Simple but flavorful soup with seasonal ingredients!

Pears Au Jous and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup


2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons good olive oil
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large)
2 tablespoons mild curry powder
5 pounds butternut squash (2 large)
1 1/2 pounds pears (or sub with green apples of any variety)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water
2 cups good apple cider or juice
Directions
Warm the butter, olive oil, onions, and curry powder in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Peel and cut the squash into chunks. Peel, quarter, and core the pears/apples. Cut into chunks.
Add the squash, apples, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash and apples are very soft. Process the soup through a food mill fitted with a large blade, or puree it coarsely in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
Pour the soup back into the pot. Add the apple cider or juice and enough water to make the soup the consistency you like; it should be slightly sweet and quite thick. Check the salt and pepper and serve hot.

Soup Recipes !

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

1-2lbslb Butternut Squash, peeled, medium dice in uniform shapes and sizes.
Olive oil
Salt, pepper
1/4 tsp/1ml Cinnamon
1/8 tsp/0.5ml Cardamom, ground
2 tbsp/30ml Brown Sugar
2 tbsp/30ml Lemon Juice
2 oz/60g Melted Butter
1-2 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable stock)


1. Preheat oven to 350F. Place diced squash in mixing bowl, coat evenly with drizzled olive oil and approx half of melted butter. Coat squash with salt, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom evenly. After diced squash is evenly coated, place squash on baking sheet.
2. Drizzle lemon juice, olive oil and remaining melted butter over the top of squash.
3. Bake uncovered in 350 F oven until tender, approx 50 minutes.

Squash should be brightly colored and slightly crisp, and show little moisture loss when done. Note: To cook roasted butternut squash without making a soup, stop at this step and serve warm. To continue and make roasted butternut soup, continue with the following steps: After squash pieces have cooled, add drizzle of good quality olive oil with 1-2 cups stock. Add stock slowly as mixing in blender or use a stick blender to mix in stock pot on counter or stove top. Adding ½ to 1 cup of cream is optional, depending upon flavor and consistency preference. It isn’t necessary to use all of the stock or cream, depending upon desired consistency. Serve warm and garnish with bread crumbs and drizzle of good quality olive oil. Alternatively, garnish with dollop of cream and freshly chopped herbs.

Green Apple and Sweet Potato Soup
Adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients
2 (1 pound) sweet potatoes, quartered
1 large tart apple, peeled and cored
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 bay leaf
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup cream
1 (5 ounce) lemon, zested and juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the sweet potatoes and apple on a greased baking sheet, and roast for about 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender. Cool, and peel sweet potatoes.
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bay leaf, and carrot; sauté until tender. Remove the bay leaf, and discard. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the sweet potato and apple. Puree in batches using a regular blender, or if possible use an immersible blender to puree while in the pot.
Return to the soup pot, and stir in the cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through, but do not boil. Ladle into serving bowls, and garnish with crumbled cheese.

My Personal Favorite Entertaining Recipes !

Melon, Mozarella and Prosciutto Skewers

20 cantelope or honeydew cubes, 1 inch pieces, about 2-3 cups
20 thin slices of proscuitto, about ½ lb
20 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, about one 8 oz tub
200 wooden skewers, 4 inch or longer
Fresh ground pepper

Thread 1 melon cube wrapped in half a proscuitto slice, and then one mozzarella ball wrapped in half proscuitto slice in alternating order onto wooden skewers. Sprinkle each with fresh ground pepper


Roasted Butternut Squash with Ricotta and Sage Crostini
After a friend shared this recipe with me, I prepared it for a Redlands Conservancy event and it was an immediate hit. Since then, I’ve prepared this recipe for clients hosting private dinners in their home. Everyone loves this recipe. As always, I experminted and substituted burrata cheese instead of the Richotta. Burrata is one of my favorite cheeses and using it in this recipe really adds an extra richness. Try this one for Fall parties, any audience is guraenteed to enjoy this one.
Ingredients
1 2-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 4 cups)
3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 teaspoons (packed) light brown sugar
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
24 fresh sage leaves
¾-1 Cup fresh burrata cheese
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
12 3/8"-thick baguette slices, toasted
Freshly squeezed lemon juice, dash at a time- to taste

preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash, 2 tablespoons oil, and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squash is golden and tender, 25-30 minutes. Let cool on sheet.
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add sage; cook until edges begin to curl and turn dark green, 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer to paper towels to drain. Mix ricotta and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Butternut squash, sage leaves, and ricotta can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill squash. Store sage airtight at room temperature. Cover and chill ricotta mixture. Bring squash to room temperature before serving.
Spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta mixture on each baguette slice. Top each with a few squash cubes. Drizzle crostini with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top crostini with 2 fried sage leaves each.

Spicy Eggplant Dip with Parmesan Toasts

For this recipe, I like to use eggplant from the Saturday market at the Grove School, or eggplant from Washington Produce in Redlands. I recommend Pepperidge Farm prepared puff pastry from the grocery store.

You can make this dip one or two days in advance to allow the flavors to develop. It will also give you more time to prepare other food or concentrate on other details. Be sure to bring the dip to room temperature before serving.

½ cup plus 3 tbsp olive oil, keep more aside for brushing
2 eggplants, about 12 oz each, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, thin slice
1 large yellow onion, chopped
¼ tsp red chili flakes
¼ tsp ground cumin
2 tbs fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
juice of one lemon
1 baguette, sliced ¼ in thick
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a deep sauté pan over medium heat, warm ¼ cup of the olive oil until warm. Add half the eggplant and sauté stirring occasionally until lightly golden and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and repeat with ¼ cup of the olive oil and the remaining eggplant. Transfer to platter.

Warm 1 tbs of the olive oil in the pan. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring often, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and cumin until blended and return the eggplant to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until the eggplant is very tender and almost mushy, 6-8 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F

Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush the sides lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until golden and crisp, but not burned, about 15-18minutes. Let toasts cool to room temperature and store in airtight containers until ready to serve.

Let the eggplant stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve the parmesan toasts alongside.

Sweet Potato, Corn and Edamame Hash

This dish is a seasonal crowd pleaser and a fantastic addition to a holiday brunch. If you have leftover ham, throw it in this recipe! To serve as a brunch item, serve over fresh bed of arugula and top with a poached egg.

1 sweet onion, diced- rough chop (we used maui onions, but yellow onion will work)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 (or 4 small) large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 in cubes
8-10 oz of diced smoked ham
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 12 oz package uncooked frozen shelled edamame
1 12 oz package frozen whole kernel corn
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

Saute ham and onion in hot oil in a skillet over medium heat-high heat. (I prefer to use a large cast iron skillet but a standard non-stick skillet will work). Sautee for approx 6-8 minutes or until onion is tender and ham is lightly browned. Stir in cubed sweet potatoes, and saute for additional 5 minutes. Add garlic and sautee for 1 minute max. Stir in edamame and remaining three ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally 10-12 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Add salt and pepper.

Smokey Deviled Eggs

Every party needs a plate of deviled eggs. This recipe makes for a traditional flavor base but with a slight twist. Be sure to garnish with paprika for a colorful presentation.

10 eggs
7 tbsp good quality mayonnaise
1 tsp champagne vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dry mustard
¼ tsp curry powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Place eggs in a large sauce pan of cold, salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook for exactly 9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water and place under cold running water until cool to the touch. Gently crack the shells and peel the eggs under the running water.

Halve the eggs. Scoop the yolks into a food processor and process until smooth. Cut a thin slice from the underside of each white, so they will sit flat on a plate. Arrange on plate and set aside. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, cayenne, and curry powder to the yolks., Process briefly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Spoon the yolk mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the mixture into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

My Favorite Gazpacho Recipe

Gazpacho
adapted from Williams Sonoma recipe (williamssonoma.com)

Ingredients:
1/2 red onion, cut into 3/8-inch dice
3 lb. heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into 3/8-inch dice
1 1/2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/8-inch dice
1 Tbs. plus 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to taste
5 tsp. fresh lemon juice
4 Tbs. olive oil
2 tsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
2 Tbs. sherry vinegar
2 cups cubed French bread
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 3/8-inch dice
Crème fraîche for garnish
Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of the onion, 1 cup of the tomatoes, 3/4 cup of the cucumbers, the 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. of the lemon juice, 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, the parsley and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

In a food processor, combine the remaining onion with the remaining 4 tsp. lemon juice, the 1 Tbs. salt, the garlic, thyme, vinegar and bread. Puree until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes, stopping the processor to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the remaining tomatoes and cucumbers along with the bell pepper. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth, 2 to 4 minutes. Season with pepper. Transfer the soup to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. 

Just before serving, transfer the soup to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly stream in the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil and puree for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. 

Ladle the gazpacho into tumblers or bowls. Garnish each portion with crème fraîche and a heaping spoonful of the diced vegetables. Serves 4 to 6.

Two Great BBQ Recipes

Beer Brined Grilled Pork Chops

Adapted from a recipe from Bon Appetit (bonappetit.com)

Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups dark lager beer (Look for locally brewed Hangar 24 beer)
1/4 cup coarse salt
3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons mild-flavored (light) molasses
1 cup ice cubes
6 1- to 1 1/4-inch-thick center-cut bone-in pork chops

7 large garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
1 small bunch of fresh sage leaves for garnish
Preparation
Combine 2 cups water, beer, 1/4 cup coarse salt, sugar, and molasses in large bowl. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Stir in ice. Place pork chops in large resealable plastic bag. Pour beer brine over pork chops; seal bag. Refrigerate 4 hours, turning bag occasionally.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Remove pork chops from beer brine; pat dry. Mix garlic, pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, and sage in small bowl. Rub garlic mixture over both sides of pork chops. Grill pork chops until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of chops registers 145°F to 150°F, about 10 minutes per side, occasionally moving chops to cooler part of rack if burning. Transfer chops to platter; cover with foil, and let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.


Grilled Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients
16 small red-skinned and/or white-skinned potatoes (about 2 inches in diameter)
Olive oil
Fresh rosemary leaves


Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 25 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to kitchen towel. Cool potatoes to lukewarm, about 20 minutes. Using another towel, gently press each potato until split open and flattened to scant 1-inch thickness (don't press too flat or potatoes will break apart).
Brush large baking sheet with oil. Transfer potatoes to prepared sheet. Brush potato tops with oil; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and some rosemary leaves. Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place potatoes, oiled side down, on grill. Brush with oil. Cook until crisp and beginning to color, about 5 minutes per side.
Transfer to platter; sprinkle with more rosemary leaves and serve hot.

Simple Homemade Barbecue Sauce !

Basic Barbecue Sauce

This traditional American barbecue sauce is good on chicken, spareribs and hamburgers as well as beef brisket sandwiches. Because the sauce contains sugar, it burns easily and should be brushed on during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Use any remaining sauce to finish, just before serving.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups ketchup
½ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
½ cup sugar
1 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook gently, stirring for about 3 minutes. Add the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, chili powder and cayenne. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered until the sauce had thickened slightly, for about 20 minutes. Makes about 2 ½ cups.

Refreshing and Cool.... Summer Guacamole !

Guacamole

To me, the best guacamole is made with avocado, onions, jalapeno, lime, salt, and cilantro. Nothing else, and definitely no sour cream! The amounts of the ingredients can vary. The important things are to taste for a balance of salt, heat, and acid to make the guacamole taste perfect.

2-3 large ripe avocados
2-3 small juicy limes
1 jalapeno popper
4 green onions
cilantro
salt
1 tomato, optional

Halve the avocados, remove the pits, scoop out the flesh into a mortar and season with salt. Trim and slice green onions and put them in a small bowl, add salt and squeeze in the juice of 2 limes--- totally mashing the onions into the lime juice. Cut off the stem of the jalapeno, cut the pepper in half lengthwise and remove the membranes and seeds. Flatten the pepper and cut into fine dice. Mash the avocado but leave it a bit chunky. Add the onions and lime juice, along with the jalapeno (add half or whole depending upon how hot you like it). Mix lightly. Taste and add more salt or lime juice, as desired. Chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and stir into guacamole. Serve with toasted tortilla chips.

Simple Cherry Tomato Recipe

Cherry tomatoes are in at local farmer's markets in Southern California. Use this recipe to prepare a great appetizer before a Summer meal, or prepare to serve alongside grilled steak, chicken or fish.

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Herbed Goat Cheese

For a colorful appetizer, fill bite-size cherry tomatoes, round or pear shaped, with a savory mixture of goat cheese flavored with basil. Minced tarragon or chervil can be used in place of the basil.

24 cherry tomatoes, a mixture of red and yellow
1/4 lb. fresh goat cheese (chèvre)
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Cut the top off each cherry tomato. Using a small spoon, scoop out the pulp to make a hollow yet sturdy shell. Drain off any juice that accumulates in the shells.

In a bowl, combine the cheese, basil, salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until well blended.

Using the small spoon, fill each tomato with about 1 tsp. of the cheese mixture. Arrange the filled tomatoes on a platter to serve.

Three Simple Recipes

From this week's food column in Redlands Daily Facts

Simple Garlic Chicken

Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp onion powder

Directions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, seasoning salt and onion powder. Sautee about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Serve with rice or grilled vegetables.



Almond Crusted TIlapia

INGREDIENTS
2 EGGS
1 TSP LEMON PEPPER
1 TSP GARLIC PEPPER
1 CUP ALMONDS
1 CUP FRESHLY GRATED PARMSEAN CHEESE
8 TILAPIA FILETS, APPROXIMENTLY 6 OZ EACH
¼ CUP ALL PURPOSE FLOUR, FOR DUSTING
6 TBSP BUTTER
SALT, TO TASTE
1 CUP FRESHLY GRATED PARMESEAN CHEESE
8 SPRIGS PARSLEY
8 LEMON WEDGES

DIRECTIONS
BEAT THE EGGS WITH THE LEMON PEPPER AND GARLIC PEPPER UNTIL BLENDED, SET ASIDE. STIR TOGETHER GROUND ALMONDS WITH 1 CUP OF PARMESEAN CHEESE IN A SHALLOW DISH UNTIL COMBINED, SET ASIDE. DUST TILAPIA FILETS WITH FLOUR, AND SHAKE OFF EXCESS. DIP TILPIA IN EGG, THEN PRESS INTO THE ALMOND MIXTURE. MELT BUTTER IN A LARGE SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. COOK TILAPIA IN MELTED BUTTER UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN ON BOTH SIDES, 2-3 MINUTES PER SIDE. REDUCE HEAT TO MEDIUM AND SEASON FILETS WITH SALT IF DESIRED. SPRINKLE THE TILAPIA WITH THE REMAINING PARMESEAN CHEESE, COVER AND CONTINUE COOKING UNTIL THE PARMESEAN CHEESE HAS MELTED, ABOUT 5 MINUTES. TRANSFER THE TILAPIA TO A SERVING DISH, AND GARNISH WITH PARSLEY SPRIGS AND LEMON WEDGES. SERVE WITH GREEN BEANS AND SHALLOTS.


FARMER’S MARKET GREEN BEANS WITH SHALLOTS

THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOU CAN FIND FANTASTIC GREEN BEANS AT FARMER’S MARKETS EVERYWHERE. THIS IS ONE OF THE EASIEST AND MOST FLAVORFUL WAYS TO PREPARE GREEN BEANS, SERVE BEANS WITH CHICKEN, FISH OR BEEF FOR A SIMPLE, SUMMER DINNER. BEST OF ALL, THIS RECIPE CAN BE PREPARED ALMOST ENTIRELY IN ADVANCE. AFTER THE STRING BEANS ARE BLANCHED, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SAUTEE THE SHALLOTS IN BUTTER AND TOSS THE BEANS IN THE SKILLET UNTIL THEY ARE WARM.

INGREDENTS
1 LB FRENCH STRING BEANS (ALSO KNOWN AS HARICOTS VERTS), ENDS REMOVED
SALT, TO TASTE
2 TBSP UNSALTED BUTTER
1 TSP OLIVE OIL
3 LARGE SHALLOTS, LARGE DICE
½ TSP FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

DIRECTIONS
BLANCH THE STRING BEANS IN A LARGE POT OF BOILING SALTED WATER FOR 1 ½ MINUTES ONLY. DRAIN THE BEANS IMMEDIATELY AND IMMERSE THEM IN A BOWL OF ICE WATER. HEAT THE BUTTER AND OIL IN A VERY LARGE SAUTEE PAN AND SAUTEE THE SHALLOTS ON A MEDIUM HEAT FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTLY BROWNED. TOSS THEM OCCASIONALLY. DRAIN THE STRING BEANS AND ADD THE SHALLOTS WITH ½ TSP SALT AND PEPPER, TOSS WELL. HEAT ONLY UNTIL THE BEANS ARE HOT. IF YOU ARE USING REGULAR STRING BEANS, WHICH ARE SLIGHTLY THICKER THAN FRENCH GREEN BEANS, BLANCH FOR APPROXIMENTLY 3 MINUTES, OR UNTIL THEY ARE CRISP-TENDER. THROUGHLY DRY BEANS BEFORE ADDING THEM TO SHALLOTS.

Two Great Farmer's Market Carrot Recipes !

Organic Carrot Salad with Raisins and Lemon Crème Fraiche

Our farmer’s markets are loaded with so many varieties of fresh carrots in a wide array of sizes and types. I recently purchased white satin carrots and cosmic purple carrots from Unity Farms at the Grove School Farmer’s Market. Then my CSA basket arrived from Three Sister’s Farm with the most beautiful miniature purple carrots I’ve ever seen. Take advantage of all the beautiful, locally grown carrots and try this recipe for a sure crowd pleaser.

4 large heirloom carrots (look for varying sizes and colors available from your farmer’s market)
½ cup raisins
1 in piece of ginger root, peeled and grated (use your microplane for this step)
2 tsp lemon zest (again, use your microplane)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¾ tsp salt
½ cup crème fraiche
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Peel and cut carrots into batons (unless you have purple skinned carrots, don’t peel so the beautiful exterior color remains). Cut into batons, about 2 inches long and ¼ inch square. Most importantly, however you cut the carrots, cut into uniform and consistent sizes and shape for beautiful presentation. Whisk together ginger root, lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper and crème fraiche. Toss carrots and raisins, taste and adjust seasonings. Plate on large leaf of farmer’s market lettuce or several leaves of kale for colorful presentation. Serve chilled. Enjoy!

Citrus glazed carrots

2 ½ lbs medium carrots, peeled and cut on diagonal into ¼ inch thick slices
2 cups or more or water
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup sugar
¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp butter
2 ½ tsp finely grated orange zest
2 tsp finely grated lime zest
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Combine carrots, 2 cups water in large skillet. Add all remaining ingredients, except parsley. If needed, add enough water to just cover carrots. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil just until carrots are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, 8-9 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer carrots to medium bowl, cool. Boil cooking liquid in skillet until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Transfer to small bowl. Note: To make ahead, steps up to this point can be done up to one day ahead. If making in advance, cover carrots and cooking liquid separately, then chill until serving. Bring reserved liquid to boil in large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and boil until just tender and liquid is thickened to light syrup consistency, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to serving bowl and serve warm. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving.

Grilled Artichokes with Olive Oil, Lemon and Fresh Herbs

Grilled Artichokes with Olive Oil, Lemon and Fresh Herbs

Seeing all the beautiful artichokes at last week’s farmer’s market inspired me to locate this favorite recipe. Be sure to serve artichokes made with this method, along any summertime barbeque with friends. They’ll never forget how wonderful grilled artichokes taste!

2 lemons, halved
6 large artichokes
6 tbsp butter
6 tbsp olive oil
2 shallots, minced
4 tbsp white wine
4 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp chopped fresh herbs such as basil, marjoram or thyme
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Bring large pot of water to boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze lemon juice into cold water. Cut stems off artichokes, leaving about 1 inch. Snap off outer 2 rows of leaves and cut off 1/3 artichoke. Quarter artichokes lengthwise. Using a paring kinfe, cut out fuzzy choke and prickly small leaves. Place cut artichokes in lemon water as you finishing cleaning them.
Place cleaned and trimmed artichokes in pot of salted boiling water. Boil artichokes unitl just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a rack and cool. Note: Artichokes can be prepared, to this point, up to one day ahead. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until finalizing preparation just before serving.
Prepare barbeque for medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add shallots, sauté about one minute. Stir in white wine and lemon juice, cook about 1-2 minutes more and keep warm.

Grill artichokes and baste with butter mixture. Grill until tender and lightly charred in spots, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes.
Transfer to a platter and drizzle artichokes with butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Serve artichokes

Sugar Snap Peas with Fresh Mint

Since we’re entering the season for wonderful farmer’s market peas, this recipe makes a great side for any summertime meal. I have a surplus of fresh mint growing in my backyard, perhaps you do too!

Sugar Snap Peas with Fresh Mint
2 tsp olive oil
¾=1 lb sugar snap peas, trimmed
3 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper, To taste
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely shredded or chiffinaud
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar snap peas, green onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir fry for 4 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. To serve cold, allow to come to room temperature, then store in fridge for at least one hour or overnight. Serve chilled on bed of farmer’s market red leaf butter lettuce or similar large leaf green. Or serve warm to accompany fresh fish or grilled chicken.

Here's a great deviled egg recipe for your left over Easter Eggs

Smokey deviled eggs

Every party needs a plate of deviled eggs. This recipe makes for a traditional flavor base but with a slight twist. Be sure to garnish with paprika for a colorful presentation.

10 eggs
7 tbsp good quality mayonnaise
1 tsp champagne vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dry mustard
¼ tsp curry powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Place eggs in a large sauce pan of cold, salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook for exactly 9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water and place under cold running water until cool to the touch. Gently crack the shells and peel the eggs under the running water.

Halve the eggs. Scoop the yolks into a food processor and process until smooth. Cut a thin slice from the underside of each white, so they will sit flat on a plate. Arrange on plate and set aside. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, cayenne, and curry powder to the yolks., Process briefly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Spoon the yolk mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the mixture into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Spicy Orange Carrots

Carrots are in season now, find beautiful locally grown carrots at either of the Redlands Farmer's Markets.

Spicy Orange Baby Carrots

½ cup Orange Juice (fresh squeezed if possible)
2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (or sub w same amount of honey)
1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
3-4 Cups Baby Carrots
Salt, Pepper to taste
2 tsp Parsley, chopped

Combine orange juice, sugar, ginger and carrots. Cover and cook over medium heat until carrots are tender. Season carrots with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Basil Oil Recipe

Basil Oil

1/2 lb basil leaves
1 tsp salt
juice of one lemon
2 cups olive oil
Place basil leaves in boiling water for 10 seconds. Drain and quickly cool in cold water. Squeeze out all water and chop. Using blender of food processor, puree with salt and lemon juice and olive oil. Blend on highest speed until blended, several minutes. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.

Roasted Beet and Redlands Oranges Salad

Salad of Roasted Beets with Redlands Oranges and Farm Goat Cheese

Each time I prepare this recipe it is slightly different, so feel free to experiment with portions and ingredients. I love purchasing beets from our local farmers, however if you can’t find beets at the farmer’s market, you can always order fantastic beets from Washington Produce. If local oranges are available, this recipe is sure to be a hit with Redlands oranges.

8-10 large fresh beets (or 14-18 small) fresh beets, with skins on (use varying sizes and colors if desired)
4-6 local large oranges (or 12-14 tangerines, seedless)
Toasted walnuts, as needed for garnish
8 oz goat cheese, Chevre or similar variety
Chives, as needed for garnish, Fine cut.
olive oil, as needed

Preheat oven to 400 F. Wash beets thoroughly, remove greens and put aside. (Greens from beets can be sautéed separately on stovetop to accompany salad, if you so desire). Slice beets into 1/4 " slices, leaving skin on. Put sliced in large mixing bowl, coat each beet slice evenly with olive oil. Place beets in single layer on baking sheet into preheated oven. Roast for approx 20-30 minutes, depending upon strength of oven and size of beets. Larger beets may take closer to 40-45 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning. Beets will start 'hissing' before done. Check beet slices approximately 15 minutes into cooking and turn each slice over. If you have 'hot spots' in your oven, rotate to ensure even cooking on all slices. When done, beets should be shiny and soft to the touch, with an even texture. While beets are roasting segment oranges or tangerines into individual 'sections' and set aside. Layer ingredients in large serving bowl. Place beets on bottom, citrus on middle layer, crumbled goat cheese on top. Garnish with toasted walnuts and cut chives as final topping.

As Demonstrated during Redlands Conservancy Party for all Parties for the Necklace

Three Brother’s Eggs Crème Brulee

This recipe is traditional in preparation and flavor. I prefer crème brulee this way, with no added flavors or additional ingredients. Recently I served crème brulee using this recipe at a Redlands Conservancy fundraiser. As usual, it was well received.

I suggest local, farm fresh eggs from Three Brother’s Eggs Farm. You can purchase these wonderful food-safe eggs on Saturday mornings at Grove School Farmer’s Market.

To caramelize the sugar on top of the crème brulee, purchase an ‘industrial strength’ torch from Home Depot or Lowes. Don’t bother buying the smaller versions available at cooking supply stores, I find they aren’t made as well and take much more time and effort to use.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
8 large eggs ½ cup sugar
extra sugar for caramelized topping

Preheat oven to 275F.
Begin by heating heavy cream on stovetop until simmering, hot but not boiling. Watch cream closely to avoid scorching the milk. Separate the eggs from yolks in two separate bowls. Add the sugar to egg yolks and whisk until smooth. The kitchen-aid stand up mixture, with a whisk attachment, works well for this step.

Pour about 1/3 of hot cream into bowl with yolks, whisk very gently. Be sure to add hot cream slowly to yolks, this is temper the yolks so they don’t over cook. Slowly pour the remaining cream and whisk the mixture gently again while being careful not to create many air bubbles. Strain the mixture. Add vanilla extract. Pour into individual ramekins, place ramekins in water bath. Use a casserole dish or roasting pan to create water bath. Pour boiling water in roasting pan to reach about halfway on the sides of each ramekin.

Place ramekins in water bath in preheated oven, bake for approximately ½ hour. When crème brulee is done, each should jiggle a bit like jello. Allow to cool for several hours, store uncovered in refrigerator after cooled.

As the final step, just before serving, spread an even layer of sugar over the top of each crème brulee. Use torch to brown sugar.

another crostini recipe

Herb-Tomato Crostini

Makes about 20 appetizer servings

1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (8.5-oz.) French bread baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (large pinch or two small)
1/8 teaspoon pepper (or ‘small pinch’)
1 large tomato, finely chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Tip: This is a great ‘make ahead’ recipe. If you make this mixture the night before and allow to sit in refrig in a bowl, the flavors will be greatly enhanced when you serve them the next day. Don’t top the bread until just before serving. (to prevent bread from becoming soggy). Another idea is to serve the topping in a bowl and serve cut bread in basket to side. That way guests can assemble themselves!

Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together olive oil and garlic; brush on 1 side of each bread slice. Place bread slices, garlic sides up, on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly toasted. Whisk together lemon juice and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add tomato and next 3 ingredients; gently toss to coat. Top each bread slice with tomato mixture (about 2 rounded teaspoonfuls each). Sprinkle with cheese.

New Podcast Interview on-line: What to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers

I was recently interviewed for about “What to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers…” To hear the podcast, go to kcaaRadio.com, go to Sunday programs, look for real food empire podcast for November 28th. The interview is about an hour long, most of my interview is during the second half. If you have problems locating it, e-mail me for assistance: LFBurton@gmail.com

Another Recipe for Thanksgiving Leftovers . . .

Turkey Sweet Potato Empanadas With Gravy

Leftover ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes and/or mashed potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy

1 ½ cups roasted turkey, fine chop
½ cup sweet potatoes (or sub with mashed potatoes)
8 oz. (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
½ cup cut cooked green beans
1 raw carrot, grated
1 ½ packages refrigerated pie crust
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Poppy seeds
Turkey gravy, warmed
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400F. Stir together: turkey, mashed potatoes, cream cheese, green beans, grated carrot and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Unroll each pie crust. Lightly roll each into a 12 inch circle. Cut each empanada crust into 6 inch circles using a round cutter. Place about 3 tbsp turkey mixture just below center of each dough circle. Fold dough over filling, pressing and folding edges to seal.

Arrange empanadas on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush exterior of each empanada with egg. If desired, sprinkle exterior with poppy seeds.

Bake at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with warm gravy. Alternatively, serve empanadas with Chipotle Cranberry Sauce.

Make ahead tip: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen up to 1 month. Bake frozen empanadas 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.