The {Page-Turner-Cookbook}
featuring
Spain
40 recipes
Asparagus with orange and endive salad
Baked cod greek-style
Broccoli with garlic
Buñuelos
Candied grapefruit peel
Chicken and pasta salad with asparagus
Coconut-almond bars
Codfish acras
Lamb shanks braised in red wine
Lemon tart with walnut crust
Marinated cod fillet with corn pudding
Marinated mussels
Marinated vegetables
Mussels mariniere
Mussels with leeks saffron and cream
Orange soaked cake
Paella of mussels
Paella valenciana
Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce
Pasta with broccoli and garbanzo beans
Plum raspberry sorbet
Pork scallopines with puree of chestnuts
Potato eggplant tart
Puree of celery root
Rack of lamb with mushroom crust
Red endives and spinach salad
Roasted acorn squash
Roasted salmon with creamy endives
Shrimp salad with belgian endive
Spanish fish stew
Spanish mussels
Spanish olive oil tortas - tortas de aceite
Spanish omelets
Spinach and chickpeas
Strawberry and peach compote
Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust
Strawberry-orange sherbet
Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho
Walnut crescents
Winter citrus compote
Asparagus with orange and endive salad
Baked cod greek-style
Broccoli with garlic
Buñuelos
Candied grapefruit peel
Chicken and pasta salad with asparagus
Coconut-almond bars
Codfish acras
Lamb shanks braised in red wine
Lemon tart with walnut crust
Marinated cod fillet with corn pudding
Marinated mussels
Marinated vegetables
Mussels mariniere
Mussels with leeks saffron and cream
Orange soaked cake
Paella of mussels
Paella valenciana
Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce
Pasta with broccoli and garbanzo beans
Plum raspberry sorbet
Pork scallopines with puree of chestnuts
Potato eggplant tart
Puree of celery root
Rack of lamb with mushroom crust
Red endives and spinach salad
Roasted acorn squash
Roasted salmon with creamy endives
Shrimp salad with belgian endive
Spanish fish stew
Spanish mussels
Spanish olive oil tortas - tortas de aceite
Spanish omelets
Spinach and chickpeas
Strawberry and peach compote
Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust
Strawberry-orange sherbet
Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho
Walnut crescents
Winter citrus compote
Asparagus with orange and endive salad 
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:4 minutes
2 cups rinsed, dried and torn endive leaves
2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Asparagus with orange and endive salad
Preparation:
To a large pot of boiling water, add the asparagus. Blanch for 3 to 4 minutes; drain, and plunge asparagus into a bowl of cold water. Drain again and dry.
In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, endive, oranges, and red onion.
Whisk together the raspberry vinegar, canola oil, orange juice, sugar and salt and pepper.
Add dressing to the asparagus endive mixture; toss well and serve.
Baked cod greek-style
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
3 tbsp (45 mL) all purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 cup (250 mL) crumbled feta cheese
(about 1/4 lb/125 g)1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 sweet green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) tomatoes, (undrained)
1/2 cup (125 mL) pitted black olives
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried oregano
1 pinch hot pepper flakes
1 pinch granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Baked cod greek-style
Preparation:
Cut cod into serving-size portions. Pat dry. Dredge lightly in flour. In large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat; brown cod lightly on both sides and arrange in 8-inch (2 L) square baking dish. Sprinkle with feta.
Pour remaining oil into skillet; cook onion, garlic and green pepper, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes; crush with fork and stir in olives, oregano, pepper flakes and sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Add parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste; spoon over fish. (Dish can be made ahead, cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Add 5 minutes to baking time.) Bake uncovered in 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Broccoli with garlic
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Broccoli with garlic
Preparation:
Wash broccoli and cut into small florets. Steam in a microwave steamer or over boiling water until barely tender and still bright green.
Place olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, just until the garlic starts to soften. Add water, and the cayenne if desired. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Place the broccoli in a large serving bowl.
Pour the garlic mixture over it, mixing gently to coat. Serve hot or cold.
Buñuelos
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast
7 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying.
Buñuelos
Preparation:
In a small bowl, stir together the warm water and the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over this and let it set for about 10 minutes
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the milk, shortening, and salt just until the shortening melts. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down to lukewarm
Place the flour into a large mixing bowl and begin to mix in both the yeast and the milk mixtures, stirring briskly to mix in all the ingredients. When the dough becomes to thick to mix with the spoon, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a minimum of 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when pulled and not sticky. It should spring back slightly when you poke a finger into it.
Roll the dough ball in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
When dough has risen, punch down the dough, cut it into four (4) equal sections, and allow it to rest for another 10 minutes.
While the dough is resting heat your oil to 375 degrees F. (a skillet or electric fryer works best).
Divide each dough quarter into three (3) pieces. Pat them into a 4-inch circle, stretching and pressing until a round shape is formed.
Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil and fry until they puff up and are browned, approimately 1 minute. With a slotted spoon, flip the Buñuelo over and cook for another 1 minute to brown the second side. Remove from the hot oil and drain well.
Buñuelos can be kept warm in a 200 degree F. oven for up to 1 hour. They refrigerate well and can be reheated in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Candied grapefruit peel
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water and peel
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.
Chicken and pasta salad with asparagus
Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:105 minutes
1-5 pound roasting chicken
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon tarragon and thyme
For salad:
1 pound rotini pasta
1 pound asparagus, cooked
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed and blanched
1 red pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup almonds, unblanched and toasted
For basil-tarragon dressing:
1/2 cup white onion, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons each fresh basil and tarragon
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
Chicken and pasta salad with asparagus
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place roasting chicken in large pan.
In glass measure, combine stock, wine, bay leaf, tarragon and thyme; pour over chicken. Cover pan with foil.
Bake 1 1/2 hours or until drumsticks move easily in sockets. Remove pan from heat; set aside to cool completely.
Remove chicken to board; strain stock and reserve for another use, such as soup.
Remove all meat from chicken, discarding skin and bones; cut meat into 2-by 1-inch pieces. Place chicken meat in large bowl; refrigerate, covered up to 24 hours.
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 5 to 7 minutes. Drain well; rinse under running water.
Cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces; add to snow peas and chicken, along with red pepper and almonds.
Dressing:
In food processor, combine onion, parsley, sugar, basil, tarragon and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; process until creamy and well combined. Add dressing to salad; toss well. Spoon unto serving platter. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Coconut-almond bars
Serves: 24
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
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
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.
Codfish acras
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1/2 cup water
1 cup (120 g) flour
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Scotch Bonnet chile, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon Ground allspice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Corn oil - for frying
Codfish acras
Preparation:
Soak the salted cod fish in cold water for 12 hours.
Cook in simmering water for 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool and clean, debone and flake the fish.
In a mixing bowl , mix the flour and water to from a paste.
add the fish, scallions, Scotch Bonnet chile, garlic, onion and seasoning.
add the egg yolks and vinegar
just before cooking, add baking soda and beaten egg whites.
Meanwhile, heat 2 inches of corn oil to 350 to 375 degrees in a heavy cast-iron pot or deep fryer. Drop the acras into it by the teaspoonful. Fry until they are light brown, turning once. When done, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve the accras as soon as they are ready with lemon wedges and curried mayonnaise sauce.
Lamb shanks braised in red wine
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:3 hours
to taste salt and pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
8 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
3 cups dry red wine
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
4 ribs celery, cut into large dice
4 carrots, cut into large dice
1 large onion, peeled and cut into small wedges
1 cup mushrooms, thickly sliced
ROASTED GARLIC AND WHITE BEAN PUREE
Makes about 3 cups
1 1/2 cups dry Great Northern beans
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 rib of celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cloves of garlic (1 smashed and 1 minced) and 1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme plus 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
6 cups chicken broth
Coarse salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup heavy cream
Lamb shanks braised in red wine
Preparation:
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Season shanks with salt and pepper. In a large, high-sided oven proof pot, heat the oil until barely smoking.
Sear the shanks in batches until brown on all sides. Put all the shanks in the pot; add peppercorns, bay leaves, stock, wine, garlic, celery, carrots, onions and mushrooms.
Put the pot in the oven and cook until meat is tender, about 2 hours. (can be made a day ahead).
Remove the shanks, mushrooms and onions and set aside. Cover with foil.
Strain the braising liquid into a medium saucepan. Degrease carefully and simmer to reduce the cooking liquid to about one third.
Pour sauce over the shanks and vegetables.
Serve with roasted garlic and white bean puree.
ROASTED GARLIC AND WHITE BEAN PUREE
1. Soak the beans overnight. Or place beans in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat; remove from heat and set aside, covered, for 1 hour.
2. Drain the beans; transfer to a 2-quart pot with the diced onion, celery, carrot, smashed garlic, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, 5 cups of broth, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat; simmer until beans are very tender, about 90 minutes. If the mixture becomes dry, add some of the remaining broth.
3. Drain the beans; discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Warm the beans in a pan over medium heat. Add the cream, thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let simmer. Cook until the cream is reduced and is almost dry on the beans, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Puree the beans in a food processor. Adjust seasonings.
Lemon tart with walnut crust
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup walnuts, finely ground
1 cup flour
Filling:
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
Lemon tart with walnut crust
Preparation:
Beat the butter, sugar and egg yolk in an electric mixer.
Mix in the flour. Stir in the walnuts, mixing until dough comes together. Cover dough and chill.
Lightly oil a 9 1/2 inch tart pan. Roll dough to 1/3-inch thickness. Arrange in pan. Trim to fit.
Line crust with foil or parchment paper and weight with beans or pie weights.
Bake at 400 degrees until edge is light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the beans and foil, and continue cooking until bottom is dry, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar. Add lemon juice and cream. Whisk until combined. Strain mixture into crust.
Bake tart at 350 degrees until filling is set, about 25 to 30 min. Cool at room temperature. Serve at room temp. or chilled.
Marinated cod fillet with corn pudding
Serves: 4
Preparation time:40 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
1-2 1/2 pound cod fillet, with skin
5 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
3 tablespoons chives
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for sautéing
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
Corn pudding (recipe follows)
Red Pepper Coulis (recipe follows)
CORN PUDDING
serves 4
4 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
coarse salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cornmeal, toasted
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Red Pepper Coulis:
1 sweet red pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup tomato juice
1 tablespoon white wine
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Marinated cod fillet with corn pudding
Preparation:
Season cod with salt and pepper. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
In blender or food processor, combine chives, parsley, cilantro, and olive oil until thick and paste like. Remove cod from plastic wrap. Pat with paper towel to remove excess salt and moisture. Cut cod into four portions. Transfer to baking dish, and coat with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add olive oil to coat pan. When it is hot, add cod. Shake pan to be sure fillets do not stick. Add butter, a little at a time, shaking pan so butter slides under cod and combines with oil. Sauté until browned.
Transfer to oven, and roast until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately over corn pudding. Garnish with red pepper coulis.
CORN PUDDING
serves 4
Place corn in small saucepan; add stock. Heat over medium heat, and cook, stirring frequently and pressing with the back of a spoon, until reduced, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add cornmeal. Whisk in butter and continue to cook, until melted and heated through.
RED PEPPER COULIS:
Grill or broil red pepper until blackened all over, about 20 minutes. Let cool. Peel, halve and seed; chop and set aside. In nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion and garlic until golden, 5 minutes. Add lemon juice, wine, roasted pepper, basil, salt and pepper; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 3 minutes. Purée in blender or food processor.
SOURCE
Martha Stewart Living Television
Marinated mussels
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:7 minutes
1 bay leaf
1 cup white wine
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small hot pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup shallots, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 small red pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Marinade
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil
1 dash black pepper
Marinated mussels
Preparation:
1. Rinse fresh blue mussels in tap water.
2. Place all ingredients (not the marinate ingredients) in a large sauce pan with a lid and steam for 5 to 7 minutes until fresh blue mussels are steamed.
3. Remove mussels, discarding any that do not open.
4. When cool, shuck mussels and place meats in a large serving dish.
Marinade
1. Combine ingredients in an air-tight container and shake vigorously to blend.
2. Pour over fresh blue mussels. 3. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Marinated vegetables
Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
24 tiny carrot sticks
24 tiny celery sticks
24 cauliflower rosettes
12 tiny mushrooms
24 broccoli rosettes
1 cup vinaigrette
Marinated vegetables
Preparation:
Cut the tomatoes across in half, hollow them out slightly, and season with salt and pepper.
Blanch carrot, cucumber, cauliflower, and broccoli. Marinate carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, and mushrooms separately in vinaigrette for 1 to 2 hours and drain.
Marinate broccoli for 5 minutes and drain. Arrange vegetables in tomato halves.
Refrigerate and serve.
Mussels mariniere
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 ounces butter
2 ounces chopped shallots
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
Mussels mariniere
Preparation:
Clean and wash mussels under cold running water and debeard.
Heat the butter in a kettle. Add shallots and cook for 5 minutes. Add half of the parsley, pepper, wine, and mussels.
Cover and steam until mussels open.
Serve in soup bowls with the strained cooking liquid. Sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley.
Mussels with leeks saffron and cream
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 large leeks, washed and thinly sliced
4 dozens mussels, scrubbed, debearded
1 cup dry white wine
8 parsley sprigs
10 saffron threads, crushed
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Mussels with leeks saffron and cream
Preparation:
Melt butter in large heavy deep skillet. Add leeks and saute until tender.
Combine mussels, wine and parsley sprigs in Dutch oven. Cover and cook over high heat until mussels open. Transfer mussels to a bowl, discarding any that do not open.
Strain mussel juice into skillet containing leeks. Add saffron and cream; boil until reduced to sauce consistency. Stir in minced parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Add mussels and any remaining juices to skillet. Stir and heat through.
Orange soaked cake
Serves: 10
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola or other mild-flavored oil (check for freshness before using)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 oz. (12 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened; more for the pan
1-1/2 Tbs. finely minced lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
3/4 cup strained fresh orange juice
5 large eggs
For the syrup & glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 Tbs. dark rum
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
Orange soaked cake
Preparation:
Heat the oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup bundt pan.
To make the cake:
Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and soda into the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add the butter and mix on low speed until fine crumbs form. Change to the whisk attachment.
With the machine running on medium speed, whisk in the oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time and then increase the speed to high and whisk the batter until light, about 3 minutes,
scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
To make the syrup and glaze:
While the cake bakes, whisk together in a small bowl the orange juice concentrate, butter, rum, and 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar.
When the cake is done, set the pan on a rack to cool for 5 minutes. With a thin skewer,
poke the cake all the way through to the bottom of the pan in several places.
Pour 1/3 cup of the syrup over the cake and let stand for 1 hour before removing the cake from the pan.
(At this point you can wrap the cake in plastic and hold for up to 3 days at room temperature; in fact, the flavor only improves.)
Cover the remaining syrup with plastic and store at room temperature.
When ready to serve, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar into the remaining syrup.
Set the cake on a rack over a baking sheet and pour the glaze over the cake.
Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Paella of mussels
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
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
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.
Paella valenciana
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:2 hours
1/2 pound cooked shrimp
6 fresh mussels
1/2 pound chorizo or garlic sausage
3 chicken breasts, cut in half across
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 ounces chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 medium sliced sweet red or green peppers
2 peeled tomatoes
1 cup rice
1 teaspoon saffron
1 quart chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen peas
Paella valenciana
Preparation:
Cut lobster meat into chunks.
Wash and scrub the live mussels, and remove beards. Cover sausage with water and simmer for 10 minutes.
Use kielbassa or other garlic smoked pork sausage.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown both sides in half of the oil.
In a heavy cast iron pot, heat the remaining oil. Stir in the onion, garlic, peppers, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Add chopped seeded tomatoes.
Stir in rice, saffron and stock. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the browned chicken, all seafood and sliced sausage.
Bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
Steam peas for 5 minutes and sprinkle on top. Serve hot in serving dish.
Pan-seared cod fillets in white wine and tamato basil sauce
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
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
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.
Pasta with broccoli and garbanzo beans
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
2 15-ounce cans 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
Pasta with broccoli and garbanzo 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.
Plum raspberry sorbet
Serves: 8
Preparation time:1 hour
Cooking time:5 minutes
2/3 cup water
1 1/4 pounds pitted plums
1 cup raspberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Plum raspberry sorbet
Preparation:
Stir sugar and water in heavy small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high; boil syrup 1 minute. Chill until cold, about 1 hour.
Puree plums and raspberries in food processor. Strain puree through fine sieve into medium bowl. Add syrup, lemon juice to taste and salt and blend well.
Process in ice cream machine according to manufacturers instructions. Spoon sorbet into covered container and freeze. (can be prepared 2 days ahead.) Scoop sorbet into bowls.
Garnish with plums, raspberries and mint.
Pork scallopines with puree of chestnuts
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 1/2 cups brown sauce
For chestnut puree:
1 pound canned whole chestnuts
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon honey
Pork scallopines with puree of chestnuts
Preparation:
Season pork scallopine with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour.
Heat butter in a non-stick frying pan. Brown pork scallopines about 3 minutes on each side.
Set aside on a plate.
Add mushrooms, pickles, capers and vinegar to pan. Heat for 5 minutes.
Add brown sauce.
Add pork slices and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Chestnut puree:
Drain and rinse chestnuts. Puree in a food processor with cream and honey until smooth.
Serve pork with garnish and chestnut puree.
Potato eggplant tart
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
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
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.
Puree of celery root
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
3/4 pound celery root
salt to taste
4 tablespoons butter
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 cup hot milk
Puree of celery root
Preparation:
Peel and quarter potatoes. Put in cold water. Peel celery root. Cut into chunks.
Cook potatoes and celery in a kettle with salted boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes.
Puree through food mill. Whip in butter, nutmeg and hot milk.
Serve hot.
Rack of lamb with mushroom crust
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
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
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.
Red endives and spinach salad
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
8 ounces young spinach
7 ounces cooked artichoke hearts
2 medium endives sliced into thin rings
1 clove garlic
1 boiled egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Red endives and spinach salad
Preparation:
Remove outer endive leaves and discard. Separate leaves. Remove long stems from spinach. Wash and spin dry.
Drain artichoke hearts and cut each in half. Slice onions into thin rings. Cut garlic clove in half.
Using the cut side, rub garlic around the inside of a salad bowl. Combine endive, spinach, and artichoke hearts in salad bowl.
Scatter onion rings over greens.
Chop hard-cooked egg.
In a small bowl, beat together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste and shredded endive stem, and pour over salad. Sprinkle with chopped egg before serving.
Roasted acorn squash
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
pinch of pepper
Roasted acorn squash
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and cut squash crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices; remove seeds. Place on rimmed baking sheet.
Combine the olive oil, salt, thyme and pepper; brush over squash.
Roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
Roasted salmon with creamy endives
Serves: 4
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
2 tablespoons butter
4 Belgian endives, sliced lengthwise into quarters
½ teaspoon sugar
¼ cup white wine
½ cup chicken stock
¾ cup whipping cream
½ cup grated French Comté cheese or gruyere
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Roasted salmon with creamy endives
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Rub salmon with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and thyme.
Heat butter in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add endive and sprinkle with sugar. Cook on each side until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
Top with salmon, place skillet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until white juices begin to appear and salmon is just cooked through. Move salmon and endives to a serving dish and keep warm.
Add wine to pan and bring to boil. Boil until wine is reduced to 2 tablespoons, scraping any bits from base of pan. Add stock and reduce by half. Add cream and boil until slightly thickened. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over salmon and endive and sprinkle with parsley.
Shrimp salad with belgian endive
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
4 large Belgian Endives, prepared
1 large cucumber, sliced
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
Cucumber Sauce:
Mix in a bowl,
1 cup yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon horseradish
1 small cucumber, pared and grated
juice of lemon or lime to taste
2 tablespoons dill, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp salad with belgian endive
Preparation:
Trim endives and separate leaves.
Arrange endive leaves, shrimp, cucumber and carrot slices on individual cold plates.
Serve with sauce.
Spanish fish stew
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
1 lb firm white fish, such as seabass
1/2 lb shrimp
1/2 lb bay scallops
1/4 cup olive oil
2 chopped medium onions
2 chopped celery stalks
3 chopped garlic cloves
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 t. hot paprika or Espelette pepper
1 T. sweet paprika
1 wineglass full of dry white wine
1 qt. fish stock (or chicken, or vegetable stock)
5 Italian plum tomatoes, chopped and seeded
6 chopped sage leaves
1 T. chopped fresh rosemary
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. chopped basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice
Spanish fish stew
Preparation:
Cut the octopus into large pieces. Slice the fish into 1-2 inch cubes. Peel the shrimp and wash the scallops. Toss each of them with some salt and set aside separately.
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stew pot over medium-high heat for a minute or two, then add the onion and celery. Saute for 3-4 minutes, then add the green and red bell peppers and the baby octopus.
Saute the octopus, peppers and onion for a minute or two, then add the garlic and mix well. Cook for one minute, then turn the heat up all the way and add the white wine.Mix well, and add the hot and sweet paprika and mix again. Let the mixture boil fiercely until half the wine is boiled away.Add the chopped sage and rosemary, then the fish stock. stir and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and let this cook for 35-40 minutes.Test for salt and add if needed. Test a piece of octopus: If it is tender, proceed. If not, cook a bit longer.Once the octopus is tender, add the tomatoes, the shrimp, fish and scallops, then add half the parsley. Cook this at a simmer for 4-5 minutes.Add the rest of the parsley and the basil. Stir to combine and serve.
Spanish mussels
Serves: 5
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
12 peppercorns
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon tomato paste
salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
Spanish mussels
Preparation:
Sort, scrape, wash the mussels, discarding any that do not close. Steam them in a cup of water, in a large kettle. Drain mussels and reserve the cooking liquid. Remove the empty half shell from each mussel, and discard, leaving the mussel attached to other half shell.
In a food processor combine the ground almonds, pine nuts, crushed garlic, parsley, paprika, peppercorns and half of the oil. Mix to a thick paste.
In a medium pot, brown the onion in the remaining oil. Stir in the blended paste, and mix over a brisk fire, while stirring. Add the tomato paste and thin sauce with reserved mussel juice to obtain a thick sauce. Season to taste.
Loosen each mussel from the shell. Arrange on a serving dish. Fill each mussel with the sauce. Serve hot.
Spanish olive oil tortas - tortas de aceite
Serves: 6
Preparation time:50 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons anise seeds
Scant 1/2 cup Spanish extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking sheets
2/3 cup warm water
3 tablespoons raw sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 teaspoons instant yeast
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
All-purpose flour, for the work surface
1 large egg white, beaten
Spanish olive oil tortas - tortas de aceite
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 420°F (215°C).
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and anise seeds in a bowl. Set aside. Pour the olive oil into a measuring cup or another bowl with the water, then add the sugar and yeast and mix well. Set aside for a few minutes for the yeast to become frothy.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and slowly pour in the yeast mixture, using a fork to gradually mix in the flour. When everything starts to come together, use your hands to mix it into a lovely, smooth dough. If the dough is sticky as heck, add some or all of the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a smooth dough forms.
4. Lightly oil 2 large baking sheets, then dust them with confectioners’ sugar. Lightly flour a clean work surface and a rolling pin with all-purpose flour. Divide your dough into 12 equal-size pieces and shape each one into a ball, then roll out each ball until it’s almost translucent and about 5 inches in diameter. Place each torta on a baking sheet and lightly brush with some beaten egg white. Dust the biscuits lightly with confectioners’ sugar and then scatter a little raw sugar.
5. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Watch the tortas closely as they can burn in seconds. Immediately transfer the tortas to wire racks to cool for as long as you can resist tucking in. The tortas sorta flake and crumble as you take a bite, and will then quickly dissolve into sweet nothingness within a matter of seconds. So lovely.
*00 FLOUR NOTE
Look for 00 flour at Italian delis and markets, specialty stores, and some grocery stores.
Spanish omelets
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 cup red peppers, diced
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound diced peeled tomatoes
16 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Spanish omelets
Preparation:
Saute onions and peppers in butter over low heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer until tender and most of liquid has evaporated.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Strain in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped parsley.
Make individual omelets with the egg mixture.
Spinach and chickpeas
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
6 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (450 grams) spinach, washed
A 1-inch slice from a country loaf bread (2.5 ounces or 75 grams), crusts removed and cut inset small cubes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon juice, to taste
Spinach and chickpeas
Preparation:
Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add half the olive oil. When it is hot, add the spinach with a pinch of salt (in batches, if necessary) and stir well. Remove when the leaves are just tender, drain in a colander and set aside.
Heat 2 more tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the bread for about 5 minutes or until golden brown all over, then the remaining tablespoon of oil and the garlic, cumin and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more or until the garlic is nutty brown.
Transfer to a food processor, blender or mortar and pestle along with the vinegar, and mash to a paste. Return the mixture to the pan and add the drained chickpeas and tomato sauce. Stir until the chickpeas have absorbed the flavors and are hot. Season with salt and pepper.
If the consistency is a little thick, add some water. Add the spinach and cook until it is hot. Check for seasoning and serve with paprika on top.
Strawberry and peach compote
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 pounds white or yellow peaches
1 pint strawberries, cleaned and sliced
Strawberry and peach compote
Preparation:
In a small bowl, combine wine, sugar, and almond extract. Peel, half and slice peaches. Layer strawberries and peaches in dessert glasses.
Pour the red wine syrup over and serve. Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead.
Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust
Serves: 10
Preparation time:40 minutes
Cooking time:2 hours
3 1-pint baskets strawberries, hulled, halved
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
For the crust:
1/4 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
2 large egg whites
2 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut, toasted
For the filling:
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, soft
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dark rum
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled, halved lengthwise
Strawberry cheesecake in macaroon crust
Preparation:
Sauce:
In a heavy large saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil. Simmer to a thick syrup consistency, about 30 min. Cool.
Crust:
Boil apricots and water. Remove from heat. Let stand until fruit is soft. Drain apricots and pat dry. Place in food processor. Add sugar and egg whites and process apricots are minced. Add 1/2 cup coconut and process until minced.
Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in remaining coconut. Freeze until firm.
Wrap heavy-duty foil around outside of 9-inch springform pan with 2 3/4-inch high sides. Spoon coconut mixture into pan. Spread over bottom and 2 inches up sides of pan to form crust. Bake crust until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Filling:
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and salt in large bowl until smooth. Add sour cream, rum, lemon juice, and vanilla and beat until well blended.
Add eggs and beat until blended. Transfer to crust.
Bake cheese cake until brown, and firm in center, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 10 minutes
Cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Arrange berry halves over top of cake. Garnish with mint, if desired.
Serve with strawberry sauce.
Strawberry-orange sherbet
Serves: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:5 minutes
2 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
3/4 cup sugar
Strawberry-orange sherbet
Preparation:
Puree 1/2 of the strawberries. Strain. Combine with orange juice. In a small bowl, mix gelatin with 2 tablespoons orange-strawberry juice. Stir to dissolve, and let soften for 5 minutes. Warm gelatin over low heat. Stir into orange-strawberry juice. Add sugar, and stir to dissolve.
Freeze in ice cream maker.
Slice remaining strawberries. Sprinkle with sugar if needed. Scoop sherbet into bowls. Top with strawberries.
Tomato stuffed with creamy cheese with gazpacho
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
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
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.
Walnut crescents
Serves: 24
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:18 minutes
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups soft butter
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon extract vanilla
2 1/4 cups ground walnuts
1 1/2 powdered sugar
Walnut crescents
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour and cinnamon. Beat butter, syrup, and vanilla in a bowl, at medium speed until well blended.
Stir in flour mixture and walnuts. Cover.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into 2 -inch long rolls.
Place on cookie sheet, and shape to form crescents.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack roll in powdered sugar.
Winter citrus compote
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp honey
1/2 vanilla bean
1/2 cup raisins
3 seedless oranges
1 blood orange
2 clementines
2 grapefruits
3 kiwi fruits peeled & sliced
Winter citrus compote
Preparation: