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Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

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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
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
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.

Appetizer
Banana pancakes  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off
2 tablespoons sugar
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small, over-ripe banana, peeled
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons low fat milk
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Cooking

Vegetable oil
Unsalted butter

For Serving
Maple syrup
Sliced bananas
Confectioners' sugar (optional)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
In a small bowl, mash the banana with a fork until almost smooth. Whisk in the eggs, then add the milk and vanilla and whisk until well blended. Pour the banana mixture and the melted butter into the flour mixture. Fold the batter gently with a rubber spatula until just blended; do not over-mix. The batter will be thick and lumpy.
Set a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat until hot. Put a pad of butter and one tablespoon vegetable oil onto the griddle, and swirl it around. Drop the batter by 1/4-cupfuls onto the griddle, spacing the pancakes about 2 inches apart. Cook until a few holes form on top of each pancake and the underside is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the top is puffed, 1 to 2 minutes more. Using the spatula, transfer the pancakes to a serving plate.
Wipe the griddle clean with paper towels, add more butter and oil, and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve the pancakes while still hot with maple syrup, sliced bananas and confectioners' sugar if desired.

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
Quick and easy pancakes  Print Recipe

To freeze cooked pancakes, cool completely, then place them in zip-lock freezer bags. Seal the bags, removing as much air as possible. The frozen pancakes can easily be heated up in a toaster or toaster oven.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
For the instant Pancake mix:
28 ounces all-purpose flour (by weight)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 ounce light brown sugar

Quick and easy Pancakes:
10 ounces (by weight) instant pancake mix (above)
2 large eggs, separated and at room temperature
2 cups low-fat buttermilk at room temperature (plus another ounce to adjust consistency of final batter)
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted in a small saucepan and cooled
1 ounce unsalted butter, shortening or non-stick spray for the pan
8 ounces fresh fruit such as blueberries (optional)
INSTANT PANCAKE MIX
Sift all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months. Shake well before each use.
PANCAKES
Heat an electric griddle to 350 degrees F or set a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Heat the oven to the lowest possible temperate (not more than 200 degrees F).
Place the pancake mix in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the egg whites and the buttermilk in a second bowl.
Whisk the egg yolks into the cooled melted butter.
Whisk the butter mixture completely into the buttermilk mixture.
Combine the wet team onto the dry instant pancake mix and quickly bring together with a large whisk. Do not over mix.
Ladle 1 ounce (by volume) of batter onto the griddle. Spread the batter out to a disk about 4 inches in diameter. Cook for 3 minutes, or until bubbles around the upside edge set. If you wish to integrate the fruit into the pancake itself, add it after the batter has been on the griddle for about 30 seconds.
Carefully flip with a wide spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom.
Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven by placing cakes on a half sheet pan and covering them with a tea towel for up to 20 minutes.

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
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
Blueberry-banana pancakes  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, well beaten
1-1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup mashed banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh blueberries
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, milk, butter, bananas and vanilla. Stir until well blended and smooth. Fold in blueberries.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake on preheated, greased griddle. Turn only once.

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
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
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
Doughnut muffins  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
For Muffin Batter
1 cup milk (low-fat is fine)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated nutmeg
For Muffin Topping
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a standard-size muffin pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine milk and lemon juice in a measuring cup and set aside.
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just mixed in. Stir in the vanilla.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Stir with a whisk until well combined.
Using a rubber spatula, mix a quarter of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Then mix in a third of the milk mixture. Continue mixing in the remaining dry and wet ingredients alternately, ending with the dry. Mix until well combined and smooth, but don't over-mix. The batter will be very thick.
Scoop enough batter into each tin so that the top of the batter is even with the rim of the cup. (I like to use an ice cream scoop with a wire scraper for this.) Bake the muffins until firm to the touch, 25-30 minutes. Set pan on rack to cool for a few minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the topping: melt the butter in a small dish and combine the cinnamon and sugar in another small dish.
When the muffins are cool enough to handle, use a pastry brush to paint the top of each muffin with butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar. If you have cinnamon-sugar left over, sprinkle muffins again. Serve warm, or cool on a rack and wrap airtight. Store at room temperature. Reheat muffins briefly in microwave for that fresh out of the oven taste.

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.

Main
Best bran muffins  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
3 cups all bran cereal
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup raisins
1 cup boiling water
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk *

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix together the bran cereal, oil and raisins. Pour on the boiling water and let stand while preparing remaining ingredients.
Combine the flour, sugar, soda and salt. Lightly beat the eggs and mix with the buttermilk.
Add to cereal mixture and mix well. Add flour mixture and mix only until combined.
Pour batter in greased muffin tins.
Let stand at least 15 minutes before baking. Do not stir. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove muffins from cups while hot.
* You can replace the 2 cups buttermilk with 2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice and milk.

Main
Refrigerator blueberry muffins  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups sifted flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
Night before:
Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla at high speed until light and fluffy, scraping the sides occasionally. Beat for 4 minutes. On low speed beat in flour mixture in fourths, alternating with milk in thirds (begin and end with flour). Beat until smooth. Gently fold in blueberries just to combine. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full.
Refrigerate overnight.
Next day:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove to wire rack. Let cool or serve warm.

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
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
Carrot muffins  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
1/2 cup oil
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup honey
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat eggs, add sugar, honey, oil and carrots. Mix well. Add dry ingredients along with buttermilk.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Transfer muffins on a rack to cool.

Main
Coffee cake cupcakes  Print Recipe

try the batter with cranberries & chopped pecans. Recipe inspired by Tori Avey toriavey.com/
Serves: 12
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:35 minutes
Streusel Ingredients
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Cupcake Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, room temperature
1 tsp almond or vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp melted butter
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Streusel
In a small mixing bowl, use a fork to mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the chopped pecans and melted butter. Continue mixing with the fork until the sugar and pecans are fully mixed and evenly moistened by the butter. Reserve; this is your streusel topping.
Muffins batter
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the butter into cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on low speed, then medium, to cream the butter for a minute till it becomes light and airy.
Slowly add sugar to the bowl and beat for 2-3 minutes more, increasing the speed gradually and scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula periodically, until the color becomes lighter and the sugar is fully integrated into the butter.
Beat in the eggs, then the sour cream, then the almond or vanilla extract.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet and stir till evenly moistened. Do not over-mix.
Line a cupcake tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Fill each tin halfway with batter. I've found the easiest way to do this is with a small ice cream scoop-- use one small (not heaping) scoop per tin.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 tsp of streusel onto the top of the batter in each tin.
Fill the tins the rest of the way with batter, all the way to the top of the tin (another small ice cream scoop of batter in each tin).
Sprinkle 1-2 tsp of streusel on the top of each cupcake.
Bake the cupcakes for 30-35 minutes till they test clean with a toothpick or skewer. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
Glazing:
When ready to frost, make your vanilla glaze. In a small mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar.
Add the rest of the glaze ingredients. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients till a creamy frosting forms. You want the consistency of thick honey; if you need a little more moisture, add milk a few drops at a time. Just a drop can take it from a thick honey to a runny texture, so add with care.
Line a glass with a plastic bag, wrapping the edge of the bag around the outer rim of the glass. This will help you fill it with frosting. Use a spatula to scoop the frosting into the bag.
Place cupcakes on top of a piece of parchment paper or paper towels to catch drips.
Work the frosting into the corner of the bag and snip off a small corner with scissors. Gently squeeze and drizzle the frosting in a zig-zag pattern across the top of the cupcakes.
Let the frosting dry for at least 30 minutes to set (it may take longer depending on the weather).


Main
Corn bread  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Butter two 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch inch loaf pans. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add cornmeal and blend well. In a separate bowl, combine and beat milk, egg, and butter. Pour the wet ingredients over dry mixture. Stir to blend. Pour batter into pans. Bake for about 50 minutes. Cool corn bread on rack for 10 minutes. Turn out onto rack to cool completely. Refrigerate wrapped for 2 days, or freeze for 2 weeks.

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
Steamed broccoli  Print Recipe

Broccoli can be prepared ahead by this method. Refrigerated steamed broccoli can be reheated by tossing in a skillet on medium high with a scant amount of oil or butter, or by means of a brief session in the microwave. Steamed broccoli can also be served at room temperature or chilled and used in a salad. Optional garnishes should be of a contrasting color: roasted sesame seeds, minced white parts of green onion, etc. VARIATION: Sometimes I steam another vegetable along with the broccoli. Yellow onion, sliced thick, works particularly well. Carrot sticks, radish halves, daikon sticks, summer squash all work well. Cut the additional vegetable to pieces about the same size as the broccoli pieces, or smaller. Recipe adapted from http://www.stephencooks.com/
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:5 minutes
1 medium bunch broccoli - about 9 ounces
2 - 4 tablespoons fresh herbs (optional), minced (suggestions: tarragon, thyme, dill, basil, oregano)
2 green onions (optional), chopped
2 or3 cloves garlic, (optional), minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Balsamic vinegar to taste (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Trim broccoli: cut the last 1/4 inch from the end of the stalks and use a paring knife to trim any gnarly stumps or little branches from the stalks.

2. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the tough outer skin from the stalks, starting at the base of the flower and going to the end of the stalks. Some larger stalks have a fairly thick skin and may need two passes of the peeler. (You can tell when you got it all when the inner flesh of the stalk is exposed -- it has a softer wet-green look, with no fibers visible and a texture like a cut radish or potato.)

3. Cut the broccoli pieces crosswise into three pieces: the flower and two pieces of stalk about 2 1/2 - 3" long. Divide the flowers from each other as necessary and halve or quarter the stalk pieces lengthwise so that the pieces are all about the same size (for uniform cooking).

4. Place the broccoli in a steamer basket in a pan with about 3/4" of rapidly boiling water. Cover tightly and steam for 5 min.

5. Remove broccoli to a bowl. Add any of the optional ingredients you are using and toss with tongs briefly to mix.

6. Season to taste and allow to rest, partially covered, for a few minutes.

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

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
Garlic-roasted potato skins  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 40 minutes
3 pounds russet (baking) potatoes (6 to 8 medium)
1 medium head garlic
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 350° F. Prick each potato once or twice with a fork. Cut off and discard top fourth of garlic head, then wrap garlic tightly in foil. Bake garlic and potatoes on same rack in lower third of oven until potatoes are tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove potatoes from oven and cool on a metal rack 15 minutes. Continue to bake garlic until tender, about 15 minutes more, then cool in foil on rack. While garlic cools, halve potatoes lengthwise, then quarter each half (to form short wedges).
Scoop out potato flesh (reserving it for another use), leaving 1/4-inch-thick potato skins. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Squeeze garlic into a small bowl, discarding garlic skins, and mash to a paste with butter, salt, and pepper using a fork.
Divide garlic paste among potato skins (about 1/2 teaspoon each), spreading evenly, then roast skins in a large shallow baking pan (1 inch deep) until golden and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.

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
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
Oven-cooked bacon  Print Recipe

The best way to cook bacon is in the oven on parchment paper because it allows for an easy cleanup. The bacon sits in its own rendered fat as it bakes, it cooks more quickly than if you cooked it on a rack. The fatty parts also get wonderfully crispy.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:5 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1/2 sliced bacon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

1.Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make sure to cut a large-enough sheet of parchment paper so that there is overhang on all sides. Then fold the excess up so that the drippings don’t seep through any cracks.
Lay the bacon strips flat, making sure pieces do not overlap.
2. Bake until crisp and browned, 15 to 18 minutes, 24 minutes (thick-cut bacon), rotating the sheets once.
3. Transfer strips to a paper towel to drain.
Let the drippings cool slightly, lift up the parchment, and store the drippings into a container.

Dessert
Key lime pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
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
Lime mousse  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream OR 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar
Soften gelatin in cold water. Stir to mix and set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat over low heat or over a double boiler to dissolve. The melted liquid should be clear.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the gelatin. Cool mixture until lightly thickened but do not set.
Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold cream OR Cool Whip into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds.
Serve with TANGERINE JELLY

Dessert
Lemon or lime mousse  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 35 minutes
1 envelop unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed, and strained
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
1 tablespoon sugar
Soften gelatin in water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Heat over low heat to dissolve. In a mixing bowl, combine the lime rind, juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin. Cool mixture but do not set. Beat the cream with the sugar until stiff. Fold into the lime mixture. Spoon into crystal glasses or molds. Serve with
Tangerine jelly

Dessert
Swiss roll  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
3/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
4 tablespoons milk, warm
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup flour, all purpose
2 teaspoons baking powder
Filling:
12 ounces apricot jam
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cover the bottom of a 12-by-16 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Grease and flour the bottom and sides of pan. In bowl of an electric mixer, beat sugar, egg yolks, and milk until light and creamy. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until medium firm. Combine flour and baking powder.
Fold flour in egg yolk mix alternately with egg whites. Spread cake mix over the whole surface of pan.
Bake 12 minutes or until center of cake is set. Sprinkle a clean towel with confectioner's sugar.
Turn the cake over towel. Roll into a jelly roll. Cool. Unroll and fill with apricot jam.
Roll again and cool before serving.

Dessert
Key lime pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes

1 9-inch Graham cracker pie crust

2 14-ounce cans condensed milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup super fine 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 12 to 15 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.

Dessert
The summit cake  Print Recipe

The weight of air is a phenomenon most cooks seldom contemplate. But if you live in Breckenridge or a host of other high-altitude locales, you'll face fallen cakes and overflowing batters if you don't adjust your recipe to the higher elevations. This birthday cake was specially designed to alleviate the uncertainties of high altitude baking.
Serves: 8
Preparation time:1 hour
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 recipe
Spanish olive oil tortas
4 oz melted semi sweet chocolate
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding
4 (6-oz) containers fresh raspberries
white icing
Make 5 8-inch round tortas according to the recipe
Mix 1/4 cup whipping cream with the melted chocolate
Combine remaining whipping cream with instant vanilla pudding and chocolate mixture in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer.
Beat at medium speed until cream is firm.
To assemble the cake:
Arrange one circle of tortas on a serving tray. spoon 1/4 of the cream over and top with raspberries. Continue the same process with the remaining tortas, cream and raspberries. Cover the top with white icing.

Dessert
Blueberry supreme  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
One recipe Quick and easy pie crust
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound blueberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup sugar
garnish with whipped cream
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Pour into crust. Bake for 15 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, cornstarch and sugar.
Cook over low heat until thick and bubbly. Spread over pie crust. Chill. Decorate top with whipped cream.

Dessert
Winter citrus compote  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 cups sweet dessert wine
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


In a saucepan combine wine, orange juice and honey. Split the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise, and scrape the seeds into the pan using the tip of the knife. Add the pod and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is reduced to about one cup (about 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and add the raisins. Set aside to cool then remove vanilla pod. Cut off the orange peel with a knife. Separate the segments free from all membranes. Repeat with remaining citrus, removing seeds. Add all fruit to the cooled liquid. Spoon into glasses.

Dessert
Angel food cake  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cake flour, sifted
12 egg whites (1 3/4 cups) (at room temperature)
1/3 cup warm water
1 teaspoon orange extract, or extract of your choice
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift half of the sugar with the salt and the cake flour, setting the remaining sugar aside.

In a large bowl, use a balloon whisk to thoroughly combine egg whites, water, orange extract, and cream of tartar.
After 2 minutes, slowly add the sifted reserved sugar, beating continuously at medium speed.
Once you have achieved medium peaks, sift enough of the flour mixture in to dust the top of the foam. Using a spatula fold in gently. Continue until all of the flour mixture is incorporated.

Carefully spoon mixture into a 10-inch (4L) ungreased tube pan. Bake for 35 minutes before checking for doneness with a wooden skewer. (When inserted halfway between the inner and outer wall, the skewer should come out dry).

Cool upside down on cooling rack for at least an hour before removing from pan.
conversion of liquids
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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

"May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."

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

12 Appetizers

16 Main dishes

12 Side dishes

9 Desserts

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ecookbook 49 Recipes