Category Archives: Recipes

Roasted Squash Soup with Apple and Brie

Roasted Squash Soup with Apple and Brie
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Ingredients
  1. 1 large butternut squash
  2. 1 carrot
  3. 1 medium onion
  4. 1 leek, white portion only
  5. 2 Tbsp. butter
  6. 8 cups chicken stock
  7. 1 apple, peeled and chopped
  8. 1 bay leaf
  9. 1 tsp. sugar
  10. salt and freshly ground pepper
  11. 8 oz. (250 g) Brie cheese
  12. snipped chives
  13. I
Instructions
  1. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place cut -side down on pan and bake at 350 F. until tender, about 45 minutes (or microwave cut-side down in a few tablespoons of water, covered, about 10 minutes).
  2. Chop carrot, onion and leek into 1″ pieces and place in large pot. Gently saute in butter. Do not brown. Scrape flesh from cooked squash and add to vegetables. Add stock and bring to a boil. Add apple, bay leaf and sugar to stock mixture. Simmer, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Remove bay leaf and puree soup in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Slice off outer skin of Brie and cut into 1/2″ pieces. Place cheese in bottom of soup bowls and fill with hot soup. Garnish with chives.
Notes
  1. Book Reference – The Rest of the Best – Vol. 2 (Page: 125), A Year of the Best (Page: 114)
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This is simply the best squash soup you’ll ever eat!
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Braised Short Ribs

Make this a day ahead. Not only will the flavours be mellow…so will you!! 

Braised Short Ribs
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup flour
  2. salt and pepper to taste
  3. 1/2 tsp. paprika
  4. 3-4 lbs. (about 2 kg) beef short ribs, bone in
  5. 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  6. 2 medium onions
  7. 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  8. 1/2 cup barbeque sauce
  9. 2 Tbsp. molasses
  10. 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup flour
  2. salt and pepper to taste
  3. 1/2 tsp. paprika
  4. 3-4 lbs. (about 2 kg) beef short ribs, bone in
  5. 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  6. 2 medium onions
  7. 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  8. 1/2 cup barbeque sauce
  9. 2 Tbsp. molasses
  10. 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
Instructions
  1. Combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika. Trim excess fat from ribs. Dredge ribs in flour mixture and brown in oil on all sides. Remove to casserole. Peel and chop onion into large chunks and place on top of browned ribs. Whisk tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, molasses and cider vinegar together in saucepan. Bring to a boil and pour over ribs and onions. Cover and bake at 275F for 3-4 hours.
  2. Book Reference – The Rest of the Best – Vol. 2 (Page: 250), A Year of The Best(Page: 76)
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I have enough money to last me the rest of my life – unless I buy something.

Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Rum Glaze

Great for grilling – in shorts or a parka – it’s that good!

Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Rum Glaze
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Ingredients
Rub
  1. 1 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
  2. 1 1/2 tsp. coarse salt
  3. 1 tsp. coriander
  4. 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  5. 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  6. 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  7. 1/2 tsp. allspice
  8. 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  9. 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  10. 8-10 chicken legs, rinsed and patted dry
  11. 1 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  12. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  13. 2 green onions, minced
Pineapple Rum Glaze
  1. 1/4 cup butter
  2. 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  3. 1/4 cup dark rum
  4. 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
  1. To make rub: Combine ingredients and set aside.
  2. Place chicken in a 9×13″ pan and drizzle with oil, rubbing over chicken on all sides. Sprinkle rub, garlic and onions on the chicken, patting rub into meat with your fingers. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  3. To make glaze: combine ingredients in heavy saucepan and simmer 7-10 minutes over medium-high heat.
  4. Oil the grill and heat barbecue to high. Arrange chicken on grill. Brush with glaze and cook, turning frequently, until brown and no longer pink in the middle. Serve drizzled with any remaining glaze
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Orzo with Veggies

Excellent make-ahead salad. A great complement to grilled meats

Orzo with Veggies
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Ingredients
  1. 6 oz. (170 g) snow or sugar snap peas, trimmed
  2. 2 cups orzo
  3. 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters and seeded
  4. 1 cup seeded, chopped cucumber
  5. 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  6. 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  7. 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
  8. salt and pepper to taste
  9. Lemon Garlic Dressing
  10. 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
  11. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  12. 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
  13. 1 tsp. minced garlic
  14. 1/2 cup salad oil
  15. salt and pepper
  16. lettuce for garnish
Instructions
  1. To make salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peas and cook 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove peas to a strainer, rinse under cold water and drain on a paper towel. Add orzo to same pot and boil until tender but still firm to bite (about 10 minutes). Drain, cool and place in a large bowl. Add peas, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. To Make Dressing: Combine lemon zest, juice, vinegar and garlic in medium bowl. Gradually blend in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Cover salad and remaining dressing and chill. Let sit at least 6 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving. To serve, toss salad with remaining dressing to coat generously. Line shallow serving bowl with lettuce and mound salad in center. Serves 6-8
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It’s better to be nouveau riche than never to have been riche at all.

Spinach Salad with Pears, Brie and Raspberries

Your next forever favorite salad!

Spinach Salad with Pears, Brie and Raspberries
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Ingredients
Dressing
  1. 3 Tbsp. raspberry vinegar
  2. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  3. 1 Tbsp. sugar
  4. 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, mashed
Salad
  1. 10 oz. (283 g) bag baby spinach
  2. 2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced
  3. 1/2 lb. (250g) Brie cheese, room temperature, sliced
Garnish
  1. raspberries
  2. slivered almonds
Instructions
  1. To make dressing: Whisk ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Wash spinach and remove any long stems. Divide among 4 plates. Garnish with pears, cheese, raspberries and a sprinkle of almonds. Drizzle with dressing. Perfect with Balsamic Honey Tenderloin
Notes
  1. REST OF THE BEST – pg. 222
  2. Serves 4.
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Seen upside down on a jeep: if you can read this, please flip me over.

Roasted Salmon Salad w Honey Vinaigrette

Delicious and healthy too!

Roasted Salmon Salad w Honey Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
  1. Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
  2. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  3. 1/2 cup water
  4. 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
  5. 8 dried apricots, sliced
  6. 2 tsp. dijon mustard
  7. 2 tsp. honey
  8. 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  9. Salad
  10. 1 lb. salmon fillet, cut into 4 equal portions
  11. 1/2 tsp. salt
  12. 1/4 tsp pepper
  13. 8 cups spinach leaves, stems removed and washed
  14. 2 cups sliced yellow peppers
  15. 2 cups sliced red peppers
  16. 3 Tbsp. chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
  1. To make vinaigrette: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, water, cranberries and apricots. Set pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid and fruits. Combine liquid with mustard, honey and oil. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper and transfer to baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until fork tender.
  3. Divide spinach among 4 plates. Top with yellow and red peppers. Place a cooked salmon fillet on top of each salad and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Drizzle dressing over and add some of the reserved fruit.
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An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask what you think. They don’t care what you think.

Pad Thai

Thailand’s most well-known noodle dish – with everything in it!

Pad Thai
Thailand’s most well-known noodle dish – with everything in it!
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Ingredients
  1. 8 oz. (250 g) wide rice stick noodles
  2. 1/2 cup chicken broth
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1/4 cup fish sauce
  5. 3 Tbsp. lime juice
  6. 2 Tbsp. ketchup
  7. 1/4 tsp. hot pepper flakes
  8. 4 oz. (125 g) boneless pork or chicken breasts
  9. 6 oz. (170 g) firm tofu
  10. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  11. 1 egg, beaten
  12. 3 garlic cloves, minced
  13. 8 oz. (250 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  14. 1 red pepper, diced
  15. 2 cups bean sprouts
  16. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  17. 6 green onions, thinly sliced
  18. 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, soak noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, drain and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk chicken broth, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, ketchup and hot pepper flakes; set aside. Cut pork or chicken across grain into 1/4″ strips. Cut tofu into 1/2″ cubes; set aside. In wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Cook egg, stirring occasionally until scrambled and set. Transfer to a large plate. Wipe wok, add 1 Tbsp. oil, increase heat to medium-high and stir-fry garlic, shrimp and pork or chicken until shrimp are bright pink. Add to egg. Heat rest of oil; stir in tofu and red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tofu begins to brown. Stir in noodles for 1 minute or until they start to soften. Pour in sauce; stir-fry until noodles are tender. Return egg mixture to pan; add bean sprouts, cilantro and half the green onions. Stir until heated through. Remove to warm serving platter. Garnish with peanuts and remaining green onions. Serves 4.
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, soak noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, drain and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk chicken broth, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, ketchup and hot pepper flakes; set aside. Cut pork or chicken across grain into 1/4″ strips. Cut tofu into 1/2″ cubes; set aside. In wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Cook egg, stirring occasionally until scrambled and set. Transfer to a large plate. Wipe wok, add 1 Tbsp. oil, increase heat to medium-high and stir-fry garlic, shrimp and pork or chicken until shrimp are bright pink. Add to egg. Heat rest of oil; stir in tofu and red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tofu begins to brown. Stir in noodles for 1 minute or until they start to soften. Pour in sauce; stir-fry until noodles are tender. Return egg mixture to pan; add bean sprouts, cilantro and half the green onions. Stir until heated through. Remove to warm serving platter. Garnish with peanuts and remaining green onions. Serves 4.
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Take my advice – I’m not using it.
 

Cajun Bread Pudding

Cajun Bread Pudding
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Ingredients
  1. Pudding
  2. 1/3 cup butter, melted
  3. 16 cups french bread cubes, day old, lightly packed
  4. 3 eggs
  5. 1 1/2 cups sugar
  6. 2 Tbsp. vanilla
  7. 1 tsp. nutmeg
  8. 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  9. 3 cups milk
  10. 3/4 cup golden raisins
  11. 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Rum Sauce
  1. 1 cup butter
  2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
  3. 2 eggs, beaten until frothy
  4. 1/4 – 1/2 cup dark rum
Soft Cream
  1. 2 cups whipping cream
  2. 1/3 cup icing sugar
  3. 1 Tbsp. vanilla
  4. 2 Tbsp. brandy
  5. 2 Tbsp. Frangelico liqueur
  6. 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
  1. To Make Pudding: Pour a small amount of melted butter in a 9″ x 13″ pan; swirl to cover bottom and sides. Place bread cubes in pan. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thickened, 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, milk and remaining butter. Beat on low to combine. Stir in raisins and pecans; pour over bread. Allow bread to absorb liquid, 30-45 minutes. Press bread down often to cover all cubes. Preheat oven to 350 F.. Bake until crusty and golden brown, 45-60 minutes. Cool and slice into squares.
  2. To make sauce: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Cook in double boiler for 20 minutes, whisking often. In a bowl, whisk 2 Tbsp. butter-sugar mixture into beaten eggs, then whisk in 2 Tbsp. more. Whisk egg mixture into butter mixture. Cook and whisk over simmering water for 4-5 minutes. Cool slightly. Whisk in rum. (By now, you’re probably all whisked out – taste the sauce – you’ll know it was worth it!)
  3. To make soft cream: Beat ingredients until soft peaks form, 3-4 minutes. Do not overbeat. Cover and refrigerate until served.
  4. To serve: On individual plates, drizzle a spoonful of warm rum sauce, top with a square of pudding and then add a large dollop of soft cream. Serves 12-14
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If you’re having a crowd over for dessert – you MUST make this. Your guests will be inclined to exclaim: “Don’t y’all just luuve this!!”
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