Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Whole Enchilada: Turkey Enchiladas And Yellow Rice


This is hands down my families favorite leftover, I usually serve it two days into munching on things like Turkey and Cranberry Paninis, and once we need to diversify our palette. Flavors that pack a punch,  recreate turkey into something "south of the border". Nothing like, what we have enjoyed for the last few days, but grow weary of. Enjoy!









Turkey Enchiladas and Yellow Rice

1 medium Onion, diced
3 Garlic cloves, chopped
3 Diced Oven Roasted Chilies, Or (1 can mild fire roasted chilies)
1/4 cup Sliced Black olives(optional)
8 tbs Butter
1/4 cup all-purpose Flour
1 cup Sour Cream- divided to 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup
2 cups Turkey stock, (see Making Turkey Stock) if not, use storebought chicken stock
3 cups Turkey, White and Dark Meat; boned, meat shredded or cut into small pieces (or chicken)
1/2 tbs Salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups Ranchero Sauce, see below (or canned Mild Red Enchilada Sauce)
10 large flour tortillas
1/2 pound Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, shredded

Chopped tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Ranchero Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
5 teaspoons red chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
6 ounces tomato paste
2 1/4 cups water
salt and pepper

Yellow Rice, recipe follows

Warm oven to 350 degrees F

Filling
Melt butter in large pan, as soon as melted add onions. Cook until tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic in last minute. Melt other 6 tbs butter and stir in flour. Cook the "flour taste" out of the flour over medium low for about 2 minutes. Add broth and stir briskly, bring up heat over medium to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let sauce thicken. About 7 minutes. Mix sauce with chicken in large bowl. Let cool a bit. Add chopped chilies and 3/4 cup sour cream.  Stirring until combined.

Assembly
Take a large baking dish (preferably 9x13) and cover the bottom with some of the 1/4 of reserved red sauce. Now take the flour tortillas and briefly flash them over the stove-top flame (or put them briefly under the broiler if using an electric stove). Using a shallow bowl, coat each tortilla lightly with the reserved red sauce coating both sides(this step can be skipped but sometimes to prevent any exposed tortilla I do this to prevent drying out). Put a scoop of the shredded turkey and white sauce on top of the tortilla followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Fold about 1/4 of bottom of the tortilla over the filling and then roll the sides like a cigar to enclose it. Using a spatula place the tortillas in the baking dish and continue to do the same with all the tortillas. Finally pour over the remainder of the red sauce covering all exposed tortillas, and top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Bake
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish Options: Red Onion, Shallots, Sour Cream, Salsa, cilantro and tomato.

Yellow Rice
2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2-1 tablespoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 bay leaf

Put all the ingredients into a heavy-bottomed pot, stir well, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice has absorbed the water, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the garlic and bay leaf, fluff with a fork, and serve.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Mastering The Two Hour Turkey

I struggle with big beasts.  Foremost my lack of patience at cooking anything for 6-7 hours, or even 4 for that matter, always leaves me with an under-cooked bird.  This can not be said of the chicken.  Chicken does not daunt me in the same way, as well... It only takes an hour! My patience can handle this! Many Thanksgivings have gone by that we have microwaved the sliced turkey to make sure it is thoroughly cooked.  And frankly I find that most turkey cooked all day is darn dry!


No MORE! If I can cook a perfect chicken, I can cook a perfect turkey! Enter the electronic meat thermometer. Declare the turkey shall be done right, without flaw,  moist, delicious and EVERY TIME!

The Perfect, Juicy Two Hour Turkey

  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large bunch fresh thyme
  • 2 lemon, halved
  • 2 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
  • 4-6 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 large yellow onion, cut in 1/4ths
  • 18-22 lb Turkey (anything less you are spending on bones) 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, preheated for around 30-45 minutes prior to putting turkey in oven.
Remove the giblets. Rinse the turkey inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter or olive oil and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. I prefer to rub 2 tsp unmelted butter under the skin as well, makes amazing skin.  Prepare oven bag with one tablespoons flour shaking all over bag. Insert electronic thermostat, into deepest part of breast if you have one.  
Circled is proper thermometer placement
Where to Place the Thermometer in a turkey- Right above the leg is the deepest part of the breast. So on the side of the bird.  Without running to bone as deep as you can .


Place turkey in oven bag and cut 6 air slits on top. Roast the turkey for 2 hours or until thermometer reads 170°F, the juices will run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove and let rest on counter covered for 20 minutes as juices will draw back into the meat. 

This turned out excellent! I'm so happy I tried it and made it work! Simplifies the complications of the turkey dominating the oven all day! 

Make Ahead and Serve Directions- The turkey can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before reheating, or it can be carved 10 minutes after resting.
If you decide to roast and carve the turkey ahead of time, or if you want to freeze a portion of the turkey for another occasion, place the carved turkey in a shallow baking dish, cover it with broth, then wrap with foil or place the dish in a plastic bag; refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.When you are ready to serve, defrost, if necessary, in the refrigerator, then bake in a 350°F. oven for 30 to 45 or until heated completely through (or heat in the microwave).





Moist Juicy Turkey!


















Equally as delicious Alton Brown (Good Eats) Brined Turkey. Though more complex the flavor is one that is worth a little extra effort if you can afford it!


Where to Find Organic or Heirloom Turkeys
Diestel Turkey- Sonoma Valley, Ca http://www.diestelturkey.com/our_family_of_turkeys.htm
Can also be found at PCC

Marys Turkeys -Local Store Finder http://www.marysturkeys.com/store.html

Eat Wild- http://www.eatwild.com/products/index.html

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

Again, I give homage to my mother for this. She's pretty good that one.

By the way,  if there is any of this left, because it still surprises every guest how much they cant get enough of this; use it in sandwiches, turkey panini's," its just so fresh, and bright it makes the Leftovers. "Top of the Chart"!






Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish
2 Minutes to Prepare. Make 24 hours ahead of time.

1 12 oz pkg fresh cranberries
1 orange(Whole not peeled)
1 cup sugar

Put washed, drained cranberries in a food processor with 1 orange which has been peeled and quartered with all seeds being removed.Pulse for a few seconds, just until coarsely chopped. Stop and scrape down sides of bowl, if necessary, to chop evenly.
Add 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar and taste adjusting sweetness as desired.
Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cranberry Orange Relish may be frozen for up to 2 months.
Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Venison (or Beef) and Wild Mushroom Stroganoff




















Though I make this recipe with venison backstrap, which is naturally very low in fat, you can easily make a delicious variation with beef tenderloin or even hamburger!
Creamy, saucy and delicious Stroganoff is thought to have its origins in old Russia. and brought abroad by soldiers returning from war.


I know that many people cook dishes like this one with canned condensed soup mixed, but I hope once you learn the trick of, 2 tbs butter and 2 tbs flour starter, starting a roux, you will never find reason to ever buy processed gravies, soups, or sauces again! It really is simple. Start your flour in a fat (butter, oil, or fat) and you will never find a lump again.

Venison and Wild Mushroom Stroganoff
30 minutes

1-2 lbs venison backstrap or tenderloin
OR
1 2 1/2-pound piece beef tenderloin or sirloin, well trimmed, meat cut into 2x1x1/2 inch strips
5 tbs butter
5 tbs flour, using 2 tbs first, and 3 tbs later.
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound wild mushrooms, or cremini
1 clove garlic
1 1/2-2 cups (12-16 oz) organic beef broth
2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy (optional)
2-3 tbs Worcestershire sauce, to taste
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley(optional)


12 ounces wide egg noodles
4 tbs butter
1 tablespoon paprika


Cut tenderloin strips or medallions. Pat meat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and flour lightly with first 2 tbs flour. Heat oil and butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, working in batches, add meat in single layer and cook just until brown on outside, about 1 minute per side. Set aside.

Add 1 tbs olive oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender, scraping up browned bits, about 2 minutes. Add button mushrooms. Sprinkle with pepper and sauté until liquid evaporates, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic in last minute. In the middle of skillet, clear an area and melt 3 tbs butter, and 3 tbs flour, letting it melt into each other. Remove all of the flour taste by browning lightly for about three minutes. Whisk in beef broth. Simmer until liquid thickens and just coats mushrooms, about 14 minutes. Stir in sour cream, Worcestershire . Add meat that was set aside, and any accumulated juices. Simmer over medium-low about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain. Put back in pan, and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter; toss to coat. Divide noodles among plates. Top with beef and sauce. Sprinkle with paprika. Serve with finely chopped fresh Italian parsley.



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Thai Massaman Curry- Beef and Chicken or Vegetarian

This Thai curry is unusual as it is not spicy or hot. Savory, deep, rich and creamy and melting with the most tender chunks of beef.










Thai Massaman Curry

2 lbs of beef, cut into 1.5-inch cubes (The tougher the better. I suggest a beef shank, or other bone in style roasts)
-OR-
Authentic Chicken uses thighs and bone in pieces.  I prefer a chunk so I use 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast.  Cubed.
-OR-
Cauliflower(1 head broken into bite size pieces), New Potatoes and Chickpeas

2 cans good coconut milk
1 lb of waxy, potatoes like Yukon Gold or Yellow potatoes; cut into 2-inch chunks.
2 medium yellow onions, quartered
One 4-ounce can of Massaman curry paste, or to taste (1/2 can if like it mild)
2 tablespoons of prepared tamarind paste
2 tbs. Fish sauce, or to taste ( I know it sounds GROSS, but do not be afraid of fish sauce)
2 Tbs Palm, coconut, or brown sugar
1/3 cup dry-roasted peanuts

Optional add ins
7-8 lightly toasted white or green cardamoms, optional
1 teaspoon of lightly toasted cumin seeds, optional
3 Star Anise

Scoop out about 3/4 cup of the top, creamy part of the coconut milk and put in a large heavy-bottomed pot along with the curry paste. Fry the paste in the coconut cream over medium-high heat until the mixture turns into a creamy paste, bubbles up, and the coconut starts to turn oily.
Add the meat into the pot; stir to coat the meat with the curry paste. Add the remaining coconut milk and just enough water to barely cover the meat.
Turn up the heat just until everything comes to a boil; immediately lower the heat so that the curry is gently simmering. Cook, covered, until the meat is almost tender. The cooking time varies, depending upon the cuts of meat usually 1 1/2-2 hours. Beef shank, on the other hand, could take up to 3-4 hours. Chicken and cauliflower takes about 15 minutes so do with potatoes.
Check on the meat periodically. If more water is needed to keep the meat submerged, add it to the pot and restore the gentle simmer after each addition.

Add the onions and potatoes to the pot along with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. You should add the onions and potatoes at the point where you feel it would take about 20 minutes for the meat to be perfectly tender. Add the vegetables before that point and they become mushy and fall apart by the time the meat is properly cooked. Add the vegetables after the meat has been perfectly cooked and by the time the onions and potatoes are tender, the meat will have been falling apart. This is the part where exact time requirement is not practical and common sense is necessary.
About 5 minutes before the potatoes and onions are ready, start seasoning the curry to taste with the tamarind paste, sugar, and extra cardamom and cumin, if desired. If more fish sauce is needed, add it now. Try to recall the taste of the version of Massaman curry which you like and keep seasoning it with tamarind, sugar, and fish sauce, and tasting until you achieve that flavor. (I like mine a bit on the sweet side with some tang.)

Serve with Coconut Rice and top with chopped peanuts.

Chicken Massaman

Hints: I do not suggest adding other vegetables or using baker potatoes as it affects the perfection of creamy taste and texture.  Also do not use lean and tender cuts of meat.  They will be mushy and ruin the Massaman. 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Mandarin Chinese Chicken Salad

Mandarin Chinese Chicken Salad

Light, refreshing, fresh, sweet, tangy, crisp and crunchy all at the same time! I can't resist! Loaded with grilled or BBQ'ed chicken this salad has the slight smokey flavor and the delicate mandarin sesame dressing!

This is so good! And frankly good for you! This is an all year salad in my house!







Under 30 Min.

SALAD COMPONENTS

2 cups baby spinach
2 cups shredded romaine
1/2 cup slice toasted almonds, or whole roasted salted cashews
2-3 fresh satsuma mandarin oranges, peeled and sliced (or canned sliced mandarins)
OR
1 navel orange peeled and and sliced
1/4 cup green onion, finely diced (optional)

2 cups shredded Smokey Beer Can Chicken -OR-
2-3 sliced Chicken Breasts- Simply Baked, Roasted or Pan Fried (I add a dash of cajun seasoning)

DRESSING
(In a jiffy I use Soy Vay Toasted Sesame Dressing found at most stores! It's Delicious!)

Zest of 1/2 orange (1/4 cup
1 tsp ginger
Juice of 1 orange(medium)
2 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp crushed garlic
2 tsp sesame oil
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp honey
1 tbs soy sauce

4 tbs canola oil

Mix all ingredients well with a whisk or blender. Slowly add oil to mixture.

Add lettuce and spinach to salad bowl or dish separately, and toss with dressing. Top with Chicken, Oranges, Almonds, and Green Onions. Serve and Enjoy!

The options are endless depending on what is in season! Even Sliced apples, diced dried apricots, fry up some crunchy wonton strips...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Perfect Thanks and Giving

Perfecting Thanks and Giving! 

There are a million articles, shows and recipes about Thanksgiving this time of the year...Of course all the pro's come out to show you how it is done. There are a few that I have found to to be tried and true turkey wise; plus, a few additions to the table that are unique to us,  but loved by all who try them! So I'll share the turkey methods I prefer, and bring some new additions to the Table as well as a new Thanksgiving table setting! 

Menu- Let's Create a Plan

Perfect Two Hour Turkey
Prepare by defrosting your turkey, if not a fresh turkey. About 24 hrs per 5-6 lbs. So a 22lb turkey can take 4 days in the fridge! I buy at least 18-24 lbs. I find anything smaller is buying a lot of bone weight.


Make Ahead Sides With EasePrepare these sides 1-2 days ahead of time. Remove from refrigerator around 1 hour prior to completion of turkey. As the turkey rests for twenty minutes bake them at 350 degrees. Everything will arrive at the table at the same time, hot and ready! 
  • Cranberry, Sausage and Brown Bread Stuffing 
Make a day ahead and stuff this one in the neck cavity, not the body.  
  • Perfect Rustic Corn Bread Stuffing 
Make a day ahead and bake in a dish. 
Make at least 24 hours ahead of time for optimum flavor. 
Make a day ahead and bake
  • Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
The Sour Cream makes them smooth and creamy! Make ahead by roasting potatoes with skins on, in oven, or boiling and letting rest in fresh water earlier in the day. Roasted anything tastes so much better, and the nutrients stay intact as apposed to boiling.
    • Buttery Green Beans Almondine with Crispy Leeks
    Leeks may sound unusual but the flavors are a mild combo of garlic and onion. So a wonderful, very easy component to Green Beans and almonds!
      Make a LOT! I'm telling you I have the perfect foods for the leftovers, which is sincerely my favorite part! 

      Tuesday, November 8, 2011

      Pumpkin Spice Buckwheat Pancakes

      Contrary to its name Buckwheat is not wheat, and not related to the wheat family. Actually, it is a fruit and full of protein and all eight amino acids, vitamin B, High in Fiber, and according to the USDA keeps glucose levels in check better than any other carbohydrate! The caution if you are Celiac or Gluten intolerant is to watch out for buckwheat flours mixed with wheat flour.

      Pumpkin Spice Buckwheat Pancakes
      These Pancakes will blow you away! They are SOOOOOOO light, like pumpkin clouds, even though the buckwheat makes them a darker color. 


      1 cup buckwheat flour
      2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
      1 1/2 tsp baking powder
      1/2 tsp baking soda
      Pinch of salt
      1 1/3 cup buttermilk* (don’t have, see recipe below for making buttermilk using milk and vinegar)
      2 large eggs
      1 tsp vanilla extract
      3/4 cup fresh cooked or canned pumpkin (I used PCC's Organic Spiced Pumpkin)

      If not spiced add: 
      1 tsp ground cinnamon
      1 tsp ground ginger
      1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
      Pinch of cloves


      Directions:
      In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, (spices, needed), and salt. 
      In another bowl(or in same measuring container I already made the buttermilk in), whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, then blend thoroughly.
      Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix, stopping when everything is just combined.
      Fold in pumpkin.
      Spoon 1/4 batter onto buttered or coconut oiled skillet for each pancake. Pancakes are to be flipped when the undersides of the pancakes are golden and the tops are lightly speckled with bubbles that pop and stay open. 


      Serve with butter and real maple syrup, plain yogurt and raspberry jam, or apple butter.  

      Homemade Buttermilk
      1 1/3 Cups Milk  
      1 Tablespoon + 1 Tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
      Place the white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the 1 1/3 cup line.Let stand for five minute.

      Sunday, October 30, 2011

      Chicken Marsala with Gathered Mushrooms

      Chicken Marsala With Gathered Porcinis and Chantrelles

      There's a Fungus among Us? If I was looking for a subject of choice that would draw a slew of readers, I'm sure mushrooms would not be my first choice. It's one of those love/hate foods.
      But I have a secret...I really love reforming the doubtful, the mis-fed; the broken, ruined, diner who has had their ingredients mismanaged and ill prepared. I'm positive that I can convert almost anyone on almost any food they thought they didn't like.  Because, well..  I didn't like them either!  So Brussel Sprouts, Mushrooms, Beets. Watch out. You are  on notice. I'm finding your weakness,and making you likable again.

      Time: 20 minutes

      2 split boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut breasts with your knife lengthwise to make two thinner pieces instead of pounding), or 4 pounded chicken breasts about 1/4 inch thin. 
      1/4 cup flour
      Kosher salt and black pepper
      Fresh lemon juice

      1 tbs butter
      1 tbs olive oil
      1 cup sliced Chantrelle and/or Porcini mushrooms, foraged or purchased  
      Flatten Chicken In a plastic bag with the flat side of Mallet
      I clove garlic crushed
      1 cup marsala wine
      1/2 cup chicken stock
      1 tsp corn starch
      lemon juice about 2 squeezes
      1 tbs butter

      Salt, pepper and lightly flour chicken pieces. Fry in olive oil/butter till done. About 3 minutes each side. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Remove and keep warm. (oven warmer works great or 250 degrees)

      Add 2 tbs butter to pan do no remove clean chicken drippings. Add sliced mushrooms, sauté. Cook for about 3 minutes add garlic. Add Marsala, broth and corn starch, whisk all scrapings off bottom of pan. Reduce to ¼ cup. Add lemon juice,chicken breasts and simmer for 2 minutes. Finish with a pat of butter for smooth glossy sauce. 
      Serve with egg noodles and browned butter. Grate fresh Parmesan over noodles and Chicken Marsala, and garnish with fresh, chopped parsley if preferred.


      Alternatives: To add incredible flavor try cubed pancetta or bacon with the chicken(Salt very lightly due to the natural salts) Also, try adding 6 tbs Heavy cream at final reduction for marsala cream.  
      Chicken Marsala With Cream Sauce

      Simmering to a gloss





      LOCAL MUSHROOM VARIETIES 
      Chantrelles
      Morels
      Oyster
      Yellowfoot
      Hedgehogs
      Black Trumpets
      Truffles
      Birch Bolete
      Mutsaki
      Porcini

      RESOURCES
      THE MOST AMAZING FORAGER'S BLOG!  FAT OF THE LAND

      For those not interested in foraging try Whole Foods Market, PCC Natural Markets, and Trader Joe's for local mushroom varieties!

      Puget Sound Mushroom Society

      Thursday, October 27, 2011

      Giant, Oven Pancake with Simple, Fresh Blueberry Sauce

      My mother served me this easy recipe as a child knowing it was going to receive a welcomed squeal every time, very much like my children when it came out of the oven this morning! Truly a light, delicate pancake, yet a delicious, custard"y" texture! Some people might know this as Dutch Baby or German Pancake.  If this is not new to you try the Blueberry sauce or some other variation. 


      Giant Oven Pancake with Blueberry Sauce

      1/3 cup butter (6 tbs, or 3/4 stick)
      4 eggs
      1 Cup each milk and all-purpose flour
      Powdered sugar
      Lemon wedges

      Place butter in a 3 to 4 quart round or oval shallow baking dish or casserole or my favorite cast iron pan and set oven to 425 degrees.
      Meanwhile in a blender or food processor, ship eggs at high speed for 1 minute. With motor running; gradually pour in milk, then slowly add flour; continue to whirl for 30 seconds more.

      When butter is melted, remove pan from oven and quickly poor in batter. Return pan to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, (try not to open the oven door much like you would a souffle) or until pancake is puffy and well browned. Cut in wedges and serve immediately. Serve with fresh lemon juice and sprinkled with powdered sugar. 






      Simple Blueberry Sauce

      2 cups blueberries, frozen or fresh
      1 tbs lemon juice
      ¼ - ½ cup sugar
      1 tsp. corn starch

      Combine blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar in pan on medium high heat. Bring to low boil and  reduce to medium heat, juicing and reducing blueberries. (Needs very minimal stirring) Mix a teaspoon of corn starch in a small dish with some of the blueberry juice from pan. Mix well and then add to blueberries sauce. Will thicken just right.

      Alternatives- Works well with any other fruit as well. Try fresh fruits when in season like strawberries or raspberries, the Cinnamon Apple Compote (with is more like Caramelled Apple Sauce, YUM!), or a make a warm sauce of any of your frozen berries. Of course with syrup if you please.  No butter needed.  Not Kidding.  This is so buttery and custardy, you will love it!  

      Tuesday, October 25, 2011

      Locally-Sourced, Artisan Brie baked in Toasted Almonds, French Bread and Red Bosch Pears












      Sincerely, I love this food so much I named my daughter after it! It's my special occasion breakfast. Which I wish I had more of now that I think about it!  Very simple, but simply melty, creamy, warm and delicious cheese.


      Artisan Brie baked in Toasted Almonds and Sliced Red Pears

      2 Tablespoons Butter
      7-8 ounce whole Brie or Camembert with Rind
      2 Tablespoons Sliced Almonds
      1-2 sliced, fresh Red Ripe Bosch Pears (or other variety)
      1 Baguette sliced and toasted

      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread butter over the top and sides of brie. Place brie in oven proof rimmed serving plate and sprinkle almonds over the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Cheese will be raised a bit and have some give when pressed lightly.  Meanwhile slice bread, and lay on a cookie sheet.

      When you take Brie out put oven on broil and place baguette slices under broiler. Watch carefully until just browned.

      Slice and serve immediately with slices of pear. Soft warm, melting cheese on baguettes and with fresh, local pears. 

      Resources for Pacific Northwest and West Coast Artisan Brie And Camembert

      Tillamook, Or.- Blue Heron Cheese http://www.blueheronoregon.com/


      Leavenworth, Wa.- Alpine Lakes Cheese http://www.alpinelakescheese.com/

      Artisan Cheese Directory Nationally- Fork and Bottle http://www.forkandbottle.com/cheese/uscheese.htm

      Alternatives- 
      Serve individual slices of baguette with cranberry sauce and a melting wedge of brie for the holidays!
      Or
      Drizzle with honey and cook as instructed above

      Thursday, October 20, 2011

      Loin of Pork with Fennel Stuffing, Cinnamon Apple Compote and Roasted New Potatoes


      Pork Loin with Fennel with Apple Compote 
      and Roasted New Potatoes



      Good organic olive oil (I prefer a nice Sonoma Valley, Ca over any, anymore) 
      2 tablespoons unsalted butter
      2 cups sliced yellow onions (2 onions)
      2 cups sliced fennel (1 large bulb)
      Kosher salt
      Freshly ground black pepper
      2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 large cloves)
      2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme leaves
      1 tablespoon white wine
      1/2-1 cups fresh bread crumbs (can be omitted)
      1 (3 1/2-pound) loin of pork, butterflied (just ask your butcher at the grocery store)



      8-10 New Potatoes (around two per guest), tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper. 

      Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

      For the stuffing, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan. Add the onions and fennel with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook over low to medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and fennel are tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook for another minute, deglazing the pan. Cool slightly.


      Add the bread crumbs and 1 teaspoon of salt to the stuffing mixture. Lay the pork on a board fat side down, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread the stuffing evenly on the pork and roll up lengthwise, ending with the fat on the top of the roll. Tie with kitchen string, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.


      Place the rolled pork loin on a baking rack on a sheet pan and roast for 30 minutes. Remove and cover with the Apple Compote Mixture below. Lower the heat to 350 degrees F and roast for another 30-50 minutes, until the interior of the pork is 137 degrees F. (If the thermometer hits stuffing rather than pork, it will register a higher temperature, so test the meat in several places.) Remove from the oven and cover  with aluminum foil. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. Put new potatoes back in the oven if not fork tender and allow to cook for the another 15-30 minutes. Remove the strings, slice thickly, and serve.


      About butterflying a Pork Loin: Its really quite simple.  Lay the pork loin, I suggest a decent size one,  on a cutting board and  slice lengthwise along the top third.  Do NOT cut all the way through but leaving an uncut portion like a spine the same thickness as your 1/3 cut.  Flip loin over and cut another 1/3 of the way down ensuring that you do not cut all the way through and the loin will open flat! Its so wonderful for all sorts of stuffing, rolls, and your friends and family will love the look! 






      2-3 medium tart apples, peeled, and sliced or cubed (Jonathan's if possible)

      4 tsp butter (divided, 2tsp and 1 tsp and 1 tsp)
      3 teaspoon lemon juice and zest
      Pinch of salt

      1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
      3/4-1 cup water/ apple cider
      1 tsp apple Brandy (optional)
      1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
                                                            1/2 tsp vanilla extract
                                                            1 teaspoon corn starch

      As soon as 2 tsp of butter melts, place apples lemon zest and juice in a skillet and stir 2 minutes over medium heat.
      In a medium saucepan, add 1 tsp butter and other ingredients and stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. About 3 minutes. Add a bit of mixture to a small bowl and add cornstarch, mix and return to pan, boiling on medium for two more minutes. 

      Lower heat, and simmer all ingredients until the mixture becomes thick and the apples are soft. Transfer to bowl and serve warm! 
      (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Stir over medium heat until heated through.) Add the last pat of butter to any sauce to make a glossy luster.


      Additional uses: Add to steel cut oats, German Pancakes, ice cream, waffles, pancakes, and many other ways! 

      Peach compote: Same as apple compote, but use peaches instead of apples and a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of allspice, instead of cinnamon.

      Tuesday, October 18, 2011

      Ginger Maple Glazed Plank Salmon




      Ginger Maple Glazed Plank Salmon

      1 cup pure maple syrup
      3 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (I use the pre-cut from the produce section in a hurry!)
      1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (always fresh if you can)
      6 garlic cloves, minced (freshly pressed or minced is so much better!)
      1/3 cup soy sauce
      1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
      2 lb. center cut salmon filet, with skin (Tail piece for less bones)
      Salt & pepper to taste

      Soak plank for at least 1 hr. or overnight if possible. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, ginger, pepper flakes, lemon, garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer and reduce to about 1 cup (about 30 minutes). Let cool. Preheat oven or BBQ to 400°F.

      Place the salmon, skin side down, skin will stay on the plank when done. Season the fish with sea salt and black pepper. Using a large brush baste the salmon. Roast for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until the fish is cooked through. During the cooking process baste every ten minutes, and baste again just before serving.
      Serve on the plank. Skin will remain on the plank when fish is cooked.

      (This dish can be made successfully in a tin foil tent, opening to the crisp for the the last ten minutes)

      Disclaimer: Please use food grade salmon planks only! Planks bought at your local hardware store have been treated if not food grade.

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