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Asian crab cakes
Favorite Foods of the Virgin Islands
Fungi (pronounced fun-jee) is a kind of dumpling made from salted cornmeal mixed with water and shortening, and frequently, okra. It's generally served as a side-dish with fish or meat dishes.
Callaloo (or Kallaloo) is a soup or stew made from the leaves of the dasheen plant or some other green leafy plant such as taro leaves or spinach. It's usually flavored with things like okra, salted meats, hot and black pepper, fish, onions, and spices.
Johnnycake is a deep-fried bread or biscuit, sometimes made from unleavened dough. It's sometimes baked rather than fried, and may be eaten hot or cold.
Pates (pronounced patties) are pastries enclosing spiced meats, fish, and/or vegetables, then deep fried. They're one of the most common foods of the Virgin Islands as a light snack.
Roti is somewhat similar to a Pate. Originating in India, it's made with a light, fluffy dough wrapped around spiced or curried meats, chicken, or veggies.
Rice and Beans (sometimes called rice and peas). It's generally flavored with herbs and spices, and is one of the most popular foods of the Virgin Islands among local people. Flavored rice by itself (without the beans) is also popular, usually as a side-dish
Conch (pronounced conk) is a large mollusk often served in chowder or as fritters (strips battered and deep-fried, usually served with a sweet, spicy sauce). Conch needs tenderizing, so when you order it, don't be surprised if you hear pounding coming from the kitchen!
Salt Fish is dried, boneless, salted fish (usually cod) which is dense, firm, and meaty from the salting and drying. It can be served many different ways, including fried, in chowders, and in stew.
Curried Goat, Chicken, Oxtail, and Fish are all popular dishes. This is another preparation that has its roots in India.
Jerk is a kind of smokey, spicy barbecue treatment used on chicken, meats, and fish. It originated with the native Arawak tribe, and you'll find it throughout the West Indies.

Appetizer
Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple  Print Recipe

Recipe adapted from Le Bernadin, New York NY
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 pound peeky-toe or jumbo lump crab meat
1 Granny Smith apple
1 vine-ripened tomato
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 tablespoons milk
freshly ground white pepper

For tuiles:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup egg whites (from about 3 large eggs)
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:
julienne strips of tomato,
sliced fresh chives, and curry powder

Pick over crab meat to remove any bits of shell and cartilage and if using lump crab meat lightly shred.
Peel and core apple and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon.
Peel and seed tomato and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/3 cup. Reserve 1 tablespoon each diced apple and tomato for sauce and in a bowl combine crab meat, remaining diced apple and tomato, 1 tablespoon chives, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, tossing to combine well. Chill filling.
In a bowl whisk together milk and remaining tablespoons lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise and stir in reserved diced apple and tomato, remaining teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and white pepper and salt to taste. Chill sauce while making tuiles.
Make tuiles:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and cool slightly. In a bowl whisk together flours, sugar, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk in whites until just combined. Whisk in cream until just combined and whisk in butter until just combined. On a baking sheet spread 2 teaspoons batter in an arc shape. With a pastry brush spread batter into a 5-inch-long arc, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Make 3 more arcs with some of remaining batter in same manner, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake tuiles in middle of oven until bubbly, crisp, and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer tuiles with a thin spatula to a rack to cool and make more tuiles in same manner. (There will be enough batter to make about 26 tuiles, more than you need for the napoleons; leftovers may be used as an hors d'oeuvre.)
Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto a plate and top with a tuile. Make 2 more layers with 4 tablespoons filling and 2 tuiles. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner. Drizzle sauce around napoleons and garnish with tomato, chives, and curry powder.

Appetizer
Asparagus with lime  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:6 minutes
2 pounds asparagus trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons liquid honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
In large skillet, simmer asparagus in salted boiling water for 6 minutes or just until tender.
Drain on towels; transfer to platter.
Whisk oil, lime rind and juice, honey, salt and pepper; stir in mint and chives.
Drizzle over asparagus; garnish with red pepper.

From Canada Living Test Kitchen

Appetizer
Dips for endives  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
GUACAMOLE:

2 ripe avocados
juice of one lemon
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

1/2 pint sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of one lemon or lime
salt and pepper to taste
cilantro or parsley for garnish.

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
GUACAMOLE:

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Appetizer
Cheese wafers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup flour

Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Process cheese with the flour. Add butter and spices and process until dough forms a ball. Scrape the side of bowl, and process for a few more seconds to blend.
Roll the dough into 2-inch thick cylinder. Wrap in wax paper. Chill. Slice into 1/4 -inch slices. Place on sheet pan lined with wax paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until wafers are crisp. Cool on rack.

Note: I also roll cylinder in ground almond.

Appetizer
Broiled crab meltaways  Print Recipe


Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
6 English muffins cut in halves

7 ounces crabmeat
4 ounces butter
7 ounces old English sharp Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Mix all ingredients well. Spread on English muffin halves. Chill or freeze for future use.
Broil until golden brown. Cut muffins into quarters. Muffin halves can also be served as a luncheon.

Appetizer
Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout  Print Recipe

Recipe courtesy John Besh for Food Network Magazine
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the Oysters
2 dozen oysters
For the Aioli:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Ragout:
1 cup diced thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon
1 or 2 shallots, minced
1 cup wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Leaves of 1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


Buy the oysters. When buying oysters, look for a tag with the harvest date and use them within a week of that date. Also, make sure the oysters are fresh and alive; the shells should be tightly closed or should close when tapped.
An hour before shucking, scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any grit. Set them aside to relax muscles in shell. They will open with more ease.

Shuck the oysters. Hold the oyster, curved-side down, in a towel on a cutting board. Insert an oyster knife between the shells at the narrow pointed end. (Use a real oyster knife-there is no substitute!) Press down firmly on the oyster to prevent slipping and twist the knife to pry the shells apart. Use the knife for leverage; do not use force. Cut the muscle that connects the oyster to the top shell with the knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Remove the top shell. Slide your knife under the oyster to loosen it, keeping the meat and liquid in the shell. Use your knife to carefully scrape away any shards of shell.

Make the aioli. Blend the garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running and process until thick. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the aioli to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

Prepare the ragout. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, cook 3 minutes, then add the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the oysters. Preheat the broiler. Place the oysters, in their shells, in individual baking dishes or one large dish. (Put a crumpled sheet of foil underneath them to keep them steady, if necessary.) Top each with a spoonful of mushroom ragout.

Finish the dish. Top each oyster with a dollop of aeoli. Broil until the aeoli is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve immediately.

Main
Asian crab cakes  Print Recipe


Serves: 2
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 cups lump crabmeat
3 tablespoons minced scallions
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons oriental sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
juice of 1 lime
to taste chili oil
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

For sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon oriental sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
peanut oil for frying
For garnish, sprigs of fresh cilantro
Pick over crabmeat to remove any cartilage. put it in a food processor and add 2 tablespoons scallions, the ginger, cilantro, mustard, sesame oil and soy sauce. Pulse about 4 times, just to blend the ingredients without shredding the crabmeat too finely.
Transfer the crabmeat to a bowl and fold in half of the lime juice, the chili oil to taste and the egg whites.
Form the mixture into 8 equal size patties, about 2½ inches in diameter. Lightly coat each patty with bread crumbs, put them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour.
Heat a film of the peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté the crab cakes over medium-low heat until they are lightly browned on both sides. Serve with the mayonnaise mixture on the side and sprigs of cilantro for garnish.
For the sauce:
Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil and scallions and set aside.

Main
Caribbean conch stew  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
2 large conchs, cleaned
1/2 large onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 lime

1 1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
pepper sauce or red pepper flakes to taste
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
7 cups water
Tenderize the conch to 1/8-inch thickness, using a meat mallet.
Place the conch in a pot of water. The water should just cover the conch. Boil for 20-30 minutes.
In a large pot, add the oil and allow to heat up for a minute.
Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Let the roux simmer for about 5 minutes. Don't let the roux burn!
Add the tomatoes, onions, thyme, pepper sauce/red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and let simmer for a minute or two.
Add the potatoes, tomato paste. Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, take the conch out of the water and cut it into small chunks.
Add the water, conch and the juice of 1 lime to the large pot.
Cover the pot and simmer until the potatoes are done, about 30 minutes.
Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.

Main
Fish and fungi  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper (or substitute other fresh hot peppers), minced
1 rib celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1¼ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup canned crushed or puréed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup thickly sliced okra (fresh or frozen), cooked
2 limes, juiced
2 pounds boneless red snapper fillets
Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, celery, garlic, thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until tender and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar, tomatoes, tomato paste and ¼ cup water. Reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes. Add salt to taste. Reserve sauce.

To make fungi, bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil. Whisking constantly, gradually add cornmeal in thin stream. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until it holds its shape on a spoon but the cornmeal is tender, at least 15 minutes. Add more water if it becomes thick but the cornmeal is still tough. Add butter and okra. Add salt to taste.

In a wide saucepan, bring 8 cups water to boil. Add lime juice, and reduce heat to low. Add fish. Simmer 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with fork. Drain well.

To serve, put 2 scoops fungi and a fish fillet on each plate. Spoon sauce over and around fish.

Main
Fried chicken  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 large (3 pounds) whole chicken, cut into eight pieces
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
2 eggs
2 cups of milk
Canola oil for frying
Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces and reserve on paper towel to dry.
Combine the flour with half (half a teaspoon) of the salt and place in a large bowl and reserve.
Combine all remaining dry spices and herbs in a small bowl. Season chicken pieces and mix well.
In a separate bowl combine the two eggs with the milk and whisk. Dip the chicken in the milk and egg mixture and then into the flour.
Repeat and reserve the chicken pieces.
Using a deep fryer or a large cast iron pan with high sides, fill the pan until it is almost half filled with the oil.
Heat the pan over medium high.
Place 4 pieces of the chicken into the pan and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook another 6 - 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove the chicken and reserve.
Fry the last four pieces of chicken in the same manner. Serve the chicken warm.

Main
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos  Print Recipe

Roasting the sweet potatoes can be done ahead of time, simply refrigerate until use and bring the potatoes to room temp (or warm) before assembling the burritos.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 lg sweet potatoes
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 t cumin
3 eggs + 3 egg whites
splash of milk
guacamole (1 avocado's worth, or 1/3 of the recipe)
whole wheat tortillas (8-10)
salsa
goat cheese

Preheat oven to 350 F. Wash sweet potatoes, poke them with a fork a few times, and wrap them in foil. Place on a cookie sheet and roast for about 1hr, until they're soft and easily pricked with a fork. Set aside and let cool, then cut into a rough dice. Transfer to a bowl and mash with a little salt and freshly ground pepper.



Place black beans into a bowl, season with cumin, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roughly mash with a fork, or puree in a food processor.

Preheat a large skillet over medium low heat. Add eggs and whites in a small bowl, a splash of milk and a bit of salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the pan is warmed, cook eggs slowly, stirring quite often, until they have just started to set. Turn off the heat.

To assemble burritos, place tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds.
On each burrito, place 3 to 4 T black bean mash, 1/3 c roasted sweet potatoes, 1/4 of the eggs and 2-3 T guacamole. Wrap up the tortillas to enclose filling, then top with salsa and goat cheese.

Main
Sweet potato burgers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 large sweet potato
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cannellini beans
2 tsp favorite spice blend (such as cajun or curry powder)
1/4 cup almond flour
5 oz mixed salad greens
Dressing:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
2 tbsp tahini paste
1 lemon juice
1 lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Make the burgers: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a small baking sheet with foil.

Using a fork, prick deep holes all over the sweet potato. Brush it with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper and bake until completely soft, 45 to 50 minutes; a knife should easily slide through. Let it cool until you can handle it.

Peel the sweet potato and place the flesh in a medium bowl. Add the beans and mash the potato and beans together with a potato masher or large fork. Season the mixture with the spice blend, cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste.

Stir in the almond flour and shape the mixture into 8 patties.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron pan and brown the patties until crispy and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Assemble the burgers: Place the burgers on a bed of greens and top each one with a few slices of avocado. Drizzle a little tahini dressing over each burger and serve immediately. You may also add your favorite burger toppings such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or your favorite burger condiment. Any leftover sweet potato mixture can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Main
Dips for endives  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
GUACAMOLE:

2 ripe avocados
juice of one lemon
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

1/2 pint sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of one lemon or lime
salt and pepper to taste
cilantro or parsley for garnish.

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
GUACAMOLE:

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Main
Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple  Print Recipe

Recipe adapted from Le Bernadin, New York NY
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 pound peeky-toe or jumbo lump crab meat
1 Granny Smith apple
1 vine-ripened tomato
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 tablespoons milk
freshly ground white pepper

For tuiles:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup egg whites (from about 3 large eggs)
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:
julienne strips of tomato,
sliced fresh chives, and curry powder

Pick over crab meat to remove any bits of shell and cartilage and if using lump crab meat lightly shred.
Peel and core apple and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon.
Peel and seed tomato and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/3 cup. Reserve 1 tablespoon each diced apple and tomato for sauce and in a bowl combine crab meat, remaining diced apple and tomato, 1 tablespoon chives, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, tossing to combine well. Chill filling.
In a bowl whisk together milk and remaining tablespoons lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise and stir in reserved diced apple and tomato, remaining teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and white pepper and salt to taste. Chill sauce while making tuiles.
Make tuiles:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and cool slightly. In a bowl whisk together flours, sugar, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk in whites until just combined. Whisk in cream until just combined and whisk in butter until just combined. On a baking sheet spread 2 teaspoons batter in an arc shape. With a pastry brush spread batter into a 5-inch-long arc, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Make 3 more arcs with some of remaining batter in same manner, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake tuiles in middle of oven until bubbly, crisp, and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer tuiles with a thin spatula to a rack to cool and make more tuiles in same manner. (There will be enough batter to make about 26 tuiles, more than you need for the napoleons; leftovers may be used as an hors d'oeuvre.)
Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto a plate and top with a tuile. Make 2 more layers with 4 tablespoons filling and 2 tuiles. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner. Drizzle sauce around napoleons and garnish with tomato, chives, and curry powder.

Main
Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout  Print Recipe

Recipe courtesy John Besh for Food Network Magazine
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the Oysters
2 dozen oysters
For the Aioli:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Ragout:
1 cup diced thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon
1 or 2 shallots, minced
1 cup wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Leaves of 1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


Buy the oysters. When buying oysters, look for a tag with the harvest date and use them within a week of that date. Also, make sure the oysters are fresh and alive; the shells should be tightly closed or should close when tapped.
An hour before shucking, scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any grit. Set them aside to relax muscles in shell. They will open with more ease.

Shuck the oysters. Hold the oyster, curved-side down, in a towel on a cutting board. Insert an oyster knife between the shells at the narrow pointed end. (Use a real oyster knife-there is no substitute!) Press down firmly on the oyster to prevent slipping and twist the knife to pry the shells apart. Use the knife for leverage; do not use force. Cut the muscle that connects the oyster to the top shell with the knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Remove the top shell. Slide your knife under the oyster to loosen it, keeping the meat and liquid in the shell. Use your knife to carefully scrape away any shards of shell.

Make the aioli. Blend the garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running and process until thick. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the aioli to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

Prepare the ragout. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, cook 3 minutes, then add the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the oysters. Preheat the broiler. Place the oysters, in their shells, in individual baking dishes or one large dish. (Put a crumpled sheet of foil underneath them to keep them steady, if necessary.) Top each with a spoonful of mushroom ragout.

Finish the dish. Top each oyster with a dollop of aeoli. Broil until the aeoli is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve immediately.

Main
Cheese wafers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup flour

Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Process cheese with the flour. Add butter and spices and process until dough forms a ball. Scrape the side of bowl, and process for a few more seconds to blend.
Roll the dough into 2-inch thick cylinder. Wrap in wax paper. Chill. Slice into 1/4 -inch slices. Place on sheet pan lined with wax paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until wafers are crisp. Cool on rack.

Note: I also roll cylinder in ground almond.

Main
Asparagus with lime  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:6 minutes
2 pounds asparagus trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons liquid honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
In large skillet, simmer asparagus in salted boiling water for 6 minutes or just until tender.
Drain on towels; transfer to platter.
Whisk oil, lime rind and juice, honey, salt and pepper; stir in mint and chives.
Drizzle over asparagus; garnish with red pepper.

From Canada Living Test Kitchen

Main
Broiled crab meltaways  Print Recipe


Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
6 English muffins cut in halves

7 ounces crabmeat
4 ounces butter
7 ounces old English sharp Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Mix all ingredients well. Spread on English muffin halves. Chill or freeze for future use.
Broil until golden brown. Cut muffins into quarters. Muffin halves can also be served as a luncheon.

Side Dish count
Oven baked sweet potato fries  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 pounds sweet potatoes, about 3 large ones
1/4 cup olive or other vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoon spice combination of your choice: chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, etc.
Preheat oven to 450°F. (For more crispiness, preheat your oven to 500°F.)
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Cut each piece into wedges. Alternately, you can slice the peeled sweet potato into disks either with a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and add the oil. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle with salt, sugar and spices of your choice. Mix well, so all pieces are coated with oil and spices.
Place a baking sheet inthe oven to preheat.
Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the preheating the baking sheet, to help the fries get crisp.

Bake for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn over all of the sweet potato pieces. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are well browned. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Side Dish count
Roasted sweet potato stew with kale and freekeh  Print Recipe

Freekeh is a process which means "to rub" in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. Most folks would sulk over their misfortune, but the crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked it up and "Eureka!" Freekeh was created. We're proud to offer you this tasty, nutritious ancient grain with a funny name. This info is from http://www.freekeh-foods.com/
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
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.

Side Dish count
Sweet potato gnocchi with sage and brown butter  Print Recipe

Make-ahead: the gnocchi can be boiled up to 4 hours ahead, and kept at room temperature.
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
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.

Side Dish count
Sweet potato kugels  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 pounds sweet potatoes, washed and peeled
1 large onion, peeled
3 eggs
¼ cup butter, melted and cooled, or margarine
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for Passover)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup scallions, minced, plus more for topping
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prep a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Using a hand grater or food processor, grate the sweet potatoes and onion. Squeeze out excess water from onions and sweet potatoes using a paper towel and transfer to a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, pepper, and scallions until mixed well.
Add in potato mixture and combine. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
Fill the cupcake liners evenly with the potato mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until lightly browned on top and cooked through.

Side Dish
Tuscan kale salad  Print Recipe

Kale is among the most nutrient-dense commonly eaten vegetables. One cup provides 1,327 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K, 192 percent of DV for vitamin A, and 88 percent for vitamin C.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
4-6 cups kale, loosely packed, sliced leaves of
Italian black (Lacinato, "dinosaur," cavolo nero) midribs removed
juice of 1 lemon
3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, mashed
salt & pepper, to taste
hot red pepper flakes, to taste
2/3 cup grated Pecorino Toscano cheese (Rosselino variety if you can find it) or other flavorful grating cheese such as Asiago or Parmesan
1/2 cup freshly made bread crumbs from lightly toasted bread
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous pinch (or more to taste) of hot red pepper flakes.
Pour over kale in serving bowl and toss well.
Add 2/3 of the cheese and toss again.
Let kale sit for at least 5 minutes. Add bread crumbs, toss again, and top with remaining cheese.

Side Dish
Baked acorn squash with chestnuts apples and leeks  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
4 halved, seeded Acorn Squash
1 1/2 cups diced Celery
2 peeled, diced Granny Smith Apples
10 oz diced day-old Bread (crusts removed)
1/2 cup chopped Parsley
1/3 cup Vegetable Stock
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
2 halved, sliced Leeks, white part
2 tsp fine chopped Thyme
7 oz cooked Chestnuts
1/3 cup Heavy Cream
3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Preheat the oven at 350 F and brush the cut sides of each squash using olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
Place cut sides of squash down on two baking sheets. Roast 25 minutes or until tender.
Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add celery with leeks, salt and pepper, cooking on medium heat for about eight minutes, stirring now and then.
Add apples and thyme, cooking on medium high about five minutes, or until until the apples begin to soften.
Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Work in bread, parsley, stock, chestnuts, and cream, tossing to mix well; salt and pepper.
Turn the squash so cut sides face up. Fill the cavities with stuffing and bake 20 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.

Side Dish
Kale and brussels sprout salad with walnuts parmesan and lemon-mustard dressing  Print Recipe

This wonderful salad is even better the next day. Inspired by Bon Appètit.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:25 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
For the Salad
1 cup raw almonds with skins or walnuts, chopped
1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced
1 pound Tuscan or curly kale (about 1 large bunch), thick center rib removed, leaves thinly sliced
1 cup coarsely grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino
For the Dressing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 2 lemons
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots, from one large shallot
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Bake the walnuts for 5-8 minutes, until toasted and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them; they burn quickly.
Combine the brussels sprouts and kale in a large bowl.
Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over the vegetables. Add most of the walnuts and cheese, reserving some to garnish the platter, and toss well. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours in the fridge) to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish and scatter the remaining walnuts and cheese over top. Serve at room temperature.

Side Dish
Waldorf salad coleslaw  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Serves 6 to 8

6 cups white cabbage, cored and shredded
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into julienne strips, plus apple slices for garnish
2 ribs of celery, sliced thin diagonally
1/2 cups walnuts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
In a very large bowl stir together the cabbage, the apple strips, the celery, and the walnuts.
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, the yogurt, the mustard, the sugar, the oil, the salt, and the vinegar until the dressing is smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, and toss the slaw well. Chill the slaw, covered, for 2 hours.
The slaw may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Serve the slaw topped with the apples slices.

Side Dish
The best hash brown patties  Print Recipe

This recipe can be multiplied to feed a crowd. The hash browns will stay crunchy for an hour at room temperature and reheat well in the oven.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:
Cooking time:10 minutes
1 pound organic russet potatoes, peeled
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons corn or peanut oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
ketchup
Line a microwave-safe bowl with a paper towel and set the box grater in the bowl.
Working quickly, so the potatoes do not have a chance to oxidize, grate the potatoes into the bowl.
Give them a gentle press into the paper towel, then remove the paper towel. Add the salt and baking powder and mix with hands. Microwave the potatoes for 90 seconds. Add the garlic and pepper and mix again.
Melt the butter with the oil in a 12-inch cast iron or other nonstick skillet over medium heat. Divide the potato mixture into four equal portions and press each between hands to form an oblong ½-inch-thick patty. Lay the potato patties in the hot fat and cook without moving for 3 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. If pan looks dry, add a little more oil.
Flip and rotate the patties so they color evenly and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Serve with ketchup.

Side Dish
Vidalia onion fritters  Print Recipe


Serves: 5
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vinegar
4 dashes hot sauce
2 large Vidalia onion, peeled, halved, thinly sliced
Vegetable oil for frying .
Mix flour, baking powder, curry powder, and salt in a bowl.
Beat the liquids together. Pour over the dry ingredients and combine.
Add the sliced onions and mix well. Let stand for 1 hour.
In a deep skillet heat 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees over medium heat.
Drop the batter into the hot oil by tablespoonfuls, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until browned on one side and turn.
When the fritters are deep golden brown all over, remove them and drain on paper towels. Break one open to test for doneness;
if underdone in the center, reduce the heat a bit, and fry another minute.
Repeat until all the batter is used up and serve immediately

Side Dish
Oven baked sweet potato fries  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 pounds sweet potatoes, about 3 large ones
1/4 cup olive or other vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoon spice combination of your choice: chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, etc.
Preheat oven to 450°F. (For more crispiness, preheat your oven to 500°F.)
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Cut each piece into wedges. Alternately, you can slice the peeled sweet potato into disks either with a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and add the oil. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle with salt, sugar and spices of your choice. Mix well, so all pieces are coated with oil and spices.
Place a baking sheet inthe oven to preheat.
Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the preheating the baking sheet, to help the fries get crisp.

Bake for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn over all of the sweet potato pieces. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are well browned. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Side Dish
Crispy onion rings  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 medium Spanish onions
1 cup milk or buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Spanish paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
a pinch cayenne
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
vegetable oil for deep-frying
Peel and cut the onions into 1/4-inch thick slices; separate into rings. In shallow bowl, stir together milk or buttermilk and ½ teaspoon of the salt; add onion rings and soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a bag, combine flour, remaining salt and pepper. Add onion rings in batches and shake to coat.
In deep-fryer or large saucepan, heat 2 inches oil to 375 degrees. Deep-fry rings, in batches without crowding for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain and keep warm on paper towel-lined baking dish in 250 degree oven

Dessert
Key lime pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
8

1 9-inch
Graham cracker crumb recipe
2 14-ounce cans condensed milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat condensed milk with egg yolks. Mix in the lime juice.
Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until pie is firm in center.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.
Gradually add sugar and continue whipping to form stiff peaks. Spread or pipe egg whites over the baked pie.
Bake at 325 degrees until golden brown Cool pie on rack and refrigerate before serving. Cut into 8 equal portions. Decorate plates with lime gratings and slices.

Dessert
Grapefruit Alaska  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time:2 minutes
2 large ruby red grapefruit
2 teaspoons grenadine syrup
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoon sugar
2 cups raspberry sorbet
Preheat oven at 500 degrees.
Cut the grapefruit in halves crosswise. Cut off the sections, and discard the membranes from grapefruit. Chill shells upside down on a baking tray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grapefruit sections with the grenadine. Chill for 30 minutes Strain grapefruit sections and save 2 tablespoons of the grenadine juice.
In an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat the egg whites until light and fluffy, then stir in the grenadine juice and sugar.
Continue beating until meringue is thick and firm.
Scoop the raspberry sorbet into the grapefruit shells, filling the shells half way.
Arrange the grapefruit sections on top of sorbet.
Spread meringue over the grapefruit, sealing well at edges of shells.
Bake for about a minute in oven, or until golden brown

Dessert
Lemon bars  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:55 minutes
For the crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Dessert
Creamy pumpkin pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 15 minutes
Crust:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup cold shortening, cubed
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vinegar

Filling:
1 14 ounce can pumpkin purée
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 package (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

Crust:
Combine flour, rind and salt; using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In measuring cup, whisk egg yolk with vinegar; pour in enough ice water to make 1/3 cup. Drizzle egg mixture over flour mixture; toss with fork until dough starts to hold together, adding a little more ice water if necessary.
Form into ball; press into disc. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On floured surface, roll out pastry to 1/8 inch thickness. Place in 9 inch pie plate, draping loosely . Without stretching, fit into plate. Trim edges to leave 1 inch overhang. Fold edge under and flute. Prick shell all over and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Gather pastry scraps together and roll out. Using small pumpkin shaped cookie cutter, cut out 11 shapes. Transfer to baking sheet; bake in bottom third of oven for about 12 minutes or until golden. Transfer to rack, let cool. Line pastry shell with foil; fill evenly with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in bottom third of oven for 15 minutes; remove weights and foil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes longer or until pastry just starts to turn golden. Reduce heat to 350 degrees.
In food processor, purée pumpkin, sugar, cheese, cream, eggs, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Pour into pie shell; bake in bottom third of oven for 1 hour or until set in center.
Let cool on rack.
Topping:
Pipe cream into 8 rosettes around edge; top each with pastry pumpkin cookies.

Dessert
Apple cranberry crisp  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
Topping:
1 1/4 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sliced almonds
4 pounds tart apples, peeled, quartered, cored and sliced
3 cups cranberries
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
vanilla ice cream
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a 13-by-9-by-2 inch baking dish or a 3-quart baking dish, 2-inch deep. In a bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamon, and salt.
Add butter and mix all ingredients until crumbly. Mix in the almonds. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries and granulated sugar. Mix in 1 tablespoon flour and remaining cinnamon and cardamon. Mix well. Transfer to the prepared dish.
Spread the oat mixture evenly over fruit. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 50 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream.

Dessert
Tangerine jelly  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
4 fresh tangerines or tangelos
30 pieces white sugar cubes
2 cups dry white wine
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
Rub the tangerines all over with the sugar cubes, collecting as much skin oil on the cubes as possible. Pare some skin and cut into fine strips.
Peel remaining tangerines. Remove sections, discarding membranes and seeds.
Place sections in a mixing bowl. Pour the wine in a saucepan with the sugar cubes and the tangerine strips. Add gelatin.
Heat wine to a boil. Strain and let cool. Fill into glass cups. Chill to set. Arrange tangerine sections on top.
Serve with Lemon or lime mousse

Dessert
Raspberry cheesecake  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:45 minutes
1 1/4 cups prepared crumbs (graham or chocolate)
1/4 cup melted butter
3 8-ounce packages softened regular or light philadelphia cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons raspberry jam

Garnish: Fresh raspberries
1. COMBINE crumbs with butter. Press on bottom of 9 in. springform pan. Try using your favorite cookies for extra flavor - just give them a whirl in the food processor or blender and substitute for prepared crumbs.

2. MIX cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, cornstarch and sour cream and mix until just blended.

3. POUR over prepared crust and swirl in a raspberry Jam and bake at 300°F for 45-50 minutes or until centre is almost set. Cool completely and refrigerate.
Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Dessert
Lemon meringue pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 recipe Never Fail Pie Crust

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn starch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 eggs, separated
grated rind of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup sugar
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.
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.
In 2-quart saucepan stir together 1 cup sugar and corn starch. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Stir in egg yolks. Whisking constantly, bring to boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon rind, lemon juice, and butter.
Turn into pastry shell. In an electric beater, whisk egg whites at high speed until foamy.
Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating to form stiff peaks. Spread some meringue around edge of filling first, touching crust all around, then fill in center.
Bake in 325 F oven about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

Dessert
Fluffy strawberry sherbet  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time:10 minutes
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
3 egg whites
3 cups strawberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Dissolve the sugar over medium heat. Boil the sugar until it reaches the soft ball stage, 238 degree F. To test without a thermometer, put a drop of syrup in cold water. If it forms a soft ball, the syrup is ready.
While making the syrup, beat the egg whites in a metal bowl, until they begin to foam.
Slowly pour in the hot syrup and continue beating for about 10 minutes or until mixture is cool.
Clean the strawberries, hull and puree them with the lemon juice. Gently fold in the egg white mixture then pour in an ice cream maker and freeze until creamy.
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Measures of non liquid ingredients



Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted
into weight using the table below.
For products not included, use a metric scale
Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams

Ingredient

1 cup

3/4 cup

2/3 cup

1/2 cup

1/3 cup

1/4 cup

2 tablespoons

All-purpose wheat flour 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour 110 g 80 g 70 g 55 g 35 g 27 g 13 g
White sugar 200 g 150 g 130 g 100 g 65 g 50 g 25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar 100 g 75 g 70 g 50 g 35 g 25 g 13 g
Brown sugar normally packed 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 23 g
Corn flour 160 g 120 g 100 g 80 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Cornstarch 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Rice (not-cooked) 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Macaroni (uncooked) 140 g 100 g 90 g 70 g 45 g 35 g 17 g
Couscous (uncooked) 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked) 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Table salt 300 g 230 g 200 g 150 g 100 g 75 g 40 g
Butter / Margarine 240 g 180 g 160 g 120 g 80 g 60 g 30 g
Shortening 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
chopped walnuts 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Nuts /ground almonds 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed) 60 g 45 g 40 g 30 g 20 g 15 g 8 g
Dry bread crumbs 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Parmesan grated 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Chocolate chips 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 38 g  19 g
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As the sun rises or sets in

VIRGIN-ISLANDS

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The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
39 Recipes

6 Appetizers

12 Main dishes

12 Side dishes

9 Desserts