Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (unsalted or salted)
2 egg whites

4 medium apples (Golden delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh or honey crisp) peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4” rings
3 Tbsp lemon juice, juice
Canola oil , or vegetable oil for frying

• preparation

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a second large bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolk and melted butter. Gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.

Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil into a large pot or dutch oven and heat over medium/high heat to 375˚F on a thermometer.

Peel core and slice apples into 1/4”-thick rings and place into a shallow dish. Squeeze lemon juice over apple slices and gently toss apple rings to coat with lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a medium bowl, beat 2 egg whites with an electric hand mixer, egg beaters or a whisk until stiff peaks form, but whites are not dry. Use a spatula to gently fold whites into the batter until fully incorporated.

Remove apple slices from the lemon juice, then dip both sides of the apples in batter to fully coat, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
Fry in hot oil batches in a single layer, frying for about 2 minutes per side or until browned, flipping once. Keep oil above 350˚F while frying.

Remove with a strainer and transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. To serve, dust with powdered sugar or dip both sides in cinnamon sugar.

Serves: 8

In Australia, hand-sized meat pies are a party staple, and most sporting arenas will also have vendors selling meat pies to the spectators
There are many different meat pie variants available, but most of them contain diced or minced beef in some sort of gravy. Popular additions are cheese, mushrooms or veggies.
This recipe is for small Australian meat-pies that are perfect for parties. You make them in muffin tins, so you need enough holes for 16 pies.

• Ingredients

Ingredients for filling
3 tablespoons of sunflower oil or similar
3 lbs of a beef cut suitable for slow cooking (e.g. chuck steak), cut into 2/5” cubes
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cup dry red wine
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
4 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Ingredients for pastry
1 egg yolk
4 sheets of shortcrust pastry (10 inches by 10 inches). If you buy frozen, let it thaw before use.
4 sheets of puff pastry (10 inches by 10 inches). You might not need all of it, but it’s better to have too much than too little.
Butter to grease the muffin tins with (You need enough tins for 16 pies)

• preparation

Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into a Dutch oven or a heavy cooking pot together with half of the beef cubes. Lightly brown the meat. Remove to a bowl.
Pour 1 tablespoon into the pot again and brown the remaining beef cubes. Put in the bowl with the other beef cubes. Set aside.
Lower the heat under the pot to medium, and add the remaining oil to the pot together with onion and garlic. Fry until the onion is translucent.
Put the beef cubes into the pot with the onions. Add all the other filling ingredients to the pot, except for the water and the cornstarch. Stir around until its combined. There should be enough liquid to nearly cover the meat. If not, add some water (or wine / broth if you have some extra laying around).
Bring the stew to a simmer.
Lower the heat below the pot to low / medium low.
Put a lid on the pot and leave the stew to simmer until the beef is very tender about 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time, and check if there is enough liquid.
When the beef is very tender, pour cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water into a cup with a lid and shake it well. Make sure there are no clumps.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot and stir to mix it in.
Leave the stew cooking for 5 minutes more to allow the stew to thicken
Add salt to taste.
Remove the pot from the stove and leave to cool.
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C / 350 degrees F.
Grease the muffin tins.
The pie crust pastry is used for making the “cup” part of the pie shell. Check the size of your muffin tins and cut the pastry accordingly to line the inside of muffin tins.
Place one pie crust pastry circle in each muffin tin hole. Press them gently to turn them into “cups”.
Fill each “cup” to the brim with beef stew from the pot.
The puff pastry will be used to make lids for the pies. Check which size would be best for your particular pies and cut accordingly.
Put a lid on each pie. Press or nip gently along the rim to join the lid with the “cup”.
With a small and sharp knife, make four little slices in each lid to allow steam a way to get out of the pies and reduce the risk of cracking.
Lightly beat the egg yolk in a small bowl.
Brush the pies with egg yolk.
Put the muffin tins in the oven. Bake until the pie lids are of a dark golden brown shade. This will take 20-25 minutes or so.
Take the tins out of the oven and leave in room temperature to allow the pies to rest for a few minutes.
Carefully transfer the pies to a wire rack. Serve!

Serves: 2

Shichimi togarashi (also called nanami togarashi) is a spice blend that consists of 7 ingredients.

A blend may contain ground red chili pepper, ground sichuan pepper, roasted orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, hemp seeds, ground ginger, nori or aonori, poppy seeds, yuzu peel, rape seed, or shiso, depending on the maker. It’s wonderful sprinkled on everything from chicken or fish, to soup or steamed vegetables.

• Ingredients

1 ripe avocado
1/2 fresh lemon
shichimi togarashi
wasabi paste
soy sauce

• preparation

Peel the avocado and cut into slices.
Squeeze lemon juice over the slices. Sprinkle with shichimi togarashi and serve with wasabi and soy sauce.

Serves: 6

Other fish options include haddock, sea bass, orange roughy, and tilapia.

• Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
3/4 cup beer
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
6 5-ounce boneless cod fillets
1 teaspoon fish seasoning
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying .

• preparation

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and dill. Add beer, milk, and eggs; mix well. Season cod fillets.
Place fillets in batter mixture, coat well.
Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place fish in hot oil, and fry until golden brown.
Cook fish in batches to maintain oil temperature

Serves: 2

This incredibly simple dish requires only four ingredients and a few minutes of your time.

*
Cacio de Roma is a creamy, semi-soft cheese made from sheep's milk; it's a formaggio di pecora. This Italian gourmet cheese is made in the countryside of Rome and aged about one month. Often this cheese is referred to as a 'caciotta' because it is a small round cheese of approximately 4 pounds. Pecorino Romano cheese is the good substitute for Cacio de Roma.

• Ingredients

6 oz. pasta (such as bucatini, or spaghetti)
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, divided
1 tsp. freshly grated black pepper
¾ cup finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
⅓ cup finely grated Pecorino
1/3 cup cream

• preparation

Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a 6-qt. pot. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (2 minutes before tender). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.


Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
In a blender, combine grated cheeses with reserved pasta cooking water and cream. Blend to a creamy consistensy.

Add pasta to pot or skillet. Reduce heat to low and add blender creamy cheese mixture, stirring and tossing with tongs until sauce coats the pasta. Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve immediately.

It's about as creamy cacio e pepe gets.
When you're serving pasta,it's nice to use tongs and then give it a twist so it's got a little personality to it !.

Maybe a little bit more cheese, grate it over top with a grating of pepper.

Serves: 10

• Ingredients

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 envelop unflavored gelatin ( or 3 large sheets)
1/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
8 egg yolks
2 cups scalded milk
2 cups heavy cream

For chocolate sauce:
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream

• preparation

Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. If using gelatin sheets, immerse in cold water.
Cream sugar and egg yolks. Slowly pour the boiling milk over egg mixture. Pour in saucepan.
Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon.
Do not boil. Stir in the gelatin and melted chocolate. Strain into a bowl. Cool mixture.
Whip the heavy cream to a medium peak. Fold in the cool chocolate custard. Pour in a decorative mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Unmold and serve with chocolate sauce around bavaroise.
Chocolate sauce:
combine cream and chocolate. Stir over low heat to melt. Cool

Serves: 10

It is preferable to weigh ingredients for better accuracy.

• Ingredients

4 oz (115 g) ground almonds
8 oz (230 g) icing sugar
2 tablespoons (15 g) cocoa powder for chocolate macarons
4 large (144 g) egg whites
2 1/2 oz (72 g) fine sugar

DARK CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
4 1/2 oz (130g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup (130 mls) cream
pinch of sea salt

• preparation

Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Prepare a piping pastry bag with a round tip.
Place the almonds, icing sugar and cocoa in a food processor, and pulse to combine. Do this around 10 times, or until all the ingredients are mixed well together. Sift in a fine mesh sieve, twice.
Place the egg whites and caster sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whisk for 2 minutes at a low speed using a KitchenAid mixer.
Increase to a medium speed for 2 minutes followed by a high speed for 2 minutes. The whisked egg whites should form a clump in the middle of the whisk. Remove the egg whites from the whisk and detach the bowl from the mixer before adding the almonds, icing sugar and cocoa.
Fold the dry ingredients into the whisked egg whites, pressing against the side of the bowl. The goal here is to incorporate the dry ingredients, but also to deflate the egg whites. This should take about 40 strokes. The mixture is ready to pipe when it flows in ribbons off the spatula, like lava.
Fill the prepared piping bag with half the mixture, sealing the open end with a twist.
Pipe four dots of the mixture in the corners of the tray, under the baking paper, to secure the baking paper to the tray to prevent sliding.
To pipe the macarons, hold the piping tip at an angle to the baking tray and pipe circles about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Grab the sides of the baking tray and tap it on a hard surface (such as your kitchen bench) 3 to 4 times to remove air bubbles. Refill the piping bag and pipe and tap the second tray of macarons.
Rest the macarons for 30 minutes before baking, or until the macarons are not sticky or tacky to touch.
While the macarons are resting preheat the oven to 150 celsius (300 Fahrenheit).
Place a piped tray in the middle rack of the oven for 16 minutes, rotating the tray at the 8 minute mark. Remove from oven and cool on the tray for a few minutes before removing the baking paper from the tray and allowing the macarons to cool for 30 minutes on a cool surface before placing onto a cooling rack.
While the macarons are cooling make the ganache. Place the cream in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over a medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate and leave to sit for a minute. Add the sea salt and whisk to combine. Leave to cool at room temperature until the ganache is a spreadable consistency and not too runny.
Once completely cooled fill with chocolate ganache and refrigerate, covered, for 24 hours to allow the flavours to fully develop.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust, fully cooked
1 pound apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon flour
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
4 teaspoons melted butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar

• preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Peel and core apples.
Cut into wedges. Stew in 1/4 cup water.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, molasses, cinnamon,
nutmeg and salt. Add apples.
Spoon in pie shell.
Combine the topping ingredients in a bowl.
Sprinkle evenly over the pie.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Serves: 3

Crepes can be dressed up with sweet or savory toppings and flavorful fillings
Prepare the batter accordingly.
For savory Variation: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs to the egg mixture.
For sweet Variation: Add 2 additional tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur to the egg mixture.

• Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• preparation

In a blender, combine flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and butter.


Puree until mixture is smooth and bubbles form on top, about 30 seconds. Let batter sit at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 1 day; whisk before using).

Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium. Lightly coat with butter. Add 1/3 cup batter and swirl to completely cover bottom of skillet. Cook until underside of crepe is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
Loosen edge of crepe with a rubber spatula, then quickly flip the crepe. Cook 1 minute more. Slide crepe out of skillet onto a plate and repeat with remaining batter. (Coat pan with butter as needed.)

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 1/2 cups tiny shell pasta
4 quarts steamed mussels
10 ounces frozen tiny peas, thawed
1/2 cup chopped parsley

For the curried French dressing:

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced green onions
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the curried mayonnaise dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

• preparation

Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the curried French dressing. Clean and cook the mussels.
Cool and discard the shells and any black rims.
In a salad bowl toss with 1/4 cup of the Curried French dressing. Pour boiling water over the peas and drain.
In the salad bowl combine the pasta with the peas and mussels and remaining French dressing.
Mix the Curried Mayonnaise dressing ingredients and carefully fold into the salad ingredients.
Chill at least 2 hours and sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

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.

• preparation

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.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fruity red wine, Shiraz, or Merlot
1 cup ruby port
One 1-1/4 -inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. cornstarch
2 cups fresh sweet or sour cherries, pitted and halved (about 11 oz.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. coarsely cracked black peppercorns
6 small or 3 large skin-on duck breasts (about 3 lb. total)
Garnish:
green peas
small oven brown potatoes

• preparation

Put the wine, port, ginger, and sugar in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat as needed, and simmer until reduced by half, 8 to 12 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and cornstarch. Whisking constantly, add the cornstarch mixture to the wine mixture and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute more. Discard the ginger. Reduce the heat to low, add the cherries, and simmer slowly until the cherries are warm, 1 to 2 additional minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Put the duck breasts on a work surface skin side up. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a grid pattern, cutting just halfway through the thickness of the skin. Season the duck generously with salt. Scatter the cracked pepper on a small baking sheet and press the duck into the pepper, coating both sides evenly.

Heat a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the duck skin side down and cook until the skin is deep golden-brown and the fat from the skin has rendered, 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully spoon off and discard all but about 1 Tbs. of the fat. Turn the duck and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a breast reads 135°F for medium rare, 4 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm the sauce over very low heat. Cut each duck breast on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve with the sauce.

Serves: 6

The recipe lends itself to variations such as substituting the baked egg in the potato shell with a poached egg. Add caramelized onions and Gruyere . Kick things up with some cayenne pepper.
Princess Diana’s favorite breakfast dishes was an Egg Suzette aka BJP (Baked Jacket Potato): a baked potato scooped out with wilted spinach or creamed prawns, (tiny shrimp) in the bottom and a poached egg on top with a little hollandaise sauce and some potatoes piped around the edges.

• Ingredients

6 whole medium baking potatoes
6 tbsp butter
3 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp chopped chives
2 tbsp crumbled bacon, crisp
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
6 whole eggs
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• preparation

Bake the potatoes using your favorite method and be sure to allow some time for them to cool down before the scooping.

Take the “top” of the potato to mean lengthwise and not the small end.
Scoop out the potatoes and blend well with the butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, and salt and pepper.

Beat lightly and spoon back into the shells. Make a hollow in the top of each potato and into this drop a raw egg.

Sprinkle lavishly with grated Cheddar cheese, and place in a 350°F oven long enough to cook the eggs and melt the cheese. Makes a delicious breakfast or supper dish.

Serves: 4

The recipe is derived from the grilled Mexican corn esquites

• Ingredients

1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 large small jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
1/3 cup (75-80 mL) lime juice, plus 1 extra lime for finishing
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt to taste
black pepper to taste
6 ears of corn or 2 cups corn kernels
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half or quarters
1 (15-ounce/440g) can of cannellini beans drained and rinsed
2 medium ripe avocados, diced
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, slivered

• preparation

In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced red onions, thinly sliced jalapeños, 1/3 cup lime juice, and 3 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper and marinate the mixture for 30 minutes or more.

Shave the corn kernels from the cobs.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil. Add the corn kernels. Cook the corn for 3-5 minutes until charred in spots while tossing them.Add the paprika during the cooking and toss to combine.


Add the charred corn to the bowl with the marinated onions and jalapeños. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes and drained beans. Season to taste with salt and pepper and the juice from the extra lime, toss to combine and taste to adjust the seasonings if required.
Add the basil and toss to combine. If serving the salad immediately, dice the avocado and mix gently to combine.

Serves: 4

These bite-sized balls of fried chickpeas (or fava beans) probably originated in Egypt, but are now claimed as a national dish in at least four Middle Eastern countries. Israel,Egypt,Palestine and Lebanon.

Canned chickpeas contain more moisture requiring additional flour.
The recipe is great as an appetizer or part of a Mideastern meal.

• Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
1/2-1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper
4 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon baking powder
4-6 tablespoons flour
Soybean or vegetable oil for frying
Chopped tomato for garnish
Diced onion for garnish
Diced green bell pepper for garnish
Tahina sauce
Pita bread

• preparation

1. Put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by at least 2 inches Mix in 1 tsp baking soda and 1 T. salt. Let soak 10 to 12 hours then drain. Transfer chickpeas to a pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Remove the foam that forms and simmer 10 minutes. chickpeas should be crisp and firm. Drain chickpeas.
2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add onions. Sir and cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
Place the drained chickpeas and the onions in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the parsley, cilantro, salt, hot pepper, garlic, and cumin. Process until blended but not pureed.
3. Sprinkle in the baking powder and 4 tablespoons of the flour, and pulse. You want to add enough flour so that the dough forms a small ball and no longer sticks to your hands. Turn into a bowl and refrigerate, covered, for several hours.
4. Form the chickpea mixture into 2 1/2-to-3-inch disks.
5. Heat 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees in a deep pot or wok and fry 1 disk to test. If it falls apart, add a little flour. Then fry about 6 disks at once for a few minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Stuff half a pita with falafel disks, chopped tomatoes, onion, green pepper, and pickled turnips. Drizzle with tahina thinned with water.
NOTE: Egyptians omit the cilantro and substitute fava beans for the chickpeas.

Serves: 6

A West Indian speciality whose recipe is fairly close to guacamole, avocado féroce gets its "ferocious" aspect from the strength of the spice used in its preparation. So you never know quite how ferocious this dish will be!

Whether it's merely fragrant or very spicy, the preparation usually consists of dried cod, local avocado and manioc flour. The cod is first de-salted, crumbled and mixed with the avocado flesh, lime juice, bunching onion, garlic, habanero pepper and manioc flour.

• Ingredients

½ lb salt cod , desalted
1 large ripe avocado (about 1 lb/500g or 2 medium avocados)
½ lb tapioca flour (cassava flour)
3 scallions
2 West Indian chili peppers (habañero peppers)
3 cloves garlic , crushed
½ bunch parsley
3 tablespoons sunflower oil
Juice of 1 lime
Pepper
Salt

• preparation

In a pot, cover the cod with water and bring to boil.
Remove the cod and drain immediately.
Cut avocado in half, remove the flesh and cut into large pieces.
Drizzle the avocado flesh with lime juice to prevent from blackening.
Place parsley in the bowl of a food processor and chop finely.
Then add the avocado, cod, garlic, a small piece of chili and chives. Mix.
Add cassava flour and oil while mixing until mixture is homogeneous.
Add salt and pepper
Refrigerate for one hour before serving

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

12 ounces fettuccini
1 teaspoons olive oil
2 large tomatoes
1 bunch broccoli
3 ounces pitted black olives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

PESTO DRESSING
2 cups fresh basil
2/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

• preparation

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite.
Drain pasta, rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly. Place in a large bowl.
Mix with olive oil. Seed tomatoes and chop coarsely.
Slice peeled broccoli stems 1/4 inch thick and break florets into smaller pieces. Cook 3 minutes in boiling water. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again.
Add tomatoes, broccoli, olives and walnuts to the pasta and toss gently.

Serve with pesto dressing

PESTO DRESSING
In a blender or food processor, chop the basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese and vinegar.
Add the olive oil in a slow stream until it is all combined. Stir in salt and pepper.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

1/3 cup oil
3 cups sliced onions
1 quart beef stock
1 package onion soup mix
1/3 teaspoon thyme
8 toasted sliced French baguettes
3/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• preparation

Cook the onions over medium heat in the oil until brown. Add the beef stock, onion soup mix and thyme and boil 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place the toasted bread croutons in individual onion soup bowls or large oven proof casserole. Ladle the soup over and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake on the top rack of the oven at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until brown. Serve hot.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

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

• preparation

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.

Serves: 10

• Ingredients

Genoise Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, preferably clarified
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grand Marnier Berries:
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnier®
Mascarpone Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (8-oz) package mascarpone, softened with 1 tbsp of cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest

• preparation

For cake: Grease and flour the bottom(s) of two 9x2-inch pans or one 9-inch springform pan; line with wax or parchment paper. Sift together cake flour and 1/4 cup sugar twice; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan; off the heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Once cooled, remove the film from the top; carefully pour into a heatproof bowl, leaving the solids behind - set aside.

Whisk the eggs and 3/4 cup sugar in a large heatproof bowl; set over a pot of barely simmering water - whisk constantly until the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110 degrees F). Remove the bowl from the heat and beat on high speed until the mixture is lemony-colored, has tripled in volume. - like a continuous flat ribbon when dropped from a spoon (5 minutes in a heavy-duty mixer with the whisk attachment, 10 - 15 minutes with a hand-held mixer).

In 3 additions, sift the flour mixture over the top and fold in very gently with a rubber spatula. If the butter has become to solid, reheat briefly and transfer to a medium bowl. Fold about 1 1/2 cups of the egg mixture into the butter until completely incorporated, along with the vanilla extract. Bake until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan(s) and the top springs back when lightly pressed, about 15 minutes in cake pans, 30 minutes in a springform pan. Let cool in the pan(s) on a rack for 10 minutes. Slide a thin knife around the cake to detach it from the pan(s); remove the side of the springform pan, if using. Invert the cake and remove the paper liner(s). Let cool right side up on the rack.

For berries: While the cake is baking, place the berries in a glass bowl and pour Grand Marnier on top. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for the berries to macerate and thaw.

For the mascarpone whipped cream: whip the heavy cream in a large metal bowl, then (using the same hand mixer), whip the mascarpone, sugar and orange zest into a smaller separate bowl. Fold mascarpone into the whipped cream.

Slice the cake into 3 layers. spoon berries with juice between cakes layers, then spread over whipped cream. Decorate top with mascarpone whipped cream.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

2 cups milk
4 ounces butter
8 ounces all purpose flour
7 medium eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ounces grated Swiss cheese
1 double recipe Recipe of Cream sauce
4 ounces grated Swiss cheese

• preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan, boil the milk with the butter. Remove from heat then add the flour all at once stirring continuously.
Mix in the eggs one at the time.
Stir in the salt and cheese.
In a large saucepan, boil 2 quarts of salted water. Spoon the mixture in a pastry bag fitted with a large plain pastry tip. Squeeze the mixture out and as it comes out, use a small knife to cut into small pieces and drop in boiling water.
Cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to cold water and drain when completely cold.
Spread the gnocchi in one layer in a large baking dish. Pour the warm cream sauce over.
Sprinkle with cheese. Brown in oven until golden brown and bubbly.

Serves: 12

• Ingredients

For molds:
1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces Grand Marnier
6 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled if necessary.
serves 6 to 8

1/2 cup macadenia nuts
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1/2 cup light cream

• preparation

Makes: two 1-quart soufflé molds
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of 2 1-quart soufflé molds. Sprinkle with sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet and set side.
Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cornstarch; stir until smooth. Pour in the milk and sugar. Whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla. Blend in the Grand Marnier.
In an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar to until soft peaks form when beater is lifted. Add sugar gradually while beating constantly until the egg whites are firm. Fold the egg whites into the Grand Marnier mixture. Divide the soufflé mixture between the two prepared molds. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve with Macademia nut sauce.

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until the sauce is smooth and medium thick. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Serve with soufflés.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds potatoes
4 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Swiss cheese (Gruyere or Emmenthal)
to taste salt and pepper

• preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Butter a baking dish about 6 by 10 inches. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
Blanch potatoes in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, garlic, milk, cream and half of the grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon into prepared dish. It should be no more than 3/4 full. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and gratin is golden brown.

Serves: 12

Cured fish is impressive, and it’s surprisingly little work to do yourself.
Use wild Pacific salmon if at all possible (King and sockeye—which is in general leaner and much redder—are best), even if you have to buy it frozen. Gravlax keeps for a week after curing; and, though you can successfully freeze gravlax for a few weeks.

• Ingredients

One 3- to 4-pound cleaned salmon without the head, skin on
1 cup salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup spirits, like brandy, gin, aquavit, or lemon vodka
2 good-size bunches fresh dill, roughly chopped, stems and all
Lemon wedges for serving

• preparation

1. Fillet the salmon or have the fish-monger do it; the fish need not be scaled. Lay both halves, skin side down, on a plate.

2. Toss together the salt, brown sugar, and pepper and rub this mixture all over the salmon (the skin too); splash on the spirits. Put most of the dill on the flesh side of one of the fillets, sandwich them together, tail to tail, and rub any remaining salt-sugar mixture on the outside; cover with any remaining dill, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Cover the sandwich with another plate and top with something that weighs a couple of pounds—some unopened cans, for example. Refrigerate.

3. Open the package every 12 to 24 hours and baste, inside and out, with the accumulated juices. When the flesh is opaque, on the second or third day (you will see it changing when you baste it), slice thinly as you would smoked salmon—on the bias and without the skin—and serve with rye bread or pumpernickel, and lemon wedges.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

3/4 pound tomatoes, chopped
1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped pitted black olives (brine-cured)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon dried thyme
6 green onions, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 pound linguine, freshly cooked
3/4 pound cooked shrimp

• preparation

Mix first 10 ingredients in large bowl.
Add linguine and shrimp and toss to blend.
Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.

Serves: 6

This is a smooth, creamy start for a casual summer meal.
Fresh peas give this cold soup its sweet flavor and velvety texture, but you can also use frozen.
This soup is also tasty hot.

• Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onions
1-1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes (2 potatoes)
2 cups (500 mL) shelled fresh peas (1-1/2 lb/750 g unshelled)
1 cup (250 mL) cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Garnish:
1/2 cup green peas,
thinly sliced Half sweet red pepper, finely chopped

• preparation

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; cook onions, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 minutes. Add stock, 1 cup (250 mL) water and potatoes; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add peas; simmer, covered, until peas are tender, 5 minutes.

In batches, transfer to blender or food processor; purée until smooth. Transfer to bowl. Blend in cream; stir in salt and pepper. Refrigerate until chilled, about 4 hours.
(Make-ahead: Place plastic wrap directly on surface; refrigerate for up to 1 day.)
Garnish:
Ladle into bowls; garnish with peas and red pepper.

Serves: 4

A head of cauliflower can be transformed into a super satisfying vegetarian dinner. This is a festive and fun recipe. It looks so dramatic on the table.
If you have no desire making the black garlic, you can buy it online. Black garlic

• Ingredients

1 - 2-pound head cauliflower with leaves
1 gallon water
3 tablespoons salt, divided
1 tablespoon of cumin
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Red chili zhug yogurt
Black garlic paste
Hazelnut dukah
Mint salsa verde

• preparation

Trim stem of cauliflower by removing the leaves, so it will sit level on a rimmed baking sheet. Bring 2 gallons water to a boil in a large stockpot over high. Stir in 2 1/2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon of cumin until dissolved.
Add cauliflower to water; place a heatproof ceramic plate on top of cauliflower to keep it submerged. Boil until tender and a fork inserted in cauliflower meets no resistance, 12 to 13 minutes. Using a spider strainer, gently lift cauliflower from water, and let drain in spider, allowing water to drip back into pot. Place cauliflower, stem side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand until cauliflower has cooled slightly and is dry to the touch, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, Preheat oven to 500°F with oven rack in center of oven.
Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over cauliflower to apply a thin, even layer. Sprinkle remaining teaspoon of salt over cauliflower. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and carefully brush with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Cover with Red chili zhug yogurt,
Black garlic paste,
Hazelnut dukah and
Mint salsa verde. Decorate with a few mint leaves and serve immediately.

Serves: 2

• Ingredients

4 large eggs
3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon dried fines herbs or dried salad herbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup (packed) grated Gruyère cheese (about 2 ounces)

• preparation

Beat eggs, 2 tablespoons parsley, 2 teaspoons water, dried herbs, salt and pepper in small bowl to blend.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of egg mixture (about 1/2 cup) to skillet. Cook until eggs are just set in center, tilting pan and lifting edge of omelet with spatula to let uncooked portion flow underneath, about 2 minutes.
Top half of omelet with 1/4 cup cheese.
Using spatula, fold other half of omelet over cheese; slide out onto plate. Repeat with remaining butter, egg mixture and cheese. Sprinkle omelets with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, soft
1 tablespoon dried bread crumbs
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 10-oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped ham

4 large eggs, separated
1 large egg white
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

• preparation

Butter a 6 cup soufflé dish; dust the bottom and sides with two tablespoons of The bread crumbs. Set aside. In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute.
Whisk in milk; cook stirring with a whisk until mixture boils and thickens. Squeeze spinach dry; stir into sauce with cheese and ham. Cool. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar to stiff peaks. Stir yolks into Cheese sauce, then gradually and gently fold in whites just until blended. Pour mixture into prepared soufflé dish. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

1 cup white rice
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium chopped onion
3 minced garlic cloves
1 large chopped carrot
1 cup chopped fennel or celery
1 tablespoon chopped dill
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound clean scallops
1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
1 pound cooked crabmeat or cooked mussels
2 ounces butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 pound cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped dill
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Topping:
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter.
chopped parsley

• preparation

In a saucepan, combine white rice with salted boiled water.
Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Water should be absorbed. Stir in chopped parsley.
In a skillet, melt butter. Add and Saute chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, large chopped carrot, and chopped fennel or celery until tender. Stir in chopped dill, salt and pepper.
In a skillet, melt butter. Saute clean scallops until opaque. Transfer to a bowl. Saute clean and deveined shrimp until pink.
Add to bowl. Add clean cooked crabmeat to seafood.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour. Stir well. Add milk. Stir till thickened. Whisk in cream cheese, chopped dill, chopped parsley. Add seafood.
Line bottom of greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish with rice. Spoon seafood over. Spoon seafood mix over top.
Topping:
Mix bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees about 40 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serves: 8

Hokkaido milk bread is quite simply the fluffiest, softest, lightest, most pillowy cloud of deliciousness thanks to a simple technique involving a roux "starter," known as tangzhong.

• Ingredients

Tangzhong
• 20 g (3/4 oz) strong white bread flour
• 75ml (6 tbsp) water
• 1 tbsp whole milk
Dough
• 350 g (scant 3 cups) strong white bread flour
• 7 g (2 tsp) fast action yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 60 g (scant 1/3 cup) sugar
• 1 tbsp milk powder
• 1 egg
• 120 ml (1/2 cup whole milk
• 30 g (2 tbsp) softened butter
• 1 egg beaten with a splash of milk, to glaze

• preparation

To make the tangzhong:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan, and whisk until no lumps remain.
Place the saucepan over low heat, and cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until thick and the whisk leaves lines on the bottom of the pan, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the tangzhong to a small mixing bowl or measuring cup and let it cool to room temperature.

To make the dough
1. Place the flour in a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with a dough hook) and add the yeast to one side, the salt, sugar and milk powder to the other (if the salt is added on top of the yeast it can kill it), stir to combine.
2. Whisk together the cooled tangzhong, egg and milk and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it forms a soft, shaggy dough. If you are kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a worktop and knead for 5-10 minutes until it starts to feel smooth and a little less sticky (it will still be very sticky), add no more than a spoonful of flour while you are kneading, the dough is meant to be sticky! The best way to knead a wet dough by hand is to stretch it up away from the worktop (it will stick), then slap it back down, make sure that you pull from a different section each time and keep a dough scraper handy. If you are using a stand mixer, mix for 5 minutes or so until the dough is smooth.
3. Add the butter and mix until it is fully incorporated, continue to knead until the dough is very elastic and begins to come away from the worktop (or sides of the stand mixer bowl) cleanly. It should pass the windowpane test - stretch the dough with your hands, you should be able to stretch it to a very thin, almost transparent membrane without it tearing. This can take up to 20 minutes of kneading, especially by hand.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with clingfilm, leave to rise for 1-2 hours until well doubled in size. Alternatively, place it in the fridge to rise overnight. If you refrigerate it, the following day let it come up to room temperature for about half an hour before continuing.
5. Line an 8.5x4.5in (or thereabouts) loaf tin with greaseproof paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and fold it in on itself a couple of times. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, divide it in to four equal pieces and roll each one into a ball.
6. Roll each ball out into a long oval, fold one third of the oval over the middle (from the side, not the top), then the other third over the top to form a long, narrow packet. Roll over the seam to flatten it, then roll it up from one end to make a fat sausage. Repeat with the other balls of dough then arrange them in the loaf tin, seam side down.
7. Loosely cover with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise until at least doubled in size, this can take 1-2 hours (mine took nearly 2). If you press the dough gently with a finger the indentation should spring back slowly but remain visible. If it springs back quickly it needs to proof for a little longer. Preheat the oven while the dough is rising to 180C/350F/gas mark 4.
8. Brush the top of the dough with some of the beaten egg then bake on the lower middle shelf of the oven for 30-40 minutes until well risen and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, the internal temperature should reach 94C/200F on a probe thermometer. Cover the bread with foil partway through baking if it starts to get too dark.
9. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely before slicing.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

3- 1-pound packages frozen puff pastry
Flour for rolling

For the mushrooms:
2 large Portobello mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
salt and pepper

For the onions:
3 tablespoons butter
3 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red wine
salt and pepper

For the spinach and cheese:
1 cup cooked chopped spinach
6 ounces blue cheese
For the beef:
6- 5 to 6 ounce center-cut beef tenderloins
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

• preparation

Prepare the pastry and fillings:
The frozen puff pastry usually comes in sheets.
Two in each 1-pound package. Thaw pastry. Unwrap each sheet. Sit a 10-inch round cake pan on pastry.
With a sharp knife, cut out pastry sheets into 10-inch rounds. Lightly score a 4 by 3-inch rectangle in the center of each pastry round. Do not cut through the pastry.
Extend the lines of the rectangle and cut out the corners as shown in sketch.
Use scraps to cut out 12 leaves or other shapes to use as decoration. Layer the pastry rounds between sheets of wax paper.
For the mushrooms:
Slice the portobello into strips. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add oil, garlic, mushrooms, thyme and rosemary.
Stir until mushrooms are brown. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl.
For the onions:
Melt butter in a heavy skillet. Add onion and cook over low heat until onion are caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add Sherry wine and cook until pan is dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Set aside to cool.
For the fillets:
Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add oil and sear fillets 3 minutes on each side.
Season with salt and pepper. Transfer fillets to a plate. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For the sauce:
Pour 1 cup red wine in skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir a package of brown sauce mix in cold water. Pour in skillet with wine. Whisk until thickened. Set sauce aside.
Assemble the wellingtons:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line the prepared pastries on a work surface.
Spread half of the well drained spinach over center of pastries. Divide blue cheese and well drained onions into six equal portions and spread over spinach.
Top with fillet, mushrooms and remaining spinach. Fold each side panel onto top to seal the content of pastry.
Turn the packages and arrange on a baking sheet seam side down. Decorate with pastry cut outs Brush pastries with a beaten egg.
Bake in for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is at 110 degrees. Be sure that the tip of the thermometer is inserted in the center of the package.
Set cooked wellingtons aside no longer than 10 minutes. The sealed fillets continue to cook out of the oven.
Cut each wellington in half. Arrange on warm plates and serve immediately.

Serves: 4

Jaeger Schnitzel or Jägerschnitzel means hunter’s schnitzel. It’s a schnitzel topped with a mushroom sauce. Jaeger Schnitzel was originally made with venison or wild boar that was pounded thin. It’s generally made with pork. In Europe Wiener schnitzel, sometimes spelled Wienerschnitzel, as in Switzerland, is a type of schnitzel made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet.
You can make your own breadcrumbs, add fresh herbs and serve with fried potatoes or rice.

• Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
5 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• preparation

1. Place the pork chops between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with the flat side of a meat tenderizer until they're 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

2
If using fresh mushrooms, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have released their juices and the liquid is mostly evaporated. Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.

3
In the same skillet, melt the butter, add the flour, and whisk until the flour is dissolved. Continue to whisk constantly until the mixture is a rich, deep golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

4
Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly, until combined. Return the mushrooms to the skillet. If using canned mushrooms, you will add them at this point. Bring the gravy to a simmer, reduce to low, and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the gravy is thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

5
While the gravy is simmering, dip the chops in the flour, the egg, and the breadcrumbs. Do not press the breadcrumbs into the meat. Coat gently but thoroughly, and shake off the excess crumbs.

6
Fry the Schnitzel for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they are a deep golden brown, transfer them to a plate. Serve immediately with the mushroom gravy and your choice of sides.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds lamb shoulder, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons hot curry paste
1 (14-ounce can) coconut milk
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup cubed bananas
Serve with rice and curry

• preparation

Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet and brown lamb and onion on high heat.
Stir in curry paste, coconut milk, and tomato sauce. Add water to cover meat. Simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours. Add remaining ingredients.
Simmer until lamb is tender.
Serve with rice and chutney.

Serves: 4

Khachapuri is a Georgian rich cheesy bread. This is a plant-based low-fat, version.

• Ingredients

For the dough

¼ cup non-dairy milk
½ cup + 2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon sugar
1½ teaspoons active dry yeast
1¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon olive oil + more for greasing and brushing

For the “cheese sauce”

6 oz baking potato, peeled and chopped bite-sized
½ small carrot, chopped bite-sized
¾ tablespoons nutritional yeast
¾ teaspoon vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons water
1½ tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons onion, chopped finely
3 tablespoons poblano, chopped finely
½ garlic clove, diced finely
½ teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce
A pinch of ground cumin

For the final assembly/garnish

2 teaspoons non-dairy milk
2 cup mozzarella (optional)
1 spring onion, sliced
Red pepper flakes (optional)

• preparation

Make the dough

In a microwave-proof bowl, combine non-dairy milk and water, and heat for 30-45 seconds or until the temperature reads 105°F – 115°F (the temperature range to activate the yeast).
Add sugar and active dry yeast, stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated and becomes frothy on the top.
While the yeast is activating, in a bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
Pour the activated yeast solution in the center and knead the dough. It will be sticky at the start, but as the gluten begins to develop, it’ll get less sticky and springier.
Once the dough is soft, smooth and springs back when pressed, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and coat bowl and dough generously.
Cover with a damp cloth and let proof in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
Make the “cheese sauce”

When the dough has been proofing for about an hour, bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add the chopped potato and carrot and cook until tender. Drain and add to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, vinegar and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy adding 2-3 tablespoons of water till you get a nice pourable consistency. Set aside.
In a small skillet, heat oil on medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, poblano and garlic with a pinch of salt until it begins to soften and brown.
Add the chipotle in adobo sauce, ground cumin. Adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat and stir into the blended potato sauce. Set aside.
Shape the dough

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a medium baking tray with parchment paper.
Divide the proofed dough into two equal halves, kneading each until soft and smooth. Keep the other dough half-covered as you’re working with the first one.
Sprinkle a clean, dry work surface generously with flour and roll out one piece of dough into a circle about 10” in diameter.
Roll the top and bottom edges of the circle, and shape like a boat, twisting the left and right ends to seal the edges.
Repeat with the other dough. Transfer both “boats” to the prepared baking tray.
Brush the edge of each khachapuri with a little oil, and non-dairy milk.
Let them sit and rise for another 10 minutes.
Bake!

Bake in the preheated oven at 450°F in the middle-rack for 8 minutes.
Remove from the oven, and fill both khachapuris with the “cheese” sauce filling.
Divide the ¼ cup vegan mozzarella (if using) between the two khachapuris.
Continue baking for another 4 minutes or until the mozzarella is molten and the sauce is warm.
Remove from heat, brush the edges with olive oil and garnish generously with chopped spring onion and red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve immediately. Tear off pieces of the bread and dunk into the cheese filling and enjoy!

Serves: 12

The recipe scales down nicely in increments of 1/3.

Recipe is adapted from http://www.instructables.com/member/scoochmaroo/

• Ingredients

3 (1/4 ounce / 7g) packages yeast (3/4 oz / 21g total) - I used "Rapid Rise" but traditional is fine too - it just affects the rising times
1/2 cup (120ml) water (105-115F / 40-46 C)
2 1/4 cups (530ml) milk, scalded, then cooled
3/4 cup (169g) sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup (113g) shortening
7 1/2 cups (940g) all-purpose flour
canola oil for frying

Glaze
1/2 cup (113g) butter
3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 -9 tablespoons (90-135ml) milk

• preparation

1 Dissolve yeast in warm water in 2 1/2-quart bowl.
2 Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour.
3 Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.
4 Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
5 Stir in remaining flour until smooth.
6 Cover and let rise until double, 50-60 minutes.
7 (Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched.) Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour.
8 Gently roll dough 1/2-inch thick with floured rolling pin.
9 Cut with floured doughnut cutter.
10 Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 minutes.
11 Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°.
12 Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula.
13 Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface.
14 Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
15 Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain.
16 Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze set on rack then when slightly cooled spread chocolate frosting on top.
17 Dip in sprinkles or other toppings after chocolate if desired.
18 Creamy Glaze: Heat butter until melted.
19 Remove from heat.
20 Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
21 Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
22 Chocolate Frosting: Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat.
23 Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
24 Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Serves: 15

Krumkake is a thin, delicate embossed cookie of Norwegian origin. Typically the cookie is rolled into a cone while still warm and flexible. It can be served plain or filled with whipped cream or ice cream.

A classic Krumkake Iron with a traditional embossed pattern is used to make the wafers.
Also, see Pizzellis.

• Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons vanilla

• preparation

Beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Cook on a krumkake iron to form wafers.
Serve them cut in wedges, or while wafer is hot, shape into a cup over a glass or similar container. Store in an airtight container.
Spoon fruit, ice cream or chocolate mousse into cup.

Serves: 4

Kung Pao Tofu is easy to assemble; very tasty sauce and all around great flavor

• Ingredients

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinkiang (Chinese black) vinegar
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch, divided
1 pinch salt
14 to 16 ounces firm tofu (depending on package size), drained
vegetable or canola, for cooking
1 (3-inch) pieces ginger, peeled and minced
3 dried chiles (such as Thai or serrano), halved
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon toasted, crushed Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted or salted roasted peanuts
Cooked rice, for serving

• preparation

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of water, the soy sauces, vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl. Rub with the remaining 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until all sides are lightly coated.
3. Pour enough oil to coat the bottom of a large non-stick pan and set it over medium heat. Add the tofu into the hot oil and panfry until golden brown all over, 1 to 3 minutes per side, adding more oil if the pan looks dry at any point. Transfer to a plate.
4. Using the same pan, sauté the ginger until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes, adding more oil if the pan looks dry. Add the chiles, garlic, and white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add the tofu, sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using), then quickly toss until the tofu is evenly coated with sauce, about 1 minute. Fold in the remaining green parts of the scallions and the peanuts.
6. Serve warm with a bowl of rice.

Serves: 6

Small bananas wrapped in French crepes.
A French carribbean recipe known as TI FIGUES EN PYJAMAS

• Ingredients

12 tiny bananas
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
12 small crepes
1 teaspoon butter
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup chocolate sauce

• preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel the bananas. Saute in butter until evenly brown but firm. Sprinkle brown sugar over bananas. Continue cooking to make a caramel with the sugar. Pour dark rum over the bananas. Ignite the rum. Transfer the bananas to a platter. Save the cooking juice.
Roll each banana in a small crepe. Cut the ends of crepes extending beyond the bananas.
Butter an oven-proof baking dish. Line the banana crepes in the dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake for 10 minutes. Arrange the bananas in a serving platter. Combine the chocolate sauce with the pan juice. Serve with the banana crepes

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

6 lamb shanks, about 1 1/4 pound each
to taste salt and pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
8 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
3 cups dry red wine
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
4 ribs celery, cut into large dice
4 carrots, cut into large dice
1 large onion, peeled and cut into small wedges
1 cup mushrooms, thickly sliced


ROASTED GARLIC AND WHITE BEAN PUREE
Makes about 3 cups

1 1/2 cups dry Great Northern beans
1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 rib of celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cloves of garlic (1 smashed and 1 minced) and 1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme plus 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
6 cups chicken broth
Coarse salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup heavy cream

• preparation

Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Season shanks with salt and pepper. In a large, high-sided oven proof pot, heat the oil until barely smoking.
Sear the shanks in batches until brown on all sides. Put all the shanks in the pot; add peppercorns, bay leaves, stock, wine, garlic, celery, carrots, onions and mushrooms.
Put the pot in the oven and cook until meat is tender, about 2 hours. (can be made a day ahead).
Remove the shanks, mushrooms and onions and set aside. Cover with foil.
Strain the braising liquid into a medium saucepan. Degrease carefully and simmer to reduce the cooking liquid to about one third.
Pour sauce over the shanks and vegetables.
Serve with roasted garlic and white bean puree.

ROASTED GARLIC AND WHITE BEAN PUREE

1. Soak the beans overnight. Or place beans in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat; remove from heat and set aside, covered, for 1 hour.
2. Drain the beans; transfer to a 2-quart pot with the diced onion, celery, carrot, smashed garlic, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, 5 cups of broth, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat; simmer until beans are very tender, about 90 minutes. If the mixture becomes dry, add some of the remaining broth.
3. Drain the beans; discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Warm the beans in a pan over medium heat. Add the cream, thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let simmer. Cook until the cream is reduced and is almost dry on the beans, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Puree the beans in a food processor. Adjust seasonings.

Serves: 2

It’s hard not to love a latke. The golden-brown potato fritters, which are a hallmark of Hanukkah celebrations and a ubiquitous menu item at Jewish delicatessens, tick all the comfort-food boxes: crunchy, starchy, salty and delicious.

• Ingredients

Latkes
2 pounds baking potatoes
1 medium white onion, grated
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon cornstarch
oil for frying

AÏOLI
1/2 cup (125 mL) mayonnaise
1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated lemon zest
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh dill
2 tsp (10 mL) capers, drained,
finely chopped
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper

6 oz (170 g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
4 leaves bibb lettuce
4 slices ripe tomato

• preparation

Shred the potato and mix with grated onion. Using a clean kitchen cloth, squeeze the liquid out of the potatoes. Repeat the process until it's mostly drained.
Combine the potato mixture with the beaten eggs, cornstarch, and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds. Drain liquid once more, if needed.
Heat a pan with a small amount of vegetable oil. Working in batches, spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into small patties. Fry on both sides until golden brown.
Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Repeat the process. Try to keep them the same size for even cooking time and presentation.
Remove latkes and pat them dry with paper towels; keep warm.


1. To make aïoli, combine mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, dill, capers and pepper in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

2. Preheat oven to 250°­F (121­°C).

3. Place latkes on a baking tray and heat in oven until warm but not too hot to touch, 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Spread a little aïoli over 4‑latkes. Top 2 with smoked salmon, and 2 with lettuce and tomato. Place lettuce-and-tomato-topped latkes on smoked-salmon-topped latkes. Top with final 2 latkes to make “triple-decker”-style club sandwiches.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

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

• preparation

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.

Serves: 6

These soufflés are great served individually after a fish entrée.
Recipe can be doubled if necessary.

• Ingredients

For the molds:
1 tablespoon soft butter
1 tablespoon superfine sugar

For the soufflé mix:
3/4 stick (3 ounces) butter
1/3 cup flour
1 1/3 cups scalded milk
1/3 cup sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 recipe Macademia nut sauce (see recipe)

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled if necessary.

serves 6 to 8
1/2 cup macadenia nuts
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
1/2 cup light cream

• preparation

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter six 6-oz individual soufflé molds. Sprinkle the bottom and sides of molds with superfine sugar; shake out excess. Place dishes on a baking sheet.
In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Pour in the milk, and whisk over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the egg yolks and sugar. Mix in the lemon peel and juice. (I first grate the lemons for the peel, then make the juice with the grated lemons.)
The mixture can be made 3 to 4 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap.
In an electric mixing bowl, combine egg whites with the cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until thick and firm. With a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture. Spoon the soufflé mixture into the prepared molds. Fill up to the rim, and level the mixture with a small spoon or spatula. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes. Sprinkle with icing sugar.
Serve with Macademia nut sauce.

MACADEMIA NUT SAUCE

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until the sauce is smooth and medium thick. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Serve with lemon soufflés.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 cup dried green or brown lentils
2 cups corn kernels
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped Italian parsley
3/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh sage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

• preparation

Sort lentils, discarding any discolored ones; rinse and drain.
Cover lentils with water; bring to boil and cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool.
Combine lentils, corn, celery, parsley, onion, vinegar, sage, oil, orange rind, salt and pepper; toss.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
12 Sun-dried tomatoes, (not in oil)
1 pound linguine
5 tablespoons olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces shiitake, stemmed, sliced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
12 Broccoli rabbi florets
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• preparation

Heat broth in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add tomatoes. Let stand until soft. Drain reserving broth. Slice tomatoes into thin strips.
Heat oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic; sauté until golden, about 1 minute. Add reserved broth, sun-dried tomatoes strips, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli rabe florets and basil. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Cook linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm. Drain linguine; return to pot. Add vegetables and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer pasta mixture to bowl; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatelli
1 quart milk
4 ounces ( 8 tablespoons) (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere or Emmenthal cheese, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (2 medium)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

• preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan to a boiling point . Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere or Emmenthal and Cheddar, Dijon mustard and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

Serves: 1

Magical Leek Soup. A
Simple and healthy recipe.

• Ingredients

for the weekend Ingredients
2 pounds leeks

• preparation

1. Clean the leeks and rinse well to get rid of sand and soil. Cut off the ends of the dark green parts, leaving all the white parts plus a suggestion of pale green. (Reserve the extra greens for soup stock.)
2. Put the leeks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour off the liquid and reserve. Place the leeks in a bowl.
The juice is to be drunk (reheated or at room temperature to taste) every 2 to 3 hours, 1 cup at a time. For meals, or whenever hungry, have some of the leeks themselves, 1/2 cup at a time. Drizzle with a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Season sparingly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you wish.
This will be your nourishment for both days, until Sunday dinner, when you can have a small piece of meat or fish (4 to 6 ounces -- don't lose that scale yet!), with 2 vegetables, steamed with a bit of butter or olive oil, and a piece of fruit.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

6 cups sliced peeled apples
2 cups blueberries
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted

• preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Toss apples, blueberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice and cinnamon;
spread in 8-inch square baking dish.
Topping:
Combine brown sugar, flour, rolled oats and cinnamon.
Pour in maple syrup and butter; toss until moistened.
Sprinkle over fruit.
Bake for 1 hour or until golden and fruit is fork tender.
Let cool on rack for 15 minutes.

Serves: 4

Moqueca is an Angolan and Brazilian seafood stew. Moqueca is typically made with shrimp or white fish as a base with tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime and coriander.

• Ingredients

3 tablespoons Olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion diced
1 jalapeno diced
1 medium red bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds cod or other firm white fish, cut into large 1-2 inch pieces
1 13 ounce can chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups seafood stock or vegetable stock
13 ounce can coconut milk full fat
1 lime zested + lime cut into wedges
2 green onions chopped, for garnish

Brazilian Rice
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1/2 cup yellow onion diced
1 garlic clove finely chopped
1 cup jasmine rice washed and rinsed
2 cups vegetable stock
½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste

• preparation

Bring a large pot top medium heat and add the olive oil,the chopped onion and jalapeño and saute for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the chopped garlic, paprika and cayenne and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add chopped tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste and stir everything together and cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Season the fish with salt and pepper and place the fish on top of the vegetables.
Pour the coconut milk and seafood stock into the pot and add the lime zest and season with salt and pepper. Gently mix the content.
Cover the pot. Over low heat, cook the moqueca for 10-15 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and soup has reduced slightly.
Remove moqueca from the heat and taste for seasoning. Serve moqueca on top of cooked jasmine rice and garnish with green onions and lime wedges.

Brazilian Rice

Bring a small pot to medium heat and add olive oil, chopped onion and saute until lightly caramelized, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the jasmine rice and saute so all of the rice is coated with oil.
Pour in the vegetable stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring the rice to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Continue cooking the rice for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated.
When cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with moqueca.

Serves: 12

• Ingredients

2/3 cup raisins
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups peeled and grated carrots
1 large tart apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and grated
1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup wheat germ
3 large eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange juice

• preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups.
In a small bowl, cover the raisins with hot water. Set them aside to soak while you assemble the rest of the recipe.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
Stir in the carrots, apple, coconut, walnuts, and wheat germ.
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and orange juice. Add to the flour mixture, and stir until evenly moistened.
Drain the raisins, squeezing out any excess water with your hands, and stir them in.
Divide the batter among the wells of the prepared pan. They will be very full.
Bake the muffins for 25 to 28 minutes, until they're nicely domed and a cake tester inserted in the center of one of the inner muffins comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven and let cool in the pan on a rack for about 5 minutes. Turn the muffins out onto the rack to cool completely. Cover and store at room temperature for several days, or freeze for longer storage.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
1 large onion, medium diced
6 to 8 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 heaping teaspoon sweet paprika
1 (14.5-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
3 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
1 quart vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (5-ounce) package pre-washed baby spinach

• preparation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until the onions begin to turn translucent; lower heat if browning starts to occur. Add spices and saute a minute or so. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, and sugar. Season with a couple pinches of salt and 10 grinds fresh pepper. Stir well. Chickpeas should be just covered with liquid. If level is shy, add some water so the chickpeas are just covered.
Bring to a simmer, then lower heat to low and gently simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove soup from heat. Use a potato masher to mash up some of the chickpeas right in the pot. Stir in the spinach and let heat through until wilted, just a couple minutes.
Season again, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Serve soup, drizzled lightly with extra-virgin olive oil, if desired.

Serves: 4

Meaty mushrooms simmered with wine and carrots make for a rich Bourguignon-style stew. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish or beef broth.
You may also serve the Mushroom Bourguignon with noodles or mashed potatoes

• Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter or extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
2 pounds mixed mushrooms, such as portobello, shiitake or oyster, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 cups peeled pearl onions
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion peeled and diced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup dry red wine (Pinot noir, or Beaujolais)
1 ½ cups beef, mushroom or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 bay leaf
Polenta for serving
Chopped parsley, for serving

• preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons butter or oil to a large Dutch oven or pot. Cook the mushrooms until they are brown. You might have to do this in batches. Use a slotted spoon to transfer mushrooms to a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add another 2 tablespoons butter and brown the onions, seasoning them as you go. Transfer to bowl with mushrooms.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add another tablespoon butter or oil to pan. Add sliced carrots and minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste and flour and then add wine, broth, soy sauce, thyme and bay leaf, scraping up the brown bits at bottom of pot.
Add reserved cooked mushrooms and pearl onions back to the pot and bring to a simmer. Partly cover the pot and simmer on low heat until carrots and onions are tender and sauce is thick, 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and add season if needed. Discard the bay leaf.
Serve mushroom Bourguignon over polenta, topped with parsley.

Serves: 6

This recipe is about as close as you can get to wood-burning oven-style Neapolitan pizza without having to void the warranty of your oven. The Antimo Caputo Tipo "00" Italian bread flour called for helps improve the texture, but is not necessary. Regular bread flour (of even all-purpose flour) will work just fine.

For best results, use weight measurements, not volume.

• Ingredients

20 ounces (4 cups) Italian tipo 00 flour (see note), plus extra for dusting dough
2 teaspoons salt, plus extra for assembly
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
12 ounces water
1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled Italian tomatoes
12 ounces buffalo mozzarella or fresh cow's milk mozzarella
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
24 basil leaves

• preparation

Combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Whisk to combine. Add water and knead on low speed just until mixture comes together and no dry flour remains. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Knead on low speed for an additional ten minutes. The mixture should come together into a cohesive mass that barely sticks to the bottom of the bowl as it kneads. Depending on the type of flour used, you may need to add up to 1/2 cup additional flour. If dough sticks heavily to bottom of bowl, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time with mixer running until it forms a mass that just barely sticks to the bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic or transfer the dough to two gallon-sized zipper lock bags, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 and up to 72 hours.
2.

Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and dust the top with additional flour. Using a bench scraper, divide the dough into six even pieces, approximately six ounces each. Using floured hands, shape each piece into a neat ball by gathering the dough towards the bottom. Coat four small containers with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil (large cereal bowls work great for this) and add one dough ball to each bowl. Lightly spray top of dough ball with non-stick cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to rise at room temperature for 2 hours (dough should roughly double in volume).
3.

Meanwhile, drain tomatoes in fine meshed strainer and break them up with your fingers, squeezing excess juice out from the interior. Transfer the tomatoes to a blender with a 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Cut the mozzarella into 1/2-inch chunks and place on a plate on a triple layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place another triple layer of paper towels or clean dish towel on top of the cheese and stack another plate on top. Allow the excess water to blot out for at least 10 minutes.
4.

Transfer 1 ball of dough to a medium bowl filled with flour and flip to coat. Lift it and gently pat off the excess flour. Transfer it to a floured surface and gently stretch it into a 10-inch circle, leaving the outer 1-inch edge slightly thicker than the center. The best way to do this it to start by gently stretching with your fingertips. Pick up the slightly stretched dough and place it on the opened face of your left hand. Toss it back and forth between your opened hands, rotating it slightly with each toss until it stretches out to around 8-inches in diameter. Return it to the work surface. With your left hand flat in the center of the round, use your right hand to stretch the edge of the dough out, rotating as needed until it is an even 10-inches in diameter.
5.

Have your tomato sauce, drained cheese, pizza dough, olive oil, kosher salt, and basil leaves ready and close to the stovetop. Preheat the broiler to high and arrange the rack such that you can just barely fit a 12-inch heavy-bottomed oven-proof cast iron or stainless steel skillet on top of it. Dust skillet with flour, tap out excess, then heat the skillet over high heat and heat until lightly smoking, about three minutes. Transfer one dough round to the skillet. It should fill up the entire bottom surface. Working quickly, spread two tablespoons sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the outer 1-inch border un-sauced. Top with 1/6 of the cheese chunks. Season with kosher salt. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and scatter four basil leaves over the surface. Transfer skillet to broiler and broil until pizza is puffed and darkly charred in spots (this can take anywhere between 1 1/2 to 4 minutes, depending on the strength of your broiler). Return the skillet to the stovetop and cook until the bottom is darkly charred in spots, using a thin metal spatula to peek after about 1 minute (depending on the skillet you use, you may skip this step if the pizza is already charred). Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and serve immediately. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to bake remaining pizzas.

Serves: 2

The 19th century century Niçoise salad recipe as it is kept in the archives in Nice, France consists of local ingredients:
Tomatoes, Broad beans and/or small purple artichokes hearts, green Onions or radishes, local summer peppers, Basil, Anchovy, Nice black olives (small and specific to the region), Olive oil, Garlic, Salt pepper

• Ingredients

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

For the Salad

2 small red potatoes
1/2 cup cut fresh green beans
3-1/2 cups torn Bibb lettuce, washed and spun dry
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or a summer red tomato, cut into small wedges
10 Nicoise olives, pitted
2 hard-boiled large eggs, quartered
1 (5-ounce) can albacore, drained and flaked

• preparation

To make the dressing, combine the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking as you go. Set the dressing aside.


Cook the vegetables on the stovetop. For the potatoes, place the whole red potatoes in a small saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and discard the cooking water and let the potatoes cool before cutting them into quarters.

For the green beans, blanching is best. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. Remove the beans to a bowl of ice water to cool them down.

Divide the lettuce between two salad bowls. Top each plate with half of the potatoes, beans, tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Drizzle the salads with dressing and serve any extra dressing on the side.



Chef's notes:
The 19th century century Niçoise salad recipe as it is kept in the archives in Nice, France consists of local ingredients:
Tomatoes, Broad beans and/or small purple artichokes hearts, green Onions or radishes, local summer peppers, Basil, Anchovy, Nice black olives (small and specific to the region), Olive oil, Garlic, Salt pepper
If we want to respect in an orthodox way the model of the Nicoise salad, we should not add anything more. Forget about the grilled tuna, it was a rich thing back then, nobody ate that. You'll also notice there's no egg: at that time, the Nicoise salad was really all raw - or at least, as far as anchovies and olives go, fermented, but not cooked.
Dressing the salad: Traditionally, the Niçoise salad is laid out flat, so that all the ingredients are visible and well distributed. You should therefore take a large, slightly deep plate rather than a salad bowl.
The local garlic, which is pink, will be used to rub the plate to flavor it. Do not put the minced garlic cloves directly in the salad, it would be too strong. Place the tomatoes in quarters first, then add all the other ingredients on top and drizzle with a little olive oil (and red wine vinegar if you like). A little salt if necessary and a turn of the pepper mill, a few chopped basil leaves, and it's ready.


Nowadays, Niçoise salad has become a mix of various colorful ingredients consisting of potatoes, black olives, green beans, artichokes hearts, green onions, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, anchovies and vinaigrette dressing. Hard boiled eggs , tuna, (canned or fresh broiled and sliced) , grilled salmon pieces, or chicken are often the main proteins in the recipe.
Some people say the salad is served on a bed of lettuce and others say that tomatoes are the base. And some do not arrange the elements of the salad at all, but just toss it all together.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

1 cup long grain orzo
1/2 pound green beans cut into 1/2-inch pieces

For dressing:
3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
7 ounce can tuna, drained, flaked
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup kalamata or brined-cured black olives, chopped
2 cups chopped arugala, washed and spun dry

• preparation

Cook orzo in salted boiling water until tender. Drain in a colander, and rinse under cold water. Drain again.
Transfer to a large bowl. Cook beans in salted boiling water until crisp-tender. Cool and drain. Add to orzo.
In a blender, combine Red wine vinegar, Lemon juice, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, olive oil, and pepper. Blend until dressing is smooth. Add dressing to orzo mixture. Blend in the remaining ingredients. Serve as a main course.

Serves: 12

• Ingredients

2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup butter
3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 eggs
For the candied oranges:
2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
2 large oranges (navel or tangelos)

• preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan or tube pan.
Grate 2 tablespoons of orange peel and combine with 1 cup fresh orange juice.
In an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add remaining ingredients at low speed including orange peel and juice.
Spoon batter into pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 10minutes.
Remove from pan. Cool completely on rack. Transfer to a serving tray.
Note:
This cake can also be baked in 2 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans, or mini loaves cakes pans. Baking time will vary, about 35 to 40 minutes for mini loaves.
Candied oranges:
Combine water and sugar in a 4 quart saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Wash and slice oranges across into 1/4-inch slices.
Add to syrup, and boil or medium-high heat until syrup starts to thicken, about 15 minutes.
Cool syrup for 5 minutes, and carefully arrange orange slices on top of cake.
Pour syrup over. Keeps for 2 to 3 days, covered, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

12 ripe Italian tomatoes
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper

• preparation

Blanch the tomatoes in salted boiling water, remove, and shock in ice water. Peel the tomatoes and reserve the peel for the fried garnish.
Cut each tomato into four pieces and remove the inner seed core. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Place the tomato slices on a rack, and bake for 1 hour in a 250 degree F oven.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and cool. When the tomatoes are cool, finely dice them and place on paper towels to dry.
When drained, season the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme and wine vinegar.
In a food processor, add the Kalamata olives and puree to a paste. Remove and set aside.
Place a layer of the tomato mixture into a 1-inch round ring mold and pack down. Place a very thin layer of black olive paste into the mold and pack down. Repeat 10 times.
Finish with 1 more layer of tomato and pack down. Just before you are ready to serve, heat the tians through in a 300 degree F. oven.

Preheat a fryer to 300 degrees F. Blot the reserved tomato skins with paper towels to dry them of any moisture.
Place the skins in the oil and fry just until the water comes out and the skins are crisp and golden. Do not brown skins.
Remove from the molds onto plates and top with fried tomato skins.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

225 grams (1/2 lb) Thai rice noodles
12 medium size shrimp, shelled and cleaned
1 medium onion, diced
100 grams (1/2 cup) preserved radish, sliced (should be at Asian market)
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp nam pla (fish sauce)
2 tbsp ketchup
100 grams (1/2 cup) peanuts, coarsely ground
100 grams (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
200 grams (1 cup) bean sprouts
1 tbsp tamarind soaked in 3 tbsp hot water (See note)
juice of 1 lemon
2 eggs, slightly beaten

• preparation

Soak the noodles in cold water to cover for about
15 minutes. Drain. Put noodles in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let stand
for about 10 minutes.
Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
Put oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Stir fry until
onion turns translucent. Add shrimp and stir fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until
shrimp turns pink. Add ketchup, sugar, nam pla, preserved radish, tamarind
juice, and lemon juice. Stir well. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them slightly
set for 3 minutes before mixing with remaining ingredients. Add noodles, bean
sprouts, and peanuts. Mix well.
Spoon noodles onto serving platter and garnish
with 1 cup bean sprouts, lemon wedges, cilantro, and peanuts.

(tamarind usually comes in a package without seeds.
Add water and squeeze the pulp of the fruit several times to obtain the sour
liquid. Substitute the juice of 1 lime if tamarind is not available.
You should find tamarind in a Thai, Indian, Spanish, or Asian market)

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1/2 pound cooked lobster
1/2 pound cooked shrimp
6 fresh mussels
1/2 pound chorizo or garlic sausage
3 chicken breasts, cut in half across
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 ounces chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 medium sliced sweet red or green peppers
2 peeled tomatoes
1 cup rice
1 teaspoon saffron
1 quart chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen peas

• preparation

Cut lobster meat into chunks.
Wash and scrub the live mussels, and remove beards. Cover sausage with water and simmer for 10 minutes.
Use kielbassa or other garlic smoked pork sausage.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown both sides in half of the oil.
In a heavy cast iron pot, heat the remaining oil. Stir in the onion, garlic, peppers, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Add chopped seeded tomatoes.
Stir in rice, saffron and stock. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the browned chicken, all seafood and sliced sausage.
Bake 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
Steam peas for 5 minutes and sprinkle on top. Serve hot in serving dish.

Serves: 6

Panisses are chickpea fritters made from garbanzo flour. A similar recipe, the polenta fries, are made of cornmeal.(see the recipe: polenta fries)
The fried Panisses have a delicate, crispy exterior and a soft and creamy interior.

• Ingredients

270 g (2 ¼ cups) chickpea flour
1 liter (4 cups)vegetable or chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
oil, for frying
Salt and pepper
Fleur de sel (optional)
FOR THE PESTO DIP:
50 g pine nuts
½ a clove of garlic
50 g Parmesan cheese
1 bunch of fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• preparation

Oil a 33 x 23-cm (13 x 9-inch) rectangular pan and line with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
In a bowl, combine the chickpea flour with half the broth (500 mL / 2 cups) using a whisk.
In a saucepan, bring the remaining broth (2 cups / 500 mL) and garlic to a boil. Drizzle in the chickpea paste, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. Spread over the prepared pan in a thin even layer. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm to touch.
On a work surface, gently unmold the dough. Cut into 48 sticks, or into 4 strips crosswise and 12 lengthwise.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 cm (½ inch) of oil until the temperature reaches 165 ° C (325 ° F). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Fry about a quarter of the sticks at a time, about 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning halfway through cooking. Drain on absorbent paper. Continue with the rest of the sticks.
Eat as an aperitif with a little fleur de sel, to taste.
PESTO DIP:
For the dip, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan, then tip into a food processor. Crush in the garlic and grate in the Parmesan, measure in 60ml of extra virgin olive oil, then add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until combined but still coarse. Season to taste, and scrape into a serving bowl.

Serves: 6

Wonderful, hearty soup.
a recipe inspired by finecooking.com

• Ingredients

6 oz. orrechiette or small shells, or other small pasta
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2-1/2 cups diced (1/2 to 3/4 inch) butternut squash
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups vegetable broth
1 15-oz. can kidney beans (white or red), or Roman beans, rinsed and drained (1-3/4 cups)
1 14-oz. can crushed peeled tomatoes with juice
Freshly ground black pepper

For the pesto:
1 packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh sage
1 medium clove garlic, chopped
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, coarsely grated; more, finely grated, for serving
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• preparation

Make the soup
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package directions until not quite al dente.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and 1/4 tsp. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the squash and stir to coat with the oil. Add the parsley, sage, garlic, and pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it is evenly distributed and looks slightly darker, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the broth, beans, and tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot, and simmer until the squash is barely tender, 13 to 15 minutes. Add the pasta and continue simmering until the squash and pasta are tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Make the pesto and serve
Put the parsley, sage, garlic, and coarsely grated cheese in a food processor. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper and drizzle with the oil. Pulse until finely chopped, adding more oil if necessary to give it consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and transfer to a bowl.
Thin the soup with water if desired and add 1/4 tsp. pepper. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Divide among soup bowls and spoon 1 to 2 Tbsp pesto on top of each serving. Pass the finely grated cheese at the table.

Serves: 10

This homey cake is great as a casual dessert, coffee cake or after-school treat.
Source : Canadian Living Magazine

• Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
2-1/2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cardamom or cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
3 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, melted
1/4 cup (60 mL) pear nectar

Pear Filling:
3 ripe pears, (about 1-1/4 lb/625 g)
1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) all-purpose flour

Walnut Streusel:
1/2 cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (75 mL) packed brown sugar
1 Pinch salt
1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, cubed
1/2 cup (125 mL) coarsely chopped walnuts

• preparation

Walnut Streusel: In bowl, stir together flour, sugar and salt. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in walnuts. Set aside.

In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cardamom and salt.
In large bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar until pale; beat in butter. Stir in flour mixture alternately with pear nectar, making 2 additions of flour mixture and 1 of pear nectar. Set aside.

Pear Filling: Peel, halve and core pears; thinly slice crosswise. In bowl, toss together pears, sugar and flour. Set aside.

Scrape half of the batter into parchment paper–lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square metal pan. Arrange pears over top. Dollop remaining batter over pears; spread evenly. Sprinkle with streusel.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven until golden and cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean, 1 hour. Let cool on rack.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

6 large baking potatoes, well scrubbed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 yellow onions, peeled and quartered
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
vegetable oil for frying

• preparation

Grate potatoes in a food processor fitted with the coarse grating blade. Transfer to a large bowl of ice cold water.
Grate the onions and set aside.
Drain potatoes. Using hands, press out as much water as possible. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, and mix well. Stir eggs, flour and baking soda in potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large frying pan or griddle over high heat, pour in vegetable oil to a depth fo inch. Spoon mounds of batter about 2 inches in diameter into the oil. Flatten the tops lightly with a spatula and fry until the undersides are brown and crisp, about 4 minutes.
Carefully turn the latkes and cook the second side until brown, about 4 min. longer. Using a slotted metal spatula, transfer the latkes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels, to drain.
Cover the latkes loosely with foil and place in a warm oven until all batter has been used. Arrange on platter and serve with applesauce.

Serves: 4

Cheese curds are the fresh curds of cheese, often cheddar. Their flavor is mild with about the same firmness as cheese, but has a springy or rubbery texture. Fresh curds squeak against the teeth when bitten into, which some would say is their defining characteristic.

• Ingredients

6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch (1/2-cm) thick sticks
1 1/2 lbs (675 g) cheese curds
Brown Gravy Sauce for Poutine (recipe below)
Canola oil
Salt
BROWN GRAVY SAUCE FOR POUTINE
1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
3 tablespoons (50 ml) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (30 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can 10 oz (284 ml) beef broth, undiluted
Pepper

• preparation

In a large bowl, soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oil in the deep fryer to 170 °C (325 °F). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean cloth and place them in the deep fryer basket. Place the basket into the hot oil and cook for about 2 minutes
Drain and scatter the fries on the wire rack. Let cool. Increase the deep fryer oil temperature to 180 °C (350 °F).
Place the potatoes into the fryer and fry for 2 to 4 minutes or until the fries are golden brown. Remove the fries from the fryer and drain on the rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and keep in a warm oven.
Divide the fries onto four plates, top with the cheese and sauce.

BROWN GRAVY SAUCE FOR POUTINE
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until the mixture turns golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the broth and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with pepper.

Serves: 8

Profiteroles are small cream puffs.

• Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs

For filling:
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon instant vanilla or chocolate pudding

• preparation

Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Stir in flour all at once. Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture no longer sticks to pan and forms into a ball. Remove from heat. Beat eggs in thoroughly, one by one. Beat mixture until smooth. Spoon cream puff mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tube and pipe the equivalent of a teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheet leaving 2 inches apart. Bake until puffed, golden brown and dry about 15 to 20 minutes.
FILLING:
Whip the cream with sugar and instant pudding until stiff. Fill the small puffs with cream using a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tube. Other fillings can be used (ice cream, chocolate or vanilla pudding).

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 pound salt cod, desalted
2 medium onions, quartered
7 large cloves garlic (3 halved, 4 minced)
2 bay leaves
12 ounces potatoes
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt ground black pepper to taste

• preparation

Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Oil a small (4 cup) gratin dish. In a saucepan, combine 2 quarts water with the onions, the halved garlic and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, add the salt cod, and cover the pot tightly. Turn off the heat and let the fish sit in the water 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the water and set aside the water for cooking the potatoes. When the fish is cool enough to handle, pick out any bones and remove any skin. Flake the fish. Transfer to a food processor.
Simmer the potatoes until very tender. Drain the potatoes and mash. Add 1/3 cup of the milk and 1/4 cup of the olive oil to the potatoes and combine well. In a saucepan, heat another 1/4 cup of the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the minced garlic. When garlic begins to sizzle, remove pan from heat. Add the garlic and oil, along with the the salt, to the salt cod in the processor.
Combine the remaining 1/3 cup of milk and 1/4 cup oil and add to processor in slow stream. Continue to process until fluffy.
Add the salt cod purée to to the potato mixture and combine well. Season with pepper.
Spoon the mixture into the gratin dish, drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, and bake until the top begins to brown. Serve hot.

Serves: 20

• Ingredients

4 10-ounce packages frozen raspberries
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
12 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups hazelnut praline paste
2 1/2 cups Frangelico sauce (recipe follows)

FRANGELICO SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup light cream
1/2 cup Frangelico (a hazelnut flavored liqueur)

• preparation

Prepare the soufflé dishes:
Fit each of two 1 1/4 quart soufflé dishes with a 6 inch wide band of wax paper to form a collar extending 3 inches above the rim.
Puree raspberries with syrup and strain to remove seeds. Dissolve gelatin in 1/3 cup water.
Beat egg yolks with a cup raspberry puree over a double boiler until thick. Heat gelatin to melt and stir in egg yolk mix. Add remaining raspberry puree. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks. Beat cream until stiff. Fold in raspberry mix the egg whites and cream and praline.
Spoon mousse into soufflé molds. Chill covered for 3 hours. Garnish top with whipped cream. Serve with Frangelico sauce.
FRANGELICO SAUCE:

In a heavy saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring mixture to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the chocolate until sauce is smooth. Mix in light cream and Frangelico, and allow the sauce to cool at room temperature.

Serves: 8

Recipe credited to The French Secret to Ratatouille, a Last Taste of Summer
By Bill Buford

• Ingredients

2 lbs. tomatoes, preferably fleshy plum tomatoes (rather than a juicy heritage breed)
A good olive oil
A pinch of sugar
A pinch of saffron (optional)
4 medium-sized red bell peppers
3 large onions, peeled and roughly diced
3 medium-sized eggplants, peeled and roughly diced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
Sprigs of rosemary and thyme, tied together into a bouquet garni, plus 1 tsp. of thyme leaves
A handful of basil leaves (optional)
3 medium-sized zucchini
1-3 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar, according to taste
A dozen pitted black Kalamata olives (optional)
Salt and pepper
Basil leaves

• preparation

1. Prepare tomatoes. Heat oven to 225 degrees. Drop the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water, and, if necessary, weigh them down with a heavy slotted spoon, to keep them from floating. After 2–3 minutes, test by pulling off a bit of skin with a paring knife. If it comes off easily, pull tomatoes out, one by one, and drop them into the ice bath. After a minute or two, retrieve them and peel off the skin.

2. Place a sieve over an empty bowl. Cut the peeled tomatoes into quarters, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place them into the sieve. Set aside.
3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Brush the paper with olive oil and season it lightly with salt and sugar. Place tomatoes on the paper cut-side down and brush them, too, with the oil. Cook for about 40 minutes, until they are cooked but still firm. Cool and set aside.
4. While tomatoes roast, stir the tomato pulp and seeds in the sieve vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon, to extract the maximum possible liquid. You should have between ½ cup and 1 cup. Pour the liquid into a saucepan, place over low heat, and simmer, gently, until the volume is reduced by half. Set aside.
5. If you are using saffron, hydrate in water and set aside.
6. Prepare peppers. Raise the oven temperature to 425 and insert a medium-sized tray. When hot, remove the tray and splash with olive oil, then add peppers and, with a pair of tongs, roll them in the oil to cover. Return the tray to the oven. Check after ten minutes. If the peppers have begun to brown, flip them with the tongs. Check after another 10 minutes and repeat, until peppers are nearly black on all sides. Remove the tray from the oven and, if needed, wrap peppers in a piece of aluminum foil (the trapped steam helps loosen the skin). When peppers are cool enough to touch, peel off the skin with a paring knife. Remove the stems and seeds and cut peppers into quarters.
7. Prepare onion. Heat a sauté pan over a low flame. Season onion with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan. Add onion and cook, tossing occasionally until soft but not browned. Drain in a colander to remove excess oil and set onion aside.
8. Prepare eggplant. Wipe out the sauté pan and place over a low flame. Season eggplant with salt and pepper. Increase the heat and add a little less than 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to the pan. Add eggplant—don’t move or shake until it begins to color slightly. Flip eggplant with a spatula and cook until tender. Drain in a colander and set aside.
9. Begin assembly. Place a medium pot on a low burner. Chop tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add to the pot, then add 2 Tbsp. of tomato water. Chop peppers into bite-size pieces, then add to pot and stir. Add onion, then eggplant. If the mixture seems dry, add more tomato water. Add garlic and bouquet garni. Add saffron, if using. Cover. Check after 5 minutes to insure that the mixture is not boiling. Stir gently. After another 5 minutes, remove lid, stir, and simmer.
10. Prepare zucchini. Cut zucchini into bite-size pieces and toss in a bowl with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, a few twists of black pepper, and reserved thyme leaves. (Do not salt: salt will liquify zucchini and prevent them from crisping up.) Heat a sauté pan over a high flame and add zucchini. Toss occasionally, until zucchini show color but are still crisp: that is, bright green with bite. Remove from the pan and drain in a colander, then salt to taste.
11. Finish assembly. Taste for seasoning and for moisture, and add more salt and pepper and tomato water as needed. Add vinegar, then mix in zucchini and let cook until heated through. Add olives if you’re using them . Remove bouquet garni and garlic. Dress with torn basil leaves. Serve with roasted chicken, French fries, toast, nothing at all, or just about anything.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

2 egg whites - aged at room temperature for 3 days (measure 57 g after aging - I’m using 55 g eggs)
70 g ground almond powder
113 g icing / confectioners’ sugar
21 g super fine sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp rose water essence

Rose water buttercream filling:
90 g unsalted butter – room temperature
3/4 cup (100 g) icing / confectioners’ sugar
28 g (1 oz) white chocolate – melted
1 1/2 tbsp. rose water essence

• preparation

1. In a food processor, add in icing sugar, ground almond powder and pulse for 30 secs into fine powder.
2. Put the mixture through a sieve and remove any lumps. Transfer to a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, add in egg whites, cream of tartar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk until foamy.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add in the sugar slowly and whisk until soft peaks.
5. Drizzle in rose water essence and turn up the mixer to high speed. Continue to whisk the meringue until stiff peaks.
6. Add in pink color gel by using a stick or skewer.
7. Turn on the mixer and mix until the color is well combined.
8. In 3 batches, fold the meringue with a spatula into the icing sugar and almond powder.
9. It should resemble a lava-like texture. When you raise the spatula, the batter should flow down slowly and perfectly okay if it breaks in between.
10. Pipe the meringue onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking sheet.
11. Rap the tray a few times on the counter to remove air bubbles. Use a skewer to break up large air bubbles.
12. Set it to dry at room temperature for 45 – 60 mins or in an oven preheated at 40C for 15 mins.
13. While waiting, prepare the buttercream filling by creaming the butter and icing sugar together till light and fluffy.
14. Add in melted chocolate and rose water essence. Continue to whisk for another 1 min.
15. Fill the buttercream in a piping bag.
16. Check the meringue by gently touching the skin of the meringue. It should be dry to the touch.
17. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 305F (150C) for 15 minutes.
18. Cool them on a wire rack completely before piping the buttercream filling.
19. If making ahead, store the cooled macaron shells in an air-tight container.
20. Macarons always taste better the next day so you could make them a day in advance and store them in air-tight containers before serving.
21. If you are staying in humid environment, store them in the fridge.

Serves: 6

Pasta sheets are covered with a spinach and ricotta filling, rolled up in a clean tea towel and gently boiled then baked in tomato sauce.
The pasta sheets and tomato sauce can be purchased already prepared.
You can vary the fillings by using mushrooms or eggplant.

• Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 qt Marinara sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
400g (12 cups) spinach
375g (13oz) ricotta
1 whole nutmeg, to grate
6 fresh lasagne sheets
28g (1 oz) pack fresh basil, leaves picked and chopped

• preparation

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the marinara and balsamic vinegar and simmer for 20 minutes, until thickened.
2 Meanwhile, heat a large pan over a medium heat. Wash the spinach, then add to the pan and wilt. Place in a sieve over a bowl to get rid of excess water then, once cooled, pat dry with paper towel and roughly chop. Add to the ricotta with a pinch of freshly-grated nutmeg and season to taste.
3 Place a generous teaspoon of the ricotta mixture on a slice of lasagne sheet and spread evenly.
Roll up the rotolo, using the tea towel to help. Start off with your hands to get a nice tight roll, then lift up the towel from the bottom and roll the pasta all the way up into a tight log
Wrap the log up tightly in the tea towel and use string to tie each end. Cook the rotolo in a large pan of salted boiling water for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove the tea towel then slice the rotolo into 6–8 even slices.
Once the tomato sauce has thickened to a good consistency, stir through most of the basil, reserving some to garnish. Pour he sauce into the base of a roughly 21 x 21 cm (9-inch square) baking dish and place the lasagne roll-ups in the dish, so they are stood up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden. Garnish with the remaining basil and serve.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

See Salmon Burgers recipe
Cole slaw:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 cups finely shredded cabbage
1 large carrot, shredded coarse
1 small red onion, sliced thin

• preparation

Make cole slaw:
In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
Add remaining cole slaw ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine well.
Cole slaw may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled, covered.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 teaspoon + 1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup finely diced red onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup red burgundy wine
1 tablespoon canned tomato puree
2 cloves garlic
1 bouquet garni
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 whole boneless chicken breasts, skin on
1 tablespoon coarsely cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon corn oil

• preparation

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in small sauté pan.
Add the onion. Saute until well browned and caramelized. Stir in thyme, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Combine stock, wine, tomato puree, garlic, and sachet (see note below).
Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 25 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup.
Remove from heat and discard sachet. Pour liquid into a heat proof bowl. Allow to slightly cool. Alternately whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil and vinegar until emulsified.
Stir in caramelized onion. Keep warm in top half of double-boiler over hot water until ready to serve.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Split chicken in half and trim off any cartilage or bone.
Generously season with salt and cracked pepper. Heat corn oil in large oven proof saute pan. When hot , add chicken, skin side down. Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and place over low heat. Add the vinaigrette and baste to coat. When well coated and cooked, serve with vinaigrette served over top.


Sachet:
bunch of parsley stems about the size of your little finger, 10 peppercorns, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves tied in cheesecloth bag.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 pounds ground lean beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sauce mix
1 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup diced cooked carrots
1 cup blanched peas
8 cups freshly mashed potatoes
1 cup grated Swiss cheese, for topping
2 tablespoons butter

• preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Make mashed potatoes.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Add onion, ground beef, and garlic.
Stir and cook over high heat until meat is brown. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, brown gravy mix ( such as Knorr brown sauce mix), water salt, pepper, cooked peas and cooked diced carrots. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
Spread mixture over a large buttered oven-proof casserole dish. Cover with creamy mashed potatoes.
For a nice presentation, Pipe the mashed potato over meat, using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tube.
Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese. Spoon melted butter over cheese. Baked at 400 degrees until golden brown.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

2 ounces butter
1 tablespoon shallots, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 ounces flour
1 1/2 cups milk, scalded
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, ground
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
8 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
4 ounces mushrooms, diced
1 ounce butter
5 egg yolks
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon flour

• preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add shallots and wine. Reduce over medium heat until wine is almost evaporated. Stir in the flour and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Pour the milk in the roux. Whisk and heat until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. Season with pepper and nutmeg.
Mix in the chopped salmon and the mushrooms sauteed in butter. Stir in the egg yolks. In the bowl of a mixer, combine the egg whites with cream of tartar and whip the egg white mix until medium firm. Fold into the salmon mixture. Butter and flour a 7 inch (17.5 cm) round souffle mold.
Spoon the souffle mix into mold.
Bake 30 minutes at 350 F.(180 C). Serve immediately.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp herbes de Provence
1/2 cup cream
200 g smoked trout or salmon fillet, skin discarded, flaked
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• preparation

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onion stirring frequently until carrots start to soften, about 5 min. Sprinkle with flour and salt. Mix well.
Add potatoes, wine, broth, milk and herbes de Provence. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 min. Stir in cream and trout. Continue simmering for 2 min. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley
just before serving.

Serves: 6

• Ingredients

1 lb. dried black beans Sometimes you can find fresh, raw beans in Costa Rica!
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped celery1 cup chopped carrots
1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped small
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
8 cups or more chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper
2 hard-boiled eggs sliced in quarters
1 radish sliced thinly
1 avocado sliced thinly
A few dices of red bell pepper
A dollop of sour cream per dish

• preparation

Wash the beans and place in a large stockpot.
Cover with water and bring to a boil.
Boil for three minutes and then turn off the heat and allow to sit for one hour.
While waiting for the beans, saute in canola oil, the onion, celery, carrot and peppers. Once they soften add the garlic.
Drain and rinse the beans and then return to the pot.
Add the broth and the sautéed vegetables, ginger, salt and pepper and the cilantro.
Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down, partially cover and simmer until the beans are tender.
This should take about 2 to 3 hours.
Garnish with a spoon of sour cream, a slice of avocado, chopped green onions, sliced radishes, chopped hard cooked egg and a bit of diced red pepper.
Serve with warm corn tortillas.

Serves: 4

A most Flavorful meal! Microwave any leftovers the next day.

• Ingredients

FOR SERVING: optional
3-4 cups (474-632 g) cooked brown rice
Steamed broccoli
TOFU
1 lb (450 g) extra-firm tofu
4 Tbsp (60 ml) tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp (15 ml) coconut sugar or maple syrup
4-5 Tbsp (28-35 g) cornstarch
2 Tbsp (30 ml) canola oil

SAUCE
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 large cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon)
1 Tbsp (6 g) ginger, minced
1 Tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar (or sub white vinegar)
1/4 cup (48 g) coconut sugar or maple syrup, plus more to taste
3 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce,
1/3 cup water

STIR-FRY
1 Tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
4 green onions, chopped
1 large red or yellow pepper, thinly sliced.
1 Tbsp red pepper sauce (sriracha sauce) or 1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
optional: Sesame seeds, for garnish

• preparation

1. Prepare the rice and broccoli.
2. Chop green onions, garlic, and ginger . Set aside.
3. Prepare sauce by combining sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, coconut sugar or maple syrup, tamari or soy sauce, and water in a small mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.
4. Unwrap tofu, rinse under cold water; dry well in a towel to remove moisture and cut into even pieces, about 3/4-inch cubes.
5. Add tofu to a shallow mixing bowl and top with tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Toss to combine. Let rest 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Use a slotted spoon or fork to transfer tofu to a quart-size or large freezer bag. Add cornstarch 1 Tbsp at a time and toss to coat. Continue adding more cornstarch and tossing until tofu is coated in a white sticky layer- about 5 Tbsp.
7. Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 Tbsp canola oil and heat for 30 seconds. Then use a slotted spoon or fork to add tofu to the pan.
8. Cook on all sides until light golden brown. Remove tofu from pan. Set aside.
9. Return skillet to burner and increase heat to medium-high. Add 1 Tbsp sesame oil, chopped green onions and sliced peppers . Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Add the sauce and tofu with the red pepper sauce or garlic sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, to coat the tofu and vegetables for 2 minutes, or until warmed the sauce has slightly thickened.
11. Remove pan from heat and add sesame seeds (optional). Toss to coat.
12. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli (optional).

Serves: 6

This recipe is also delicious served cold with a lemon-caper mayonnaise. The stuffing can be prepared up to a day ahead.

• Ingredients

2 pounds fillet of salmon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup parsley sprigs
1 teaspoon dry tarragon
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 ounces soft unsalted butter
Ground cayenne pepper to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup dry white wine

• preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Skin the salmon fillet. Remove all bones. Rinse fillet under cold water, and pat dry.
Cut the fillet in half across. Season with salt and pepper.
To make the stuffing:
Combine the fresh breadcrumbs, almonds and parsley in a food processor.
Process to a coarse texture until well mixed. Blend in the tarragon, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Spoon the stuffing over the surface of one fillet. Top with the other salmon fillet, pressing the fillet to adhere to the stuffing. Tie the stuffed fillets with butcher twine to keep the shape
of the fish.
Place the fish on a baking sheet. Measure the thickness of the stuffed salmon at the thickest part. Pour lemon juice, melted butter and wine over surface of fish.
Bake about 15 minutes per inch of thickness, until the flesh is barely opaque throughout.

To serve:
Cut the fish crosswise into 1 to 11/2 -inch-thick slices.
Arrange in center of warm plates. Spoon the cooking liquid over each portion.
Garnish with steamed asparagus or other green vegetables. Serve hot.

Serves: 6

Swedish meatballs, or "köttbullar," are a traditional Swedish dish that has gained popularity worldwide. They are usually made from a mixture of ground beef and ground pork, combined with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and various spices. The meatballs are typically small in size and are often served with a rich, creamy gravy.

• Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 ground pork
1/4 cup panko or breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon parsley chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup onion finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic Powder
⅛ teaspoon Pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 tbsp. olive oil

5 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

• preparation

In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, pork, panko or bread crumbs, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Serves: 4

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.

• Ingredients

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

• preparation

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.

Serves: 6

Make-ahead: the gnocchi can be boiled up to 4 hours ahead, and kept at room temperature.

• Ingredients

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

• preparation

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.

Serves: 6

the national dish of Tahiti, called "poisson cru",is similar to Latin ceviche or Hawaiian poke,the dish is made of raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, coconut milk and seasonings and sometimes served as a snack or appetizer.
Poisson cru is made with the freshest of ingredients as found in the islands of Tahiti. Most commonly made with raw fresh tuna.

• Ingredients

1 3/4 pounds fresh sushi-grade tuna
8 limes, juiced
1/4 cup drizzled rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha sauce
1 tsp peeled/grated ginger
1 small white onion
1 medium green bell pepper
1 tomato
1/2 medium cucumber
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup coconut milk

• preparation

Dice the fish into 1/2-inch cubes, rinse with fresh water, drain, and place in a large nonreactive salad bowl.

Squeeze the limes and pour the juice over the fish. Add the rice wine vinegar, sriracha sauce and ginger. Mix well and chill 15 to 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Cut onion and green pepper into thin slices, and cut tomato into small cubes. Remove seeds from cucumber and cut into thin half-moons.
onions, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in bowls

Drain some of the lime juice, add the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
Five minutes before serving, add the coconut milk. Serve chilled.
Tip
you can substitute tuna with jackfish, halibut, salmon, or snapper.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

50g butter
25g flour
25 cl of milk
2 eggs
150 g Comté cheese, cut into small dice
grated nutmeg
400g puff pastry
2 thin slices of ham (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

• preparation

Make a roux with 25 g of butter and the flour.
Moisten with the milk, mix carefully; quickly bring to the boil and cook for 3 minutes over low heat.

Let the béchamel cool down, mix in one egg yolk, the diced Comté cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Cut the rolled-out puff pastry into 4 discs 16 cm in diameter

If using ham, Cut the slices of ham in half.

Crack the second egg into a bowl, beat with a fork until golden brown.

Using a brush dipped in this egg wash, brush the edges of the discs of puff pastry.

Place a ½ slice of ham in the center of each disc of dough.

Place on top 1 large spoon, 1/4 - of the cheese preparation.

Bring the discs on three sides towards the center to give a tricorn shape. Seal the three sides well. Gild with egg.

Place each talmouse on the baking sheet, leave to firm in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.


Heat the remaining butter in a frying pan, sauté the mushrooms, sprinkle with the chopped shallot, salt and pepper, and cook briskly until the water has completely evaporated.

Remove the talmouses from the refrigerator, brush them completely with the egg wash.

Bake in the oven preheated to 240°C - Th 8, until the pastry is flaky and golden, about 35 minutes

If necessary, lower the oven temperature and cover the talmouses with aluminum foil at the end of cooking.

Arrange each talmouse on a warm plates. Serve hot.

Serves: 6

This warming soup is a quick and easy recipe to put together on a weeknight yet wonderful for guests when you’re entertaining.

• Ingredients

1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 lemon grass stalks, crushed
6 fresh or dried kaffir lime leaves
1 piece ginger, 4 inches (10 cm) long, peeled and sliced
1 piece galangal, 4 inches (10 cm) long,peeled and sliced
7½ cups (1.9 L) chicken broth
2 cans (each 400 mL) coconut milk
2 to 4 tsp (10 to 20 mL) fish sauce
1 to 3 tsp (5 to 15 mL) palm or granulated sugar(optional)
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts,about 1 lb (500 g)
½ red pepper, thinly sliced into strips
⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) salt
¼ lb (125 g) fresh shiitake or button mushrooms,thinly sliced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
½ cup (125 mL) Thai basil leaves or cilantro sprigs for garnish

• preparation

1
Place onion, lemon grass, lime leaves, ginger and galangal in a large pot.
Pour in broth.Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduceheat so broth is simmering. Simmer until very flavourful, 20 minutes. Strain into a bowl.
2
Pour broth back into pot. Stir in coconutmilk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-highheat. Stir in fish sauce.
Taste and add sugar,if you like.
3
Meanwhile, thinly slice chicken and red pepper into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle chicken with salt.
When broth is gently boiling, stir in chicken, peppers, mushrooms and green onions. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
Gently simmer, stirring frequently until chicken is cooked through and vegetables soften, 2 to 5 minutes.
Do not vigorously boil. Divide between bowls. Squeeze a wedge of lime into each.
Serve garnished with basil.

Serves: 12

These cookies are truly the stars for the holidays. They are simply delicious.

• Ingredients

1 cup (1/2 pound) butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 teaspoons oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups (8 ounces by weight) all-purpose flour

• preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar in an electric mixer. Add the remaining ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star pastry tube.
Pipe the equivalent of a teaspoon onto cookie sheets. Bake 18 20 minutes.
Transfer cookies to racks. Cool. Store in an airtight container

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

puff pastry
tomato confit
herbed goat cheese
frisee
basil pesto sauce.

• preparation

Tomato Tarte Tatin

which is puff pastry with tomato confit, herbed goat cheese, frisee, atop a swirl of basil pesto sauce.

Although the combination of the cheese and puff pastry sounds a bit heavy, the dish actually came off surprisingly light.
The dough was flaky and buttery...just kind of crumbled when poked with the fork, and the cheese was creamy and flavorful.
I had originally been expecting freshly sliced tomatoes with the tarte, but when it was brought out I noticed that it was actually like stewed tomatoes (almost looked like a red sauce, with roasted tomato slices).

Actually, when all of the elements combined in my mouth it tasted like a super gourmet pizza. The most interesting element on the plate, however, was the basil pesto. I took the pesto for granted as a garnish when I first saw the dish, but once I got a little taste, I couldn't seem to get enough. The pesto is very thin and almost looks watered-down, but the strength of flavor is unexpected and incredible. Such a miniscule element, but it really pulls the whole plate together.

Serves: 5

• Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
1 onion, cut in 1/4-inch dice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 carrots, cut in 1/4-inch dice
2 celery stalks, cut in 1/4-inch dice
1 19 oz -can plum tomatoes, chopped
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
4 cups chicken broth (1 L)
1/2 cup pearl barley (125 ml)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper

• preparation

Put a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and onions and sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Add garlic, carrots and celery and continue to sauté until softened.
Add tomatoes, thyme, chicken broth, barley and bay leaves and simmer until the barley is tender, about 30-40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Serves: 4

• Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup drained canned cannellini beans
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1-14 ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup uncooked macaroni
4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

• preparation

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until lightly browned.
Add water and next 10 ingredients. Cover, reduce heat and cook 25 minutes.
Add pasta; cover and cook an additional 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls, and sprinkle with cheese.

Serves: 6

Soup is generally filling, light and low in fat and calories. Certainly this soup is.
It can be refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat gently and add a little water if necessary.

• Ingredients

3 medium leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Fine sea salt
One 14-ounce can peeled whole tomatoes, crushed, juices reserved
6 cups cold water
1 head of garlic, separated into peeled cloves
1/3 cup spelt
1/3 cup dark green lentils
1/3 cup barley
Freshly ground pepper

• preparation

In a 4-quart enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the leeks, carrots, olive oil, bay leaves, thyme and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the water and garlic and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Add the rice, lentils and wheat berries, cover and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Thin with water if needed. Discard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Serves: 8

• Ingredients

2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound ground turkey
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 medium zucchini
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)

• preparation

Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick). Make sure you salt the zucchini slices generously and then let them “sweat” for about 30 minutes. Zucchinis are made up of a lot of water! You can then run two fingers on either side of the slices, squeezing all the way down over a bowl or the sink, releasing even more water. Pat the slices dry using a clean towel to do this. Make sure the zucchini slices are dry.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large straight-sided skillet set over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 8 minutes. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up any large pieces with the back of a spoon, until brown throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until it thickens, about 20 minutes. Stir in the oregano and salt. Let cool.

Put 5 or 6 prepared zucchini slices, overlapping slightly, in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the sauce. Dot with 1/4 cup of the ricotta. Repeat the layers twice, alternating the direction of the zucchini. Top with the remaining zucchini and brush the top with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon oil. Dot with the remaining 1/4 cup ricotta and season with the black pepper. Top with the Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 50 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling and the top is brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.