Category: RECIPES

POMEGRANATE CHESS TART

This tart has crisp crust with a creamy filling topped off with a tangy pomegranate gelatin making it the PERFECT winter/holiday dessert.  WARNING, WARNING, DANGER WILL ROBINSON! 😀  BE forewarned this is A LOT of time consuming work and wait time so be prepared to make it the day before.

POMEGRANATE CHESS TART
CRUST
1 cup all purpose flour
½ cup fine yellow cornmeal
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 LARGE egg yolk

  • Whisk together flour, cornmeal and salt.
  • In a separate bowl beat butter and cream cheese until well blended and creamy.
  • Add egg yolk, beating JUST until combined.
  • Add flour mixture, beating on low until dough begins to form.
  • Shape into a flat disk, wrap in saran and chill at LEAST 2 hours.

 

  • Remove dough from refrigerator and let set at room temperature for 30 minutes or until soft to the touch.
  • Unwrap and roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-13 inch circle.
  • Fit dough into a 10 inch DEEP tart pan with a removable bottom.
  • Press into pan and fold over edges.
  • Prick bottom of dough with a fork.
  • Chill 30 minutes until firm.

 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
  • Bake 15 minutes or until golden along the edges.
  • Remove pie weights and parchment paper.
  • Return to oven and bake 8-10 minutes more until bottom is set.
  • Transfer to a cooling rack and cool COMPLETELY for 30 minutes.

FILLING
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
1 tablespoon fine yellow cornmeal
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup WHOLE buttermilk
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice (1 orange)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (1 LARGE lemon)
3 LARGE eggs, beaten

  • Reduce oven to 325°.
  • Whisk together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest and melted butter until well blended.
  • Add eggs, whisking until smooth.
  • Pour into prepared tart crust.
  • Bake on lowest shelf 35-40 minutes golden AND set.
  • Cool COMPLETELY for 2 hours.
  • Chill until COLD, about 2 hours.

GELEE’
1 ¼ cup FRESH pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 ½ teaspoons (2-¼ ounce envelopes) KNOX unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
²⁄³ cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish

  • In a medium saucepan combine the pomegranate juice and sugar, whisking until sugar is dissolved.
  • Whisk gelatin into the mixture quickly and let stand 5 minutes.
  • Cook over medium heat, about 5 minutes, JUST until mixture is steaming and gelatin completely dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and cool 20 minutes.
  • Skim off any foam and whisk in liqueur.
  • Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

ASSEMBLY

  • Remove tart from the refrigerator.
  • Gently pour pomegranate gelatin over chilled tart to just under tart edge. DO NOT OVERFILL! Depending on the depth of your tart pan you will probably have a bit extra.
  • Return to refrigerator and chill 1 more hour.
  • Sprinkle with seeds just before serving.

CIDER BRINED BAKED HAM

When I was a kid, Honey Baked Spiral Hams were all the rage and are still quite popular. BUT, in my opinion they have lost a little something over the years. I don’t know if they have changed the recipe or downgraded the ingredients to make them more profitable, but I find them a bit dry and flavorless anymore. So I make my own these days. I start with a whole ham that has the fat cap still attached to keep all the juices in. Scoring the fat cap and roasting the ham with the brown sugar pepper rub results in a sticky, crispy sweet and peppery crusted juicy ham.

CIDER BRINED BAKED HAM
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
10 whole cloves
2 star anise stars
9 cups apple cider, divided 4 cups + 1 cup + 4 cups
8 cups ice cubes
7-10 pound shank end , bone-in cured ham (I used an 8 1/2 pound)
1 large oven baking bag
¼ cup molasses
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)*

  • In a large sauce pan toast cinnamon, cloves and star anise about 3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add 4 cups of apple cider and bring to a boil.
  • Pour into a large stockpot (that the ham will fit into), add 1 cup apple cider and 4 cups of ice and stir until melted.
  • Trim ham to ¼ inch thickness of fat and score with a cross hatch pattern. CAUTION: Cut down into fat, but NOT into the meat!
  • Add ham to the stock pot apple cider mixture, cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The liquid should just about cover the ham.

 

  • Remove ham from marinade and add to baking bag already placed in roasting pan.
  • Add 1 cup of marinade to baking bag, tie securely and cut 4 slits in top of bag.
  • Let stand at room temperature for 1 ½ hours.

Preheat oven to 300°.
Bake 1 ½-2 ½ hours until ham registers 100°.

  • While ham is roasting, add remaining 4 cups of apple cider, molasses and mustard or horseradish to a medium saucepan, whisking until well blended.
  • On a medium low heat, stir often, cooking for about 2 hours until mixture is very thick and reduced to about ¹⁄³ cup. WATCH towards the end of the 2 hours, it will burn easily!

1 cup PACKED dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon FRESH ground pepper

  • Combine sugar and pepper in small bowl.
  • Remove roasting pan from oven and let ham rest 5 minutes.
  • Increase oven temperature to 400°.
  • Open oven bag and fold back to expose the ham.
  • Brush with the reduced cider mixture and carefully press the sugar and pepper mixture into the fat cap.
  • Return to oven without resealing the bag and bake 20 minutes until browned and caramelized.
  • Transfer to cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 15 minutes.
  • Carve and serve.

NOTE: I’m deathly allergic to mustard so I substitute creamy horseradish.

WHITE CHICKEN RAGU

WHITE CHICKEN RAGU serves 4
1 tablespoons avocado oil
4 slices pancetta, finely chopped (plain old bacon works too)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
WONDRA flour for dredging
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups Sofrito (recipe below)
3 tablespoons dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
2 green onions, minced
2 sprigs FRESH thyme
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 small can Le Seur peas, drained well
6 ounces fettuccine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon lemon zest
chopped Flat Leaf Parsley for garnish

  • Heat oil in large saute pan over medium heat.
  • Add pancetta, stirring often until fat is rendered, about 5 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to paper toweling to drain.
  • Add garlic and increase heat to medium high.
  • GENEROUSLY season chicken thighs with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Dredge in WONDRA flour and add to pan.
  • Sear chicken until golden on both sides.
  • Transfer chicken to plate and keep warm.
  • Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil and garlic.
  • Add sofrito and wine, bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  • Add green onions and thyme. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 5-10 minutes.
  • Return chicken to pan, turning to coat well.
  • Simmer 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove chicken from sauce to plate and keep warm. Let both stand 10 minutes.
  • Prepare fettuccine per package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.
  • Skim fat from sauce.
  • Stir in cream and heat through, 5-10 minutes, until sauce thickens and reduces slightly.
  • Stir reserved bacon into sauce.
  • Shred chicken and add to sauce.
  • Fold peas into sauce.
  • Season to taste.
  • Add butter, Parmesan, lemon zest and pasta to sauce. Add as much pasta water as necessary to make sauce creamy.
  • Garnish with parsley.

SOFRITO – The Italian version of mire poix
1 large stalk celery, chopped small
1 small yellow onion, chopped small
1 small carrot, chopped small
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped small
1/8 cup avocado oil

  • Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
  • Add everything and cook, stirring regularly, until vegetables are soft and onions are translucent.

CIDER GLAZED CHRISTMAS CAKES

CIDER GLAZED CHRISTMAS CAKES
CAKES
¾ cup golden raisins
¾ cup dried cranberries or tart dried cherries
¾ cup candied pineapple
½ cup apple cider
1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon fine salt
²⁄³ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
²⁄³ cup whole milk

  • In a small bowl combine the raisin, cranberries (or cherries) and pineapple pieces.
  • Toss with apple cider.
  • Let stand 1 hour.

 

  • Drain fruit, reserving liquid for making your cider drizzle and reserve 2 tablespoons of fruit to chop as garnish.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line muffin tins with papers or spray well with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

 

  • In a large mixing bowl beat butter on medium speed until smooth.
  • Add sugar, beating until fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add flour mixture and milk, alternately, beating well after each addition.
  • Fold in drained fruit.
  • Scoop 3 tablespoons of batter into tins.
  • Bake 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
  • Spoon a small amount of drizzle over each cake.
  • Garnish with a bit of chopped dried fruit.

CIDER DRIZZLE
Reserved soaking liquid + enough water to equal 1 cup
2 tablespoons coconut pineapple vinegar (apple cider vinegar works also)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • Whisk together, cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  • Cool 10 minutes before spooning over cakes.

NOTE: Bourbon or Whiskey can be substituted for apple cider.

ALTERNATE DRIZZLE
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup apple cider

  • Whisk together until smooth.
  • Glaze cupcakes

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°.
  • Line cupcake tins with papers.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
  • Whisk eggs for about 1 minute. They will become frothy and lightened in color.
  • Add oil and whisk again until combined.
  • Add sugar and whisk for about 1 minute.
  • Add vanilla extract.
  • Add sour cream to the batter, whisking until combined
  • Now add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk gently. Whisk batter until JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

CINNAMON SWIRL
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar

  • Make the Cinnamon Swirl: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

  • Now start by pouring about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on the bottom of each cupcake tin.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
  • Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
  • Now, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Swirl mixture over batter.
  • Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
  • Using a toothpick, swirl the batter a few times to create a swirl effect.
  • Top already swirled cupcakes with one final 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate pans.
  • Remove from the oven once cupcakes are lightly golden brown and puffed.
  • Cool 10 minutes.

GLAZE
+/- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
+/- 2 tablespoons milk

  • Mix powdered sugar and milk together.

NOTES:  There are many factors that will affect your glaze consistency.  The brand of sugar you use, whether you use a scale or a measuring cup…  If your glaze is too thin and runny, add more sifted powdered sugar and test for consistency again.  If the glaze is too thick and not spreading, add a very, very small amount (1 teaspoon) of milk at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

SHREDDED EGG SALAD

This is one of the simplest of recipes, but oh so tasty!
SHREDDED EGG SALAD serves 4-6
6-7 hard boiled eggs
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons FRENCH’S mustard
+/- 1/3 cup mayonnaise

  • Grate eggs into a mixing bowl.
  • Stir in pickle relish and mustard.
  • Fold in mayonnaise a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN for 2

This recipe was originally written to serve 6 over at ALLRECIPES.com. It uses dried herbs and a can of diced tomatoes. Unfortunately, diced canned tomatoes don’t come in small enough sizes for 2 so I adapted the recipe to make my own using cherry tomatoes AND use FRESH(er) herbs.  I also don’t particularly care for olive oil so I substitute avocado oil and instead of onion I substitute shallot for a little extra flavor.

BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground black pepper
garlic salt, to taste
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 large shallot, sliced
1 ¼ cup quartered cherry tomatoes
¼ cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Gourmet Garden “squeeze” Italian herbs
1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden “squeeze” Basil

  • In a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, basil and Italian herbs.
  • Fold in tomatoes, cover and refrigerate until dinner.

  • Generously season chicken breasts with FRESH ground pepper and garlic salt.
  • Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
  • Add shallot, cooking until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Add chicken to skillet and sear each side, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Top chicken with shallots and tomato mixture.
  • Bring to a QUICK boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Turn chicken to coat well in glaze.
  • Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
  • Garnish with FRESH herbs.

BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

I found this recipe for BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE over at TrickNTreat. I love banana in any type of cake, but this recipe takes bananas to a whole other level. The caramel topping is truly the “icing” on the cake!  I added a small amount of cinnamon to help enhance the flavors.

BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE Yield 8 servings

TOPPING
3 small VERY RIPE bananas, cut lengthwise
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup brown sugar

  • Melt butter in a skillet, remove from heat and add brown sugar, stir until sugar is melted.
  • Pour butter mixture onto 8 in pan, arrange banana, cut into 2 lengthwise  on top of sugar mixture.

CAKE
1 ½ cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
2 VERY RIPE bananas mashed
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
8 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE egg

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray an 8×8 baking dish or a loaf pan with non-stick spray.
  • Sift flour, cinnamon, baking powder and baking powder.
  • Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
  • Add salt, vanilla and egg.
  • Fold  in half of the flour, mixing well.
  • Add mashed banana, milk and remaining flour, stirring until well incorporated.
  • Spoon batter over sliced banana topping and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a tester inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  • Invert into a serving plate and serve.

NOTE: IF you prefer a different look, the bananas can be cut into chunks or rounds instead of lengthwise. I PREFER a lot of small rounds myself.

While I’m glad I tried this recipe and it was good, I really prefer my regular Banana Nut Bread.

SALTY MILK CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BLONDIES

SALTY MILK CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BLONDIES
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup PACKED brown sugar
1 LARGE egg
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla
1 cup AP flour
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
4 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
½ cup KRAFT caramel balls
¾ cup toast walnut pieces
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper (leave plenty of paper hanging over the edge to use as handles) and then spray with non-stick spray and flour.
  • Whisk together the flour, fine sea salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In your mixer bowl beat the melted butter and brown sugar on medium until combined.
  • Add vanilla and egg, beating 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to the mixer, beating JUST until combined.
  • Fold in the milk chocolate, caramel balls and nut pieces.
  • Spoon batter into pan.
  • Bake 20-22 minutes until lightly browned and BARELY set. Add flaked sea salt after 10 minutes.
  • Let cool 1 hour.
  • Remove from pan and cut into squares.
  • Store in airtight container.

FRENCH Onion Potato Soup

FRENCH Onion Potato Soup serves 2
3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 + 2
1 small Vidalia onion, halved root to tip and sliced thin
2 sprigs FRESH thyme, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 large russet potato, peeled and diced small
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 slices baguette, buttered
1 cup grated gruy’ere cheese

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in saucepan.
  • Add onions, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until onions are tender and light golden brown, 10-15 minutes.
  • Add garlic, cooking a minute or two until fragrant.
  • Add wine and cook until almost evaporated.
  • Stir in potatoes and broth.
  • Season to taste.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally until potatoes are fork tender, 10-15 minutes.
  • Using an immersion blender puree the soup.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and remaining butter until melted and well blended.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Pour soup into oven proof boils.
  • Top with baguette slices.
  • Sprinkle with grated cheese.
  • Broil until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, 2-3 minutes.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & STUFFING

Those of you that know me, know that I SCRATCH cook. Every now and then hubby begs, yep actually begs, for something like Stove top stuffing or Kraft Mac and cheese or an occasional canned good. This recipe is the PERFECT comfort food for an easy weekend meal that’s full of flavor and checks all his boxes!

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & STUFFING

1 1/2-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can Campbell’s cream of celery soup
1 can Campbell’s tomato soup
2/3 cup half and half
1/2 cup sour cream
2 boxes Stove Top savory herb stuffing
3/4 cup butter, melted
Parsley, for garnish

  • Coat slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  • GENEROUSLY season the chicken with FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and poultry seasoning.
  • Place chicken in the bottom of slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Whisk together the soups, sour cream and half and half.
  • Pour over cheese.
  • Sprinkle stuffing mixes evenly over the soup.
  • Pour the melted butter over the stuffing mixes.
  • Cover and set on Low for 4 hours.

NOTES:

  • This recipe works best in the rectangular flat slow cooker by crock pot.
  • If using chicken tenders decrease time to 3 hours.

SHORT RIBS ala INSTA POT with CREAMY POLENTA

SHORT RIBS ala INSTA POT serves 4
2 pounds bone-in short ribs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon Avocado oil
2 small carrots, chopped
2 large green onion, sliced
1 large stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 cups chardonnay or merlot
14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 teablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1-2 sprigs thyme

  • Pat short ribs dry.
  • GENEROUSLY season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Set INSTA POT to saute’.
  • Add avocado oil.
  • Brown short ribs on all sides.
  • Transfer short ribs to plate.
  • Add carrots, celery, onions and garlic, stirring often 5-6 minutes until tender and fragrant.  Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Arrange vegetables around edges and add tomato paste to the center, cooking a minute or two until browned.
  • Add wine and simmer 10-15 minutes until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
  • Stir in tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth and thyme.
  • Return short ribs to the INSTA POT.
  • Press cancel.
  • Lock lid and cook on HIGH 30-35 minutes.
  • Use natural release for 10 minutes.
  • Remove meat from sauce.
  • Discard thyme and any loose bones.
  • Skim off any fat.
  • Reserve 3/4 cup of vegetables.
  • Use an immersion blender and puree’ remaining vegetable into sauce until smooth.
  • Cut beef into large pieces or shred and return to the sauce.
  • Serve over polenta.

NOTE: Original recipe called for red wine, red wine and I don’t like each other much. I substituted the chardonnay and even hubby loved it so I think this was a win-win!

POLENTA
2 cups WHOLE milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
scant 3/4 cup polenta (4 ounces)
1/4 cup finely grated Asiago cheese

  • Bring milk, butter and salt to a boil in a sauce pan.
  • Whisk in polenta.
  • Cook, stirring constantly 3-4 minutes, until thick and creamy.
  • Stir in cheese, adding 3-4 tablespoons of water if too thick.
  • Serve short ribs and sauce over polenta.