Loading Virgin-islands E-cookbook
Turn the page
Sweet potato burgers
Cuisine is influenced by the cooking of
USA


Favorite Foods of the Virgin Islands
Fungi (pronounced fun-jee) is a kind of dumpling made from salted cornmeal mixed with water and shortening, and frequently, okra. It's generally served as a side-dish with fish or meat dishes.
Callaloo (or Kallaloo) is a soup or stew made from the leaves of the dasheen plant or some other green leafy plant such as taro leaves or spinach. It's usually flavored with things like okra, salted meats, hot and black pepper, fish, onions, and spices.
Johnnycake is a deep-fried bread or biscuit, sometimes made from unleavened dough. It's sometimes baked rather than fried, and may be eaten hot or cold.
Pates (pronounced patties) are pastries enclosing spiced meats, fish, and/or vegetables, then deep fried. They're one of the most common foods of the Virgin Islands as a light snack.
Roti is somewhat similar to a Pate. Originating in India, it's made with a light, fluffy dough wrapped around spiced or curried meats, chicken, or veggies.
Rice and Beans (sometimes called rice and peas). It's generally flavored with herbs and spices, and is one of the most popular foods of the Virgin Islands among local people. Flavored rice by itself (without the beans) is also popular, usually as a side-dish
Conch (pronounced conk) is a large mollusk often served in chowder or as fritters (strips battered and deep-fried, usually served with a sweet, spicy sauce). Conch needs tenderizing, so when you order it, don't be surprised if you hear pounding coming from the kitchen!
Salt Fish is dried, boneless, salted fish (usually cod) which is dense, firm, and meaty from the salting and drying. It can be served many different ways, including fried, in chowders, and in stew.
Curried Goat, Chicken, Oxtail, and Fish are all popular dishes. This is another preparation that has its roots in India.
Jerk is a kind of smokey, spicy barbecue treatment used on chicken, meats, and fish. It originated with the native Arawak tribe, and you'll find it throughout the West Indies.

Appetizer
Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple  Print Recipe

Recipe adapted from Le Bernadin, New York NY
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 pound peeky-toe or jumbo lump crab meat
1 Granny Smith apple
1 vine-ripened tomato
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 tablespoons milk
freshly ground white pepper

For tuiles:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup egg whites (from about 3 large eggs)
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:
julienne strips of tomato,
sliced fresh chives, and curry powder

Pick over crab meat to remove any bits of shell and cartilage and if using lump crab meat lightly shred.
Peel and core apple and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon.
Peel and seed tomato and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/3 cup. Reserve 1 tablespoon each diced apple and tomato for sauce and in a bowl combine crab meat, remaining diced apple and tomato, 1 tablespoon chives, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, tossing to combine well. Chill filling.
In a bowl whisk together milk and remaining tablespoons lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise and stir in reserved diced apple and tomato, remaining teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and white pepper and salt to taste. Chill sauce while making tuiles.
Make tuiles:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and cool slightly. In a bowl whisk together flours, sugar, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk in whites until just combined. Whisk in cream until just combined and whisk in butter until just combined. On a baking sheet spread 2 teaspoons batter in an arc shape. With a pastry brush spread batter into a 5-inch-long arc, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Make 3 more arcs with some of remaining batter in same manner, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake tuiles in middle of oven until bubbly, crisp, and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer tuiles with a thin spatula to a rack to cool and make more tuiles in same manner. (There will be enough batter to make about 26 tuiles, more than you need for the napoleons; leftovers may be used as an hors d'oeuvre.)
Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto a plate and top with a tuile. Make 2 more layers with 4 tablespoons filling and 2 tuiles. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner. Drizzle sauce around napoleons and garnish with tomato, chives, and curry powder.

Appetizer
Broiled crab meltaways  Print Recipe


Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
6 English muffins cut in halves

7 ounces crabmeat
4 ounces butter
7 ounces old English sharp Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Mix all ingredients well. Spread on English muffin halves. Chill or freeze for future use.
Broil until golden brown. Cut muffins into quarters. Muffin halves can also be served as a luncheon.

Appetizer
Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout  Print Recipe

Recipe courtesy John Besh for Food Network Magazine
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the Oysters
2 dozen oysters
For the Aioli:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Ragout:
1 cup diced thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon
1 or 2 shallots, minced
1 cup wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Leaves of 1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


Buy the oysters. When buying oysters, look for a tag with the harvest date and use them within a week of that date. Also, make sure the oysters are fresh and alive; the shells should be tightly closed or should close when tapped.
An hour before shucking, scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any grit. Set them aside to relax muscles in shell. They will open with more ease.

Shuck the oysters. Hold the oyster, curved-side down, in a towel on a cutting board. Insert an oyster knife between the shells at the narrow pointed end. (Use a real oyster knife-there is no substitute!) Press down firmly on the oyster to prevent slipping and twist the knife to pry the shells apart. Use the knife for leverage; do not use force. Cut the muscle that connects the oyster to the top shell with the knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Remove the top shell. Slide your knife under the oyster to loosen it, keeping the meat and liquid in the shell. Use your knife to carefully scrape away any shards of shell.

Make the aioli. Blend the garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running and process until thick. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the aioli to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

Prepare the ragout. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, cook 3 minutes, then add the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the oysters. Preheat the broiler. Place the oysters, in their shells, in individual baking dishes or one large dish. (Put a crumpled sheet of foil underneath them to keep them steady, if necessary.) Top each with a spoonful of mushroom ragout.

Finish the dish. Top each oyster with a dollop of aeoli. Broil until the aeoli is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve immediately.

Appetizer
Dips for endives  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
GUACAMOLE:

2 ripe avocados
juice of one lemon
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

1/2 pint sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of one lemon or lime
salt and pepper to taste
cilantro or parsley for garnish.

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
GUACAMOLE:

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Appetizer
Cheese wafers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup flour

Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Process cheese with the flour. Add butter and spices and process until dough forms a ball. Scrape the side of bowl, and process for a few more seconds to blend.
Roll the dough into 2-inch thick cylinder. Wrap in wax paper. Chill. Slice into 1/4 -inch slices. Place on sheet pan lined with wax paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until wafers are crisp. Cool on rack.

Note: I also roll cylinder in ground almond.

Appetizer
Asparagus with lime  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:6 minutes
2 pounds asparagus trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons liquid honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
In large skillet, simmer asparagus in salted boiling water for 6 minutes or just until tender.
Drain on towels; transfer to platter.
Whisk oil, lime rind and juice, honey, salt and pepper; stir in mint and chives.
Drizzle over asparagus; garnish with red pepper.

From Canada Living Test Kitchen

Main
Asian crab cakes  Print Recipe


Serves: 2
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 cups lump crabmeat
3 tablespoons minced scallions
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons oriental sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
juice of 1 lime
to taste chili oil
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

For sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon oriental sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
peanut oil for frying
For garnish, sprigs of fresh cilantro
Pick over crabmeat to remove any cartilage. put it in a food processor and add 2 tablespoons scallions, the ginger, cilantro, mustard, sesame oil and soy sauce. Pulse about 4 times, just to blend the ingredients without shredding the crabmeat too finely.
Transfer the crabmeat to a bowl and fold in half of the lime juice, the chili oil to taste and the egg whites.
Form the mixture into 8 equal size patties, about 2½ inches in diameter. Lightly coat each patty with bread crumbs, put them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour.
Heat a film of the peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté the crab cakes over medium-low heat until they are lightly browned on both sides. Serve with the mayonnaise mixture on the side and sprigs of cilantro for garnish.
For the sauce:
Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil and scallions and set aside.

Main
Caribbean conch stew  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
2 large conchs, cleaned
1/2 large onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 lime

1 1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
pepper sauce or red pepper flakes to taste
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
7 cups water
Tenderize the conch to 1/8-inch thickness, using a meat mallet.
Place the conch in a pot of water. The water should just cover the conch. Boil for 20-30 minutes.
In a large pot, add the oil and allow to heat up for a minute.
Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Let the roux simmer for about 5 minutes. Don't let the roux burn!
Add the tomatoes, onions, thyme, pepper sauce/red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and let simmer for a minute or two.
Add the potatoes, tomato paste. Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, take the conch out of the water and cut it into small chunks.
Add the water, conch and the juice of 1 lime to the large pot.
Cover the pot and simmer until the potatoes are done, about 30 minutes.
Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.

Main
Fish and fungi  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper (or substitute other fresh hot peppers), minced
1 rib celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1¼ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup canned crushed or puréed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup thickly sliced okra (fresh or frozen), cooked
2 limes, juiced
2 pounds boneless red snapper fillets
Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, celery, garlic, thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until tender and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar, tomatoes, tomato paste and ¼ cup water. Reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes. Add salt to taste. Reserve sauce.

To make fungi, bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil. Whisking constantly, gradually add cornmeal in thin stream. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until it holds its shape on a spoon but the cornmeal is tender, at least 15 minutes. Add more water if it becomes thick but the cornmeal is still tough. Add butter and okra. Add salt to taste.

In a wide saucepan, bring 8 cups water to boil. Add lime juice, and reduce heat to low. Add fish. Simmer 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with fork. Drain well.

To serve, put 2 scoops fungi and a fish fillet on each plate. Spoon sauce over and around fish.

Main
Fried chicken  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 large (3 pounds) whole chicken, cut into eight pieces
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
2 eggs
2 cups of milk
Canola oil for frying
Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces and reserve on paper towel to dry.
Combine the flour with half (half a teaspoon) of the salt and place in a large bowl and reserve.
Combine all remaining dry spices and herbs in a small bowl. Season chicken pieces and mix well.
In a separate bowl combine the two eggs with the milk and whisk. Dip the chicken in the milk and egg mixture and then into the flour.
Repeat and reserve the chicken pieces.
Using a deep fryer or a large cast iron pan with high sides, fill the pan until it is almost half filled with the oil.
Heat the pan over medium high.
Place 4 pieces of the chicken into the pan and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook another 6 - 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove the chicken and reserve.
Fry the last four pieces of chicken in the same manner. Serve the chicken warm.

Main
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos  Print Recipe

Roasting the sweet potatoes can be done ahead of time, simply refrigerate until use and bring the potatoes to room temp (or warm) before assembling the burritos.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 lg sweet potatoes
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 t cumin
3 eggs + 3 egg whites
splash of milk
guacamole (1 avocado's worth, or 1/3 of the recipe)
whole wheat tortillas (8-10")
salsa
goat cheese

Preheat oven to 350 F. Wash sweet potatoes, poke them with a fork a few times, and wrap them in foil. Place on a cookie sheet and roast for about 1hr, until they're soft and easily pricked with a fork. Set aside and let cool, then cut into a rough dice. Transfer to a bowl and mash with a little salt and freshly ground pepper.



Place black beans into a bowl, season with cumin, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roughly mash with a fork, or puree in a food processor.

Preheat a large skillet over medium low heat. Add eggs and whites in a small bowl, a splash of milk and a bit of salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the pan is warmed, cook eggs slowly, stirring quite often, until they have just started to set. Turn off the heat.

To assemble burritos, place tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds.
On each burrito, place 3 to 4 T black bean mash, 1/3 c roasted sweet potatoes, 1/4 of the eggs and 2-3 T guacamole. Wrap up the tortillas to enclose filling, then top with salsa and goat cheese.

Main
Sweet potato burgers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 large sweet potato
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cannellini beans
2 tsp favorite spice blend (such as cajun or curry powder)
1/4 cup almond flour
5 oz mixed salad greens
Dressing:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
2 tbsp tahini paste
1 lemon juice
1 lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Make the burgers: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a small baking sheet with foil.

Using a fork, prick deep holes all over the sweet potato. Brush it with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper and bake until completely soft, 45 to 50 minutes; a knife should easily slide through. Let it cool until you can handle it.

Peel the sweet potato and place the flesh in a medium bowl. Add the beans and mash the potato and beans together with a potato masher or large fork. Season the mixture with the spice blend, cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste.

Stir in the almond flour and shape the mixture into 8 patties.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron pan and brown the patties until crispy and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Assemble the burgers: Place the burgers on a bed of greens and top each one with a few slices of avocado. Drizzle a little tahini dressing over each burger and serve immediately. You may also add your favorite burger toppings such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or your favorite burger condiment. Any leftover sweet potato mixture can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Main
Asparagus with lime  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:6 minutes
2 pounds asparagus trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons liquid honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons diced sweet red pepper
In large skillet, simmer asparagus in salted boiling water for 6 minutes or just until tender.
Drain on towels; transfer to platter.
Whisk oil, lime rind and juice, honey, salt and pepper; stir in mint and chives.
Drizzle over asparagus; garnish with red pepper.

From Canada Living Test Kitchen

Main
Napoleon of peekey toe crab and apple  Print Recipe

Recipe adapted from Le Bernadin, New York NY
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
3/4 pound peeky-toe or jumbo lump crab meat
1 Granny Smith apple
1 vine-ripened tomato
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
2 tablespoons milk
freshly ground white pepper

For tuiles:
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/2 cup rice flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup egg whites (from about 3 large eggs)
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:
julienne strips of tomato,
sliced fresh chives, and curry powder

Pick over crab meat to remove any bits of shell and cartilage and if using lump crab meat lightly shred.
Peel and core apple and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon.
Peel and seed tomato and cut enough into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/3 cup. Reserve 1 tablespoon each diced apple and tomato for sauce and in a bowl combine crab meat, remaining diced apple and tomato, 1 tablespoon chives, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, tossing to combine well. Chill filling.
In a bowl whisk together milk and remaining tablespoons lemon juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise and stir in reserved diced apple and tomato, remaining teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and white pepper and salt to taste. Chill sauce while making tuiles.
Make tuiles:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and cool slightly. In a bowl whisk together flours, sugar, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg and whisk in whites until just combined. Whisk in cream until just combined and whisk in butter until just combined. On a baking sheet spread 2 teaspoons batter in an arc shape. With a pastry brush spread batter into a 5-inch-long arc, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
Make 3 more arcs with some of remaining batter in same manner, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake tuiles in middle of oven until bubbly, crisp, and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer tuiles with a thin spatula to a rack to cool and make more tuiles in same manner. (There will be enough batter to make about 26 tuiles, more than you need for the napoleons; leftovers may be used as an hors d'oeuvre.)
Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto a plate and top with a tuile. Make 2 more layers with 4 tablespoons filling and 2 tuiles. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner. Drizzle sauce around napoleons and garnish with tomato, chives, and curry powder.

Main
Dips for endives  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
GUACAMOLE:

2 ripe avocados
juice of one lemon
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

1/2 pint sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of one lemon or lime
salt and pepper to taste
cilantro or parsley for garnish.

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
GUACAMOLE:

Peel avocados, cut in halves, remove stones, and mash the avocados.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix.

BLUE CHEESE DIP:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Serve chilled.

SALSA:

In bowl, combine all the ingredients well. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Main
Cheese wafers  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon Aromat seasoning
1 cup flour

Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Process cheese with the flour. Add butter and spices and process until dough forms a ball. Scrape the side of bowl, and process for a few more seconds to blend.
Roll the dough into 2-inch thick cylinder. Wrap in wax paper. Chill. Slice into 1/4 -inch slices. Place on sheet pan lined with wax paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until wafers are crisp. Cool on rack.

Note: I also roll cylinder in ground almond.

Main
Baked oysters with wild mushroom ragout  Print Recipe

Recipe courtesy John Besh for Food Network Magazine
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
For the Oysters
2 dozen oysters
For the Aioli:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Ragout:
1 cup diced thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon
1 or 2 shallots, minced
1 cup wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
Leaves of 1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper


Buy the oysters. When buying oysters, look for a tag with the harvest date and use them within a week of that date. Also, make sure the oysters are fresh and alive; the shells should be tightly closed or should close when tapped.
An hour before shucking, scrub the oysters with a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any grit. Set them aside to relax muscles in shell. They will open with more ease.

Shuck the oysters. Hold the oyster, curved-side down, in a towel on a cutting board. Insert an oyster knife between the shells at the narrow pointed end. (Use a real oyster knife-there is no substitute!) Press down firmly on the oyster to prevent slipping and twist the knife to pry the shells apart. Use the knife for leverage; do not use force. Cut the muscle that connects the oyster to the top shell with the knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Remove the top shell. Slide your knife under the oyster to loosen it, keeping the meat and liquid in the shell. Use your knife to carefully scrape away any shards of shell.

Make the aioli. Blend the garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running and process until thick. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the aioli to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate.

Prepare the ragout. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic, cook 3 minutes, then add the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the oysters. Preheat the broiler. Place the oysters, in their shells, in individual baking dishes or one large dish. (Put a crumpled sheet of foil underneath them to keep them steady, if necessary.) Top each with a spoonful of mushroom ragout.

Finish the dish. Top each oyster with a dollop of aeoli. Broil until the aeoli is golden, about 2 minutes, and serve immediately.

Main
Broiled crab meltaways  Print Recipe


Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
6 English muffins cut in halves

7 ounces crabmeat
4 ounces butter
7 ounces old English sharp Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Mix all ingredients well. Spread on English muffin halves. Chill or freeze for future use.
Broil until golden brown. Cut muffins into quarters. Muffin halves can also be served as a luncheon.

Side Dish count Oven baked sweet potato fries  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 pounds sweet potatoes, about 3 large ones
1/4 cup olive or other vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoon spice combination of your choice: chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, etc.
Preheat oven to 450°F. (For more crispiness, preheat your oven to 500°F.)
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Cut each piece into wedges. Alternately, you can slice the peeled sweet potato into disks either with a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and add the oil. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle with salt, sugar and spices of your choice. Mix well, so all pieces are coated with oil and spices.
Place a baking sheet inthe oven to preheat.
Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the preheating the baking sheet, to help the fries get crisp.

Bake for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn over all of the sweet potato pieces. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are well browned. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Side Dish count Roasted sweet potato stew with kale and freekeh  Print Recipe

Freekeh is a process which means "to rub" in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. Most folks would sulk over their misfortune, but the crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked it up and "Eureka!" Freekeh was created. We're proud to offer you this tasty, nutritious ancient grain with a funny name. This info is from http://www.freekeh-foods.com/
Serves: 6
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 8-ounce package cracked freekeh (approx 1 cup)
3 sweet potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 bunch of fresh Lacinato kale, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, diced
1 12-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 12-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
2-3 garlic cloves, diced
This is a real hit with the Freekeh Foods team!
Try using roasted pumpkin or butternut squash instead of sweet potato for a delicious twist.
Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil on them. Bake in 375° oven for about 25 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside. While the potatoes are cooking, pour all ingredients into a large pot on top of the stove over high heat. Stir with a spoon and heat for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add roasted sweet potatoes. Cover partially and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Check occasionally and give a stir.
Continue to cook longer for richer flavor, adding water or more broth if desired.

options: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Side Dish count Sweet potato gnocchi with sage and brown butter  Print Recipe

Make-ahead: the gnocchi can be boiled up to 4 hours ahead, and kept at room temperature.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, red skin variety
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted, plus up to 1/2 cup for kneading
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Poke a few holes in each sweet potato to let steam escape, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake them until they're tender, about 45 minutes.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and pass them through a ricer, or a food mill with a fine grate.
3. Place the puree in a large bowl and add the flour, 2 tablespoons of the sage, the salt and pepper, nutmeg and the cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Flour a work surface and scoop the dough out onto it. Dust the top and sides of the dough lightly with flour, and perhaps rub some flour between your hands so that they don't stick to the dough.
5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece under your palms so that it forms a long rope. [The original recipe says that the ropes should be about 1 inch wide and 20 inches long, but your mileage might vary.] Go ahead and sprinkle the dough with a bit of extra flour if it's sticking. Cut the rope into 1-inch segments, and roll each segment over the tines of a fork to form the characteristic indentations. (Use a gnocchi board if you're lucky enough to have one.) Collect the formed gnocchi on a baking sheet.
6. When you've finished forming the gnocchi, bring a large pot of water to boiling and salt it generously. Drop several gnocchi into the boiling water (you'll need to work in batches so that you don't crowd the pot). Cook them for about 10 seconds after they rise to the surface. This could be only a couple of minutes, or up to five minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a clean baking sheet, and cool completely.
7. Place a large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Melt the butter and cook it, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids have turned a lovely chestnut color and smell nutty, about 5 minutes. If you plan to add fried sage leaves as a garnish, go ahead and fry them.
8. Once the butter has browned, add the remaining chopped sage and turn off the heat. The mixture will bubble up, so don't be alarmed.
9. Add the gnocchi to the sage butter, place over medium-high heat, and cook until the gnocchi are heated through, about 5-6 minutes. You might have to do this in batches, in which case it's useful to have the oven preheated to 300F/150C so that your earlier batches don't get cold. Divide the gnocchi and sauce among bowls, garnish with sage leaves (if desired), and serve.

Side Dish count Sweet potato kugels  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
2 pounds sweet potatoes, washed and peeled
1 large onion, peeled
3 eggs
¼ cup butter, melted and cooled, or margarine
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or matzo meal for Passover)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup scallions, minced, plus more for topping
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prep a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Using a hand grater or food processor, grate the sweet potatoes and onion. Squeeze out excess water from onions and sweet potatoes using a paper towel and transfer to a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, pepper, and scallions until mixed well.
Add in potato mixture and combine. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
Fill the cupcake liners evenly with the potato mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until lightly browned on top and cooked through.

Side Dish
Waldorf salad coleslaw  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Serves 6 to 8

6 cups white cabbage, cored and shredded
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into julienne strips, plus apple slices for garnish
2 ribs of celery, sliced thin diagonally
1/2 cups walnuts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
In a very large bowl stir together the cabbage, the apple strips, the celery, and the walnuts.
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, the yogurt, the mustard, the sugar, the oil, the salt, and the vinegar until the dressing is smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, and toss the slaw well. Chill the slaw, covered, for 2 hours.
The slaw may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Serve the slaw topped with the apples slices.

Side Dish
Toasted corn with cherry tomato and edamame salad  Print Recipe

A delicious , fresh, easy salad to make.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes    
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2-1/4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 medium ears)
2 Tbs. plain low-fat yogurt
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. clover honey
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 heaping cup quartered cherry tomatoes (about 15)
1/4 cup very thinly sliced fresh mint
1/4 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil
Cook the edamame according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are golden brown in patches, about 9 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the yogurt, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Slowly pour in the remaining 4 Tbs. olive oil, whisking constantly until blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a medium serving bowl, combine the cooled edamame and corn, the tomatoes, and the herbs. Gently toss. Add half of the vinaigrette and toss again. Add more vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.

Side Dish
Green bean casserole  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
FOR THE TOPPING:
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Nonstick cooking spray

FOR BEANS AND SAUCE:
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Combine the onions, flour, panko and salt in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Coat a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread the onions on the pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Toss the onions 2 to 3 times during cooking. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use. Turn the oven down to 400 degrees F.

While the onions are cooking, prepare the beans. Bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil in an 8-quart saucepan. Add the beans and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to give up some of their liquid, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Decrease the heat to medium-low and add the half-and-half. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the onions and all of the green beans. Top with the remaining onions. Place into the oven and bake until bubbly, approximately 15 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.

Side Dish
Vidalia onion fritters  Print Recipe


Serves: 5
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vinegar
4 dashes hot sauce
2 large Vidalia onion, peeled, halved, thinly sliced
Vegetable oil for frying .
Mix flour, baking powder, curry powder, and salt in a bowl.
Beat the liquids together. Pour over the dry ingredients and combine.
Add the sliced onions and mix well. Let stand for 1 hour.
In a deep skillet heat 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees over medium heat.
Drop the batter into the hot oil by tablespoonfuls, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until browned on one side and turn.
When the fritters are deep golden brown all over, remove them and drain on paper towels. Break one open to test for doneness;
if underdone in the center, reduce the heat a bit, and fry another minute.
Repeat until all the batter is used up and serve immediately

Side Dish
Garlic-roasted potato skins  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 40 minutes
3 pounds russet (baking) potatoes (6 to 8 medium)
1 medium head garlic
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 350° F. Prick each potato once or twice with a fork. Cut off and discard top fourth of garlic head, then wrap garlic tightly in foil. Bake garlic and potatoes on same rack in lower third of oven until potatoes are tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Remove potatoes from oven and cool on a metal rack 15 minutes. Continue to bake garlic until tender, about 15 minutes more, then cool in foil on rack. While garlic cools, halve potatoes lengthwise, then quarter each half (to form short wedges).
Scoop out potato flesh (reserving it for another use), leaving 1/4-inch-thick potato skins. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Squeeze garlic into a small bowl, discarding garlic skins, and mash to a paste with butter, salt, and pepper using a fork.
Divide garlic paste among potato skins (about 1/2 teaspoon each), spreading evenly, then roast skins in a large shallow baking pan (1 inch deep) until golden and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.

Side Dish
Oven-cooked bacon  Print Recipe

The best way to cook bacon is in the oven on parchment paper because it allows for an easy cleanup. The bacon sits in its own rendered fat as it bakes, it cooks more quickly than if you cooked it on a rack. The fatty parts also get wonderfully crispy.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:5 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
1/2 sliced bacon

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

1.Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make sure to cut a large-enough sheet of parchment paper so that there is overhang on all sides. Then fold the excess up so that the drippings don’t seep through any cracks.
Lay the bacon strips flat, making sure pieces do not overlap.
2. Bake until crisp and browned, 15 to 18 minutes, 24 minutes (thick-cut bacon), rotating the sheets once.
3. Transfer strips to a paper towel to drain.
Let the drippings cool slightly, lift up the parchment, and store the drippings into a container.

Side Dish
Cauliflower melt  Print Recipe

the cooking method of seasoning and baking provides a very nice vegetable dish that could accompany almost anything.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 Medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slabs, possibly halved to make a total of 8 slabs
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
4 ounces Comte or Manchego cheese, cut into 8 slices
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower slabs and toss to coat.
3. Arrange the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flip the slabs, and bake another 10 to 20 minutes, until softened and roasted. Set aside to cool but keep the oven on.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak the raisins in wine or water for 10 minutes. Drain.
5. In a small pan over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios, dry or with a little oil. Let cool on a paper towel, then chop coarsely.
6.Arrange the cauliflower in a baking dish. Sprinkle with pistachios and raisins and top with the cheese.
7. Bake until the cheese melts, 7 to 10 minutes.
8. Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Side Dish
Tuscan kale salad  Print Recipe

Kale is among the most nutrient-dense commonly eaten vegetables. One cup provides 1,327 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin K, 192 percent of DV for vitamin A, and 88 percent for vitamin C.
Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
4-6 cups kale, loosely packed, sliced leaves of
Italian black (Lacinato, "dinosaur," cavolo nero) midribs removed
juice of 1 lemon
3-4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, mashed
salt & pepper, to taste
hot red pepper flakes, to taste
2/3 cup grated Pecorino Toscano cheese (Rosselino variety if you can find it) or other flavorful grating cheese such as Asiago or Parmesan
1/2 cup freshly made bread crumbs from lightly toasted bread
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a generous pinch (or more to taste) of hot red pepper flakes.
Pour over kale in serving bowl and toss well.
Add 2/3 of the cheese and toss again.
Let kale sit for at least 5 minutes. Add bread crumbs, toss again, and top with remaining cheese.

Dessert
Key lime pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:25 minutes
8

1 9-inch
Graham cracker crumb recipe
2 14-ounce cans condensed milk
6 egg yolks
1 cup lime juice
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, beat condensed milk with egg yolks. Mix in the lime juice.
Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until pie is firm in center.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until firm.
Gradually add sugar and continue whipping to form stiff peaks. Spread or pipe egg whites over the baked pie.
Bake at 325 degrees until golden brown Cool pie on rack and refrigerate before serving. Cut into 8 equal portions. Decorate plates with lime gratings and slices.

Dessert
Vanilla-pomegranate parfaits  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
POMEGRANATE COMPOTE

2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 medium pomegranate (1 cup of seeds)
2/3 cup pomegranate juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice

PUDDING
2 cups milk
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds for garnish
6 mint sprigs for garnish
To prepare compote:
Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add pomegranate juice, lemon juice and 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds (save 1/4 cup for garnish) ; stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate while you prepare the pudding.

To prepare pudding:
Combine milk in a medium heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk egg, egg yolk, 1/3 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch in a medium bowl. Reheat the milk mixture just until steaming. Carefully whisk one-third of the steaming milk into the egg mixture. Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the pan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in butter.

To prepare parfaits: Divide the pomegranate compote among six 6-ounce (1 cup) parfait glasses, ramekins or other small dessert cups). Spoon the pudding mixture over the compote. Cover and refrigerate until the pudding is well chilled, at least 3 hours.
To serve, garnish each parfait with pomegranate seeds and a mint sprig, if desired.

Dessert
Lemon meringue pie  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 recipe Never Fail Pie Crust

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn starch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 eggs, separated
grated rind of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup sugar
Pie crust:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll the dough into a round 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface, drape it over a rolling pin, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
Press the dough firmly into the pan and cut off any excess with the floured rolling pin. Freeze any leftover dough for future use.
Line crust with foil or parchment paper and weight with beans or pie weights.
Bake at 400 degrees until edge is light golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the beans and foil, and continue cooking until bottom is dry, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
In 2-quart saucepan stir together 1 cup sugar and corn starch. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Stir in egg yolks. Whisking constantly, bring to boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon rind, lemon juice, and butter.
Turn into pastry shell. In an electric beater, whisk egg whites at high speed until foamy.
Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating to form stiff peaks. Spread some meringue around edge of filling first, touching crust all around, then fill in center.
Bake in 325 F oven about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

Dessert
Grapefruit cheesecake  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time:10 minutes
Crust:
2 cup crushed coconut cookies
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1/2 cup melted butter

Filling:
2 grapefruits
3 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grapefruit juice from the fresh fruit
1-1/2 tablespoons gelatin
1/4 cup water
1 pound cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1-1/4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2/3 cup whipping cream
Mix together the crushed cookies, lemon rind and melted butter. Firmly press on the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.
Peel the grapefruits and cut the segments into small pieces. Drain juice and reserve for filling.
Separate 2 eggs and combine the egg yolks, the remaining whole egg, sugar, salt and 1 tablespoon of the juice in the top of a double boiler. Place over simmering water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Soak the gelatin in the water for 5 minutes. Stir into the warm custard until dissolved.
Beat cream cheese with remaining grapefruit juice, lemon juice and rinds (zest) until smooth. Beat into the custard. Fold in the grapefruit pieces. Lightly whip the cream.
Beat the egg whites in an electric mixer until they form soft peaks. Fold the cream and egg whites into the cheese mixture.
Pour into the prepared spring form pan and chill for several hours or overnight.

Dessert
Orange soaked cake  Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:50 minutes
For the cake:

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup canola or other mild-flavored oil (check for freshness before using)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 oz. (12 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened; more for the pan
1-1/2 Tbs. finely minced lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
3/4 cup strained fresh orange juice
5 large eggs


For the syrup & glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed


2 Tbs. dark rum
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
Heat the oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup bundt pan.

To make the cake:
Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and soda into the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add the butter and mix on low speed until fine crumbs form. Change to the whisk attachment.
With the machine running on medium speed, whisk in the oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time and then increase the speed to high and whisk the batter until light, about 3 minutes,
scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.

To make the syrup and glaze:
While the cake bakes, whisk together in a small bowl the orange juice concentrate, butter, rum, and 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar.
When the cake is done, set the pan on a rack to cool for 5 minutes. With a thin skewer,
poke the cake all the way through to the bottom of the pan in several places.
Pour 1/3 cup of the syrup over the cake and let stand for 1 hour before removing the cake from the pan.
(At this point you can wrap the cake in plastic and hold for up to 3 days at room temperature; in fact, the flavor only improves.)
Cover the remaining syrup with plastic and store at room temperature.

When ready to serve, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar into the remaining syrup.
Set the cake on a rack over a baking sheet and pour the glaze over the cake.
Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Dessert
Strawberry shake with red berry coulis  Print Recipe

This creamy light berry ice cream shake is very easy to make and quick for a refreshing dessert. The coulis can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead and the shake made just before serving.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
For the strawberry shake:
8 strawberries
1 pint good quality vanilla ice cream
1 cup red berry coulis

For the red berry coulis:
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Strawberry shake:
Hull and thinly slice 4 strawberries, save 4 whole with the stems on, slit halfway up from the bottom and reserved for garnish
Decorate 4 tall glasses or champagne flutes with strawberry slices by pressing one slice at a time against the insides of the glasses from bottom to top.
Freeze the decorated glasses 10 minutes before serving.
Red berry coulis:
In a blender, puree the red coulis ingredients until very smooth. Strain through a fine strainer. Refrigerate until needed. Combine the berry coulis and the ice cream in a food processor. Blend until light and smooth. Pour or spoon the shake into the decorated glasses. Slide one slit strawberry onto the rim of each glass and serve immediately with a tall spoon.

Dessert
Cranberry walnut tart  Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 50 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour
For crust:
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cold butter
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:
3 large eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 ounces melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven at 425 degrees.
Make shell:
In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, sugar, and salt, add cut up butter, and mix to form a coarse meal. Add egg yolk and water, and mix to form the dough into a ball. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out thinly to fit into a 10-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom.
Line the shell with foil, fill bottom of shell with rice or dry beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and rice. Cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, syrup, butter, salt, and vanilla.
Stir in the cranberries and walnuts. Pour mixture in shell, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes to form a golden crust on top.
Cool tart, remove rim of the pan, and slide tart onto a serving platter.

Dessert
Wild blueberry flan   Print Recipe


Serves: 12
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 20 minutes
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
5 cups wild fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
2 cups sour cream
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat butter and sugar until blended. Beat in egg and almond extract. In separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; pour over batter and stir until blended. Pat over bottom and 2 inches up side of greased 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Filling:
Toss together blueberries, liqueur and lemon rind; scrape over crust. Whisk together sour cream, egg yolks, sugar and almond extract; scrape evenly over blueberries. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until crust is golden and crisp. Let cool in pan on rack. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until chilled. Remove side of pan.
Cut into wedges to serve. For an added touch, pipe whipped cream over tart and decorate with thin candied orange strips and almond slivers

Dessert
Orange cake 2   Print Recipe


Serves: 10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:35 minutes
2 cups flour, all purpose
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup orange juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease two 8 inch round layer cake pans.
Line bottom with wax paper. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add dry ingredients alternating with orange juice to obtain a creamy texture batter.
Turn into prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool 5 minutes then remove from pans.
conversion of liquids
Type a value in one of the inputs below to convert into other units.
Liters - l
Déciliters - dl
Centiliters - cl
Milliliters - ml
USA
UK, Canada
Gallons - gal
Pints - pt
Cups - c
Ounces liquids - fl oz
Tablespoons - tbsp
Teaspoons - tsp
Weights
Type a value in one of the inputs below to convert into other units..

Kilogramms :  kg
Gramms :  g
Pounds :  lb
Ounces :  oz

Temperatures

Type a value in one of the inputs below to convert into other units.

Degrees Celsius :  °C
degrees Fahrenheit :  °F

Measures of non liquid ingredients



Non-liquid ingredients in volume converted
into weight using the table below.
For products not included, use a metric scale
Weight of specific 'ingredients in grams

Ingredient

1 cup

3/4 cup

2/3 cup

1/2 cup

1/3 cup

1/4 cup

2 tablespoons

All-purpose wheat flour 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
All-purpose sifted wheat flour 110 g 80 g 70 g 55 g 35 g 27 g 13 g
White sugar 200 g 150 g 130 g 100 g 65 g 50 g 25 g
Powdered sugar/Icing sugar 100 g 75 g 70 g 50 g 35 g 25 g 13 g
Brown sugar normally packed 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 23 g
Corn flour 160 g 120 g 100 g 80 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Cornstarch 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Rice (not-cooked) 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Macaroni (uncooked) 140 g 100 g 90 g 70 g 45 g 35 g 17 g
Couscous (uncooked) 180 g 135 g 120 g 90 g 60 g 45 g 22 g
Quick oatmeal (uncooked) 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Table salt 300 g 230 g 200 g 150 g 100 g 75 g 40 g
Butter / Margarine 240 g 180 g 160 g 120 g 80 g 60 g 30 g
Shortening 190 g 140 g 125 g 95 g 65 g 48 g 24 g
Fruits and légumes chopped 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
chopped walnuts 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Nuts /ground almonds 120 g 90 g 80 g 60 g 40 g 30 g 15 g
Fresh bread crumbs (not packed) 60 g 45 g 40 g 30 g 20 g 15 g 8 g
Dry bread crumbs 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 40 g 20 g
Parmesan grated 90 g 65 g 60 g 45 g 30 g 22 g 11 g
Chocolate chips 150 g 110 g 100 g 75 g 50 g 38 g  19 g
  • Mediterranean Complete E-cookbook
  • Italy Complete E-cookbook
  • France Complete E-cookbook
  • Spain Complete E-cookbook
  • Canada Complete E-cookbook
  • Canada Complete E-cookbook
1 2 3 4 5 6

As the sun rises or sets in Virgin-islands

"May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."

The {Page Turner} E-Cookbooks Library on a world cooking journey
39 Recipes

6 Appetizers

12 Main dishes

12 Side dishes

9 Desserts