Vegetarian Black Beans

INGREDIENTS
2–1lb. Bags of Goya Black Beans (I like the size and texture of their beans when cooked)
2–Medium to Large Spanish Onions, Red Onion works as well (To be used at different times)
2–Medium to Large Green Peppers (To be used at different times)
8–Large Garlic Cloves (To be used at different times)
6–Dried Bay Leaves (To be used at different times)
Coarse Salt (Used as you cook, you must taste as you go and depending on your salt level add accordingly)
Fresh Pepper (Ground Black Pepper also for a touch later)
Olive Oil (Either Goya Spanish Olive Oil or Sicilian Olive Oil its hearty and cloudy and great for beans)
1-Teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
Ground Cumin


INSTRUCTIONS

TOOLS
1- 8qt Slow Cooker with Lid, cast iron & enamel is best, I recommend STAUB unconditionally!
1 – 9.5 Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 7 ply is best I recommend Viking!
Chef Knife or Santoku to chop/dice and prep the vegetables
Paring Knife
Measuring Spoons
Food Mill
Medium Size bowl
Tongs
Oh yes… a nice piece of soft/textured French bread cut into slices for your tasting as you go…. Yummy! To make the perfect black bean recipe shop at www.bluecashew.com !

PREPARATION
(THE SOAKING OF THE BEANS)
Clean/rinse the beans very carefully several times they might contain little pebbles.
Once cleaned place the beans in the pot

Cut 1- Spanish Onion into quarters–place in the pot
Cut 1- Green Pepper remove seeds into quarters–place in the pot
1-Teaspoon of Ground Cumin–place in the pot
1-Teaspoon of Coarse Salt–place in the pot
1-Teaspoon of Black Pepper–place in the pot
1 1/2-Tablespoon of Olive Oil–place in the pot
4-Large Peeled Garlic Cloves – Use your paring knife and cut a slit into them–place in the pot
Add 3- Dried Bay Leaves
I like to use my hands, but spoons work as well, mix all together. The aroma is great!Fill the pot with water about 1 inch above the bean line, cover and soak overnight for at least 12 hours….

IN THE MORNING (THE FUN BEGINS)
Check the bean water line- water has been absorbed, add more, at least 1-inch above the bean line
Bring to a high boil for about 5minutes, stir and reduce to low heat
Cook uncovered for about 2 1/2 hours

Skim occasionally and stir–check the water line, never let it dry out, check bean tenderness. If you need to add more water it must be warm/hot.

After 2 1/2 hours the vegetables (onion, green pepper, cloves, etc. have basically dissolved to nothing). Discard the bay leaves and remove the vegetables with your tongs and transfer to a bowl. Next transfer into a food mill- if you leave a few vegetables behind in the pot it is fine. Add some liquid of the beans to your food mill with the vegetables and create a nice paste- add back to the pot….

Taste the bean tenderness most should have cracked and they should be tender not MUSH, not hard…Continue to cook on low heat…. Add your last 3-remaining bay leaves. Add some fresh cracked pepper – to taste. (Less is more, you can always add more)

FINAL STEP…. MAKING THE SOFRITO!
Fry Pan is now needed

Finely dice/cube your remaining onion,green pepper(seeds removed) and garlic cloves – set aside
Add about 1/4 cup of olive oil to the fry pan low heat until FRAGRANT do not smoke it at all
Add the garlic, stir, do not let it brown
Add the onion, continue to stir until opaque and tender about 8-10 minutes
Add the green pepper cook until tender
Add pinch of salt to taste
Add pinch of black ground pepper
Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (sometimes I use the cap of the bottle as the measurement)
Add the cumin–1teaspoon
Stir – mix well making sure all flavors are combined
Remove from heat and add all contents to the beans that are still cooking at low temp. Continue to cook your beans for about another 1 1/2 low heat – COVERED.
Your basically done… The beans should be tender, the broth a bit thick… Set aside serve and eat or store in the fridge–only in glass containers.

Maytag Beef and Bacon Stew

INGREDIENTS
1 cup crumbled Maytag blue cheese (available in most markets)
Pinch of dried rosemary, crumbled
Pinch of dried thyme, crumbled
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups beef broth
5 slices lean peppered bacon
3 large onions, coarsely chopped
2 1/2 pounds beef shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup ale or full-bodied beer
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Newton, Iowa, is the home not only of Maytag washing machines but also of exceptional Maytag blue cheese, reason enough for me to visit the area some years ago and walk away with the recipe for this sumptuous stew included on a supper buffet I attended. Since then, I've experimented with different types of bacon for the dish and most recently have decided that nothing enhances the flavor better than a smoky artisanal peppered bacon. Do remember that the onions need to be stirred slowly over low heat to caramelize properly, and don't overdo the cheese.

1. In a large, heavy pot, fry the bacon over moderate heat till almost crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Add the onions to the bacon fat, reduce the heat to very low, and cook them slowly, stirring, till nicely caramelized, about 20 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate, add the vegetable oil to the remaining fat in the pot, and increase the heat to moderately high.

2. On a large plate, dust the beef in the flour, tapping off any excess. Add to the pot and brown on all sides. Add the ale and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Add the crumbled bacon and onions to the pot and add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt and pepper, broth, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook till the beef is very tender, about 2 hours.

3. Serve the stew in bowls with a little blue cheese sprinkled on top.

Recipe courtesy of The Bacon Cookbook by James Villas, copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons

Turkey and Rice Quiche

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups cold cooked rice
2 cups cold chopped cooked turkey
2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper
red pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese


1. Combine all of the ingredients except for the cheese in a large flat greased casserole. Top with the cheddar cheese and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve hot.

Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy and Crispy Noodle Cake

Fresh Chinese noodles are often kept in the produce section of the grocery store. If you can’t find them, substitute an equal amount of fresh Italian spaghetti.

Serves 4

Noodle Cake
9 ounces Chinese egg noodles (fresh)
1 teaspoon salt
2 scallions , sliced thin
4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Stir-Fry Sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Chicken and Vegetables
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts , patted dry with paper towels, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch squares
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 medium clove garlic , minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1 teaspoon)
8 teaspoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 small head bok choy , stalks sliced on the bias into 1/4-inch slices, and greens cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 small red bell pepper , cut into 1/4-inch strips


See Illustrations Below: Preparing Bok Choy
1. For the noodle cake: Bring 3 quarts water to a boil over high heat in a large pot. Add the noodles and salt to the boiling water; cook the noodles until tender, 2 to 3 minutes (do not overcook). Drain thoroughly through a colander. Add the scallions to the noodles in the colander and toss to combine; set aside.

2. For the sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together the sauce ingredients; set aside.

3. For the chicken and vegetables: Toss the chicken with the soy sauce and sherry; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, cornstarch, and flour; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the ginger, garlic, and 1 teaspoon peanut oil; set aside.

4. While the chicken marinates, cook the noodle cake. Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Spread the noodles evenly across the bottom of the skillet and press with a spatula to flatten into a cake. Cook until crisp and golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes.

5. Slide the noodle cake onto a large plate. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the skillet; swirl to coat. Invert the noodle cake onto a second plate and slide it, browned side up, back into the skillet. Cook until golden brown on the second side, about 5 to 8 minutes.

6. Slide the noodle cake onto a cutting board and let sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving. (The noodle cake can be transferred to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and kept warm in a 200-degree oven for up to 20 minutes).

7. Stir the marinated chicken into the sesame oil-cornstarch mixture until uniformly combined. Heat 2 teaspoons peanut oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until smoking; add half of the chicken to the skillet in a flat, even layer. Cook, without stirring, but gently separating the pieces, until golden brown on the first side, about 1 minute; turn the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the second side, about 30 seconds. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl. Repeat with an additional 2 teaspoons peanut oil and the remaining chicken; cover to keep warm.

8. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil to the now-empty skillet and return to high heat until just smoking. Add the bok choy stalks and red bell pepper and cook until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to clear the center; add the garlic-ginger mixture to the clearing and cook, mashing the mixture with a spoon, until fragrant, 15 to 20 seconds, then stir the mixture into the stalks and continue to cook until the stalks are tender-crisp, about 30 seconds longer. Stir in the bok choy greens and cook until beginning to wilt, about 30 seconds.

10. Return the chicken to the skillet. Whisk the sauce to recombine, then add to the skillet and cook, tossing constantly, until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is heated through, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.


Step-by-Step: Preparing Bok Choy

1. Trim the bottom inch from the head of bok choy. Wash the leaves and pat them dry. With a chef's knife, cut the leafy green portion away from either side of the triangular white stalk.	2. Cut each white stalk in half lengthwise and then crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Stack the leafy greens and then slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. Keep the sliced stalks and leaves separate.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Chicken for a Stir-Fry

1. Separate tenderloin from breast. Starting at thick end, cut into 1/4-inch slices. Stop slicing when you reach the tapered triangle end.	2. With flat side of knife, press each slice to an even 1/4-inch thickness and then cut slices into 1-inch squares.
3. Use same technique for tenderloin, flattening it with side of knife and then cutting into 1-inch pieces.	1. Separate tenderloin from breast. Starting at thick end, cut into 1/4-inch slices. Stop slicing when you reach the tapered triangle end.

Homemade Hot n Sour Soup

Proteins:
Diced marinated pork
Marinade: Soy, sesame sauce, corn starch
Drain Tofu - Dice

Soup:
4 Cups low sodium chicken broth, low boil
Skitaki mushroom slices
bamboo shoots (sliced)
diced tofu
Soft Boil
Add tofu with marinade

Season:
Thicken sauce 3tb cornstarch and 3tb water slurry
1tsp White Pepper
2tbs chili oil
1tbs RIce hite Vinegar
1tbs Red Wine Vinegar
2tbs soy

1/2 tsp corn starch with scrambled egg
Drizzle in with a spoon
Reheat to medium high

Garnish with scallion

Seafood Brodetto

- White meaty flish with skin on one side
- Flour
- Cook in little oil (she use the crusette pot)
- Turn when skin is crispy
- Take out when still raw in center
- Salt


- Large Chopped Onions
- Large Halved Garlic
- Onions brown on one side garlic on the other
- Mix together
- Pepperocino sprinkle

- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, let caramelize
- Juice of peeled tomatoes
- Simmer
- Put Peeled tomatoes through a food mill (not food processor - would turn it pink)
- add to mixture
- salt
- Add cinnamon

- Simmer

- Slip fish back in
- 6-15 minutes simmer (depends on the thickness of the fish)

Scratch Couscous technique
- cracked wheat kernels
- little water, stir with hand left then right until water absorbed
- Contiue until kernals are fluffed
- Bay leaves
- Dry
- Season with salt cinamon sliced onions
- Steam for an hour (?)
Need to look up Scicilain way to cook couscous.

In the store look for the organic whole grain couscous
- water
- Bay leaves
- salt
- let water flavor then add instant couscous into water

She made a blood orange and red onion salad and served it with a rose (?) wine. body but acidic.

Cod in Olive-Tomato Crust

You can take liberties with the crust for this dish: I sometimes add horseradish, bread crumbs, minced scallions, herbs, and garlic, for example. The assertive ingredients in this crust are just right for flaky and mild-flavored cod. Scrod and haddock also work well. In fact, any fresh fish fillets—the fresher the better—can be cooked this way.

I like to buy cod loin fillets, which are the thick ones from the back of the fish. About 1 inch thick, they will need 5 to 6 minutes under the broiler; adjust the timing if your fillets are thinner or thicker. The dish can be assembled a few hours ahead so it is ready to slide under the broiler at serving time.

Serve with Skillet Broccoli Bits.

4 Servings

INGREDIENTS:
About 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained
About 1/2 cup pitted black olives
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
4 cod loin fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle on at the table
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish


DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut the tomatoes into 1-inch pieces and put them in a food processor with the olives and cheese. Process until you have a rough puree that holds together.

Rub the fillets with the 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle them with the salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets so there is space between them on the baking sheet. Cover the fillets with the tomato-olive mixture and slide them under the broiler, so the fish is about 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 5 minutes, until the fillets are just tender but are still slightly undercooked inside. Garnish with the parsley and serve. Pass the bottle of extra-virgin olive oil at the table.

Hearty Vegetable Bean Soup

For a comforting lunch or dinner, serve with grated Gruyère on top and chunks of country bread as an accompaniment.

4 Servings (About 6 Cups)

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups water
1 medium leek, split, washed, trimmed (retaining most of the green), and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup peeled and diced (1/2-inch) carrot
1 cup peeled and diced (1/2-inch) white turnip
1 cup diced (1/2-inch) celery
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 can (15.5 ounces) cannellini beans
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, preferably an aged variety
Pieces of baguette or sturdy country bread
4 sprigs fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Combine the water, leek, carrot, turnip, celery, oil, and salt in a large saucepan or pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and boil gently for about 12 minutes. Add the beans, including the liquid, and bring to a boil again. Boil for a few minutes. Serve in bowls with a generous sprinkling of grated Gruyère and a parsley sprig (if desired) on top and bread alongside.

Sweet Crisp Bacon

This uses the microwave to cook bacon. It's easy and fast and crisps the bacon uniformly. There can be variations in timing from one microwave to another, but regular bacon generally cooks in about 4 minutes and thicker slices require up to 6 minutes. Cook the thick slices for 4 minutes initially and then check them every 30 seconds or so and continue until the bacon is cooked to your liking. Choose as lean a bacon as you can find. I prefer thick-sliced bacon. Brushing the top of the slices with maple syrup or honey imparts a delicious taste.

Arrange 4 bacon slices side by side in one layer on a corrugated microwave tray. Brush with 2 teaspoons maple syrup, turn, and brush on the other side with 2 teaspoons more syrup. Cover loosely with a sheet of paper towel and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Check, cook for another 30 seconds, and then check again. Continue cooking, checking every 30 seconds, until the bacon is well crisped (about 6 minutes total).

Red Pepper Dip

Roasted red peppers are sold at the deli counter. I transform them into a fast dip to enjoy with cocktails.

Cut enough roasted red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces to make 1 cup. Transfer to a food processor. Add 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Process until smooth. Serve with crunchy breadsticks.

Makes About 1 1/2 Cups

Fried Capers

For an unusual cocktail accompaniment, I like to deep-fry capers. Although small capers are preferred for most recipes, the largest capers available are the best for deep-frying. Crunchy and nutty, these will surprise and delight your guests.

Drain a 3- to 4-ounce jar large capers in a sieve. Rinse well under cool tap water to remove excess salt. Dry thoroughly on paper towels. Heat 1/2 to 1 inch canola or safflower oil to about 350 degrees in a skillet. Add the capers and cook for about 2 minutes, moving them around gently with a slotted spoon. They should be light brown and dry. Drain on paper towels and when cool enough to handle, transfer to a serving bowl.

Butter Bean Canapés

I love beans and the big butter beans (habas grandes) available in cans at the supermarket are well suited for these canapés. The bean mixture also makes a great first-course salad or meat accompaniment. If made up to 3 hours ahead, the bread will, for the better, soak up the juices from the beans.

Mix together in a bowl 1 can (15.5 ounces) drained butter beans (large white beans), 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives, 1 teaspoon chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cut twelve 1/3-inch-thick slices from a baguette. Mound the bean mixture on the bread slices. Serve.

Makes About 3 Dozen

Mock Fried Chick Peas

(or Baked Chick Peas with Herbs, which I think would be a nicer name and so that's what I will call them)
Recipe as seen in the January 2005 issue of Shape magazine
Serves 4
Total Prep and Cook Time: 40 Minutes

1 19-ounce can chick peas, well-drained, rinsed and patted dry
olive oil spray
coarse salt to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, or more to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chick peas on a rimmed cookie sheet. Here are my chick peas before baking. (Note that I doubled the recipe, so I have a lot more chick peas than 19 ounces)

Bake, shaking tray every now and then, until golden brown and crunchy, about 35 minutes. Here are my chick peas emerging from the oven:

Pour into a large bowl. Lightly coat with olive oil spray; I used my trusty Misto for this. Add salt, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Toss to coat evenly.

Eggplant Rollatini

Ingredients

3 medium-sized eggplants (about 4 pounds total)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Can vegetable spray
32 ounces ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
8 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
20 basil leaves, chiffonaded
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 cups fresh tomato sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the grill pan and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place a rack over a large baking sheet. Cut the 2 ends off the eggplant. Cut the eggplants lengthwise, into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange eggplant slices onto rack. Sprinkle with sea salt to help remove excess moisture and any bitterness from the eggplants. Set aside for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the salt from the eggplants and pat dry with a towel. Spray hot grill pan liberally with vegetable spray and then place eggplant slices on the grill until lightly browned on each side and tender, about 4 minutes per side. Remove slices from the grill pan and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, beat eggs until lightly scrambled. Mix the ricotta in with the egg. Add mozzarella, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts and gently combine. Fold in basil just to combine. Do not overmix.

Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture on 1 end of the eggplant and roll up tightly. Place the eggplant rollatini into a greased (with olive oil) 13 by 9-inch baking dish, seam side down. Continue with remaining eggplant. Evenly distribute the tomato sauce on top of the eggplant rollatini. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining 5 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and bake for 15 minutes. When cooked, drizzle the top with extra-virgin olive oil.

Simple Tomato Sauce
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional

In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.

If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

Yield: 6 cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Ease of Preparation: Easy

Ultimate Fish and Chips

Ingredients

Vegetable oil, for deep frying
3 large russet potatoes
2 cups rice flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 (12-ounce) can soda water
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 (8-ounce) cod or haddock fillets, cut in 1/2 on an angle
1/2 cup rice flour, for dredging
Malt vinegar, for serving
Directions
Heat 3 inches of the oil in a deep fryer to 325 degrees F. Alternatively, use a deep heavy skillet.
http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2007/03/13/tu0213_fishandchips_lg.jpg
Peel the potatoes and cut them into chips (that is, fries) about the size of your index finger. Put the potatoes in a fryer basket and lower into the oil. Fry the chips for 2 to 3 minutes; they should not be crisp or fully cooked at this point. Remove the chips to a paper towel-lined platter to drain.

Crank the oil temperature up to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Combine soda water and egg and pour into the flour mixture. Whisk to a smooth batter. Spread the rice flour on a plate. Dredge the fish pieces in the rice flour and then dip them into the batter, letting the excess drip off.

Put the chips in the bottom of the fryer basket and carefully submerge in the hot oil. Carefully lower the battered fish into the bubbling oil on top of the chips. Fry the fish and chips for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy and brown. Remove the basket and drain the fish and chips on paper towels; season lightly with salt. Serve wrapped in a newspaper cone with malt vinegar and/or tartar sauce.

Fagioli all'uccelletto (Beans in tomato sauce)

INGREDIENTS:

Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Standing time: 15 minutes.
600g dried cannellini beans.
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.
300g tomatoes.
Garlic.
Sage.
Salt.
Black pepper.


Cook the beans as described in the previous recipe. Put the oil, garlic and sage into a large saucepan and warm over a medium heat. Add the beans with just a little moisture, cover and cook for five minutes to let the flavours come out. Add the puréed tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook for another ten minutes. Before serving, leave to stand for about fifteen minutes. These beans are delicious with boiled meats and sausages.

Pellegrino Artusi wrote of: "Beans, cooked with the same ingredients as for small birds. These beans are a good accompaniment for boiled meat, if you don't want to eat them on their own".

EGG PATTIES (Meatball Italian Alternative)

This family recipe was contributed by Frank Tricarico. This is what he writes about his family... you can see how important family recipes are especially as they are shared and passed down through the generations.

The egg paddies is a recipe from the Bari region of Italy. Not many people had this tasty dish. I am a first gerneration Italian. My parents came here from Bari, Italy in 1920's. We lived in New York city. I have 6 brothers and sisters. 16 nieces and nephews and 24 great nieces and nephews. I will be a great-great uncle in May when my great niece will have a child. My mom was a terrific cook. All her recipes came from memory. Nothing was written down.
This is the vegetarian alternative to meat balls. It can also be served in a sandwich with some sauce.
I hope you and your viewers will try this recipe. You will really be pleased.
Makes: about 18 patties

INGREDIENTS

6 eggs beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped fine
3/4 cup imported pecorino romano cheese, grated
3 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients, allow to sit 1 hour. The mixture must have the consistency of wet cement -- not to runny. Can add more bread crumbs or italian cheese if needed.
Fry in canola oil (about 1/2" deep), 1 tablespoon full. Turn when pattie is brown and cook both sides. Remove when brown, drain and add to tomato sauce. Sauce should be somewhat thin since the egg pattie will absorb the sauce.
Buon appetito!

Ribollita

Ribollita means reboiled. Traditionally, ribollita is a bread-thickened vegetable soup. This recipe comes from a restaurant in Florence, the Giannino in Florence. It is prepared with different ingredients from how my mother in law prepares it at home. There are many variations, try the one that seems the most appealing to you.

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cannellini beans, uncooked
1 large red onion, sliced
2 carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 potatoes, diced
10 zucchini, diced
1 1/2 cups swiss chard, shredded
1 leek
1 savoy cabbage, shredded
1 bunch kale, shredded
salt and pepper
2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 days old stale Tuscan white bread


Soak the beans overnight and then cook over low heat. It will take approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours for them to cook.
In a pan, gently fry the onion. Add the other vegetables, with the exception of the cabbage, kale and beans which are added at a later point. When the vegetables have sweated out their juice, cover with hot water and then add all the cabbage and kale. Cover and simmer for an hour over medium heat.

Add the cooked beans (some of them whole and some puréed), salt and pepper. Leave to simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring frequently because the beans tend to stick to the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste.
Slice the stale bread and, in an earthenware casserole, alternate layers of bread with the soup until the bread is soaked. Let rest for one day.
To serve, remove the desired quantity from the casserole and reheat it, or "re-boil" it, as the name in Italian suggests.
Buon appetito!

Recipe Favorites: Black Bean and Pepper Salad with Cilantro and Lime

INGREDIENTS:

(4 servings but could easily be doubled, recipe created by Kalyn with inspiration from a blog that no longer exists)

1 can black beans, rinsed well and drained (about 1 1/2 cups cooked beans)
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
(could use any combination of colors for the pepper, or use 2 red peppers)
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Dressing:
2 T lime juice (fresh lime juice recommended)
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. ground Chipotle pepper (I use Penzeys)
(you could use Green Tabasco in place of the Chipotle pepper)
1/2 tsp. mild chile powder (New Mexico chile powder is best)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. onion powder
zest of one lime (optional, but recommended)
Vege-sal or salt to taste
fresh ground pepper to taste

Put black beans in a colander placed in the sink and rinse with cold water until no more foam appears. Let beans drain, preferably 30 minutes or so, until beans are no longer wet. (If you're rushed for time, you could blot them dry with paper towels.)

Mix dressing ingredients. Put beans and dressing into a plastic bowl with a snap-on lid, put lid on, and turn bowl over a few times until the beans are well coated with the dressing. Let the beans marinate in the dressing for an hour or so if you have time, or at least while you chop the other ingredients.

Chop peppers and onion into pieces about 1/2 inch square. (I was aiming for the beans, peppers, and onions to be approximately the same size.) Wash cilantro, dry well then chop coarsely (I used a salad spinner.)

In large bowl, gently combine beans, peppers, and onion. (If mixture seems dry you can add a tiny bit more olive oil and lime juice at this point.) Season to taste with Vege-sal or salt and fresh ground pepper. Stir in cilantro and serve.

This will keep for a day or two in the refrigerator, although it's best when the cilantro is still crisp.

Pureed Cauliflower with Garlic, Parmesan, and Goat Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

(4-6 servings, depending on the size of your cauliflower)

1 large head cauliflower, cut into small same-size flowerets
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 T half and half or cream (if needed)
2-3 T grated parmesan cheese (depending on size of cauliflower)
2-3 T goat cheese (depending on size of cauliflower)
salt/pepper to taste

Put cauliflower in a pan with enough water to cover, and add garlic and a small amount of salt. Let cauliflower come to a boil, then lower heat and cook 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is very soft. Remove from heat and drain very well. (I let it drain nearly 5 minutes in a colander. Don't skip this step or the finished dish will be a bit watery.)

When cauliflower is well drained, put into food processor and puree, adding the half and half if needed. (Most of the time there will be enough water left on the cauliflower so you won't need it.) You could also use a small hand beater to "whip" the cauliflower as you would potatoes. I also think this would taste great mashed with a hand masher for a more coarse consistency.

Put cauliflower back into the pan you cooked it in and turn heat on very low. Add parmesan, goat cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly so it does not stick to the bottom. Serve hot, with a little freshly grated parmesan on top if desired.

Egg Muffins

(Makes 12 muffins, recipe created by Kalyn with inspiration from The South Beach Diet book.)

INGREDIENTS

15 eggs (for silicone muffin pans, use 12 eggs for metal muffin tins. You can use less egg yolks and more egg white if you prefer.)
1-2 tsp. Spike Seasoning
1-2 cups grated low fat cheese (I like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar/Jack cheese, use less cheese if using meat)
Optional, but highly recommended, 3 green onions diced small.
Optional: chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)
Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage
Preheat oven to 375 F. Use regular or silicone muffin pan, 12 muffin size. If using silicone pan, spray with nonstick spray. If using regular muffin pan, put two paper liners into each slot, then spray liner with nonstick spray.

In the bottohttp://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1836/1051/1600/eggmuffincookedcooling_kalynskitchen.0.jpgm of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients. Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout, add Spike, and beat well. (I used to add a bit of half and half or milk, but lately I like the way they turn out without it.) Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full. I like to stir slightly with a fork. Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.

Muffins will keep at least a week in the refrigerator without freezing. Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated. For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave on high about 2 minutes to reheat.

White Chicken Chili

Adjust the heat in this dish by adding the minced ribs and seeds from the jalapeño as directed in step 6. If Anaheim chiles cannot be found, add an additional poblano and jalapeño to the chili. This dish can also be successfully made by substituting chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. If using thighs, increase the cooking time in step 4 to about 40 minutes. Serve chili with sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Serves 6 to 8
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves , trimmed of excess fat and skin
Table salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium jalapeño chiles
3 poblano chiles (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
3 Anaheim chile peppers (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces
2 medium onions , cut into large pieces (2 cups)
6 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 (14.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans , drained and rinsed
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
4 scallions , white and light green parts sliced thin


See Illustrations Below: Building Flavor in White Chicken Chili
1. Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook without moving until skin is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn chicken and lightly brown on other side, about 2 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate; remove and discard skin.

2. While chicken is browning, remove and discard ribs and seeds from 2 jalapeños; mince flesh. In food processor, process half of poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions until consistency of chunky salsa, ten to twelve 1-second pulses, scraping down sides of workbowl halfway through. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Repeat with remaining poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions; combine with first batch (do not wash food processor blade or workbowl).

3. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from Dutch oven (adding additional vegetable oil if necessary) and reduce heat to medium. Add minced jalapeños, chile-onion mixture, garlic, cumin, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat.

4. Transfer 1 cup cooked vegetable mixture to now-empty food processor workbowl. Add 1 cup beans and 1 cup broth and process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add vegetable-bean mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, and chicken breasts to Dutch oven and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until chicken registers 160 degrees (175 degrees if using thighs) on instant-read thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes (40 minutes if using thighs).

5. Using tongs, transfer chicken to large plate. Stir in remaining beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, until beans are heated through and chili has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

6. Mince remaining jalapeño, reserving and mincing ribs and seeds (see note above), and set aside. When cool enough to handle, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones. Stir shredded chicken, lime juice, cilantro, scallions, and remaining minced jalapeño (with seeds if desired) into chili and return to simmer. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

Per Serving:
Cal 370; Fat 6 g; Sat fat 1 g; Chol 115 mg; Carb 25 g; Protein 52 g; Fiber 7 g; Sodium 710 mg

Step-by-Step: Building Flavor in White Chicken Chili

1. Brown Chicken: Brown the bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts before poaching them to achieve deep chicken flavor.	2. Sauté Vegetables: To create a flavorful chile-centered base, sauté the trio of chiles and onion along with the spices and garlic.
3. Puree Vegetables: To thicken the chili, process 1 cup each of the sautéed chile mixture, beans, and broth in the food processor.	4. Stir in Fresh Chile: Add one minced raw jalapeño to the finished dish for a last-minute burst of chile flavor.

Step-by-Step: The Chosen Chiles

Jalapeños: This small, smooth-skinned, forest-green chile provides heat and a bitter, green bell pepper-like flavor.	Anaheim: This long, medium-green, mildly spicy chile has an acidic, lemony bitterness.
Poblano: This large, heart-shaped, blackish-green chile is mild to medium-hot and packs a rich, vegetal, slightly sweet flavor.

Sauteed Chicken with Spinach

A tangy mustard sauce is used to dress the spinach and top the chicken. The mustard sauce can also be drizzled over steak or tossed with boiled potatoes.

Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes


Ingredients

Serves 1
1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast half (6 to 8 ounces)
Coarse salt
Ground pepper
4 cups (about 2 1/2 ounces) baby spinach


Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned, turning once, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add 1/4 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; cover to keep warm.
Make mustard sauce: Add minced shallot to same pan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in mustard and vinegar; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add butter; swirl pan until incorporated. Stir any accumulated chicken juices into sauce.
In a medium bowl, toss spinach with half the mustard sauce. Place chicken on a serving plate; drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve spinach on the side.
Helpful Hint

This recipe can be easily altered for four people. In step 1, cook 4 chicken breast halves in 1 tablespoon oil. In step 2, add 1 cup water. In step 3, use 1/4 cup minced shallot, 1/4 cup mustard, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons butter. In step 4, toss half the sauce with 10 ounces (1 large bag) spinach.

Roasted Chicken with Ginger, Chile, and Lime

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon butter, at room temperature
1 shallot, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1 piece fresh ginger (2 inches long), peeled and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeno chile
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons ground coriander
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 whole chicken (3 1/2 pounds)
2 large onions, thickly sliced
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges (optional)


Directions

Make the ginger-chile butter: In a small bowl, using a spoon, mash together 2 tablespoons butter, shallot, ginger, jalapeno, lime juice, coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using fingers, gently loosen skin from chicken breasts. With a small spoon, insert butter mixture evenly between skin and meat; pat skin back down. Tie chicken legs together with cotton kitchen twine; tuck wing tips underneath. Rub chicken with remaining 1/2 teaspoon butter; season generously with salt and pepper. On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange onions in a single layer; place chicken on top.
Roast until chicken is well browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh (without touching bone) reads 175 degrees, 50 to 60 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and tent with oil; let rest 10 minutes (the temperature will rise by about 5 degrees).
On baking sheet, stir onions together with pan juices. Carve chicken; serve with onions and, if desired, lime wedges.

Chicken Stirfry Wraps

Ingredients

Serves 4
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally and thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
12 to 16 Boston lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)

Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add half the chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until opaque throughout, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to pan, along with the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until onion is tender and golden, about 4 minutes (reduce heat if browning too quickly).
Reduce heat to medium; add garlic, ginger, and red-pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch mixture; remove from heat. Add chicken and any accumulated juices; toss to coat. Serve in lettuce cups.

Double Duck Breast with Baked Figs

Ingredients

Serves 12
1 teaspoon peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon juniper berries
6 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced crosswire
2 dried bay leaves
3 tablespoons coarse salt
3 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced crosswise
6 large Muscovy duck breasts, about 1 pound each, trimmed and tenderloins removed
Baked Figs
Aged balsamic vinegar


Directions

Using a mortar and pestle or spice mill, finely grind peppercorns, allspice, juniper, cloves, and bay leaves. Transfer to a small bowl; add salt and stir to combine. Season both sides of each duck breast with spice mixture, rubbing spice into the flesh using your fingers.
Place one duck breast on top of a second duck breast, skin sides out. Using butcher's twine, tie duck breasts together firmly; repeat process with remaining duck breasts. Wrap each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place duck breasts in a shallow roasting pan and allow them to come to room temperature. Transfer roasting pan to oven and roast for 15 minutes. Carefully pour off fat and discard.
Turn duck breasts and continue roasting until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 125 degrees, about 15 minutes more.
Carefully pour off any fat and discard. Let duck breasts stand 10 to 15 minutes. Remove twine and slice duck breasts crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices on a warmed platter with baked figs. Drizzle with vinegar and serve.

Roasted Pepper Salad

This recipe for roasted pepper salad is courtesy of David Tanis and can be found in his "A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes" cookbook.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 8 to 10.

12 large bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, orange, and red
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1 to 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
Olive oil
1/2 cup Nicoise olives, rinsed
Basil leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Place the peppers directly on the burner of a gas stove over high heat or on a grill. Just as each section turns puffy and black, turn the peppers with tongs to prevent overcooking. (If you don't have a gas stove, place the peppers on a baking pan, and broil in the oven, turning as each side becomes charred.) Spread peppers on a baking sheet and let cool.
When peppers are cool enough to handle, halve peppers crosswise and remove stems, ribs, and seeds; scrape away charred skin. Slice peppers into 1-inch-thick strips and transfer to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.
Using the flat side of a large knife, crush garlic. Sprinkle garlic with salt and continue crushing with the flat side of the knife until a paste is formed. Add to bowl with peppers, along with capers and vinegar. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well combined. Let salad stand at room temperature until ready to serve.
To serve salad, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with more oil, if desired. Garnish with olives and basil.
First published September 2008