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Posts from the ‘Recipes’ Category

May 23

All the Facts to Plan Shop Prep Now also in mobile

FOOD FACTS AT YOUR FINGERS

With all the graduations and weddings spring is the second season of gifting. A book is always an excellent choice because it’s personalized without being personal, and digital is a great substitute for a material gift whether or not it’s presented in person. Food Facts for Millennials is a perfect gift, or helpful tool, for those planning to start out on their own, to ease the path.

For the graduate, newlywed or anyone opening a new page and setting up housekeeping, organizing the kitchen and food supply can be a problem with a major time impact on a busy schedule. The supermarket can be a scary place, wondering what to choose, how to use it, how much to buy, which brand is the right one for you and the prospect of ‘register shock’ or worse budget deficit looming over your head. This book will help you calculate your needs before you start to market, and go with you on your cell to answer your questions while shopping. It makes food preparation in general, easier and fun for both newbies and old hands.

Even though I had years of experience in managing a home, I was terrified when I opened my chef service. I had to satisfy my clients, virtual strangers, to make my business work. I had to be able to offer clients open recipe choice, reasonable rates, guarantee quality, buy retail and meet my bottom line. That’s real pressure. A chef service’s standard order is 5 entrees, 4 servings each and a successful service needs several clients per week.  That’s a lot of shopping. Together they require major organization and current market information.

In addition to clients who have dietary requirements, most want to maintain low-fat, low-carb menu plans.  I  knew the chief ‘red flags’ are easily isolated and examined in the baking category, dairy products, sugar and recently flour, so I began making notes on substitutions, new items from ethnic cuisines and product options for reference. 

When my paper pad became bothersome to carry, I switched to digital notes. Showing them to a friend, her newlywed daughter asked for a copy, which led to Baking Basics and Options, and then she added a request, with prices rising, for a book on meats to find optional cuts. That resulted in books on poultry and seafood.

One day at the gym, I heard a woman explaining a new low-carb diet which banned all white foods, including onions, because they are high in carbohydrates. I realized that poor carbs were still getting a ‘dirty rap’ and wrote another book explaining that carbs are the body’s fuel and all foods have them, with the exception of oils and some shellfish. It’s understanding that there are two types of carbohydrates, simple and complex, which function differently, that separates the ‘good carbs’ from the ‘bad’ ones and should determine our choice in consuming them.

By now I had five books on my web site and Kindle, and it seemed natural to write a sixth on sauces and gravies, especially with the current popularity of pan sauces and/or gravies. First, there is a difference between the two. Second, like carbs, there is a general misunderstanding about them. They do not all have a high fat content, that depends on the base and the ingredients used. A ROUX base begins with melted butter, and then the thickening agent and liquid are added. A SLURRY base consists of the thickening agent dissolved in a bit of fluid, then stirred into the main liquid, which could be a skimmed broth or juice. The book also examines the five Mother sauces of classic French cuisine and the derivation of their ‘offspring’ for three generations as well as listing the different grades of sauces, gravies and soups.

Although the six books are available separately on the site’s Bookshelf and Kindle, I decided they would be more convenient for quick reference gathered in one volume. I called the book Food Facts for Millennials, obviously because it’s about food facts and for Millennials partly because they are the ones now starting out on their own and partly because they are true ‘foodies’. They want high quality, fresh ingredients and are willing to pay more for less to have them. They’re interested in exploring different cuisines, creating new taste experiences and maintaining nutritional balance.

However, the book is a handy reference guide even for us old hands in the kitchen, who need to check facts now and then. It’s even available in mobi, so you can take it to market with you on your phone.

Here is a list of the six digital books, with a summary of the contents of each and prices as listed on this blog and kindle.

1) BAKING BASICS AND OPTIONS

Have you ever been confronted by a baking recipe and wondered which product to choose? Ever needed to cook for people with allergies to gluten, wheat, eggs or perhaps are diabetic or have another medical condition? Maybe you wanted to bake something to please a guest from another culture, or just 

felt like trying a recipe from another cuisine. This book answers any questions about regular ingredients used in baking, helps you understand unfamiliar ones and choose the right options if necessary. It also offers various uses for different ingredients and suggests ways to use the remainder of any exotic ones you may buy for a special purpose before expiration. ($2.99)

2) THE POULTRY PLACE

This book discusses modern changes in breeding methods; why we’re assured of tender birds and the “stewing” chicken and capon are obsolete. It explains the differences in terms between generic, brand-name birds as found in the supermarket, free-range and organically raised. There is complete information ion Salmonella and how to avoid it. This advice extends to a section on the safe handling and use of eggs, and another section on reasons to clean and brine all poultry. There are detailed instructions on preparing all types of birds for cooking. Listed are descriptions of all domestic fowl and the most universal of game birds, along with several recipes for each. Also included are time and temperature charts for general knowledge and detailed instructions for carving and serving each type of bird. Nothing is left to chance. ($3.99)

3) SAVVY SAUCES and GRAVIES

This book is a “Cliff Notes” on sauces and gravies. It starts by defining the differences between the two and goes on to explain the various ways to thicken them for serving, examining the different ingredients that can be used and giving recipes and directions to do so . It describes the different types of gravy and gives directions on how to make each from scratch as well as shortcuts. Outlined are ALL the different types of sauces and their uses from salads to meats to desserts and gives step-by-step advice on how to make and use each. Special attention is given to the 5 Classic French “Mother” sauces—the ones found on menus not in packages. Each is described in detail and instructions given for making and using them, as well as for the many varied second and third generation sauces they inspire.
As the way in which sauces evolve is explained, it becomes clear they can be adapted to fit dietary requirements, be they medical, religious or cosmetic. This leads to explaining how simple it is to create shortcuts for the inexperienced or rushed as well as how easy it is to individualize them. Recipes illustrating the different types and applications of sauces are included along the way and tips to DIY sauces at will. ($3.99)

4) HOW TO CONTROL CARBOHYDRATES – SO THEY DON’T GO TO WAIST

Take the “Black Hat” off carbohydrates and learn how to use them to your advantage. In this book you will learn the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates, how each works and why complex ones are so important to a healthy diet. You will see that it’s virtually impossible to cut carbs out of your diet completely, because they exist to some degree in almost all foods. The trick in avoiding the damage they can do to your waistline is in knowing which ones, and how many you need daily. The major source groups are explained in detail and broken down into types as are the “hidden” groups so often overlooked. It’s important to know which is which and how to combine them to your advantage. For example, a baked potato with sour cream constitutes a balanced meal, do you know why? There are cooking tips and some suggestions for uses and recipes included as well. ($2.99)

5) ALL ABOUT SEAFOOD

As seafood becomes increasingly valued as a healthy food source, and thanks to the growth of aqua farming and improved transport, ever more varieties are available to and being consumed by an increasing number of people. Questions naturally arise concerning the buying, prepping, storing and cooking of the different types of seafood and actually as to the types and classifications of the items themselves. This book addresses many of those questions by explaining the general rules for safe handling fish and other forms of seafood; cleaning, skinning, shelling or shucking; proper storage until cooking. There are definitions of each classification of seafood in general and descriptions of the members of each category and specifically of the species within each one listed. There are guidelines as to proportions to buy and suggestions as to substitutions within species. Included is also a section on the serving of canned fish. ($2.99)

6) THE MEAT STOP

Years ago the family neighborhood butcher knew the customers’ preferences and often anticipated their needs. Now we’re on our own and have to be a lot better informed as to what we’re buying in every way. Anyone who has peered into the supermarket meat counters realize there are decisions to be made over and above which meat to choose. We have to know the cut or cuts to use for the dishes we plan, how to pick the right one and which is the best buy. We need to judge color, grain, fat dispersion, often bone mass and general appearance. Moreover, we have to know what to substitute if we can’t find what we want. For this we have to know how to prepare and cook different cuts, even different meats. This book contains charts on beef, pork, lamb and veal advising which cuts are more tender, which are tougher, which are fattier and why. Then there are additional charts telling how to cook, car
which are tougher, which are fattier and why. Then there are additional charts telling how to cook, carve and serve them. The book is a great guide to learning about meats and a great kitchen aid. ($3.99)

FOOD FACTS FOR MILLENNIALS – A collection of all 6 books for handy reference. The collection ($ 17.94) in both epub and mobi.

May 16

Easy Spring- (1)

SPRING-SUMMER ENTREES

Despite its somber dedication Memorial Day is a pleasant holiday.  Popularly regarded as the start of summer it’s the time amusement parks and swimming pools open, lifeguards return to beaches and boats to the water. Always a three day event, without any traditional obligations, it gives us time for   quick trips, or just to prepare for the coming season and break-out out summer wardrobes. 

Yet even without traditional pull it’s a holiday and people still feel drawn to sharing a meal with friends and/or family preferably one with a summery menu. That means a menu of dishes which don’t require hours of cooking, can be prepped in advance, are stable at room temperature, easy to serve and eat.

With today’s food prices, it also means with recipes which won’t break the bank. This is a casual holiday, not a Feast Day, and the foods should be items which don’t put a strain on the providers or guilt on the guests. The 10 recipes below are for the most popular, affordable meats right now. The seafood mentioned can be found in frozen packages and, for those on restrictive diets, the pork can be replaced by turkey tenderloins at an equal price, especially the pork recipe with tuna sauce which is actually an Italian classic for veal.


RECIPES

Mushroom Stuffed Pork with Wine Sauce: Serves 2-3-Recipe easily doubled
(1) about 1 lb. + pork tenderloin
(1/2) 10 oz. box chopped spinach – thawed and well drained
4 oz. canned mushrooms sliced or stems and pieces – drained
Ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper
1 large onion in small dice
½ cup + beef broth
1 Tbs. oil
1 ½ cups red wine
Butterfly the roast by slicing it lengthwise down the center almost through. Open it like a book and make similar slices down the length of each side. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and pound to an even thinness. Spread the spinach evenly over the surface, leaving a small margin on 3 sides, but not on one long edge. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg, and top with the mushrooms. Roll up the meat, starting with the side with no margin and tie with string every inch or so, securing the roll. Rub the outside lightly with salt and pepper, place in a roasting pan, seam side down, and cook in a preheated oven (350 deg.) When the roast reaches desired doneness, about 45-60 min, plate it and let rest a few minutes. Serve in thin slices.
For the sauce: sauté the onion, in oil, in a saucepan until soft. Add liquids and allow to cook down, adding wine to maintain original level of liquid-about 1 cup total. When it reaches desired consistency, add salt and pepper to taste. Can be made ahead and reheated. Store roast and sauce chilled. Roast can be served warmed or at room temperature. Sauce should be lightly warmed in microwave and stirred.


Pork Tonnato (Pork in Tuna Sauce)-: Serves 2-3.Recipe easily doubled-From Quick & Easy by Parragon Publishing

(1)About 1 lb. + pork tenderloin
2 Bay Leaves
10 black peppercorns
2 whole cloves
2 celery stalks sliced
2 carrots sliced
1 onion sliced
3 cups bullion-chicken or vegetable
½ cup white wine-optional
3 oz. canned tuna-well drained
1 ½ oz. anchovy fillets-drained
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tsp. capers
1 Tbs. lemon juice
Sat and pepper
Put the pork in a pot with the liquids, the vegetables and the spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until meat is tender, about 45-60 min.  Remove from heat and allow to cool in pot, then drain and move meat to a plate. Discard solids and fluid.
For the sauce: Mash the tuna, anchovys and 1 Tbs. oil. Add the capers, egg yolks, seasoning, transfer to a blender and process ‘til smooth. Stir in the lemon juice, then whisk in the rest of the oil, drop by drop, until the sauce is the consistency of thick cream. Thinly slice the chilled meat, arrange on a serving plate, spoon the sauce over it, cover and chill overnight. Before serving, use the remaining anchovy fillets in the can, to decorate the top.

Glazed Ham: Servings depend on size of ham
5-7 lb. ham butt or shank

1 can pineapple rings—at least 4pieces
10-15 whole cloves
¼ cup molasses
1-1 ½ Apple cider vinegar

Apple juice
(1) 1 oz. box raisins
Trim the fat from the ham, lightly score the top and dot it with cloves. Put the ham in a roasting pan with 1 cup of apple juice, or water, to prevent sticking, and set it in a 350 deg. oven. After about 20 minutes, when the scoring opens, baste it with ½ the glaze and add more juice to the pan, if needed. Allowing 15 minutes per pound, halfway through the cooking, add a bit more juice to the bottom of the pan to deglaze and baste with that, then spoon ½ the remaining glaze over the ham. 30 minutes before it’s finished,  open a can of pineapple slices and, reserving the juice, place 4or more slices on top of the ham, centering each with a cherry on a toothpick, then spoon the remaining glaze over them.
For the sauce:  combine the reserved pineapple juice and enough apple juice to make 2 cups, with 2Tbs. cornstarch and the raisins. Stirring constantly, I bring the mixture to a boil in a small saucepan until it thickens and clarifies. Then I add the pan drippings and stir to incorporate to make a delicious Raisin Sauce!

Ham en Croute:Serves 10-12
(1) 8 lb. cooked ham –boned preferably, canned is fine
Pastry for a 2 crust pie
1 egg –beaten
2 Tbs. heavy cream
Roll out about ¾ of the dough (If using 2 packaged pie crusts, moisten the edges to stick them together) into an oval shape, about 1/8 inch thick. Place ham in the center and fold up and around to cover about ¾ of it. Roll out the remaining dough to make an oval to cover the top and over-lap pressing edges together to flute. Combine egg and cream and brush dough. Use dough scraps to make decorations and brush with egg. Can be stored now, chilled. Bake in a preheated 450 deg. for 30 min. If baked far ahead and dough becomes soggy, re-crisp in a preheated oven for5-7 min.



Chicken with Lemon and Ham: Serves 4
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 thin slices of ham- Deli is Ok
2 lemons
4 Tbs. butter
Salt and pepper
Pound the chicken to about half their original thickness between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Soften the butter and mash with a goodly amount of freshly ground black pepper. Cut 8 thin slices from the lemons and juice the remainder. Place the chicken in an oven-proof pan. Put a crumpled slice of ham in the center of each, with a slice of lemon to either side. Dot with the butter-pepper mix and sprinkle with half the lemon juice. Bake in a 350 deg. preheated oven for 30-40 min. until chicken is golden. Plate the meat and pour over the pan juices adding the rest of the lemon juice if needed. Serve room temperature. Can be made ahead.


Teriyaki Basted Garlic Dusted Chicken Serves 6
6 chicken pieces, breast thighs, drums or one whole roasting chicken
About 1 Tbs. Teriyaki sauce per piece, or side of chicken, less for drums + 2 Tbs.
2 tsp. garlic powder –more if needed
½ envelope chicken bouillon
2 cups water – estimate
Salt for brining
Rinse and clean chicken well. Place in enough water to cover and add 2 Tbs. salt to make brine and soak for at least 15min. Rinse well. Lift skin from meat with a rounded utensil like a butter knife, and fill each pocket with Teriyaki Sauce. Place chicken pieces in an ovenproof pan, large enough to fit comfortably. Add 11/2 to 2 cups water to measure 11/2 inches in the pan. Sprinkle the bouillon on the water, add 1-2Tbs. Teriyaki sauce and sprinkle ½ tsp. of garlic powder on each of the pieces, more if needed for a good dusting. Best baked in a 350 degree oven for 1 hr., but can be done at 375 degrees for 45min. Maintain water level but do not baste. Serve with pan juices on the side or remove from pan and allow to come to room temperature. Optionally, strain and chill pan juice to make aspic to serve on the side.

HONEY SPICED WINGS:  4 servings
3 ½ lb. wings
1/3  cup oil
2 tsp. garlic powder
3Tbs.honey
2 tsp. cider vinegar
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried thyme

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl Put the chicken in a shallow glass or ceramic pan and pour the marinade over it. Allow to marinate for 2 hrs. turning often. Remove chicken from marinade and roast at 350 deg.

Poached Salmon:Serves 6
6 salmon steaks or filets
1 envelope bouillon granules-optional
1 Tbs. dill weed
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
Lime wedges or cucumber slices for garnish-optional

Bring enough water to cover fish in one layer to a boil in a pot. Cook in two batches if necessary. Cover and simmer 10 min. Run pieces of fish under cold water until cool enough to handle skin and bone if necessary. Otherwise place the fish on a plate and chill until serving time. Mix the mayonnaise, dill and sour cream and chill for at least 2 hours to meld flavors. Serve fish cold, topped with mayo mix and garnished as desired.

Salad Nicoise: Serves 6
1/2 small head of Romaine coarsely chopped
(3) 6oz. cans tuna-solid white is best- drained
½ lb. green beans – whole is best but frozen cut are fine
(2) 15oz. cans small whole potatoes-drained
2 large tomatoes sliced
3 large eggs hard boiled and sliced
(1) 6oz. can pitted ripe olives
½ cup white wine
Capers for garnish – optional
Cook the green beans just to crisp-tender. Marinate with the potatoes in the wine for 1hr. at least.
Line a platter with the Romaine. Arrange the other ingredients in a clockwise pattern starting at the number 6 position in the following order: Tuna, green beans, eggs, tomatoes, potatoes. Fill the center with the olives. Garnish the tuna with the capers.

Nicoise Dressing: 6 servings*
4Tbs. minced shallots – or mild onions
2Tbs. dry mustard – 4 of Dijon can be used
5 drops of hot sauce
5Tbs red wine vinegar
3Tbs fresh lemon juice – 4tsp. of concentrated will do
2 ½ cups salad oil.
1 Tbs. dried Tarragon or to taste

Mix the ingredients well and allow to meld for several hours. Drizzle a little over the Tuna, and serve the rest on the side. Chill leftover for other salads.

*A simpler dressing can be made by combining in a jar and shaking.
¼ cup olive oil
2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
½ tsp. Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic- mashed
1 tsp. dried tarragon.

Shrimp Louis: Single serving-multiply according to number of servings 8-12 shrimp-Jumbo size 21-25 per lb. If using a different size, judge accordingly
2 cups torn greens-suggested green leaf lettuce, mixed greens, baby spinach
Lamaze Dressing*
2 Tbs. mayonnaise
2 tsp. ketchup
Pinch Mace or Nutmeg
Boil the shrimp, remove shells and tails,-chill. Wash the greens well and dry completely, then tear into bit size pieces before measuring. Mix the dressing ingredients and chill.
To serve: Place greens in an individual salad bowl, or soup plate, arrange shrimp on top and present dressing in a small bowl to the side. Optionally, toss dressing with greens in bowl and present topped with shrimp.
*An option to Lamaze dressing is Ken’s Tomato Vinaigrette-I use the fat-free. Oss it to taste with the greens, then add the shrimp and serve.

May 9

Frozen Pastry Dough

FROZEN PASTRY DOUGH LOVES BERRIES

Pastry and fruit, especially berries, like ham and cheese, are two foods which happily combine to create wonderful flavor experiences. They co-produce many items, from casual treats to show-stopping desserts and quite easily too, when using the pre-made frozen pastry doughs available in most supermarkets. There are pie crusts, cookie batters and the difficult puff pastry and phyllo doughs, both in sheets and cups. Frankly, I prefer to make my own basic pie crusts and fruit pizza cookie dough (recipes below) but no way will I turn my back on the puff pastry or phyllo. They’re difficult, time consuming and expensive, not to forget tricky, to make while the commercial ones are reliable and top quality.

Pastry compliments many foods, especially other fruits, and recipes are interchangeable. To show this versatility, a variety of fillings are given here. To see more recipes for stone and other fruit pastry desserts go to Aug.26, 2021,   Aug. 9 and 16,2019 and for information about puff pastry, go to  May 24,2018.

Berries don’t keep well, so it’s best to use them soon. Also, they tend to crush under their own weight, and so should be stored in a container allowing few layers, especially when freezing. Rinse them well just before using and dry, spread out, on paper towels. Even tiny droplets of water dilute their rendered juice. Otherwise, berries are easy to work with and for presentation, nothing beats berries for freshness and color.

There are several types of pie crusts available in foil and and regular pie dough is sold in frozen rounds. able to roll to fit your needs as can cookie dough and puff pastry sheets. Phyllo dough is a bit more temperamental, so read and follow the package directions.

I’m including Wonton wraps in this post. They are a dough, available in the markets, though not frozen. However, they’re excellent baked into pastry cups and baked or fried as individual pockets holding savory morsels.

I start with tartlets-small tarts—because it’s an overall category which uses every type of pastry dough and gives a general idea of how to work with each. There is a recipe following that paragraph and then illustrations for each of the other doughs. I’ve tried to find more unusual ones to spark your interest.

RECIPES

Tartlets: Makes 12

1 box Puff Pastry- -2 sheets (2) 6 cup muffin tins Roll the pastry out to the point where (6) 5 inch circles can be cut from each. Place a circle in each muffin hole. Cut (12) 5 inch circles of parchment or waxed paper and place on top of the pastry. Weigh them down with dried beans or rice. This is the way to maintain the cup shape as the pastry cooks and rises. Bake in a preheated 400 deg. oven 10 – 15 min. until pastry is golden. Remove paper and weights and cool pastry cups on a rack.
 Fillings: 1) Fresh berries mixed with a bit of sugar and topped with whipped cream

Other Shell Choices
1) Wonton Cups: Makes 24 –From Eat Up and Slim Down by Jane Kirby and David Joachim
24 wonton wrappers
2Tbs. melted butter
Line a wrapper in each cup of a 12 cup or (2) 6 cup muffin pans. Brush with butter. Lay a 2nd wrapper diagonally on the first and brush with butter. Bake in a preheated 350 deg. oven for 10 min. Cool, then remove from pan.
2) Puff pastry shells or phyllo cups; these are sold frozen in most supermarkets. As a tip, sprinkle the puff pastry shell liberally with sugar before baking as a decorative touch. Fill with fresh or prepared fruit topped with cream or use the recipe above. Only thaw these items as needed and don’t attempt to refreeze any uncooked ones. Store cooked items airtight.
3) Pastry Dough: dough for a 2 crust pie, which should be enough for 6 individual desserts.
1) Tart Shells: Cut the dough in strips slightly wider than the diameter of the muffin tin cups or custard cups which will be used for baking. Put one strip in the cup; put a dot of water in the center of the bottom one and lay the other strip at right angles across it. Lightly press the edges together to seal and trim the top edges folding a bit over to make a rim. Fill partially with raw rice or beans, bake at 450 deg. for about 12 min.
2) Individual Galettes: Using a saucer as a template, cut dough in rounds. Place on a baking sheet and fold up edges in pleats to make sides. Allow for about 1 ¼ inches all around. Fill with crumpled waxed paper or parchment paper to hold the shape and bake at 450 deg. about 12 min. Cool, carefully remove paper, fill and garnish in any of the above ways.
4) Turnovers: Using the saucer templates, cut the dough as above. Place 1 soup spoon of drained, prepared fruit on the center. Fold over to make a half moon. Dampen edges and crimp with a fork to seal and prick the top 2 or 3 times. Bake on a sheet in a preheated 450 deg. oven about 15min. until golden. Cool, garnish with powdered sugar, or whipped topping and serve. Alternatively, sprinkle with granulated sugar before baking and simply drizzle with reserved juice.

Glazed Strawberry Tart: (1) 9 inch cooked tart shell or (6) 2 ½ inch tart shells
6 cups washed and hulled strawberries—divided in 2 parts= 3cups of the best berries and 3 cups regular
1/3 cup sugar
1Tbs. lemon juice
1Tbs.cornstarch
Drop+ red food coloring—as needed to give a rich color
Arrange the 3 cups of the best berries in the pastry shells and mash the others well. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing down to release juice. Cook the juice with the other ingredients over low heat until they form a thick, clear sauce. When slightly cool, pour the sauce over the berries in the shells. Serve chilled, optionally with whipped cream.
NOTE: See tip above for using this recipe all year


Pie Dough

Strawberry-Cream Cheese Pie; Serves 6-8
9 inch baked pie shell—commercial is fine
(1)3 oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 pts. Strawberries- washed and hulled
¾ cup sugar
3 Tbs. cream
2 Tbs. cornstarch
Pineapple juice
Blend the cheese and cream until smooth and spread over the pie shell. Select the best berries and slice them. Chop the rest and let stand with the sugar until juicy, then mash and rub through a sieve. Mix the mashed berries with the cornstarch to a paste and add enough pineapple juice to equal 1 ½ cups. Cook stirring constantly over medium heat, until thick and transparent. Cool and pour ½ the mixture into the pie shell. Cover with the sliced berries and pour on the rest of the cornstarch mixture. Chill well.

Plum Rustica, or Galette: Serves 6-8- from my book Dinners with Joy
Crust–Roll to a 12 inch round. Transfer to a parchment or foil covered cookie sheet, or a pizza pan for baking. Optionally, sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped, toasted nuts over the bottom for plums, a sprinkle of cinnamon works for the other fruits.
Depending on size, fill the center with a 1 lb. to 1 ½ lb. fruit, leaving a 2 to 3 inch margin. (Apples pears and peaches should be peeled and sliced. Plums and apricots can be halved and stoned.)
Dot fruit with ½ Tbs . butter. Sprinkle with 1 Tbs. cornstarch, 1 Tbs. sugar and ½ tsp. lemon juice.
Carefully fold edges of pastry up around filling, pleating as you go. The edges can be brushed with cream or egg white and sprinkled with sugar as decoration. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 min. Cool on sheet; preferably on a wire rack. This can be moved to a plate for serving, but as the name implies, it’s a “rustic” or casual pastry, and I like to bake it and serve it in a pizza pan.
NOTE: While still hot, combine ½ cup melted red currant jelly and 1 Tbs. Grand Mariner and pour over the top.

Apricot Galette: Serves 8-10
Refrigerated pie crust
1 ½ lbs. apricots-halved or quartered (@6 cups)
½ cup sugar + 2 tsp.
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1 tsp. butter
1 egg white OR ¼ cup milk
To use a refrigerated pie crust, dust with powdered sugar and roll to 12” round. If rolling is not required, dust with 1 Tbs. powdered sugar and ¼ tsp. cinnamon, before adding fruit.
For crust—roll on a floured board to a 12” round, transfer to a parchment or foil covered cookie sheet.*
For Filling– Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix apricots, ¼ cup sugar and cornstarch in a bowl to coat well. Spoon the filling into the center of the crust, leaving a 2 ½’ margin. Dot top with the butter and fold the crust edges up over the filling, pleating them as you go to form a circle with an open center. Brush the crust with egg white or milk and sprinkle with extra 2 tsp. of sugar. Bake for 20 min. reduce heat to 375 deg. and bake 15-20 min. more or until browned and bubbly. Cool completely on the baking sheet on a wire rack. When sufficiently cool, use a spatula to slide the rustica onto a plate. Serve alone, or with ice cream, whipped cream, warm caramel sauce or cheese.
*An easy way to do this is to cover the board with wax paper, liberally dusted with flour. Roll out the pastry, lay the parchment covered baking sheet over it, and flip the pastry, board and all over onto the sheet. Remove the wax paper and proceed with filling the pie.

PUFF PASTRY

Berry Napoleons: Serves 4-6
1 sheet puff pastry – rolled out to 9 x 12 inches
1 pint fresh berries of choice
1 ½ cup heavy cream or 2 cups whipped topping, or ice cream
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the dough into (12) 3 x 3 inch squares. Bake on the paper in a preheated 400deg oven for 15 min. or until golden. Cool and store air-tight if not to be used at once.
TO SERVE: Whip cream if using. Lay a square of pastry on a plate, place a portion of the cream then berries on top. Place the next piece of pastry on an angle on top. If serving 6, garnish with powdered sugar. If serving 4, repeat layers, placing the top piece of pastry at another angle, garnish with powdered sugar.

Puff Pastry Tart: Serves 6-8– A Martha Stewart Recipe
1 cup shelled toasted pistachios + 1 Tbs.
½ cup sugar
1 stick butter pulse
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Flour for dusting
1 lb. box puff pastry-thawed
1 ¼ lb. apricots cut in ¼ inch slices
1 egg yolk
1 Tbs. heavy cream
2 Tbs. raw sugar-granulated O.K.
¼ cup apricot jam
Pulse the 1 cup nuts, sugar and butter into a paste . Add next 3 ingredients and pulse to combine. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, press edges of both pastry sheets together to form one large sheet. Roll out to a 9-by-17-inch rectangle; transfer to a baking sheet. Spread reserved pistachio mixture over dough, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Position rectangle so that a short end is nearest you. Arrange apricots on top in 4 vertical rows, alternating direction in which apricots face from row to row. Fold in edges of dough; use your index finger to make a scalloped border. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. . Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together yolk and cream; brush egg wash over edges of tart shell. Chop remaining tablespoon nuts; sprinkle nuts and turbinado sugar over apricots . Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until crust is deep golden brown and fruit is juicy, about 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. . Meanwhile, heat jam with 1 ½ tablespoons water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring, until thinned, about 2 minutes. Pass through a fine sieve into a small bowl. Brush glaze over fruit.

PHYLLO DOUGH

Phyllo Mushroom Bundles- Serves 8 – From- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a
1 package (1 Roll) Phyllo Dough

1 stick Unsalted Butter

4 c. Chopped Mushrooms

4 cloves Garlic, Minced

1/2 c. Dry White Wine

Salt To Taste

1/3 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Melt 1/2 stick butter in a bowl. Set aside.
Melt 1/2 stick butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook for 1 minutes. Pour in wine, stir to mix, and cook for five minutes, or until all liquid is cooked off. Turn off heat and set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Cut stack in half. Working quickly, place 1 sheet on a flat surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter. Repeat this until you have four to five sheets of phyllo. Do not brush top layer with butter. Cut this buttered stack into four equal squares (rectangles). Place a spoonful of mushroom mixture in the middle of each square. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top of each mushroom. Gather each square into a neat little bundle, pinching the neck so that it remains as closed as possible when it bakes. Place bundles on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet, pressing lightly so that they’re flat on the bottom. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Apple Strudel: Serves 6-8- From- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a

1/4 c. golden raisins

1/4 c. spiced rum

1/2 c. + 2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided

1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs

2 large granny smith apples (about 1 lb), peeled, cored and thinly sliced

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1/3 c. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

10 sheets filo pastry (from 1, 16oz. package)

Powdered sugar, to garnish

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, to serve

In a small bowl, combine the raisins and rum. Set aside for 30 minutes. Drain off the rum and set the raisins aside.  Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a medium skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir well to coat them with the butter. Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the apple slices and lemon juice. Stir in the granulated sugar and cinnamon, mixing all well to coat. Fold in the raisins.Melt the remaining ½ cup of butter. On a lint free tea towel, place 1 sheet of filo pastry. (keep the other sheets of filo pastry covered with plastic wrap while working). Brush a thin layer of melted butter all over the pastry. Place another filo sheet on top and brush all over with more butter. Continue until you have used all of your filo sheets (finishing with a brush of butter- you should have a little bit of butter left over).With the long side of the filo facing you, sprinkle the dough all over with the breadcrumbs, leaving a 1” border on all sides. Stack the apples in a row across the long side, covering one-third of the pastry, closest to you. Drizzle the apples with 2 tablespoons of the remaining juices in the bowl. Using the tea towel to help roll the delicate filo dough, fold the short sides of the filo dough over the apples. Then, starting with the side of the dough with the apples, roll the dough into a log shape. Transfer the roll on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down. Brush all over with the remaining melted butter.Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Save the rum from soaking the raisins and use it to spike a drink.

COOKIE DOUGH

Strawberry-Blueberry Pizza; Serves 14-16
4 cups fresh strawberries – washed and hulled
3 cups fresh blueberries – washed
1 roll shortbread cookie dough
¾ cup apricot jelly + 3 Tbs. water
2 cans whipped cream
(1) 12 inch pizza tin
Roll out the cookie dough to fit the pizza tin, leaving a bit of an edge to fold over making a rim, if possible. Prick a few times with a fork, cover with waxed paper and pie weights (raw rice will do), and bake according to package directions. When cool, place the fruit decoratively over the top, slicing any large strawberries so they appear of even size. Melt the jelly in the water over low heat until it’s a smooth liquid. While still hot, spoon evenly over the fruit to give a glazed appearance. Chill well and serve with whipped cream topping.

WONTONS

Wonton Strawberry Cups: Serves 12   
12 wonton wrappers

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup neutral flavor jelly (apple, apricot) or cheese frosting from recipe

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced with 12 left whole or halved to top filling

Whipped cream and fresh mint, optional garnish

Brush one side of each wonton wrapper with butter. Place brown sugar in a shallow bowl; press buttered side of wontons into sugar to coat. Press wontons sugared side up into greased muffin cups. Bake at 325° for 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cheese mixture* or jelly into each wonton cup. Top with strawberries. Garnish with whipped cream and mint if desired.

May 2

Mom's Day 23

MOTHER’S DAY MADE EASY

My interest in modifying adult pleasing recipes to help the kitchen novice, the pinch-

hitter and/or the person with many small assistants dates back to 2011. A neighbor’s children, knowing I had a chef service, asked if I could advise them on cooking for Mother’s Day, because their Father was deployed with the military. The following year, their Father asked for help. He had been transferred and the family was in the midst of packing. 

On May 10, 2012, I posted an account of the first day’s activities, along with the menu, and on May 2, 2013, wrote up the second day. On May 13, 2014, I introduced my book No Stress Recipes for Mother’s Day, which includes both those menus.

I’ve posted reviews of the book  April  30, 2015,   April 27, 2016  and April 9, 2018  and May 2, 2019. I wrote it up from the viewpoint of an Empty Nester on May 11, 2017,  but my post on April 16, 2020 came from a far different  perception of celebrating Mother ‘s Day at home. The holiday went from the busiest date on restaurants’ calendars to the least. Covid made it mandatory to find ways to entertain Mother at home.

Covid restrictions forced people to stay home and many found it pleasant to celebrate by preparing a meal to share with Mom on her day. After all, Mothers aren’t ‘home bound’ now and eating out isn’t only for special occasions. The book has recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus desserts. 

Consequently, the 2020 article is still on point. Things really haven’t changed in the past two years. We remain in a state of flux about Covid and options are welcome. So I’m re-posting this article from 2020, because it’s as applicable now as then. 

The article explains the book, along with a bit of Mother’s Day history, including how and why the celebrations evolved, and gives a complete overview of the recipes. If you want to see some actual recipes and discover how the modifications simplify them, without loss of flavor or appeal, just click on the links provided above. Do try more than one link, because the postings give different examples.

“From its designation in 1914, Mother’s Day has focused on a special dinner prepared for, not by, Mom. Large housing developments, built continuously since World War II, expanded and/or created suburbs, brought shopping centers and introduced neighborhood restaurants. People got used to eating ‘out’ and getting Mom, not just away from the kitchen, but from the house for her special dinner was a natural move, creating the busiest day of the restaurant year.

About 2000, things began to change. The fact that most women work away from home, combined with cuisine curiosity, expanded pallets, and general interest in cooking altered our perspective. The day’s ‘treat’ returned to personally fixing something for Mom-if not the dinner itself, then breakfast and lunch or a fancy dessert.  (For special dessert ideas see April 1, 2021,     June 18, 2020,   July 30, 2020. and/or consult the Panorama)

2020 left little choice, all celebration were kept at home. Hopefully, after this pandemic is over when options of ways to enjoy Mother’s Day return, we will still want to add that personal touch that says;” We appreciate you.” Of course the success of this type venture depends on the kitchen experience and more importantly, the attitude, of those involved. Without proper guidance this can be a disaster and a nightmare for Mother, not a delight. ‘Proper’ means ‘responsible’. However, with good supervision even a kitchen novice can pull off a great dinner if they are serious about doing it, have a bit of patience and can read.

My book, No Stress Recipes for Mother’s Day, supplies a selection of adult pleasing recipes for every meal of the day, modified for easy child participation with monitoring. The inspiration for the book was a request several years ago from two neighborhood children who had heard I was in ‘the cooking business’. They asked if I’d help them make a nice day for their mother, while their father was deployed in the military overseas.

That holiday’s menu was so successful, that their father appealed to me the next year. He had been transferred and the family was moving within days. He asked me to plan a Mother’s Day menu that would give his wife a break, but wouldn’t interrupt their schedule by stopping to go out or require them to unpack any utensils. Menus and recipes for both years are in the book as illustrations of the fact that lovely meals can be made even by children with a little help and a lot of equipment isn’t always necessary. (To read the original articles and the complete menu directions, go to the links given above for 2012 and 2013.)

So if you want to try making a dinner for Mother at home or simply want to add some restaurant quality, simplified recipes to your repertoire and/or get the family involved in making delicious meals here’s your chance. No Stress Recipes for Mother’s Day is the guide you need. Find it on this site’s Bookshelf and on Kindle. 

RECIPES IN THIS BOOK

GOOD MORNING

Baked Eggs in a Cloud – – Page 27

Cheese Pocket Biscuit – – Page 3

Eggs Adeline – – Page 26

Eggs Aurora- -Page 3

Eggs Parmesan—Page 4

Fast Fruit Crisp – -Page 4

French Toast – -Page 4

Frittata – – Page 5

Store Purchased Pancakes and Waffles – – Page 5

Turnovers – – Page 5

Toad in Hole – – Page 28

Yogurt & Bananas – – Page 6

HIGH NOON

Most Mothers favor light, healthy lunches, so I’m concentrating on that type of recipe here.

Recipe Listings:

Cheesy Toasted Tuna Sandwiches – -Page 6

Classic Quiche Lorraine – – Page 7

Greek Pita Pockets – -Page 7

Monte Cristo Sandwiches – – Page 8

Orange Banana Salad – – Page 8

Spaghetti Squash Primavera – – Page 8

Spinach Salad – – Page 9

True Deli Style Sandwiches –Page 9

Tuna and Bean Salad – – Page 9

Vegetable Wraps – – Page 10
Waldorf Salad – – Page 10

Zucchini, Onion Bean Salad – – 11

DINNER TIME

Recipe Listings:

Beef Kabobs – – Page 12

Chicken in Orange Sauce- – Page 12

Chicken with Mustard and Honey – – 13

Chip’s Chuck Roast – – Page 13

Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Grapes – – 24

Flounder Rolls – – Page 14

Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Melon Salsa – – Page 14

Pork Chops Basil – – Page 15

Pork Loins with Apricot Glaze- -Page 15*

Pork Rosemary – – Page 16*

Salad Nicoise — 17

Salmon with Mustard – – Page 18

Stew on a Grill – -Page 28

*Can also be made with turkey tenderloin whole or sliced

DESSERTS

Recipe Listings:

Cheesecake Bars – – Page 19

Chocolate No-Cook Bars – – Page 19

Easy Angel Berry Cake # 1 – – Page 19

Easy Berry Angel Cake # 2 – – 19

Fruit Pizza – – Page 20

Fruit Rustica – – Page 20

Meringues – – Page 21

Mock Black Forrest Sheet Cake – – Page 22

Pistachio Pie – – 22

Puff Pastry Tower- – Page 23

Wrapper Fruit Cups – – 23

Zebra Cake———23

The Menus for the 2 Mother’s Days are: 

Year 2012

Eggs Adeline

Ham, Tomato& Lettuce on Italian Bread

Cornish Game Hens and Wild Rice

Easy Berry Cake Cake/Berries & Whipped Cream

Year 2013

Toad in the Hole

Family Choice

Stew on the grill

Grilled Pound Cake Slices with Berries”

Apr 25

Dips-The Ideal Spring Snack

DIPS-THE IDEAL SPRING SNACK

Nothing draws people outside like spring days. The sun is warming, not hot, the breeze has no nip, the clouds are cotton balls in an azure sky and the landscape is a clean, fresh green. It’s a sure cure for winter’s ‘cabin fever’.  To enhance the experience, or perhaps as a reason to prolong it, food is often brought along but it has to be something suitable-easy to eat, stable at room temperature, not messy  without excess packaging.

Dips are the perfect answer. Packed in a small cup, all they need is a bag of chips, crackers, pretzels or fruit and/or veggies and, on a roll, many become a sandwich.  They’ll provide lunch, a canape before dinner, or mid-afternoon and before bed snacks. They can even become spreads for a more substantial sandwich, or dressing for a salad.

Spring is a great time for socializing. There are holidays, events-graduations, weddings, showers, proms and simply the desire to enjoy the weather with others. Impromptu get-togethers are common and casually sharing a beer or glass of wine with neighbors seems normal. Enter the dip, spread, pate, by any name this form of appetizer is the answer to the menu problem at these spring gatherings. Having a dip ready in the fridge is handy but there’s such variation in the recipes, that several can be served at the same affair and not seem boring.

The following recipes fill all those requirements. The first two are bean based, the second two vegetable. Then there’s a selection of cheese based recipes that are heat tolerant and contain no ingredients which cause them to spoil. Finally, there are two cooked dips which, obviously aren’t affected by the temperature. So welcome spring with good taste.

After the recipes, I’ve added some recommendations for dippers. Aside from having a potato chip break off in the dip, nothing irks me more than to sample a dip and be left with a large piece of empty dipper. Double dipping isn’t an option, I don’t need the extra carbs and I usually discard it somewhere. If I’m the hostess, I realize that half my dipper supply ends up in the trash. One solution is to provide spreaders, even a butter knife with the dip but there are other simple solutions needing only a bit of effort because the answer is providing smaller dippers. See them after the recipes.

RECIPES

Bean Based Dips:

The best known of these is garbanzo based Hummus. The recipe is all over the web, and the product is available in every market, both ready in tubs and in mixes. So I’ll only add a few tips on making the commercial appear home-made. To10-12oz. of dip, add ¼ cup chopped mint leaves and a few drops fresh lemon juice to taste. Stir in don’t blend. It’s the contrast in tastes that is interesting.

Cannellini Bean Dip: Serves 4-6 From Three and Four ingredients by Jenny White and Joanna Farrow
(2) 14 oz. cans cannellini beans rinsed and well drained
2 oz. grated cheddar cheese
2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
3 Tbs. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Blend beans into a chunky paste. Stir in the other ingredients and chill well. Serve with a swirl of oil on top and fresh parsley.

Buttered Nut and Lentil Dip: Serves 4-6-From Practical Party Food by Parragon Publishing
4 Tbs. butter
½ cup dried lentils
1 small onion chopped
1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
¾ cups blanched almonds
½ cup pine nuts
½ tsp. EACH cumin, coriander and ginger
1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro- for garnish
Sauté the nuts in ½ the butter until golden remove from pan and set aside. Sauté the onion in the rest of the butter until golden, add the broth and lentils and bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook for about 30 min. until beans are soft. Blend beans, onion, broth, nuts and spices until smooth. Chill and serve garnished with cilantro.

Vegetable Based:

Artichoke and Cumin Dip: Serves 4-6- From Three and Four ingredients by Jenny White and Joanna Farrow
(2) 14 oz. cans artichoke hearts-drained
2 garlic cloves
½ tsp. cumin
Olive oil as needed
Salt and pepper
Blend all ingredients with enough oil to make a smooth consistency. Serve chilled

Smoked Fish and Potato Dip: Serves 4—From Quick and Easy by Parragon Publishing
1 lb. starchy potatoes-peeled boiled and mashed
10-12 oz. smoked fish- skinned and boned, flesh flaked-see note*
3 oz. white grapes-microwaved, covered for 1 min.in 1 Tbs. water then drained
2 Tbs. EACH sour cream and lemon juice
1 Tbs. EACH capers, chopped dill pickle and chopped fresh dill OR1/2 tsp. dried +to garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Blend the flaked fish meat and potatoes until smooth, add the sour cream, lemon juice and grapes and pulse to incorporate. Stir in the other ingredients. Chill for 2 hrs. to meld flavor.
*Whiting or Mackerel available whole in the Deli counter of most supermarkets.

Cheese Based

Sundried Tomato Pate: Serves 6-8—From Tea Time Journeys by Gail Greco
½ cup oil packed sundried tomatoes-drained, save oil for another use.
8 oz. cream cheese
¼ cup butter
½ cup grated parmesan
¼ cup butter
¼ tsp. EACH dried oregano and basil
½ tsp. rosemary
Blend everything until smooth. Chill at least 6 hrs. before serving.

Marinated Feta with Lemon and Oregano: Serves 4-6- From Three and Four ingredients by Jenny White and Joanna Farrow
7 oz. Greek feta cheese
¼ cup oregano leaves
1 lemon in wedges
1cup extra virgin olive oil
Drain and dry the feta and cut it in chunks. Marinate in the oil, oregano and lemon wedges covered and chilled for at least 4 hrs. (the longer the better.)

Basic Dips:

Each serves 8-10
To 8 oz. cream cheese, 12 oz. sour cream, salt and pepper add:
1) 2 Tbs. dill and 1Tbs. grated onion
2) 1 ½ oz. onion soup mix and 2 Tbs. chopped chives
3) 6 oz. salsa and ¼ cup EACH chopped cilantro and chopped black olives
4) 1 mashed garlic clove, 3 scallions-white part only-sliced thin and 3 Tbs. finely chopped mixed, fresh herbs
For each recipe, blend ingredients and chill well to let flavors meld before serving.

Cooked Dips
Caponata: Serves 8-10-From the Everything low-Carb Cookbook by Patricia M. Butkus
½ cup olive oil
6 medium zucchini in ½ inch slices
1 red bell pepper in medium dice
6 cloves chopped garlic
2 cups diced tomatoes
½ cup tomato paste
¼ cup capers-drained
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté the zucchini in the oil until golden on both sides about 5min. over medium heat. Add the other ingredients, except the nuts, and simmer for 15 min. stirring often to prevent sticking. Season to taste and chill covered in a glass or ceramic container overnight. Serve at room temperature garnished with the nuts.

Chorizo and Garbanzo Tapas: Serves 4-6 –From Special Occasions by Parragon Publishing
9 oz. chorizo sausage
½ cup olive oil
(1) 14 oz. can garbanzo beans rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper
Fresh oregano to garnish
Whisk 6 Tbs. of oil. salt, pepper and the vinegar to taste in a non-metal bowl. Cut the sausage in ¼ inch slices and cut the slices crosswise. Sauté the onion in 2 tbs. oil until soft, add the sausage and cook 3 min. more until done. Drain on towels and stir into the marinade with the beans. Allow to cool completely, and chill, covered if not serving at once. Serve at room temperature garnished with oregano.

Dipper Ideas:
1) Roll slices of packaged bread, whichever kind compliments the dip it accompanies, very thin and cut in 4 pieces-triangles, squares or slices. Toast on both sides in the oven and allow to sit out to dry and crisp before serving.

2) Spread an 8 inch tortilla, corn or flour lightly with oil and sprinkle with seasoning or herb of choice. Cut a 4 inch circle out of the center and divide into wedges. Cut the outside rings in 1 inch intervals. Bake in a 350 deg. oven for 10 min. or until dry and crisp. Cool completely.

3) Do the same with pitas, opening each into 2 rounds and dividing each round into 8 wedges

4) Buy grissini, the very thin bread sticks. They snap into 2 inch pieces cleanly and appear a culinary choice rather than an economy measure.

5) Make your own bread sticks. Buy frozen bread dough. You probably won’t need more than 1 loaf per event but working with 1 loaf at a time, divide it in 3 and roll each piece in a 16 inch rope. Cover and allow to rise. Cut that into 1 inch segments and roll each to 6 inches. Lightly brush it with oil, milk or egg white and roll in seeds or sprinkle with kosher salt. Divide into (3) 2 inch pieces and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. When all are done, bake at 450 deg. for15 min. until crisp and golden.

Store all of these items in an air tight container.

Apr 18

Easy Spring Dinners

EASY SPRING DINNERS

Life in both winter and summer is really routine. With the exception of breaks for the holidays in the first and usually a vacation, in the second, schedules are unaltered, not so in spring and fall. Fall, particularly, early fall, is hectic, new schedules are introduced, projects and goals set, groups re-organized and activities introduced. Spring is equally busy with events and milestones, fairs, organizations celebrating summer hiatus, graduations, showers and weddings.

Unfortunately, during any busy time, one of the first things to suffer is family dinner, the prepping, the cooking and especially the serving.  I write about this problem every September and often during the year but for first time I’ve discussed it in spring, because it can be every bit as stressful as fall.  To find suitable recipes, I turned first to my book Can I help?,  which is dedicated to people who cook with children and those just learning to cook.

The recipes below were selected for easy prep. Even those with several ingredients, mainly involve measuring, not chopping or prep cooking. The servings can be simply divided or multiplied and some dishes are acceptable for company presentation.  Most can be made ahead and re-heated or held chilled, either for group or individual serving. Best of all, making these recipes won’t leave you, or your kitchen needing a clean-up.

Please, remember, however, that these dishes are only a sampling of the recipes I have posted for easy, quick dinners for busy people. If you just click the drop down menu in the right margin of any blog page and scroll to September of any year, you’ll find a post dealing with the subject. There are other postings throughout the years on easily prepared meals, even those on specific meats, soups and salads contain simplified recipes. You can find them in the Home Page panorama and the Archives as well. I suggest you start by consult the following blogs first:  Nov.23, 2023,    Aug.21, 2023,  Sept.7, 2023 and   Aug.10, 2023 on fish, the fastest meat to cook.  Additionally look up the post on turkey leftovers on Nov. 23, 2023. The recipes are also good for skinless, boneless, chicken, slices of turkey and pork tenderloin or loin and pork chops.

RECIPES

Chicken with Mustard and Honey: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland  -easy to divide and/or multiply

NOTE: The seasoning ingredients are placed under the skin to help them infuse the meat. 

4 large chicken thighs
4 tsp. honey
4 tsp. Dijon or grained mustard
¼ tsp. ground black pepper—optional

Garlic Powder NOT garlic salt
Mix the honey, mustard and pepper, if using. Lift the skin on the chicken and place 2 tsp. of the mixture on the meat sprinkle with garlic. Place the pieces slightly separated in a roasting pan. With ½ inch of water or broth in the bottom. Bake in a preheated 350 deg. oven for 30- 40 min. or until juices run clear when pricked with a knife point.
A pan sauce can be made by adding a bit of apple juice, cider or broth to the pan drippings to deglaze.

Chicken in Orange Sauce: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland  

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 oz. Orange Marmalade

2 Tbs. soy sauce

1 envelope of chicken bouillon+ 2 cups water OR 14oz. can broth

 Mix marmalade and soy sauce. Slash the breasts diagonally a couple of times and marinate them several hours in the sauce mixture. Remove them and place in a comfortably fitting pan, with a ½ inch of broth in the bottom. Spoon a bit of marinade over the tops and put in a 350 deg. preheated oven. Bake 35-45 min Baste frequently using all the marinade and maintain the liquid level with the broth. Serve the pan juices as a sauce.    

Fruited Chicken Salad: Serves 4
2 cups cooked chicken in large dice
2 cups seasonal fruit-berries or split grapes, melon or stone fruits diced

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream

Dash curry powder
Sat and pepper to taste
¼ cup or ¼ tsp. fresh chopped or dried mint leaves–optional  
Stir sour cream and mayo together well. Gently toss dressing with other ingredients until well combines. Serve on lettuce.                                         

Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce: Serves 4
4 salmon fillets or steaks – about 24 oz.
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1-1 ½ Tbs. dried dill weed-depending on taste
Mix the mayonnaise and sour cream with the dill until smooth and chill at least a couple of hours in advance to meld flavors. Boil enough water to cover, in a skillet or pot that easily holds all the fish. Slide the fish into the water and poach 5-8 min. per inch of width until it is opaque, firm and a pale pink. Remove from pot one at a time, and run under cold water until cool enough to slip off the skin and, if using steaks, carefully remove the bones without tearing the meat. Plate and chill the fish, covered to prevent drying if being made in advance. When ready to serve, place the fish and top with equal mounds of the sauce. Garnish with more dill or chopped chives.

Coconut Crusted Tilapia: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland  (The coconut is optional)
4 Tilapia filets – about 1lb
1 cup plain Panko
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes – toasted
½ cup + mayonnaise
Lemon pepper
Step I- Preheat oven to 350 deg.. Toast coconut on a piece of foil until golden, about 4 mins. watching that edges don’t burn. When cool mix with Panko.
Step 2 – Place fish on a lightly oiled cooking surface, a pan or baking sheet. Completely cover the tops with a thin sheet of mayonnaise, more like a veneer. Dust lightly with lemon pepper.
Step 3 – Sprinkle with Panko-coconut mix, and bake 8 mins. per 1 inch width of filet, until top is golden, fish puffs slightly and edges bubble. Serve at once

Note: I put the breading mix in an empty herb bottle with a shaker top. It’s easier to apply.                                                        Tilapia’s flavor is very mild, only needing a sheer coating of mayo, just enough to make the bread crumbs stick, but it must be mayo, not yogurt. It adds a zing of taste and enough fat to let the fish brown.

Salad Nicoise-Recipe modified for easy prep:  Serves 2-3  Ideally this should be made with grilled Tuna steaks thinly sliced, but canned works well. 

1 head Boston lettuce – sometimes called “Garden” or “Bibb” – if not available buy Romaine or even Iceberg

(1)15 oz. can whole Irish potatoes. 

1 cup frozen cut green beans

2-3 hardboiled eggs – peeled, halved lengthwise and chilled

1 small red or Bermuda onion in fairly thin slices

3 large or 4 medium tomatoes peeled and cut in medium slices OR pint box cherry or grape ones

(1) 5oz can colossal pitted ripe olives – drained

(2) 5 oz. cans solid white Albacore Tuna in water – drained

Kosher salt 

White wine

Dried tarragon

Fresh ground black pepper

DRESSING RECIPE BELOW

Crain and cut the potatoes in halves. Boil eggs with beans until eggs are hard and the beans still crisp about 10 min. Drain well, run under cold water to stop the cooking and cool. Peel eggs. Place the potatoes and beans in an oblong container, so they can spread to marinate, with ½ cup white wine and 2 tsp. dried tarragon. Allow to marinate at least ½ hr. or all day. Separate the lettuce leaves, wash well and allow to air dry. Cover a large platter with the leaves. Pile the tuna in the center, and attractively arrange the other ingredients, in separate sections, in a surrounding circle. Sprinkle with the salt and fresh pepper.
Dressing:-Wisk all ingredients together well

2 Tbs. minced shallots – onions will substitute

1 Tbs. dry mustard powder

2 ½ Tbs. red wine vinegar

1 ½ Tbs. fresh lemon juice 

½ cup olive oil
NOTE: In a hurry it’s possible to substitute Caesar or Balsamic vinaigrette

Pork Rosemary: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland                                                                                                                                 Chicken would seem to be a good substitute meat in this recipe.

4 loin pork chops at least 1 inch thick

2 Tbs. oil

3 tsp. FRESHLY ground pepper

3 Tbs. chopped fresh Rosemary plus four sprigs

Kosher salt to finish

Mix oil, rosemary and pepper in wide bowl. Dip the chops in, one at a time, pressing as much of the herb mixture into their surfaces as possible. Put the chops flat in a plastic bag, and spoon over them the rest of the oil and herbs in the bowl. Marinate overnight, or if planning to use later in the week, use the trick of freezing, then thawing in the marinade. Simply place them, frozen, in the bottom of the refrigerator the night before you plan to use them. If they are still a bit frozen the next afternoon, give them an hour or so at room temperature.

Preheat broiler or grill. Again, press as many of the herbs into the meat as possible before placing them in the pan or on the grill. Brown both sides of the chops well, turning twice using

half the marinade to baste them as you start, and the rest as the chops are turned. When browned, move chops to side of grill, or turn oven to 375 degrees, and continue to cook until pork is done, 

about 8 min. Test by making a small slit in one of the chops, or by using a thermometer. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and serve garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

Santa Fe Pie: Serves 6- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland 
1 lb. ground beef – or sausage or a mix
1 green pepper diced
1 large onion diced
1 ½ cups minute rice
2/3 cup water
(2) 14 oz. cans Mexican style stewed tomatoes
8 oz. shredded Mexican blend cheese
(1) 10 oz. container refrigerated pizza crust
In a lightly sprayed skillet, cook meat, onion and pepper over medium heat, until meat is brown and vegetables are soft about 5 min. Add rice, tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil. Pour mix into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan or casserole. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese. Cover with the pizza crust, cutting 6 to 8 slits in the top. Bake in a preheated 425deg oven for 10 min. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.

Pork Loins with Apricot Glaze: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland  

(2) 1 lb. Pork Tenderloins – Commercially prepared in plastic sleeves*

(1) 12oz jar apricot preserves

¼ cup Balsamic vinegar

1Tbs Teriyaki sauce

3 tsp. minced fresh ginger-powdered will do

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

Kosher salt

Ground pepper

1 tsp. salt – divided

1 tsp. pepper – divided

Remove wrappers from pork and pat dry. Rub each with ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Heat grill or broiler. While heating grill or broiler, melt jam in a small saucepan with vinegar, Teriyaki sauce, Tabasco, garlic and ginger. Brush meat with glaze and place on a foil lined pan or on grill and cook 4 inches from heat source 10-15 min for the grill, 15 – 20 min. under the broiler, basting and turning every few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 150 degrees. Allow to rest, tented under foil 5 min., before slicing.

Make a Sub Antipasto: Serves 4- From Can I help? by Joy Wielland  For those who love subs this is a do-it-yourself opportunity. For those who want something lighter it’s simply a salad. Surprisingly, nearly all the ingredients can be found, in quantity quoted in a dollar store.
4 0z.Genoiasalami or pepperoni
4oz.Deli sliced ham
6 oz. sliced or cubed cheese- Swiss, Cheddar or Provolone – not American
2 small onions sliced thin or 1 bunches scallions trimmed
(1) 5 oz. can black olives -optional
(1) 5oz. jar stuffed green olives -optional

4 plum tomatoes sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs sliced
(1) 12 oz. jar pepperoncini – or banana peppers – optional
1 head Boston (Bibb lettuce) or Romaine –leaves separated or ½ head iceberg lettuce shredded
Accompaniments  for table-
1 bottle Italian or balsamic vinaigrette
Shakers of salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil and oregano
4-6 Italian rolls – sliced open
Arrange all the ingredients but the accompaniments one on a large platter. Place the others near 

and let people make subs or fill salad plates. I strongly advise offering all of the options, but it’s a matter of preference.

Frank, Bean and Potato Casserole: Serves 4- From One Pot Meals by Bon Appetit-A child can actually put most of this dish together.
8 hot dogs cut in 6ths to make 48 pieces
(1) 15.5 oz. can pinto or kidney beans – drained juice reserved
(1) 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes – drained juice reserved
2 cups frozen cut green beans
1 Tbs. oil
1 onion thinly sliced
1 envelope bouillon powder-beef, chicken or vegetable
4 potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook onion in oil until soft. Mix the bouillon with reserved tomato juice and bean juice combined to make 1 cup. Add to pot along with all the other ingredients except the potatoes. Ring to a boil, add more reserved juice if necessary to get a stew-like consistency. Pour into a 1 qt. casserole. Microwave the potatoes about 2 min, until just crisp. Thinly slice and arrange to completely cover the top of the casserole. Bake at 400 deg. for40 – 45 min. until potatoes are golden. Serve hot. Can also be cooked in individual pottery bowls and re-heated when needed.

Apr 11

TRULY FRESH SPRING SALADS

TRULY FRESH SPRING SALADS

My post on Feb. 22, 2024 discussed spring-like salads which often contain imported spring produce. Frequently, the calculated dates of our spring holidays are at odds with Mother Nature’s schedule. We want to welcome the new season in our feasts, but when the holidays come early, it’s a problem. So we improvise, using produce available all year.  This makes us even more eager to enjoy the new crops when they’re ready, usually several weeks later.

Spring vegetables differ from those of other seasons in that we don’t have to wait for them to ripen but enjoy them young, tender and raw; fleeting qualities which don’t hold up well with time or  transport. That’s what makes them so special. We don’t have to cook them as accompaniments to the entrée, but can eat them as snacks or in salads, savoring the fresh, delicate flavor. 

It’s this unique, naturally crisp-tender texture and flavor which distinguishes the spring-like salads from the ones made with real spring produce. The ingredients may even be the same, but the first will have mature items, harvested up to weeks before and transported, while the latter will have young produce, hours out of the earth. These salads are special, worthy of a whole meal, while the crops are new.

RECIPES


Green Peas, Lettuce and Scallions (Green Onions) Serves 6

Salt and pepper and lemon pepper

2 heads Bibb lettuce-halved lengthwise

3 bunches scallions—roots and tough green ends trimmed

1 lb. peas- frozen or fresh

1 Tbs. oil

Salt and pepper and lemon pepper

Melt the oil in a sauce pan over low heat; gently toss the lettuce and scallions to coat well.

Pea and Tomato Salad with Basil: Serves 6-8
1 lb. fresh or frozen green peas
1pt. cherry or grape tomatoes-halved
3 Tbs. olive oil
½ + cup finely chopped fresh basil or 1-1 ½ Tbs. dried-o taste
Salt to taste
Garlic powder to taste-optional
Cook peas until crisp tender. Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl and toss gently. Chill at  least 1 hr. for flavors to meld.
NOTE: Cut green beans can substitute for the peas

Spring Spinach Salad: Serves 6-8—depending on size of bag OR
7-12 oz. . fresh, spring spinach
4-6 red radishes= 1 per serving
¼ cup toasted, chopped walnuts
4-5 fresh strawberries per serving – halved if large
½ cup crumbled feta cheese—optional for garnish
Vinaigrette dressing of choice—Raspberry suggested
Wash greens snap off hard stems, wash and hull berries, wash and thinly slice radishes, discarding greens. Chill all ingredients, in water if necessary. Drain and divide the spinach among plates, scatter radish slices, then berries, nuts and cheese over. Drizzle with dressing.

Nana’s Hot Boiled Dressing
This dressing is an old, favorite family recipe. It’s wonderful cold in place of mayonnaise for sandwiches and salads like potato, chicken, tuna and salmon. Hot it gives a new dimension to spinach and, if you can get them, dandelions. Young spring spinach is best but the “baby” found pre-packed in bags all year is acceptable. Just make sure all greens are well washed and the hard part of the stems is snapped off. Either salad can be garnished with crumbled bacon. Used cold with the addition of quartered hard boiled eggs it can make a meal of the spinach version.
Recipe: Makes about 2 cups
3 Tbs. sugar
½ tsp. dry mustard
1/8 tsp. paprika
1 Tbs. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. butter
½ cup cider vinegar
½ cup water
2 eggs – well beaten
Using the top of a Bain Marie or double boiler, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Whisk in the next 3 and place top pot over bottom in which the required amount of water is boiling. Cook, constantly stirring, until smooth and butter is melted. Pour a little into the beaten eggs, stirring to prevent curdling, pour the rest of the hot liquid into the eggs. Then return the mixture to the top of the double boiler and cook constantly stirring until mixture is thick and smooth.
Serve hot over chosen cleaned greens. Do not use over lettuces. All greens will wilt with the heat and lettuces don’t stand up well.
NOTE: Chill leftover and use as mayonnaise or a salad dressing.

Dandelion Salad: Serves 4-6
1 bunch dandelions (about 1 lb.
1/2 -3/4 cup Nana’s dressing (above)
Trim heavy stems and rinse dandelions well. They can hold a lot of soil. Dry leaves, place in a salad bowl and toss with dressing The dressing should be warm, either freshly made or re-warmed I the microwave. It quickly wilts the greens, so serve at once.
NOTE: Dandelions are available in many markets, but only in spring. They can also be harvested from your yard but only if there have been no weed control treatments applied for 1 year.


Asparagus
Break off the woody part of the stems and put the spears in a microwave proof dish in one layer, if possible, no more than two, or cook in batches. Microwave on high 3 to 9 min. depending on the thickness of the stems. If marinating, put drained spears on a serving plate, pour marinade over and allow to infuse as the asparagus cools, then refrigerate or serve. If saucing, shock spears with cold water, chill them and sauce before serving or sauce and serve hot.
For Marinating: Vinaigrette of choice is best
For Saucing: A plain white sauce is good or optionally for 4 servings combine

1 cup cooled cooking water

1 Tbs. cornstarch

Lemon pepper to taste

Dissolve the cornstarch in the liquid and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Add seasoning to taste. For a richer sauce, add 1 beaten egg yolk to the cooled sauce and reheat, over low, stirring constantly until sauce is quite thick. Check to adjust seasoning.  
Garnishes: Asparagus loves to be decorated and will accept many things: sliced or chopped roasted or fresh peppers, chopped eggs, toasted chopped nuts and seeds, anchovies, capers, herbs crumbled bacon, even breadcrumbs.

Green Beans with Shallots: Serves 4 – From- https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/french-string-beans-with-shallots.html
2 Tbs. olive oil or unsalted butter

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

1/2 cup water

3/4 pound (12 ounces) French string beans (haricots verts), trimmed

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Pinch sugar

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 8 min. Do not brown. Add the beans, salt, pepper and water; bring to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 min. Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is evaporated, the beans are tender, and the shallots are jammy, about 6 min. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Serve warm.

Bell Pepper-Radish Salad: Serves4-6
3-4 large Bell peppers-different colors- in julienne
1 small bunch of radishes-trimmed and bulbs sliced thin
2-3 sliced plum tomatoes
1 rib celery-in small dice
Balsamic vinaigrette
Combine all ingredients and chill for 30 min. Lightly drizzle with dressing before serving.

Sour Cucumber with Dill: Serves 4

3 small cucumbers thinly sliced-mandolin recommended

3 small red onions thinly sliced- mandolin recommended

3 Tbs. chopped fresh dill + a few sprigs to garnish

5-6 Tbs. cider vinegar diluted with 2-3 Tbs. water

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine the cucumbers and onions with salt and leave for 10min.until they ‘weep. ’Rinse well and drain. Add diluted vinegar, the dill and toss well. Marinate in the refrigerator 2-3 hours and serve cold, drained garnished with dill sprigs.

Cucumbers in Sour Cream: Serves 2

2 medium cucumbers-thinly sliced-mandolin recommended

Cider vinegar to taste

Sugar to taste

1 cup sour cream

Salt

Paprika

Place the cucumbers on a plate and liberally sprinkle with salt. Allow to sit about 15 min, until they ‘weep’. Rinse and drain well. Mix the sour cream with vinegar and sugar to taste-mildly sweet-sour. Refrigerate both separately. Just before serving, place half the cucumbers in a flat-bottomed bowl, then ½ the cream. Dust with paprika and repeat with the rest of the cucumbers and cream, ending with the paprika. Be sure to serve well chilled. This salad can also be served in individual saucers.

Bibb (or Boston) Lettuce with French Roquefort Dressing: Serves 4
head of Bibb lettuce-torn not cut in bite sized pieces

French Roquefort Dressing

¼ cup crumbled Roquefort, Blue, Gorgonzola or Stilton cheese

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice—1 Tbs. in reserved depending on taste preference.

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Mash, whip, shake and/or blend the ingredients, until the cheese is dissolved in the liquid. Store chilled and shake well before using. This is best over a softer lettuce such as Bibb, or red or green leaf.

Strawberry, Walnut Salad: Serves 8-From  https://www.walderwellness.com/strawberry-walnut-salad-with-goat-cheese/ula)
4 cups spring mix (mesclun mix) (or spinach/arugula

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced into quarters (stems removed)

1 cup raw walnuts (or pecans/almonds)

1 medium-large avocado, cut into chunks-optional

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (or feta/blue cheese)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or fresh mint)

Salt + pepper, to taste

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil

Toss the greens with the olive oil in a salad bowl. Then layer, either in the bowl or on plates, the greens, avocado, if using, strawberries and nuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette, scatter cheese over top and serve.

Indonesian Spring Salad: Serves 4 as a luncheon, 8 as a side
10 oz. small, slender whole green beans or cut green beans-cooked to crisp tender
10 large field spinach leaves or 10oz. pkg. of baby spinach-sliced thinly
2 ½ oz. snow pea sprouts-strings removed
1 small red pepper-capsicum-or similar amount of hot pepper-juillianed
1 medium red onion-thinly sliced
3 ½ oz. bean sprouts
Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl.
Spice Dressing
2 Tbs. canola oil
1 clove garlic-crushed
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 small red chili-copped OR jalapinos
2 Tbs. desicated coconut*
1 Tbs. brown (rice) vinegar OR Balsamic
1/3 cup water
*Desicated (flaked) coconut is available in markets, but I make it by drying regular shredded coconut, on a baking sheet, in a 145 deg. oven for 1 hr. and then crushing it.
Asian Peanut Dressing
3 Tbs. rice vinegar

1 tsp. EACH soy sauce and chopped ginger or 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger

½ tsp. chopped garlic or ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Pinch EACH ground cumin and coriander

¼ small onion chopped

1 Tbs. EACH creamy peanut butter and oil

¼ tsp. hot pepper sauce –optional

Place all ingredients in a jar and shake until well combined

Apr 4

Spring Vegetables (2)

SEASOBABLY DRESSED SPRING VEGETABES

Thanks to modern, global horticulture, improved refrigeration and transportation, we’re no longer relegated to serving vegetables strictly in season and waiting for local harvests. Many produce items are in markets all year both fresh and frozen.

They are welcomed for their tender crispness and fresh, delicate favors but also because they are positive proof that winter is really over. Unfortunately, much as we want to feature these veggies in our spring holiday meus, Mother Nature isn’t always in sync with pre-set, calculated calendar dates.  So we have to improvise.

Never have we had more access to fresh ‘spring’ produce all year, carrots, spinach, radishes, scallions, or to better quality frozen, green beans. So, although they don’t equal the truly fresh, new, local crop, there’s a lot to work with in creating acceptable substitutes.

The thing which sets spring vegetable apart from those of other seasons is that they are best while young and tender, rather than ripe and fully matured. Youth and freshness are key to both appearance and taste. Preparation is focused on maintaining and conveying these qualities, so cooking them is a case of less is more. A pinch of salt in the water, a dab of butter when plating them is often enough. For Spring Vegetable recipes see posts on  May 17,2014,   Apr. 9, 2015,   Mar. 3, 2016,   Mar. 31, 2016,   Apr. 6,2016,   Apr. 20, 2017,   Mar. 15, 2018,   Mar. 29, 2018,   Apr. 2, 2020,   Mar. 25, 2021.

On the other hand, this is the saving grace if you’re forced to depend on regular market offerings. The door is open to doctor them a bit to taste like the real thing. Not by using the sauces, syrups or bolder herbs and spices which are used on vegetables of other seasons, but with the delicate addition of herbs and spices also associated with spring. Mint, parsley and dill are prime examples. Ginger root is considered a light spice, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, though not seasonal, always brightens taste. I’ve written several posts giving recipes to use as examples.

Two tips on dealing with fresh or frozen vegetables at any season; first, they can always be made a bit special by preparing them in 2 quick ways. One to glaze them; boil or steam them to crisp tender, then sauté them with butter (about 1 Tbs. per pound) and appropriate seasonings until well coated and shiny. See carrots below. Two: braise them by immersing them in a flavored liquid, covering the dish and slow baking until vegetables are tender. See leeks below. Second tip: adding herbs is the easiest way to flavor vegetables, especially in spring when herbs are themselves, a new spring growth.

The recipes below illustrate how this is done, and, hopefully, give you ideas for serving spring vegetables. Oh, and do try the radishes. They’re delicious! Two easy tips on

RECIPES

Green Beans with Shallots: Serves 4 – From- https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/french-string-beans-with-shallots.html

2 Tbs. olive oil or unsalted butter

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

1/2 cup water

3/4 pound (12 ounces) French string beans (haricots verts), trimmed

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Pinch sugar

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 8 min. Do not brown. Add the beans, salt, pepper and water; bring to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 min. Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is evaporated, the beans are tender, and the shallots are jammy, about 6 min. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Serve warm.

Peas and Mint Serves 4-6

1 lb. fresh or frozen peas

¼  cup. chopped fresh mint.

2 Tbs. butter

Steam or lightly boil the peas until crisp tender about 5 min or as stated on package. Drain, add mint or butter and toss to coat and mix, Serve at once.

Green Peas, Lettuce and Scallions (Green Onions) Serves 6

1 Tbs. butter

Salt and pepper and lemon pepper

2 heads Bibb lettuce-halved lengthwise

3 bunches scallions—roots and tough green ends trimmed

1 lb. peas- frozen or fresh

1 Tbs. oil

Salt and pepper and lemon pepper

Melt the oil in a sauce pan over low heat; gently toss the lettuce and scallions to coat well.

Gingered Carrots: Serves 4

1 lb. carrots sliced on an angle

2 Tbs. oil

1 inch fresh ginger grated

1Tbs. poppy seeds

Lightly boil the carrots until just tender 8-10 min; drain well… Sauté in a pan with the oil, ginger and poppy seeds until glossy and just tender. Don’t allow to burn. Serve hot.

2) Prepare the carrots as above. Sauté them with 2 Tbs. melted butter, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp. cinnamon until tender and glossy. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

3) Proceed as above and sauté the carrots in 2 Tbs. butter, ½ tsp. nutmeg, juice of 2 oranges and zest of 1 orange until glossy and tender. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.

4) Proceed as above, using 3 Tbs. butter and ¼ cup honey. This may need a drop of lemon juice.

Carrots roast well tossed with a bit of oil, 1 tsp. of balsamic vinegar and dusted with herb of choice, they take about 30 min. at 350 deg. just watch that they don’t shrivel.

2) They can also be baked. Cut them in sticks and lay the raw carrots in a shallow pan. Pour over 1 cup stock or broth and sprinkle with 2 Tbs. fresh or 1 Tbs. dried herb of choice, thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram or dill. Dot with 2 Tbs. butter and bake 350 deg. for 30-35 min. until stock is absorbed Taste for salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Thyme Baked Carrots: Serves 4 

1 lb. carrots-small regular carrots are best for this-peeled, julienned (¼ x 3 inches)

1 cup chicken or beef stock

2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme-parsley, marjoram or sage will also due

2 Tbs. butter

Place the vegetables in a shallow baking dish, pour the stock over, season, scatter the thyme on top and dot with butter. Bake at 350 deg. for 35-40 min. until stock is absorbed and carrots are tender. Serve warm.

Asparagus

Break off the woody part of the stems and put the spears in a microwave proof dish in one layer, if possible, no more than two, or cook in batches. Microwave on high 3 to 9 min. depending on the thickness of the stems. If marinating, put drained spears on a serving plate, pour marinade over and allow to infuse as the asparagus cools, then refrigerate or serve. If saucing, shock spears with cold water, chill them and sauce before serving or sauce and serve hot.

For Marinating: A vinaigrette of choice is best

For Saucing: A plain white sauce is good or optionally for 4 servings combine

1 cup cooled cooking water

1 Tbs. cornstarch

Lemon pepper to taste

Dissolve the cornstarch in the liquid and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Add seasoning to taste. For a richer sauce, add 1 beaten egg yolk to the cooled sauce and reheat, over low, stirring constantly until sauce is quite thick. Check to adjust seasoning.  

Garnishes: Asparagus loves to be decorated and will accept many things: sliced or chopped roasted or fresh peppers, chopped eggs, toasted chopped nuts and seeds, anchovies, capers, herbs crumbled bacon, even breadcrumbs.

Braised Leeks: Serves 6

Leeks are prone to retain soil. To clean cut to within 1 inch of the white part, soak well and hold under running water. If some dirt is still visible, cut them in half lengthwise.

6-8 Leeks-cleaned

1 cup + chicken broth

6 Tbs. Butter

Salt

Steam the leeks in a covered pot with the broth and salt to taste until tender. Drain and melt the butter in a pan, add the leeks and cook over medium heat, turning often, until lightly colored. Check salt and serve hot with butter pored over. Garnish with parsley or dill.

Braised Fennel: Serves 4

2 heads fennel – stalks removed and quartered

1 Tbs. butter

1 Tbs. oil

Enough broth to partially cover

Salt and pepper

Sauté the fennel in the butter and oil until golden on one side and slightly translucent about 5 min. Pour over broth, cover pan and simmer until tender about 15- 20 min. Season and serve hot. 

Fennel also combines well with radishes, cucumber, cabbage, celery, pears, apples, grapes and most nuts citrus fruits, pieces, zest or juice spark its flavor as does a bit of vinegar in the dressing. Because of fennel’s unique flavor, some may think it’s hard to be creative in using it, but the opposite is true. Aside from braised, fennel doesn’t like to be alone and readily combines with other foods.  Actually, it’s an excellent place to learn to be creative, and salads are a good platform, especially the newer ones combining many ingredients, including grains and seeds.

Spring Spinach Salad: Serves 6-8—depending on size of bag OR

7-12 oz. . fresh, spring spinach

4-6 red radishes= 1 per serving

¼ cup toasted, chopped walnuts

4-5 fresh strawberries per serving – halved if large

½ cup crumbled feta cheese—optional for garnish

Vinaigrette dressing of choice—Raspberry suggested

Wash greens snap off hard stems, wash and hull berries, wash and thinly slice radishes, discarding greens. Chill all ingredients, in water if necessary. Drain and divide the spinach among plates, scatter radish slices, then berries, nuts and cheese over. Drizzle with dressing.

Nana’s Hot Boiled Dressing

This dressing is an old, favorite family recipe. It’s wonderful cold in place of mayonnaise for sandwiches and salads like potato, chicken, tuna and salmon. Hot it gives a new dimension to spinach and, if you can get them, dandelions. Young spring spinach is best but the “baby” found pre-packed in bags all year is acceptable. Just make sure all greens are well washed and the hard part of the stems is snapped off. Either salad can be garnished with crumbled bacon. Used cold with the addition of quartered hard boiled eggs it can make a meal of the spinach version.

Recipe: Makes about 2 cups

3 Tbs. sugar

½ tsp. dry mustard

1/8 tsp. paprika

1 Tbs. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbs. butter

½ cup cider vinegar

½ cup water

2 eggs – well beaten

Using the top of a Bain Marie or double boiler, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Whisk in the next 3 and place top pot over bottom in which the required amount of water is boiling. Cook, constantly stirring, until smooth and butter is melted. Pour a little into the beaten eggs, stirring to prevent curdling, pour the rest of the hot liquid into the eggs. Then return the mixture to the top of the double boiler and cook constantly stirring until mixture is thick and smooth.

Serve hot over chosen cleaned greens. Do not use over lettuces. All greens will wilt with the heat and lettuces don’t stand up well.

NOTE: Chill leftover and use as mayonnaise or a salad dressing.

Sautéed Spinach and Garlic: Serves 4

1 ½ lb. baby spinach or 1 large bunch field spinach

6 cloves garlic -chopped

2 Tbs. oi

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh lemon juice-optional

Trim stems of field spinach if using. Wash spinach and spin almost dry. In a large skillet, sauté garlic in oil over medium heat, 1 min. but don’t allow to brown. Add all the spinach, salt and pepper and stir with a wooden spoon to coat with oil. Cover pot and cook for 2 min. to wit spinach evenly. Uncover and continue cooking and stirring until spinach is tender and garlic is fragrant, about 2-5 min. more. Serve at once with an optional squeeze of lemon.

Sautéed Radishes: Serves 4- from 500 3-Ingredient Recipes by Robert and Carol Hildebrand.

1 lb. radishes-trimmed and split lengthwise

1 Tbs. minced garlic

1 Tbs. rice vinegar or other light, flavored vinegar

¼ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, add the radishes, season and add garlic. Cook 5-6 min. gently tossing. Add the vinegar and stir to incorporate. Serve at once.

Caramelized Shallots or Pearl Onions: Serves 4-6

1 ½ lb. shallots or pearl onions – skins peeled but root ends left on

1 Tbs. sugar

2 Tbs. butter

2 Tbs. oil

1 cup water, wine or broth

Sauté the shallots in the melted butter and the oil over medium heat until golden. Sprinkle in the sugar, toss to coat and continue to cook on low heat, until vegetables begin to glaze. Add liquid, cover and cook for 2-7 min. until vegetables are tender. Remove lid, allow steam to escape and cook until liquid evaporates and shallots are light brown and well glazed.

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