Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls :: Super Bowl 2021!

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls for the Super Bowl 2021!

Hey guys! So the #Superbowl 2021 is near and I am so excited that it’s going to be in #Tampa, Florida this year, because this is MY TOWN now, and I can’t wait for the festivities to begin! (GO BUCS!!!) I was recently invited to participate in the Twin Dragon Blogger Challenge, and I decided to make these Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls to celebrate the occasion as well as my city, using their Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers.

Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers

I love these egg roll wrappers, because they are basically an empty canvas for any appetizer and you can get creative and fill them with anything you like! Whether you fry them or bake them, they are super easy to work with and come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

I’m sure you have all heard of the famous Cuban sandwich right? Well these delicious crispy egg rolls are a spin-off on the Tampa-style sandwich and they taste just as amazing!

Cuban Sandwich
photo: Columbia Restaurant

Over a century ago, Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr. created a sandwich at his famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City in in Tampa, Florida called the ‘Mixto’. He wanted to honor the immigrants who first moved into the neighborhood, and a tribute to the city of Tampa. This famous sandwich has layers and layers of good things all baked into a crispy sandwich on Cuban bread: Ham for the Spaniards, Genoa salami for the Italians, Mojo roast pork for the Cubans, and Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard for the German and Jewish immigrants.  

My Tampa-Style Cuban egg rolls are the absolute perfect appetizer – made with juicy roasted Mojo pork, ham, melted Swiss cheese, Genoa salami, dill pickles and a drizzle of mustard – all wrapped up in a crunchy baked egg roll. They’re served with a tangy dipping sauce I made with three types of mustard (yellow, Dijon and grainy), mayonnaise, a dash of hot sauce and chives…delicious little bites for the #Superbowl or any game day, party or gathering!

Cuban Mojo Pork

#Mojo is a classic #Cuban Garlic-Citrus marinade used in traditional Caribbean and Spanish cooking for added zest to chicken, shrimp, and pork. It’s made with (key) lime juice, orange juice, onion, garlic, salt, oregano, cumin and olive oil; and is an essential ingredient for the classic Cuban sandwich and of course, my Egg Rolls! I used Nellie + Joe’s Key West Style Mojo Criollo which you can find at Publix grocery stores or buy online. You can also choose to make your own Mojo marinade – here is a great recipe online.  

Cuban Mojo Pork

First, cut a few slits in the pork, pour the marinade over the pork in a plastic baggie and seal up to let marinate for a few hours up to overnight in the fridge. Roast the pork in a dutch oven for about 35-45 minutes until the pork is at least 145 degrees F in the center. (Rule of thumb for pork loin is approximately 20 minutes per pound and this was a 2 pound boneless roast). Let the roast cool a few minutes, then slice into thin pieces.

Prep ingredients

Cut the other ingredients (ham, swiss, salami, pickles, yellow mustard) and get ready to make the egg rolls. This is the fun part!

Prep Egg Rolls

Start a little egg roll making station like I did above and get movin’ on these delicious crispy bundles of goodness.

build egg roll with layers

First, lay the egg wrapper on a baking sheet or tray and wet the edges all around with some water. Start layering the ingredients in the center bottom of the wrapper: ham, cheese, salami, pork, pickles and a top with a drizzle of mustard.

Wrap egg rolls

Roll up each egg roll wrapper from the pointy end at the bottom, fold in the sides and roll up to seal.

Prep egg rolls to bake

Place the egg rolls seam side down on a parchment (or foil-lined) baking sheet. Brush the egg rolls lightly and evenly with oil or melted butter. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip and cook another 10-12 minutes more, until they are crispy and golden brown. 

Make the Mustard-Mayo sauce

Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce with the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, yellow mustard and grainy mustard. Throw a few chives in there too, and set aside in the fridge until ready to serve. Bake the egg rolls

Once the egg rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Place egg rolls on a platter with sauce on the side

Serve them on a platter and garnish with more chives…serve the dipping sauce on the side.

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

Absolutely delicioso and totally addicting! And you’ll be able to celebrate the Superbowl in style, Tampa-style that is 🙂

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls :: Super Bowl #2021!

Yield: Makes 8 egg rolls or 16 egg rolls (cut in half.)

Ingredients

  • Egg Rolls:
  • 1 cup Cuban Mojo marinade (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 pounds boneless pork loin, thin sliced
  • Garlic salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices Black Forest ham, thin sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese, thin sliced
  • 16 small slices Genoa Salami with peppercorns
  • 16 dill pickle slices
  • Yellow mustard, for drizzling
  • 8 Twin Dragon Egg roll wrappers
  • Melted butter or oil, for brushing
  • Spicy Mustard Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon grainy old-style mustard
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Instructions

  1. Make Mojo Pork:
  2. Cut small slits all over the pork roast with a knife and place the roast in a large resealable baggie. Pour the Mojo marinade over the top; season with garlic salt and pepper. Seal and let marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 6 hours, up to overnight. (See notes below*)
  3. When ready to cook the roast, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pork on a small rack or cut vegetables in a roasting pan or casserole dish and roast for about 40-45 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the middle registers 145 degrees F. (cooking time is approx. 20-25 minutes per pound so adjust accordingly depending on the size of your pork roast.)
  4. Cool roast completely and cut into 8-12 thin slices, and store the leftover roast in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  5. Make the egg rolls:
  6. Turn the the oven heat up to 425 F. Cover a baking sheet with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
  7. Cut the ham, salami, Mojo pork and cheese into medium-size slices, about 2”x3”” wide (small enough to fit diagonally inside the center of the egg roll wrappers with room around to fold..eyeball it.)
  8. Layout the egg rolls flat on a work surface with a small cup of water nearby. Layer 2 slices each of ham, salami, pork, cheese and 2 pickle slices diagonally across the center of each wrapper, add a small drizzle of yellow mustard on top.
  9. Moisten the edges with water and roll the egg roll wrapper from the bottom, folding in the sides and rolling wrapper tightly to secure the edges. Lay the rolls flap side down on the baking sheet.
  10. Continue with the remaining egg roll wrappers.
  11. Lightly brush the egg rolls with melted butter or oil, evenly on both sides.
  12. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip and cook another 10-12 minutes more, until crispy and golden brown.
  13. Make the dipping sauce:
  14. Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by mixing together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, grainy mustard, hot sauce, and chives; cover and set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
  15. Serve the egg rolls on a platter or tray with mustard-mayo dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with additional chives over the egg rolls, if desired.

Notes

You can double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd.

Mojo is a classic Cuban Garlic-Citrus marinade used in traditional Caribbean cooking for added zest to chicken, shrimp, and pork. It’s made with key lime juice, orange juice, onion, garlic, salt, oregano, cumin and olive oil; and is an essential ingredient for the classic Cuban sandwich. I used Nellie + Joe’s Key West Style Mojo Criollo which you can find at Publix grocery stores or online. If you choose to make your own marinade here is a recipe online.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/02/tampa-style-cuban-egg-rolls-super-bowl-2021/

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

Look at all this

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg RollsCRISPY. CHEESY. SAVORY. GOODNESS.

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

Serve them with the tangy Mustard-Mayo Dipping Sauce..sooo good!

Cut egg rolls

Cut the egg rolls in half if you want smaller pieces…

DELISH!

Oh, and you may want to double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd – beware…I could eat the entire tray myself these are so good!

Tampa-Style Cuban Egg Rolls

If you want to make these yourself, you can find JSL Twin Dragon wrappers at Albertsons, Amazon, Instacart, Shaw’s, Von’s, Stater Bros, Lucky’s, Food Maxx, Fred Meyer, QFC, Target, Cub Foods, Rainbow Foods, Safeway, Associated Stores, Price Rite, Winco, Price Chopper, and Gelson’s.

For more great recipes and products by Twin Dragon, please visit them online at: 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

#ChefYaki #TwinDragon #JSLFoods #BloggerRecipeChallenge #TheArtfulGourmet #artfulgourmet #kristenhess

Spicy Pork + Kale Udon Noodle Soup

Spicy Pork + Kale Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup

I love soup in the winter time because it’s a great way to warm up in the freezing weather, and a delicious, healthy thing to eat after all the heavy food from the holidays. And I especially love noodle soup with lots of veggies, meat and seasonings.

JSL Foods Fortune Udon Noodles

I recently was invited to join the blogger recipe challenge for JSL Foods to create a unique soup recipe using their Fortune Udon Noodles.

Mushroom Udon Noodles

I created a soup recipe using their Mushroom Udon noodles – they are so good and easy to make! They are fresh and pre-cooked, perfect for a soup or stir fry and fortified with Omega-3 and have no MSG.

Cooked Udon Noodles

You simply add the noodles to some water and add the flavor packet provided, then cook for a few minutes after the water comes to a boil. Alternatively you can microwave the noodles in just 3 minutes and then add it to your soup base.

Spicy Pork Mixture

After the noodles were done, I set them aside and made the Spicy Pork mixture to go in the soup. First I added all the seasonings and spices, sriracha, fish sauce, soy sauce and togarashi seasoning (a Japanese spicy pepper seasoning you can find online) to the ground pork and sautéed over medium-high heat until cooked through.

Add kale corn and pork to udon

Then I returned the pot of cooked noodles to the burner, added some chicken broth, fresh chopped kale, yellow sweet corn and a little more garlic salt and pepper and let that cook until the kale wilted and the corn was heated through. I added the cooked spicy pork mixture back into the pot with the noodles, kale and corn and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat to let all the flavors meld together.

Spicy Pork + Kale Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup

And voila! A super delicious and healthy soup for the winter with a great combination of flavors from the mushroom Udon noodles, the spicy pork, the fresh kale and corn, all topped with more sliced green onions, togarashi seasoning and a pat of butter to give it another layer of silky flavor and dash of sweetness to cool the heat from the spicy broth.

Spicy Pork + Kale Udon Noodle Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Serving Size: 1 cup

This is spicy and delicious mushroom Udon noodle soup - topped with a spicy pork mixture, kale, corn, garlic and green onions to make a savory soup perfect for winter.

Ingredients

  • 1 package Fortune Udon noodles, mushroom flavor
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon lemongrass, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon Togarashi seasoning
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 (11 ounce) can sweet yellow corn
  • 3-4 large handfuls kale, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Butter, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Fortune Udon noodles in a large pot according to package directions (add 1 1/4 cups of boiling water and seasoning packet to the noodles and simmer for 3 minutes). Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a medium saute pan over medium high heat, add the ground pork, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, Sriracha, Togarashi seasoning and black pepper and cook for about 5 minutes or so until the pork is cooked all the way through.
  3. Return the pot of cooked Udon noodles back to the burner, add the chicken broth, garlic salt, kale, corn and green onions, and let simmer over medium heat until kale is wilted and the corn is cooked through.
  4. Add the cooked spicy pork mixture and stir together, simmering for a few more minutes until the flavors are blended through the soup.
  5. Serve the Udon noodle soup immediately and garnish with additional sliced green onions and a pat of butter until melted, for garnish.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/12/spicy-pork-kale-udon-noodle-soup/

Spicy Pork + Kale Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup

You can also try their other flavors in chicken and original flavor – check out their website and social media pages for more info on their products. You can purchase JSL Foods products at the following stores: Hannaford’s, Price Rite, and Shop Rite.

Website: http://www.jslfoods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSLFoods/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JSL_Foods 

Spicy Pork + Kale Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup

How. Good. Does. This. Look?

Spicy Pork and Kale Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup

Perfect Winter Soup for a chilly day. Enjoy!

——-

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I received products from the client to develop and test a recipe and create photos and copy for the post. All recipes, images, copy and opinions are my own. Do feel free to share this post, but please make sure to link back to this page and give credit to me as “Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet” for any photos, recipes and copy shared online.  

Favorite Game Day Recipes for the Super Bowl!

Super Bowl Snack Stadium

So the big day is right around the corner – the Super Bowl, yay! I’m not really partial to either team and am not even a huge football fan, but i LOVE LOVE LOVE the Super Bowl simply because of the fun parties, the commercials, and the food and drinks, of course.

So in spirit of the football party season, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite game day recipes that are perfect for a crowd. Finger foods, appetizers, dips and spreads and small bites to party in style!

Check out this link for some amazing Football Snack Stadiums like the one above

Here’s to #FOOTBALL #FOOD and may the best team win! 🙂

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Sloppy Joes

Devishly Good Sriracha Jalapeño Honey Sloppy Joes

buffalo chicken dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Amazing Macaroni and Cheese

Amazing Macaroni and Cheese

Sriracha Mango Wings

Sriracha Mango Lime Chicken Wings 

Parmesan-Garlic-Artichoke-Dip

Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip

Taco Pizza

Seriously Delish Taco Pizza

Fried Chicken Biscuits

Fried Chicken Biscuits with Hot Honey

Spicy Cajun Chili

Spicy Cajun Chili

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Meatball Madness!

Meatball Madness!

Chicken Pot Pie Handpies

Chicken Pot Pie Handpies

Cheesy Beef Goulash

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

Homemade Rustic Pizzas

Homemade Rustic Pizza

Chili Rub Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Chili Rub Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Mini Tarts

Sweet and Savory Mini Tarts

Chic Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Orange Tart

Glazed Chocolate Orange Tart

Click here to find some more great celebrity chef #recipes to celebrate the Super Bowl on NFL.com

And some more game day recipe ideas on Food Network!

Southern Living Ultimate Super Bowl Recipes

Mix it Up! Non-Traditional Holiday Menu Ideas & Recipes from NYC Top Chefs

InternationalMenu-hero

International Holiday Menus

It’s that time of year again to start planning menus and recipes for the holidays. But instead of just serving traditional turkey or ham,  mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, why not mix it up a little bit and serve your holiday meal with an international flair? I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and interview several Top Chefs and restaurants in NYC to get some creative ideas for non-traditional holiday menus for the holidays. Whether it have a Spanish, French, Asian, Jewish or Italian twist; here are some great international menu ideas and recipes for a fabulous holiday meal with family and friends that break the norm.

Spanish Holiday Menu – Alex Raij, Executive Chef at Txikito NYC     

Executive Chef Alex Raij from the Spanish restaurant Txikito in NYC always makes a classic, festive dish for the holidays. This Canelones de Bakalao Recipe (Salted Cod Fish Canneloni with Crème Fraiche) feeds a crowd and references Basque, Catalan and Argentine family holiday traditions that Chef Raij grew up with in Spain. Serve with other traditional Spanish hot and cold tapas such as: Pikillos: roasted Navarran sweet peppers with ajoarriero; Kroketas: crispy creamy croquettes; Boquerón: marinated white anchovy with eggplant and piquillo; Cogollos: butter lettuce, Basque anchovy, and Bonito del Norte and Tutera: gratin of artichoke, Roncal, Jamón.

Canelones de Bakalao
Canelones de Bakalao

Photo Credit: Kristen Hess

Canelones de Bakalao Recipe (Salted Cod Fish Canneloni with Crème Fraiche)

Executive Chef Alex Raij, Txikito

Serves 6

1 9×9 inch baking dish, preferably earthenware
12 – 4 inch square pieces fresh pasta sheets boiled and shocked in ice water (The Chef recommends cooking longer sheets and then cutting them after they are cooled in ice bath so they are more uniform)

Filling and topping

2.5 pounds cod
2 tablespoons Kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
2 cups olive oil
1.5 cup tomato pulp pref. pomi brand
2 cups Creme fraiche
2 tablespoons  finely chopped chives
50 grams hackleback or other high quality caviar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Salt the cod with the 2 T. kosher salt and let stand 10 minutes.
Rinse and pat dry.
Place the cod in a small pot and cover with olive oil.
Place on medium low heat and poach the cod in the oil until it flakes when prodded
Remove the fish to a mixing bowl to cool.
Pour 1/2 cup of the poaching oil over the cooling cod to cool with it.
Heat remaining oil add the tomato fry the tomato until cooked and a little sweet, season with salt.
Pour the tomato oil mix I the bottom of the baking dish.
Break up the cooled cod and flake it with clean hands.
Whip it up with the oil with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Place 6 pasta sheets side by side and place 1/12 of the filling at the end of each sheet.
Roll away from you and place on the tomato.
Repeat with the rest of the filling and next 6 sheets.
Season the crème fraiche with salt and pour over the caneloni.
Bake at 375 until bubbly.
Sprinkle with chives and top with caviar just before serving.

Serve 2 pieces per person.

Printed with permission of Alex Raij. All rights reserved.

—–

French Holiday Menu – Olivier Quignon, Executive Chef at Bar Boulud

Even as Chef Olivier Quignon of Bar Boulud prepares to celebrate his seventh Christmas in NYC, he hasn’t lost touch with the French holiday traditions of his hometown, the Northern French town of Beauvais. Christmas in the Quignon household, and in the restaurant he helms on behalf of renowned French Chef Daniel Boulud, Bar Boulud, is traditional to a tee, lasting up to six hours and spanning just as many courses. What does a typical French holiday meal entail?

Oysters “Always oysters. We shuck them at lunch and the eating begins.”

Cured or Smoked Fish

Foie Gras “This can be hot, seared, or served as a terrine.”

Hot Fish or Pasta

Poultry

Beef or Game

Cheese “ALWAYS cheese. French people eat cheese at practically every meal. We may sometimes skip dessert, but we never skip cheese.”

Pastry “At Christmas this is often a Bûche de Noel. But my wife is a pastry chef, so there are usually many desserts.”

Tournedos Rossini with Truffles and Foie Gras
Tournedos Rossini with Truffles and Foie Gras

Photo Credit: Kristen Hess

Traditionally, Tournedos Rossini is a French steak dish, purportedly created for the composer Gioachino Rossini by French master chef Marie-Antoine Carême. The dish comprises a tournedos (beef tenderloin) pan-fried in butter, served on a crouton, and topped with a hot slice of fresh whole foie gras briefly pan-fried at the last minute. A few slices of black truffle and Madeira demi-glace sauce garnish the dish.

At Bar Boulud New York, ‘Rossini’ is a dish that makes an appearance on the menu every holiday season, and on the tables at many French holiday meals. It is rich in ingredients and flavors, hearty, and the perfect celebration dish. There are several way to prepare Rossini, but Bar Boulud sticks to the traditional preparation—seared beef tenderloin atop a brioche toast, topped with seared foie gras and Madeira-beef jus, served with Pommes Macaire dotted with a celery root puree.

Tournedos Rossini with Truffles and Foie Gras and Pommes Macaire

Executive Chef Olivier Quignon, Bar Boulud

Serves 4

Pommes Macaire

Kosher salt, as needed
4 yellow gold potatoes
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Black truffle butter or oil
2 egg yolks
Canola oil for frying
½ cup flour

Celery Root Puree

1 small (about 3/4 pound) celery root, peeled
Salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup milk
Freshly ground white pepper

To Finish

1 ½ lbs angus beef tenderloin, tied with butchers twine
12 ounces fresh grade A foie gras
6 tablespoons beef jus or demi glace
2 ounces Madeira
1 Tablespoon chopped shallot
4 ¼ thin slices of brioche, cut into 3 ½-inch circles, toasted
8 small light green celery leaves
1 small black winter truffle

For the Pomme Macaire

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Make a bed of salt on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and place potatoes on top. Bake potatoes for 45 minutes, or until tender.

Remove from the oven, and when cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the potato with a fork, season to taste with salt, pepper, and truffle butter (or oil). Stir in the egg yolk to combine.  Press mixture into a bread loaf pan and chill overnight.

Turn the potatoes onto a cutting board and cut into (at least 8) 3 x ½-inch batons. Lightly coat the batons in the flour and shake off excess.

Fill 1/3 of a saucepan with canola oil and heat to 350°F. When ready to serve, fry the potatoes  in batches until golden brown. Strain onto a paper towel-lined tray, sprinkle with salt.

For the Celery Root Puree

Cut the celery root into medium dice. Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until browned. Add the celery root, milk, and water to cover; bring to a simmer. Cook until tender, about 12 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the celery root to a blender and puree with enough of the cooking liquid to make a smooth puree. Pass through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl.

When ready to serve, transfer to a small saucepan and stir over medium heat to heat through.

To Finish

Slice the tenderloin into four portions and season on all sides with salt and pepper.

Cut the foie gras into four slices and season on all sides with salt and pepper.

Place a large sauté pan over high heat. Once very hot, sear the foie gras on both sides to brown, about 2 minutes on each side.  Transfer to a platter, cover with foil and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium and return the pan with the foie gras fat to the heat.  Sear the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes each, basting the meat constantly with the fat. Brown the beef on all sides while basting the constantly with the fat in the pan, about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium rare.  Transfer the beef to the platter with the foie gras, cover, and rest in a warm place.

Add the shallots to the same pan over medium low heat, and cook, stirring until translucent. Add the Madeira and simmer to reduce by 2/3. Stir in the beef jus and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

For each serving, place a brioche toast on a plate and top with a portion of beef. Top the beef with a piece of roasted foie gras, and shavings of black truffle. Place two pommes macaire next to the beef and top each with a spoonful of celery puree. Garnish puree with two celery leaves.  Spoon the sauce from the pan around and serve.

—–

Asian Holiday Menu – Hung Huynh, Executive Chef at Catch Restaurant NYC       

Whole Roasted Branzino is a favorite recipe of Chef Hung Huynh of Catch NYC for the holidays. It’s simple, delicious and easy to make and great for feeding a crowd. Chef Hung also recommends adding some miso, ginger, soy and lemongrass to the seasonings to amp up the Asian flavors in this beautiful seafood holiday dish. His Asian inspired holiday menu includes:

Roasted Whole Branzino

Sautéed Green beans with EVOO and Soy Sauce

White or Brown Steamed Rice

Miso Soup

Fresh fruit

Roasted Whole Branzino
Roasted Whole Branzino

Photo Credit: Kristen Hess

Roasted Whole Branzino

Executive Chef Hung Huynh

Serves 2-4 people

Ingredients:

1.5 to 2 pound Branzino
1 tablespoon of Aged Balsamic

Seasoning Rub:

1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of picked chopped thyme
3 cloves of minced garlic
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Zest of one lemon
Zest of one lime

Directions:

Before cooking, the Branzino must be scaled, gutted and scored.
Combine all the seasoning rub ingredients.
Rub entire fish with seasoning including the cavity, distributing evenly.
Make sure that the entire fish is covered in the rub.
Take a half sheet pan and roast at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Reserve the remaining olive oil in the sheet pan.
Place the fish on a platter and drizzle with the reserved olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

—–

Jewish Holiday Menu – Zach Kutsher, Proprietor, Kutsher’s Tribeca

Zach Kutsher, Chef and Owner of Kutsher’s Tribeca, always serves Latkes for the Hanukkah holiday. These crispy potato latkes are a traditional Jewish dish made of grated potatoes, onion, eggs and matzo meal, shaped into round potato pancakes and fried to a crispy golden brown. The traditional way to serve them is with a spoonful of sour cream, but Zach likes to also add ½ ounce of caviar (salmon roe, paddlefish caviar and wasabi flying fish roe) to the latkes to give them a special holiday touch. Some other fun ideas that Chef Zach does to dress up the latkes are to use some non-traditional savory toppings such as:

Peking Duck with Cucumber, Scallions and Sesame Hoisin

Wild Hen of the Woods Mushrooms and Herbed Ricotta

Gravlax and Dilled Creme Fraiche

Pastrami Reuben (pastrami, sauerkraut, emmentaler and thousand island dressing)

VLT – Veal Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato

To make it a complete Jewish holiday menu, serve the latkes with: Chopped Duck and Chicken Liver, Seasonal Pickles, Golden and Red Beet Salad with Lemon Ricotta, Arugula and Pecans, Turkey or Brisket with Challah Chestnut Stuffing, Cheesy Spaetzle Kugel, Brussels Sprouts and Pumpkin Shlishkas with Amaretto Matzo and Sage Brown Butter and Babka Sticky Buns for dessert.

Crispy Potato Latkes
Crispy Potato Latkes

Photo Credit: Kutsher’s Tribeca

Potato Latkes Recipe

Zach Kutsher, Kutsher’s Tribeca

Ingredients:

1 pound potatoes
1 egg
1 egg yolk
6 ounces onion
3/4 ounces matzo meal
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

Preparation:

Grate onion on the fine side of a cheese grater and then line a strainer with some paper towels and let drain in sink as dry as possible.

Mix egg, yolk, matzo meal, salt, lemon juice, and drained onion together, set aside.

Julienne the potatoes (cut into thin small matchsticks) or grate on the large side of cheese grater, and periodically put the potato in the egg mix to prevent browning. Do not wash potato after it is cut.

Mix all together, fry in schmaltz (rendered/clarified chicken or goose fat – or you can substitute canola oil)

Take one handful of mix, twisted in the palm of your hand like you would spaghetti on a fork, till golden brown and crispy, then flip.

Finish in oven if necessary.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

—–

Italian Holiday Menu – Gabe Thompson, Executive Chef of Epicurean Group (dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and Anfora)

Grilled Pork Chop
Grilled Pork Chop

Photo Credit: Epicurean Group

Chef Thompson, Executive Chef of the Epicurean Group in NYC loves creating special menus for the holidays. It is all about the food, flavors and family. His menu below puts his crave-able Italian twist on some fall favorites to make for a classic holiday menu!

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad– radicchio, agrodolce raisins, pecans, fiore sardo (aged Sheeps milk cheese)

Orecchiette — turkey sausage, sage, sweet potato

Grilled Pork Chop — roasted vegetable and chestnut panzanella, pork sugo

Warm Cranberry-pumpkin Budino – served with apple cider sauce

—–

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad Recipe

Executive Chef Gabe Thompson, Epicurean Group

Serves 4-6

2 acorn squash (1 ½ pounds)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons butter
8 sage leaves
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut each squash into 8-9 wedges, each wedge about 1 inch thick. Remove and discard seeds. In a large bowl, toss the squash wedges together with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt.

Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of butter. As soon as the butter melts, add half of the squash to the pan, arranging the pieces so that they are cut-side down. Sprinkle half of the sage over the squash. Cook undisturbed until it is golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Turn each squash piece over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the other side. Remove squash from the pan and place on a half sheet tray or cookie sheet. Repeat this process with remaining olive oil, butter, squash and sage leaves.

Drizzle maple syrup over the squash segments. Place in the oven and bake until each piece of squash is easily pierced with a fork, about 25-30 minutes. Remove and set aside.

—–

 

Healthy Homestyle Meatloaf w/ Ancho Chile-Red Pepper Glaze :: Wild Mushroom Risotto

Homestyle Meatloaf with Ancho Chile-Red Pepper Glaze
Homestyle Meatloaf with Ancho Chile-Red Pepper Glaze

OK, so I know Meatloaf is one of those dishes we’re all a little bored of by now. Not so glamorous or gourmet, and usually a quick go-to dish when we have nothing else in the fridge and want to make an easy dinner with a few ingredients on hand. Well that was the case last weekend, so I thought – how can I jazz this meatloaf up a bit and make it a little healthier to boot?

Kickin' Ketchup
Kickin’ Ketchup

I have some samples of Kickin’ Ketchup in my pantry that I’ve been meaning to try – it’s a spicy ketchup made out in California with a touch of heat and smooth sweetness.  I thought I would experiment making a spicy concoction made with the ketchup and some ancho chile powder and red pepper jelly (try this one or make your own) – perfect for a Meatloaf glaze or dipping sauce for homemade cocktail meatballs. The balance of the smoky chile powder mixed with the spicy heat of the ketchup and sweet heat of the red pepper jelly is a harmonious combination and I’m lovin’ it. For the meatloaf, I used a combination of ground beef, ground pork and ground veal – the holy grail for a savory juicy meatloaf. I added onions and garlic, some minced zucchini,  a dollop of Kickin’ Ketchup and a dash of ancho chile powder along with oatmeal substituted for regular breadcrumbs. I made some Wild Mushroom Risotto on the side, but this would be perfect with some roasted carrots, sauteed zucchini or mashed potatoes to accompany. Dig in!

Healthy Homestyle Meatloaf w/ Ancho Chile-Red Pepper Glaze

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Ingredients

  • HEALTHY HOMESTYLE MEATLOAF
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 pounds meatloaf mix (ground beef, veal and pork)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Kickin' Ketchup (or use regular ketchup and add some cayenne)
  • 1/4 cup instant or steel-cut oats
  • ANCHO CHILE-RED PEPPER GLAZE
  • 1/4 cup Kickin' Ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons Red Pepper Jelly
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. HEALTHY HOMESTYLE MEATLOAF
  2. Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium high heat. Add onions and zucchini and cook for about 8 minutes, until tender. Add minced garlic and saute for another minute or two. Remove cooked vegetables from the pan into a small bowl, let cool completely and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a ceramic or glass rectangular baking dish with no-stick cooking oil spray.
  4. Whisk eggs together in a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked veggies, meat, spices, ketchup and oats and mix together thoroughly and gently with your hands.
  5. Take the meatloaf mixture and press together into one large or two small loaves into the baking dish.
  6. Make the Ancho Chile-Red Pepper Glaze per instructions below, and brush over entire meatloaf, saving some extra glaze for serving.
  7. Bake for 1 hour up to 1 1/4 hours until a thermometer inserted in center reads 155 degrees F.
  8. Remove baked meatloaf from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  9. Slice and serve with additional glaze and a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes or mushroom risotto.
  10. ANCHO CHILE-RED PEPPER GLAZE
  11. Mix together ketchup, red pepper jelly, garlic salt and ancho chile powder and black pepper. Brush glaze on to meatloaf and save additional glaze for serving.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2013/11/healthy-homestyle-meatloaf-w-spicy-tomato-red-pepper-jelly-glaze/

Wild Mushroom Risotto
Wild Mushroom Risotto

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Yield: 6

Ingredients

  • Mushroom stock:
  • ½ lb. cremini mushrooms
  • ½ lb. white button mushrooms
  • ½ lb. shitake mushrooms
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • ½ c. dried porcini mushrooms
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 oz. Madeira wine
  • Risotto:
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 shallots, finely minced
  • 4 c. Arborio rice
  • ¾ c. white wine
  • Mushroom stock (reserved)
  • 1 tbsp. minced chives
  • 1 tbsp. Italian parsley
  • ¼ c. grated Pecorino Romano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. To make the mushroom stock, wash and trim the stems of the fresh mushrooms. Reserve the stems and slice the mushroom caps for use later in the recipe. (Make sure to dust of the dirt first and don’t soak the mushrooms).
  2. Combine the chicken stock, stems, dried porcini mushrooms in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Strain through a cheesecloth and reserve the liquid for the risotto.
  3. Heat a large sauté pan and add 4 tbsp of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned. Deglaze the Madeira and reduce until almost all the liquid has evaporated. Reserve the mushrooms. (Try to let the Madeira glaze sit, don’t stir).
  4. For the risotto, heat a wide pot or rondeau (flat bottom pot with tall sides) over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp butter. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir the mixture together to coat the rice with the shallots and butter.
  5. Add the white wine, lower the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine has evaporated. Begin adding the mushroom stock, a large ladleful at a time. Continue to add the mushroom stock (slowly and continuously), stirring constantly until the rice is just cooked through and all the stock has been absorbed, about 20 mins. The rice should be slightly al dente but have a creamy consistency and not dry.
  6. Stir in the reserved mushrooms, the remaining tablespoon of butter, chives, and parsley. Top off the risotto with Pecorino Romano and season with salt and pepper to taste.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2013/11/healthy-homestyle-meatloaf-w-spicy-tomato-red-pepper-jelly-glaze/

Other Meatloaf Recipes you might enjoy:

Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Meatloaf

Saveur Meatloaf

Cooking Light Spicy Turkey Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze

Iowa Girl Eats Mini BBQ Cheddar Meatloaves

Ina Garten Meatloaf

5 Holiday Appetizer Recipes and Colavita Olive Oil Holiday Giveaway!

Holiday Appetizer Recipes & Colavita Holiday Giveaway
Holiday Appetizer Recipes & Colavita Holiday Giveaway

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate by throwing a holiday cocktail party with friends and family? I’ve teamed up with Colavita this season to celebrate with all of you, by creating  some delicious Holiday Appetizer recipes using their World Selection and Private Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Flavored Cooking Oil blends. 

Colavita Olive Oil Collection

Colavita Olive Oil Giveaway!

*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED – Congratulations to Manda Kay, the winner of our Colavita holiday giveaway! Hope you cook up lots of goodies with your EVOO & Balsamic Glace! Happy Holidays 🙂

I’ve teamed up with Colavita this holiday season and giving away some of their delicious olive oils and balsamic vinegars so you can celebrate the season by cooking up some holiday goodies of your own! The winner will receive: one (1) 3/4 liter of Colavita Private Selection Fruttato EVOO, one (1) 32 oz Roasted Garlic EVOO plus one (1) 29.5 oz bottle of their Balsamic Glace. 

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment at the end of this post telling me what your favorite Holiday Appetizer to make with olive oil is.

*For extra entries, just follow me on twitter, facebook, pinterest, google+, tumblr or sign up for my newsletter (at the top right hand side of this page) and tell me you did so in the comments section. **As an added bonus, Colavita is also offering a 25% discount to all of my readers on any purchase in their online store. Simply enter the code ‘AG25’ to receive the discount upon checkout!

**This giveaway begins on Sunday, Dec 9th and ends Sunday Dec 23rd at midnight EST, where one person will be selected by random from the comments section below.**

Colavita World Selection Olive Oils are a new collection of extra virgin olive oils exploring the tradition in countries outside of italy from estates and farms in Australia, Argentina, California, Greece, Spain and Portugal as well as other prime olive oil growing nations. Read more about a few of my favorites that I used in my recipes below!

Colavita California EVOO

 

Colavita 100% Californian EVOO

The warm climate in the “Golden State” of California fosters both grape and olive cultivation perfect for wines and olive oils. The Colavita 100% Californian EVOO is pressed from olives grown in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys of California. The mild flavor makes this oil perfect for all culinary applications. Enrich your favorite meal with a drizzle of EVOO and a glass of wine.

Read more and get it online

 

Colavita Roasted Garlic EVOO

 

Colavita Roasted Garlic EVOO

Colavita Roasted Garlic EVOO is a product originally created exclusively for BJ’s Wholesale Stores. To many it has become the “gateway product” that exposes customers to the entire Colavita family of products. It is raved about on their online store so we wanted to share it with all of you! It’s the perfect finishing oil and wonderful for enhancing garlic already present in your dish. Try it on Garlic Bread or my Homemade Pita Chips (recipe below).

Read more and get it online

 

Colavita Argentina EVOO

Colavita 100% Argentina EVOO

The Argentina EVOO was a hands-down favorite at this year’s New York Wine and Food Festival. Arbequino, Coratina and Manzanilla olive cultivars grown in the Catamarca and Mendoza regions of Argentina give this EVOO and intense, fruity aroma and taste. Pair this EVOO with soups, roasted fish, grilled vegetables and red meat for an unbeatable duo.

Read more and get it online

 

 

 

Colavita Private Selection EVOO

Colavita Private Selection Fruttato EVOO

Colavita’s Fruttato Oil has recently been inducted into the Colavita “Private Selection” line. This line was created to highlight the products which have received the honor of being marked a Colavita family favorite. It is made by cold pressing new harvest olives just before their peak ripeness. The result is a full bodied EVOO which is slightly pungent with peppery flavor notes.

Read more and get it online

 

 

 

Colavita Roasted Garlic Oil Blend

 

Colavita Roasted Garlic Oil Blend

This Colavita Premium Blend is an all-purpose cooking, frying, and salad dressing oil which combines the delicate hint of roasted garlic in a light Canola Oil and Virgin Olive Oil Blend. It is a versatile oil that is naturally low in saturated fats and has no trans fats.

Read more and get it online

 

 

 

 

 

 Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8-10

These yummy sweet and spicy Asian Chicken bites combine honey, soy sauce, orange and Sriracha to make a fun bite-sized appetizer with a delicious glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, plus 1 tsp zest
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Colavita Roasted Garlic EVOO
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Colavita Roasted Garlic EVOO
  • Fresh ground white pepper
  • Dash of red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 tablespoon black and white sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • 1 green onion, sliced thin (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients from honey through minced garlic and place inside a large plastic freezer bag.
  2. Cut up chicken into bite-sized pieces and trim visible fat, place in bag and marinate in refrigerator for at least an hour to overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  4. Remove chicken from freezer bag, reserving marinade, and place on a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, turning one time until chicken is browned nicely.
  6. Strain marinade and discard solids, and pour into a saucepan bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for about 3 minutes.
  7. Combine water and cornstarch and slowly pour into glace in saucepan. Add fresh cracked white pepper and red pepper flakes, stirring well.
  8. Turn oven up to 500 degrees.
  9. Toss chicken bites with the glaze and broil for about 5 minutes.
  10. Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds for a few minutes in a pan over medium heat and chop green onion.
  11. Serve chicken bites garnished with sesame seeds and green onions with cocktail toothpicks on a small platter or small plates.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light March 2003

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

 

Caramelized Onion, Ricotta & Pancetta Tart
Caramelized Onion, Ricotta & Pancetta Tart

Caramelized Onion, Ricotta & Pancetta Tart

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Yield: 8

This is a lovely tart recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized onions give it a sweet flavor with a hint of fig balsamic vinegar, balanced out by creamy ricotta, nutty Gruyere cheese, fresh herbs and crispy pancetta.

Ingredients

  • 1 package pancetta (8 thin slices)
  • 3 tablespoons Colavita Fruttato EVOO
  • 2 sweet Vidalia onions, halved lengthwise and sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1-1 1/2 tablespoons Fig balsamic vinegar (Tavern Direct brand)
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoons dried Fines Herbes (or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 frozen pie shell, defrosted, or homemade tart dough

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Heat a saute pan over medium heat and cook pancetta until browned but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain fat from pan and place pancetta on paper towels to drain to the side. Once cooled, chop pancetta into small pieces.
  3. Peel onions, remove top and bottom stems and cut in half lengthwise.
  4. Slice onions thin (about 1/8" thick or desired thickness).
  5. In the same saute pan, add 3 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium high heat.
  6. Add onions and cook over medium high for about 10 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle brown sugar, salt and pepper over onions and stir well, cook another 10-20 minutes, reducing heat to medium low if onions start to brown too quickly.
  8. Continue cooking and stirring onions over medium low for another 15 minutes, add a few teaspoons of water if desired.
  9. Add the fig balsamic vinegar to the onions, turn heat down to low and let cook until they are caramelized, soft and sweet, up to an hour total.
  10. Combine the ricotta, egg yolk and Fines Herbes together in small mixing bowl.
  11. Spread the ricotta mixture over the pie shell in a 9" tart pan with removeable bottom.
  12. Sprinkle Gruyere cheese over ricotta.
  13. Top with caramelized onions and pancetta.
  14. Bake the tart in the oven for approximately 30-45 minutes until pastry and filling are golden brown, and pancetta is crispy.
  15. Let tart cool on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  16. Serve tart cut into wedges.

Notes

If you prefer to make your own tart dough rather than using a frozen pie crust, Martha Stewart has a great recipe for Flaky Tart Dough on her website at http://www.marthastewart.com/319448/flaky-tart-dough

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip w/ Homemade Pita Chips
Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip w/ Homemade Pita Chips

Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Size: 8

Hot Artichoke dip is one of my all time favorite holiday dip recipes, and this one is extra special, using Colavita's California EVOO, lemon zest and minced garlic with lots of gooey cheese. Instead of using mayonnaise, I substitute a light sour cream to cut some of the fat and calories. Serve with my homemade baked pita chips or crackers.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Colavita California extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 package frozen artichokes, defrosted
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Garlic salt with parsley (to taste)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded light monterey jack cheese, plus 1/2 cup for topping
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • dash of cayenne (optional)
  • dash of paprika (for garnish)
  • 1 green onion, sliced thin (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a saute pan over medium high heat. Add artichokes and minced garlic, saute about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  2. Add lemon juice, zest, garlic salt and pepper, mix well and cook another few minutes, set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, add shredded cheeses and sour cream together in a mixing bowl.
  4. Add sauteed artichokes, garlic and lemon to cheese and sour cream.
  5. Sprinkle with a dash of cayenne (if desired), mix well and transfer to a casserole dish.
  6. Sprinkle additional monterey jack cheese over the top and bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted on top.
  7. Let cool a few minutes, sprinkle with paprika and green onions. Serve with homemade baked pita chips (recipe follows), crackers or crudites.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

Baked Garlic Pita Chips

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Makes 36 pita chips

Making homemade pita chips is super easy and way better than buying the storebought kind for your holiday party. Mine are made with whole wheat pita bread, drizzled with EVOO, and sprinkled with garlic salt and cumin for some extra flavor. So delicious and crispy straight out of the oven and so addicting you'll never buy them again! Serve with Hot Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip or any of your other favorite party dips.

Ingredients

  • 6 whole wheat pita rounds
  • 2 tablespoons Colavita California EVOO
  • 1 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut pita rounds into triangles (6 wedges per pita).
  3. Lay out pita wedges on a baking sheet and brush each wedge with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle garlic salt and cumin on top.
  5. Flip over pita wedges, repeat coating with oil, salt and cumin.
  6. Place baking sheet(s) in oven and cook pita wedges for about 15 minutes (checking to make sure they don't burn!)
  7. Let cool, and serve with Hot Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

Sage, Lemon & Garlic Cocktail Meatballs
Sage, Lemon & Garlic Cocktail Meatballs

Sage, Lemon & Garlic Cocktail Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 18 medium or 36 small meatballs

Serving Size: 2-4 per person

Everyone loves cocktail meatballs at holiday parties! These lovelies have a hint of lemon and sage and are light and fluffy, made with ground pork or chicken. They are first browned on the stovetop and then finished in the oven until golden brown. They're delicious alone, or dipped in a hot pepper jelly (Williams-Sonoma brand is great), balsamic pear jam (there's one by Academia Barilla that is to die for) or simply dipped in balsamic vinegar glace.

Ingredients

  • 3 slices of bread, crusts removed
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 pound ground pork or chicken
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped fine
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, minced
  • zest and juice from half a lemon
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Colavita Argentina EVOO
  • 1 tablespoon Colavita Roasted Garlic Cooking Oil Blend
  • Red Pepper jelly, for dipping (Williams Sonoma brand)
  • Balsamic Pear jam, for dipping (Academia Barilla brand)
  • Colavita Balsamic Glace, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Remove crusts from bread and tear into small pieces in a large mixing bowl, add milk and let soak for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Mix in ground pork or chicken, sage, garlic, onion, lemon juice and zest, cheese, pepper flakes, egg, salt and pepper with soaked bread crumbs with your hands in a claw-like motion to keep meatballs light and fluffy.
  4. Roll meat mixture into small to medium size meatballs (small makes approximately 36, medium makes approximately 18).
  5. Heat olive oils in a large saute pan over medium heat (if not using cooking oil blend, mix EVOO with a tablespoon of butter to avoid temperature from getting too high and splattering).
  6. Cook meatballs in batches in the oil for about 5 minutes each batch until meatballs are browned on all sides, drain on paper towels.
  7. Once all meatballs are browned, place them on a large rimmed baking sheet coated with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
  8. Bake in the oven for approximately another 15 minutes until cooked through and to keep warm.
  9. Top with additional garlic salt (if desired), fresh chopped sage, and serve with red pepper jelly and balsamic pear jam, and Colavita Balsamic Glace for dipping.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

Crunchy Zucchini Sticks w/ Yogurt Dill Sauce
Crunchy Zucchini Sticks w/ Yogurt Dill Sauce

Crunchy Zucchini Sticks w/ Yogurt Dill Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 8-10

These zucchini sticks are a great appetizer for any holiday party. They have a light crunchy coating of Japanese Panko seasoned bread crumbs and are finished with a splash of lemon and sprinkling of sea salt. They go perfect with the cool and creamy yogurt dill sauce or even a ranch dressing for dipping.

Ingredients

  • CRUNCHY ZUCCHINI STICKS
  • Colavita Roasted Garlic Cooking Oil Blend
  • 4 medium zucchini, cut into half, into long strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cups Panko Japanese-style seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish
  • Fresh minced dill, for garnish
  • YOGURT DILL SAUCE
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt
  • 2-3 tablespoon minced dill
  • Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. CRUNCHY ZUCCHINI STICKS
  2. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large deep saute pan, about 2 inches high.
  3. Trim ends off zucchini, cut in half and then in half again lengthwise.
  4. Cut zucchini into large strips about 1/2 an inch thick.
  5. Pour the flour and Panko breadcrumbs into one large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
  7. Dip zucchini sticks in egg, shaking off excess, then dip in bowl to coat with flour and breadcrumbs.
  8. Place coated zucchini on a baking sheet.
  9. Fry in batches until golden brown, draining excess oil on another baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  10. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of zucchini and sprinkle with fresh dill and additional sea salt to taste.
  11. YOGURT DILL SAUCE
  12. In a medium bowl, mix together greek yogurt, dill, salt and pepper to taste.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2012/12/5-holiday-appetizer-recipes-and-colavita-olive-oil-holiday-giveaway/

*This is a sponsored post by Colavita, but as usual, all opinions expressed are my own. I received 5 bottles of Colavita olive oil samples to create the recipes for this article and holiday promotion. Winners of the giveaway will receive the prizes directly from Colavita by mail and should expect 2-3 weeks delivery time due to the holidays. 

**All photographs, recipes and copy are copyrighted by Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet 2012 and cannot be republished without my permission or credit on the reposted original material from this article or website.

FLAVOURS Tasting Event with Paris Gourmet at Dream Hotel NYC

FLAVOURS Tasting Event by Paris Gourmet at Dream Hotel NYC
FLAVOURS Tasting Event by Paris Gourmet at Dream Hotel NYC

I recently attended a wonderful tasting event sponsored by Paris Gourmet at the Ava Lounge Dream Hotel in NYC. Although it rained, we still had a wonderful time sampling delicious gourmet food, champagne, wine and cocktails by Frederick Wildman and Sons, while meeting other professionals in the culinary industry. We sampled fresh homemade cheeses such as Burrata, Mozzarella and Ricotta, smoked salmon and caviar, fresh grilled pork by Iberico Fresco, Madrange French Ham, Rougie Foie Gras, fresh baked baguettes by Pain D’Avignon, and of course topped off our tasting with some gorgeous desserts!

Check out the great photos of the event below, and be sure to visit Paris Gourmet’s Twitter and Facebook pages for more info and photos of the event!

Behind the Scenes w/ Chef Madison Cowan & Nat’l Pork Board :: Recipes, Photos & Videos

Chef Madison Cowan
Chef Madison Cowan
Chef Madison Cowan

Last week I had an amazing opportunity to meet Chef Madison CowanIron Chef America Winner,  Chopped! Grand Champion, Extreme Chef Judge on Food network and star in the new television show, No Kitchen Required at a live taping of his media satellite tour with the National Pork Board here in NYC.

Chef Madison Cowan on Set
Chef Madison Cowan on Set

To help home cooks unleash the limitless power of the pork chop, America’s pork producers have enlisted a pro who knows a thing or two about chops. Because this worldly chef is known for blending diverse inspirations from around the globe and the pork chop is one of his favorite go-to meats to cook, the Pork Board asked Chef Madison Cowan to create some fresh global-inspired pork recipes and talk about them with a live demo for a national satellite media tour that was broadcasted on television and radio stations around the country last week (see video clip below to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the live interview).

Chef's Pork Creations
Chef's Pork Creations

The three most popular types of pork are bone-in rib chops, top loin chops, and blade chops but not all consumers are aware of all the great choices they have when it comes to cooking with pork. To educate and inspire home cooks, the Pork board asked Chef Madison to create some fresh and global inspired recipes with new ways to cook pork chops other than the basic frying and baking techniques.

Chef Madison & Kristen Hess
Chef Madison & Kristen Hess

During the taping, Chef Madison demos his amazing pork recipes, talks about his London, Detroit and Jamaican heritage, his step-mother’s influence on his cooking and his passion and love for food, family and his culinary career. His pork dishes were absolutely gorgeous and tantalizing and colorful!

Amazing Pork Chop Creations
Amazing Pork Chop Creations

The three main recipes that Chef Madison made on set were Grilled Pork Chops with Manchego Cheese, Chorizo and Date stuffing, Chinese 5-Spice and Maple-Glazed Pork Loin Chops and Moroccan-Inspired Country Style Rib Ragu with Couscous Cakes. (See full recipes below).

Chef Madison Cowan
Chef Madison Cowan

We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Chef for an intimate talk about his background and cooking philosophy and he told us about his first cook book “Soul Voyage” which chronicles his philosophy of cooking from the heart as well as his favourite soul food recipes. Chef Madison is truly a talented individual and everything he does is from the heart. He is a true inspiration to me and hopefully all home cooks out there by his pure passion and dedication to his craft.

Check out the video above of Chef Madison Cowan on set taping the live satellite media tour as he discusses the recipes he is making, his inspiration and background for his cooking and culinary career. (Note: the taping is one sided so you’ll only hear the Chef’s answers to the live interview questions he is being asked by the media!)

And to top off all the great photos and videos from the event, Chef Madison has shared his three Pork recipes he made on the tour, which are included for you below. Enjoy!

—–

Moroccan-Inspired Country-Style Rib Ragu with Couscous Cakes

Moroccan-Inspired Country-Style Rib Ragu with Couscous Cakes
Moroccan-Inspired Country-Style Rib Ragu with Couscous Cakes (photo credit: National Pork Board)

For this pork and beans dish, I’m inspired by the Berber classic from North Africa, named for the earthenware pot traditionally used for simmering lamb or chicken stew. Tagine also refers to the stew itself. Here Moroccan spicing brings out the best in boneless blade chops, which are from the loin nearest the shoulder. These thick chops are well marbled, full-flavored, and often called “Boneless Pork Loin Country-Style Ribs.”

  • 2 pounds boneless blade chops (pork loin country-style ribs), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Spanish or Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Tagine

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, as needed
  • 2 large leeks, white and pale green parts, thinly sliced and washed well
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 (3-inch) sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red chile flakes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes with their juices
  • 1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint

Couscous Cakes

  • 1 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup dried currants
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped chives
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the pork chops: Put pork cubes in a large bowl and toss with oil. Mix paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, ginger, and cumin, Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over pork and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 and up to 3 hours. Reserve remaining spice mixture.

To make the tagine: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. .In batches, add pork and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer pork to a plate.

Add more oil to the skillet if needed. Add leeks, carrots, cinnamon, thyme, chili flakes and bay leaves to the skillet and sauté together about 4 minutes, adding more by the tablespoon, if needed. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining spices and cook for 15 seconds. Stir in tomatoes with their juices, broth, and tomato paste and bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large sauce pan. Return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until juices thicken and vegetables are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Stir in chickpeas. Bury the pork in the sauce and cover. Simmer until the pork is just tender, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the couscous cakes: Bring the stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the couscous, almonds, currants, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper and stir well. Remove from heat and cover tightly for 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in yolks. Press couscous mixture into six 3-inch-wide cakes. Transfer to a plate and let stand 5 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cakes, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs and transfer tagine to a serving dish. Sprinkle cilantro and mint on top and serve hot, with couscous cakes.

Makes 6 servings.

—-

Grilled Pork Chops with Chorizo, Dates and Manchego Stuffing

Grilled Pork Chops with Chorizo, Dates and Manchego Stuffing
Grilled Pork Chops with Chorizo, Dates and Manchego Stuffing (photo credit: National Pork Board)

In the U.S., stuffed pork chops usually have a breadcrumb filling. This Spanish treatment calls for a unique and flavorful stuffing of spicy chorizo, sweet dates, and Manchego cheese, a sharp cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. Alternatively use local, affordable cheddar if Manchego is unavailable.

  • 6 double-thick bone-in rib chops, about 12 ounces each
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • ½ gallon iced water

Chorizo Stuffing

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound smoked Spanish chorizo, diced
  • 2 medium celery, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup pitted and finely chopped dates
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Manchego or sharp Cheddar cheese
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To brine pork chops:  Bring vinegar, brown sugar, salt, mustard, and peppercorns to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve salt.  Do not inhale fumes.  Transfer to large, deep food-safe container.  Let cool until tepid.  Stir in iced water.  Submerge chops in brine.  Refrigerate for 3 hours, no longer.

To make stuffing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add celery, dates, and shallot, and cook, stirring often, until celery is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley, sage, and paprika. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.  Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Remove chops from brine, rinse under cold water, and blot dry with paper towels. Cut a horizontal pocket in each chop to the bone using a sharp knife. Spoon equal amounts of stuffing into each chop, and close each opening shut with wooden toothpicks. Do not overstuff the chops; you may not use all of the filling.

Prepare a medium fire in an outdoor grill. (For a gas grill, preheat to about 400ºF. For a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until covered with white ash and you can hold your hand about an inch above the cooking grate for 3 seconds.) Brush cooking grates clean. Grill pork, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of a chop reads 145ºF, about 15 minutes. Remove from the grill and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove toothpicks and serve.

Makes 6 servings.

—–

Chinese Five-Spice-and-Maple-Glazed Pork Loin Chops

Chinese Five-Spice-and-Maple Glazed Pork Loin Chops
Chinese Five-Spice-and-Maple Glazed Pork Loin Chops (photo credit: National Pork Board)

For this dish I marinate lean and versatile boneless top loin pork chops (also known as “America’s Cut”) in five-spice and finish it in a tangy and smooth maple glaze. This dish pairs well with my Asian Pear and Cucumber Slaw. The Asian pear, native to China, Japan and Korea, has a sweet flavor with a crisp texture, marries well with a variety of flavors and is a quick no-cook side dish option.  A plastic V-slicer or mandoline will make quick work of cutting the Asian pears and cucumber into matchsticks.

  • 6 boneless top loin pork chops, 1 1/4–inch-thick (“America’s Cut”)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Chinese five-spice powder
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

Glaze

  • 1/2  stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup maple syrup, preferably Grade B
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Asian Pear and Cucumber Slaw

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red chile
  • 2 Asian pears, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced into matchsticks
  • 3 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced on the diagonal.
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts

To prepare the pork chops: Brush pork chops with the oil and season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle the five-spice powder evenly over pork chops.  Place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.  Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before searing.

To prepare the glaze:  Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add maple syrup and vinegar and bring to a boil.  Cook, stirring often, until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

To make the slaw: Whisk lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and chile in a medium bowl.  Add Asian pears, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro, and mix well.  Season with salt.  Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Preheat your oven to 350F. Add a little cooking oil to pan and heat over medium–high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, sear the pork chops until brown, about 3 to 5 minutes each side. Place the pan in the oven and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of a chop reads 145ºF, about 10 to 12 minutes. During the last 3 minutes, reheat the maple sauce and brush both sides of the chops until well glazed.  Remove from pan from the oven and let stand for 3 minutes.

Sprinkle the slaw with peanuts and serve with a slotted spoon onto 6 dinner plates alongside each chop.

Makes 6 servings.

—–

Every week for the next month, the National Pork Board will showcase a unique chop recipe on PorkBeInspired.com to keep your culinary juices flowing, including exclusive recipes from Chef Cowan.  While there, you will find a “Pork Chop Personality Guide” to help you explore a new chop cut and match it with a new recipe for every night of the week.  With the versatility of the pork chop, there is a perfect recipe and cut to suit your personality. For additional inspiration this summer, follow @AllAboutPork on Twitter, “like” them at Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired and find them onPinterest.com/PorkBeinspired to unleash the power of the pork chop and for a chance to win pork prizes during the month of May.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT PORK RECIPES FROM THE NATIONAL PORK BOARD

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW OF ALL PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANOTHER VIDEO FROM THE LIVE TAPING

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHEF MADISON COWAN

This is a non-paid sponsored post by the National Pork Board with The Artful Gourmet for the promotion of Chef Madison Cowan, his recipes and the National Pork Board. All opinions, videos and photography (unless otherwise noted) are by The Artful Gourmet.

Recipes Worth Sharing: A Collection of Favorite Regional Recipes

Recipes Worth Sharing Cookbook
Recipes Worth Sharing Cookbook

I recently picked up a cookbook at a conference called Recipes Worth Sharing by Favorite Recipes Press. It’s a collection of the most prized, tried-and-true tested home cook recipes from some of the most popular regional community cookbooks and charitable organizations in America. I remember my Mom and Grandmother would occasionally cook from these spiral-bound community cookbooks and they usually made some type of yummy salad or casserole dish for a Sunday family brunch or neighborhood potluck supper. Usually these cookbooks go unappreciated or overlooked, but this one deserves to be noticed.

The reason I picked up this book was mainly because of the recipes themselves, not the beautiful photos which normally are what grab my attention when I pick up or buy a cookbook. The recipes are a collection of delicious comfort food, down-home favorites and are not particularly complicated to make but delicious all the same. A lot of these recipes remind of the Southern cooking I experienced and learned to make when I lived in Atlanta and made trips to Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans – lots of seafood, fresh veggies and salads, grilled and roasted meats, pasta dishes, homemade breads, pies and desserts, and of course the delicious creamy casseroles made out of basically EVERYTHING under the sun. The foods and recipes in this book are the ones that your Grandmother and Mother probably made too, and passed along to their friends at church, bridge club or the local junior league. Fussy and stuffy recipes they are not, but simple, delicious and comforting – they are indeed.

The recipes in the book are organized in typical categories: Appetizers and Beverages, Breads and Brunch, Soups, Salads and Sandwiches, Entrees, Fish and Seafood, Vegetables and Sides, Cakes, Pies and Cookies, Desserts, and Kid’s Recipes. I’ve gone through the book and picked out a sampling of my favorite recipes below (a few from each category) to share with you. I hope you enjoy them and maybe even try a few for your next potluck party or family picnic. If you want to check out the cookbook for yourself – you can preview and purchase the cookbook online. Enjoy!

—–

Beach Bites

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon horseradish
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon white wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked crab meat, drained
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup cooked shrimp, cut into small pieces
40 frozen phyllo cups, thawed
Grated parmesan cheese
Sliced almonds

Blend the cream cheese, milk, horseradish, butter, wine, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold in the crab meat, scallions and shrimp. Fill the phyllo cups with the seafood mixture. Place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the cheese and almonds. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 40.

Recipe from Toast of the Coast, The Junior League of Jacksonville, Florida

—–

Savannah Sin

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup chopped cooked ham
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup chopped green chilies
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (1-pound) round loaf French or Sourdough bread

Combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, ham, green onions, green chilies and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and mix well. Cut a thin slice from the top of the bread loaf; reserve. Remove the center carefully, leaving a shell. Cut the bread from the center into 1-inch cubes. Fill the bread shell with the dip; top with the reserved top. Wrap in foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with the bread cubes, crackers or chips.

Serves 20.

Recipe from Downtown Savannah Style, The Junior League of Savannah, Georgia.

—–

Pirate’s Milk Punch

1 cup sugar
1 cup bourbon (not sour mash)
1 cup French brandy (Cognac)
1 cup vodka
2 ounces pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Whole milk

Combine the sugar, bourbon, brandy and vodka in a gallon container with a lid. An empty gallon milk jug will work. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the sugar is dissolved. Add the vanilla and nutmeg; shake well. Add the milk, 2 cups at a time, until the jug is full; shaking well after each addition. Chill for 8 to 24 hours before serving. Serve very cold or over ice in old-fashioned glasses. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over the top before serving.

Makes 1 gallon (16 servings).

Recipe from The Life of the Party, The Junior League of Tampa, Florida.

—–

Eggs “Bama”-dict

Eggs:
6 English muffins, split into halves
Butter to taste
12 slices Canadian bacon
15 eggs
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Hollandaise sauce:
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash of Tabasco sauce
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

To prepare the eggs, toast the English muffin halves and spread with butter. Brown the Canadian bacon in a skillet; drain. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until light and frothy. Add the cheese, salt and pepper and mix well. Arrange the muffin halves in the bottom of a baking dish, split side up. Top each muffin half with a slice of Canadian bacon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the Canadian bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until eggs are set. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into squares around the muffin halves.

To prepare the sauce, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt and Tabasco sauce in a blender and process until smooth. Bring the butter to a simmer in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and immediately add to the egg yolk mixture in a find stream, processing constantly at high speed until combined.

To serve, top each serving with a spoonful of Hollandaise sauce. Note: The sauce can be kept warm in a baking dish placed in a pan of hot water.

Serves 12.

Recipe from Shall We Gather, Trinity Episcopal Church, Wetumpka, Alabama.

—–

White Spanish Gazpacho

3 cucumbers, peeled and cubed
1 small garlic clove
3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
3 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
4 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup sliced green onions
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and salted
Croutons

Puree the cucumbers and garlic in a blender. Pour into a bowl. Whisk in a small amount of chicken broth until smooth. Whisk in remaining chicken broth gradually. Whisk the cucumber mixture gradually inot the sour cream in a bowl. Stir in the vinegar and salt. Chill, covered, until cold. Ladle into 6 chilled soup bowls. Top each with equal portions of the tomatoes, parsley, green onions, almonds and croutons.

Serves 6.

Recipe from Recipes of Note, Greensboro Symphony Guild, Greensboro, NC

—–

Sweet Tart Salad

Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salad:
10 ounces salad greens or 16 cups torn lettuce
4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples
2 cups garlic bagel chips, crushed
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon pepper

For the dressing, combine the sugar, oil, vinegar, poppy seeds, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and seal tightly. Shake to mix. Chill, covered, in the refrigerator until serving time. The flavor is enhanced if made in advance and chilled.

For the salad, mix the salad greens, apples, bagel chips, cheese, pecans, and pepper in a salad bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Serves 8.

Recipe from Tables of Content, Junior League of Birmingham, Alabama.

—–

Toasted Brie Chicken Tea Sandwiches

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup red grapes, sliced
3 ribs celery, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Italian herbs
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
6 to 12 croissants
2 (8 ounce) wheels Brie cheese, rind removed and cheese sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the chicken and broth in a roasting pan. Roast for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through. Do not allow the chicken to brown. Drain and discard the broth. Place the chicken in a large bowl and let stand until cool. Mix the mayonnaise, grapes, celery, Italian herbs, pepper and onion powder in a bowl. Stir in the chicken. Cut each croissant into halves crosswise and cut each half into halves horizontally. Toast the croissants. Place a slice of Brie on half of the croissant pieces. Top with the chicken mixture and the remaining croissant pieces.

Makes 12 to 14 sandwiches.

Recipe from Savor the Seasons, The Junior League of Tampa, Florida.

—–

Seurat Salad

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 (14 ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and sliced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
6 tablespoons salad oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Juice of 2 garlic cloves
4 ounces bleu cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Romaine leaves
2 large tomatoes, cut into 12 slices
1/4 cup crumbled crisp-cooked bacon

Combine the artichokes, hearts of palm, green onions and parsley in a bowl and mix gently. Add a mixture of the salad oil, lemon juice and garlic juice and bleu cheese; toss to mix. Season with salt and pepper. Chill, covered, in the refrigerator until serving time. The salad may be prepared to this point one day in advance. Line 6 chilled salad plates with romaine. Arrange 2 tomato slices on each salad plate. Top with the artichoke mixture. Sprinkle with the bacon just before serving.

Serves 8.

Recipe from Art Fare, Toledo Museum of Art Aides, Toledo, Ohio.

—–

Father Art’s Pozole

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (2-pound) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 large onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken broth
10 tomatillos, husked, cored and cut into quarters
1 bunch cilantro, stems removed
1 (15-ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed
2 whole dried red chiles, stems removed
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Add the pork and saute until brown on all sides. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook for 10 minutes or until the onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Combine the pork mixture with 3 cups of chicken broth in a large saucepan. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the pork is very tender. Combine the remaining 2 cups chicken broth with the tomatillos and cilantro in a blender and process until pureed. Add the puree, hominy and red chiles to the pork mixture and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the chiles and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with chopped onion, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, cheese, cilantro and lime wedges.

Note: Pozole can be prepared a day or two in advance and chilled, covered, until needed. Reheat over low heat to serve.

Recipe from The Bells are Ringing: A Call to Table, Mission San Juan Capistrano Women’s Guild, San Juan Capistrano, California.

—–

Oven-Fried Chicken

6 whole chicken breasts, split and skinned
3 1/2 cups ice water
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne to taste

Spray a baking sheet 3 times with a nonstick cooking spray. Rinse the chicken. Place the chicken in the ice water in a bowl. Spoon the yogurt into a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs, flour, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, thyme, basil, oregano, black pepper and cayenne in a sealable plastic bag, shaking to mix. Remove 2 pieces of chicken from the water; coat with yogurt. Place the chicken in the plastic bag with seasonings, shaking to coat. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken. Spray the chicken lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place the baking sheet on the bottom oven rack. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes to assure even browning.

Recipe from A Taste of the Good Life: From the Heart of Tennessee, St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee.

—–

Crabmeat Mornay

1 stick butter
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons flour
1 pint heavy cream
1/2 pound grated Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon sherry wine
Red pepper to taste
Salt to taste
1 pound white crabmeat

Melt butter in heavy pot and saute onions and parsley. Blend in flour, cream and cheese, until cheese is melted. Add other ingredients and gently fold in crab meat. This may be served in a chafing dish with Melba toast or in puff pastry shells.

Recipe from River Roads Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana Cuisine, Junior League of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

—–

Baked Heirloom Beets with Balsamic Vinegar

1 pound of beets various colors, leaves and stems trimmed (golf ball size)
10 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup fresh marjoram or oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the beets, garlic, and marjoram on a sheet of foil large enough to enclose. Season generously with salt and pepper and bring the sides of the foil up. Pour a mixture of the vinegar and olive oil over the beet mixture and seal the foil.

Bake for 1 hour or until the beets are tender. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel and slice or chop the beets, reserving the juices. Serve the beets with the reserved juices over watercress or mixed salad greens or as a side to grilled meats. Serve at room temperature if desired.

Serves 4.

Recipe from California Mosaic, The Junior League of Pasadena, California.

—–

Church Street Squash

2 pounds yellow or zucchini squash (or medley of both)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix, plain
1 tablespoon paprika

Cook squash until tender. Mash with fork after draining. Let stand until cool. Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until yellow, not brown. Mix squash, onion, cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper and egg. Gently pour into greased casserole. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle paprika on top. Cook, uncovered 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until bubbly. It does freeze well after cooking and covered.

Serves 6.

Recipe from Charleston Receipts Repeats, Junior League of Charleston, South Carolina.

—–

Fresh Peach Crisp

1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup margarine or butter
4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water

Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon; cut in margarine or butter with 2 knives or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Combine peaches, lemon juice and water; spoon into a greased 9x9x1 3/4 inch baking dish. Sprinkle flour mixture over peaches. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake 35 to 45 minutes longer.

Serves 6.

Recipe from Savannah Style, Junior League of Savannah, Georgia.

—–

Lochness Bars

1/2 cup margarine
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
1 (10 1/2 ounce) package mini marshmallows
4 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup peanuts, optional

Frosting:
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
1 (6 ounce) package butterscotch chips

Combine margarine, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until melted, stirring until smooth. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Blend in cereal and peanuts. Spread in 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Chill until firm. Prepare frosting by melting chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together, blending until smooth. Spread on chilled bars. Cut into 2×1-inch bars.

Makes 60 bars.

Recipe from Children’s Party Book, The Junior League of Hampton Roads, Virginia

Cooking with a Purpose: Tavern Direct + NCMEC

I recently was fortunate enough to meet Lou Bivona, Managing Partner of Tavern Direct and Founding Member of National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/NY and sample some of his gourmet products to cook with. Tavern Direct has a fantastic line of flavorful, gourmet marinades, dipping and finishing sauces, 14-16 year barrel-aged balsamic vinegars infused with real fruit and herb oils all made with premium, all-natural ingredients bottled under the Tavern on the Green name. The best of all about this wonderful cooking line is that a portion of all their proceeds goes to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a charity committed to help millions of children through the sales of their products.

Tavern on the Green Oils & Marinades

Their product lineup includes Oils, Herbs ‘n More featuring Garlic with Rosemary Oil, Chili Pepper with Garlic Oil and Pepper with Lemon Oil. Their Marinade, Dipping and Finishing Sauce line includes Central Park Signature, Wasabi Wonder, Smokin’ Chipolte and Asian Lemon. The Marinade trio features Chandelier Chardonnay and Fire Grilled Garlic, Old Vine Cabernet and Fire Grilled Garlic and Toscana Garlic Parmesan. The Balsamic Vinegar line is premium and gorgeously flavored with options such as Citrus on the Green (infused with Orange, tangerine and lime), Blackberry and Ginger, Autumn Fig with Vanilla, and Summer Strawberry. Last but not least, they have a robust 1870 Steak Sauce as well as a sesame Golden Ginger Teriyaki Sauce, perfect for marinating steak, chicken and fish for stir-fries and grilling.

Tavern on the Green Garlic & Rosemary Oil
With so many gorgeous sauces and marinades to choose from, I had a hard time choosing which one to cook with first. I chose the Garlic with Rosemary Oil in their Oil, Herbs n’ More collection to make a fantastic, delicious meal of Pan Seared Pork Chops, Roasted Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan and Pecan Brown Basmati Rice with Garlic. With all the wonderful oils and vinegars and marinades in this line, I’ll be cooking up a storm and planning food and wine pairings and special recipes, and aim to share all my creations and cooking experiences with you throughout the year. Stay tuned for more!

For more great recipes and info about Tavern Direct, visit www.taverndirect.com.

To make a donation to NCMEC , visit their secure website.

 


 

 

—–
Garlic Rosemary Pan-Seared Pork Chops, Parmesan Zucchini + Pecan Brown Basmati RIce

Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Rosemary

Serves 4
Total Prep time: 30 mins
Total Cook time: 1 hr
Cooking skill: Intermediate

Ingredients

4 large boneless pork chops (about 1 ½ inches thick)
Tavern Direct Garlic with Rosemary Oil
4 Garlic cloves, sliced
Sea salt
Fresh ground pepper
Fresh or dried rosemary leaves

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees and adjust the oven rack to middle position.

Marinade pork chops in the Garlic with Rosemary Oil in a plastic freezer bag or baking dish and place in the refrigerator for up 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Once chops are done marinating, cut 2 slits about 2 inches apart into each chop, using a sharp knife. Insert sliced garlic cloves into slits and sprinkle entire surface of each chop with 1 tsp of salt. Place them in a roasting pan or baking sheet and let stand room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Sprinkle chops with freshly ground pepper and rosemary and transfer baking sheet or roasting pan to oven. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the center of the chops registers 120-125 degrees (approximately 30-45 mins).

Heat 1 tablespoon of the Garlic with Rosemary oil in a 12 inch heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until smoking. Place 2 chops in skillet and sear until well browned and crusty, 1 ½-3 minutes, lifting once halfway to redistribute the fat underneath each chop. (reduce heat if browned bits in pan bottom start to burn). Using tongs, turn chops and cook until well browned on second side, another 2-3 minutes. Transfer chops to a plate and repeat with remaining 2 chops, adding extra tablespoon oil if pan is dry.

Reduce heat to medium. Use tongs to stand 2 pork chops on their sides. Holding chops together with tongs, return to skillet and sear sides of chops until browned and meat thermometer in center of chops registers 140-145 degrees, about 1 ½ minutes. Repeat with remaining 2 chops. Let chops rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes until ready to serve. Sprinkle with some extra Rosemary if desired to garnish.

Pair the Pan-seared chops with Roasted Zucchini with Garlic & Parmesan and Pecan Brown Basmati Rice (recipes follow) and a light, crisp Chardonnay to top off the meal. Delicious!

Roasted Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan

Serves 4
Total Prep time: 15 mins
Total Cook time: 30-45 mins
Cooking skill: Easy

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini
Tavern Direct Garlic with Rosemary Oil
Sea salt
Fresh ground pepper
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh or dried rosemary leaves

Preparation

Wash zucchini and cut in half length wise, chopping off ends, and cut in half again. Arrange zucchini in a glass baking pan and drizzle the Garlic with Rosemary oil over the zucchini. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper and top the zucchini with the shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh or dried rosemary. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 mins until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Pecan Brown Basmati Rice with Garlic

Serves 4
Total Prep time: 15 mins
Total Cook time: 1 hour
Cooking skill: Easy

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain brown rice
1-2 tablespoons Tavern Direct Garlic with Rosemary Oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
¼ cup green onion, sliced thin (for garnish, optional)
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepare brown rice in medium saucepan, following package instructions.

About 15 minutes before the rice is done, heat 1-2 tbsp of Garlic with Rosemary oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and begins to yellow, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and pecans; sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic is tender and pecans are browned slightly, about 5 minutes.

Remove rice from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Spoon brown rice into a bowl; spoon the onions, garlic and pecans on top and toss lightly to combine. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some chopped green onion if desired.

**This was not a paid endorsement for Tavern Direct, NCMEC or Tavern on the Green. All recipes and opinions expressed are my own.