Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce with Crispy Garlic Chips

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground pork
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs whisked
2 T toasted fennel seads
¾ cup toasted breadcrumbs
1 ½ cups freshly grated parmesan
2 t kosher salt
2 t crushed red chili flakes
2 cloves of garlic grated
½ cup chopped parsley (curley or italian)
olive oil for pan frying


1 can whole peeled tomatoes (basil discarded)
2 t salt
1 teaspoon chili flakes
¼ cup of olive oil
5 cloves of garlic sliced paper thin
1/2 cup grated parmesan (optional)
fresh basil leaves for the finish

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Pixie Chicken

Ingredients:

3 lg chicken breasts cut into ¾ inch pieces
1 ½ cups cornstarch
2 eggs whisked
Peanut Oil


2 T soy sauce
juice from 2 Ojai Pixie tangerines (or other tangerine or orange)
2 t toasted sesame oil
pinch of chili flakes

Sauce
2 T soy sauce
juice from 2 Ojai Pixie tangerines (or other tangerine or orange)
2 T brown sugar
2 T grated fresh garlic
2 T grated fresh ginger
2 t toasted sesame oil
pinch of chili flakes

Maldon salt and sesame seeds (to finish)

Serve with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice.

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Lime Butter Crust

Ingredients:

serves 4
small Japanese Sweet Potatoes (see note)
3 lbs sweet potatoes (about 6-8)
1 stick of butter softened
2T white miso (you can also sub this for tahini for a totally different flavor)
zest from 1 lime
sesame seeds for the finish
lime slices for serving

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Summer Grilled Chicken Potpie

Ingredients:

1 lg or 2 sm leftover grilled chicken breasts cut or torn into smaller than bite-sized pieces
1 leftover grilled or boiled corn cut off the cob (a few ears)
1 leftover grilled zucchini large dice or small dice if using raw (either is fine)
1 lg carrot or 2 small diced
1 red skinned potato diced small (skin on)
1 cup frozen peas thawed
1 onion small dice
2 garlic cloves grated
1 cup cream
2 cups chicken stock (homemade preferred)
2 cups corn stock (see note and if not, use additional chickenstock)
1 cup white wine
4 T butter
2 T olive oil
2 T flour
¼ c sherry
bay leaf
T chopped thyme leaves
1 store bought puff pastry thawed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight
salt pepper

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Salsa Macha

Ingredients:

4 dried pasilla chilis (destemmed and deseeded)
4 cloves of garlic smashed
½ cup dry roasted peanuts (lightly salted)
1 T sesame seeds
pinch of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for smokiness (optional)
Maldon
1 c olive oil

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Spicy Stir-fried Pork with Greens

Ingredients:

1.5 lb pork tenderloin
2 T gochujang paste or sambal oelek chili paste
2 T brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
I two inch piece of ginger grated
4 garlic cloves grated
scallions
1 t cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
peanut oil
I bunch of swiss chard, dinokale, snap peas, or broccolini

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Gingery Chicken and Cabbage Stirfry

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 inch X 2inch long strips
2 shallots cut lengthwise and then thinly sliced into half rings
1 c shitake mushrooms de-stemmed and sliced thin
half head of napa cabbage thinly sliced (similar sized strips as the chicken)
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 knob of ginger minced
1 bunch of scallions or bunching onions cut into thirds and split lengthwise
1/2 cup of peanut oil

marinade:
2T soy sauce
2T dry sherry

sauce:
2 t cornstarch or arrowroot
6 T water
2T soy sauce
2T sambal
1 t sesame oil

steamed white rice for serving

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Zucchini & Potato Chowder

Ingredients:

2 T olive oil
1 onion diced
4 carrots halved lengthwise then sliced
3 zucchini quartered then cut into 3/4 inch chunks
3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into similar sized chunks
1 garlic clove minced
4 cups homemade chicken stock or a box of Aneto chicken stock or similar quality
1/4 half and half
2T minced herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme mixed)
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup vermouth
1/2 cup shredded aged white cheddar or herbed aged cows milk cheese
chopped dill for the finish
pepper
salt

full recipe

Fall,Soups

Paella with Clams and Chorizo

Ingredients:

2 cups of paella or bomba rice
3-4 cups of seafood or chicken stock
2 lbs fresh clams
8 oz dried chorizo casings removed and sliced
1 red onion diced small
1 red bell pepper diced small
1-2 juicy heirloom or super red tomatoes, cherry tomatoes would work okay too
1 large handful yellow romano beans or green beans trimmed and halved
2T olive oil
salt/ pepper
big pinch of saffron steeped in 2T boiling water
2t smoked paprika
garlic chives
grilled lemon halves and smoked sea salt for serving

full recipe

Mains,Seafood

Smoked Trout Rillette

Ingredients:

½ lb smoked trout flaked and removed from skin
½ cup crème fraiche
½ cup plain full fat Greek yogurt
Chopped Dill
Chopped Parsley
Chopped Chives
Pepper
Flaky sea salt
Juice of ½ Lemon
1 T of Atomic Horseradish

full recipe

Aperitivo

Broccoli Kale Pesto

Ingredients:

Serves 6
1 crown of broccoli cut into small to medium sized florets
1 cup of basil leaves de-stemmed and torn
1 cup kale leaves torn and de-stemmed
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup pine nuts toasted
1 cup parmesan grated fine (omit for a vegan version)
salt/pepper
red chili flakes
1 lemon zested and juiced
1lb curly pasta

full recipe

Mains,Vegetarian

Umami Shrimp Stock

Ingredients:

Green part of one fennel bulb cut into chunks
3 celery stalks sliced
Three garlic cloves smashed
One onion chopped
20 peppercorns
¼ cup tomato paste
1 ½ cups white wine
1 lb mushrooms cut into quarters
Pinch of chili flakes
1 lb shrimp shells (or more if you have)

full recipe

In The Kitchen,Soups,Stocks

Best Ever Vegetable Stock

Ingredients:

olive oil
one onion chopped
half a head of garlic skin on and sliced in half across
three celery stalks halved
three carrots quartered lengthwise
one stalk of fennel its handy (fronds reserved)
one leek sliced in half lengthwise and half again
a small sweet potato quartered that in it adds creaminess and structure. but it’s not mandatory.
one bay leaf
bundle of herbs (use whatever you have) parsley, thyme. mine usually end up looking like a sage stick. I wrap it with butcher twine
twenty peppercorns give or take
one Tbsp apple cider vinegar
salt

full recipe

Fall,Soups,Spring,Stocks,Summer,Vegetarian,Winter

Low Slow Chicken Broth

Ingredients:

olive oil
one onion chopped
half a head of garlic skin on and sliced in half across
three celery stalks halved
three carrots quartered lengthwise
one stalk of fennel its handy (fronds reserved)
one leek sliced in half lengthwise and half again
last night’s roast chicken and any other parts that you may have in the freezer (wings & feet are packed with collagen)
a small sweet potato quartered that in it adds creaminess and structure. but it’s not mandatory.
one bay leaf
bundle of herbs (use whatever you have) parsley, thyme. mine usually end up looking like a sage stick. I wrap it with butcher twine
twenty peppercorns give or take
one Tbsp apple cider vinegar
salt

full recipe

Fall,Soups,Spring,Stocks,Summer,Winter

Vegetarian Corn Empanadas with Cilantro Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

dough (makes about 16 medium sized)

2 oz butter
1 t salt
2 C flour plus more dusting
1 C boiling water

filling
olive oil for sauting brushing tops before browning
2 ears of roasted corn (kernels removed)… I did mine in a dry grill pan the char makes it taste good
1/3 lb little dutch or yukon potatoes (small dice)
1/2 red onion (small dice)
1 red bell pepper (small dice)
2 cloves of garlic (grated)
1 t ground cumin
1 t Aleppo pepper
1/cup ricotta
2 cups grated hatch green chili cheddar cheese (or pepper jack)
1 cup vegetable broth (more as needed)
salt
pepper

for serving
spicy cilantro dipping sauce from Melissa Clark
mexican crema
Peruvian hot sauce

full recipe

Aperitivo,Sides,Summer

Heirloom Recipe: Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup neutral oil
2T melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
4 brown/over ripe bananas (mashed)
1 3/4 cups sifted flour
1.5 t baking soda
3/4 t salt
1/3 cup greek yogurt
1T vanilla
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
1T cinnamon (yes, that’s right)

full recipe

Sugar

Summer Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

2 large handfuls of basil leaves (about 2 cups loosely packed)
1/2 cup of pine nuts (toasted)
3/4 cup parmesan (grated)
1/2 cup good olive oil plus  more for storing
3 garlic cloves
salt
optional: 1/4 tsp lemon zest, a pinch of red chili flakes
optional mix-in: 1lb of Italian sausage sauteed in 1 T butter and 1/4 cup white wine

full recipe

Mains,Vegetarian

chicken yakatori

Ingredients:

1-1/2 to 2lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs serves about 4

marinade
2/3 cup soy sauce
1 T sesame oil
1/3 cup sake
1/3 cup mirin
2 T hoisin sauce
1.5 T sherry vinegar
3 T brown sugar
pinch of chili flakes
3 garlic cloves
2 inches of ginger (grated)
1 bunch of scallions (dark green parts chopped and white light green parts set aside)
2 t cornstarch
salt
wooden skewers

full recipe

In The Kitchen

birthday chicken pot pies

Ingredients:

serves 4:

filling
3 T butter + 1 T olive oil
1 onion (sm. dice)
1/2 red bell pepper (sm. dice)
1/2 sweet potato (peeled, sm. dice)
3 carrots (peeled, sm. dice)
2 crowns of broccoli (broken into very small florets)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1/2 cup frozen or fresh green peas
1/2 leftover roast chicken broken into small chunks with the skin removed
(rotisserie works well as a sub)

cream sauce
3/4 cup flour
3/4 stick butter
2.5 cups high quality, local whole milk
(I used a local called Mill King)
1 t. sea salt
1/2 t. freshly ground pepper

crusts
1.5 cups flour
1 stick of ice cold butter (sm dice)
1/2 package of cream cheese
1 T water (more if needed)
1/2 t. salt
a few grinds of pepper
flour for dusting and rolling out the dough
and a beaten egg to brush on the finished crusts so they brown

 

 

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Rich & Rustic Velvet White Beans

Ingredients:

white beans (2 cups or so that have been soaked overnight)
1 shallot peeled and quartered
1 head of garlic peel-on sliced in half horizontally (so you see all of the little cloves in there)
4 dried or fresh thyme sprigs
2 dried or fresh rosemary sprigs
5 or 6 dried or fresh sage leaves
olive oil (3T or more, don’t be shy)
water

full recipe

Sides,Soups

Roasted Chicken with Fennel & Lemon

Ingredients:

1 whole organic chicken
8 carrots (peeled & cut in half or thirds depending on size)
2 fennel bulbs (cut into sixths & fronds reserved)
6-8 smallish yukon gold potatoes halved
2 lemons- 1 lemon sliced, one lemon halved
rosemary sprigs
thyme
half head of garlic (optional)
olive oil
salt
pepper

full recipe

Chicken,Mains

Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos (6 hours)

Ingredients:

the chili braise
2 dried ancho chilis
2 dried guajillo chilis
1 dried chipotle chilis
1 onion small dice
3 cloves of garlic
1 t cumin
1/2 coriander
1 t oregano
1 lime
2 cups of chicken stock

the pork
4 lb pork shoulder cut into about 8 (2-inch) pieces
1 T salt
pepper
neutral oil for browning
1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks (or 1/2 cup of pineapple juice)

Cilantro, onion and corn tortillas for serving

full recipe

Mains

Mrs. Massie Stewart’s Banana Cake & Texas Pecan Praline Icing

Ingredients:

cake

1 1/4 cup mashed bananas
1/4 cup sour milk (whole milk with lemon juice or buttermilk will do just fine)
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda

icing
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup cutter
1/2 cup milk
1 t. vanilla
pecans (toasted then broken into pieces or left whole or a combination of both)
special tool: candy thermometer

full recipe

In The Kitchen

citrusy chimichurri

Ingredients:

handful of Italian parsley
handful of cilantro
3 large cloves of garlic
1t salt
1/2t pepper
pinch red pepper flakes
1T white wine vinegar (I like Noble)
juice of 1 lemon
½ cup of olive oil

full recipe

Sides

bucatini al’amatriciana

Ingredients:

Pasta and sauce

1 lb bucatini
6 oz. guanciale thinly sliced and cut into 1– 1 ½ inch long pieces (you can also use pancetta or bacon for this…you can’t go wrong in this dept.)
1 ½ cups strained tomatoes
1 TBSP tomato paste
1/8 cup white wine
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 red onion thinly sliced
1 TBSP olive oil

roast garlic oil
10 cloves of garlic
½ cup olive oil

full recipe

Mains

braised short ribs thomas keller style

Ingredients:

8 short ribs (bone-in)
Salt
Pepper
Flour for dusting
Grapeseed oil
4 bay leaves
4 carrots sliced
1 large onion diced
1 leek sliced thin
1 bottle of dry red wine (one glass reserved for the cook)
5 garlic cloves smashed
one handful of thyme leaves
one small handful of Italian parsley
2 T tomato paste
1 quart of beef broth (homemade or high quality bone broth recommended)
3 celery stalks strings removed and sliced
10 peppercorns
optional: cheesecloth

full recipe

Mains

charred baba ganoush

Ingredients:

3 small to medium sized eggplants
2 cloves of garlic sautéed
2 T greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon or to taste
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 T tahini
salt
pepper

full recipe

Aperitivo,Sides

hummus

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas (makes 2 cups of hummus)
¼ cup tahini
1/3  good olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves
salt
olive oil for topping
Topping ideas: zatar, a few reserved whole chickpeas, roasted garlic, or heck if you are feeling crazy throw some leftover short ribs on there like me! (optional)

full recipe

Aperitivo,Mains,Sides

sausage, sage and mushroom quiche

Ingredients:

Crust

2.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
ice water (2-4 TBSPs)
2 sticks of ice-cold butter

Filling

1 container Bella or cremini mushrooms
¾ cup grated Gruyere, Swiss or provolone cheese)
1.5 lbs Italian sausage casings removed (about 3 large links from Central Market or Whole Foods)
2 shallots
6 eggs
1.5 cups of half and half or mixture of heavy cream and milk
salt
pepper
thyme
sage
2 T butter
1 T olive oil

 

full recipe

Mains

roast chicken and penne soup

Ingredients:

1/2 roast chicken
1/2 box of penne pasta
6 cups of chicken (preferably homemade or high quality bone broth)
4 tbsp chopped herbs  (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
3/4 onion sliced super thin
1 fennel bulb sliced super thin
4 stalks of celery sliced super thin
2 tbsp olive oil
bay leaf
salt
pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes
parmesan & dash of heavy cream for serving (optional)

full recipe

Fall,Soups,Spring,Winter

five bean soup

Ingredients:

3 links Italian sausage browned
1 lb mixed beans (soaked)
1 qt. chicken stock
1 qt vegetable stock
6-8 carrots sliced  in half moons about 1/3 inch thick
2 small onions
4 celery stalks
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp tomato paste
5 small whole peeled tomatoes crushed with hands
4 sprigs of thyme leaves chopped
2 sprigs of oregano chopped
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt
pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

chopped parsley or buttered croutons make a nice garnish

full recipe

Soups

weeknight rotisserie chicken ramen

Ingredients:

1 small rotisserie chicken (Central Market had citrus fennel, so I went for that)
1 bunch of scallions
1 inch piece of ginger peeled and sliced
1 piece of konbu
2 dried shitake mushrooms
2 carrots
4 pieces of double smoked bacon
8 cups of low sodium chicken stock
4 cups of water
3/4 cup fresh peas or the freshest looking frozen ones you can find
4 soft boiled eggs
8 t. soy sauce
4 portions fresh ramen noodles

full recipe

Soups

composed salad of golden beets, arugula and grains w/ lemony herb dressing

Ingredients:

one bunch of golden beets (3 or so)
1 ½ cups mixed grains (such as quinoa & bulgur)
3 cups micro arugula
½ cup of raw pepitas
½ package of Humboldt Fog goat cheese (or any herbed goat cheese will do) cut into small ½ cubes or crumbled… whatever works
zest and juice of one lemon
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
1/8 cup chopped fresh oregano
2 tbsp chopped thyme (or whatever else you have on hand. Basil or mint would have also been lovely)
½ cup of olive oil (divided)
sea salt
fresh cracked pepper

full recipe

In The Kitchen

chicken & kale meatballs en bianco

Ingredients:

meatballs
1 lb chicken breast (if you have a meat grinder otherwise buy the breast and grind it yourself. If not, buy 1 lb of ground chicken breasts)
1 bunch of kale
1 cup grated parmesan
2 cloves of garlic minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (toasted)
1 tbsp cumin seeds (toasted)
1/4 cups sour cream
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 tsp salt
pinch of red pepper flakes
3 tbsp olive oil  plus a good amount for frying
1 cup of flour (for dredging)

optional: lemon zest, sea salt and a tbsp of chopped parsley for garnish

salsa bianco
5 anchovies
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup white wine
3/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
few rounds of ground pepper
2 tbsp oregano leaves
1/4 cup flat leaves parsley leaves
1/8 cup torn basil leaves
zest of one lemon
juice of a lemon
1lb of whole wheat spaghetti
grated parmesan for serving

full recipe

Chicken,Mains

beet walnut tahini dip with warm pita

Ingredients:

beet walnut dip
1 lb of beets
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup olive oil
Maldon sea salt
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 tbsp tahini
1/4 cup water

 

 

full recipe

Sides

slow cooked pork tacos

Ingredients:

serves 6-8

3 1/2 lb boneless pork shoulder (untrimmed and cubed into 1 1/2 inch chunks)
corn tortillas

marinade
1/4 package of achiote paste (this is a paste made from achiote seeds- looks spicy, but is not)
1 onion roughly chopped
4 cloves of garlic roughly chopped
1 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp chipotle powder (if you don’t like spice, skip this ingredient or sub for an extra tsp of the milder chili powder)
note on spice: my kids ate this dish, granted they are from Texas
1 tsp regular chili powder (something mild)
1 1/2 tsp honey
juice of 2 limes
3 tsp salt

braise
1 cinnamon stick
3 pineapple rings (halved)
1 bay leaf
1 cup chicken stock

toppings
julienned radishes
crumbled queso fresco
hot sauce
mexican crema
cilantro
sliced avocados
pickled red onions (one red onion cut thinly sliced then soaked for a few minutes in the juice of a lime and about 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar)

full recipe

Mains

ham & swiss w/ dijon butter

Ingredients:

serves two

1 tbsp dijon mustard (I like the added texture of the grainy kind)
2 tbsp softened butter
1 baguette (or 2 demi baguettes)
4 slices thinly sliced ham (Niman Ranch makes a really good one)
2 thin slices of swiss or provolone (something mild)

full recipe

Mains

chiara’s cucumbers w/ lime and salt

Ingredients:

cucumbers
olive oil
flaky sea salt
lime juice
lime zest

full recipe

Sides

heirloom tomato + burrata salad

Ingredients:

serves 6
3-4 heirloom tomatoes
2 packages of burrata (which is cream injected mozzarella. Plain old fresh mozzarella works too)
basil leaves and flowers
good olive oil
Maldon salt
fresh cracked pepper

full recipe

In The Kitchen

rosemary smashed potatoes

Ingredients:

water
salt
pepper
small fingerling potatoes
olive oil
4 to 6 rosemary sprigs

full recipe

Sides

newfangled schnitzel

Ingredients:

Serves 4
pork cutlets
2 butterflied boneless berkshire pork chops (doesn’t have to be berkshire, heck it doesn’t even have to be pork…veal or chicken breast would also work)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
2 eggs beaten
1/8 cup milk
grape seed oil for frying
lemon wedges for serving

salad

hearty “power green”salad mix (I like baby kale, spinach, chard mixes)
1 tspn dijon mustard
1 tspn honey
1/3 olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
juice of one lemon
1/8 cup white wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds

 

 

full recipe

Mains

split pea soup

Ingredients:

2 tbsp grape seed oil
1 yellow large onion sm. dice
1/4 lb smoky bacon diced
3 carrots sm. dice
3 celery stalks sm. dice
2 garlic cloves minced
1 bay leaf
1 lb green split peas
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 1/2 tsp salt
fresh ground pepper
4 tbsp butter
juice of half of a lemon
butter/croutons/baguette for serving

full recipe

Soups

carrot ginger soup

Ingredients:

3/4 stick of butter
1 onion
3 garlic cloves chopped
1- 3 inch piece of ginger grated
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup of cream sherry
1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped
6 cups of low sodium chicken broth
3 cups of rainbow carrots diced (regular carrots will work too)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp sugar
2 tspn sour cream
1/4 heavy cream
Juice of half a lemon

full recipe

Soups

fresh pasta

Ingredients:

4 eggs plus one yolk
1 lb ’00 flour (typically used in Italy for pasta and pizza)
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ cup olive oil
1 tspn water plus more as needed

full recipe

Mains

Lemony Anchovy Dressing

Ingredients:

3 anchovy fillets
2 tbsp olive oil + 1/2 cup divided
1 half shallot finely chopped
juice of one lemon
2 tspn white wine vinegar (I like noble lemon matured white wine vinegar)
1 heaping tsp good dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
pinch of red chili flakes

full recipe

Sides

ottolenghi spinach chickpeas and honeyed sweet potatoes

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas (or sub 1 can drained and rinsed chickpeas)
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp oilive oil
1 onion finely chopped
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp tomato paste
14 oz canned tomatoes chopped
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3 cups spinach
2/3 cup cilantro leaves
salt and pepper

sweet potatoes
1 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch thick slices
3 cups water
3 1/2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt

yogurt sauce
1 1/2 up greek yogurt
1 clove garlic crushed
grated zest and juice of one lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried mint
salt and pepper

full recipe

Fall,Vegetarian

dark chocolate salted almond toffee

Ingredients:

1 lb of butter
2 cups sugar
1 tsp of sea salt
1 ½ cups of salted dry roasted almonds roughly chopped (you should be able to tell this is an almond (The bigger the chunk for this part the better in my opinion)
1 cup plain roasted almonds finely chopped
butter for greasing
2 packages of dark chocolate baking wafers

full recipe

In The Kitchen

spicy soy ramen

Ingredients:

serves 4-6

ramen broth
8 cups of water
1 package (about 1.75 oz) of konbu rinsed (konbu is a thick seaweed variety)
1 lb of smoked bacon
2 chicken necks or sub for 2 cups of chicken broth (your butcher will sometimes give you these. I save my raw ones from other chicken preparations and freeze them so that explains why I have chicken necks on hand…..)
mushroom broth (2 cups)
mirin
soy sauce
salt
sake (optional)

pork
1.5 lbs ground pork
2 tsp salt
plenty of freshly ground pepper
1 tsp of red chili flakes
1 tbsp neutral oil such as grapeseed, canola, or coconut
4 cups of plain soy milk

for assembly

one-soft boiled egg (per bowl)

a pinch (per bowl)of wakame rinsed and soaked in fresh water for 5 minutes. (Wakame is a seaweed variety that is thin and what we are more likely accustom to eating say in miso soup)

savoy cabbage, kale, mustard greens, bok choy or some kind of green left raw and shredded (about a ¼ cup per bowl)
1-3 inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and shaved paper-thin

2 packages of dried ramen…if it comes with sauce packet just throw it away. You won’t be needing it! If you can find fresh ramen even better. Our Central Market has it now in the deli section.

1 big pinch of scallions sliced super duper thin per bowl

1 tsp red chili oil per bowl

1 pinch of bean sprouts or fried onions would be good for crunch (although I didn’t think of it to add it in mine)

full recipe

Soups

shaved celery & roasted beet salad

Ingredients:

serves 4-6

1/2 cup chopped celery leaves
1/2 cup chopped fennel fronds
1/4 cup chopped parsley
8 stalks of celery trimmed and strings removed, then shaved
3/4 cup shaved pecorino romano
2 large golden beets scrubbed and trimmed (golden or purple), roasted then shaved
1/4 red onion shaved
leaves of a few kale sprouts (or if you can’t find them brussels would work great too)

dressing

juice of half of a lemon
1/4 olive oil +  1/2 tbsp
good sea salt
fresh cracked pepper

full recipe

Sides

Southern Fried Chicken & Biscuits

Ingredients:

Serves 8-10

Chicken
2 chickens  cut into 8 pieces
2 sleeves of club crackers crushed
1 quart buttermilk
2 tbsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp minced thyme
4 cups flour

Biscuits
5 cups of flour
5 tbsp sugar
5 tbsp salt
1 tbsp baking soda
2 cup buttermilk
10 tbsp frozen grated butter
5 tbsp honey

Gravy
2 tbsp cooking oil  from the chicken frying (brown bits but not dark brown bits)
2 tbsp flour
hot milk
hot water
sea salt
black pepper

full recipe

Chicken,Mains

Almond Soba Noodle Stir Fry

Ingredients:

serves 4
4 garlic gloves minced
1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (or add those later if you think it will be too spicy for the little ones or sissies that don’t like spicy food)
3 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp water
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
dash of sesame oil

8 oz buckwheat soba noodles
2 tbsp coconut oil
10  oz package of extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry then
2 red, orange, or yellow bell peppers seeds removed and cut into thin strips (I think they taste better than the green ones)
2 zucchini cut into match sticks or 2 bunches of brocolini (trimmed and then sliced in half lengthwise and then potentially in half again lengthwise)
2 handfuls of baby bok choy or pok choi
1 cup snow peas halved with a diagonal edge (optional)
black sesame or toasted slivered almonds to garnish

full recipe

Mains,Vegetarian

penne alla vodka

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
6 oz. pancetta diced very small in 1/2 inch pieces (freeze a block of pancetta a few hours before in order to make this happen)
1 medium onion small dice
3 cloves of garlic minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup vodka
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 – 28-oz can of whole san marzano tomatoes crushed with your hands + plus juices
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup pasta water
3/4 cup grated parmesan
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 lb penne pasta

 

full recipe

Mains

mom’s chocolate macadamia pie

Ingredients:

3 oz semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light Karo corn syrup
3 eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
3.5 oz macadamia nuts, coarsly chopped

for crust
1.25 cups of all purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp cold water

full recipe

Sugar

monday pot roast

Ingredients:

3-3.5 lb chuck roast
8 carrots peeled and cut into 2.5 inch pieces
1 lb of small red, blue, and white potatoes washed and left whole
2 onions peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic
1.25 cup red wine
2.75-3 cups beef broth
one 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
4 tsp salt
 2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary
4 sprigs thyme
baguette and salted butter (optional)

full recipe

In The Kitchen

candied bacon

Ingredients:

8-12 slices of good, thick cut smoked bacon
1/3 cup brown sugar
fresh cracked pepper
2 sheets of parchment or foil2 same sized cookie sheets

full recipe

Sides,Sugar

Buttercup Squash Toasts

Ingredients:

roasted squash
1 buttercup squash (halved, seeds and pulp removed then slices into 2 inch wide wedges)
butter
cinnamon
sea salt
pepper
honey
water for the pan

toasts
slice of your favorite bread (I used plain old buttermilk bread, but “seedsation loaf” from Central Market would  be even more delicious. Whole Foods has a version called “seeduction loaf”)
butter
hot chili flakes
honey
sea salt
good olive oil or walnut oil (optional)

 

full recipe

Aperitivo,Sides

cherry bomb

Ingredients:

serves 2
4 oz of Bulleit rye whiskey
2 oz red vermouth such as Dolman’s
a dashes of cherry bitters
a dash of walnut bitters
2 luxardo cherries
ice

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Cobb-ish Caesar

Ingredients:

serves 2-4
5 cups or so of greens (we like a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine, but it’s all good as long as they are a bit hearty)
6 slices of cambazola (blue cheese/brie hybrid) but any kind of blue would work this one is very smooth and milder than most
1 soft boiled egg per person
3 slices of stale bread
olive oil
4 slices of bacon
sea salt
pepper
1/3 cup homemade caesar dressing

optional : 2 chicken breasts flattened with a meat mallet  (about 1/2 inch thick) season with chopped herbs (such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary), salt, pepper and olive oil then grilled

full recipe

Mains,Sides

Southern Pea & Ricotta Bruschetta

Ingredients:

serves 4-6

1 cup of southern peas (also known as cream zipper cow peas) shelled
1 crusty baguette
1 cup homemade ricotta cheese or store bought is fine too
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
5 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of good olive oil plus lots more for soaking the grilled bread
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) to taste

 

full recipe

Aperitivo

Roasted Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Ingredients:

serves 4

eggplant

2 baby eggplants cut in half lengthwise (I leave the top on because I think it looks nice, but you could cut off before putting it in the oven.)
1/2 tsp sea salt
fresh ground pepper
2-ish tbsp of olive oil (divided)

tahini sauce

1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup of water
juice of one lemon
salt
pepper
1 garlic clove (minced)
2 tsp of olive oil

full recipe

Sides

The OG New York Times Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients:

marinade
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves smashed
1 tsp kosher salt (I added a bit more)
2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika ( I used smoked paprika)
1/2 tsp tumeric
pinch of ground cinnamon
few pinches of red chili flakes

chicken
2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 2 inch chunks or basically 3 pieces)
1 or 2 lg. red onions peeled and quartered
2 tbsp chopped parsley

full recipe

Mains

peanut butter icebox pie

Ingredients:

crust
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (such as nilla wafers)

filling
12 oz. cream cheese softened
3 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy cream (whipped)
6 peanut butter cups coarsely chopped (I used justin’s but reese’s would be delicious too)
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (I used justin’s but anything is gonna taste good)
1/2 cup caramel sauce recipe below + a pinch of sea salt (I added the sea salt but you certainly wouldn’t have to)

garnish
3 peanut butter cups coarsely chopped (I used dark and milk chocolate for the topping)
1/4 spanish peanuts chopped (the recipe calls for unsalted peanuts, but these are our favorite)

caramel
3 cups of sugar
1 cup of cold water
2 cups of room temp heavy cream

full recipe

Sugar

grilled ribeye steaks with bearnaise sauce

Ingredients:

(This sauce recipe makes enough for 6 steaks, so adjust accordingly)

Ribeye Steak with Béarnaise Sauce
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup good white wine (such as white Burgundy, Sancerre or whatever you are drinking)
1/2 cup good white wine vinegar (such as Noble) or champagne vinegar
2 sticks of butter (1 cup) melted
3 tbsp chopped tarragon divided
2 tbsp of minced shallot
1/4 tsp sea salt (such as Maldon)
1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

ribeyes (as many as you like)
sea salt (such as Maldon)
freshly cracked pepper
olive oil

full recipe

Mains

Peggy Straw’s Special K Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
2 1/2 cups special K cereal

full recipe

Sugar

Slow Roasted Tomato Pasta

Ingredients:

two pints of cherry tomatoes (like to use brown or assorted colors if you can find those)
1/2 red onion (small dice)
2 cloves of garlic
4 TBSP olive oil
1 box of penne pasta
1/4 cup pasta water
leaves stripped from a few sprigs of fresh thyme
6 basil leaves (torn)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan
1 TBSP kosher salt for pasta water
Maldon salt
fresh cracked pepper

loaf of crusty bread for serving

full recipe

Mains

Icicle Radish Tartine

Ingredients:

1 icicle radish
1 slice of pan de mie or other white artisanal bread
1 thick smear of slightly soft good butter
Flaky salt such as Maldon

full recipe

Aperitivo,Mains,Sides

mortar & pestle caesar

Ingredients:

4 TBSP olive oil (divided)
3  cloves garlic (smashed)
4 anchovies chopped
1 egg yolk
1 tsp dijon mustard
juice of one lemon
3 TBSP canola oil
salt freshly cracked pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan, plus 1/3 cup shaved or grated parmesan for topping
3 pinches cayenne
4 slices white artisan sliced bread cut into about 1″ squares (such as pan de miel)

full recipe

Sides

Grilled Oysters w/ Japanese Compound Butters

Ingredients:

Dozen Oysters
Ice cream salt and lemons for serving

Soy Wasabi Compound Butter
tsp soy sauce
2 tsp prepared wasabi from a tube
2 tbsp softened butter

Miso Compound Butter
1 1/2 tsp miso
2 tbsp softened butter


Matcha Green Tea Compound Butter
1/4 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp matcha green tea powder
2 tbsp softened butter

Helpful tools: Grill mitt & grill basket

Note: This will make more than enough compound butters. Save them and use them to finish a steak, on vegetables or fish.

full recipe

Aperitivo

Rosa’s Salsa Mexicana

Ingredients:

Salsa Mexicana

2 dried ancho chilis (steeped & rehydrated in hot water) stemmed, deseeded, and chopped
1/2 white onion chopped
1 lb small red tomatoes (I like campari, but you could use cherry or any tomatoes on the vine would work) quartered
1/2 lb tomatillos (removed from husk, rinsed & quartered)
2 large cloves of garlic crushed
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp hot sauce (or to taste) such as rosa’s salsa negro
1 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp olive olive oil

full recipe

Aperitivo

Fairly Easy Vanilla Pavlova w/ Lemon Curd

Ingredients:

Serves 8

1 cup superfine/ castor sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 large egg whites (about 1/2 cup), at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons vanilla or the vanilla bean (seeds scraped and pod discarded)

half pint blueberries
half pint blackberries
pint of strawberries
spinkling of sugar for berries
store bought meyer lemon curd (such as this one from William Sonoma)

full recipe

Sugar

Alex’s Homemade Ricotta

Ingredients:

3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream



sliced then grilled baguette finished with good olive oil
grilled flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) plus local honey for finishing

full recipe

Aperitivo,Sides

Fried & Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs shelled, butterflied and deveined raw shrimp (jumbo) 1 cup flour 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp Tony’s Cajun Spice 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs 1 cup shredded coconut 2 eggs 2 cups buttermilk canola oil for frying

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Lobster Paella

Ingredients:

4 cups lobster stock (preferably homemade)
4 cups vegetable stock + more on hand
3 lobster tails
1/2 pound clams
1/2 pound shrimp
3 cups sushi rice
1 tsp saffron
3 leeks chopped
2 tsp sea salt (such as Maldon)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 cup sliced Spanish chorizo
3/4 cup olive oil
handful or so of frozen (and thawed) green peas or green beans

full recipe

Mains

Classic Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:

Serves 6-8
one bottle of bubbly (such as Piper Heidsieck)
one sugar cube per glass
several drops of bitters (such as Hella Bitters)
lemon peel (for garnish)

full recipe

Aperitivo

Mini Cherry Pie A La Mode for Kids

Ingredients:

makes 5 mini pies + one regular sized pie

Cherry Pie
3 lbs bing cherries pitted and halved
3/4 cup of sugar
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp cornstarch
sugar for sprinkling
egg wash: 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water
vanilla bean ice cream for topping (such as Blue Bell)

Pie Crusts (makes equivalent of 2 double crusts)
1 lb of butter
5 cups flour
1 cup ice cold water
2 tsp salt

 

full recipe

Sugar

Texas Tempura

Ingredients:

Serves 4 for dinner or 6-8 for a starter
1 pint of fresh okra washed and left whole
1 large sweet onion or 1015 onion peeled and cut into thick rings
1 zucchini cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds
1 chicken breast pounded to about 3/4 thickness
2 cups flour
2  tbsp cornstarch
1 can beer such as Shiner Bach
3/4 can of seltzer water
2 tsp of salt plus more for after frying
peanut oil for frying

Dipping Sauce
6 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
juice of half a lemon

full recipe

Aperitivo,Sides

Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

Ingredients:

Serves 4

juice of one large grapefruit (about 1 cup)
juice of 4 juicy limes (about a half cup)
a generous squeeze of agave nectar…. about 1 TBSP (to taste)
1 pinch of ancho chili powder (any chili powder or cayenne will work)
½ cup of Cointreau
1 cup of top shelf tequila such as Don Julio
Ice for shaking, plus more for serving (if on the rocks)

For Salted Rim

tbsp sea salt such as Hawaiian Sea Salt
heaping tbsp raw turbinado sugar
tbsp ancho chili powder (any chili powder will work)

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Amaranth Granola + Pineapple Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

Amaranth Granola

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup quinoa flakes
½ cup quinoa
½ cup amaranth
½ cup pecans (some broken and others whole)
½ cup coconut flakes
½ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
¼ brown sugar
3 tsp agave nectar
2 pinches cinnamon
1 tsp flaky sea salt

Pineapple Yogurt Parfait

1 cup cubed pineapple
1 small container 0% Fage’ Greek yogurt
drizzle of honey
3 tbsp amaranth granola

full recipe

Mains

Yukon & Sweet Potato Au Gratin

Ingredients:

Serves 6

2 lg yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 japanese sweet potatoes (the typical orange type works fine too)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
plenty of salt and freshly ground pepper
garlic clove smashed
1 tbsp thyme leaves (chopped and divided)

full recipe

Sides

Summer Snap Pea Salad with Yuzu Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Serves 4

Summer Snap Pea Salad

1.5 lb snap peas (blanched and bathed)
2 young celery stalks
1 bunch of arugula or spinach (rinsed and dried)
1 tbsp mint leaves (chopped)

Yuzu Mint Vinaigrette

4 tbsp really good olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp Yuzu Juice
¼ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp salt
2  tsp chopped mint

full recipe

Summer

Runny Egg, Corn & Mushroom Ravioli

Ingredients:

Makes about 6 (4” ravioli) or 4 (5-6” ravioli)

Pasta Dough

2 ½ cups type 00 flour, plus more for dusting
drizzle of olive oil
3 large eggs
a little water (in case you need it)

Ravioli Filling

1-2 links of Italian sausage (optional, it is great without the meat, too)
1 ear of corn
1/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated Italian sheep’s milk cheese with truffle or without (such as Cacio or Cacio Tartufo)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
6 egg yolks (one per ravioli)

Mushroom Browned Butter Topping

1 stick of butter
½ pound mushrooms (such as alba clamshell mushrooms or thinly sliced cremini)
salt + freshly ground pepper

full recipe

Mains

Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ingredients:

Makes 1 – 15″ X 10″ X1 ” cake or 1- 13″ X 9″X 2″ cake

Sheet Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 1/2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla
1 cup water

 

Chocolate Sheet Cake Frosting

1/2 cup butter
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
6 tablespoons buttermilk
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Tartine Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal and Walnut Cookies + Sea Salt

Ingredients:

12 oz. bittersweet chocolate
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup unsalted butter
1 3/4 cup sugar
4 tsp black strap molasses
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 cup walnuts
flaky sea salt for finishing (such as Maldon)

full recipe

Sugar

Briny Olive, Asparagus & Poached Egg

Ingredients:

Serves 4

½ stick of unsalted butter softened
4 thick slices of seeded bread toasted
1 bunch asparagus
4  eggs
1/8 cup oil/salt cured black olives
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
salt + pepper
large pot of water + 1 tsp vinegar for egg poaching

full recipe

Aperitivo,Mains,Sides

Spicy Pork Pozole

Ingredients:

Serves 6

For Pork Pozole

6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1.5 lb pork butt (bone in or bone removed and on the side) cut into 1.5 inch chunks plus bone
salt + fresh ground pepper
1 onion sliced
1 can diced tomatoes (mom’s tip: use Rotel tomatoes with diced chilies)
2 carrots sliced (or four small)
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tbsp oregano
1 lb frozen uncooked hominy ( If you can’t find this you can use canned. You just wont have to cook it nearly as long.)
2 poblano peppers  (if you don’t like spicy, use only one)
12 springs of cilantro tied together or in a sachet (if you don’t have twine or sachets you can use a metal ball tea steeper or just fish them out later) + more for topping
2 tbsp of olive oil (divided)

 Toppings

shredded cheese
radishes
cilantro
avocado
crushed tortilla chips
lime wedges

full recipe

Soups

Guanciale, Herb, and Onion Quiche

Ingredients:

Guanciale Herb Onion Quiche Filling

5 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
¼ lb guanciale thinly sliced (if you can’t find this pancetta or bacon work just fine)
2 small-medium sized onions
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp reserved fat from the guanciale
¼ cup fresh herbs (such parsley, thyme, sage, oregano, basil) will yield about 2 tbsp minced
salt + pepper
½ cup Parmesan

Crust

(You can use store bought crust but my recommendation is Martha Stewart’s Flaky Pie Dough recipe, only difference is I use a pastry cutter rather than a processor.)

1 ¼ cup flour spooned and leveled
½ tsp coarse salt
¼ cup ice-cold water
1 stick of ice-cold butter

full recipe

Mains

Saffron and Fennel Infused Roasted Halibut en Papillote

Ingredients:

saffron (1½  tsp)
4 halibut fillets or white meaty but flaky fish (like sea bass) skin on… about 1.5 inches thick
1 bulb of fennel halved and thinly sliced lengthwise (the thinner the better)
½ cup white wine
olive oil
8 tsp heavy cream
salt + pepper
8 squares of parchment or aluminum foil
fennel fronds for topping (optional)

full recipe

Mains

Quinoa & Roasted Sweet Potato Superfood Salad

Ingredients:

Serves 4

Salad

½ cup quinoa
1 sweet potato
1/3 cup walnuts or pumpkin seeds
1 avocado
hearty mixed greens (I like something with baby kale, spinach and arugula)

Chili Lime Vinaigrette

juice of 1 Lime
½ cup of olive oil
plenty of salt  & fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp of chili powder
1 tsp honey

full recipe

Greens,Sides,Vegetarian

Grilled Pork, Peaches, and Spring Onions

Ingredients:

Serves 6

2 lbs boneless pork butt, butterflied (and pounded even to about ¾ inch thick)
1 head of garlic chopped
1/3 cup olive oil plus more for onions
3 tbsp rosemary needles (chopped)
6 peaches halved and pitted
3 tbsp butter diced
Maldon sea salt and freshly ground pepper
6 oversized spring onions

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Turnip Vichyssoise

Ingredients:

Serves 4-6

1/3 lb turnips (peeled and lg dice)
2/3 lb red skinned potatoes (peeled or partially peeled and lg dice)
3 leeks (split down the center, cleaned and chopped)
2 tbsp good olive oil plus some for garnish
4 tbsp butter
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp white wine
6 cups low sodium chicken broth

 

full recipe

Soups

Tony’s Crab Cake

Ingredients:

Serves 4-6

Jumbo Lump Crab (3/4 lb-1lb)
1 Egg (beaten)
Some Saltine Cracker Crumbs (half sleeve)
Panko (for breading)
Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp)
Fresh Dill (1 tbsp)
Celery (1 or 2 stalks minced and quickly sautéed)
Dijon Mustard (1 tsp)
Old Bay Seasoning (3 pinches)
Maldon Sea Salt (to taste and for finishing)
Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)
Grapeseed oil (for pan frying)

full recipe

Aperitivo,Mains,Sides

Jesse’s Parmesan Fennel Salad

Ingredients:

2 fennel bulbs
A nice fruity extra virgin olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
Maldon salt  + freshly cracked pepper
1 generous cup of Parmesan freshly shaved using a vegetable peeler

full recipe

Greens,Sides

Spicy Salty Kale Chips

Ingredients:

1 bunch green or purple kale
flaky sea salt (one pinch per pan)
1 tbsp olive oil (divided)
half a lemon
chili flakes

full recipe

Aperitivo,Greens,Sides

Austin Expat Lasagna

Ingredients:

Ragu

1 stick of butter (8 tbsp) ½ lb ground sirloin ½ lb ground veal ½ lb ground chicken 3 carrots (sm dice) 3 celery stalks (sm dice) 1 lg yellow onion (sm dice) 1/3 cup tomato paste (I prefer the Italian variety sold in tubes rather than a can) 1 ½ cups of white wine 2 cups water plenty of salt  + pepper

Truffle Bechamel

1 stick of butter (8 tbsp) flour (6 tbsp) 2 ½ cups of whole milk 1 black truffle shaved or 1 1/2 TBSP of truffle oil

Lasagna

2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan 2 packages of lasagna noodles 2 tbsp butter cubed

full recipe

In The Kitchen

Dee Dee’s Lentil Soup with Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

Vegetable Saute

1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for serving
1 very large diced sweet white onion (1/4 cup reserved)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 large cloves)
5 stalks sliced celery
6 large diced carrots

Italian Sausage

1 pound hot Italian sausage (remove from casing and pinch into bite-sized servings).

Lentils

1 pound lentils
6 cups chicken stock
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves
¾ tsp ground cumin
2 bay leaves
½ tsp oregano
1 carrot cut into large slices
1 stalk celery cut into large slices
1 half onion peeled

1 ½ cups baby kale or spinach (add just before serving)

 

full recipe

Soups

Tony’s Almond Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds

1 cup organic or natural sugar

½ tsp almond extract

½ tsp salt

½ tsp baking powder

1/3 cup flour

1 stick butter

1 tbsp Cointreau

3 eggs

full recipe

Sugar