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Category: Sandwiches & Lunch Dishes

Beans on Toast

Beans on Toast

Beans on Toast

 

2 C. dried beans

Sprigs of rosemary and thyme

2–3 whole garlic cloves

4 medium tomatoes, diced small

⅓ C. basil leaves, torn

Salt and pepper

1 loaf crusty bread, sliced

4 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

 

Soak beans overnight. The next day, cover them with water and bring to a rapid boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, add herb sprigs, garlic cloves, and 1 T. salt and simmer until the beans are a creamy texture and have started to pop open (30 to 50 minutes, depending on the bean). Drain cooked beans into a bowl, drizzle with good olive oil. Smash them with a fork to make a paste; add salt and pepper to taste. Mix tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Toast bread slices, then rub with garlic and brush with oil. Spread bean paste onto toasts with a generous portion of tomato-basil mixture on top.

Cherries, Lancashire Lovage and Honey Lavender

Cherries, Lancashire Lovage and Honey Lavender

Cherries, Lancashire Lovage and Honey Lavender

 

8 oz. Lancashire lovage

good toast or crackers

about 20 cherries, stoned

a few sprigs of lavender

a little pot of runny honey

 

Serve the cheese in crumbly slices on toast or crackers, topped with cherries, a couple of lavender flowers and drizzle of honey.

Fresh Burrata Cheese with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash

Fresh Burrata Cheese with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash

Fresh Burrata Cheese with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash

 

1 (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced to ½-inch cubes

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground pepper

6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin

3 shallots, peeled and sliced thin

1 tsp. crushed red pepper, or more to taste

1 pound Hen of the Woods Mushrooms (also called Maitake), or your favorite combination of exotic mushrooms, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup dry white wine

1 pound Burrata cheese

¼ cup fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley

Toasted crostini (optional for serving)

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss the butternut squash in olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Scatter squash on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup) and roast until soft, approximately 25 minutes. Meanwhile, heat ¼ cup olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, shallots and crushed red pepper and sauté until golden brown. Remove from pan, set aside and keep warm. Return pan to heat, adding 2 T. olive oil. Add mushrooms and sauté until they begin to brown around the edges and turn a little crispy. Remove from pan. Return pan to heat and carefully add the wine to deglaze the pan. Reduce wine until ¼ cup remains. Return mushrooms to the pan, add roasted butternut squash and toss together. Check for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and keep warm. Carefully slice the Burrata and divide cheese among 6 salad plates. Spoon the roasted squash and mushrooms around the cheese. Top each serving with the garlic and shallots and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with toasted crostini. Enjoy!

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

Chicken Salad Sandwich Board

 

Chicken Salad

Croissants

Romaine Lettuce Leaves

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Grapes

Other Snacks: olives, pickles, cheese, charcuterie, vegetables, crackers, etc.

 

Place the chicken salad in a bowl and set on a board. Serve with crisp romaine lettuce leaves, bread and extra mayo, for people to make their own sandwiches. Add roasted Asparagus and roasted grapes, and other snacks to the board to round out the party at your table.

Zucchini Fritters Lunchbox

Zucchini Fritters Lunchbox

 

1 ½ pounds zucchini, grated (about 3 medium)

1 tsp. salt

1 large egg

2 tsp. Italian seasoning (or favorite all-purpose seasoning)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Oil for frying

1–pint of cherry tomatoes

2 T. olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Place the shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ¼ tsp. salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and ring out the excess moisture. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and Italian seasoning until combined. Add the grated zucchini, flour, and Parmesan cheese, and stir to form a cohesive batter. In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add T.-sized mounds of the zucchini mixture, flatten the mound with a spatula, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip over each zucchini fritter and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining fritter mixture. Place the cherry tomatoes in a small bowl, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. To pack for lunch, place 3-4 zucchini fritters in a compartmentalized lunch container, and fill the empty compartments with a portion of the tomato salad and your choice of snack. Close the lunch container and pack it into a lunch bag with an ice pack.

Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt

Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt

Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt

 

1 large slice sourdough bread thickly sliced

5 spears asparagus roasted

2 slices tomato

2 slices sharp cheddar cheese

2 T. basil pesto store bought or homemade

fresh cracked pepper

 

Preheat broiler or grill. Toast the bread slice. Once the bread is toasted, add 2 heaping T. of Pesto onto the bread and spread evenly. Add 5-6 spears of Roasted Asparagus. Place tomato slices on top of asparagus. Place slices of cheese on top of tomato. Place in broiler for about 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted or grill until the cheese is melted. Drizzle extra pesto on top of the sandwich, to taste and freshly cracked pepper.

Chicken Club Ring

Chicken Club Ring

Chicken Club Ring

 

2 cups cooked chicken breast meat, chopped fine

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 T. dry Ranch dressing mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4-5 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled

1/4 cup sliced green onion, including some of the green blades (optional)

8 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese slices, cut in half

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls

 

Dice the chicken in a fairly small dice.  Not as fine as for chicken salad, but small.  In a bowl mix the mayonnaise, mustard, cream cheese, and Ranch dressing until smooth.  Mix in the chicken.  Stir in the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and green onion.  Mix just until blended.

Croque Monsieur Crescent Roll-Ups

Croque Monsieur Crescent Roll-Ups

Croque Monsieur Crescent Roll-Ups

 

1 (8-oz) pkg refrigerated crescent roll dough

½ lb deli sliced low-sodium ham

6 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese, halved

2 T. butter, melted

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

¼ tsp. dried thyme

Powdered sugar (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Unroll dough and separate each triangle. Place ham and cheese on each dough triangle. Roll up each triangle, place point sides down, on a baking sheet. Combine butter, mustard, and thyme; brush over roll-ups. Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Chicken Club Crescents

Chicken Club Crescents

Chicken Club Crescents

 

1 (4-count) can refrigerated crescent rolls

½ (2.1-oz) pkg fully-cooked bacon

½ (22-oz) pkg fully-cooked chicken breast strips

½ (8-oz) block colby-Jack cheese, sliced

2 T. butter, melted

½ T. honey mustard

½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Divide desired amount of bacon, chicken, and 1 slice cheese over wide part of each crescent triangle. Roll up crescents according to package directions. Place in a lightly greased 9-inch baking dish. Stir together melted butter, honey mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; brush over tops of rolls. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with additional honey mustard for dipping, if desired.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches on Baguette

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches on Baguette

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches on Baguette

 

½ cup sour cream, light or regular

2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard

2 tablespoons honey

6 thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ½ pounds chicken (see Notes section below)

8 ounces Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs,

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup buttermilk

6 slices deli ham

6 slices Swiss cheese

6 sandwich rolls or sliced baguette

1 ½ cups fresh baby spinach

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional as needed

 

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk together the sour cream, yellow mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. Combine the breadcrumbs with the garlic powder and paprika in a separate shallow dish. Dip a chicken cutlet in the buttermilk to coat both sides and then dredge it on both sides with the bread crumb mixture. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over MEDIUM heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, or until nicely golden brown. Cook chicken in batches, to avoid overcrowding your pan, adding more olive oil as needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese and transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken registers 165 degrees F when measured with an instant read thermometer in the thickest portion and the cheese is melted. Place one piece of chicken on each sandwich roll and top with the honey mustard sauce and spinach.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh Spring Rolls

 

8 rice paper sheets

8 large basil leaves (or cilantro)

6 large butter lettuce leaves

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper (sliced thin)

¼ head red cabbage (shredded)

1 medium english cucumber (sliced into thin, 2-3″ long matchsticks)

¼ cup green onion (sliced thin)

 

Submerge one sheet of rice paper at a time for 5 seconds to soften. Remove it and set aside for 10-15 seconds. On the lower middle section of the rice paper wrap, place the ingredients. First, a basil leaf, a few pieces of lettuce and cucumber, carrots and bell pepper, some shredded cabbage, and some green onion. Bring up the smaller end of the rice paper to wrap tightly over the vegetables. Next, bring the sides of rice paper over. Roll tightly until you get to the end of rice paper wrapper. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with peanut sauce.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwiches

 

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp. garlic salt

2 T. olive oil

12 slices Texas toast

6 T. mayonnaise

12 slices mozzarella cheese

½ lb thinly sliced honey ham

6 T. butter, softened

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pound chicken to an even thickness in a zip-top plastic bag using the heel of your hand or a meat mallet. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Cook chicken in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes per side or until done. Let stand 5 minutes; slice. Spread mayonnaise over one side of each bread slice. Top each with 1 slice cheese. Arrange chicken and ham over half of bread slices; cover with remaining bread slices, cheese side down. Spread butter over outsides of sandwiches. Place sandwiches on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

Ham and Cheese Croissant with Honey Mustard Glaze

Ham and Cheese Croissant with Honey Mustard Glaze

Ham and Cheese Croissant with Honey Mustard Glaze

 

4 croissants

8 slices good-quality ham

8 slices Leerdammer cheese

½ tbsp Dijon Mustard

1 tbsp honey

½ tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp Poppy seeds

 

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F. Slice the croissants in half lengthways. Place a slice of cheese on the base of the croissants, followed by two slices of ham and another slice of cheese.

Place the croissants on a baking tray. Mix the mustard, honey and brown sugar together and brush on top of the croissants. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and place in the oven for 6-7 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately.  To Make Ahead:  Yes, slice and fill the croissants, then place in an airtight container (or on a well-covered tray). Make the honey mustard glaze up and then cover and refrigerate that too. Take the glaze out of the fridge about 1 hour before you want to cook the croissants – so it can come up to room temperature. Transfer the croissants to a tray, then brush with the glaze and sprinkle on the poppy seeds. Cook for 6-7 minutes at 190C/375F.

You can also make the whole croissants ahead and cook them. Then cool, cover and refrigerate. They’re a little dryer this way, and the glaze won’t be as sticky, but they’re still delicious. Reheat by placing in the oven for 5 minutes at 190C/375F – until piping hot throughout.

Or you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until piping hot throughout. However, microwaving them means the croissants won’t be as crisp on the outside

French Market Baked Croissants

French Market Baked Croissants

French Market Baked Croissants

 

2 T. butter, softened

1 T. Creole mustard

¼ tsp. poppy seeds

3 croissants, split

⅓ lb thin sliced deli ham

3 (1-oz) slices Swiss cheese

 

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix butter, mustard, and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Spread on cut sides of croissants. Top with ham and cheese. Arrange sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese melts

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi (Persian Frittata)

 

4 T. olive oil

1 bunch of spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

150g fresh herbs (use any combination of parsley, coriander, dill, chives, mint, tarragon), leaves only, finely chopped

100g spinach, very thinly sliced

½ tsp ground turmeric

6 medium eggs, beaten

1 T. plain flour

½ tsp sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

To serve (optional):

 

2 T. walnuts, chopped

1 fresh green chilli, thinly sliced

Method

 

Preheat the grill to medium. Heat half the olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the spring onions for 2–3 minutes until softened, then tip the oil and onions into a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the remaining oil to the frying pan and place over a medium heat. Pour in the mixture, cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes over a low heat until almost set, then place under the grill for 1–2 minutes to set the top. Serve topped with more freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of sea salt and the walnuts and chilli (if using).

Berkshire Blue Cheese Samosas

Berkshire Blue Cheese Samosas

Berkshire Blue Cheese Samosas

 

3 sheets Tunisian brick dough or puff pastry

¼ stick unsalted butter, melted

2 medium onions, finely chopped (roughly 2 cups chopped)

2 T. olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 pound Berkshire Blue Cheese, thinly sliced

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. balsamic glaze

Fresh arugula or baby greens, to serve

Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)

 

Roll pre-made pastry dough into an 18- by 14-inch sheet and cut 4 (7-inch) circles. Split each circle in half. Brush top side of dough with melted butter. Heat olive oil in a medium-size sauté pan. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper and thyme. Cook on low-medium heat for 30 minutes, until the onions are caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes Spread a portion of cooled onion-herb mixture over one side of each half-circle of the pastry dough. Add sliced blue cheese in an even layer on top of caramelized onion layer. Brush open edges with melted butter, fold corners of pastry dough to form little triangles, gently pressing buttered sides to seal. Using a nonstick frying pan, add triangles to lightly pan-sear each side (about 1 minute each) until golden. Serve samosas over a bed of fresh arugula or baby greens, dressed with extra-virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze. Top salad with toasted pumpkin seeds to add a nice crunch.

Hawaiian Puff Wheels

Hawaiian Puff Wheels

Hawaiian Puff Wheels

 

¾ cup sliced deli ham, finely chopped

13 oz package of puff pastry sheets, thawed

1 ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup crushed pineapple, well drained

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Over the kitchen sink, drain crushed pineapple well, making sure you squeeze all the liquid out. On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry dough sheets. Spread deli ham and crushed pineapple evenly over both sheets. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Carefully roll the dough, starting with a long side so that you end up with a long log. Cut the filled dough into 1-inch thick pieces and pace on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and they have risen. Remove from oven and cool. Assemble pinwheels inside the lunch container. No warming necessary. Serve with fresh fruit and veggies.

Grilled Halloumi Wraps

Grilled Halloumi Wraps

Grilled Halloumi Wraps

 

1 red onion, halved and sliced thin

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon ground sumac

3/4 teaspoon table salt, divided

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 garlic clove

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 large red bell pepper

4 (8-inch) pitas, divided

12 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 ounces (2 cups) arugula

Combine onion, vinegar, sumac, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside. Place lemon juice in small bowl. Mince or grate garlic and add to juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and whisk to combine. Whisk in yogurt until smooth. Slice 1/2 inch from top and bottom of bell pepper. Gently remove stem from top. Twist and pull out core, using knife to loosen at edges if necessary. Cut slit down 1 side of bell pepper. Turn bell pepper skin side down and gently press so it opens to create long strip. Slide knife along insides to remove remaining ribs and seeds. Lightly moisten 2 pitas with water. Sandwich remaining pitas between moistened pitas and wrap tightly in lightly greased heavy-duty aluminum foil. Turn all burners on gas grill to high; cover; and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave primary burner on high and turn off other burner(s). Clean and oil cooking grate. Arrange halloumi slices and bell pepper pieces, skin side up. on hotter side of grill. Cook, covered, until undersides of cheese and bell pepper are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Using tongs, flip cheese and bell pepper and continue to cook until second side of cheese and bell pepper are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes longer. Meanwhile, place packet of pitas on cooler side of grill. Flip occasionally to heat, about 5 minutes. Transfer cheese and bell pepper to cutting board. Cut bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to second small bowl. Add oil. pepper flakes, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and toss to combine. Lay each warm pita on 12-inch square of foil or parchment paper. Spread each pita with one-quarter of yogurt mixture. Place one-quarter of cheese in middle of each pita. Top with pepper, onion, and arugula. Drizzle with any remaining onion liquid. Roll pita into cylinder. Wrap in foil, cut in half, and serve.

Grilled Meyer Lemon and Asparagus Pizzettes with Ricotta And Prosciutto

Grilled Meyer Lemon and Asparagus Pizzettes with Ricotta And Prosciutto

Grilled Meyer Lemon and Asparagus Pizzettes with Ricotta And Prosciutto

 

2 garlic cloves, smashed

2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

4 individual pizza crust(s)

1 pound of thin asparagus spears

2 Meyer lemons*, thinly sliced

1 cup good quality prepared pesto

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 pieces of prosciutto, fried crispy and coarsely chopped

Fresh grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place olive oil, smashed garlic and red pepper flakes in a small bowl and let sit for ten minutes or so, for flavors to infuse. Snap the woody ends off of asparagus and place in a bowl with the lemon slices and drizzle with one about one Tablespoon of the garlic oil and toss to coat. Brush pizza crust or flatbreads (on both sides) with the remaining garlic oil and grill crusts, top sides down until hot and grill marks appear. Remove from grill and place un-grilled side down on a work surface. Add the asparagus and lemon slices to the grill and grill until asparagus is tender and lemon slices are softened and both have nice grill marks. While asparagus and lemon are grilling, spread pesto on each flatbread. Place several dollops of ricotta on pesto; top with asparagus spears (cut to desired lengths, if you want) and lemon slices. Return to the grill, (close the lid) and grill bottom sides and let ricotta melt, for about 2-3 minutes. Top with crispy prosciutto pieces and a bit of grated parm and serve immediately. (I also think grilled artichokes would be great on this pizza!) (* Meyer lemons are seasonal, so if you can’t find them, or it’s out of season, use small, soft skinned lemons)

Beef Tenderloin Bites with Spicy Pepper Jelly

Beef Tenderloin Bites with Spicy Pepper Jelly

Beef Tenderloin Bites with Spicy Pepper Jelly

 

3 T. chili garlic sauce

2 T. soy sauce or tamari

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 T. peanut oil, divided

1 1/2 lbs beef tenderloin, cut in 1-inch cubes (can substitute sirloin or strip steak also)

3 T. spicy red pepper jelly

4 C. cooked rice, kept warm

3 scallions, thinly sliced

 

Combine chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1 T. of the oil in a resealable bag and mix until thoroughly combined. Add cubed meat and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.  When ready to cook, heat 1 T. of the remaining oil in a large nonstick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add the meat and cook until brown and caramelized on all sides, about 3 minutes for medium rare.  Add the pepper jelly and toss to coat.  Remove from pan and serve over rice and sprinkled with the scallions.

Roasted Pepper Roll-Ups

Roasted Pepper Roll-Ups

Roasted Pepper Roll-Ups

 

1/2 of an 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

4 ounces soft goat cheese

1 T. fat-free milk

1 small clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup purchased roasted red sweet peppers, drained and finely chopped

1/4 cup snipped fresh basil

8 8-inch whole wheat or plain flour tortillas

2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves

 

For filling, in a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add goat cheese, milk, garlic, and black pepper; beat until smooth. Stir in red peppers and basil.  To assemble, divide filling among tortillas, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Arrange spinach leaves over filling to cover. Carefully roll tortillas up tightly. Cover and chill roll-ups for 2 to 24 hours. Tote in an insulated container with ice packs. To serve, use a sharp knife to cut roll-ups crosswise into 48 pieces.

 

Makes 24 servings

Per Serving: 74 Calories, 3 g Total Fat, 1 g Fiber,

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

 

1 block extra firm tofu

5 T. natural peanut butter

2 T. liquid aminos

2 T. sesame oil

1 T. lime juice

1 tsp. chili powder

1 T. erythritol/stevia blend

1 T. coconut oil

1 small red bell pepper, diced

5 medium butter lettuce leaves

1 T. crushed peanuts

2 small green onions, chopped

 

Pre-heat the skillet on stove. Slice the extra firm tofu into approximately 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a towel. In a mixing bowl combine the natural peanut butter, liquid aminos, sesame oil, chili powder, lime juice, and sweetener. Stir well until smooth. Melt the coconut oil in skillet. Place the tofu cubes and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté the tofu and red pepper until the edges of the tofu begin to brown slightly. Add half of the peanut sauce to the tofu and stir to coat, cooking on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. Once the sauce begins to thicken and crisp on the tofu, remove from heat. Place the skillet ingredients into the butter lettuce leaves. Top with the remaining sauce, and garnish with crushed peanuts and green onion.

Ricotta (or cottage cheese) with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Mint

Ricotta (or cottage cheese) with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Mint

Ricotta (or cottage cheese) with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Mint

 

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

1 T. fresh lemon juice

½ pint grape tomatoes

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. dried mint

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

 

Combine the chopped garlic and lemon juice in a medium bowl; let them hang out while you prep the tomatoes. (The lemon juice will tame the garlic’s bite.) Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise and add them to the bowl. Stir in the salt, mint, and olive oil and let it sit for a minute or two. Divide the cheese between two bowls and spoon the tomato mixture on top.

Open-Faced Watercress, Nasturtium, and Cucumber-Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Open-Faced Watercress, Nasturtium, and Cucumber-Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Open-Faced Watercress, Nasturtium, and Cucumber-Cream Cheese Sandwiches

 

40 unsprayed nasturtium flowers, washed and dried

1 large bunch of fresh watercress, washed, dried, and large stems removed

8 ounces cream cheese, softe3ned

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

6 slices of hearty whole-grain bread, such as rye, whole wheat, or multi-grain

 

Setting aside 12 nasturtium flowers for garnish, finely julienne the rest with a sharp knife. Setting aside 6 watercress sprigs for garnish, finely chop the remaining watercress. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese with the chopped flowers, chopped watercress, cucumber, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend together. Remove the cream cheese mixture from the refrigerator half an hour before serving to allow it to soften slightly. With a sharp knife, finely julienne 6 of the reserved nasturtium flowers. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread slices. Top each slice with some red onion slices and a sprinkling of the julienned flowers. To serve, place 1 slice of the prepared bread on each plate, and top with a whole nasturtium flower and a watercress sprig.

Grilled Blue Cheese and Sorrel Sandwiches

Grilled Blue Cheese and Sorrel Sandwiches

Grilled Blue Cheese and Sorrel Sandwiches

 

For these sandwiches, I like to use Diamante bread from Essential Baking Co. – the salt crust and the rosemary leaves add a whole new dimension – or Macrina bakery’s potato bread, which has a particularly nice chewy, crisp texture when it’s grilled. I like to use Oregon Blue Cheese just because it’s somewhat local, but Gorgonzola or the quintessential Roquefort will make the sandwich at least as good, if not better.

 

4 slices rustic white bread

2 T. butter

4 ounces blue cheese

4 large leaves of sorrel

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Butter one side of each slice of bread and put the bread buttered-side-down on a griddle or in a skillet large enough to accommodate all four slices. Turn on the heat to medium or medium high and crumble the blue cheese over the surface of the bread. Stack the sorrel leaves with all the stems pointed in the same direction, and roll them, lengthwise, into a little bundle. Trim off the stem end and cut the bundle crosswise into -inch slices to make thin little ribbons of the leaves. (Incidentally, this is called a chiffonade.) Distribute the cut sorrel evenly over the surface of the cheese and grill the sandwiches open-faced until the cheese is melted and the buttered side of the bread is browned and crisp. Close the sandwiches and cut each one in half. Serve hot.

Grilled Beef & Blue Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled Beef & Blue Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled Beef & Blue Cheese Sandwiches

 

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 ounces crumbled blue cheese

8 slices sourdough bread

3/4 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

 

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and blue cheese until blended. Spread over bread slices. Layer 4 of the slices with roast beef and onion; top with remaining bread slices. Brush outsides of sandwiches with oil. In a large skillet, toast sandwiches over medium heat 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Fast Fajita Roll Ups

Fast Fajita Roll Ups

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fast Fajita Roll Ups

 

12 ounces beef flank steak or sirloin steak or skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

4 8-inch spinach or flour tortillas

1 T. cooking oil

1/3 cup finely chopped onion (1 small)

1/3 cup finely chopped green sweet pepper

1/2 cup chopped tomato (1 medium)

Chopped Lettuce, for serving, optional

2 T. bottled reduced-fat Italian salad dressing

1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

1/4 cup bottled salsa or taco sauce

1/4 cup light dairy sour cream (optional)

 

If desired, partially freeze beef for easier slicing. If using steak, trim fat from meat. Cut beef or chicken into bite-size strips. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Heat in a 350 degree F oven about 10 minutes or until heated through. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat, onion, and green pepper; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until desired doneness for steak or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat. Drain well. Stir in tomato and salad dressing. To serve, fill warm tortillas with meat mixture. Roll up tortillas. Serve with cheese, salsa and, if desired, sour cream.

 

Makes 4 servings.

calories: 324

fat: 15g

fiber: 2g

 

Fresh Fig and Black Forest Ham Sandwiches

Fresh Fig and Black Forest Ham Sandwiches

Fresh Fig and Black Forest Ham Sandwiches

 

1 sweet baguette, cut in half lengthwise

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 ounces Black Forest ham, thinly sliced

8 ounces soft goat cheese

4 fresh figs, stemmed and thinly sliced lengthwise

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. Scoop out and discard the soft interior of the baguette halves. Brush olive oil over the cut sides of the bread. Arrange the ham evenly over the bottom half of the baguette. Spread the cheese over the ham and then top with the sliced figs. Sprinkle with lemon juice, cover with top half of the baguette, and wrap in foil, leaving a small opening at the top of the foil package. Bake until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cut sandwich into 4 equal pieces. Serve immediately, while still warm.

Sloppy Cowboys

Sloppy Cowboys

Sloppy Cowboys

 

2 lbs. lean ground beef

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/3 tsp. garlic powder

0.7-oz. pkg. Italian salad dressing mix

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/3 C. catsup

sandwich buns

1/2 lb. provolone cheese, sliced

 

Brown beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain. Add remaining ingredients except buns and cheese and mix well. Reduce heat to low; simmer until heated through and slightly thickened. Serve on buns, topped with a slice of provolone cheese. Serves 6 to 8.

Make Ahead Antipasto Salad Jars

Make Ahead Antipasto Salad Jars

Make Ahead Antipasto Salad Jars

 

Makes 6 cups, enough for 4 lunches Here’s a candidate for crackers, though you can also just eat this right out of the jar (the celery provides the crunch) or spoon it over chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce. You might also want a little bread here, to soak up any leftover vinaigrette. And you know what’s really killer? Tossing this with cold pasta. This salad will last in the fridge for up to four days, and it only gets better as it sits.

 

1 cup (½-inch) cubes hard salami

1 cup (½-inch) cubes provolone

1 cup roughly chopped olives

1 cup roughly chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar is fïne)

1 cup roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts

2 cups sliced celery (leaves included)

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. sugar

 

In a large bowl, toss together the salami, provolone, olives, red peppers, artichoke hearts, and celery. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and sugar. Pour the dressing over the salami mixture and toss until it’s all evenly coated. Store the salad in one large or several smaller airtight containers for up to 4 days; toss again before eating to distribute the vinaigrette.

Quick Sesame Ramen Noodles

Quick Sesame Ramen Noodles

Quick Sesame Ramen Noodles

 

1 package ramen noodles, flavor packet discarded

1 T. coconut oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 T. brown sugar

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce

1 T. rice vinegar

1 tsp. chili garlic paste

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling

 

Cook the ramen noodles according to the directions on the package. While the noodles are cooking, in a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium-low heat. Stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili garlic paste. Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat. Serve the noodles with lots of scallions and sesame seeds on top.

Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled Egg Salad

 

9 Hard Boiled Eggs, Peeled

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

3 T. Mayo

2 T. Raw Almond Butter

1 T. Lemon Juice

½ tsp. Hot Sauce

¼ C. chopped Scallions

¼ C. chopped Celery

2 T. minced Shallots

½ tsp. Paprika

1 T. chopped Parsley

4 slices cooked and crumbled Bacon

 

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks, place them in a medium mixing bowl, and mash them. Roughly chop the egg whites and set aside. To the hard boiled egg yolks, add the Dijon, mayonnaise, almond butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Mix until completely combined. Fold in the cooked egg whites, scallions, celery, shallots, half the paprika, and half the parsley. Divide into 4 portions, topping each with the crumbled bacon and remaining paprika and parsley. If you are preparing this dish in advance, store the dressing (the mustard, mayonnaise, almond butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce) and salad separately in airtight containers and toss together when you are ready to serve.

 

4 servings, 343 calories, 27g fat, 2g fiber

Mushroom, Grape & Blue Cheese Tartines

Mushroom, Grape & Blue Cheese Tartines

Mushroom, Grape & Blue Cheese Tartines

Don’t slice the endive in advance because the cut surfaces will oxidize and discolor. Wait until the tartines are under the broiler before slicing, and toss with the vinegar right away, as the acid slightly slows discoloration.

 

10- to 12-ounce baguette, halved crosswise and split in half lengthwise

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium garlic clove, peeled and halved

10 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced

1 cup small seedless red grapes

1 T. plus 2 tsp. white balsamic vinegar, divided

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

2 ounces cream blue cheese, crumbled (½ cup)

1 medium head endive

 

Heat the broiler with a rack about 6 inches from the element. Pull out some of the interior crumb from each piece of baguette, slightly hollowing out the centers and creating boat shapes. Place the bread cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with 3 T. of the oil, then rub with the cut sides of the garlic clove; discard the garlic. In a medium bowl, toss together the mushrooms, grapes, the 1 T. vinegar, the remaining 1 T. oil and ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly among the baguettes; reserve the bowl. Broil until the edges of the bread are toasted, the grapes begin to burst and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the endive and thinly slice it on the diagonal. In the reserved bowl, toss the endive with the remaining 2 tsp. vinegar; set aside. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the tartines with the cheese, dividing it evenly. Continue to broil until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Remove from the oven, then top with the endive.

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

 

2 3 Ounce Packages of Ramen Noodles, Seasoning Packet Discarded

2 tsp. Sesame Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

¼ C. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Sriracha (or to taste)

 

Cook the ramen noodles without the seasoning packet as directed on package. Drain and set aside.

Heat the sesame oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha until combined. Toss the noodles with the sauce. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Ultimate Grilled Cheese+

Savory. Sweet. Cheesy. Crispy. Goodness.

 

4 slices prosciutto di Parma

2 T. mayonnaise

4 slices sourdough bread

2 T. apricot jam

3/4 C. shredded Jarlsberg cheese

2 T. unsalted butter

 

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, lay the slices of prosciutto in the pan and cook, turning once, until frizzled and crisp, about 1 minute per side. Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Flip over and spread the jam on the other sides. Divide the cheese on the jam sides of two slices of bread, top with the crispy prosciutto, and top with the remaining bread slices, jam-side down, to form two sandwiches. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Lay the sandwiches in the pan and cook, pressing down on them occasionally with a spatula and turning once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and cut each sandwich in half. Serve hot.

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

Wild Mushrooms and Lardo on Rye

1 pound (454 g) mixed wild mushrooms: porcini, chanterelle, morel, boletus, etc. (substitute with any selection of cultivated and/or wild mushrooms)

2 T. (30 ml) butter

3 T. (45 ml) olive oil, divided

1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped shallots

1 T. (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper

½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

4 toasted slices of rye bread

2 C. (480 ml) grated Fontina cheese (or substitute with mozzarella or old cheddar)

4 ounces (114 g) Italian lardo (from Valle d’Aosta, if possible), cut into thin strips

Italian parsley, chopped finely, for garnish

 

Clean mushrooms with damp cloth, trim woody ends of stems, and slice. Add butter and 1 T. (15 ml) of olive oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Add mushrooms, making sure the skillet is not overcrowded. Leave mushrooms to cook for 3-5 minutes or until bottoms are browned. Flip mushrooms and add shallots, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to skillet. Cook for another 7-10 minutes, flipping once. Once moisture has evaporated, add dry white wine to skillet and reduce by at least half. Add heavy cream and continue cooking, stirring periodically. Drizzle toast with remaining olive oil. Broil 1 side of bread until golden. Flip over. Divide grated Fontina between slices of toast. Add cheese and broil again until cheese is melted and golden. Remove toast from oven and top each piece with sautéed mushrooms and paper-thin slices of lardo. Garnish with finely chopped Italian parsley.

Twice-Baked Magic Soufflés

Twice-Baked Magic Soufflés

Twice-Baked Magic Soufflés

5 T. unsalted butter

1/2 cup finely chopped leeks

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 C. whole milk, warmed

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 cup heavy cream

5 eggs, separated

 

Preheat the oven to 425°F and generously grease six 8-ounce ramekins. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 T. of the butter. Add the leeks and cook, stirring, until soft but not brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Melt the remaining 4 T. of butter over medium heat in the same saucepan that you used for the leeks. When the butter stops foaming, whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until the mixture boils and thickens. Stir in the salt, nutmeg, 1 1/4 C. of the cheese, and the leeks. Transfer a third of the mixture to a bowl, whisk in the cream, and set aside. Whisk the egg yolks into the remaining two-thirds, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer), beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks. Stir a third of the whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining two-thirds until no streaks of white remain. Divide the mixture among the greased ramekins, smooth the tops, then run the tip of your finger around the inner edge of each ramekin (this will help the soufflé rise higher and straighter). Arrange the ramekins in a baking dish and pour enough hot water into the baking dish to come half an inch up the side of the ramekins. Transfer to the oven and bake until puffed, deep golden brown, and set within, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, remove the ramekins from the water bath, and let the soufflés cool (they will deflate). Run a knife around the inner edge of each ramekin, then turn the soufflés out into a gratin dish and pour the reserved cream mixture over and around the soufflés. Top each with some of the reserved Parmigiano. At this point, the soufflés can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours (I’m telling you, this recipe is magic). When you’re ready to bake the soufflés a second time, preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake until the soufflés are puffed and browned (they will puff as much as—if not more than—the first time they were baked), about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Spanish Omelet with Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Spanish Omelet with Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Spanish Omelet with Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

 

For the pickled cherry tomatoes

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup (60 mL) of water or tomato juice

1/4 cup (60 mL) of cider vinegar

2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white sugar

1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coriander seeds

1 tablespoon (15 mL) of fennel seeds

1 teaspoon (5 mL) of mustard seeds

1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) of your favorite hot sauce

1 pint (500 mL) of cherry tomatoes, halved

2 green onions, thinly sliced

 

For the potato omelet

1/2 cup (125 mL) of olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

4 baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

6 to 8 eggs

1 teaspoon (5 mL) of dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) of salt

Lots of freshly ground pepper

4 ounces (115 g) of feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup/250 mL or so)

 

Begin with the pickled tomatoes. Measure the onion, water, vinegar, sugar, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and hot sauce into a medium saucepan. Bring to a slow, steady simmer. Continue simmering until the mixture is reduced by half, 10 minutes or so. Remove from the heat and stir in the tomatoes and green onions. Let rest for at least 10 minutes, even overnight. For the omelet, heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Swirl in the oil. Add the onions and garlic, briefly sautéing to soften the onions. Add the potatoes and sauté a few minutes more. Cover tightly and reduce the heat. Cook, sizzling slightly, shaking the works two or three times, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned, 20 minutes or so. Whisk the eggs with the oregano, salt and pepper. Gently stir in the feta cheese. Add the potato mixture to the bowl, stir to thoroughly coat the works and return to the sauté pan. Cover tightly and cook until firm but still tender, 5 or 6 minutes. Loosen the omelet from the pan with a rubber spatula. With a strong grip and a few folded kitchen towels or a potholder, invert the pan, releasing the omelet onto the lid (if it’s flat) or a large plate. Carefully slide it back into the pan and cook for another few minutes, firming and lightly browning the bottom. Slice into wedges in the pan using the rubber spatula. Serve and share with spoonfuls of the pickled tomatoes.