LEFTOVERS- Turkey, Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish, Stuffing and Havarti Panini

There's Something about the crunchy creamy panini that warms the soul. I happen to love the Italian's souped up version of a grilled cheese on any day! Finally a way to use my George Foreman Grill so lovingly gifted to me years back! It makes a perfect panini when you add a little weight to the top.

Turkey, Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish, Stuffing and Havarti Panini

Thinly sliced turkey breast
8 slices Havarti
8 slices Ciabata or Italian Bread
Cranberry Orange Relish (or canned cranberry sauce if not available)
Optional Additions:
Stuffing
Gravy
Very thinly sliced red onions
Olive Oil

Plug in Panini Grill/George Foreman Grill/ or Skillet over Medium Heat. Arrange Bread slices. Using a basting brush, or Olive oil Spray Bottle is preferable, spread one side with olive oil. On other side of bread arrange in this order: Cranberries, Turkey, Stuffing,(and Gravy, Onions, Stuffing, Cranberries again if preferred) finally Havarti.  Place inside panini maker.  Cook for about 3-5 minutes.

Note for Use of Other Pans: If using a skillet or George Foreman Grill apply weight to top. I've used all sorts of sources; cast iron skillet, tea pot, even a rock camping once! Flip Sandwich over half way through, and reapply weight. .

Paninis can be assembled ahead of time and cooked when it is convenient! Delicious!

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.

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.

Chicken Parmesiana

Chicken Parmesan is so satisfying, not only for the diners, but me as I hear "mmmmmm mmm" from every corner of the table! Really it's such a simple offering but the flavors never seem like you barely just entered, and now left the kitchen in 30 minutes!

Chicken Parmesiana
30 minutes

4-6 Panko Baked Chicken Breasts
        1 1/2-2 cups panko
        salt, pepper
        1/4 tsp garlic powder
        3/4-1 stick melted butter
4-6 Slices mozzarella, or buffalo mozzarella
2-3 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (Recipe Below), or pre-made marinara 
4 tsp Parmesan

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix panko, garlic, salt and pepper. in flat dish. Pat chicken breast dry. Melt butter and dip chicken into butter then panko, pressing panko firmly to adhere. Bake for 30 minutes in oven proof dish or cast iron skillet.

Meanwhile, prepare Simple Tomato Sauce. In the last 5 minutes of baking, spoon sauce over chicken and lay a mozzorella slice on each breast. Sprinkle entire pan with parmesan.  Bake the remaining 5 minutes. Let sit for 5 more uncovered, and serve.

Depending on the season can be served over fresh greens with a lemon vinaigrette, in a toasted hoagy role as one of the best sandwiches out there, or  simply whole grain noodles and the remaining tomato sauce.

Simple Tomato Sauce

        1 jar (25 oz) Eden Crushed Tomatoes
        1/2 onion
        1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
        2 cloves garlic, chopped
        Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
       1/2 tsp dried basil, thyme, and oregano
        2 dried bay leaves

Combine all ingredients in medium size pan. Bring to boil,  reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 25 minutes at a low boil.

Coconut Rice

Easy Coconut Rice

21 minutes

1/2 tsp. coconut oil, OR vegetable oil
2 cups Thai jasmine-scented white rice (long grain rice like Jasmine is lower glycemic and wont send you into insulin shock like many other short grain and 5 minute varieties)
1 can good-quality coconut milk
1 3/4 cups water

2-3 Tbsp. toasted shredded unsweetened coconut (toast in a dry pan over medium high heat till browned. Remove immediately)
1/2 tsp. salt

1-2 Tbsp. toasted coconut for garnish

Rub oil over the bottom of a deep-sided pot.
Place rice, coconut milk, water, shredded coconut, and salt in the pot and set over medium-high to high heat. Stir occasionally to keep rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
Once the coconut-water has begun to gently bubble, stop stirring and reduce heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and let simmer 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
Replace the lid and turn off the heat, but leave the covered pot on the burner to steam another 5-10 minutes, or until you're ready to eat.

When ready to serve, remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork. Taste-test the rice for salt, adding a little more if needed. Serve right out of the pot, or transfer to a serving bowl. This rice is excellent served with a variety of both Thai and Indian dishes, such as curries or seafood recipes. If desired, top your rice with a sprinkling of toasted coconut and ENJOY!

Variation

Carribean Coconut Rice- Add one Cinnamon stick broken in three parts while simmers.  Remove and discard once ready to serve.

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...

Thai Coconut Lemongrass Soup- Tom Kha Gai

This soup is made with nice size pieces of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk and broth. I have included the authentic ingredients as well as a the cheat version when your pantry is missing some of those ingredients.  This can be made any time of the year with a leftover chicken breast, turkey or by easily preparing some chicken and cutting or shredding.

This is my FAVORITE soup to kick a cold, especially the kind where nothing tastes good and you can't breathe. Lemongrass, chicken broth, the bit of zing to unplug your nose from the red pepper flakes! Yup! It's the one! I'm even known, if its a real whopper, to add a dash of chili oil.

Under 30 minutes

Thai Coconut Lemongrass Soup

1 quart chicken broth
1 1/2 C. coconut milk
1 cup sliced mushrooms (see authentic ingredient below)
1/4 tsp dried chile flakes, or to taste (see authentic ingredient below)
1 Stalk Lemongrass, cut into inch strips and lightly pounded
1 tsp freshly grated Ginger, OR 2 inches fresh ginger sliced into disk shaped slices (see authentic ingredient below)
2 1/2 tbs Lime juice
1/4 tsp Salt, or to taste
1-2 tbs brown sugar (optional)
1-2 cup pulled or cubed cooked Chicken (or white meat turkey)
1 Green Onion, chopped
Chopped Cilantro. Loosely chopped

Other Delicious Authentic Ingredients:

Straw Mushrooms (Found in a can usually) 

6 kaffir lime leaves (lightly bruised to release the flavor)
6 slices galangal, instead of ginger. A similar root, but not the same taste
8 bird’s eye chilies (lightly pounded), instead of dried red pepper flakes
3 tablespoon fish sauce(SUGGESTED)

Bring the stock to a boil, skim any foam that rises to the top and add coconut milk, lemongrass, lime juice, chile flakes, ginger, and chicken Simmer for about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Ladle into soup bowls or mugs and garnish with cilantro and green onions.

Serve in a bowl with a side of steamed rice. (Traditionally this soup is served with the slices of galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves. I know many people who love to chew or enjoy them in the bowl. However if you do not like that or have a family member who doesn't you can strain or remove before adding chicken right at the end.)

Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup is very traditional in many homes after Thanksgiving.  After the Turkey Broth slowly simmers for hours, the making of a delicious soup loaded with tender pieces of turkey, egg noodles, fresh carrots and celery is a wonderful, quick fix meal.

Turkey Noodle Soup
15 minutes or less

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, whole peeled
2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
4 fresh thyme sprigs, or 1 tsp dried
1 bay leaf
2 quarts turkey stock
8 ounces dried wide egg noodles
1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed or shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Place a soup pot over medium heat add olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery. Cook and stir for about 6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Add garlic, thyme and bay leaf in last minute Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil. Add the noodles and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Add chicken, and simmer for another couple of minutes to heat through; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

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.

Homemade Coffee Creamer

Though I feel very strongly about eating well, one of the main pre-made and unhealthy things I couldn't give up was coffee creamer! No more will I read this:"INGREDIENTS: WATER, SUGAR, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN AND/OR COTTONSEED OIL, AND LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SODIUM CASEINATE (A MILK DERIVATIVE)**, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, CELLULOSE GEL, CELLULOSE GUM, COLOR ADDED, SALT, CARRAGEENAN, SUCRALOSE."

 I especially love Peppermint Mocha in the cold months and never seem to grow weary of it! Finally I decided to take the leap, and create a few forms of creamer starting with my favorite Peppermint Mocha.  

The Basic Set Up

2 cups Organic Half-n-Half
           or
1 cup  Organic Heavy Cream
1 Cup Organic Whole Milk
           or just Heavy Cream

Add flavors you prefer and warm milk on medium low until begins to steam.  With Vanilla creamers run mixture through mesh sieve and store in original Half and Half Container or Labeled Ball jar in refrigerator.

Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer
1/3 cup Sugar (More/less to taste. Keep in mind this will seem very sweet but will be diluted again in your coffee)
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 1/2 tbs unsweetened cocoa


REVISED*
I have enjoyed this recipe but feel like I am missing the consistent smoothness. I find with the chocolate flavors etc there is quite a settling,  I do shake it previous to adding to my coffee, but still am not completely satisfied with the composition.  ANSWER* Oganic flavored syrup, like ones used in coffee shops to flavor espresso. Its right. Mix right in with Half and Half or cream. 


8 tbs or more taste flavor
1 quart organic half and half 


Here are some organic flavored syrups! 
Liquid Planet http://www.liquidplanet.com/estore/home.php?cat=79
Monin           http://www.moninstore.com/prod_Detail.html?prodID=118&flavor=Monin-Vanilla-Organic-Syrup


Sugar Free Vanilla
(I always prefer to use Fructose(Fruit Sugar) over Sugar to not raise my blood sugar, and its not the terrible Fake Sweetener)

4-8 Packets Truvia (depending of taste)
1/2 Vanilla Bean scraped and brought to heat pan with cream(or 1 tbs real vanilla extract)

Vanilla Bean
The Vanilla Bean is so delicious it always inspires me to add real vanilla bean to other things.  I could seriously drink it straight, forget the coffee. 
1/2 Vanilla Bean scraped and boiled in milk(or 1 tbs real Vanilla Extract)
1/3 cup Sugar(More/less to taste. Keep in mind this will seem very sweet but will be diluted again in your coffee)

NOTE: Add all your scraped vanilla beans to one container of sugar. Makes wonderful fragrant vanilla sugar you can use for baking.

Hazelnut
1 tbs Hazelnut Extract
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Sugar (More/less to taste. Keep in mind this will seem very sweet but will be diluted again in your coffee)

Dairy Free
Substitute Almond Milk or Coconut Milk

Glory Beams Shine on Homemade Creamer! 

Fish Tacos in Warm Corn Tortillas

If you have never had a fish taco, I guessing your nose is curling, wondering WHY someone would eat fish in a taco.  Believe me I reacted the same way at one point, and now it's a staple around here! The kids, the family,  the friends keep begging for it!
If you have I'll bet you will jump for joy at the idea of making these fresh off your grill or kitchen year round! Seriously, outstanding and easy!












Fish Tacos with Warm Corn Tortillas
10 minutes

Fish

4-5 Sea Bass fillets (Halibut or Cod will do nicely)

Cajun seasoning  (my favorite is Broussard's) 

Lime (squeeze over the fish after done cooking)

In olive oil and butter cook 4 minutes each side

Components of Taco Togetherness

Napa Cabbage sliced in long thin strips (any cabbage will work but I like how delicate cabbage is)

Red onion very thin strips.

Fish Taco Sauce
1/4 cup mayo (Best Foods)

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 tbs. Garlic powder or fresh garlic (in this sauce I actually prefer the powder)

1/4 cup lime juice or more to taste (whole squeezed lime)

1/4 tsp. Salt

Prepare Sauce by combining and whisking or stirring till smooth, and slice veggies while fish cooks, or if possible prepare them previous to cooking. If fish and/or tortillas are warm and done before the final products is ready to serve keep warm in a 200 degree oven.  This is such a fast meal it is ready sometimes faster than I can prep!  

Warm Corn Tortillas

Peanut oil has the best smoke point (i.e. it wont burn as easily, but vegetable is fine as well)

Here is a low oil way to cook tortillas I learned from Gastronomy Girl.

Add THREE DROPS of oil when pan is heated but not before! Just three...  Spin tortilla in bottom of pan with fingertips to distribute on tortilla.  Fry tortillas at medium high heat for about 10 seconds or less each side so browned but not hard. Place on paper towels. Cover stack of warm tortillas with foil or keep in warmed oven. Add three new drops about every 4 tacos.  

Prepare tacos, tortilla, fish, Citrus-garlic sauce, dash onion, cabbage, squeeze of lime and/or dash of hot sauce if preferred. Super delicious! They are really fresh, light and surprisingly filling meal!

Additional components: Mango Salsa, Nectarine Salsa, Tomatoes, Cilantro, 

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

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!  

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/

Santa Rosa, Ca.- Marin French Cheese http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/Store/Cheese/Overview.aspx

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

Perfect Oven Bacon

I had to share this because I wish everyone knew how easy and convenient it is to bake your bacon in the morning on a cookie sheet! I never have any room for bacon with all the pans on the stove, and grease is spattering everywhere! As a side note if you can keep any leftover bacon around... I haven't accomplished this yet.. the perfection of oven baked bacon is wonderful in BLT's, salads, anywhere!

Perfect Foolproof Bacon the Restaurant Way! 

Preheat a 400 oven. I suggest lining your baking sheet with tin foil for easy cleanup, some use a rack as well letting bacon drain onto pan. 7 minutes first side. Flip and 5 minutes the other side. Remove from oven and place on paper towels.  

Easy as that. It’s crispy, chewy, delicious, and much easier...

TRY-  Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa's Maple-Roasted Bacon! (Although I prefer to use Pepper bacon, the contrast is so wonderful!) 


A note on bacon...  I always buy the thick cut from the deli. Most of the time per pound it is the same price as that the tissue paper bacon from the packaged section! 

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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