Easter Asparagus Salad

Easter Asparagus Salad

 Easter and Asparagus are Springtime favorites.  Dress your meal with this delicious but beautiful salad.

Ingredients:

1 lb. (500 g) thick asparagus stalks

1 lb (500 g) white asparagus, peeled and trimmed
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
¼ cup (60 mL) shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tsp (5 mL) grated lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Toss asparagus with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 

5 to 9 minutes(depending on thickness) or until asparagus is crisp-tender and has a little colour.

Cool. Just before serving, toss with lemon juice, Parmigiano and grated lemon zest and season 

with salt and pepper.   Serves 8

Sheet-Pan Malai Chicken and Potatoes

 

Sheet-Pan Malai Chicken And Potatoes 

Inspired by traditional South Asian malai chicken, a warmly spiced, yogurt-marinated dish that’s usually tandoor-grilled or served as a creamy curry, this sheet-pan meal comes together in under an hour. Here, the cream, or malai, is added just before serving, combining with lemon juice and water to create a silky, tangy sauce. The yogurt marinade acts as a powerful tenderizer for the chicken, so even a quick rest will enhance the flavors (if you have time for an overnight marinade, all the better). For this version, a sheet pan is used to maximize surface area and help the potatoes brown, but a cast-iron skillet also works.   NYTimes

Ingredients:   4 servings

For the chicken and potatoes
1½ pounds fingerling or baby potatoes
1medium yellow onion
1tablespoon melted ghee or olive oil
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
4bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds total)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the marinade

¼ cup full-fat plain yogurt
⅓ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, torn to fit the blender, plus more cilantro for serving if desired
5 garlic cloves
1(1½-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 to 2 serrano chiles, depending on your heat tolerance
1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
1½ teaspoons garam masala
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

Directions

Arrange the oven rack in the center of the oven and heat to 425 degrees.

Start the chicken and potatoes: As the oven heats, halve potatoes lengthwise (quarter and cut any larger ones). Halve the onion lengthwise and cut each half into quarters. Transfer potatoes and onion to a sheet pan, add the ghee and season with 1½ teaspoons salt. Transfer to the preheated oven, and roast for 10 minutes while you prepare the marinade.

Make the marinade: Using a blender, mini food processor or immersion blender, combine the yogurt, cilantro, garlic, ginger, chiles, ghee, garam masala and 1½ teaspoons salt. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth. If needed, add a tablespoon of water to help the blender along. Transfer the marinade to a medium bowl or resealable bag, and add the chicken. Massage marinade into chicken and let marinate while the potatoes cook (see Tip).

When the vegetables have roasted for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and nestle chicken on top, skin side up, scraping any excess marinade from the chicken skin onto the vegetables. Return sheet pan to the oven and adjust heat to 450 degrees. Roast until the chicken and potatoes are cooked through and the chicken skin is browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes. (If the potatoes aren’t fork-tender yet, remove the chicken from the pan and continue to roast the potatoes for another 5 to 10 minutes.)

Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the vegetables in the pan. Add the lemon juice, cream and 3 tablespoons hot water to the sheet pan and toss with a metal spatula, carefully scraping up any browned bits, until the potatoes are coated in sauce. Transfer chicken back over top and serve immediately, garnished with more cilantro if you like.
TIP  If you like, the chicken can marinate for up to 2 hours on the counter, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. (If marinating overnight, remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes before roasting to ensure it cooks evenly.). Serves 4

Gigelhupf or Gugelhupf Cake

 

                                  Gugelhupf  or Kugelhopf Cake                                                                                                                           Combining the delicious flavors of lemon, rum, raisins, almonds and butter in a wonderfully fragrant yeasted cake, look no further for a thoroughly traditional Gugelhupf recipe! Also known as Kugelhopf, this special cake has been known and loved for literally centuries throughout Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland.

Ingredients:

12 whole blanched almonds 

   (to blanch/remove the skins, place the almonds in boiling water, let

    sit for one minute, drain, and squeeze the almonds between your  

    fingers to slip the skins off)

1 cup heavy cream

2 1/4 teaspoons active yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup lard or butter

5 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

zest one lemon

3/4 cup raisins 

1 tablespoon rum

1/3 cup slivered almonds

12 whole almonds

Directions:
Butter a 8.5 inch Kugelhopf pan or a bundt pan  (8 to 9 cup capacity).
Place the raisins and rum in a small bowl, stir to combine, and let the raisins soak for at least an hour or overnight.
Place the lukewarm cream in a bowl or cup and stir in the yeast along with one tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until nice and frothy.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, lard (if using) and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add lemon zest and vanilla and beat until combined. Add egg yolks and beat until combined.
Add half of the flour and yeast mixture and mix until combined. Add the remaining half of the flour and yeast mixture and the salt and mix until combined. Once the mixture comes together continue to knead with the paddle attachment for 10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too dry, add some additional egg yolk. If it's too wet, add some additional flour. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and put in a warm place (like a warm oven) to rise for up to two hours or until doubled in size.

Roll out onto clean non-stick work surface. Press or roll out to for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. 

Sprinkle evenly with the raisins and almonds. Roll it up from the widest side. Bring the ends together to form a circle, pressing the ends together, and place it into the Kugelhopf mold. Press gently down to ensure the dough is evenly spread in the pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and put in a warm place (like a warm oven) to rise for about another hour or until the dough has risen just barely above the mold. 

In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350 F.

Bake the Gugelhupf until it is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 30-40 minutes. Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

Serve immediately. Best eaten the same day.
To store leftovers, wrap well in plastic wrap (will keep up to 3 days) or freeze. (See blog post for ideas on how to use leftover Kugelhopf.)

Buttery Porcini Mushroom Pasta

                                         

Buttery Porcini Mushroom Pasta 

Dried mushrooms and smoked paprika 

brings a rich earthiness a hit of flavor.

Ingredients:

20g / 1/4 cup Dried Porcini Mushrooms
25g / 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
250g /  chestnut mushrooms, sliced also called cinnamon cap.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp double cream
200g / 8oz. fettuccine
20g / 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated, plus extra to serve
½ x 20g pack chives, finely chopped
smoked paprikaDirections:Put the porcini into a mug, pour over 150ml boiling water, then set aside for 25 minutes. Drain and reserve the liquid, leaving the sediment behind. Chop the mushrooms and set aside.

Melt the butter with the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Once foaming, add the chestnut mushrooms, season and fry for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden. Stir in the garlic and soaked porcini, fry for about 3 minutes more, then add 4 tbsp soaking liquid and the cream. Bubble briefly, then remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Reserve a cup of cooking water, then drain.

Tip the pasta into the sauce and toss to coat, then add the parmesan, most of the chives and a little pasta water, if needed, to loosen, so the sauce coats nicely. Serve topped with the remaining chives, some smoked paprika and extra cheese.

Cook’s tip
Soak the mushrooms earlier in the day if you have a busy evening coming up. Just keep in the fridge. until needed.

Crisp Honey Toast With Whipped Cream & Rhubarb Compote

              Crisp Honey Toast With Whipped

               Cream & Rhubarb Compote

Inspired by Arôme Bakery in London, this version of crispy honey toast is the ultimate ending to a glorious brunch. Slices of brioche are coated in a mixture of butter, brown sugar and honey, then baked until they develop a yin-yang of crispy crust and pillowy centre. Vanilla whipped cream adds another dreamy texture, while rhubarb compote brings a tart counterpoint.

Ingredients:
Rhubarb Compote
2 cups (500 mL) chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) water
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cardamom
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

Crispy Honey Toast
1/2 cup (125 mL) softened butter
1/4 cup (60 mL) brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 mL) honey
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
10-inch (25-cm) loaf brioche (or challah), unsliced

Vanilla Whipped Cream
3/4 cup (175 mL) whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Directions
For the rhubarb compote, place rhubarb, sugar, water, lemon juice and cardamom in a medium-size saucepan. Heat on medium and cook until rhubarb is softened, about 10 minutes. Add salt and set aside.

For the honey toast, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium-size bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, honey and salt with a spoon until creamed and smooth.

Cut brioche into six thick slices, each about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) thick. Trim and discard crusts.  Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Spread butter mixture evenly over both sides of bread, fully covering sides and edges too.

Bake until caramelized and light brown, 18 to 20 minutes, flipping at halfway point. Remove from oven and transfer toast to a cooling rack. Let cool to harden sugar, about 10 minutes.

For the whipped cream, combine whipping cream and vanilla bean paste in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk. Beat on medium-high until cream holds stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.

To serve, place toasts on plates and dollop generously with
whipped cream and compote. Serve immediately. Serves 6

Twice Cooked Broccoli Pasta

Twice-Cooked Broccoli Pasta

The trick is cooking the broccoli until 

it breaks down into a creamy sauce. 

Ingredients:
1 head/s head broccoli (about 350g)4½ tbsp olive oil
2 clove/s cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
320g seashell pasta
40g vegetarian Italian hard cheese finely grated

Directions:
Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the salt.  

Cut the broccoli into small florets, then peel the tough skin from the stalk using a vegetable peeler. Chop the stalk into 1cm pieces, boil for 3 minutes, then add the florets and continue to cook for 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, gently heat 4 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over a low-medium heat, then add the garlic and chilli. Fry over a low heat for 2-3 minutes, taking care not to brown the garlic. Once the broccoli is tender, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the frying pan. Stir well to coat in the oil and add 1-2 tbsp of the cooking water (this will help to break down the broccoli).

Bring the broccoli cooking water back to the boil, add the pasta and cook according to pack instructions. Meanwhile, continue to stir and mash the broccoli using a wooden spoon until it breaks down and becomes creamy. Add a little more pasta water if needed; season.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pasta to the broccoli pan and stir to coat, adding more pasta water if needed. Drizzle over the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil and scatter with the cheese before serving.

• Serves4
• CourseMain meal
• Prepare10 mins
• Cook20 mins
• Total time30 mins

Buckeye Bean Soup

 

Buckeye Bean

Buckeye Bean Soup With Corn And Poblano Strips

I have become a real fan of Rancho Gordo Beans.  The Buckeye Bean is creamy, holds its shape while being cooked, but are not starchy.  How do you describe the depth of flavor?  Since I cook for one, a pound of beans lasts too many days when cooked till the end of the dish.  I now cook half of the package for most recipes which is eight ounces.  I then have three days of "deliciousness" which is perfect!  This is a recipe for two cups cooked beans which would be one cup uncooked.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons EVOO

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 yellow onion finely chopped

3 ears of corn, kernels removed or about 1 1/2 cups frozen*

1 poblano chili pepper, roasted and skins and seeds removed and seeds  

   removed and cut in strips.

1 tablespoon Mexican oregano, such as Rancho Gordo oregano Indio

2 cups cooked Rancho Gordo Buckeye Beans or white beans

3 cups liquid (we like half water and half bean broth)  see note:

Salt and Pepper to taste

Minced flat leaf parsley or cilantro for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

In a soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the corn and poblano strips, oregano, beans and liquid, stirring to mix all of the ingredients.

Raise the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the flavors have blended, about 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Right before serving, you can add some heavy cream if you like.

Allow the soup to cook another 2 to 3 minutes to reheat if necessary.  Serve in bowls garnished with herbs and lime wedges.

Note from DJM   When I cut the corn from the cobs I simmer the cobs for the flavor extracted and use with bean broth to enhance the corn flavor in the recipe.  This will take a little advance planning.

Best Cornbread

 

Best Cornbread

Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey
¾ cup milk (preferably whole but low-fat works too)
1¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
¾ cup yellow cornmeal
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, break up the eggs with a whisk. Whisk in the honey, and then the milk. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk mixture and the melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just blended. Do not overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps. 

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and golden. Cool the cornbread for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions:
Cornbread tastes best when served fresh out of the oven, but it can be frozen in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw for 3 to 4 hours on the countertop before serving. To reheat, wrap cornbread in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot. Alternatively, heat squares in the microwave at 50 percent power for 30 to 45 seconds, or until just hot; do not overheat or they will get tough.

You can easily switch up this basic cornbread recipe with add-ins to match any meal. For a savory kick, stir in diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme. If you want extra texture and sweetness, mix in fresh, cooked, or frozen corn kernels—no need to thaw if using frozen. For a smoky twist, try adding crisped oven-cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Hearty Lentil Chili. ~. Vegetarian

 

     

Hearty Chili  ~  Vegetarian

This hearty lentil chili is packed with smoky, savory spices, carrots, and bell peppers for rich flavor, satisfying texture, and a nourishing boost of protein. Made with chorizo (easily vegan-adaptable), it can be cooked on the stovetop and ready in about 45 minutes, or prepared in the slow cooker (crockpot) for an easy, hands-off meal.

Like most soups and stews, this lentil chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. It's a perfect make-ahead chili recipe for healthy, comforting meals you can enjoy all week long.

Best Cornbread recipe will post 3/21/2026

Ingredients:

1/2 onion, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 pound ground meat or chorizo (or use plant-based “ground meat”, turkey, beef, or chicken)
2/3 cups dried brown lentils (8 ounces)
1/3 cup dried split red lentils (or sub more brown lentils, but red makes the chili thicker)
1 carrots, sliced into half rounds, about 3/4 cups
7 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
1/4– 1/2 jalapeno, diced (seeds removed)
3/4 teaspoons salt (adjust salt to taste)
1/2 teaspoons ancho chile powder (or sub Mexican chile powder)
1/2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tablespoons molasses (or maple syrup or honey)
3 cups broth or stock (veggie, chicken or beef)
1/2 bell pepper, green or colored, chopped
1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, add to taste)

Directions:

Sauté onion in a pan over medium high heat with oil for 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add garlic stirring in and add chorizo, sauté for 5 minutes. 

Add lentils, carrots, tomatoes, jalapeño, salt, ancho powder, oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix together.

Add broth, molasses and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer with a vented lid for 30 minutes. 

Add green pepper and simmer 15 minutes more, uncovering it to cook off the liquid. 

Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then adjust the seasonings if needed.

Serve in bowls with sour cream, shredded cheese or avocado and cilantro.

Storage: 

Leftover Lentil Chili will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or can be frozen for 3 months.

The Lentil Chili will have a thicker consistency when slow-cooked in the crockpot.

Slow Cooker Instructions: 

In a skillet, sauté onion in a pan over medium-high heat with oil for 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Add garlic, stirring in, and add chorizo, sauté for 5 minutes.

Add the chorizo mixture into the crockpot along with the lentils, carrots, tomatoes, jalapeño, salt, ancho powder, oregano, smoked paprika cumin broth, molasses and cinnamon sticks.

With the lid on, cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Add in the green peppers in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar and adjust seasonings if needed.

Dandelion Greens Salad

Dandelion Greens Salad

Dandelion Greens are a Spring Tonic and March 19 is the day I traditionally dig up the greens.  Highly rated for containing iron as well as other nutrients, they do make a tasty dish.  Dandelions are best chosen in tall grass or deep leaves prior to developing buds.  Once the greens develop buds they are bitter.  If the area was spayed with herbicide, do not use the dandelions.  My recipe is identical to Rachael Burkholder's owner of the Amish Fabric Shop, Country Fabrics.  I add boiled potatoes to my dish. 

Ingredients:
4 cups dandelion greens, cleaned and picked over
2 hard boiled eggs
3 slices bacon, chopped and fried crisp
Dressing:
Remove bacon from the drippings to make dressing. Use the bacon grease.
Stir until we blended. 1 egg, 4 teaspoons vinegar, 1 cup water or milk. Add: 1 1/2 teaspoons flour, 1 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons sugar

Stir until well blended, cook until thickened. Cool slightly and pour over greens, egg and bacon and toss. It is delicious!

This is a recipe I learned early in my marriage in the 1960's. My version added boiled cubed potatoes.

Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Root Vegetables & Gremolata

Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder 

and Root Vegetables & Gremolata

Lamb shoulder is an affordable cut of a pricey meat. When slow-roasted—here with herbs, lemon and honey—it emerges from the oven deeply flavoured and incredibly succulent. Throw in a bed of carrots and potatoes plus a zesty gremolata finish, and you’ve got a comforting one-pan meal, perfect for a casual winter gathering.

Ingredients:

Gremolata

1 cup (250 mL) packed flat-leaf parsley leaves

2 cloves garlic, grated on rasp

Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed

1/2 cup (125 mL) extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Lamb

1 head garlic, broken into individual cloves, divided

10 sprigs fresh thyme

10 sprigs fresh oregano

5 tbsp (75 mL) olive oil, divided

2 medium-size shallots, finely diced

2 tbsp (30 mL) thyme leaves, finely chopped

1 tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano

1 tsp (5 mL) ground coriander

1/4 tsp (1 mL) dried chili flakes

Finely grated zest of 1 1/2 lemons, divided

4 tsp (20 mL) fine sea salt, plus more to taste

Freshly ground pepper to taste

6 lb (2.72 kg) boneless lamb shoulder

3/4 cup (175 mL) chicken broth

3 tbsp (45 mL) honey, divided

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice

1 lb (455 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) batons

2 lbs (905 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks

Directions:

Gremolata, place parsley in a small food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and pulse a few more times until combined. Taste and adjust salt and lemon. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 days—it improves in flavour as it mellows. Serve at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves. Place in a ramekin. Put remaining unpeeled garlic cloves in centre of a roasting pan along with thyme and oregano sprigs. Set aside.

In a medium-size frying pan, heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add shallots and minced garlic. Cook, stirring regularly, until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat if they start to brown. Remove from heat and stir in chopped thyme, dried oregano, coriander, chili flakes, zest of 1 lemon, 4 tsp (20 mL) salt and pepper. Stir to form a paste. Set aside. 

Score fat on lamb, being careful not to cut into meat. Open up shoulder and trim and discard large pockets of fat. Spread half of shallot mixture over inside, using your fingers to push it into crevices. Roll shoulder back up and spread remaining shallot mixture over exterior. Using butcher’s twine, tie it into a tight roll and place it in roasting pan, fat side up, on top of herbs and garlic. Pour chicken broth around lamb and cover with a double layer of foil. Transfer to oven. Cook for 2 hours.

While lamb is roasting, heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey, lemon juice, remaining zest and a small pinch of salt over low heat. Warm, stirring, until just combined. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, toss carrots with 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil and remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey. Season with salt and pepper.

When roast is at the 2-hour mark, remove from oven and carefully remove foil. Baste lamb with pan juices. Spoon off excess liquid in pan, leaving about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Evenly distribute carrots around lamb.

Using carrot bowl, toss potatoes with remaining 2 tbsp (30 mL) oil, salt and pepper. Spread evenly around lamb. Brush honey-lemon glaze over lamb. Roast, uncovered, until vegetables are fork-tender, lamb is deeply browned, and meat easily pulls away with a fork—an instant-read thermometer inserted in centre should read at least 175°F (79°C). Transfer lamb to a cutting board to rest.

Return vegetables to oven and raise heat to 450°F (232°C). Once vegetables have been in oven for 15 more minutes, remove.

Remove and discard string from lamb. Slice or shred the lamb and serve with roasted veggies and gremolata.  Serves 6 

Banana Biscoff Pudding

Banana Biscoff Pudding

Popularized by New York City’s Magnolia Bakery, banana pudding traditionally encompasses layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream and vanilla wafers. In our decadent spin, we’ve made a banana pudding enriched with brown butter, swapped out wafers for Biscoff cookies and subbed in sour cream for whipped cream. If you prepare the pudding element in advance, the rest comes together in a snap.  Serves 6 

Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, divided
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter
2 cups (500 mL) whole milk
3 egg yolks
1 egg
1/4 cup (60 mL) cornstarch
1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
3/4 cup (175 mL) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60 mL) full-fat sour cream
3 tbsp (45 mL) icing sugar
18 Biscoff cookies

Directions:
Peel and slice 1 banana into 1/2-inch- (1-cm-) thick coins. Heat
butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. When melted,
add sliced banana. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to
ensure nothing sticks, until caramelized and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Add milk and stir until hot—do not let boil. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk yolks, egg, cornstarch,
sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Slowly stream 1/2 cup (125 mL) hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while vigorously whisking. Repeat with another 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk mixture, then whisk egg mixture into pot with remaining milk mixture.

Return pot to medium heat. Whisk gently but constantly until
mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, 5 to 6 minutes. Pass
through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding any solids.

Place a piece of plastic wrap against surface of pudding. Cool 30
minutes then refrigerate until completely cool—about 3 hours, or up
to 3 days in advance.

When ready to serve, peel and slice remaining 2 bananas into 1/2-inch- (1-cm-) thick coins.

Place heavy cream, sour cream and icing sugar in bowl of a stand
mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks
form, about 3 minutes.

Break cookies into 1/2-inch (1-cm) pieces, reserving any crumbs.

Place 2 tbsp (30 mL) pudding into six 8-oz parfait glasses, or other
glass of choice. Layer bananas, cookie pieces and cream mixture on
top, so you have two layers of each and saving six slices of banana to
garnish top along with cookie crumbs. Serve immediately or
refrigerate up to 1 hour in advance.    Serves 6

Lemon-Miso-Labneh-Baked Fish With Turmeric-Parsley Vinaigrette

Lemon-Miso-Labneh-Baked Fish 

                             With Turmeric-Parsley Vinaigrette 
A medley of offbeat flavors comes together seamlessly in this fish dish. Taking inspiration from Persian cuisine, this way of cooking fish in yogurt yields tender-moist results. The flavour factor is amped up with the addition of salty, umami-tasting miso and a drizzle of a zippy herbaceous vinaigrette. It’s excellent served over sturdy salad greens like arugula or enjoy it with aromatic rice. Serves.
Ingredients

Sauce:
14 oz (400 g) labneh
1/4 cup (60 mL) white miso
1 lemon
1-lb (455-g) side wild salmon

Turmeric-Parsley Vinaigrette  
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped shallots
1/4 cup (60 mL) sliced parsley
2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 mL) white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) liquid honey
1 tsp (5 mL) ground turmeric
1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).

Stir labneh with miso in a medium-size bowl until evenly mixed.
Cut five thin slices from lemon. Add fish to a 9 × 13–inch (3-L)
baking dish. Pour and spread labneh mixture around (not over) the fish

Top fish with lemon slices. Bake in centre of preheated oven until a
knife inserted into thickest part of fish and held for 10 seconds comes
out warm, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir shallots with parsley, lemon juice, vinegar, honey
and turmeric in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil until evenly mixed.
Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

When salmon is ready, spread labneh on serving plates or a platter.
Cut fish into four pieces and set over labneh. Serve drizzled with
vinaigrette.  Serves 4

Rice Paper Dumplings

  

 Rice Paper Dumpling Twists with Sesame-Soy Dip

These unique dumplings use rice paper as the wrappings, which are rolled into thin cigars then formed into plump twists. The poultry-stuffed parcels are cooked like potstickers and served with a sesame-soy dip. Smaller rice paper wraps are less common, but you can find them under Rose Brand at many Asian supermarkets.   Makes about 28 dumplings 

Ingredients:
Sesame-Soy Dip
6 tbsp (90 mL) soy sauce
1/4 cup (60 mL) water
1 tbsp (15 mL) Chinkiang or regular rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) toasted sesame oil
2 tsp (10 mL) honey
Dumplings
1/2 lb (225 g) ground chicken or turkey, dark meat only
2 tbsp (30 mL) thinly sliced green onions, green part only
1/2 clove garlic, grated on rasp
1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated ginger
1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 mL) Shaoxing cooking wine
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 pkg (400 g) small (16 cm), round rice paper wraps
2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil, divided
Black sesame seeds and green onion julienne to garnish (optional)
Directions:

For the dip, whisk all ingredients in a mixing bowl until honey is
dissolved. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 1 month.
Bring to room temperature before serving.

For the dumplings, combine all ingredients except rice paper in a
large mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until evenly distributed.

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 1 day.
To form the dumplings, bring a kettle of water to a boil (this will be 

used to top up the soaking water to keep it warm). Line a large, shallow

airtight container with parchment. Rinse a clean, small kitchen towel 

with water and squeeze dry. Lay out on work surface. Pour about 3 

inches (8 cm) of hot water into a medium-size mixing bowl.

Transfer dumpling filling to a disposable piping bag. Tie ends with a
twist tie and cut a 1/2‑inch (1-cm) hole at tip.

Working one at a time, soak a rice paper wrap in hot water until
slightly softened, 15 to 20 seconds. Carefully transfer to towel. Let sit
until water is absorbed and paper is soft enough to eat, 20 to 25
seconds. About 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) from bottom, pipe a horizontal
line of filling 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide.

Roll bottom around filling and roll away from you to form a skinny
tube. With scissors, cut off and discard about 1/2 inch (1 cm) from one
end. Pinch cut end and roll in on itself to form a twist, pressing end to
seal. Place in container. Repeat, topping up with water from kettle as
necessary to keep warm, until filling is used up. Continue pinching
and sealing ends as they sit in container. Save rest of rice paper wraps
for another use. Cover and refrigerate dumplings for up to 4 hours.

When ready to serve, transfer dip to a small bowl. Heat 1/4 cup (60 ml)
water and 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil in a large nonstick frying pan over
medium-high heat. When it comes to a boil, add half of dumplings,
cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Steam for 3
minutes. Remove lid and raise heat to medium-high. When excess
water has evaporated, cook dumplings until lightly browned and they
reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 1 1/2 minutes
per side. (If any dumplings unravel, reroll and secure with a toothpick.)
Transfer to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil.

Repeat process with another 1/3 cup (80 mL) water, remaining oil and
dumplings. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion and serve with
dip on side. Makes about 28 dumplings

Bean, Tuna And Celery "Jackets"

Bean, Tuna, And Celery "Jackets"

A versatile, protein-rich filling that’s also great in sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients:

2  7oz cans Tuna Chunks in Brine, drained
4 tbsp Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
½ lemon, juice, plus extra to taste
3 Salad Onions, trimmed and finely sliced
15 ounce can Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
2 stalks Celery, trimmed and finely sliced
½ x 20g pack dill, leaves chopped
4 baked potatoes
S&P to tasteDirections:Flake the tuna into a mixing bowl. Add the avocado oil mayonnaise, juice of ½ lemon and the salad onions. Season and stir together. Mix in the cannellini beans and celery. Taste and add more salt, pepper and lemon juice if needed.

Stir through the dill and pile onto hot baked potatoes. 

0out of 5 stars

Chili-Cheese "Jacket"

  Chilli-Cheese "Jackett"

The combo of chipotle paste, black garlic, tomato purée and jalapeño brine gives this chilli delicious depth – it tastes like it’s been slow cooked for hours, even though it’s ready before the spuds are done.

Ingredients:

4 baking potatoes
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 pounds ground beef  (12% fat)
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp chipotle paste
2 tbsp Black Garlic Paste
3 tbsp tomato purée
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped, 2 tbsp brine, plus extra jalapeños to serve
1 pinch/es sugar
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup vintage Cheddar, grated
4 tbsp sour cream
½ pack coriander, leaves picked

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425*F.  Wash the potatoes, dry well, then prick all over with a fork. Brush with 1 tbsp oil, place on a baking sheet, then sprinkle liberally with salt. Bake in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes-1 hour 30 minutes, until crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Meanwhile (or about 35 minutes before the potatoes are ready), heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and fry over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add the cumin seeds, stir well, then add the ground beef and salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook, stirring to break up the mince as you go, for 6-7 minutes until the meat is starting to brown.

Add the chipotle and black garlic pastes, tomato purée, jalapeño brine and sugar, stirring well to coat. Add the black beans and chopped jalapeños, stirring well again, then add the chopped tomatoes and 200ml water. Cover and cook over a medium heat for 8 minutes. Finally, remove the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes uncovered, stirring well, until the sauce has thickened. Season if needed.

When the potatoes are ready, cut a cross in the middle, open carefully, then sprinkle liberally with grated cheese. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes until the cheese has melted. Serve topped with the hot chilli, a dollop of soured cream, a scattering of coriander leaves, more chopped jalapeños and some cracked black pepper.

Cook’s tip:  Make this veggie by replacing the beef mince with soya mince or a pouch of ready-cooked lentil

5out of 5 sta

Sesame And Miso Cookies

Sesame & Miso Cookies

Miso paste is so good in bakes, especially when white chocolate and tahini are in the mix.

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
7/8 cup light muscovado sugar
1/3 cup caster sugar
2 tablespoons Tahini
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1 medium egg
1 medium egg whites
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/8 cup white chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup sesame seeds
Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Directions:

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the butter and both sugars for 2-3 minutes until light (or use a stand mixer). Add the tahini, miso, whole egg and egg white and mix again until smooth. Sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cinnamon; mix again until just combined. Stir in the chocolate until combined. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375*F, and line 2 large baking sheets with baking parchment.  Scoop and roll the chilled cookie dough into even-sized balls, each weighing 2 ounces (Golf ball size.  Place the sesame seeds onto a tray or into a large shallow bowl and roll each in the seeds to coat.

Place 5-6 dough balls on each lined baking sheet, leaving plenty of space for them to spread during cooking. Slightly flatten each with your fingers, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt flakes and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden.

Sharply tap the underside of the baking sheets on the work surface to slightly deflate the cookies. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Cook’s tip:
To give the cookies neat edges, one at a time, upturn a glass or ramekin over the top of them. With a circular motion, swirl the hot/warm cookies against the inside edge of the glass or ramekin.

Rosted Lamb Shanks With Garbanzo Beans

 

Roasted Lamb Shanks With Garbanzo Beans

Ingredients:
2 to 4 lamb shanks with bone in
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
1 sweet onion sliced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 to 3 cups chicken broth
5 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
6 to 8 fresh carrots unpeeled with greens removed

Directions:
Generously season lamb shanks with salt and pepper before browning in olive oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven. Remove when done.

Sauté sliced onion in the same pot for 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes on medium-low heat until tomato paste darkens slightly.

Add 2 cups chicken broth, shanks, and rosemary. Cover with tight-fitting lid, remove from stovetop, and bake at 325 degrees F for 2 hours 20 minutes. 

Add canned garbanzo beans and carrots, then cook for another 40 minutes. Add more chicken broth if dry.

Notes
This meal also can be made in a slow cooker. For this method, reduce liquid to about 1 inch. Brown the shanks before adding them to the 

bed of onions in the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients in at the same time and cook for about 3 hours on high..

Donegal :Lamb Stew

 

Donegal Lamb Stew

This is a traditional Donegal stew that is actually white and creamier, lighter and more flavorful than most brown stews.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless leg, neck or shoulder of lamb, cut into 2-inch chunks
6 large peeled carrots, chopped
1 leek, sliced 1 inch thick
2 onions, sliced 1 inch thick
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 sprig thyme
6 whole black peppercorns
½ cup parsley, stalks and leaves divided and chopped
salt and pepper to taste
3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
6 cups prepared Irish mashed potatoes,

Irish Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe can be made the day before, slowly and carefully to get them extra smooth and creamy, and be one less thing to worry about on the day.Serves 4–6
Ingredients:
6 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 stick unsalted Irish butter
½ cup milk
¼ cup whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for approximately 20 minutes. Dry the potatoes by draining, then reheating in a clean pan on the stove with no liquid to get rid of all the moisture. Pass the potatoes through a fine ricer.

While the potato mixture is hot, mix through the butter to melt, then add the cream. Add to Donegal Braised Lamb Stew

Directions For Lamb Stew:

Place the lamb into a large pot, cover with water by about ½ an inch and bring to a boil. Strain off and discard the water, so as to clear the meat of impurities.

In a new clean pot, place the lamb and add 2 carrots, the sliced leek and onions, garlic, thyme, peppercorns, parsley stalks and cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 2 hours. Using a spoon, check the meat’s tenderness. When it’s nearly tender, remove the pieces of lamb from the pot with tongs. Strain and save the liquid, discarding the vegetables; you should have around 8 cups liquid.

Return the lamb and liquid to the pot and season the liquid with 1 tablespoon salt. Add the peeled potatoes and the remaining 4 carrots. Continue cooking on medium heat, and once the potatoes in the pot are cooked and a fork passes through (approximately 20 minutes), stir in the mashed potatoes to thicken the mixture. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired.

Add the chopped parsley leaves and serve with an extra dollop of mashed potatoes if you like. Serves 4 to 6

Lamb Burgers

 

Lamb Burgers

Lamb burgers are such a delicious, great alternative to traditional beef patties! Mix with fresh herbs, garlic, and seasonings for an incredibly flavorful burger.
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb
1 clove garlic, minced or grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Toppings:

4 leaves lettuce
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup garlic sauce, or other favorite sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon dried mint
4 hamburger buns

Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground lamb, garlic, chopped mint, dried mint, salt and pepper. Do not overwork the mixture; it's okay if the meat has a just-ground look to it rather than a smooth look, to keep the burgers from becoming too dense.

Divide the mixture into four meatballs (about 4 oz. each), again without overworking the meat (these should not be smooth). Gently flatten each ball to about an inch thick, and collect back to the patties any meat that may be falling away from the patties. If making ahead, cover and chill these for up to 2 days (bring to room temp before cooking).

Coat the cooking surface with the oil before heating. Heat a skillet, griddle, or grill to medium high. Cook the patties until they are cooked through to 160°F, flipping them over halfway through cooking (6-8 minutes total, depending on the thickness of the patties). Cook the burgers couple or even one at a time if needed, depending on the size of your cooking surface.

Layer the bottom half of each bun with lettuce, onion, and tomato. Place a patty on each. Top each patty with a dusting of dried and fresh mint. Top with sauce and serve immediately.