10.28.2010

Wildtree Hearty Morning Granola Bars


SERVINGS: 10
INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cups Wildtree Hearty Morning Granola, prepared
PREPARATION:
Combine butter, honey and brown sugar in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Take off heat and stir in Wildtree Hearty Morning Granola until well coated. Press into an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square pan lined with foil or plastic wrap. Let the granola cool in the fridge for 1 hour or until cool to the touch. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. The bars can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Calories 240; Fat 8 g; Saturated Fat 2.5 g; Carb 35 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 7 g; Chol 10 mg; Sodium 0 mg

White Soda Scones [Rachel Allen]

MAKES ABOUT 12 SCONES / VEGETARIAN
This has to be one of the fastest and most delicious scones you can make. The dough is just perfect for children to play around with, even if it does then get heavy from overhandling. You should see some of the creations that my sons make; dinosaurs are their favorites! This is the soda bread mixture we make at the Ballymaloe Cookery School, and there are countless variations you can experiment with from this basic recipe.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Sift the flour, salt and baking soda into a large bowl, and rub the mixture with your fingertips to incorporate some air. Make a well in the center and pour in most of the buttermilk. Using one hand, with your fingers open and stiff, mix in a full circle, bringing the flour and liquid together, adding more liquid if necessary. The dough should be quite soft, but not too sticky.
Turn it out onto a floured surface, and do not knead it but gently bring it into one ball. Flatten it slightly to a height of about 11/2 inches. Cut the dough into squares or whatever shape you like. Put the scones onto a baking sheet, pop into the hot oven and cook for 10–15 minutes (depending on the size). Have a look at them after 10 minutes; if they are deep golden brown, then turn down
the heat to 400°F (200°C) for the remainder of the time. When cooked they should sound hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.

HERB SCONES
Add 1–2 tbsp of chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives, marjoram, savory or sage to the flour before you pour in the buttermilk. For even more flavor, you could sprinkle the tops with grated Cheddar cheese before they go into the oven.
PESTO SCONES
Add 1–2 tbsp basil pesto to the buttermilk before mixing with the flour. These are also delicious with chopped olives mixed in with the flour.
CRISPY BACON AND PARMESAN SCONES
Add about 1/3 cup chopped cooked crispy bacon, a good pinch of cayenne pepper and 2 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese to the flour at the start, then brush the tops of the raw scones with beaten egg or leftover buttermilk and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan cheese.
SWEET SCONES
Add 2 tbsp superfine sugar to the dry ingredients. Also, put 1 egg into a
measuring cup, lightly beat and add buttermilk or sour milk to make 13/4 c. This makes the dough slightly richer. In addition, you could add any of the following ingredients to the flour at the start of the recipe: 4 oz golden raisins (or currants) and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 4 oz chopped chocolate; or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and an extra 2 tbsp sugar. Then brush the tops with beaten egg and dip into 1/4 c (2 oz) granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Sponge Cake [Rachel Allen]

SERVES 6–8 / VEGETARIAN
This is a classic sponge cake, made all the more gorgeous with the rhubarb cream filling. Also try filling it with raspberry jam and whipped cream, sliced strawberries and whipped cream, or with fresh, hand-picked blackberries and cream. This is perfect for Father’s or Mother’s Day (that’s a hint, boys!) or, of course, as a birthday cake.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour the sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line the bases with discs of wax paper.
Cream the butter until soft, then gradually add the sugar, and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, beating well all the time. Sift the flour and baking powder, and stir in gently, then stir in the milk until just combined.
Divide the mixture between the two pans, hollowing it slightly in the center, so that it will be flat on top when cooked. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when you push it gently. Turn out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool. (Place the cake that will become the top layer on its base so that the top isn’t marked by the cooling rack.)
Meanwhile, place the sliced rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan, cover and cook over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft. Take off the lid and boil while stirring until it is thick. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks, then fold in the rhubarb. Sandwich the cakes with the rhubarb cream and sprinkle with sifted confectioners’ or superfine sugar.

Easiest Lemon Cookies [Rachel Allen]

MAKES ABOUT 25 / VEGETARIAN

These are incredibly simple and gorgeous cookies. Do make sure that the butter you use is nice and soft. The cookies can be cut into any kind of shape, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day, numbers for a birthday party or little holly leaves or Christmas trees during the festive season.

11/2 c (6 oz) all-purpose flour
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, softened
1/4 c (2 oz) superfine sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Put the flour and lemon zest into a mixing bowl, rub in the soft butter, add the sugar and bring the whole mixture together to form a stiff dough. Do not add any water.

Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut into shapes. Transfer carefully to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 6–10 minutes until they are pale golden. Cool on a wire rack.

HANDY TIP
I quite often roll out this dough between two sheets of plastic wrap, as I do for pastry. Chill the slightly flattened piece of dough before rolling out and then
the butter does not stick to the plastic.

Asparagus and Scallion Tart [Rachel Allen]

SERVES 6–8 / VEGETARIAN
This is one of the very best savory tarts and it is perfect in the late spring/early summer when asparagus is in season. It is light and delicate in flavor, and has a wonderful crisp shortcrust pastry base.
10-in Shortcrust Pastry shell, baked blind
1 tbsp olive oil
7 oz scallions, trimmed and finely sliced or chopped
7 oz asparagus spears, trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 eggs
11/2 c heavy cream
1 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). To make the tart filling, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan, add the scallions and cook over a low heat until soft. Cook the asparagus by dropping it into boiling water with a pinch of salt, cover and bring back up to the boil, then remove the lid and boil, uncovered, for 3–4 minutes until it is just cooked. Drain, and then slice the asparagus into 11/2-inch pieces, at an angle.
Whisk the eggs in a bowl, add the cream and the cooked scallions and season. Pour this filling into the cooked pastry shell, still in the pan. Drop the asparagus into the tart and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Carefully place the tart into the preheated oven and cook for 20–30 minutes, or until the tart is just set in the center. Remove from the oven, and serve out of the pan, hot or at room temperature.

Macaroni and Cheese [Rachel Allen]

SERVES 6–8 / VEGETARIAN
Macaroni and cheese must be the ultimate cure-all for adults and children alike. You can
also add small pieces of cooked ham or bacon to the sauce. Macaroni and cheese can be made in advance and then reheated when you are ready to serve.
6 tbsp (3/4 stick) butter
1 onion, peeled and chopped
3/4 c (3 oz) all-purpose flour
33/4 c boiling milk
1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
8 oz cheese (Cheddar, or, even better, half Cheddar and half
Gruyère), grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
11 oz elbow macaroni
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the chopped onion and cook gently until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, then gradually add the milk, whisking all the time, and the mustard. Whisk in three-quarters of the cheese and allow to melt into the sauce, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water with a teaspoon of salt, until just soft. Drain, then toss into the cheese sauce and transfer to a gratin dish about 10 inches square. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and pop under a broiler for a few minutes to brown the cheese on top, or if you wish, put this aside for later. To reheat, put the dish in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Onion and Blue Cheese Tart

SERVES 6–8 / VEGETARIAN
Combined with a big green salad, this tart is perfect for an alfresco lunch in the garden.  It is nice and easy to make, too, and there is no need to prebake the pastry. 
FOR THE PASTRY:
2 c (9 oz) all-purpose flour
9 tbsp (1 stick plus 1 tbsp) butter
Pinch of salt
1 egg, beaten
FOR THE FILLING:
1/4 c olive oil
3 very large onions, peeled and sliced
2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 oz blue cheese, crumbled roughly into 1/2-in pieces
Make the pastry following the method of Savory Shortcrust Pastry and allow it to rest in the fridge. Meanwhile, place the olive oil in a saucepan and add the sliced onions, herbs and salt and pepper. Stir, put on the lid and cook over a low heat for
about 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions are soft and tender. Discard the herb sprigs and pour out onto a plate to cool.
Roll out the chilled pastry between two sheets of plastic wrap. When it is big
enough to line a 10-inch round tart pan, remove the top layer of plastic and flip the pastry into the pan with the remaining sheet of plastic on top. Press it into the edges of the pan, remove the plastic and trim the edges. Using a fork, prick holes into the base of the pastry shell. If you have time, it is best to allow the pastry to cool again before it goes into the oven to cook, so pop it into the freezer for 5 minutes if possible.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up (this will help the base of the tart cook more evenly).
Pour the onions into the chilled pastry shell, place on the hot baking sheet in the oven and cook for 25–35 minutes until the pastry around the edge is crisp and golden. About 3 minutes before the end of the cooking time, sprinkle the tart with the crumbled blue cheese and pop back into the oven for another 3 minutes. The blue cheese will just begin to melt. Remove the tart from the oven and allow to cool slightly before sliding out onto a serving plate.

Salmon Cakes 2 Ways: Mexican or Mediterranean

SERVES 4–6
This foolproof recipe makes about 12 salmon cakes for a family supper. You can also use this recipe to make about 40 mini salmon cakes for small bites to serve with drinks for an informal party. They are absolutely delicious served with flavored mayonnaise and Tomato and Cucumber Salsa. Again, if your children do not eat spicy food, you can omit the chile or Tabasco.

3/4 lb filleted and skinned salmon, roughly chopped
4 tbsp (1/2 stick) butter
2–3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
4 oz fresh white breadcrumbs
1 egg, whisked
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (you can chop the small stalks too)
6 scallions, chopped
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1–2 tsp Tabasco sauce or 1 deseeded and chopped chile (optional for children)
3-4 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

Combine all the ingredients except the olive oil in a food processor and whiz to combine. Taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper, and more lemon juice or Tabasco, if necessary. If you do not have a food processor, chop up the salmon as finely as possible and mix together all the ingredients in a bowl. Shape into 3-inch patties or 11/2-inch diameter patties for mini salmon cakes. Pan-fry in 3–4 tablespoons olive oil on a medium heat for 3–4 minutes on each side (2-3 minutes for mini cakes), or until golden. Serve on warm plates.
MEDITERRANEAN VARIATION
Omit the Tabasco or chile and substitute the same amount of basil for the cilantro in the salmon cakes and serve with the mayonnaise and salsa.
[Rachel Allen]

Broccoli Soup with Parmesan Toasts

SERVES 6–8 / VEGETARIAN
I adore this delicious and nutritious soup. It’s great either for family suppers or for a dinner party. The soup can be frozen and the Parmesan toasts prepared in advance, then grilled at the last moment. Ideal if you need a meal in an instant.
FOR THE SOUP:
2 tbsp butter
2 potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 head of broccoli, with stalk
31/2–41/4 c hot vegetable (or chicken) stock
3/4 c heavy cream
FOR THE PARMESAN TOASTS:
8 slices good-quality white bread
3 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Melt the butter in a medium to large saucepan, and add the potatoes and onion, salt and pepper. Cover with a piece of wax paper and sweat over a gentle heat for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the broccoli florets from the stalk. Using a small knife, remove the outer layer of skin from the stalk and discard, then chop the stalk into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to the onion and potato, cover and sweat for a further 5 minutes.
Add the hot stock to the potatoes, onion and broccoli stalk, bring up to theboil, then add the chopped florets. Boil without the lid over a high heat for 4–5 minutes until soft, then add the cream. Remove from the heat, puree in a blender and season to taste.
To make the Parmesan toasts, toast the bread on both sides, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and pop under a hot grill or into a hot oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Cut the toast into fingers and serve on the side with the soup.

Scrambled Eggs with Tomato, (Chile) and Cilantro

SERVES 2 / VEGETARIAN
I love this scrambled egg variation, which I first tasted in a restaurant looking out over Mexico City. It’s full of protein (from the eggs) and antioxidants (from the cilantro),
and is a great way to start the day. Of course, you can omit the chile for children; the cilantro still makes it special. 
1 tbsp butter
1 ripe tomato, finely chopped
1/2–1 chile, deseeded and finely chopped (optional for children)
4 free-range eggs, best quality possible
3 tbsp milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantroMelt
the butter in a saucepan, add the tomato and chile and cook for a few minutes until the tomato is just softening. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add to the saucepan and stir gently until the egg is softly scrambled. Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve.

 [Rachel Allen]

9.25.2010

9.15.2010

Leftovers and Tofu - Asian Ginger Fried Rice with Cilantro

Provided by Terri Wonn from Oconomowoc, WI
SERVINGS: 4
INGREDIENTS:
  • 4 tablespoons Wildtree Natural Grapeseed Oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups cubed slow-cooked pork tenderloin
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
  • 3 eggs (scrambled)
  • 1/2 cup Wildtree Asian Ginger Plum Dressing & Marinade
  • 1/4 cup of chopped green onion
  • 5 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
PREPARATION:
Prior to making this fried rice, cook pork tenderloin in slow cooker using Asian Ginger Plum Dressing & Marinade on low for 4-6 hours.

Heat Natural Grapeseed Oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Saute green onion and garlic until the garlic is golden brown. Add in slightly beaten eggs and cook until scrambled. Add pre-cooked rice and pork tenderloin to egg mixture. Add chopped cilantro. Cook for 1 more minute.

Calories 620; Fat 40 g; Saturated Fat 5 g; Protein 23 g; Carb 42 g; Fiber 1 g; Chol 200 mg; Sodium 90 mg

9.12.2010

Crockpot Chinese Sweet & Sour Chicken

Serves 4-6 (really 4 because its so yummy!)
3-4 lbs of chicken (whole or pieces)
1/3 c soy sauce
1/3 c packed light brown sugar
1/4 c water
1/4 c apple juice or sherry (I use any sweet juice on hand)
3 T catsup
1/2 t red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, trimmed and halved (I just chop and toss in)
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 T cornstarch + 1 T cold water
2 T sesame seeds (toasted)

Wash and dry chicken.  Remove giblets and neck (if using a whole chicken) and cut off excess fat.  Put in cooker, breast side up (if whole).  Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sherry, catsup, red pepper flakes, green onions, garlic in small bowl and pour over chicken.  Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 - 4.5 hours until temp on an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 180.  (I just cook it until it's falling off the bones)

Transfer chicken to platter and mix cornstartch with water and stir into the remaining sauce.  Stir constantly while cooking still on high, and it will thicken.  Spoon over chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

8.24.2010

Find recipes for these things

Falafel
Chicken Shawerma
Baked Kefta Kebab
Fettia
Pita

8.08.2010

Cornmeal pizza crust for bread machine

Cornmeal Pizza Crust Recipe (Bread Machine)
Ingredients:

1 cup warm water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup cornmeal + 1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Method:

Measure carefully, placing all ingredients except 1 tablespoon cornmeal in bread machine pan.
Program basic dough cycle setting and press start.
Remove the dough from the bread machine pan and let rest 2 to 3 minutes.
Pat and gently stretch the dough into a fourteen inch circle.
Spray a 14-inch pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon cornmeal.
Press the dough into the pizza pan
Move on to our Mexican Pizza Recipes and follow the topping and baking directions for the individual recipe of your choice.

8.07.2010

Scallops with Apples, Bacon

¾ pound TJ’s Whole Wheat Pasta
2 slices TJ’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, chopped
1 Granny Smith Apple, diced
1 package TJ’s Trimmed Leeks, chopped
1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, chopped
TJ’s Sea Salt, freshly ground, to taste
TJ’s Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste
1 pound TJ’s Scallops, thawed
Cook pasta according to pkg directions & set aside. Sauté bacon in pan until fat is rendered, about
1-2 minutes. Add apple, leek and thyme. Add salt and pepper; cook until tender, about five minutes.
Add scallops and cook over high heat until just cooked, one to three minutes. Serve atop Trader
Joe’s Whole Wheat Pasta.
Serves: 3-4
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
TJ’s 2008 HiiP Recipe Contest Winner, Manda Williams

TJ's Enchilada Casserole

Olive Oil (for pan)
1 bottle TJ’s Enchilada Sauce
1 package TJ’s Frozen Carne Asada, heated to package directions
6 TJ’s Green Onions, sliced, green tops preserved for garnish
2 tbsp TJ’s Sliced Jalapeños, minced
1 can TJ’s Sliced Black Olives
1 package TJ’s Corn Tortillas, cut into strips
1 package TJ’s Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend
2 TJ’s Avocados, sliced
Pre-heat the oven to 450°. Swab bottom of a baking dish (appx. 8” x8”) with olive oil & a small amount of enchilada
sauce; set aside. In a bowl, mix carne asada, green onions, jalapeños and 3 tbsp of sliced olives together with a small
amount of enchilada sauce. Cover bottom of dish with a layer of tortilla strips. Top with half of carne asada mixture,
followed by a small amount of sauce and about one-fourth of the cheese. Repeat second layer in the same order. Top
second layer with strips of tortillas, remainder of sauce and remainder of cheese. Garnish with remainder of olives and
green onion tops. Place in oven and bake until cheese is melted, the edges are browned and sauce is bubbly; about 20-30
minutes. Remove from oven and sit for 10 minutes before cutting. Top with slices of Avocado. WOW! Enjoy.
Serves: 6-8
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Moroccan Chicken

(with fresh mango and toasted almonds)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Moroccan Rub, divided
1 tsp salt, divided
1/3 cup blanched slivered almonds (optional)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
½ cup water
1 medium red onion
1 large mango (about 1 lb)
1 pkg (10 oz) uncooked plain couscous (1½ cups)
½ cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1. Cut chicken into 1-in. pieces with Utility Knife. Combine chicken, 1 tbsp of the rub and ½ tsp of
the salt in Classic Batter Bowl; toss to coat using Master Scraper.
2. If using, place almonds into (12-in.) Skillet; cook over medium heat 4-6 minutes or until golden
brown, stirring frequently. Remove nuts from Skillet using Square Slotted Spoon; set aside. Add
oil to Skillet; heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Add chicken to Skillet in a single layer. Cook
and stir 5-6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center; remove chicken from Skillet and
keep warm.
3. In Small Batter Bowl, combine broth, water, remaining 1 tbsp rub and remaining ½ tsp salt. Slice
onion lengthwise into thin wedges using Santoku Knife; add to Skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes or until
onion is tender and beginning to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Add broth mixture; bring to a
simmer. Stir to loosen browned bits from bottom of Skillet.
4. Slice mango into thin wedges (see Cook’s Tip). Stir mango, couscous and chicken into broth
mixture. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Snip
cilantro using Kitchen Shears. Toss cilantro into couscous with almonds and serve immediately.
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrients per serving (excluding optional ingredient): Calories 320, Total Fat 4 g, Saturated Fat .5 g,
Cholesterol 45 mg, Carbohydrate 44 g, Protein 24 g, Sodium 890 mg, Fiber 3 g
Cook’s Tips: To slice mango into wedges, cut off top and bottom of fruit. Peel using Serrated Peeler.
Slice along both sides of the flat pit to remove the flesh. Trim remaining flesh from the edges of the
pit. Cut the flesh into thin wedges.
Curry powder can be substituted for the Moroccan Rub, if desired.
©The Pampered Chef, Ltd., 2008

TJ's Huevos Rancheros

1 package TJ’s Soy Chorizo
6-8 TJ’s Eggs
1 jar TJ’s Chunky Salsa
1 package TJ’s Tortillas (flour or corn)
1 cup TJ’s Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
TJ’s Hatch Green Chiles (optional)
Remove the casing of the soy chorizo and brown over medium heat in a large skillet. Mix in ¾
cup of the salsa with the chorizo. Crack the eggs, one at a time, and lay on top of the chorizo/salsa
mixture. Cover the skillet and let cook until eggs are over-easy or over-medium (about 10 minutes).
While eggs are cooking, warm tortillas (microwave on high for 30 – 45 seconds or lightly pan fry).
Place two tortillas on each plate and top with the egg and chorizo mixture, then liberally sprinkle
each serving with cheese and add a dollop of salsa (and some green chiles, if you like). Enjoy.
Serves: 4-6
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

TJ's Breakfast Casserole

1 loaf TJ’s Crusty French Bread, torn into pieces
6 TJ’s Eggs
¼ cup TJ’s Milk
1 cup TJ’s Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage (pre-cooked), sliced (or TJ’s Veg. Sausage-less Sausage)
1 cup TJ’s Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
TJ’s Spices (optional)
Preheat oven to 350º and grease baking pan with your choice of oil or butter. Place bread pieces
in pan and distribute evenly. Beat the eggs, milk and any spices you desire (salt, pepper, garlic
powder…) and pour over the bread. Add the remaining ingredients and bake for 25 minutes or
until top is golden brown and a knife put in the center comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes before
serving (oh, you can wait). Enjoy.
Serves: 8-10
Cooking Time: 30 minutes