Category Archives: Desserts

30-minute meals, Desserts, Fruit, Pasta and noodles, Seafood

Linguine with Chili, Crab and Watercress and Eton Mess

There are two events that mark the start of summer for me — the first day I see a van on the side of the road selling Wexford strawberries or when I cook something from Nigella Lawson’s Forever Summer cookbook.

Once I dust off that cookbook, this linguine is invariably the first thing I make from it, since I’ve made it so often that the book now falls open naturally to this well-thumbed, cooking-splattered page. As for Eton mess, it was invented at Eton College in England in the 1930s and is now traditionally served there today, on June 4th, but we don’t stand on such ceremony in my family — we eat this as soon as Irish strawberries hit the shops and roadside stands, then make it more often than I care to admit all through the summer (certainly more than can be good for us). I’m lucky in that you can buy meringues in practically any grocery store in Ireland, which is what makes it so easy to whip together, but if you want to try making meringues yourself, this is the perfect recipe to have as a back-up plan. Because you crush the meringues anyway, it doesn’t matter one bit if they look pretty beforehand. And I’m willing to bet that once you try this, you’ll be getting plenty of practice honing your meringue-making skills by making this irresistible summer dessert (far too) often.

Linguine with Chili, Crab and Watercress
adapted from Forever Summer by Nigella Lawson

Serves 4

By all means use fresh crab if you can, but canned works just fine. The original recipe calls for watercress, but arugula (rocket) or even spinach would work too.

1 lb 2 oz (500 g) linguine or spaghetti
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 scant tablespoon Maldon sea salt (or 1 teaspoon regular sea salt)
1 large red chili
about 11 oz (310 g) crab meat
1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
juice and zest of 1 lemon
a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
a handful of watercress, leaves only, roughly torn

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

Meanwhile, in a pestle and mortar, mash the peeled garlic cloves with the salt, so that it makes a smooth paste. Add the chopped and seeded chili and crush again until you have a red-tinged mixture.

Put the crab meat in a large bowl, breaking it up gently with a fork. Pour the oil, lemon zest and juice into another bowl or measuring jug and whisk together. Scoop in the garlic and salt paste, then whisk everything together. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain, then add to the crab mixture and pour the dressing over, tossing well to combine. Add in the parsley and watercress, toss again and serve.

***

Eton Mess

Serves 4

For a grown-up boozy twist, marinate the strawberries in a generous splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier) for 30 minutes before stirring them into the whipped cream (you could also try creme de cassis, Framboise, grappa, kirsch, or even a little orange juice and vodka). If you can’t find meringues in the store or you want to make your own, try Delia Smith’s recipe, who also has a great step-by-step tutorial on how to make them here.

You can make Eton mess with strawberries, bananas or any summer fruit, though strawberries are considered to be traditional.

Pureeing the strawberries makes this dessert more attractive and heightens the strawberry flavor, but you could be lazy and skip this step (I often do) — simply chop all the strawberries and fold them in with the cream and meringues and it will still be delicious.

1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled
1 tablespoon confectioners’ (icing) sugar
1 tablespoon granulated or caster sugar (optional)
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cream
4 store-bought meringue nests

Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size (you want them to be bite sized). Place about one-third of the berries and the confectioners’ (icing) sugar in a food processor or blender and process until just pureed (or you can mash them with a potato masher or fork). Place the remaining strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with the granulated or caster sugar only if you think the berries need a little boost to bring out their natural sweetness (or add some liqueur instead; see above). Set aside to macerate while you whip the cream.

Whip the cream just until soft peaks form. Break up the meringues into bite-sized pieces and add them to the whipped cream, along with the chopped strawberries, reserving a few for decoration. Gently fold in all but a few tablespoons of the puree, marbling it throughout the cream mixture. Spoon into individual serving dishes and drizzle with the remaining puree and reserved strawberries. Serve immediately.

Desserts, Grains and pulses, Vegetarian main dishes

Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot Stew with Quinoa and Coconut Cream Pie

My newest working mom trick is double Sunday dinner. I find that if I can make Monday night’s dinner while cleaning up Sunday night’s dinner mess, the week goes much better. I’ve tried a few make-ahead meals with mixed results; curried pork stew is great, butternut squash lasagna, not so much. This vegan stew is one of my favorite make-ahead meals yet. You certainly won’t miss the meat. A word of warning, though: when peeling the butternut squash, throw the peels in your compost or garbage can. Do not attempt to put them down your garbage disposal. Do not attempt to put them down your mother-in-law’s garbage disposal. The cost of the plumber fixing the sink takes away from the enjoyment of the meal. Trust me on this one.

Coconut cream pie has been on my mind for a long time. When I found James Peterson’s version in his new book, Baking, I had no choice but to make it. The book, by the way, is a nice compilation of recipes and techniques ranging from bread to pastries to cakes. I’m not sure it’s the “baking education” promised on its cover, but I’ve been salivating over its pictures and recipes for weeks. Despite my several adaptations (shortcuts, really), my first coconut cream pie turned out much better than any version I’ve had from a bakery. I wish I had tried it sooner.

Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot Stew with Quinoa
adapted from Bon Appétit, January 2006

Serves 6

for the stew:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (240 ml) water
1 x 14-oz (400‑g) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1‑inch cubes
5 to 7 carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4‑inch cubes

for the quinoa:
1 cup (170 g) quinoa
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups (480 ml) water
1/2 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, divided

For stew: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Mix in the paprika and the next 7 ingredients. Add 1 cup (240 ml) water and the tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Add the squash and carrots. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

For quinoa: Rinse the quinoa and drain. Melt the butter with the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot. Cover and cook until the vegetables begin to brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and turmeric and sauté for 1 minute. Add the quinoa and stir 1 minute. Add 2 cups (480 ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.

To serve, rewarm the stew and stir in half of the cilantro. Spoon the quinoa onto a platter, forming a well in the center. Spoon the stew into the well. Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro.

***

Coconut Cream Pie
adapted from Baking by James Peterson

Makes 1 pie

1 x 10-inch pie crust (homemade or Pillsbury refrigerated recommended)
2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened coconut milk (regular or light)
1 cup (240 ml) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar plus 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup (25 g) plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened dessicated coconut
2 cups (180 g) sweetened shredded coconut, divided
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Use a 9- to 10-inch pie pan. Roll the dough into a round about two inches larger than the pie pan. Line the pie pan with the dough, fold under the excess dough and crimp the edges. Prebake the pie shell according to your recipes (or package instructions). I highly recommend lining the crust with aluminum foil and adding an inch or so of pie weights or dried beans during the first half of the baking time. This will keep the crust from shrinking, warping, and performing other unknown pastry tricks. Carefully remove the pie weights/beans and tinfoil during the last half of the baking time to allow the crust to fully cook.

Set the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium saucepan, bring the coconut milk and milk to a simmer with the vanilla. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar, and the cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour half of the milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Stir the mixture with a whisk over medium heat until it bubbles and thickens. Immediately remove it from the heat, stir until smooth and transfer to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to cool to room temperature.

Fold the dessicated coconut and 1 cup (90 g) of the sweetened shredded coconut into the pudding and spread this mixture in the now cool pie shell. Chill for at least 1 hour.

While the pie chills, toast the remaining 1 cup (90 g) of shredded coconut in a heavy pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Pour the toasted coconut into a small bowl to cool.

Before serving, combine the heavy cream with the 2 tablespoons of sugar and beat it to stiff peaks. Spread the whipped cream over the pudding mixture, doming the cream in the center, and sprinkle the toasted coconut over it.

30-minute meals, Desserts, Fruit, Grains and pulses, Seafood

Citrus Tilapia, Bulgur with Leeks, Cranberries, and Almonds, and Easy Peach Cobbler

I’m not sure if it’s post-holiday letdown, the lack of sunlight, my crazy caseload at work, or my wakeful seven-month old, but whatever it is, I haven’t been too energized lately. After a couple of weeks cooking my favorite tried-and-true comfort foods (lasagna, enchiladas, chicken chili), I decided that a few new recipes might be the thing to pep me up again. And I was right! Tonight’s citrus-glazed tilapia tasted fresh and light and came together in about 10 minutes. I also loved the addition of tart cranberries and toasted almonds to the hearty bulgur pilaf. When other fruit is pithy, bland, or jet-lagged from a cross-continent trek to the local grocery store, a handful of dried fruit or a good spritz of orange juice can really get you through the dull winter months. And as for the peach cobbler, it’s good any month of the year, any day of the week, and any meal of the day. I can’t believe I haven’t posted it before now.

Citrus Tilapia
adapted from Epicurious

Serves 4

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb/450 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice or high-quality store-bought orange juice
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

On a plate, combine the flour and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the tilapia in the flour.

In a large skillet over a medium heat, add the oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the fish and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden and just cooked through. Remove the fish and set aside.

Add the orange juice, 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice, and the ginger to the skillet. Increase the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Taste and add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and more lemon juice if desired. Return the fish to the skillet, coat with sauce, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until heated through.

***

Bulgur with Leeks, Cranberries, and Almonds
adapted from Bon Appétit, December 1995

Serves 6

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large or 2 small leeks, chopped (white and pale green parts only)
2 1/2 cups (600 ml) chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (340 g) bulgur
1/2 cup (60 g) dried cranberries
1/2 cup (50 g) sliced almonds, toasted

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped leeks and saute until very tender, about 12 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to the boil. Stir in the bulgur and boil for 5 minutes. Add the dried cranberries. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Mix in the sliced almonds. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

***

Easy Peach Cobbler 
adapted from Gourmet, August 2004

Serves 6

20 oz (560 g) frozen peaches
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 2/3 cups (340 g) sugar, divided
1 stick (110 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) milk (not skimmed)
whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, to serve

Put the oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the frozen peaches in a saucepan, covered, over a medium heat. Cook until they begin to defrost. Add the lemon juice and 2/3 cup (140 g) sugar. Simmer the peaches for about 10 more minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through and syrupy but not falling apart.

While the peaches simmer, place the butter in a 13 x 9‑inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish. Place the dish in the oven to allow the butter to melt.

While the butter melts, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1 cup (200 g) of sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in the milk until just combined. Pour the batter over the now melted butter but DO NOT STIR. Spoon the peaches and about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the peach cooking liquid over the batter but DO NOT STIR. Bake the cobbler until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool the cobbler in its pan on a rack until warm. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

30-minute meals, Beans, Desserts, Grains and pulses, Vegetarian main dishes

Vegetarian Chili on Quinoa and Spicy Caramel Popcorn

Every year, my New Year’s resolutions are the same — be nicer and be healthier. This quick and easy menu won’t help with the “nicer” goal but sure helps with the “healthier” bit. We especially loved this dinner after a month of calorie-heavy holiday and birthday meals. Reuben’s recent discovery of the quinoa-filled menu at Protein Bar in the Chicago Loop was the inspiration for his chili and quinoa creation. For anyone else looking to lose weight or eat healthier this year, quinoa is a great dinner choice. It’s high protein, high fiber, and satisfying enough that you don’t miss the mashed potatoes or pasta that might otherwise be on your plate.

Even tonight’s dessert isn’t too decadent. Though drenched in caramel, the popcorn is relatively low in fat (only 3 tablespoons of butter!). The kicky cayenne has also been shown to increase metabolism. And, of course, it’s tasty, as in hide-it-or-I’ll-eat-the-whole-batch tasty.

Vegetarian Chili on Quinoa

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon each of cumin, dried oregano, salt
2 stalks celery, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
1 x 4‑oz (110‑g) can diced green chilies
1 x 14-oz (400‑g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 x 14-oz (400‑g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 x 28-oz (2 x 400‑g) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup (170 g) quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
2 cups (300 g) corn kernels, defrosted if frozen
garnishes: sour cream or plain yogurt, minced jalapeno, minced green onion, shredded cheddar cheese

In a Dutch oven or other large saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add the spices, salt, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeno and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the green chilies, beans, tomatoes and chili powder and simmer for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan with a lid, combine the quinoa with the water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and set aside (covered) until the chili is ready.

About 5 minutes before serving, mix the corn into the chili mixture. Continue cooking until the corn is heated through, about 5 minutes.

For each serving, spoon the chili over the cooked quinoa and garnish to taste with sour cream or plain yogurt, minced jalapeno, minced green onion, and cheddar cheese.

***

Spicy Caramel Popcorn
from Smitten Kitchen

Makes 4 quarts

nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup (100 g) popcorn kernels
2 cups (250 g) salted peanuts (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups (600 g) sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt

Lightly coat two large, heatproof rubber spatulas, a very large mixing bowl and two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or a thin slick of oil.

In a large saucepan or pot with a lid, heat the oil over a medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover and keep the saucepan moving until all of the kernels have popped, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Toss with salted peanuts, if using.

In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and cayenne pepper.

Have the two large baking sheets ready. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, salt and 1/2 cup (120 ml) water. Cook over a high heat, without stirring, until the mixture becomes a light golden-yellow caramel, 10 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the baking soda mixture (the mixture will bubble up).

Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and don’t worry if it doesn’t all come out of the pot, you’ll have plenty. Working quickly and carefully, use the prepared spatulas to toss the caramel and popcorn together, as if you were tossing a salad, until the popcorn is well coated.

Spread the popcorn onto the baking sheets and quickly separate them into small pieces while still warm. Cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Appetizers, Beef, Desserts, Entertaining, Holidays

Beef Tenderloin with Arugula and Horseradish Sauce, Baked Brie with Mushrooms and Thyme, Rockin’ Celery, and Chocolate Chunks with Cherries and Pistachios

We’re planning to have a few friends over for New Year’s Eve. Instead of coordinating a full sit-down dinner, I’m planning a spread of bite-size delicacies. A plate of hors d’oeuvres balanced in one hand with a glass of champagne in the other is my idea of a party — even when it’s just me and Reuben. I make this beef tenderloin recipe often for parties. It’s easy, can be made in advance, and everyone seems to love it. As a word of warning, I’ve never made the other recipes listed but how could molten brie or dark chocolate be bad?

Kristin and I are taking some time off from Dinner du Jour due to the hectic nature of the month. We’ll be back in January with more recipes and photos. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!

Roast Tenderloin of Beef
adapted from Gourmet

Serves 8

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 1/2 lb (2 kg) trimmed beef tenderloin, tied, at room temperature
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste

Preheat oven to 525°F (275°C).

In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat until smoking. Pat meat dry. Rub with pepper and salt. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until dark brown. Transfer the meat to a rack in a roasting pan. Roast meat for 10 to 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 130°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C) for medium-rare. Transfer meat to a cutting board and let rest, loosely covered, for 10 minutes. Carve into thin slices for serving. Serve with horseradish sauce, arugula, and rolls for making sandwiches, if desired.

Horseradish Sauce
adapted from Emeril’s New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse

2 cups (475 ml) sour cream
1/4 cup prepared horseradish, drained
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 teaspoon Champagne or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
dash hot red pepper sauce

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and blend well. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

***

Rockin’ Celery
adapted from Pilar Sanchez, Food Network

10 servings

12 celery stalks, peeled
1/2 cup (50 g) pecans
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon melted butter
pinch cayenne pepper
pinch sea salt
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

Cut the celery into 4‑inch-long pieces, then slice off a thin edge at the rounded part of the stalk to help them lie flat while stuffing. Place them in a bowl of ice water and refrigerate until ready to stuff.

In a bowl, toss the pecans with the honey, butter, cayenne and salt, making sure the nuts are well coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until nuts are toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.

Chop pecans coarsely in a food processor. Add the cream cheese and process until smooth. Remove celery from the refrigerator, drain and dry well. Scrape cream cheese/nut mixture out of the food processor into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Fill each celery boat with a generous amount of the mixture.

***

Baked Brie with Mushrooms and Thyme
adapted from Bon Appétit, March 2009

Makes 6 to 8 servings

1/2 oz (15 g) dried porcini mushrooms
2/3 cup (160 ml) dry red wine
2 tablespoons butter
6 oz (170 g) crimini (baby bella) mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
6 oz (170 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, sliced
2 tablespoons minced shallot (about 1 large shallot)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 x 14-oz (400‑g) Brie (preferably in wooden box)
1 baguette, cut into 1/4‑inch-thick slices

Rinse the dried porcini to remove any grit. Place the porcini and wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat; remove from the heat. Let the porcini soak until soft, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the porcini to a work surface and coarsely chop. Line a strainer with damp paper towel; strain the wine into a small bowl and reserve.

Melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crimini and shiitakes. Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt and pepper and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the shallot and stir until soft, about 1 minute. Add the chopped porcini and strained wine. Boil until almost dry, about 1 minute. Stir in the thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool.

Remove the Brie from its box, discarding the lid and paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the top rind from the Brie; discard. Return the Brie to its box. (Alternatively, stack two 12-inch rounds of foil and fold up around bottom and sides of the Brie, crimping foil at edges, leaving top exposed.) Mound the mushroom mixture atop the Brie. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the Brie with the mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the cheese begins to melt and the mushrooms are warmed through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the Brie in box to a plate. Serve hot with baguette slices.

***

Chocolate Chunks with Cherries and Pistachios
adapted from Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round by Katie Brown

6 servings

12 oz (340 g) bittersweet Baker’s chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (130 g) shelled pistachios
1 cup (150 g) dried tart cherries

In a large microwaveable bowl, combine the chocolate, milk, butter, and salt. Place the bowl in a microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Remove and whisk until combined and smooth. (If the chocolate is not completely melted after whisking, return to the microwave for 1 minute and repeat step.)

Stir in the pistachios and cherries. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 x 9‑inch pan with plastic wrap. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan, scraping bowl, and smooth out evenly. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Remove the pan from refrigerator and invert chocolate mixture onto a cutting board. Remove the plastic and cut chocolate with a knife into desired shape and size. Serve at room temperature.

Desserts, Fruit, Holidays, Italian food, Pasta and noodles, Poultry

Turkey Tetrazzini and Cranberry Buckle

This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It’s an adaptation of Jamie Oliver’s chicken and mushroom pasta bake recipe (spaghetti tetrazzini), which he says is “really tacky but gorgeous.” It got me thinking about how foods or recipes are as subject to trends as anything else. Chef’s salad, cheese fondue, shrimp cocktail and deviled eggs have all had their day (though I still love shrimp cocktail and deviled eggs). But how could you go wrong with wine and cream? That will never go out of style as far as I’m concerned. What are some of your favorite tacky or untrendy foods?

Turkey Tetrazzini
adapted from Jamie’s Italy by Jamie Oliver

Serves 4

1 oz (20 g) dried porcini mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
12 oz (340 g) button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 cup (240 ml) white wine
2 to 3 cups cooked shredded or diced turkey
1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (200 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC).

Put the porcini mushrooms in a bowl and pour over just enough boiling water to cover them (approx. 1/2 cup /120 ml). Put to one side to soak for a few minutes.

Strain the porcini, reserving the soaking water, and add them to a frying pan big enough to hold all the ingredients (including the pasta) with the garlic and fresh mushrooms. Add the wine and the strained porcini soaking water and turn the heat down. Add the turkey to the pan. Simmer gently until the wine has reduced a little.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions and drain well. Add the cream to the pan of turkey, then bring to the boil and turn the heat off. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the drained spaghetti to the creamy turkey sauce and toss well. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan and stir well. Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish or nonstick pan, sprinkle with half the remaining cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown, bubbling and crisp. Divide between your plates, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese before serving. (Alternatively, you could serve this right after adding the drained spaghetti and Parmesan to the creamy turkey sauce and skip putting it in the oven.)

***

cranberry buckle

Cranberry Buckle with Vanilla Crumb
adapted from Rustic Fruit Desserts by Cory Schreiber and Julie Richardson

You can keep the leftover vanilla crumb in the freezer for up to 3 months and either use it to make another cranberry buckle or as a fruit crisp topping (or you could just halve the amounts called for here for the crumb topping).

Serves 8 to 12

for the vanilla crumb (makes 2 cups):
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
1/4 cup (40 g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (110 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4‑inch cubes
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

for the cranberry buckle:
1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup (110 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
zest of 1 orange
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
2 cups (8 oz/225 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9‑inch square baking pan.

To make the vanilla crumb, combine the flour, sugars, salt and butter in the bowl of a food processor or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Pulse or blend until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Drizzle the vanilla over the mixture and either pulse or mix briefly to distribute the vanilla. Place the crumb mix in the freezer while you prepare the buckle.

To make the buckle, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.

Using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar and orange zest together on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream in two additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture and scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Fold in half of the cranberries.

Spread the mixture in the prepared pan. Distribute the remaining cranberries over the cake and sprinkle the crumb topping over the cranberries.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm on top. Wrapped in cling film, this cake will keep at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Desserts, Drinks, Fruit, Holidays, Miscellaneous, Pork, Potatoes

Christmas 2009: Fully Festive Ham, Cranberry Chutney, Spiced Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts and Pancetta, and Maple Pecan Pie Squares

About seven or eight years ago, I made a Martha Stewart version of the infamous Campbell’s green bean casserole for the holidays. Instead of a can of cream of mushroom soup and a can of french-fried onions, her recipe called for Gruyère cheese, which back then I could only find in Dublin, and pan-fried shallots. I had such high hopes for the recipe, but for all the fancy ingredients, Matt and I swore it tasted just the same as the casserole of our childhoods. It had a bad work-to-glory ratio. What I love about the ham, which I’ve made every Christmas for the past five years, and these maple pecan pie squares, which I made a couple weeks ago, is that they have a high work-to-glory ratio. The gist of the theory is that the recipes are simple but absolutely delicious, as opposed to something that’s time consuming or difficult that winds up tasting not much better than what you can get out of a can. As much as I love to cook and indulge at the holidays, I’m all for basking in the glory of a house full of well-fed people at Christmas with a minimum amount of work.

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Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
adapted from Rachel’s Favourite Food for Friends by Rachel Allen

Serves 6 to 8

1 bottle of red wine (you don’t need your best red, but something decent)
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
4 cloves
1/2 orange, cut into 4 chunks
1 lemon, cut into 4 chunks
1 cup (240 ml) brandy
halved orange slices from the remaining 1/2 orange, to serve

Put the wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, orange and lemon into a saucepan. Heat very gently, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Keep on a low heat, without boiling, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the brandy. Serve in glasses, each with a new orange slice in it.

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Fully Festive Ham
adapted from Feast by Nigella Lawson

Serves 8 to 10

The only slightly tricky bit about this menu is timing the ham if you want to make the cabbage with the stock, since the ham takes about 4 hours to cook and the cabbage needs 1 hour. Just be sure to take note of that and leave yourself plenty of time.

7 1/2 to 8 lb (3.4 to 3.6 kg) ham
2 quarts (2 liters) apple juice
2 quarts (2 liters) cranberry juice
2 cinnamon sticks, halved
2 onions, halved but not peeled
1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)

for the cranberry glaze:
4 tablespoons cranberry jelly or 6 tablespoons cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon runny honey
1 tablespoon English mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Put the ham into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and then immediately drain and rinse the ham in a colander, which will get rid of any excess saltiness.

Rinse the saucepan and put the ham back in and add all of the above ingredients (except for the glaze). If the fruit juices don’t cover the ham, then add some water; it really depends on how snugly your ham fits into the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil and cook the ham at a fast simmer for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Partially cover the pot with a lid if the liquid is boiling away and the top of the ham is getting dry.

Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the hot and now salty juice, and sit it on a board (if you’re making the cabbage with the stock, don’t throw the stock away). If you want, you can cook this well ahead of schedule and let it get cold before glazing and roasting it. If that’s the case, cook it for half an hour less in the pot and then let it get cold in the cooking liquid.

But if you’re going ahead now, wait until the ham’s bearable to the touch – it’s easy to scald yourself on hot sugary fat – and then cut and peel the rind off the cooked ham, and make sure you have a thin layer of white fat off with it, or just use a knife to shave some fat off, so you’re left with a thin coating. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 420°F, though you can make this work with whatever setting you need your oven to be.

Heat the remaining glaze ingredients together in a saucepan until the jelly or sauce melts into the honey, mustard and cinnamon to make a smooth glaze. It needs to be thick enough not to run off the ham in the oven.

Cover your roasting tin with two layers of tin foil (to make doubly sure nothing gets through) and place the ham in the tin. Pour the glaze over the ham so that all of the fat/top is covered. Put the ham into the oven and cook for 15 minutes or until the fat is coloured and burnished by the sugary glaze. If you’ve let the ham cool completely before you glaze it, it will need a good 40 minutes at 350°F and you might have to give a final blast of real heat at the end too. And this is based on its being at room temperature, not fridge cold, when it goes in.

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Fully Festive Red Cabbage
adapted from Feast by Nigella Lawson

Serves 6

1 to 1 1/2 heads of red cabbage, shredded
cranberry and apple juice stock from the Fully Festive Ham

Bring the ham stock back to the boil and add the shredded cabbage. Cook for approx. 1 to 1 1/4 hours at a steady simmer, covering the pan if it’s losing too much liquid. Strain to serve.

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Cranberry Chutney with Crystallized Ginger and Dried Cherries
adapted from A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

Makes about 5 cups

This will keep for a week in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. Note that this chutney reaches its thick, jammy consistency only as it cools, so it will still be somewhat loose when you first remove it from the heat.

24 oz (680 g) apricot preserves
3/4 cup (180 ml) raspberry vinegar (or 3/4 cup (180 ml) white vinegar plus 1 1/2 teaspoons raspberry preserves)
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup (60 ml) Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec (or orange juice for a nonalcoholic version)
24 oz (680 g) fresh cranberries, picked over
1/2 cup (70 g) finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 1/4 cups (150 g) dried cherries

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, raspberry vinegar (or vinegar and raspberry preserves), salt, cloves and Grand Marnier. Stir to mix, then place over a medium-high heat. Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. If will bubble, so stir it regularly with a long-handled wooden spoon to keep it from burning.

Reduce the heat to medium, add the cranberries and cook until they’re soft but not popped. When you hear one or two pop, it’s a good sign that the rest are getting soft. Add the ginger and cherries, stir well, and remove from the heat. Cool completely before serving. The chutney will thicken considerably as it cools.

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Spiced Whipped Sweet Potatoes
adapted from Bon Appétit, November 2002

Serves 6 to 8

This dish can be made 1 day ahead (always a bonus for a big holiday dinner). Cover and refrigerate, then rewarm over a medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap and rewarm in a microwave oven on high until heated through.

6 x 8‑oz (225‑g) sweet potatoes (yams)
1/2 cup (packed) (85 g) golden brown sugar
1/4 cup (55 g) butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
cinnamon sticks, to garnish (optional)
orange peel strips, to garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center of oven. Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Pierce the sweet potatoes in several places with a fork and place on the lined sheet. Bake until tender when pierced with fork, about 1 hour. Cool slightly.

Cut the potatoes in half. Scoop out pulp into a large bowl; discard the peel. Add the brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to the sweet potato pulp. Using an electric mixer or food processor, beat until the mixture is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound the sweet potatoes in a serving bowl. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange peel strips, if desired.

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Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts, Pancetta and Parsley
adapted from Feast by Nigella Lawson

Serves 8 to 10

2 1/4 lb (1 kg) Brussels sprouts
9 oz (250 g) pancetta or bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
9 oz (250 g) vacuum-packed chestnuts
1/4 cup (60 ml) Marsala
a large bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
freshly ground black pepper

Slice the bottoms off each of the Brussels sprouts, cutting a cross onto the base as you go. Place the sprouts into a large saucepan of salted boiling water. Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, or until they’re tender but still retain a bit of bite. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the excess water from the sprouts.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the pancetta or bacon to the pan and cook until it’s crisp and golden brown in color, but not cooked to the point of having dried out. Add the butter and chestnuts to the pancetta and with a wooden spoon or spatula, press down on them to break them up into pieces. Once the chestnuts have been warmed through, turn the heat up and add the Marsala to the pan. Cook until the mixture has reduced and thickened slightly. Add the sprouts and half the parsley to the saucepan and mix well. Season the Brussels sprouts with freshly ground black pepper.

To serve, place the Brussels sprouts onto a warmed serving plate and sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the top.

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Maple Pecan Pie Squares with Bourbon Whipped Cream
adapted from Ezra Pound Cake 

Makes 25 squares

Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients and lengthy method. I made these in about 15 minutes, and with two little kids underfoot at that. These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

for the crust:
1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (60 g) firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (110 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into 3/4‑inch pieces

for the maple pecan filling:
6 tablespoons (90 g) unsalted butter
1/3 cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
2/3 cup (120 g) firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
2 cups (8 oz/250 g) coarsely chopped pecans (don’t chop them too small)

for the bourbon whipped cream:
1 cup (240 ml) whipping cream
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 tablespoon sugar

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9‑inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or baking parchment paper, letting the foil or paper extend up the sides and over the edges. If using foil, butter the foil, or spray it with nonstick spray.

To make the crust, combine the flour, brown sugar and salt in a food processor (or by hand). Add the butter and pulse (or use a pastry blender) until the mixture forms pea-sized coarse crumbs. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and bake until the edges are lightly browned and the top feels firm, 12 to 17 minutes. Set aside.

To make the filling, combine the butter, maple syrup and brown sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the cream. Stir in the pecans. Pour the hot filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it to the edges with an offset spatula or wooden spoon.

Bake until the filling is set when you give the pan a gentle shake, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool until firm, about 1 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, to make the bourbon whipped cream, whip the cream, bourbon and sugar together until soft peaks form. Taste and add more sugar if you think it needs it to balance the bourbon. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.

Using the ends of the foil or paper liner, carefully lift the maple-pecan square in its liner from the baking pan. Run a knife around the edges of the square to loosen it from the foil or paper. Using a large, sharp knife, cut into 25 small squares. Serve with a dollop of the bourbon whipped cream on the side.

30-minute meals, Asian food, Desserts, Pasta and noodles, Soups and stews, Vegetarian main dishes

Vegetarian Udon Soup, Gingered Baby Bok Choy, and Coconut Sorbet with Pineapple

I’m always pretty glum on the last CSA pickup of the season. What is there to look forward to food-wise for the next six months, except maybe a month or two of good oranges and our pork delivery? I already miss the corn, zucchini, basil and tomato overload of September. I’m fortunate that our CSA delivers through November; I like that we can eat seasonally and locally until winter begins in full force. This week’s box was filled with winter squash, celeriac root, and broccoli. To my surprise, we also received a few bunches of beautiful baby bok choy. The bright emerald green leaves and pale tender stems were almost too pretty to eat, but we had guests for dinner so I had to sacrifice them.

Dessert was almost embarrassingly simple to make, decadent tasting, and gluten-free. The coconut sorbet tasted especially nice when paired with fresh pineapple.

Vegetarian Udon Soup

Serves 4

12 oz (340 g) udon noodles
6 cups (1 1/2 liters) broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1‑inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, diced
1 daikon, peeled and cut into thin half moons

6 oz (170 g) pea pods
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 oz (110 g) shitake, cremini, or enoki mushrooms (or 2 oz (60 g) dried shitake mushrooms, rehydrated), sliced
8 oz (225 g) spinach leaves
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons miso paste dissolved into 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
1 carrot, shredded
Siracha hot sauce or ground dried chiles

Cook the udon in salted boiling water until tender, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.

Meanwhile, place the broth in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the sesame oil, tamari, ginger, tofu and daikon. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the pea pods, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the spinach and scallions. Stir in the miso paste and water.

To serve, divide the udon noodles among 4 bowls. Ladle the soup over the noodles and garnish with a bit of shredded carrot. Season with more sesame oil, tamari, and siracha or ground chiles, to taste.

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Gingered Baby Bok Choy

Serves 4

1 lb (450 g) baby bok choy
2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil
1‑inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Trim the stem ends off the bok choy and discard. Cut the top leaf portion from the bok choy stalk portion and set aside. Slice the bok choy stalks lengthwise into 1/2 inch-wide pieces.

Heat the oil in a wok or large saute pan over a high heat. When the oil is hot, stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook over a high heat, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic burn. Add the stalks of the bok choy and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and soy sauce and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Sitr in the leaf portion of the bok choy and continue to cook over a high heat, stirring constantly until the leaves are wilted. Turn off the heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the bok choy. Serve immediately.

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Coconut Sorbet
adapted from the Blue Ginger restaurant, Wellesley, MA

Makes 1 quart (about 1 liter)

2 x 14 ‑oz (400-ml) cans coconut milk
1 cup (80 g) dessicated coconut
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
1 pineapple, rind removed, cored, quartered and sliced into 1/2‑inch pieces

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, coconut, and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat, cool, then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 2 hours. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve with fresh pineapple.