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart ceramic gratin or other shallow baking dish and bake in a hot water bath until puffed and golden, 45 to 50 minutes.
Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lemon sorbet in lemon shells

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:5 minutes

LEMON CUPS:
8 large uniform lemons

LEMON SORBET:
1/3 cup lemon zest
1 cup strained fresh lemon juice - from lemons used for cups
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water until sugar dissolves. Add lemon zest. Stir until mixture comes to a boil; boil 2 minute. Remove from heat, cool, and strain.

Ice Cream Maker - Transfer mixture to ice cream maker, process according to manufacturer's instructions.
Freezer Method - Pour into container, cover, and place mixture in the freezer. When it is semi-solid, mash it up with a fork and refreeze again. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time. NOTE:
Can be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance. Cover and keep frozen.

See Preparation

Lemon sorbet in lemon shells

Preparation:

Cut off the top 1/3 of the lemon (not the stem end) and reserve for the 'cap'.
Hollow out each lemon by using a grapefruit knife just inside the rind and circling the flesh (being careful not to puncture the lemon). Remove juice and flesh and put it in your juicer.
Make a slight shallow cut on the bottom of each lemon shells (being careful not to cut through to the inside of the lemon). This will make them sit straight and not fall over when placed on a plate.
Freeze the shells at least one hour or overnight. Then fill with sorbet and freeze again. this sorbet can be made ahead and will keep several days in the freezer. The frozen shell will prevent the sorbet from melting too quickly when you serve it.

LEMON SORBET:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water until sugar dissolves. Add lemon zest. Stir until mixture comes to a boil; boil 2 minute. Remove from heat, cool, and strain.

Ice Cream Maker - Transfer mixture to ice cream maker, process according to manufacturer's instructions.
Freezer Method - Pour into container, cover, and place mixture in the freezer. When it is semi-solid, mash it up with a fork and refreeze again. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time. NOTE:
Can be prepared 2 to 3 days in advance. Cover and keep frozen.

Lemon tart #2

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 recipe
never fail pie crust
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3/4 cup lemon juice
3 large egg yolks
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

See Preparation

Lemon tart #2

Preparation:

Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use. Cover pie shell with foil and dry beans or rice, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove inside of pie shell and foil, and continue baking at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Filling:
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in cold water In a medium saucepan, boil sugar to 240 degrees. Whisk yolks in an electric mixer. Pour hot sugar over and beat until light, creamy and cool. Add lemon juice, gelatin and lemon rind. Cool until mixture is about to set. Beat whites with cream of tartar. Fold in egg-yolk-gelatin mixture. Pour in shell. Chill until set. Sprinkle with grated lemon rind

Lime curd and almond tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

For crust:
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, soft

For filling:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large eggs
1/2 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon grated lime zest

For compote:
3 cups bing cherries, diced
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1/2 cup diced mango
2 diced apricots
2/3 cup raspberries
1 teaspoon sugar

See Preparation

Lime curd and almond tart

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Make crust:
Butter a 9-inch tart pan with a removable fluted rim. Mix to a fine powder in a food processor, almonds, sugar, and salt. Combine with wafer crumbs and butter. Mix well. Line the bottom and sides of pan with the crust mixture.
Bake 10 minutes to a deep golden color.
Make filling:
In a heavy saucepan, cook sugar, butter, cornstarch, eggs, and lime juice over moderate heat, whisking until thickened and bubbly. Stir in zest and cool.
Filling may be made 2 days ahead. Spoon filling evenly into crust. Cover surface with buttered round of wax paper. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Make compote:
In a bowl, toss compote ingredients and let stand for 15 min. Remove sides of pan, and transfer to a plate.
Serve with the compote.

Linguine alla carbonara

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

9 ounces pancetta (smoked pancetta is best)
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds linguine
2 ounces butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, heated
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 ounces parmesan cheese, grated

See Preparation

Linguine alla carbonara

Preparation:

Cut the pancetta into medium dices.
Fry in a frying pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels, and set aside.
Cook the linguine al dente and drain.
Heat the butter with the garlic and pancetta in a large skillet. Add the 1 1/2 cups hot heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat. Combine the egg yolks with the 1/2 cup cream and mix well. Add to the skillet.
Combine the sauce with the linguine. Toss well to cover the pasta. Add Parmesan cheese and serve at once.

Linguine primavera

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
12 Sun-dried tomatoes, (not in oil)
1 pound linguine
5 tablespoons olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces shiitake, stemmed, sliced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
12 Broccoli rabbi florets
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Linguine primavera

Preparation:

Heat broth in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add tomatoes. Let stand until soft. Drain reserving broth. Slice tomatoes into thin strips.
Heat oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic; sauté until golden, about 1 minute. Add reserved broth, sun-dried tomatoes strips, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli rabe florets and basil. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Cook linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm. Drain linguine; return to pot. Add vegetables and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer pasta mixture to bowl; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Marbled strawberry bombe

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:3 minutes

1 recipe cocoa sponge cake (see recipe)
1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
1 pint fresh sliced strawberries
1 quart strawberry ice cream
6 egg whites
1 cup confectioners' sugar

See Preparation

Marbled strawberry bombe

Preparation:

Slice the prepared cocoa sponge cake in two horizontally. Sprinkle cakes with Grand Marnier.
Place one cake on a heatproof plate or platter, arrange strawberries over cake, top with remaining cake.
Soften ice cream slightly, spoon onto cake, shape into a dome, cover, freeze until firm.
Beat egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating.
Spoon meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a tube. Starting with the base of the cake, pipe mixture evenly around cake and ice cream until completely covered.
Bake in a 500 degree oven for about 3 minutes or until meringue is lightly brown.
Serve immediately.

Marinara sauce

Serves: 10

Preparation time:

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 large can (28 ounces) Italian tomatoes, crushed
1 large can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons dried whole basil
1 teaspoon dried whole oregano
pinch fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
4 cloves garlic, chopped

See Preparation

Marinara sauce

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan (do not use cast iron or aluminum) over medium-high heat. Add the onions and carrots; sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Bring just to a boil, lower heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until desired thickness.
Remove the bay leaf. Serve with your favorite pasta or polenta.

Meat sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
3 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 14-oz cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 beef bouillon cubes
2 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried basil
to taste salt and ground black pepper

See Preparation

Meat sauce

Preparation:

In a skillet, heat the oil. Brown the beef until it loses its pink color. Transfer to a saucepan. Add the onions to the skillet.
Stir until brown. Add to meat. Add remaining ingredients.
Cook over medium heat, covered for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve with pasta or lasagna.

Mediterranean farro salad

Serves: 8

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

See Preparation

Mediterranean farro salad

Preparation:

Rinse and drain farro, then cook according to package instructions. Transfer to a large mixing or serving bowl.
While the farro cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly blended. Pour half of the dressing over the warm farro and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat.
Add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl except for the feta: sundried tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes, peas, and parsley. Toss to coat. Taste and add as much of the remaining dressing as you like. Sprinkle with feta, lightly toss again, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Meringue baked apples

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

4 large baking apples
2 ounces butter
3 ounces sugar
3 egg whites
4 ounces powdered sugar

See Preparation

Meringue baked apples

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel, and core the apples leaving the stem end closed.
Cream the butter with sugar.
Fill cavity of apples with butter mixture. Arrange in a baking dish.
Bake until apple are tender.
Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until medium firm.
Gradually, add the sugar and continue beating until stiff.
Coat the apples with meringue.
Bake till brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

Meringue-strawberry

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup sugar
3 ounces water
1 cup strawberry puree, strained
5 egg whites

See Preparation

Meringue-strawberry

Preparation:

In a heavy bottom saucepan, boil water and sugar to 270 degrees. Stir in the strawberry puree, and boil to 245 degrees.
Beat egg whites until light. Gradually pour the hot sugar mix while mixing at high speed. Continue beating until cool.
Use for: meringue pies, as cake filling, or soufflé glacés

Minestrone with cabbage and spinach

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 cups finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup finely chopped leek (white and pale green parts only)
1/2 cup dry white wine
9 cups vegetable broth
4 cups diced green cabbage
2 cups diced zucchini
3/4 cup small pasta
3 cups packed, coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Minestrone with cabbage and spinach

Preparation:

Combine celery, onion, leek and wine in heavy large pot over medium heat.
Simmer until vegetables are tender but not brown, stirring frequently, about 12 minutes.
Add broth and bring to boil. Add cabbage and zucchini and simmer 10 minutes. Add pasta; cover and simmer until pasta is just tender. Add spinach and cook 5 minutes.
Stir in sliced basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls.
Pass Parmesan cheese separately.

Mussel pasta salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Serves 6

3 pounds mussels
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound fettuccine
6 large celery stalks, diced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh basil
1 teaspoon fresh chives
1/2 cup aioli sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 large Italian tomatoes, peeled and diced

See Preparation

Mussel pasta salad

Preparation:

Combine mussels and wine in heavy medium saucepan. Cover and cook over high heat, shaking pan occasionally, until mussels open. Remove mussels using slotted spoon. (Discard any that do not open.)
Let cooking liquid stand 15 minutes. Shell mussels. Strain cooking liquid through fine sieve lined with dampened cheesecloth. Gradually whish cooking liquid into aioli.
Cook fettuccini in salted boiling water according to directions. Drain and cool. Combine fettuccine, celery, herbs and aioli in a bowl.
Toss until blended. Season with salt and pepper. Gently stir in mussels and tomatoes. Serve salad at room temperature.

Mussels and spaghetti

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

See Preparation

Mussels and spaghetti

Preparation:

Scrub mussels under cold water. Remove beards and drain. In a large saucepan or kettle add mussels, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, and wine. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until mussels open, 4 to 6 minutes. Strain mussels. Remove from shells. Save broth.
Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly, stirring, but do not brown.
Add tomatoes, broth and spaghetti. Cook, stirring often until spaghetti are done. Add mussels. Stir and heat for a moment. Add basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve hot.

Mussels marinara with linguine

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

12 ounces linguine
4 quarts mussels
1 cup thinly sliced onion
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 pound Italian plum tomatoes, peeled and seeded
3 ounces tomato paste
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dry red wine
parsley for garnish

See Preparation

Mussels marinara with linguine

Preparation:

Clean the mussels. Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil in a large pot. Add the lemon slices when the onion is soft.
Whirl the tomatoes and tomato paste in a food processor. Add to the pot with the basil, cayenne and black pepper and salt.
Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Add the wine and simmer 15 to 20 minutes more.
Cook the linguine until al dente and drain well.
Turn out into a shallow bowl. Add the mussels to the simmering sauce and cook about 6 to 8 minutes, until the shells open.
Discard any unopened shells. Pour the sauce with mussels over the pasta and mix very gently.
Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve.

Neapolitan pizza for a home kitchen

Serves: 6

Preparation time:1 hour

Cooking time:8 minutes

20 ounces (4 cups) Italian tipo 00 flour (see note), plus extra for dusting dough
2 teaspoons salt, plus extra for assembly
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
12 ounces water
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled Italian tomatoes
12 ounces buffalo mozzarella or fresh cow's milk mozzarella
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
24 basil leaves

See Preparation

Neapolitan pizza for a home kitchen

Preparation:

Combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Whisk to combine. Add water and knead on low speed just until mixture comes together and no dry flour remains. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Knead on low speed for an additional ten minutes. The mixture should come together into a cohesive mass that barely sticks to the bottom of the bowl as it kneads. Depending on the type of flour used, you may need to add up to 1/2 cup additional flour. If dough sticks heavily to bottom of bowl, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time with mixer running until it forms a mass that just barely sticks to the bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic or transfer the dough to two gallon-sized zipper lock bags, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 and up to 72 hours.
2.

Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and dust the top with additional flour. Using a bench scraper, divide the dough into six even pieces, approximately six ounces each. Using floured hands, shape each piece into a neat ball by gathering the dough towards the bottom. Coat four small containers with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil (large cereal bowls work great for this) and add one dough ball to each bowl. Lightly spray top of dough ball with non-stick cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to rise at room temperature for 2 hours (dough should roughly double in volume).
3.

Meanwhile, drain tomatoes in fine meshed strainer and break them up with your fingers, squeezing excess juice out from the interior. Transfer the tomatoes to a blender with a 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Cut the mozzarella into 1/2-inch chunks and place on a plate on a triple layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place another triple layer of paper towels or clean dish towel on top of the cheese and stack another plate on top. Allow the excess water to blot out for at least 10 minutes.
4.

Transfer 1 ball of dough to a medium bowl filled with flour and flip to coat. Lift it and gently pat off the excess flour. Transfer it to a floured surface and gently stretch it into a 10-inch circle, leaving the outer 1-inch edge slightly thicker than the center. The best way to do this it to start by gently stretching with your fingertips. Pick up the slightly stretched dough and place it on the opened face of your left hand. Toss it back and forth between your opened hands, rotating it slightly with each toss until it stretches out to around 8-inches in diameter. Return it to the work surface. With your left hand flat in the center of the round, use your right hand to stretch the edge of the dough out, rotating as needed until it is an even 10-inches in diameter.
5.

Have your tomato sauce, drained cheese, pizza dough, olive oil, kosher salt, and basil leaves ready and close to the stovetop. Preheat the broiler to high and arrange the rack such that you can just barely fit a 12-inch heavy-bottomed oven-proof cast iron or stainless steel skillet on top of it. Dust skillet with flour, tap out excess, then heat the skillet over high heat and heat until lightly smoking, about three minutes. Transfer one dough round to the skillet. It should fill up the entire bottom surface. Working quickly, spread two tablespoons sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the outer 1-inch border un-sauced. Top with 1/6 of the cheese chunks. Season with kosher salt. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and scatter four basil leaves over the surface. Transfer skillet to broiler and broil until pizza is puffed and darkly charred in spots (this can take anywhere between 1 1/2 to 4 minutes, depending on the strength of your broiler). Return the skillet to the stovetop and cook until the bottom is darkly charred in spots, using a thin metal spatula to peek after about 1 minute (depending on the skillet you use, you may skip this step if the pizza is already charred). Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and serve immediately. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to bake remaining pizzas.

Nicoise orzo salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1 cup long grain orzo
1/2 pound green beans cut into 1/2-inch pieces

For dressing:
3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
7 ounce can tuna, drained, flaked
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup kalamata or brined-cured black olives, chopped
2 cups chopped arugala, washed and spun dry

See Preparation

Nicoise orzo salad

Preparation:

Cook orzo in salted boiling water until tender. Drain in a colander, and rinse under cold water. Drain again.
Transfer to a large bowl. Cook beans in salted boiling water until crisp-tender. Cool and drain. Add to orzo.
In a blender, combine Red wine vinegar, Lemon juice, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, olive oil, and pepper. Blend until dressing is smooth. Add dressing to orzo mixture. Blend in the remaining ingredients. Serve as a main course.

Onion and cheese frittata

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

8 large eggs
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
3 large fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
3 large fresh sage leaves, minced
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 cup diced Fontina cheese

See Preparation

Onion and cheese frittata

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400°. Whisk first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl; set aside. Heat oil in a medium ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté until soft, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in egg mixture. Spoon diced cheese evenly over.
Cook until frittata begins to set, about 2 minutes. Place in oven; bake until just set, 7-9 minutes. Slide the frittata onto a platter. Cut into wedges; serve hot or at room temperature.

Onion parmesan gratin

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

2 pounds yellow onions, peeled
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
fine sea salt to taste
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Onion parmesan gratin

Preparation:

Slice the onions in half, lengthwise. Place, cut side down, on a cutting board and slice crosswise into very thin slices.
In large non-stick skillet, combine butter, cloves, onions, thyme and salt. Cover and cook over low heat until onions are very soft, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Transfer onion mixture to a gratin dish and smooth it. The recipe can be prepared several hours up to this point. Cover and store at room temperature.
Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and cream and whisk well. Stir in the cheese.
Pour the mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Place dish under broiler about 2 inches from the heat.
Broil until the top is sizzling and golden. Serve immediately as a vegetable course or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.

Orange mousse meringue pie

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

FOR MERINGUE SHELL:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

FOR ORANGE MOUSSE FILLING:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup chilled Cool whip or whipped cream

See Preparation

Orange mousse meringue pie

Preparation:

MERINGUE SHELL:
In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and vinegar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at the time until stiff glossy peaks form. Whisk in cornstarch. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil; spread with meringue to make 9-inch circles, forming 1-inch high rounded rim. Bake in center of 250 degree oven for about one hour or until crisp. Turn oven off and let meringue dry one hour. Remove from oven and gently peel off paper. Place on serving plate.
ORANGE MOUSSE FILLING:
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup. of the orange juice. Set aside. In a heavy bottom non aluminum saucepan, whisk egg yolks lightly. Add rind, remaining juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 to 10 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of spoon. Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture to dissolve. Cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. In a bowl, fold Cool whip or whipped cream into gelatin mixture until combined. spoon into meringue shell. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until set.

Orecchiette with shiitake mushroom sauce

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 shallots, finely minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to season
150ml cream
400g dried orecchiette pasta
150g shiitake mushrooms
2 tbsp finely chopped chives
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Dried shiitake mushrooms

See Preparation

Orecchiette with shiitake mushroom sauce

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and cook the shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms. Season well with salt and pepper and fry, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until very well browned.
2. Add the cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. While the mushrooms are cooking, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until just al dente. Drain well and add to the simmering mushrooms, tossing to coat in the sauce for just a minute or two.
4. Divide the pasta among warm serving plates and, using a rasp grater, scatter the dried shiitake mushrooms on top. Finish with the chives and parmesan cheese and serve.

Orzo pilaf with green onions

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

3 1/4 cups low salt chicken broth
1 pound orzo
5 green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Orzo pilaf with green onions

Preparation:

Bring broth to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Mix in orzo and simmer uncovered until just tender but still firm to bite and some broth still remains, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat. Add green onions and cheese and stir to blend. Season pilaf to taste with salt and pepper.
Rewarm over low heat, if necessary, and mix in more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if pilaf is dry. Transfer to large bowl and serve.

Orzo salad with lemon and herb

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 2 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper

See Preparation

Orzo salad with lemon and herb

Preparation:

In large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo until tender but firm; drain well.
Toss with dill, parsley, onions, oil, lemon rind and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Orzo with wild mushrooms

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
5 tbsp. unsalted butter
8 oz. hen of the woods, chanterelle, or morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large
1/2 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1¾ cups (12 oz.) orzo
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup cream
½ cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

See Preparation

Orzo with wild mushrooms

Preparation:

Heat chicken stock in a small saucepan over medium heat; set aside and keep warm. Heat butter in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add mushrooms and cook until golden, 5–7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to a bowl; set aside. Add shallots and garlic to saucepan; cook, stirring, until soft, 3 minutes.
Add orzo, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Add reserved stock ¼ cup at a time, cooking until each addition is absorbed before adding next amount. Cook, stirring often, until liquid has all been used and orzo is tender, about 25-30 minutes. Add cream and cook, stirring, until liquid is creamy, about 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in reserved mushrooms, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; serve with additional Parmesan on the side.

Panettone

Serves: 10

Preparation time:2 hours

Cooking time:1 hour

1 package (1 tablespoon) dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup water
1 pound all-purpose flour
4 ounces sugar
6 ounces unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs
1/4 cup lemon peel, diced
1/4 cup orange peel, diced
1 cup raisins

See Preparation

Panettone

Preparation:

In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water and sugar. Stir well and allow to raise in a warm place. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour, yeast mixture, sugar, butter, eggs. Mix dough at low speed until it becomes elastic and smooth and does not stick to sides of bowl.
Shape dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until triple in volume. Punch the dough. Again shape into a ball.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
To bake the panettone, I use an empty 2 pound coffee can lined with buttered brown paper.
On a floured surface, work the lemon and orange peel and raisins into the dough.
Drop dough in the prepared mold. Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Let dough rise at room temperature until triples in volume. Brush dough with warm milk.
Bake about 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Panna cotta with berry compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup each sour cream, whipping cream and light cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean

See Preparation

Panna cotta with berry compote

Preparation:

Lightly oil six 5-ounce ramekins; set aside.
In small bowl sprinkle gelatin over water; set aside.
In saucepan, combine sour cream, whipping cream, light cream and sugar. Halve vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out seeds to cream mixture (add vanilla bean halves, if desired, for additional flavor).
Place over medium heat, stirring often, until very hot; do not let boil.
Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Remove vanilla bean halves.
Pour into ramekins. Chill for 4 hours or until set. To serve, run sharp knife around edges and turn out onto serving plates.
Spoon Reisling Summer Berry Compote around panna cottas. Garnish with lemon balm or mint.

Panzanella salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

See Preparation

Panzanella salad

Preparation:

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until they are golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add onions, garlic, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in basil.
Add bread cubes to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.

Parmesan and basil chicken salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 whole chicken breasts, on the bone, with the skin
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
4 large celery ribs, peeled and coarsely chopped
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 bunch of watercress, large stems removed

See Preparation

Parmesan and basil chicken salad

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place in a skillet with oil and roast until juices run clear, about 35 minutes. Let cool. Discard the chicken skin and remove the meat from the bones. Cut the chicken into small strips and transfer to a large bowl.
Puree the mayonnaise, basil, garlic and pine nuts. Add to the chicken with celery and cheese and toss well.
Season with salt and pepper and serve with watercress or arugula.

Parmesan and thyme crackers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

See Preparation

Parmesan and thyme crackers

Preparation:

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed, add the Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper and combine. With the mixer still on low, add the flour and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles, about 1 minute. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon water.

Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball, and roll into a 9-inch log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the log into 3/8-inch-thick rounds with a small, sharp knife and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 22 minutes, until very lightly browned. Rotate the pan once during baking. Cool and serve at room temperature.

Parmesan polenta soufflé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

You will need a 6-cup soufflé mold
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese (Reggiano)
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 teaspoons polenta
5 large egg yolks
1 1/3 cups grated parmesan cheese (Reggiano)
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground white pepper to taste
5 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

See Preparation

Parmesan polenta soufflé

Preparation:

Butter a 6 cup soufflé mold and dust it with two tablespoons of the cheese. Set aside.
In a medium pot, bring water with the olive oil to a simmer over medium heat. Add the polenta in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly. Cook the polenta At medium-high heat, stirring for about 10 minutes, until the mixture has the consistency of a thick white sauce. Remove from heat. Beat in the egg yolks one at the time. Stir in all but a tablespoon of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
The soufflé can be prepared in advance up to this point.
About 40 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until they hold a firm peak, but are Still creamy. Stir one quarter of the egg whites into the cornmeal mixture. Then fold the polenta mixture into the remaining egg whites. Spoon the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the soufflé is puffed, browned and firm. Serve At once.

Parmesan sage polenta sticks

Serves: 7

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 cups water
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 1/3 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 pound)

See Preparation

Parmesan sage polenta sticks

Preparation:

Butter a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish. In a large heavy saucepan bring water to a boil and add salt. Add sage and 1/3 cup cornmeal., a little at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add remaining cup cornmeal in a slow stream, stirring constantly. Cook mixture over low heat, whisking, 1 minute and remove pan from heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1/3 cup Parmesan and stir polenta until butter is incorporated.
Working quickly, spread polenta evenly in prepared dish and chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Polenta may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. In a small saucepan melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Invert polenta onto a work surface.
Halve polenta lengthwise and cut each half crosswise into 14 sticks. Arrange sticks on prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
Broil sticks about 4 inches from heat until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Turn sticks over and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Broil sticks until cheese is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes more.

Pasta and tuna with caper dressing

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

12 ounces pasta shells
8 ounces can white tuna
1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced
8 ounces broccoli florets
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup shredded basil

For caper dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons drained capers
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

See Preparation

Pasta and tuna with caper dressing

Preparation:

Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse under cold water until chilled, drain well.
Drop broccoli florets into boiling salted water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; drain well again. Flake the tuna.
Combine with pasta, broccoli and pepper. Blend in dressing and remaining ingredients.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Caper dressing :
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir to blend

Pasta e fagioli with pesto and butternut squash

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 oz. orrechiette or small shells, or other small pasta
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2-1/2 cups diced (1/2 to 3/4 inch) butternut squash
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups vegetable broth
1 15-oz. can kidney beans (white or red), or Roman beans, rinsed and drained (1-3/4 cups)
1 14-oz. can crushed peeled tomatoes with juice
Freshly ground black pepper

For the pesto:
1 packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh sage
1 medium clove garlic, chopped
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, coarsely grated; more, finely grated, for serving
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

See Preparation

Pasta e fagioli with pesto and butternut squash

Preparation:

Make the soup
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package directions until not quite al dente.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and 1/4 tsp. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the squash and stir to coat with the oil. Add the parsley, sage, garlic, and pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it is evenly distributed and looks slightly darker, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the broth, beans, and tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot, and simmer until the squash is barely tender, 13 to 15 minutes. Add the pasta and continue simmering until the squash and pasta are tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Make the pesto and serve
Put the parsley, sage, garlic, and coarsely grated cheese in a food processor. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper and drizzle with the oil. Pulse until finely chopped, adding more oil if necessary to give it consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and transfer to a bowl.
Thin the soup with water if desired and add 1/4 tsp. pepper. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Divide among soup bowls and spoon 1 to 2 Tbsp pesto on top of each serving. Pass the finely grated cheese at the table.

Pasta fagioli

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours 30 minutes

2 cups dried white bean
1 medium diced onion
1 large carrot, diced
2 celery ribs
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 quarts chicken stock
3/4 pound small orecchiette or small macaroni
Italian parsley,chopped

optional condiments:
2 cups stemmed arugala
4 plum tomatoes
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
French baguette, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

See Preparation

Pasta fagioli

Preparation:

Soak beans overnight.
In a saucepan sauté diced onion, carrot, and diced celery ribs in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft.
Add beans, chicken stock, and 3 quarts water. Simmer until beans are soft. 1-1/2 hours to 2 hours.
Season with salt and pepper. Add small orecchiette or small macaroni. Cook until al dente.
Before serving, add chopped Italian parsley.
Condiments :
Cut stemmed arugala into 1/4 inch wide strips, set aside in a bowl. Peel, seed, and dice plum tomatoes, set aside in a bowl.
Also pass extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt with soup, and serve condiments with thin sliced of French baguette, brushed with olive oil and toasted, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Pasta roll with three cheese

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

2 teaspoons butter
4 medium minced scallions
1/2 cup minced smoked ham
6 ounces soft cream cheese
1/2 cup firm ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper
1-12-inch by 14-inch sheet of pasta
6 thin slices ham
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

See Preparation

Pasta roll with three cheese

Preparation:

Melt butter in a skillet. Add scallions, and cook over low heat until soft. Combine minced ham, three cheeses, eggs, and scallion. Season with pepper.
Lay the sheet of pasta roll on a sheet pan. Spread one half of cheese mixture over surface of pasta roll.
Cover cheese with the sliced ham. Spread remaining cheese over ham. Roll up pasta, jelly roll style.
Do not roll loosely to avoid water seepage while cooking. Roll pasta in cheese cloth.
Tie each end with string. Poach in boiling water for 25 min. Drain, cool.
Remove cheese cloth. Slice into 1 inch slices. Arrange on hot plate. Serve with marinara.

Pasta salad in parmesan baskets

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 large green apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups apple cider
1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
2 cups shelled walnuts, 1 cup lightly toasted 1 cup ground fine
2 ounces balsamic vinegar
2 ounces olive oil
kosher salt
black pepper
1 pound arugula, washed and trimmed
1/2 pound red seedless grapes
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, soaked in balsamic vinegar
1/2 pound orecciette or shells pasta, cooked, cooled and oiled
4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

See Preparation

Pasta salad in parmesan baskets

Preparation:

Salad:
Set aside a little more than 1/2 of apples in bowl with water and lemon juice.
Place remaining apples in small saucepan with cider.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until apples are tender. Remove apples from heat, strain (reserving cider) and purée.

Dressing:
Combine 4 ounces of purée with oil and vinegar. Add salt, pepper and about 2 ounces reserved cider to taste.
Drain remaing apples and toss together with walnuts, pasta, grapes, arugula, onions and dressing. Serve salad in baskets and top with gorgonzola.

Baskets:
Place a non-stick 9"sauté pan over low heat. Sprinkle bottom of pan with 1/4 cup Parmigiano to cover surface (cheese will melt), then with 1/4 cup ground walnuts.
When edges of crêpes are golden brown, peel away from pan with rubber spatula and invert slowly into 6-7" bowl to form basket.
If it tears, place back in pan with a bit more cheese to seal. Basket will crisp within seconds. Repeat to make 4 baskets.

Pasta salad with tuna and greek olives

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

12 ounces rigatoni, penne, or other short pasta
1 7-ounce can tuna in oil, preferably olive, drained
1/2 pound large black greek olives in brine, drained
1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons drained capers
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Pasta salad with tuna and greek olives

Preparation:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain, rinse under cold water until chilled, drain well and toss with one tablespoon oil.
Pit and chop olives; break tuna into chunks. Put olives, tuna, capers, lemon juice, and olive oil into small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
In large serving bowl, toss pasta, tuna and oil mixture, and tomatoes. Adjust seasonings. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pasta with broccoli and beans

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
2 15-ounces garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
pinch of dried crushed red pepper
12 ounces small shell pasta
6 cups broccoli florets
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Pasta with broccoli and beans

Preparation:

Heat oil over medium high heat in heavy large skillet. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute.
Add wine, beans and crushed red pepper. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until almost tender. Add broccoli and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender and pasta is tender, about 3 minutes.
Drain. Add pasta, broccoli and cheese to sauce in skillet and toss until coated.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pasta with summer vegetables

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 pound fusilli or rotini
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups small zucchini (quartered lengthwise and sliced)
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup white wine
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Pasta with summer vegetables

Preparation:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender but firm; drain and keep hot.
Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add zucchini and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add tomatoes and wine, cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Stir in herbs; simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss sauce with hot pasta. Serve immediately, with Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top.

Peach custard ice cream with fresh peach compote

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

Ice Cream
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 cup half and half
3/4 cup sugar
5 large egg yolks
1 pound peaches, peeled, sliced
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Compote:
4 large peaches, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup orange Muscat wine
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

See Preparation

Peach custard ice cream with fresh peach compote

Preparation:

For Ice Cream:
Bring 1 cup cream, half and half, and 1/2 cup sugar just to simmer in medium saucepan.
Whisk yolks; gradually whisk in cream mixture. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens, about 4 minutes (do not boil). Strain into bowl.
Refrigerate custard until cold, about 3 hours.
Place peaches, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup sugar in medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until peaches are heated through, about 4 minutes. Mash to coarse puree. Cool completely. Stir into custard along with vanilla and 1/2 cup cream. Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
For Compote:
Mix all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes and up to 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Serve ice cream with compote.
Adapted from Bon Appétit August 2002

Peach ice cream

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
2 cups peach puree
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream

See Preparation

Peach ice cream

Preparation:

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and flour. Whisk over medium heat until thick.
Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the peach puree and lemon juice. Whip the cream until stiff.
Fold cream into the ice cream mixture. Freeze in an ice cream maker until creamy.

Pear tart tatin

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 cans (1-lb, 14-oz size) pear halves
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon butter
1 9-inch puff pastry circle
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

See Preparation

Pear tart tatin

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Drain pears. Caramelize sugar with ¼ cup water until golden brown.
Pour caramel into the bottom of an 8½-inch round baking dish. Arrange pears, rounded side down on caramelized sugar.
Top with a second layer. Dot with butter. Bake 25 minutes. Bake pastry circle for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Place circle over pears.
Place serving plate over the top of pastry circle. Invert; remove baking dish.
Whip cream with sugar until firm. Garnish pears with whipped cream rosettes.

Pears vigneronne

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 ripe pears
2 cups dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon
1 stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup apricot jam

See Preparation

Pears vigneronne

Preparation:

Peel and core the pears.
Cut them into quarters. Place the pears in a saucepan and add the wine and sugar.
Peel the lemon and cut the peel into very fine julienne strips. Reserve the lemon for another use. Add the peel to the saucepan.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Transfer the pears and the lemon peel to a serving dish. Bring the liquid in the saucepan to the boil and add the remaining ingredients.
Bring to the boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced to half.
Pour the sauce over the pears. Let cool and chill.

Penne in cream sauce and sausage

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup dry white wine
1 14-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes with juices
1 cup whipping cream
6 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 pound penne pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Penne in cream sauce and sausage

Preparation:

Melt butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 7 minutes.
Add sausage and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, breaking up with back of spoon, about 7 minutes.
Drain any excess drippings from skillet. Add wine to skillet and boil until almost all liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices and simmer 5 minutes. Add cream and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 tablespoons parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite.
Drain pasta; transfer to large bowl. Bring sauce to simmer. Pour sauce over pasta. Add 1/2 cup cheese and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons parsley.

Pesto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:None

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons pine nuts
2 cloves crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 teaspoons grated romano or pecorino
3 teaspoons butter, soft

See Preparation

Pesto

Preparation:

In a blender, combine basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic and salt. Blend to a puree.
Scrape edges of bowl to push all ingredients down.
Pour into a bowl.
Beat in the cheeses and soft butter. Serve with pasta.
Add a tablespoon of hot water in which pasta has boiled to pesto to soften.

Pissaladière Provençale

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

Dough:
1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F.)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons additional flour for kneading

Onion Filling:
2 pounds (about 5) large yellow onions, peeled, and very thinly sliced to yield 8 cups
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup water
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
about 2 dozen flat anchovy fillets, oil drained
3 dozen Nicoise olives, pitted and halved lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

See Preparation

Pissaladière Provençale

Preparation:

Electric mixer method:
In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over water with the sugar. Let proof and soften for about 5 minutes. With paddle attachment, add oil, and stir to blend. Add 1 cup flour and stir until smooth. With dough hook attachment, add remaining 3/4 cup flour and salt and knead until silky smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
Food processor method:
Place flour and salt in food processor bowl; process briefly just to blend. Combine oil and yeast mixture, pour down feed tube and process just until mixture is a lumpy mass. Place the mixture on a lightly floured work surface and knead sticky dough for about 5 minutes until satiny and smooth. Knead in no more than three tablespoons additional flour.

Place dough in large bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place away from drafts until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
While dough is rising, prepare the filling.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet and over medium-low heat saute the onions, garlic and salt until soft and transparent, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent onions from browning or scorching. Add the water and thyme, and over high heat cook until the water evaporates. Over low heat, continue sauteing about 20 minutes longer, until onion mixture is very soft and translucent. Transfer to a sieve to drain any excess liquid. (yield at this time is 3 cups). Remove sprig of thyme. Set aside to cool.
Adjust the rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the bottom of a 10 x 15 jelly roll pan or a 12-inch pizza pan.
Punch dough down. With fingertips, press and stretch the dough to fit the pan. If the dough becomes elastic, rest a couple of minutes, then press again. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 30 minutes or until puffy.
Spread onion filling evenly over risen dough. Place anchovies decoratively over top of tart. Bake for 12 minutes. Rotate pan, and bake until crust is cooked through and golden, about 12 minutes more.
Remove from oven, and using a spatula, transfer tart to a wire rack. Arrange olives decoratively on tart.
Serve warm or room temperature. Cut rectangles, squares or wedges while warm or at room temperature.
For an extra crisp crust, spread filling over dough, and rather than allow time for the dough to rise and become puffy, bake it right away.
For a more bread-like crust, let dough rise in baking pan until puffy, then spread filling on top and bake.
Note: If anchovy fillets taste too salty, rinse them in cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Pizza margherita

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

Dough
1 envelope (1/4-ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar (5 ml)
⅓ cup lukewarm water (75 ml)
1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water (325 ml)
2 teaspoons coarse salt (10 ml)
¼ cup oilve oil (60 ml)
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (925 ml)
flour for kneading and rolling
olive oil for oiling the bowl (15 ml)

Sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
1 cloves garlic, chopped
2 28 ounce cans whole plum tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes (1592 ml)
Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Toppings
4 balls buffalo mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (about 1 pound/454 grams)
1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, shredded (roughly 24 basil leaves)
Coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
pinch red chile flakes, optional
olive oil, for drizzling on the pizza

See Preparation

Pizza margherita

Preparation:

Dough
In a small bowl, add 1/3 cup lukewarm water and 1 tsp. sugar. Add yeast and let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Combine 3 ¾ all-purpose flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough blade, add water, olive and yeast mixture and blend. Knead on low speed for about 10 to 12 minutes until the dough comes together and is smooth. Remove dough from the bowl. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and continue knead by hand until smooth and elastic, about 2 to 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If dough is still too sticky, add a little more flour. Place the dough in a lightly oiled medium bowl and cover. Let rest in a warm spot until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Sauce
Drain the tomatoes in a strainer to remove excess liquid. Process the tomatoes in a food mill over a medium bowl. Discard excess liquid or keep to make a soup.

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté 2 minutes or until softened. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Set sauce aside. Let cool to room temperature.

Toppings
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of oven when oven begins to preheat. Heat according to manufacturer’s directions.

Punch down dough. Divide dough into 4 balls. Using your hands, stretch and pull (or alternatively roll with a rolling pin) each ball of dough into 10 to 12-inch rounds depending on how thin you want your crust.

Sprinkle some flour onto a pizza paddle (if you don’t have a paddle, you can sprinkle flour on pizza pans or baking sheets). Place a round of dough onto the pizza paddle or pan. Evenly spoon over tomato sauce and basil and cheese. Season the pizzas with salt and pepper and chile flakes, if desired. Drizzle with olive oil. Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone. Bake until topping is bubbly and crust is golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining rounds of dough.

Pizzellis

Serves: 15

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla

See Preparation

Pizzellis

Preparation:

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Cook on an electric pizzelli machine to form wafers: Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface.
Close iron and gently squeeze together.
Bake for about a minute.

Cookies are baked when golden brown.
Remove from the iron with a spatula and roll-up into a cone, using the wooden rolling cone tool included. Remove and allow to cool.
Serve them cut in wedges, or while wafer is hot, or shape into a cup over a glass or similar container. Store in an airtight container.
Spoon fruit, ice cream or chocolate mousse into cup.

Poached pears in red wine

Serves: 6

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

6 ripe pears
2 cups red wine
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon
1 stick cinnamon
3 whole cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

See Preparation

Poached pears in red wine

Preparation:

Peel and core the pears. Cut them into quarters.
Place the pears in a saucepan and add the wine and sugar. Peel the lemon and cut the peel into very fine julienne strips. Reserve the lemon for another use.
Add the peel to the saucepan with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until pears are tender.
Transfer the pears and the lemon peel to a serving dish.
Bring the liquid in the saucepan to the boil.
Reduce to half or until liquid becomes syrupy. Pour the sauce over the pears.
Let cool and chill.

Polenta a la romaine

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 quart milk
3 ounces butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup polenta
2 eggs
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 cup A recipe of Cream sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

See Preparation

Polenta a la romaine

Preparation:

In a saucepan, combine the milk, butter, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and polenta. Cook slowly over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes while stirring continuously.
Stir in the eggs and egg yolks. Continue cooking for a minute while stirring with a wooden spoon. Mix in the cheese.
Line an 8-inch by 14-inch pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Spread the mixture in pan evenly. Cover with parchment paper and refrigerate mixture until set.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Unmold on a cutting board and cut into 3-inch squares. Arrange in a buttered baking dish. Pour cream sauce over and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Brown in oven. Serve hot.
* If polenta is not available, substitute 1 cup regular yellow cornmeal, and cook mixture for about 10 minutes rather than 20 minutes.

Polenta fries

Serves: 4

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1 cup quick-cook polenta (190g)
3 ⅓ cups chicken or vegetable stock (800ml)
4 tbsp butter (60g)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan (30g)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary finely chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
Pinch of pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

See Preparation

Polenta fries

Preparation:

Add the stock to a medium sized pot and bring to a boil.
Once boiling turn the heat down to a simmer and slowly add the polenta whilst stirring until all the polenta is fully incorporated.
Next, add the butter, parmesan, herbs and salt and stir until the butter has melted and the polenta has thickened slightly (2-3 minutes).
Pour the cooked polenta into a lined baking dish (10x8 inch) and spread it out evenly. Let the polenta cool completely then chill in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Pre-heat the oven to 430F/220C.
Once chilled and completely set, remove the polenta from the tray and cut into fries.
Place the fries on a baking tray and brush with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve as a side or appetizer.

Pork chops parmigiana

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 min

Cooking time:50 minutes

2 tsp. oil
4 boneless pork chops (1 lb./450 g)
1/4 cup Parmesan Grated Cheese
1 pkg. (8 oz./225 g) sliced fresh mushrooms
1 onion , chopped
1 jar (700 mL) pasta sauce
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
1 cup Parmesan grated Cheese

See Preparation

Pork chops parmigiana

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350ºF.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chops; cook 2 min. on each side. Transfer to 13x9-inch baking dish, reserving drippings in skillet; sprinkle chops with Parmesan.

Add vegetables to drippings in skillet; cook and stir 5 to 6 min. or until tender. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; cook on medium heat 10 min., stirring occasionally. Pour over chops.
Bake 20 min. or until chops are done (160°F). Top with shredded cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.

Potato gnocchi -gnocchi di patate

Serves: 4

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

450 gr (1 pound) medium russet potatoes, unpeeled
120 - 150 grams (1 cup -1 1/3 cups) flour + a little to give the shape
1 beaten medium egg
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Potato gnocchi -gnocchi di patate

Preparation:

Wash and scrub the potatoes.
Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover them with cold water and bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced, but are still firm. Drain.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them. Using a ricer, squeeze the potato flesh into a mound on a large tray or baking sheet.

Form a well in the center of the potatoes and add the egg, salt and pepper.

Mix to combine. Sift 2/3 of the flour. Mix until you have a sticky ball. Add more flour if the dough is too wet to knead.

Knead the dough until it’s smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and lightly dust with flour; set aside. Divide dough evenly into 4 pieces. Roll 1 dough piece into a 3/4-inch-thick rope.

Cut into 1-inch pieces. Take each piece and roll it off on a Gnocchi Paddle or against tines of a fork to make ridges; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining 3 dough pieces.

COOKING GNOCCHI

Loosened gnocchi from the surface, slide them directly into a large pot of salted boiling water, avoid picking them up with your hands. Gnocchi are ready when they rise to the surface. Drain.
Melt the butter in a skillet and add gnocchi. Gently mix add a little pasta water; cook for 30 seconds, gently tossing. Serve immediately topped with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Toppings for gnocchi

You can accompany them in the way you prefer! from the white ragù, to the béchamel to the Genoese pesto and also simply butter and cheese, or a good fresh tomato sauce.

Potato gnocchi with lobster

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

For gnocchi:

2 russet potatoes
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
ground white pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups flour
4 1-1/2 pounds lobsters, steamed for 5 minutes
1 teaspoon olive oil

For sauce:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
rind of one lemon, julienned
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

See Preparation

Potato gnocchi with lobster

Preparation:

For the gnocchi:
Peel potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks, boil until tender, drain and passed through a ricer. Place the potatoes on a work surface dusted with a little flour. Add the egg yolks, water and salt and pepper to taste and mix lightly by hand. Add all but 3 tablespoons of the flour a little at a time, kneading gently just until incorporated. The dough should be soft but not elastic.
On a work surface, form the mass into a log. Divide the log into smaller portions and using your hands, roll out into 1/2-inch-long pieces. Dust them well with flour. Hold a flour-dusted fork, concave side up, in one hand. With the other hand, push a piece of dough into the tines, making an indentation with your thumb. Then roll the dough off the tines, making a shape like a tiny bowl with ridges on the bottom. Flour the fork and repeat with rest of dough.
Remove lobster claws. Crack claws, and remove the meat. Cut lobsters in halves, rub with oil and grill on a hot grill for 8 minutes. Pull the meat from the shells and set aside.
Cook gnocchi in boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain.
For the sauce:
melt butter in a large skillet. Stir in walnuts and lemon strips and cook 5 minutes. Stir in the lobster meat and gnocchi and cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan.
Divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.

Pumpkin and sweet garlic custards

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 20 minutes

2 heads garlic, separated into cloves but not peeled (approximately 20 cloves)
1 3-pound sugar pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh marjoram leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Coarse salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
8 small sprigs
fresh marjoram, for garnish

See Preparation

Pumpkin and sweet garlic custards

Preparation:

Put the garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Add enough cold salted water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Drain, discarding the water. Return the garlic cloves to the pan, add more water and salt, and repeat twice more. When the water comes to a boil for the third time, reduce the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes, until the cloves are tender. Drain, and set aside 8 cloves for garnish. Peel the remaining cloves.
Meanwhile, put the pumpkin in a 2 1/2-quart saucepan. Add enough cold salted water to cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until tender when pierced with the tip of a small, sharp knife. Drain.
In a 12-inch sauté pan, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the squash and peeled garlic cloves, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often to avoid scorching, until the excess moisture evaporates. Remove from the heat to cool to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Transfer the squash and garlic to a blender or a food processor fitted with the metal blade and process until smooth.
Add the eggs, cream, marjoram, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper, and pulse to combine. Ladle the custard into eight 4-ounce ramekins. Set the ramekins in a shallow roasting pan or baking pan, cover loosely with a sheet of foil, and put the pan in the oven. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the custards are set around the edges but still a little shaky in the center. Check the custards after about 15 minutes in the oven. If they are puffing up and resembling souffles, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Carefully remove the pan from the oven. If not serving right away, let the heat escape from the oven and, at the same time, reduce the temperature to its lowest setting (between 180° and 200°F). Let the custards cool slightly in the water bath, then lift the ramekins from the water and serve immediately or return them to the oven to keep warm. Serve the custards in the ramekins or unmolded, inverted onto a plate. To serve, garnish each custard with a reserved unpeeled clove of garlic and a sprig of marjoram.
NOTE:
If making well in advance, remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow to cool to room temperature. Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. To reheat, place the custards, still covered with plastic wrap, in a large saute pan and add enough water to come about 1/2 inch up the sides of the ramekins. Bring to a simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the custards are warmed through. Off the heat, the custards will keep warm in the water bath for up to 30 minutes.
VARIATIONS:
This recipe can be used to make custards with vegetables that have low fiber and water content, such as cauliflower, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. If using a more fibrous vegetable such as peas or asparagus, you must first sieve them.

Pumpkin gnocchi with almond pesto

Serves: 4

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 lb butternut squash, halved, seeded, and cut into wedges
3.5 oz flour
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
12 sage leaves
2 oz raw almonds
1 garlic clove
1 tsp nutritional yeast (yeast flakes)
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 oz oil-packed semi-dried or sun-dried tomatoes, drained, patted dry, and finely chopped
1 pinch each of salt and black pepper

See Preparation

Pumpkin gnocchi with almond pesto

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Spread the pumpkin over the prepared pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for about 20 minutes more, until the pumpkin is tender.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool, then scoop the flesh of the pumpkin into a bowl and mash it with a potato ricer.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Add the flour, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl with the pumpkin and stir briefly to combine.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the mixture into long cylinders around 2cm (¾in) in diameter, then cut the cylinders into 3cm-long (1¼in) gnocchi.
7. In a food processor, combine the sage, almonds, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and process until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
8. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they start to float, then cook for 1 minute more. Drain the gnocchi and return them to the pot.
9. Toss the gnocchi with the sage pesto, add the tomatoes and serve.

Rack of lamb with mushroom crust

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

2 ounces dried black trumpet or other dried mushrooms
1 egg
salt and black pepper to taste
flour for dredging
2 racks of lamb, boned and trimmed
4 medium leeks, trimmed of hard green parts, split in half, well washed and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces fresh shiitake, trimmed and cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
2 sprigs thyme

See Preparation

Rack of lamb with mushroom crust

Preparation:

In a coffee grinder or spice grinder, grind dried mushrooms to the consistency of coffee. Set aside.
Beat egg in a bowl, with salt and pepper. Dip lamb in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into egg, and then into mushrooms.
Pat mushrooms to adhere; coat lamb heavily. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
Cook leeks in salted boiling water. Drain, and puree with butter. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve. In a medium skillet, heat half of the oil. Saute mushrooms, garlic and thyme until mushrooms are tender.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place remaining oil in an oven-proof skillet. Heat to medium-high. Add lamb.
Cook for 2 minutes on one side. Turn and place skillet in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes for rare, medium-rare, (125 degrees) or longer for medium. Let lamb rest for 5 minutes then cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices.
Place a dollop of leek purée on each plate; top with portions of mushrooms. Place lamb on top.

Raspberry hazelnut praline soufflé glacé

Serves: 20

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

4 10-ounce packages frozen raspberries
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
12 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups hazelnut praline paste
2 1/2 cups Frangelico sauce (recipe follows)

FRANGELICO SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup light cream
1/2 cup Frangelico (a hazelnut flavored liqueur)

See Preparation

Raspberry hazelnut praline soufflé glacé

Preparation:

Prepare the soufflé dishes:
Fit each of two 1 1/4 quart soufflé dishes with a 6 inch wide band of wax paper to form a collar extending 3 inches above the rim.
Puree raspberries with syrup and strain to remove seeds. Dissolve gelatin in 1/3 cup water.
Beat egg yolks with a cup raspberry puree over a double boiler until thick. Heat gelatin to melt and stir in egg yolk mix. Add remaining raspberry puree. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks. Beat cream until stiff. Fold in raspberry mix the egg whites and cream and praline.
Spoon mousse into soufflé molds. Chill covered for 3 hours. Garnish top with whipped cream. Serve with Frangelico sauce.
FRANGELICO SAUCE:

In a heavy saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring mixture to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the chocolate until sauce is smooth. Mix in light cream and Frangelico, and allow the sauce to cool at room temperature.

Risotto with mushrooms asparagus and spring peas

Serves: 6

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
5 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cup arborio
rice
8 oz pound sliced Cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms, debris rinsed from mushrooms and drained
1 small bunch of fresh asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 cup fresh English peas
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup light cream
1 tablespoon tamari
1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

See Preparation

Risotto with mushrooms asparagus and spring peas

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for ten minutes, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, until the onions are well browned. Deglaze with the wine and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
Add 4 cups broth and stir in the rice. Cover the pot and bake until rice is tender and cooked through, about 35 to 40 minutes.
Prepare the mushrooms. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add the cleaned, sliced mushrooms to the pot with a dash of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are darker in color, fragrant and have soaked up most of their own juices, about 10 minutes.
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and discarding them, then slicing the spears into 1-inch long pieces. Cook the asparagus in boiling water for 5 minutes. Add the peas and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Drain the asparagus and peas in a colander.

Remove the pot from the oven. Pour in the remaining hot broth, cream, asparagus, peas, Parmesan, butter, tamari, salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. Stir in the mushroom mixture and any remaining juices. Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide into bowls and top with a generous sprinkling ofparsley.

Roast tomato tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 sheet (from 1 pound (450 g pkg) frozen butter puff pastry, thawed
8 red or striped heirloom plum tomatoes, about 1 ¼ pounds
1 cup yellow teardrop or cherry tomatoes halved lengthwise
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 egg beaten
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
2 tsp fresh thyme or oregano

See Preparation

Roast tomato tart

Preparation:

Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
On lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to 10-inch square; transfer to prepared pan. Using fork, prick pastry all over; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut red tomatoes crosswise into ½ -inch thick slices. In bowl, toss together red and yellow tomatoes, oil, garlic, salt and pepper; spread on remaining prepared pan. Roast in 400F oven until slightly charred and shriveled, about 30 minutes. Let cool on pan.
Bake pastry in center of 400 degrees F. oven until light golden and puffed, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Brush pastry all over with some of the egg; sprinkle with cheese, leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange red tomatoes in overlapping rows on cheese. Scatter yellow tomatoes over top; sprinkle with thyme. Return to oven and bake until golden and puffed, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes; cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Adapted from Canadian Living August 2007

Roasted salmon with white beans tomato and spinach

Serves: 2

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 6-ounces salmon fillets
1 shallot finely chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 cup white wine
14 ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
15 ounce can white cannellini beans drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 ounces fresh spinach

See Preparation

Roasted salmon with white beans tomato and spinach

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Heat the olive oil on high and add the salmon fillets for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the salmon to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the shallots and thyme sprigs and cook briefly. Add the white wine and tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes. Place the salmon fillets in the pan on top of the tomato sauce and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 6 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the salmon fillets to a plate. Add the white beans to the tomato sauce and heat through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and just before serving, stir the spinach into the mixture to wilt.Discard the thyme springs.
To plate, spoon the tomatoes, beans and spinach to a plate or shallow bowl and top with the salmon.

Roasted tomato caprese salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup basil leaves, finely sliced
1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lemon

See Preparation

Roasted tomato caprese salad

Preparation:

Heat oven to 375F. Add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and sugar to 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Toss to combine. Roast until just starting to char, about 40 minutes, tossing occasionally to cook evenly.
Remove from oven and cool 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer tomatoes along with any any accumulated juices to large bowl. Add mozzarella and basil. Gently toss to combine. Add lemon zest then season with salt and pepper. Toss again and serve.

Roasted tomatoes

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (20 whole)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

See Preparation

Roasted tomatoes

Preparation:

Trim stem ends of tomatoes; cut in half lengthwise.
Arrange, cut side up and without crowding, on large foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Stir together garlic, basil and oil; brush over tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in 250 degree oven for 2 hours or until tomatoes are softened and shrivelled, and edges begin to darken.

Tip:
To make Roasted Tomato Crostini,
1 french baguette
4 ounces soft goat cheese Cut French baguette into 20 slices;
place on baking sheet and broil until toasted.
Evenly spread with goat cheese; top each with 2 tomato halves and 1 basil leaf.

Roasted tomatoes and red peppers

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

2 1/2 pounds firm, ripe roma or plum tomatoes (about 15)
1 whole head of garlic
3 sweet red peppers
1/2 teaspoon each hot pepper flakes and salt
1/3 cup olive oil

See Preparation

Roasted tomatoes and red peppers

Preparation:

Immerse tomatoes in large saucepan boiling water 10 seconds or until skins losen. Drain, then chill under running water. Remove core and slip off skins.
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally; squeeze tomatoes gently between hands to extract juice and seeds.
Place tomato flesh in 9-by-13in non metallic baking dish. Break head of garlic into individual cloves; peel cloves and add to tomatoes. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds and white membranes. Cut peppers into 1 1/2-in strips; add to tomatoes. Add olive oil to tomato mixture, tossing to coat ingredients well.
Spread ingredients out in single layer; sprinkle with hot pepper flakes and salt. Roast in 350 degree oven 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tomatoes are shiny and reduces in volume by about half and no liquid remains in dish. Serve at once or spoon into hot sterilized jars and cover tightly. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
This irresistible appetizer captures the essence of summer in a jar. Serve it as part of an antipasto platter or use it to top crusty bread for instant bruschetta.

Rollatines of chicken

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

3/4 pound fresh spinach
1/4 pound mushrooms
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
salt and black pepper to taste
3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup minced carrots
1/2 cup minced celery
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, peeled and seedless
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon thyme

See Preparation

Rollatines of chicken

Preparation:

Clean spinach. Slice and chop the mushrooms coarsely.
Melt 1/2 of the butter in a skillet. Add 1/2 of the onion, 1/2 garlic, 1/2 mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes. Add spinach, 1/2 of the salt and pepper. Cook over high heat for 5 minutes to remove all moisture. Set aside to cool.
Split chicken breasts in halves lengthwise. Pound lightly to flatten. Spoon an equal amount of filling down the center of each chicken breast. Fold to enclose filling. Secure with string or toothpicks.
Brown chickens in remaining butter. Add remaining ingredients to skillet and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the chicken. Discard toothpicks. Reduce sauce to thicken. Serve over chicken.

Roman maritozzi

Serves: 6

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

¼ cup + 3 tablespoons whole milk (lukewarm) (105 grams total)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 cups +2½ tablespoons flour 00 (270 grams total)
3½ tablespoons fine sugar (divided)
1 large egg (room temperature)
4 tablespoons butter (softened)
½ tablespoon orange
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt (if you use unsalted butter then add ½ teaspoon of salt)

EGG WASH
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk

SUGAR SYRUP
½ cup water
3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

FOR THE CREAM FILLING
1 cup cream (whole, heavy or whipping cream at least 30% fat content)
1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar

See Preparation

Roman maritozzi

Preparation:

In a small bowl mix together the milk and 1½ teaspoons of sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes, then mix together.

In the stand mixer add the flour, zest, remaining sugar, salt, egg, vanilla and yeast mixture, knead on low speed then increase the speed and knead for up to 7 minutes.
Add the butter and knead again for approximately 10-15 minutes, until the dough stops sticking to the side of the bowl and is soft, smooth and elastic.

Scrape the dough into a lightly buttered bowl to rise in a warm draft free area for approximately 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured flat surface, divide into 6 parts and shape into a slightly oval shape. Place the buns on a parchment paper lined baked sheet, cover and let rise in a warm draft free area until doubled, approximately 1½ hours.

Pre-heat the oven to 350F/180C.
Brush the buns with the egg wash and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and baked through. Remove from the oven, move immediately to a wire rack to cool completely.

Brush the completely cooled buns with the sugar syrup, cut each bun on a slight angle be careful not to cut all the way through, fill the open area with whipped cream.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Enjoy!
FOR THE EGG WASH
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and milk until combined well.

FOR THE CREAM FILLING
In a large bowl whip the cream until soft peaks appear then add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until thick peaks appear.
Notes
The dough can also be left to rise overnight in the fridge.
Storage
Once the maritozzi are filled with cream, they should be served and eaten immediately. Plan on making them and enjoying them the same day!

Rose shaped apple dessert

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
2 red organic apples (like red delicious, Rome)
Juice of half lemon
1 tablespoon of flour, to sprinkle the counter
3 tablespoons of apricot preserve
cinnamon
powder sugar for decorating

See Preparation

Rose shaped apple dessert

Preparation:

1. Thaw the puff pastry.

2. Prepare a bowl with some water and the lemon juice. Cut the apples in half, remove the core and cut the apples in paper thin slices, leaving the peel so it will give the red color to your roses. place the sliced apples in the bowl with lemon and water.

3. Microwave the apples in the bowl, for about 3 minutes just to soften them. Or you can also simmer the apple slices in the water in a small pan.

4. Unwrap the puff pastry over a clean and lightly floured counter. Using a rolling pin stretch the dough a little, trying to keep it in a rectangular shape. Cut the dough in 6 strips. These are about 2 in x 9 in (5 cm x 22 cm).

5. In a bowl, place three tablespoons of apricot preserve with two tablespoons of water. Microwave for about one minute, so that the preserve will be easier to spread. Spread the preserve on the dough.

6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Drain the apples.

7. Place the apples on the edge of dough, with the unpeeled edges extending over the dough Sprinkle with cinnamon.

8. Fold up the bottom part of the dough.

9. Carefully roll, seal the edge, and place in a greased muffin cup.

10. Do the same for all 6 roses. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40-45 minutes, until fully cooked.
NOTE: make sure the pastry is fully cooked on the inside before removing the roses from the oven! If after 30 minutes the apples on top look fully cooked, move the pan to a lower rack in the oven, and wait for 10-15 more minutes to avoid undercooking the puff pastry.

Sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy!

Rosemary chicken salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 celery rib, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 red pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco

See Preparation

Rosemary chicken salad

Preparation:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned. Add the wine.
Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Drain and let cool.
Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes and transfer to large bowl. Stir in the scallions, celery and red pepper.
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon oil, the garlic, rosemary and Tabasco. Combine dressing and chicken mixture and toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes to 4 hours.
This salad may be served as a sandwich on thickly sliced white bread.

Rosemary-roasted chicken with potatoes and fennel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

2 medium fennel bulbs
2 pounds small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 chickens, 3 pounds, (1.5 kg) each
6 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
to taste salt and pepper
fresh rosemary for garnish

See Preparation

Rosemary-roasted chicken with potatoes and fennel

Preparation:

In large roasting pan, combine fennel and potatoes. Rinse and dry cavities of chickens; remove any excess fat from cavities. Place 3 sprigs of rosemary inside each chicken.
Tie legs of each chicken together over cavity; tuck wing tips under backs.
Place chickens, breast side up, on top of vegetables. Brush skin of each chicken with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with chopped rosemary, salt and pepper. Roast in 450 degree F. oven for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees; roast 1-3/4 hours or until drumsticks move easily in sockets and juices run clear when thickest part of thighs is pierced with a skewer.
Transfer chickens to board. Cover with foil; let stand 5 to 10 minutes. With slotted spoon, spoon vegetables onto heated serving platter. Place chickens on top of vegetables; garnish with rosemary.

Rotolo di spinaci - spinach and ricotta lasagne roll-ups

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 qt Marinara sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
400g (12 cups) spinach
375g (13oz) ricotta
1 whole nutmeg, to grate
6 fresh lasagne sheets
28g (1 oz) pack fresh basil, leaves picked and chopped

See Preparation

Rotolo di spinaci - spinach and ricotta lasagne roll-ups

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the marinara and balsamic vinegar and simmer for 20 minutes, until thickened.
2 Meanwhile, heat a large pan over a medium heat. Wash the spinach, then add to the pan and wilt. Place in a sieve over a bowl to get rid of excess water then, once cooled, pat dry with paper towel and roughly chop. Add to the ricotta with a pinch of freshly-grated nutmeg and season to taste.
3 Place a generous teaspoon of the ricotta mixture on a slice of lasagne sheet and spread evenly.
Roll up the rotolo, using the tea towel to help. Start off with your hands to get a nice tight roll, then lift up the towel from the bottom and roll the pasta all the way up into a tight log
Wrap the log up tightly in the tea towel and use string to tie each end. Cook the rotolo in a large pan of salted boiling water for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove the tea towel then slice the rotolo into 6–8 even slices.
Once the tomato sauce has thickened to a good consistency, stir through most of the basil, reserving some to garnish. Pour he sauce into the base of a roughly 21 x 21 cm (9-inch square) baking dish and place the lasagne roll-ups in the dish, so they are stood up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden. Garnish with the remaining basil and serve.

San remo pasta salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

12 ounces fusilli
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup black olives
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup salad oil
2 teaspoons wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

See Preparation

San remo pasta salad

Preparation:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain well in a colander.
Add all remaining ingredients and toss lightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.

Shrimp scampi

Serves: 6

Preparation time:5 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium shallot, diced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 ½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest

See Preparation

Shrimp scampi

Preparation:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently about 2 minutes.
Add shrimp; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in parsley, lemon juice and lemon zest.
Serve immediately.

Shrimp-tortellini pesto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For the pesto:
1 cup stemmed basil
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 teaspoons fresh parsley
3 teaspoons olive oil

1 clove minced garlic
2 teaspoons melted butter
1 pound cleaned shrimp
1 clove minced garlic
1 large tomato, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound tortellini

See Preparation

Shrimp-tortellini pesto

Preparation:

Pesto:
Combine first six ingredients. Puree in a blender. Transfer to a bowl.

In a 12 inch sauté pan, over high heat, quickly sauté shrimp with butter, garlic and tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Toss and stir constantly.
Cook tortellini in salted boiling water. Drain, and add immediately to pesto mixture.
Toss thoroughly. Spoon on plates, and top with shrimp and tomato. Serve hot.

Sicilian arancini

Serves: 6

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

For the Rice
10 1/2 ounces short-grain rice (Vialone Nano, Carnaroli, or Arborio)
1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 oz unsalted butter
Fine sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Meat Sauce and Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup yellow onion (about 1/2 small, finely chopped)
3 tablespoons carrot (finely chopped )
3 tablespoons celery (finely chopped)
3 ounces ground beef
3 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons dry red wine
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup tomato purée (passata di pomodoro)
1/3 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

For the Rice Balls
Optional: 4.4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (diced)
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup water
Pinch salt
2 cups breadcrumbs
2 inches vegetable oil (for frying)
Steps to Make It

See Preparation

Sicilian arancini

Preparation:

Make the Rice
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, place the rice, saffron, and 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer about 15 to 20 minutes or until all of the water has been absorbed.
Remove lid, stir in grated Parmigiano, butter, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Spread the rice out on a large plate or baking dish to cool completely to room temperature.

Make the Meat Sauce and Filling
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and sauté, stirring often, until softened and the onions are translucent - about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the ground beef and pork and fry, stirring often, until browned - about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add the wine and let cook until the alcohol aroma has reduced - about 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and tomato purée, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally - about 10 minutes.
Stir in meat sauce.
Add the peas and continue to simmer the sauce for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the sauce is thickened. It should not be too liquidy.
Transfer the filling to a bowl and set aside to let it cool.

Once the rice and filling are completely cooled, start shaping your rice balls.
Place 1 heaping tablespoon of rice in the palm of one hand, then use your fingers and thumb to shape it into a hollow bowl shape.
Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center and 1 to 2 small cubes of diced fresh mozzarella (if using).
Then gently close the rice around the filling to form either a round ball shape or a cone/pear shape.

When all of your arancini have been formed, whisk together the flour, eggs, 1/2 cup of water, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth.
Spread the bread crumbs in a plate or baking dish.
Gently roll each ball first in the egg-flour-water-salt mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Then roll them in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
At this point, you can refrigerate your arancini for 20 to 30 minutes to let them firm up if they seem a bit too loose or liquidy. If not, you can go directly to frying.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable frying oil to 360F.
Fry your arancini in batches of just 2 to 3 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot until they are evenly golden-brown - about 3 minutes.
Transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve hot.

Sicilian cannoli

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla Filling:
16 oz Mascarpone
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
Garnish: chopped pistachio nuts

See Preparation

Sicilian cannoli

Preparation:

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Preheat pizzelli maker.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter onto the center of the baking surface of the pizzelli maker. Close the cover. Bake for about a minute.
Cookies are baked when golden brown.
While wafer is hot, shape into cannoli shells. Store in an airtight container.
Filling:
Whip the chilled cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar. Whisk the mascarpone and gently fold in the whipped cream.
Scoop filling into a piping bag fitted with a tip to fill each shell. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each end of the filled cannoli and dust with powdered sugar.

Silk handkerchiefs with pesto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:4 minutes

For pasta:
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 eggs
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 recipe of pesto dressing

See Preparation

Silk handkerchiefs with pesto

Preparation:

Make a well with flour and salt on a work surface. In the center, add eggs. one at a time, working into flour with your hands. Continue kneading until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 4 balls.
Put the dough through a pasta machine several times, gradually setting the thickness from the widest to the thinnest.
Cut sheets into 4 inch square.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain and serve with pesto.

Soft polenta

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

3 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons butter
coarse salt
white pepper
1 cup quick cooking polenta
1/4 cup creme fraiche

See Preparation

Soft polenta

Preparation:

Place stock in medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Add butter and salt and pepper to taste.
Slowly add polenta, stirring constantly to keep lumps from forming. Lower heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes, or until polenta is thickened and cooked.
Remove from heat and whip in the creme fraiche. Season to taste.

Soft potato ravioli with truffle pan sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

4 cups rich chicken stock
1 cup mirepoix (finely diced carrots, onion and celery)
3 cloves garlic peeled
1/3 cup truffle butter
2 pounds russet potatoes
2 teaspoons chopped onion
3 ounces fresh soft goat cheese
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
salt and ground white pepper
2 teaspoons flour
2 large eggs
4 12-by-8-inch fresh pasta
1 medium black truffle
2 teaspoons minced fresh chive

See Preparation

Soft potato ravioli with truffle pan sauce

Preparation:

Combine stock, mirepoix, and 1 clove of garlic in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until reduced by half. Strain through a fine sieve, discarding solids. Stir in truffle butter. Reserve and keep hot in a small pan.
Peel and dice potatoes. Place in a medium saucepan with cold water to cover over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 garlic cloves, the onion and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until potatoes are soft. Drain well.
Put potatoes through a ricer. Add goat cheese, parsley, salt and pepper to taste and beat to combine. Cover and set aside.
Lightly flour a baking sheet and set side. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Set aside.
Working with one pasta sheet at a time, cut out 50 circles with a 2-inch round cookie cutter.
Cover pasta disks to keep them soft. Place 10 discs on a clean flat surface.
Brush with egg wash. Place a heaping tablespoon in the center of each disc. Cover with another pasta disc. Push the edges to seal the pasta around the filling.
Crimp edges to from a tight seal. Place on a baking sheet and let dry. Continue making raviolis as above until you have 25. Slice the truffle into paper thin slices.
Cook raviolis in salted boiling water for 4 minutes in two batches. Remove from water with slotted spoon or wire strainer.
Place 4 raviolis in each of 6 warm soup plates. Place truffle slices over raviolis. Add chives to reserved hot sauce. Spoon equal amount of sauce over each plate.

Soufflé renversé

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

1 tablespoon butter, soft
1 tablespoon flour
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
6 eggs
1 cup (4 ounces by weight) grated Swiss cheese
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For stewed tomatoes:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
1 cup diced tomatoes, peeled and seeded

See Preparation

Soufflé renversé

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Brush the interior of a 6-cup soufflé mold with the softened butter. Dust the bottom and sides with flour. Set aside.
In a heavy saucepan melt the butter. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the milk. Cook over medium-high heat while whisking until sauce becomes thick and bubbly. Transfer the sauce to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg.
Separate the eggs. Mix egg yolks and cheeses in the thick cream sauce. (can be prepared 2 hours in advance up to this point.)
Stewed tomatoes:
In a medium saucepan, heat oil and shallots. Stir over medium heat for 5 minutes, Do not brown. Add tomatoes, and simmer until sauce is thick .
In an electric mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until the whites are firm and fluffy. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whites into the cheese mixture. Pour one half of the mixture into mold. Spoon stewed tomatoes over soufflé and add remaining soufflé mixture. The mold will be full. Bake for 45 minutes. Take the soufflé out of the oven and allow to settle for 20 minutes on a large plate. Invert the soufflé over a serving platter.

Spaghetti bake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes

8 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tomato beef sauce:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon each dried oregano and basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 each carrots and zucchini, grated
1 sweet red pepper, diced
1 28-ounce can tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Cheese sauce:
2 teaspoon butter
2 teaspoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt to taste

See Preparation

Spaghetti bake

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Tomato beef sauce:
In Dutch oven, heat oil. Cook onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme, for about 4 min. Add beef. Cook breaking up with spoon until no longer pink. Add mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, and pepper. Cook stirring often until liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and vinegar.

Cheese sauce:
In saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, stirring for 1 minute. Add milk; whisk until sauce boils and thickens. Transfer to bowl; let cool 10 minutes. Blend in ricotta, egg and cheese.
Cook spaghetti for 5 minutes or until almost tender but still firm. Drain and toss with beef sauce.

Spread in a baking dish (13x9-inch). Spoon cheese sauce over. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 40 minutes.

Spaghetti squash pesto with tomatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 small spaghetti squash
20 large basil leaves
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tbsp Parmigiano-Reggiano
salt and fresh pepper
8 cherry tomatoes, diced

See Preparation

Spaghetti squash pesto with tomatoes

Preparation:

Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and fibers. Place in a microwave safe dish and cover. Microwave 8-9 minutes. Can also be baked at 350 degrees for one hour. When done, scoop out flesh with a fork into a large bowl.

In an electric blender combine basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt a pepper and puree until smooth.

Combine pesto with 4 cups spaghetti squash (save any remaining squash for another recipe). Add tomatoes and season with additional salt and pepper. Serve.

Spaghetti with creamy garlic and leeks

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
6 medium leeks (light-green and white parts only), halved and sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces (10 cups)
10 medium cloves garlic, halved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup lower-salt chicken broth
12 oz. dried spaghetti
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 oz. grated Pecorino Romano (1/3 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

See Preparation

Spaghetti with creamy garlic and leeks

Preparation:

Heat the butter and oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the butter has melted.
Add the leeks, garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and cook, stirring often, until the leeks begin to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and press a 12-inch round piece of parchment over the leek mixture to cover completely.
Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are very soft but not falling apart and the garlic is very soft, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Uncover the skillet and remove the parchment.
Add the cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and toss. Off the heat, stir in the cheese and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Sparkling lemon cream

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

3 pints lemon sorbet
1 750-ml bottle chilled Prosecco or other dry white sparkling wine
1 1/2 cups chilled vodka

See Preparation

Sparkling lemon cream

Preparation:

Place 1 pint sorbet, 1 cup chilled Proseco and 1/2 cup chilled vodka in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into large pitcher.
Repeat 2 more times with remaining sorbet, Proseco, and vodka; pour into same pitcher.
Place in freezer up to 3 hours. Whisk mixture to blend and, if necessary, let soften at room temperature 15 minutes. Pour into wine glasses or Champagne flutes.
To serve this as a dessert drink , serve with fresh berries and biscotti.

Spinach and pasta salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

6 cups Farfalle pasta
3/4 cup sliced red pepper
4 green onions, sliced
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup shredded fresh basil
2 cups lightly packed fresh spinach
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large clove garlic, minced

See Preparation

Spinach and pasta salad

Preparation:

Cook pasta until firm but tender. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again very well.
Whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add pasta, red pepper, onions, feta cheese and half of the shredded basil; toss gently. Stack spinach leaves and roll up tightly; cut crosswise into thin strips.
Add to salad along with tomatoes and remaining basil; toss gently.

Spring green risotto

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1- 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
1 cup chopped fennel
1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock
1 pound thin asparagus
5 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
5 ounces fava beans
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving

See Preparation

Spring green risotto

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas and fresh fava beans, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)

When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.

Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. set aside off the heat for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

Strawberries with zabaglione sauce

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:8 minutes

2 pints fresh strawberries
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup Cool whip

See Preparation

Strawberries with zabaglione sauce

Preparation:

Cut the strawberries into quarters or slices. Place in individual crystal compote dishes or other bowl.
Combine the egg yolks, sugar, and wine in a metal mixing bowl. Set over a pot with boiling water.
Whisk egg yolks until thick and creamy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the Grand Marnier. Add Cool whip. Spoon zabaglione sauce over strawberries, and top with sliced almonds.

Strawberry-topped lime mousse tart

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

For crust:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 teaspoons cold water

For filling:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup chilled whipped cream, (divided into 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup)
5 ounces white chocolate
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream

Topping:
3 12-ounce baskets strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

See Preparation

Strawberry-topped lime mousse tart

Preparation:

Crust:
Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
Blend first 4 ingredients in processor until nuts are ground. Add butter cut into small pieces, and mix until dough has a fine texture. Blend in enough water until mixture forms a ball. Press dough evenly over bottom and up sides of tart pan. Freeze crust for 30 minutes. Bake until golden brown for about 30 minutes.
Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and gelatin. Let stand for 10 minutes to soften. Bring 1/4 cup cream to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in the white chocolate. Add gelatin mixture; stir to dissolve. Mix in peel. Chill until cold and beginning to thicken but not set, stirring often.
Whip sugar, sour cream and remaining 1/2 cup cream to medium-stiff peaks.
Fold whipped cream mixture into the white chocolate mixture. Spoon mousse into crust.
Chill until mousse sets, about 2 hours.
Arrange berries atop the mousse.
Melt jam in small saucepan over low heat. Brush jam over strawberries to glaze.

Striped bass italienne

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:25 minutes

2 pounds striped bass fillet
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 ounces flour
12 small clams
12 cleaned mussels
1 pound chopped tomatoes
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon basil
3/4 cup clam juice

See Preparation

Striped bass italienne

Preparation:

Cut the fillets into equal portions. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour. Deep fry at 360 F (185 C) for 5 minutes, or until half cooked. Drain well.
Arrange fish on a baking dish. Surround with cherrystone clams and mussels.
Spoon the chopped seeded tomatoes and garlic over fish. Sprinkle with herbs and pour clam juice over.
Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until shellfish open. Arrange fish and shellfish on a serving platter.
Pour cooking liquid over. Serve hot.

Stuffed chicken breasts

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

2 whole chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium chopped onion
1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 pound chopped spinach
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 chopped basil leaves
1 cup yogurt
1 teaspoon wine vinegar
1 medium chopped tomato
4 large chopped basil

See Preparation

Stuffed chicken breasts

Preparation:

For the stuffing:
Sauté onion in oil and butter over low heat. Add spinach and cook for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add the ricotta, Parmesan and basil leaves.
Loosen the skin of each breast by slipping the finger between the flesh and the skin. Divide the stuffing among the breasts and neatly fill the pockets. Place the breasts skin side up in a baking dish. Sprinkle with olive oil and rub with thyme and salt.
Bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees or until skin is brown. Cool chicken then cut in half.
Serve with the yogurt sauce. To make the sauce: Combine the yogurt, vinegar, tomato and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stuffed pork chops with polenta and tomatoes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 cup quick-cooking polenta
Four 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
Four 1/4-inch thick slices smoked mozzarella (about 3 1/2 ounces)
4 teaspoons anchovy paste, divided or 4 teaspoons finely chopped capers
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pints grape tomatoes cut in half (about 3 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup milk
Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for sprinkling

See Preparation

Stuffed pork chops with polenta and tomatoes

Preparation:

Preheat broiler on high and set oven rack 4 inches from heat. Line broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet with foil.

In a medium saucepan, prepare polenta according to package directions. While polenta is cooking, prepare the pork chops.

Place chops flat on cutting board and, using a sharp paring knife, make a horizontal slit 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches long
in the side of each chop.

Spread each mozzarella slice with 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Stuff a piece of mozzarella inside each chop, press the pork closed, and secure with a toothpick.

Rub the chops with 1 tablespoon oil, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and place on the foil-lined pan.
Broil until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm remaining 1/4 cup oil. Add garlic, tomatoes, and broth.
Cover and cook until tomatoes softened and just beginning to burst, 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

When the polenta is cooked, whisk in enough milk to thin the polenta to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve pork chops over polenta, topped with tomato pan sauce and parsley.

Stuffed tomatoes with mussels

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

6 medium ripe tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 pound cooked mussels without shells
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
6 lemon wedges

See Preparation

Stuffed tomatoes with mussels

Preparation:

Wash tomatoes. Cut off the tops. scoop out insides, and sprinkle cavities with salt and pepper.
Combine mussels with mayonnaise and fill tomatoes.
Sprinkle with dill. Arrange tomatoes on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Summer pasta vegetable salad

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1 package (450g) fusilli or rotini
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups small zucchini (quartered lengthwise and sliced)
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup white wine
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Summer pasta vegetable salad

Preparation:

Cook pasta until tender but firm; drain and keep hot. Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, heat oil.
Add zucchini and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes and wine, cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Stir in herbs; cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss sauce with hot pasta.
Serve immediately, with parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top.

Summer salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1/2 pound green beans (1-inch length)
1 pound cooked asparagus
2 cooked artichoke bottoms
2 tablespoons snipped chives
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced chervil
1 tomato
1 avocado
sherry vinegar mayonnaise

See Preparation

Summer salad

Preparation:

Cut green beans into 1-inch lengths.
Cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain.
Cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths.
Cut each artichoke bottom into 6 wedges.
Combine beans, asparagus, artichokes, chives, parsley and chervil with enough mayonnaise to coat.
Peel and thinly slice the tomato.
Peel, pit and thinly slice the avocado.
Arrange the salad on four lettuce lined plates and garnish with tomato and avocado.

Summer squash skins with garlic bread crumbs

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Olive oil cooking spray
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 1/2 pounds zucchini or combination of zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, each no longer than 6 inches
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

See Preparation

Summer squash skins with garlic bread crumbs

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a small baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Combine garlic and bread crumbs and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Spray again with olive oil cooking spray and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until nicely browned. Stir a few times to toast evenly.
2. Meanwhile, trim ends of the squash. Holding each squash upright (vertically,) slice off the skin into long, narrow slices all around. (You should have about 1 1/4 pounds.) Cut slices into long strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Use the inside pulp for Zucchini Pancakes.
3. Put butter and oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add squash strips, raise heat to high, and toss. Cook, tossing occasionally, until squash are just beginning to soften but are still slightly crunchy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic bread crumbs, and parsley, toss, and serve.

Sweet onion risotto cakes

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

3 cups chicken stock
3 medium white onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoon butter
coarse salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup flour

See Preparation

Sweet onion risotto cakes

Preparation:

Bring stock to a boil. Lower heat to just keep hot. Line a baking sheet with sides, with wax paper.
Peel onions and cut into fine dice. Heat olive oil, add onions and saute for 5 minutes, until slightly browned. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil. Add 2 cups of stock and bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 20 minutes, adding stock, 1/2 cup at a time, every 3 minutes, until you have used all the stock. Stir in parsley and butter. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Pour out into lined pan and smooth top. Set aside to cool. Place cornmeal on a plate, set aside. When rice is cool, divide it into either six or twelve equal portions.
Press each portion into a 3-inch ring mold or pastry cutter to form a firm cake. Place cakes in cornmeal to coat each side generously.
Heat vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the cakes and cook for about 2 minutes per side. until crisp and golden.

Sweet potato gnocchi with sage and brown butter

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, red skin variety
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted, plus up to 1/2 cup for kneading
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

See Preparation

Sweet potato gnocchi with sage and brown butter

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Poke a few holes in each sweet potato to let steam escape, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake them until they're tender, about 45 minutes.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and pass them through a ricer, or a food mill with a fine grate.
3. Place the puree in a large bowl and add the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sage, the salt and pepper, nutmeg and the cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Flour a work surface and scoop the dough out onto it. Dust the top and sides of the dough lightly with flour, and perhaps rub some flour between your hands so that they don't stick to the dough.
5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece under your palms so that it forms a long rope. [The original recipe says that the ropes should be about 1 inch wide and 20 inches long, but your mileage might vary.] Go ahead and sprinkle the dough with a bit of extra flour if it's sticking. Cut the rope into 1-inch segments, and roll each segment over the tines of a fork to form the characteristic indentations. (Use a gnocchi board if you're lucky enough to have one.) Collect the formed gnocchi on a baking sheet.
6. When you've finished forming the gnocchi, bring a large pot of water to boiling and salt it generously. Drop several gnocchi into the boiling water (you'll need to work in batches so that you don't crowd the pot). Cook them for about 10 seconds after they rise to the surface. This could be only a couple of minutes, or up to five minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a clean baking sheet, and cool completely.
7. Place a large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Melt the butter and cook it, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids have turned a lovely chestnut color and smell nutty, about 5 minutes. If you plan to add fried sage leaves as a garnish, go ahead and fry them.
8. Once the butter has browned, add the remaining chopped sage and turn off the heat. The mixture will bubble up, so don't be alarmed.
9. Add the gnocchi to the sage butter, place over medium-high heat, and cook until the gnocchi are heated through, about 5-6 minutes. You might have to do this in batches, in which case it's useful to have the oven preheated to 300F/150C so that your earlier batches don't get cold. Divide the gnocchi and sauce among bowls, garnish with sage leaves (if desired), and serve.

The pasta salad

Serves: 5

Preparation time:20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 pound Fusilli, Rotini, Gemelli pasta
Good olive oil
1 pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced
3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced
4 oz good feta cheese, medium-diced
6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
For the dressing:

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and diced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 garlic clove, diced
1 tbsp capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
3/4 cup parsley, chopped

See Preparation

The pasta salad

Preparation:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
The dressing:
combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers in a food processor until almost smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and parsley, and toss well.

Tomato and Seafood Penne

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

7 oz (225 g) whole wheat penne or linguine
2 tsp olive oil
3 shallots, chopped
2 leeks, (white and light green parts only halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (500 mL) no-salt-added canned diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch each hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper
6 oz (170 g) frozen scallops, (about 10) thawed and halved
6 oz (170 g) frozen jumbo shrimp, (about 8) thawed, peeled, deveined and cut in half lengthwise
6 cups (1.5 L) packed baby spinach
1/3 cup (75 mL) grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh basil

See Preparation

Tomato and Seafood Penne

Preparation:

In large pot of boiling water, cook penne according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook shallots, leeks and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

Add scallops and shrimp; cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and scallops are opaque, about 3 minutes.

Stir in pasta and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in enough of the reserved cooking liquid to coat; transfer to serving platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.

Tomato aspic

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:5 minutes

4 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3 envelops unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup water
1 cup diced celery

See Preparation

Tomato aspic

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, heat tomato juice and chicken stock until hot. Stir in lemon rind, Worcestershire sauce and salt.
In a small bowl, combine gelatin with water. Set for 5 minutes. Stir in hot tomato mixture. Add celery.
Pour into ring mold or individual decorative molds.
Refrigerate to set. Dip mold in hot water for a few seconds. Unmold on platter or plates.

Tomato pie with polenta crust

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

For filling:
olive oil
3 tomatoes
1 small zucchini
1 red onion, thickly sliced
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

For crust:
olive oil
1/2 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 egg white
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup Emmenthal cheese

See Preparation

Tomato pie with polenta crust

Preparation:

Preheat broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil; brush with oil. Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices; scoop out and discard seeds and juice. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch diagonal slices.
Arrange tomatoes, zucchini and onion in single layer on baking sheet; brush vegetables with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until surface of tomatoes appears dry and zucchini and onions are browned. Set aside.
Lightly oil a 9-in pie plate or cake pan; sprinkle base and sides with a little cornmeal, tilting pan to coat entire surface evenly.
Tap pan to remove excess; set aside. In medium saucepan combine 1/2 cup cornmeal and the water; bring to boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes or until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan.
Whisk in milk until mixture is smooth. Set aside 5 minutes to cool slightly. Whisk in egg white; stir in Parmesan cheese.
In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; stir into cornmeal mixture until well combined.
Spread cornmeal mixture over base and up sides of prepared pan to form 1/2-in thick layer. Sprinkle with half of parsley and thyme. Using a slotted metal spatula, lift vegetables from baking sheet, draining off juices.
Cover cornmeal mixture with half of tomatoes, half of onion, the remaining thyme and all but 1 tablespoon of the parsley.
Arrange remaining tomatoes, the zucchini and onion decoratively on top. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 35 minutes or until crust is puffed and golden. Sprinkle evenly Emmenthal and reserved parsley. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Tomato-basil tortellini

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 medium chopped onions
2 cloves minced garlic
2 stalks chopped celery
2 medium chopped carrots
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
28 ounces canned tomatoes
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 teaspoons chopped basil
1 1/2 pounds tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
1 sweet red pepper

See Preparation

Tomato-basil tortellini

Preparation:

Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté the first ingredients until carrots are tender.
Chop tomatoes in food processor. Stir tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley and basil in pan. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes while stirring frequently.
Cook tortellini in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain. Stir cream and chopped red pepper into tomato sauce. Continue cooking until sauce is reduced and thickened then place the pasta in a large shallow serving dish.
Pour the sauce over pasta. Toss gently and serve hot.

Tomato-feta phyllo kisses

Serves: 12

Preparation time:25 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

3/4 cup crumbled feta
4 ounce pkg creamy goat cheese, about 3/4 cup crumbled
3 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves
1/4 cup finely chopped chives or 2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried leaf oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
8 sheets phyllo dough
1/2 cup melted butter

See Preparation

Tomato-feta phyllo kisses

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375F. If feta is packed in liquid, rinse with cold water. Pat dry. Crumble into a measuring cup. Place in a medium-size bowl along with goat cheese. Finely chop tomatoes. They should measure 1/2 cup . Add to cheeses. Stir in chives, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne, if using, just until evenly distributed.
Place a sheet of phyllo in front of you on a flat dry surface. Keep remainder of phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Lightly brush phyllo with butter. Place another sheet on top. Brush lightly with butter. With a sharp knife, divide sheets into 12 squares by making 2 cuts lengthwise and 3 cuts crosswise. Place a rounded teaspoon of filling on each square. Gather up sides and pinch together above filling. Repeat until phyllo and filling are used up.
Place kisses on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in centre of 375F oven until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

4 medium tomatoes, firm
10 ounces fresh goat cheese
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

See Preparation

Tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.
Slice stem end off tomatoes. Scoop out seeds and some meat. Place tomatoes upside down on paper towels to drain liquid.
Soften goat cheese. Season with pepper. Add eggs and basil. Mix well. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs and cheese.
Fill tomatoes with goat cheese mix.
Sprinkle Parmesan mixture on top. Bake on oiled cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Broil to brown.

Tortellini tomato soup

Serves: 4

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 cups (32 ounces) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 bay leaves
1 (14-ounce) package fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

See Preparation

Tortellini tomato soup

Preparation:

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 6 minutes.

Stir in the vinegar. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, cream, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the tortellini and simmer until cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes more (check at 3 minutes for fresh tortellini).
Remove from the heat, remove and discard the bay leaves, and stir in the basil. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and more basil, if desired.

Tri-color salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

2 large Belgian Endives
1 small head of red-leaf lettuce
1 small head of green-leaf lettuce
1 small bunch of watercress

Dressing:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon mustard
juice of one large garlic clove

See Preparation

Tri-color salad

Preparation:

Combine the dressing ingredients and pour them over the bowl of cleaned salad ingredients.
Toss salad and serve.
Depending on your taste and preference, several other recipes are possible.
Combine Belgian Endive with raddichio, red leaf lettuce, or red beets for the red ingredients and with arrugula, romaine lettuce, mache, or Boston lettuce for the green ingredients.

Tuna and broccoli with farfalle

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10-15 minutes

8 ounces farfalle (bow ties)
1 bunch broccoli
4 red pepers, cut into 1 inch squares
2 7-1/2 ounces cans solid white tuna in oil, drained and broken into large chunks
1 cup italian olives or other cured green olives

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons capers, drained
1 teaspoon oregano, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

See Preparation

Tuna and broccoli with farfalle

Preparation:

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again and transfer to a large shallow bowl. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Cut broccoli stems from florets. Peel and slice into 1/2 inch pieces. Divide florets into approximately 1 inch pieces.
Cook stems in boiling salted water about 5 minutes.
Cook florets in boiling salted water about 3 minutes. Drain broth, rinse with cold water and drain again. Gently pat dry with paper towels. Toss florets only with 1/4 cup dressing and chill; reserve. Add the broccoli stems, peppers, olives and tuna to the pasta and toss gently with the remaining dressing. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Make a border with the broccoli florets before bringing to the table.

Tuscan ribollita soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:40 minutes

Cooking time:2 hours

400 g (14 oz) of dried cannellini beans or 800 g (1 ¾ pounds) of canned cannellini beans.
300 g (10 oz) of stale bread. In Italy, we use Tuscan ciabatta bread, which is traditionally salt-free.
400 g (14 oz) of cavolo nero (Dino Kale)
250 g (9 oz) of savoy cabbage or green cabbage
250 g (10 oz) of Swiss chard
250 g (~10 oz) of potatoes (1 medium potato or 2 small potatoes)
180 g (6,4 0z) of peeled tomatoes
1 large onion
2 carrots
1 celery stalk
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 springs of fresh thyme
about 2 liters (8 ½ cups) of vegetable broth or hot bean cooking water (the kind you get when using dried cannellini beans)
70 g (5 tablespoons) of extra-virgin olive oil
Fine salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

See Preparation

Tuscan ribollita soup

Preparation:

1 - DRIED BEANS - This recipe calls for dried cannellini beans. If you are using this ingredient, soak the dried cannellini beans in plenty of cold water the night before.

Once the beans are tender, drain and cook in at least 3 liters (12 ¾ cups) of water - scented with a sprig of rosemary - over medium-low heat for at least 1 hour.
Then drain the beans, saving the cooking water. Keep half the beans whole and puree the other half with an immersion blender. Set aside.

CANNED BEANS - If using canned beans, remove the liquid and rinse under cold water. Blend half of them and set aside.

2 - On a cutting board, chop the onion, carrot and celery into small pieces.

Then peel the potato and cut it into fairly large pieces.

3 - Wash and slice the cabbage, chard and kale.

Place the peeled tomatoes in a bowl with their juice and mash with a fork. Set aside.

4 - In a large saucepan, saute the carrot, onion, and celery with 4 tablespoons of EVO oil over medium heat for about 1 minute.

Then add the potatoes and a sprig of thyme and rosemary. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 3 minutes.

Finally, add the tomatoes.

5 - Stir and cook over medium heat for about two minutes. Then add the cabbage, chard, and kale.

At this point, add 2 liters (8 ½ cups) of bean cooking water (or vegetable broth if using canned beans).

6 - Cover and cook on a low heat for about 2 hours. If the ribollita soup gets too dry, add a ladle of hot water or hot vegetable broth.

After about 2 hours, the soup will be cooked and the vegetables will be soft. At this point, add the cream of beans and stir.

7 - Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now add the whole beans that have been kept aside.

After another 10 minutes or so, season with salt and pepper, stir and remove from heat.

The ribollita soup is almost ready.

8 - Cut the stale bread into large slices or pieces.

Now take a pot or high-sided casserole that is larger than the one that holds the vegetable soup.

Place the stale bread slices on the bottom and add a few ladles of soup.

9 - Repeat adding a layer of bread and a layer of soup until the pot is full.

Allow to cool at room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: This time in the refrigerator is necessary to allow the bread to absorb all the liquid from the soup and to give the ribollita its typical thick consistency.

At the end of this time, take the pot. The bread will have absorbed the soup and will be completely melted. The soup will be semi-solid.

Return to the heat and bring to a boil. Serve hot.

Tuscan soup

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

See Preparation

Tuscan soup

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, salt and pepper. Sautee over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and oregano. Add the stock and bring to a boil.
Add the spelt or farro and bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the soup for 20 to 30 minutes or until the farro is almost tender (you don't want the grains completely cooked since the soup will cook for additional time and the vegetables are cooked). Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the beans and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve hot, drizzled with a little olive oil, if desired.

Upside-down peach cake

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:55 minutes

See Preparation

Upside-down peach cake

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Blanch and peel 8 ripe peaches. Cut in halves. Or use canned or frozen peaches. Slice 1 inch thick.
Butter a 9-by 1 1/2-inch round cake pan with 3 tablespoons soft butter, and sprinkle with 1/2 c. sugar over butter. Arrange peaches close together in a circle in the pan.
In an electric mixer, cream 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) soft butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Sift together 1 1/4 cup cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch salt and combine into butter sugar mixture.
Gradually stir in flour batter over peaches, smoothing top.
Bake cake 55 minutes to 1 hour, or till brown.
Cool on rack for 10 min.
Invert on a platter. Brush peaches with melted apricot glaze or strained strawberry jam. Serve with whipped cream.

Vegetable and herb orzo salad

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

For salad:
6 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch
2 2/3 cups orzo
1 1/4 cups cubed seeded tomatoes
3/4 cup cubed seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons finely chopped lemon peel

Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped lemon peel
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 cup olive oil
1 head Boston lettuce

See Preparation

Vegetable and herb orzo salad

Preparation:

Salad:
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add snap peas; cook 1 minute. Using slotted spoon transfer beans to strainer. Rinse with cold water and drain. Add orzo to same pot. Boil until tender but still firm to bite. Drain and cool.
Place orzo in large bowl. Mix in snap peas, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, mint and lemon peel. Season with salt and pepper.
Dressing:
Combine lemon juice, lemon peel and garlic. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour half of dressing over salad; toss to coat. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover salad and remaining dressing separately and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
Toss salad with enough dressing to coat generously. Season with salt and pepper.
Line serving bowl with lettuce. Mound salad in bowl.

Vegetable lasagna

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

15 lasagne noodles
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup flour
2 1/2 cups milk
10 ounces package chopped spinach, well drained
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon basil, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste
6 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese

See Preparation

Vegetable lasagna

Preparation:

Cook lasagna according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, red pepper and mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until bubbly and thickened. Add spinach, Parmesan cheese and basil. Stir half of mixture into eggs, then pour back into saucepan. Cook over low heat until sauce simmers, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a 13-inch by 9-inch greased baking dish, layer of lasagne (about 5 overlapping noodles) and of sauce. Repeat layers twice.
Top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Vegetarian minestrone

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup drained canned cannellini beans
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1-14 ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup uncooked macaroni
4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

See Preparation

Vegetarian minestrone

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until lightly browned.
Add water and next 10 ingredients. Cover, reduce heat and cook 25 minutes.
Add pasta; cover and cook an additional 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls, and sprinkle with cheese.

White chocolate and raspberry tart

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

Pastry:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, beaten

Filling:
1 pound good quality white chocolate, chopped
5 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup whipping cream
2 cups raspberries

See Preparation

White chocolate and raspberry tart

Preparation:

Pastry:
Place flour, butter and sugar in food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add egg and water. Pulse again until ball of dough forms.
Roll out dough and place in 11-inch flan pan. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover dough with sheet of foil and weight with dried beans or pastry weights.
Bake for 20 minutes or until pastry is lightly browned.
Remove foil and beans and bake for 5 to 8 minutes longer.
Filling:
Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler over hot (not boiling) water. Stir in cream; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Arrange raspberries over bottom of pastry shell and cover with chocolate mixture.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Wine jelly

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:none

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup Madeira wine

See Preparation

Wine jelly

Preparation:

Mix the gelatin and sugar together in small bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let soften for 5 minutes. Pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over and mix well to dissolve. Add orange juice, lemon juice and wines. Pour into a mold and chill until firm.

Zucchini carpaccio salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

4 small zucchinis
2 scallions, chopped
2 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

basil & parsley vinaigrette: (this will make extra)
1 cup flat leaf parsley
1 cup basil
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoon wine vinegar
juice of 1/2 small lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon honey or agave
salt & pepper to taste

See Preparation

Zucchini carpaccio salad

Preparation:

Put dressing ingredients into a food processer and blend until ingredients are combined, but not pureed. Taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside.

Using a mandoline slicer, shave un-peeled zucchinis into thin coins.

Toss zucchini, scallions and a quarter to a half cup of the vinaigrette together– . Adjust seasonings if necessary.

Arrange on a platter and top with sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, feta and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Cover leftover dressing and store it at room temperature.

Apple strudelettes

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

1 pound phyllo dough
1/2 cup raisins
3 teaspoons dark rum
3 pounds granny smith apples
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 stick (4 ounces)butter
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick melted unsalted butter (to brush phyllo sheets)

See Preparation

Apple strudelettes

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Soak raisins in rum. Peel, core and slice apples.
Chop coarsely in food processor. Transfer to mixing bowl.
Combine with sugars.
Brown breadcrumbs in butter, and add to apples with raisins, and half of cinnamon.
Brush a phyllo sheet with butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cut into 4 strips about 41/2 inch wide.
Place 2 tablespoons of apple mixture on lower left corner.
Enclose phyllo in apple mixture.
Brush melted butter over phyllo. Continue with remaining phyllo and filling.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until apples are tender.

Avgolemono - Greek egg lemon chicken soup

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

4 cups Chicken Stock
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup brown rice (cooked)
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
black pepper, fresh ground
nutmeg, ground

See Preparation

Avgolemono - Greek egg lemon chicken soup

Preparation:

Heat stock in 2 qt. saucepan until it is steaming.
In separate bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of stock into egg yolks, then quickly whisk mixture back into stock Stir in lemon juice and zest. Add rice, chicken and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until steaming, 3-5 minutes.
Pour into serving bowls and sprinkle with pepper and nutmeg if desired.

Caramelized pear-cranberry strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 large ripe pears
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 sheets phyllo pastry
icing sugar

See Preparation

Caramelized pear-cranberry strudel

Preparation:

Toss fresh cranberries with cornstarch. Reserve.
Peel pears; core and chop into bite-size pieces.
Melt two tablespoons of the butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Add pears and toss to coat in butter. Sprinkle with sugar and add fresh cranberries. Cook, tossing, until pears are golden and cranberries are beginning to split.
Stir in dried cranberries, orange peel, ginger and cinnamon. Cool to room temperature.
Melt remaining butter. Spread a sheet of phyllo on counter and brush evenly with butter. Add remaining layers, brushing liberally with butter between each layer. Leaving a 1-inch border along one of the short sides of the pastry and at top and bottom, spoon the pear mixture in a band down the side of the phyllo.
Fold over the edge and roll to encase fruit. Brush all edges with additional butter and press together to fully encase fruit.
Turn phyllo bundle so that the seam side faces down on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Brush remaining butter over top.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice three vent holes in strudel using a sharp knife. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden .
Cool pan on a rack. Sprinkle with icing sugar. Serve sliced at room temperature or warm.

Celery root remoulade

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

1 medium celery root, about 12 ounces
1 Granny Smith apple
1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons heavy cream
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

See Preparation

Celery root remoulade

Preparation:

Peel celery root; core apple. Grate both on the large holes of a box grater. Toss with lemon juice.
Whisk together yogurt, cream, mustard, salt and pepper. Add to celery root and apple; and toss to combine.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chocolate orange cheese cake

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 10 minutes

3 cups plain yogurt
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup sifted cocoa
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 8-ounce package light cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind
2 cans (10-ounce each) mandarin orange segments, drained

See Preparation

Chocolate orange cheese cake

Preparation:

Line a large sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth; set sieve over bowl.
Pour yogurt into sieve; let drain in refrigerator 4 to 6 hours or until yogurt remaining in sieve measures 2 cups. Discard liquid in bowl.
Spray base and sides of 8-inch springform pan with nonstick baking spray.
Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over base of pan; set aside. Stir together sugar, cocoa and cornstarch.
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Beat in eggs and egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Slowly blend in cocoa mixture and orange rind until combined.
Whisk in yogurt until smooth.
Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until cheesecake is just set but centre still jiggles slightly. Turn oven off.
Run a sharp knife around edge of pan to loosen. Leave cheesecake in oven with door closed for 1 hour. Remove from oven. Place on wire rack; let cool completely. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled. Release sides of pan; place cheesecake on serving plate.

Eggplant and tomato terrine

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour

Cooking time:20 minutes

1/2 cup olive oil
2 large unpeeled eggplants
4 large tomatoes, peeled
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 teaspoon cold water
1/3 cup tomato juice
1 teaspoon tomato paste
to taste salt and pepper
1 recipe herb vinaigrette

Herb vinaigrette:
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Eggplant and tomato terrine

Preparation:

Slice eggplants lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add single layer of eggplant to skillet and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices adding oil as necessary.
Core tomatoes. Cut into quarters through stem end. Scrape out seeds and veins.
Flatten each piece by pressing gently with flat side of knife. Sprinkle gelatin over water in small bowl.
Heat tomato juice in a saucepan. Stir in gelatin and tomato paste and stir to dissolve. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Line a 3 by 7 inch terrine or loaf pan with wax paper, leaving 3-inch overhang. Line the bottom and sides of prepared terrine with slightly overlapping eggplant slices, leaving 2-inch overhang. Dip tomato pieces in tomato-gelatin juice.
Cover eggplant with single layer of tomato. Cover with single layer of eggplant. Continue layering tomatoes and eggplant, ending with eggplant. Fold in eggplant overhang. Fold in wax paper overhang.
Top with weight. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Just before serving, unmold terrine on a cutting board.
Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange on cold plates.
Serve with herb vinaigrette.

Herb vinaigrette:
Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Fried chickpea salad

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1/3 cup Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and dried very well
1 bunch scallions, white and green parts, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups baby arugula, washed and dried
3 cups baby kale, washed and dried
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup finely crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

See Preparation

Fried chickpea salad

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet over high heat, add 3 tablespoons of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chickpeas. Cook, tossing occasionally, until they're golden and crisp on the exterior, 6 to 7 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to medium high and add the scallions, garlic, and cumin. Cook and stir until the scallions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large serving bowl and let cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

4. Add the arugula, kale, tomatoes, cilantro, mint, cheese, and pine nuts to the bowl with the chickpeas. Pour over the yogurt dressing, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Toss well and serve.

Garlic-layered potatoes

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes

1 large garlic, separated into cloves, unpeeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 pounds russet potatoes peeled, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 tablespoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
1 1/2 cups cream

See Preparation

Garlic-layered potatoes

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bake garlic with oil drizzled over for 45 minutes. Cool briefly. Transfer garlic to work surface. Reserve oil in dish. Peel garlic and chop coarsely. Increase oven to 400 degrees.
Brush baking dish with reserved garlic oil. Layer potatoes in dish. Sprinkle each layer with chopped garlic, thyme, nutmeg.
Combine broth and cream. Pour over potatoes. Bake till tender.

Greek pasta salad with shrimp

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

3/4 pound tomatoes, chopped
1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped pitted black olives (brine-cured)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon dried thyme
6 green onions, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 pound linguine, freshly cooked
3/4 pound cooked shrimp

See Preparation

Greek pasta salad with shrimp

Preparation:

Mix first 10 ingredients in large bowl.
Add linguine and shrimp and toss to blend.
Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.

Greek salad with grilled shrimp

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:12 minutes

1 large head romaine, washed and cut into pieces
1 large green pepper, cut into pieces
1 large seedless cucumber, halved lengthwise, cut into pieces
2 bunches green onions, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup oil cured olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil
16 medium shrimp, peeled and halved lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely minced oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:
3 tablespoons dry red wine
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped oregano
1/4 cup olive oil

See Preparation

Greek salad with grilled shrimp

Preparation:

Toss together greens, pepper, cucumber, green onions and tomatoes. Toss with dressing. Scatter olives and feta over the top. In heavy skillet heat the olive oil. Add shrimp, garlic and oregano. Toss over high heat until shrimp are pink, curled and just cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon over salad.
Dressing:
Combine all ingredients and beat until well blended.

Greek-style pasta with shrimp

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/4 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 lb medium shrimp, uncooked peeled and deveined
1 1/2 cups drained canned artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and red pepper flakes
12 ounces angel hair or spaghettini pasta

See Preparation

Greek-style pasta with shrimp

Preparation:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

Add the garlic and stir for a minute to develop the flavor. Add shrimp to the skillet and saute for 2 minutes.

Add artichoke hearts, feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Saute for 2 minutes or until shrimp are cooked and pink.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Transfer pasta to large bowl.

In a large bowl, stir together the pasta and shrimp mixture; toss to coat.

Season with more salt and pepper if needed and serve.

Herbed spinach-ricotta srudel

Serves: 6

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
3 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
6 sheets phyllo pastry
Vegetable cooking spray

See Preparation

Herbed spinach-ricotta srudel

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drain spinach and remove excess moisture. Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined colander, and let drain 2 hours. Combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and cornstarch; stir well. Add drained spinach, green onions, basil, oregano, thyme, and salt; stir well.
Beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-fourth of beaten egg white into spinach mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white.
Place 1 sheet of phyllo on a damp towel (keep remaining phyllo covered); lightly coat phyllo with cooking spray. Repeat layers twice. Spoon half of spinach mixture along short side of phyllo, leaving 1-inch borders on outer edges and a 2-inch border at short end.
Fold short edge of phyllo over filling. Fold lengthwise edges in 1-inch, and roll up, jelly roll fashion. Lightly coat phyllo roll with cooking spray. Place, seam side down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; pierce top several times with tip of sharp knife, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of Parmesan.
Repeat procedure with remaining phyllo, spinach mixture and Parmesan. Bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes or until crisp and golden. Cut each strudel in slices and serve hot or room temperature.

Herbed spinach-ricotta strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

See Preparation

Herbed spinach-ricotta strudel

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Drain spinach and remove excess moisture. Place ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined colander, and let drain 2 hours. Combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and cornstarch; stir well. Add drained spinach, green onions, basil, oregano, thyme, and salt; stir well.
Beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-fourth of beaten egg white into spinach mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white.
Place 1 sheet of phyllo on a damp towel (keep remaining phyllo covered); lightly coat phyllo with cooking spray. Repeat layers twice. Spoon half of spinach mixture along short side of phyllo, leaving 1-inch borders on outer edges and a 2-inch border at short end. Fold short edge of phyllo over filling.
Fold lengthwise edges in 1-inch, and roll up, jelly roll fashion. Lightly coat phyllo roll with cooking spray. Place, seam side down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; pierce top several times with tip of sharp knife, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of Parmesan. Repeat procedure with remaining phyllo, spinach mixture and Parmesan.
Bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes or until crisp and golden. Cut each strudel in slices and serve hot or room temperature.

Honey-roasted cherry tomatoes on whipped feta

Serves: 6

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/2 cup (125 mL) Greek feta
1/4 cup (60 mL) cream cheese
3 tbsp (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil,
divided, plus more for bread
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest
2 tbsp (30 mL) amber honey, such as wildflower or clover
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3 cups (750 mL) cherry tomatoes
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt
6 slices sourdough bread,
1/2 inch (1 cm) thick
Freshly ground black pepper and
sumac to taste
1/4 cup (60 mL) loosely packed
torn parsley

See Preparation

Honey-roasted cherry tomatoes on whipped feta

Preparation:

1. Remove the feta from the brine and rinse very well in cold water. Dab dry with a paper towel.
Break up the block of feta and place in a food processor. Add cream cheese and sour cream, 2 tbsp (30 mL) oil, lemon juice and zest in bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread onto a large plate. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
2. Arrange rack in top third of oven. Preheat oven to broil.
3. Combine honey, remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil and garlic in a medium-size oven-proof skillet. Broil until garlic is golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Carefully remove from oven. Stir in paired with tangy, whipped feta.
tomatoes and salt. Broil, stirring halfway through, until tomatoes are blistered and charred, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer tomatoes onto whipped feta. Place cooking liquid over medium-high heat. Reduce until thick enough to coat back of spoon, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Arrange bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with oil. Broil, watching closely, until golden-brown and slightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then tear in half.
6. To serve, drizzle about 1 tbsp (15 mL) reduced sauce over tomatoes, saving rest for another use. Sprinkle with pepper and sumac. Garnish with parsley.
Serve with charred bread.

Mushrooms a la grecque greek style mushrooms

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 1/2 pounds tinyl white mushrooms
1/2 cup olive oil
5 ounces chopped onions
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 sprig thyme
6 parsley stems
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon peppercorns
2 bay leaves

See Preparation

Mushrooms a la grecque greek style mushrooms

Preparation:

Clean mushrooms, rinse in water, drain.
In a medium pot, combine oil and chopped onions. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms. Add lemon juice, tomato paste and white wine.
Combine herbs and spices in a cheese cloth.
Add to mushrooms. Cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Uncover. Transfer to a bowl. Chill.

Rhubarb pithiviers

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

10 ounces rhubarb, trimmed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup blanched ground almonds
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons sour cream
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon Cognac
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 sheets phyllo dough
2 1/2 teaspoons unsalted melted butter
1 egg yolk
Strawberry sauce:
1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar

See Preparation

Rhubarb pithiviers

Preparation:

Peel rhubarb. Cut into ¼-inch slices.
Place in a mixing bowl with sugar. Set aside for 1 hour.
In a mixing bowl, combine almonds, sugar, cornstarch, sour cream, egg yolk, cognac and vanilla.
Drain rhubarb, press to remove liquid, and blend into custard mixture.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut phyllo leaves across in halves. Place one sheet on a buttered baking sheet.
Brush with melted butter. Repeat and stack 2 more sheets. Spoon rhubarb over phyllo, leaving 1-inch border unfilled.
Brush the edge of pastry with egg yolk. Cover with 3 more buttered sheets of phyllo.
Trim off the pastry edges, leaving a neat 8-to-10 inch circle.
Use a dinner plate as guide. Use left over pastry to form leaves and decorate top of pastry.
Brush leaves, but not the pastry. Use the back of a small knife to trace leaf veins.
Bake until the pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.
To make the strawberry sauce:
Puree strawberries, lemon juice and sugar in a blender. Strain.

Roasted pears and figs compote

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:30 minutes

4 firm-ripe Bartlett pears
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
6 dried figs, quartered lengthwise
8 ounces plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar

See Preparation

Roasted pears and figs compote

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Halve the pears lengthwise and core them, then cut each half lengthwise into 3 wedges.
In a large nonstick ovenproof skillet, cook the sugar, apple juice and butter over moderate heat until the butter melts.
Stir in the cinnamon and allspice. Stir in the pears and figs and cook for 5 minutes.
Transfer the pears to the oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until tender.
Whisk the yogurt with the vanilla and superfine sugar. Spoon the compote on plates.
Serve warm or at room temperature with the yogurt sauce.

Sausage and dried cherry stuffing

Serves: 12

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

6 cups country style white bread, cubed and toasted
1 pound bulk pork sausage
4 oz butter
2 chopped onions
4 ribs of chopped celery
2 1/2 tablespoons of crumbled sage leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons crumbled thyme leaves
1 cup dried cherries (purchase them dried)
1 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
1 cup of chicken stock (canned)
salt and pepper to taste

See Preparation

Sausage and dried cherry stuffing

Preparation:

Toast the 6 cups of bread cubes for 10 - 15 minutes in a 325 degree oven until golden. Transfer toasted cubes into a large bowl.
In a skillet, sauté the sausage, until brown. Drain grease and transfer it the bread bowl. In the same skillet, add butter, sauté all of the vegetables for 10 minutes, until soft. Remove vegetables and place in bowl.
In the same bowl, combine the sausage, vegetables, cherries breadcrumbs and the rest of the ingredients except for the chicken stock.
Mix the ingredients until well combined. Add just enough chicken stock to moisten the bread mixture.

Stuff turkey loosely with stuffing just before roasting or bake into a large, shallow stoneware-baking dish.

Spanakopita spinach pie in puff pastry

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time:40 minutes

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 (10 ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
4 eggs, extra large, beaten
1 tablespoon dry breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water

See Preparation

Spanakopita spinach pie in puff pastry

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment (preferable) but you can use aluminum foil with a light spray of cooking oil.
2
Melt butter and cook onions for a few minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3
Beat eggs in medium bowl. Add cooked onion, spinach, cheese and bread crumbs. Add salt, pepper, & nutmeg. Mix well with fork.
4
Place one unfolded sheet of puff pastry on the parchment or sprayed aluminum foil. Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry, leaving a border of one inch all around the edges. Keep the spinach flat; do not pile high.
5
Brush the edges with the egg wash made with the last egg. Cover with the second sheet of pastry that has been slightly flattened with a rolling pin to one inch bigger than the first sheet. (This ensures all the spinach will be covered). Press edges together with fingertips or fork, making sure mixture is sealed well. Brush just the top with egg wash, careful not to drip any down the sides. Cut a few slits in the top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
6
Bake 30-40 minutes, until golden brown. Can be served hot or at room temperature.

Spiced pita chips

Serves: 10

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:15 minutes

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
6 whole-wheat pita breads, cut into 8 to 10 wedges each

See Preparation

Spiced pita chips

Preparation:

Heat the oven to 375°F.
Combine the oil and spices in a large bowl. Add the pita wedges and toss to coat. Spread the wedges in a single layer on two baking sheets and bake, tossing once, until the pitas are brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Spinach patties deluxe

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

1 10-oz package frozen spinach,thawed
3/4 cup dry cottage cheese
1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoon oil
1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese

See Preparation

Spinach patties deluxe

Preparation:

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and cheese; mix well. Shape into 6 patties about 1/3 cup each.
In large skillet, heat oil; brown patties about 5 minutes on each side.
Top with Swiss cheese. Serve immediately.

Spinach-feta strudel

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time:45 minutes

For Strudel:
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup water
12 sheets frozen phyllo pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Filling:
2 pounds fresh spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon each nutmeg and pepper
12 ounces feta cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

See Preparation

Spinach-feta strudel

Preparation:

Filling:
Wash spinach; shake off excess water. Cook the spinach with just the water clinging to leaves, turning often, until wilted. Chill under cold running water. Press out water; chop and reserve. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until tender.
In large bowl, beat eggs; stir in onion mixture, spinach, dill, nutmeg and pepper. Mix in feta, pine nuts and bread crumbs.
Strudel:
Place bread crumbs in bowl. In another bowl, stir butter with water. Place clean tea towel on work surface. Place one sheet of phyllo on towel, keeping remainder covered with plastic wrap and damp towel to prevent drying out.
Brush phyllo with butter mixture; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons bread crumbs. Repeat with 5 more layers to make 6 layers. Arrange half of the filling along one long side of phyllo, leaving about 1-inch uncovered at each end.
Using towel to help and starting at filling side, roll strudel once; brush with butter.
Fold in ends to enclose filling. Continue rolling and brushing with butter until to other side, using towel or spatulas to help. Gently transfer, seam side down, to parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling. Brush any remaining butter over tops. Slash each almost through to filling into 8 pieces. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Stuffed artichokes

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

4 large artichokes sausage meat
4 bacon slices
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 cup stock

See Preparation

Stuffed artichokes

Preparation:

Cut artichoke bottoms flat. Cut leaves across in half. Blanch in boiling water for 15 minutes. Cool, remove inside. Stuff with sausage meat. Cover with bacon slices. Sprinkle onion and carrot over bottom of baking dish. Arrange artichokes on vegetables. Pour stock over. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes or until artichokes are tender. Serve hot.

Stuffed eggplant rolls

Serves: 8

Preparation time:30 minutes

Cooking time:50 minutes

1 tablespoon soft butter
1 large eggplant, ends trimmed
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup dried bread crumbs
vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
2 cups ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt and ground black pepper to taste

See Preparation

Stuffed eggplant rolls

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices lengthwise; discard the end slices with skin. Lay the eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle both sides generously with sea salt. Let slices drain for 30 minutes; rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip each eggplant slice in flour and shake off excess; dip into egg and then into bread crumbs.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the slices until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, place on baking sheets, and refrigerate eggplant for 10 minutes.

Mix ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, and garlic in a bowl; season to taste with salt and black pepper. Place a cooled eggplant slice onto a work surface and mound 1/3 to 1/2 cup of cheese mixture in the center; roll up slice and place seam side down into the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining slices and cheese filling.

Bake rolls in the preheated oven until filling is hot, about 25 minutes.

Serve with tomato sauce, cream sauce, or other topping sauce.

The {Page-Turner-Cookbook} featuring

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Serve with toasted garlic bread

In a saucepan melt butter. Add onion. Mix for a minute. Do not brown. Pour chicken broth. Mix well with roux. Add sliced carrots and sliced ginger. Simmer for 30 minutes. Puree soup in a blender. Strain. Add milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

1. In a large bowl, break up feta with a fork. Whisk in vinegar, olive oil and mustard. 2. To the same bowl add black beans, grape tomatoes, corn, basil, red pepper and onion. Stir well, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 30 minutes. Toss with the olive oil and salt. Serve as finger food.

The {Page-Turner-Cookbook}
featuring

In a saucepan melt butter. Add onion. Mix for a minute. Do not brown. Pour chicken broth. Mix well with roux. Add sliced carrots and sliced ginger. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Puree soup in a blender. Strain. Add milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

1. In a large bowl, break up feta with a fork. Whisk in vinegar, olive oil and mustard.

2. To the same bowl add black beans, grape tomatoes, corn, basil, red pepper and onion. Stir well, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet.
Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 30 minutes.
Toss with the olive oil and salt.
Serve as finger food.