Marinated-Lemon Grilled Salmon

Lemon & Herb Marinated Salmon

This marinated salmon is fresh salmon fillets flavored with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. You'll want to grill salmon all summer long after you taste this easy marinade!

Ingredients: 
4 salmon fillets 4-6 ounces each
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
Place the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine.

Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later use. Add the garlic to the bowl.

Add the salmon and marinade to a resealable freezer bag and seal. Shake to coat the salmon with the marinade.

Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours.
Remove the salmon from the marinade and scrape off any excess bits of herbs or garlic (otherwise they could burn on the grill!).

Grilling instructions: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until salmon is opaque throughout.

Oven instructions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the salmon fillets on a sheet pan lined with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
Brush the reserved marinade over the salmon fillets, then serve with lemon wedges if desired.  Serves 4

TIPS:
First, make sure you buy skin-on salmon fillets. If you remove the skin before cooking, the fish will surely fall apart. The skin helps hold the flesh in place. Fish skin in a good thing!

Get your grill really hot before you start cooking. If you have a thermometer on your grill make sure it reaches about 500F before you begin. When using charcoal, most of the charcoal should be white before you start grilling. If your gas grill doesn’t have a thermometer, hold your hand a few inches above the grill and if you only last about 1 second, the grill is not enough.

Probably the most important step, clean your grill and generously grease the grates using long tongs and vegetable oil soaked paper towels. You can clean and grease the grates when you first turn on the gas grill, but make sure you grease it again just before adding the fish fillets. If you want to grease the grates three different times during the preheating process, all the better! Vegetable oil is your new best friend when it comes to grilling fish.

Finally, place the flesh side of the fish on the grill first with the skin side facing up. Grill the fish until it’s almost cooked through before turning. It should easily release from the grates once it has a good char. Once turned, you’ll only need a few minutes to finish it off, so don’t over-cook. Dry fish is not as good as juicy fish!

Stuffed Zucchini or Kousa Squash

Stuffed Zucchini Or Kousa Squash

 If you manage to find or grow a kousa squash, use it for this by all means, but this recipe also works well with regular green or yellow zucchini. You can use ground beef or lamb, although the latter is more traditional.

Ingredients
Stuffing
½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ pound lean ground beef or lamb
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon allspice or cinnamon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Squash and sauce
2½ pounds medium-size zucchini or Middle Eastern kousa squash 

   (about 8)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon chili flakes
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
2 pounds firm tomatoes, chopped with juice, or a 28-ounce can of 

   chopped tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¾ cup water, as needed
Greek yogurt, optional, for serving

Directions:
To make the stuffing:
Rinse rice in a colander under running water until clear. Put into a bowl with 2 cups of boiling water. Drain after 10 minutes and set aside. Add olive oil to a Dutch oven on medium heat, then add meat and garlic, and cook, using a wooden spoon to break meat into ¼-inch pieces. Continue until meat is slightly pink but not fully cooked. Reserving drippings in Dutch oven, remove meat with a slotted spoon and place in bowl with rice, adding allspice or cinnamon, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix by hand to combine. Set Dutch oven aside but do not clean.

To make the squash:
Trim off the stem from one of the squash with a knife and cut squash in two crosswise. Insert an apple corer at one end of squash and push through until about ½ inch from end of squash. Pull out core. If it does not come out, use a melon baller to remove squash insides. The goal is to hollow squash until there is about ¼ inch of flesh remaining on all sides of the squash. Repeat with all of the squash.

Loosely place the stuffing by hand into the squash, taking care not to pack the stuffing in. Fill each squash to about ½ inch from its top. Reserve any remaining stuffing to add to the sauce when the squash are cooking, if desired.

Return the Dutch oven to the stovetop and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to meat drippings. Add onions to the pot with salt, chili flakes, and pepper. Top with chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Set stuffed squash upright in pan, tilting them slightly to their side. Cook on medium heat until the sauce begins to simmer. Lower heat, cover, and gently simmer 40 to 50 minutes. Halfway through, turn the squash if needed. Add water as needed to keep sauce a little on the thin side.

Remove from heat and serve squash in a bowl with a ladleful of sauce. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

The Most Flavorful Beef Stroganoff

The Most Flavorful Beef Stroganoff 

With Cremini and Porcini Mushrooms

This dish is quick to fix rewarding with abundant flavor.  

Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 cups canned low sodium beef broth
1(1/2 ounce) package dried porcini mushrooms

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1⁄4cup unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed,cleaned and thickly sliced
1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into strips about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
3 tablespoons flour
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons creme fraiche
12 ounces egg noodles or 12 ounces fresh egg fettuccine pasta, cooked
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Combine the beef broth and dried porcini in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.  With a slotted spoon, lift the porcini out of the broth, chop coarsely and set aside.  Strain the broth through a sieve and set aside.

Heat 1 tbsp of the oil and the butter in a large skillet (not a non-stick) over medium high heat.  When the oil is hot, add the cremini mushrooms and saute, stirring often until they are browned, 5- 6 minutes.Transfer to a bowl.

Season the beef strips generously with kosher salt and pepper and dredge in the flour.

Add 2 tbsp oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat.  When oil is hot, add the beef, spreading it in a single layer.  After about a minute, turn each piece to brown the other side.  Don't overcook!

Work quickly, the whole process only takes a couple of minutes.
Remove beef to the same bowl with the cremini.  (Work in smaller batches, if you prefer).

Melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter in the pan over medium-high heat.  Add the onion.

Saute, scraping up the browned meat bits at the bottom of the pan.  When the onions just start to brown (about 4- 5 min), pour in the reserved porcini soaking broth.  Stir in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, porcini, cremini and beef, along with any accumulated juices.  

Bring to a simmer while stirring.  Cook just until the sauce thickens slightly, 1- 2 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the creme fraiche, just until it's incorporated and heated through.  Taste, and adjust seasonings.

Serve over cooked noodles, sprinkled with parsley. 

Rosemary Chicken Stew

Rosemary Chicken Stew

Serves 4.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced celery
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 3/4 inch squares 
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1-10 ounce bag of frozen baby onions, thawed
3 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Ruce or Mashed Potatoes
Directions:
Trim the chicken of all fat and cut into one inch cubes. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Drying the chicken pieces before sautéing encourages browning rather than steaming.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until chicken is very lightly browned on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes. It does not have to be cooked through at this point. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. If the chicken is browned too much at this point, the stew will not stay a nice light creamy color.

Lower the heat to medium and add the 2 tablespoons remaining butter to the pot. Add the chopped onion, celery and rosemary to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the red bell pepper cubes and cook an additional minute.

Stir the flour into the vegetable mixture and continue to cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer; lower the heat, and simmer, covered, 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot along with the baby onions and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are hot, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the dry sherry and minced parsley. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.   

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab Dip Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate delicious appetiser for any occasion! SUPER delicious, this simple recipe makes mushrooms taste so good!  Serves 15 mushrooms.
Ingredients:
15 large white mushrooms,1 cup (8oz | 250g) cooked crab or lobster meat
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs, divided -- Optional! Leave out for
low carb mushrooms
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup whole egg mayonnaise
1/3 cup spreadable cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup chopped green onions, (I use 3 stalks -- green and white parts)
2 large cloves garlic, minced (or 4 small cloves)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking oil spray.

Wipe mushrooms clean with damp paper towel. Remove stems and scoop out gills. Discard.

Arrange mushrooms on baking sheet. Lightly spray mushrooms with olive oil spray; set aside.

In a large bowl combine crab meat, 1/3 cup Panko crumbs, parmesan, mayo, cream cheese, garlic, green onions, herbs, salt and pepper.
Stuff each mushroom cap generously with the crab dip (about 1 - 1 /2 tablespoons per mushroom).

Combine oil and remaining Panko crumbs until evenly coated. Sprinkle the panko mixture over the tops of the mushrooms.

Bake for 18 minutes or until edges become golden, then broil (or grill) for a further 2 minutes until golden all over with crispy tops.
Serve immediately.

Parmesan Pasta Soup

Parmesan Pasta Soup

You hear all the time that simple is best and I’m pretty sure this Parmesan Pasta Soup proves it once and for all. See, this is a soup with just five ingredients (you can count that on one hand!) and yet it’s so comforting and delicious that you wouldn’t wish for a single thing more in it. It’s a light and brothy affair where the parmesan and garlic shine… and since parmesan and garlic are two of my very favorite things, I’m not complaining one bit.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
32 oz chicken broth
1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
1/2 cup parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, minced, for serving

Directions:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add pasta and lower heat to a simmer. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions.

Stir in parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with more freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Tomato & Bocconcini-Stuffed Mushrooms With Mixed Greens

 

      

Tomato & Bocconcini-Stuffed 

Mushrooms with Mixed Greens

Here is a tasty first course for dinner or change up the presentation and serve it as an appetizer. Either way you can make these three days ahead so that they are ready for the oven when you and your guests 
are. Serves 10 as a first course.

Ingredients:
1 pint (475 mL) grape tomatoes, quartered
1 cup (250 mL) mini-bocconcini, halved (Small mozzarella balls)
2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced capers
1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano
2 anchovy fillets, minced or 1 tsp (5 mL) anchovy paste
¼ cup (60 mL) seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 lb (500 g) portobello mushroom caps, about 10 (2½ inches/6 cm in diameter)
Pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
Mixes Greens Salad:
8 cups (2 L) mixed greens
2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30 mL) balsamic vinegar
Pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Combine tomatoes, bocconcini, parsley, capers, oregano and anchovies in bowl. Add bread crumbs and stir to coat.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Remove stems from mushrooms and, using a small spoon, scrape out gills and discard. Place caps on parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spoon tomato and cheese mixture into caps; drizzle with oil.

Roast mushrooms in oven for about 20 minutes or until softened and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, toss greens with oil and vinegar, salt and pepper. Divide among plates and top with warm mushrooms.

Pickup Appetizer:   Omit salad and cut each mushroom in halves or quarters to serve.

Make Ahead:   Make the filling for the mushrooms and fill them. Do not drizzle with oil. Do not bake. Cover well and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remove from refrigerator; drizzle with oil and bake as directed to serve.    Serves 10 as a first course

Creamy Cauliflower With Cheese And Bacon

Creamy Cauliflower With Cheese and Bacon

Fabulous side dish worthy of company! So simple, yet so very tasty. This is a pretty side dish with plenty of lovely color.

Ingredients:

4 cups cauliflower florets (1 L)

Cheese Sauce

4 oz cream cheese (125 g)

2/3 cup (150 ml) Monterey or Cheddar cheese

3 tbsp butter (45 mL)
1/3 cup low-carb milk, almond milk OR (75 mL) whipping cream
1 tbsp water (15 mL)
1/4 tsp salt, OR to taste (1 mL)

1/8 tsp white pepper (0.5 mL)

Directions:

In nonstick pan or pot, combine cream cheese, butter, low-carb milk, OR whipping cream, water, salt and white pepper.  Whisk occasionally.  Stir in Cheddar cheese until it melts and sauce is smooth.  Add extra water if necessary 1 tablespoon (15 mL) at a time.

Topping:

2/3 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese (150 mL)

4 slices cooked bacon, chopped

2 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley (30 mL) 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).  

In pot boiling water, cook cauliflower until tender, or steam the cauliflower. Drain cauliflower well. On chopping board, chop cauliflower into smaller pieces.  

In large bowl, combine cauliflower and Cheese Sauce (see ingredient listing).  Place cauliflower in 2-qt (2 L) shallow casserole dish. 

Topping:  In small bowl combine 2/3  cup (150 mL) grated Cheddar cheese, bacon and parsley.  Sprinkle over the top of the cauliflower.

Bake about 15 minutes, or until slightly browned and bubbly.  You could put the casserole under the broiler for 2 minutes to brown the cauliflower a little more.

Yield:  6 servings

Mushroom And Sweet Onion Gnocchi Casserole

Puffy gnocchi in a savoury, creamy sauce laden with mushrooms and sweet onions makes for a nice change from tomato-pasta casseroles and is far better than takeout (which can be tempting on a rushed day). Having a few dishes of this comfort-food meal tucked in the freezer for a simple reheat can save the day when the holiday preparations are in full swing. If you prefer to use one larger casserole dish, use an 8-cup (2-L) shallow dish and allow 24 to 36 hours to thaw (or defrost in the microwave); the reheating time will be the same. You can also double the recipe easily: just sauté the mushrooms in two separate batches. Serve a crispy, vinaigrette-dressed green salad on the side.

Ingredients

3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil, divided
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter, divided
1 lb (455 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp (5 mL) dried rosemary, crumbled
1 lb (455 g) gnocchi
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (125 mL) dry white wine
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) 10% cream, heated
2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley
Additional 10% cream or milk, warmed
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the oil and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add mushrooms, ½ tsp (2 mL) salt and ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper; sauté for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms have released their liquid and are lightly browned. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add remaining butter to skillet and melt over medium heat. Add onion, rosemary and ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium- low and cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes or until soft and golden.

Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes or just until they rise to the surface (do not overcook). Using a metal sieve, scoop gnocchi out of water, draining well, and transfer to a large bowl, reserving cooking water. Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil to gnocchi and stir gently to coat. Set aside to cool.

Add garlic to onion and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until fragrant. Increase heat to medium-high and pour in wine. Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits in pan. Boil for 2 minutes or until reduced by about half.

Whisk flour into cream and gradually pour into skillet, while stirring. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour into bowl with mushrooms and let cool.

Pour mushroom sauce over gnocchi in bowl and stir gently to coat. Add reserved cooking water, a little at a time, to moisten as desired. You want the gnocchi to be quite saucy as the liquid will be absorbed upon baking. Stir in parsley.

Spoon gnocchi into three or four 2- to 4-cup (500-mL to 1-L) shallow baking dishes. Cover tightly with plastic wrap then place dishes in freezer bags or cover with foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.

To serve, let gnocchi thaw in refrigerator for at least 12 hours or for up to 2 days (alternatively, microwave baking dishes, one at a time, loosely covered with plastic wrap, on defrost/ 50% power, stirring every 2 minutes, until thawed, being careful not to let them heat).

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Remove plastic wrap and cover baking dishes with foil. Bake gnocchi for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbling around the edges. Uncover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes to brown top lightly.

Serve with a little warm cream to stir in and thin sauce, as desired, then sprinkle with Parmesan.

Serves 4

Beef Bourguignon ~ Vegetarian

Beef Bourguignon  ~  Vegetarian  

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster and  

     shiitake), trimmed, quartered and sliced thin
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium carrots, cut on the bias into 1-inch pieces 

    (about 8 ounces)
3 small parsnips, cut on the bias into 1-inch pieces 

    (about 8 ounces)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (about 6 sprigs)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir)
2 cups vegetable or mushroom broth
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Wide egg noodles, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is very hot and shimmering, add half the mushrooms in an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until the undersides are well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir the mushrooms and continue to cook until just tender, about 3 minutes more. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining mushrooms. Repeat the same method of browning the mushrooms and remove to the same plate.

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the same pot, then add the carrots, parsnip and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the parsnips start to brown in spots, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook until the garlic is tender and the tomato paste turns brick red, about 2 minutes more. Stir in the wine, then simmer until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. 

Return the mushrooms to the pot and stir in the broth, bay leaves, a good pinch of salt and a couple grinds of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer uncovered until the mushrooms are very tender and the sauce has reduced slightly, 20 to 25 minutes. 

Meanwhile, stir together the flour and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl until a thick paste forms. Stir the flour mixture into the sauce until completely absorbed, then continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Serve over wide egg noodles with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:
8 ounces spaghetti
2 large eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
4 slices bacon, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup water and drain well.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan; set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes; reserve excess fat.

Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low.

Working quickly, stir in pasta and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

 

Lemony Corona Beans with Olive Oil and Garlic

Lemony Corona Beans With Olive Oil And Garlic

Corona Beans– giant buttery white beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and lemon zest. Serve as a vegan main or side dish or add to salads and Buddha Bowls. Rancho Gordo.com for heirloom beans.  They sell the best beans.

Ingredients:
1 lb dry Royal Corona Beans (or substitute white beans or cannellini beans), soaked in water 4–12 hours with 2 tablespoons salt.  (see notes)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 bay leaves
3 celery sticks, cut into 3 inch pieces
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
a few fresh sage leaves or thyme sprigs ( optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
zest of one lemon
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Aleppo chili flakes ( or regular), optional.
another option: a couple spoonfuls of Chermoula , Gremolata or Zhoug

---

Directions:

Place soaked beans in a large dutch oven ( or Instant Pot) and cover with 3-4 inches of water.  Add salt, celery, garlic, onion, bay leaves and herbs.

Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover, simmering until tender, about 1 ½-2 hours.

Drain, saving liquid and remove aromatics. Place in a serving dish or back into the pot, adding back ½ cup-1 cup of the warm cooking liquid, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh Italian parsley and salt and pepper to taste.

For an extra burst of flavor stir in a couple tablespoons of chermoula, gremolata or zhoug!

---

Notes

To make in the instant pot, place the soaked beans and cover with 4 inches of water. Add salt, celery, garlic, onion, bay leaves and optional herbs. Add a tablespoon of oil ( to minimize foaming)

Pressure cook Royal Corona Beans on High for 60 minutes. Naturally release. Continue with recipe. Pressure cook White Beans 25-30 minutes, Cannellini Beans 35-40 minutes.

*Adding salt your soaking water and your cooking water will actually help soften tough skins ( it helps break apart the calcium and magnesium ions in the outer skin) which makes the skin softer and more permeable, allowing water to penetrate more easily into the bean itself, and promotes even cooking. I realize there are a lot of opposing views on this out there- and for years I never salted until after cooking, but I’ve found I have better results ( better texture and flavor) with salting- and especially salting the soaking water. Do whichever method you please. 🙂

Pasta Cacio e Uova (Neapolitan Pasta With Eggs and Cheese)

Pasta Cacio e Uova 

Neopolitan Pasta With Eggs And Cheese

Why It Works:  Throwing an additional yolk in with the whole eggs increases the overall creaminess without exaggerating the egginess.

The hot pasta cooking water and the residual heat from the toasted pasta indirectly and gently cooks the eggs without scrambling them. Just a little garlic gives flavor depth to this quick and simple dish.With constant stirring and tossing, the eggs tighten up just enough to form a silky sauce. I like to finish the dish with a handful of chopped parsley for a little freshness to cut through the richness of the eggs and cheese. Next time you're out of guanciale or pancetta, but in the mood for carbonara, don't despair! Make cas' e ova instead.

Ingredients:

2 large eggs (110g), plus 1 large egg yolk (15g)
2 ounces (60g) finely grated Pecorino Romano
2 ounces (60g) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, extra-virgin olive oil, or lard 
2 medium garlic cloves (10g), lightly crushed
Kosher salt
12 ounces (340g) dried small tubular pasta such as tubetti, mezze maniche, maccheroncini, or mezzi rigatoni (see note)
1 loosely packed cup (1/2 ounce; 15g) fresh parsley leaves and tender stems, finely chopped (optional)

Directions:
In a large heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together whole eggs and yolk, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and black pepper. Set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring and turning cloves occasionally, until garlic begins to soften and turn pale golden, about 3 minutes. Turn off heat.

Meanwhile, in a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Right before pasta finishes cooking, remove garlic cloves from skillet and discard. Using a spider skimmer, transfer pasta to skillet; be sure not to drain boiling pasta cooking water, and reduce heat to a simmer.

Stir and toss pasta rapidly in skillet to evenly coat with butter, then transfer to bowl with egg-cheese mixture, using a rubber spatula to scrape all of the butter into the bowl. Add 3/4 cup (180ml) of reserved pasta cooking water to bowl, and stir to thoroughly combine.

Set bowl over pot of simmering pasta cooking water (making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water) and cook, stirring and scraping down sides of bowl constantly with a rubber spatula, until sauce thickens to a creamy, silky consistency and leaves trails as you stir, about 1 minute, adding more pasta cooking water in 1 tablespoon (15ml) increments as needed to adjust consistency of the sauce.

Remove bowl from heat, add parsley (if using), and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. Divide between warmed serving bowls, and serve.

Spinach And Artichoke Ravioli Bake

Spinach And Artichoke Ravioli Bake

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. flour
2 c. milk (preferably whole)
2 tbsp. cream cheese, softened
1 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, chopped
2 c. frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
2 lb. frozen cheese ravioli
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk the flour into the butter and garlic and cook until the mixture is bubbling and golden, 1 minute more. 

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer then stir in cream cheese, 2/3 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Fold in artichoke hearts and spinach, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. 

Spread a thin layer of your prepared sauce onto the bottom of a 9"-x-13" baking dish. Lay ravioli in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish, then top with half the prepared sauce. Repeat with remaining ravioli and remaining sauce. Top with remaining cheese and bake 30 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and ravioli are tender.

If you'd like the top to be golden, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

German Potato Salad

Authentic German Potato Salad

Ingredients:

3 pounds medium red potatoes
5 bacon strips, diced

1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions
Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. 

Drain, reserving 4 tablespoons drippings. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. 

Stir in the flour, salt, celery seed and pepper until blended. Gradually add the sugar, vinegar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. 

Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. slices. Add potatoes and bacon to the skillet; cook and stir gently over low heat until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm.

Test Kitchen Tips
I buy several pounds of bacon when it’s on sale. I put the strips in a single layer on jelly roll pans and pop them in the oven to bake at 350° until crisp. I then place the strips on paper towels to drain before storing them in single layers in a freezer container. It’s easy to remove only the number of strips I need for a quick breakfast, sandwich or salad. A short time in the microwave reheats the bacon. —Dale H. Holland, MI

Celery seed is a classic addition to seafood dishes, slaws and pickles. The seeds are herbaceous, crunchy and slightly bitter. They come from a type of flavorful Asian celery.

Mandarin Orange Salad

Mandarin Orange Salad

Ingredients:

Salad:

Greens of choice

1 cup diced celery

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

1 11oz. can Mandarin oranges

Dressing:

1/4 cup oil

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon snipped parsley

Dash pepper

Topping:

1/4 cup sliced almonds

4 tablespoons  granulated sugar

Directions:

Drain Mandarin oranges and toss with greens and 

diced celery.

Mix dressing ingredients and stir well to dissolve sugar.  Chill.

In a non-stick skillet over a medium low heat, melt sugar.   It burns quickly so watch closely.  Add sliced almonds and stir to coat.  Turn out on a flat plate and with two forks begin to separate.

Crispy Potato Latkes

Crispy Potato Latkes

Ingredients:

2 pounds russet potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed, and shredded

1/2 cup grated onion

Salt anad pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

vegetable oil

Directions:

Adjust oven rack to middle position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 200 degrees. 

Toss potatoes, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt in bowl.  Place half of potato mixture in center of dish towel.  Gather ends together and twist tightly to drain as much liquid as possible, reserving liquid in liquid measuring cup.  

Transfer drained potato mixture to the second bowl and repeat the process with remaining potato mixture.  Set potato liquid aside and let stand for starch to settle at bottom, at least 5 minutes.

Cover the potato mixture and microwave until just warmed through but not hot, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring mixture with fork every 30 seconds.  Spread potato mixture evenly over second rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 10 minutes.  Don't wish out bowl.

Pour off water from reserved potato liquid, leaving potato starch in measuring cup.  Add eggs and stir until smooth.  Return cooled potato mixture to bowl.   Add parsley, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and potato starch mixture and toss until evenly combined.

Set a wire rack in a clean rimmed baking sheet and line with a triple layer of paper towels.  

Heat 1/4 inch depth oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (350 degrees).  Place 1/4 cup mounds of potato mixture in oil and press with with non-stick spatula into 1/3 " disk.  Repeat until 5 latkes are in pan.  Cook adjusting heat so fat bubbles around latke edges, until golden brown on bottom, about 3 minutes longer.  Drain on paper towels and transfer to sheet in oven.  

Repeat with remaining potato mixture, adding oil to maintain 1/4 inch depth and returning oil to 350 degrees between batches.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.