Roasted Brussel Sprouts

 

• 1 1/2 lb brussel sprouts, ends trimmed (halved if you wish)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 fresh ground pepper
• fresh grated asiago cheese

Preheat over to 350ºF. Toss together sprouts, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread across baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 20-30 minutes or whenever the outside gets some yummy crusty roasted bits. Serve with grated cheese if you wish. Super healthy if you leave the cheese out.

Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• Veggies of your choice (optional)
• good pinch of salt
• a few grinds of seasoning salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup soy milk or non-fat milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
• Optional- Crushed Red Pepper, Panko Bread crumbs for topping
• Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions

1. Lightly saute any veggies you would like in this dish. 
2. Cook quinoa to packaged instructions until fully cooked. (About 15 minutes)
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13x9 inch dish( or 8 individual ramekins) with cooking spray.Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Add garlic, salt, and seasoned salt.  Mix in veggies and other ingredients if desired.  Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt.  Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko Crumbs or Bread crumbs add now and bake 30-35 mins, until bread crumbs are browned. 

Baked French Fries & Salt-free Ketchup

Ketchup
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:  

• 1 6-ounce can no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 half of an apple diced (with or without skin)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender or Vitamix until smooth.
Notes: 1/3 cup apple juice may be substituted for the apple and water. 1 tablespoon vinegar may be substituted for the lemon juice.
Preparation: 5 minutes


Baked French Fries
Serves 4
Ingredients:  

• 3-4 potatoes washed and unpeeled; any variety (russet, Yukon Gold, sweet potato, or yam), cut into ¼-inch x ¼-inch lengths

­
Instructions:
Place cut potatoes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Take out and flip the fries over and bake for another 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Serve immediately with ketchup or mustard.
Notes: Add some flavor by placing the cut potatoes into a plastic bag with ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or dried herb/spice of your choice) and shaking to coat the potatoes before baking.
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Quinoa Salad

1 cup red quinoa  

1 cup red onion, diced

1 cup white quinoa                                         

½ bunch cilantro

2 quarts water                                                
½ pound frozen corn
½ cup red bell pepper, diced                          
1 cup black beans, rinsed &drained

½ cup green bell pepper, diced                      

1 cup Craisins

Bring the water to a boil.  Add quinoa and cook until it sprouts about 20 minutes.  Drain and blast chill.  Once it’s cold add onions, peppers, cilantro, corn and beans then add dressing below.

Dressing

¼ cup vegetable oil                                       
2 teaspoons kosher salt

3/8 cup red wine vinegar (half of ¾)             
1 ounce minced garlic
½ teaspoons coarse pepper                             
½ cup agave               

Quinoa can be found in any health food store or like a Whole Foods.  If you are in Utah, you can find it in the bulk section of Smiths.

Ham and Colby Jack Sliders

Ham and Colby Jack Sliders

-Ham

-Sliced Colby Jack Cheese

-Hawaiian Rolls

-Cube of Butter

- 2 TB Worcestershire Sauce

-1/4 tsp Garlic Salt

Melt butter and mix with garlic salt and worcestershire sauce. Put together sandwiches and pour mixture over them. Let soak in fridge for 30 minutes and then cook for 15-20 minutes on 350 in oven.

Super Zesty Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 2 pounds red bliss potatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 slices bacon, cut into lardons
• 1 red onion, diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups homemade mayonnaise (recipe to follow)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

Directions

Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot, add the garlic and cover the potatoes by about 2 inches with water. Season generously with salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, put 2 tablespoons olive oil into a saute pan, add the bacon and bring to a medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it is brown and crispy. Remove from the heat and add the onions, celery and vinegar. Season with salt and reserve.

When the potatoes are fork tender, drain them from the water and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. While the potatoes are still hot add the bacon-onion mixture. Stir to incorporate. Add the Mayonnaise and stir to combine. TASTE for seasoning and stir in the mustard. Add more salt, if needed.

Zesty!

Homemade Mayonnaise:

• *2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups neutrally flavored oil (vegetable, canola, peanut)

Place the egg yolks in the bowl of the food processor and add the vinegar and mustard. Season with salt, to taste. Turn the machine on and VERY slowly start to drizzle in the oil. Drip, drip, drip until the mixture starts to look like mayonnaise, then a slow steady stream of oil can be added.

Cook's Note: If the mayonnaise is too thick add a few drops of water or if it is not thick enough, with the machine running, add a little more oil.

*RAW EGG WARNING

I suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs.

Due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, I recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Maple Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large Vidalia onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 4 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup porter-style beer
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 dashes hot sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Add bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium heat and cook until fat is rendered and bacon has begun to crisp.

Add onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes and saute until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, brown sugar, thyme leaves, beer, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer.

Remove from the stovetop and bake uncovered 45 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. Check at 30 minutes and add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth if it looks like it getting too dry.

Sage Potatoes Au Gratin

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 1 pound russet potatoes
• Cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 8-inch casserole dish using 1 tablespoon of the butter.

In a pot, add the heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and sage leaves. Bring to a simmer and steep for 10 minutes. While steeping, peel and slice the potatoes 1/8-inch thick on a mandolin. Begin to layer the potatoes on the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping each slice by half. When the first layer of potatoes is complete, season with salt, cayenne pepper, and sprinkle with a third of the cheese. Repeat two more times, ending with a final layer of just potatoes.

Strain the heavy cream and discard the sage. Pour the heavy cream over the casserole, pressing the potatoes down. Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in pieces evenly over the top of the potatoes. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven, lowering the temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more. Serve hot.

King's Greens (Collard Greens with Ham Hock)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 ham hock
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 bunches collard greens, stems discarded, leaves washed twice, cut into ribbons
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a stock pot on medium heat, melt the butter and then add the oil, onions, and ham hock. Stir and cook until the onions are translucent and tender. Add the garlic and cook a bit more, and then add the greens and saute until they become bright green. Add the stock, water, and vinegar, and then raise the heat to a boil, lower to a simmer, and cook for at least 1 1/2 hours. When ready, the ham hock meat will be easy to remove from the bone. Do so and make sure each serving gets a chunk of ham hock. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, remembering the ham hock and broth will add salt content. Add a little extra vinegar at the end, if desired.

Cajun Onion Bloomers

Courtsey of Paula Dean

Ingredients

• Peanut oil, for frying
• 4 large onions
• Beer Batter, recipe follows
• Cajun seasoning, optional
• Ranch dressing, optional

Directions

Fill a large cast iron Dutch oven with enough peanut oil to completely cover an onion by 1-inch. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Slice top tip of onions off, but do not disturb the root end and gently peel off outer skin. With a paring knife, starting 1/2- inch from the bottom of the onion, slice down to top of onion and continue at 1/4-inch intervals until onion is sliced all the way around (like a mum flower). Gently shake each onion to open the "petals" more. Gently pick up onion and spoon batter onto onion ensuring every part is coated, then gently allow to drain slightly. Carefully place onion root side down into the pan of hot oil and allow it to cook until light brown in color, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove onion with a slotted spoon and use a knife to pull apart petals that are stuck together. Place onion back into the oil but this time top side down. When the onion turns golden brown, about 5 minutes, remove it with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining onions. Shake onions with Cajun seasoning and serve with ranch dressing as a dipping sauce.

Beer Batter

2 1/2 cups beer

2 cups all-purpose flour

Pinch Cajun seasoning

Pinch salt

Whisk together beer, flour and seasonings; let sit on the counter for several hours.

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles

Courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed (about 20 spears)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• Pinch kosher salt
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 4 to 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon (1 slice per asparagus spear)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay the asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until cooked and starting to brown around the edges, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to another baking sheet to cool.

Once the asparagus have cooled, wrap each spear in a slice of smoked salmon. Arrange on a serving platter and serve at room temperature.

Roasted Asparagus

Courtesy of Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus
• Good olive oil
• Kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

Fried Asparagus with Creole Mustard Sauce

Courtesy of Paula Dean

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Peanut oil, for frying
• Creole Mustard Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Rinse asparagus with water, and leave damp. Place flour in a resealable plastic bag; add asparagus, seal and shake to coat.

In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, egg and hot sauce. In another shallow dish, combine cornmeal mix and Cajun seasoning. Dip asparagus in buttermilk mixture; dredge in cornmeal mixture.

In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2-inches. Heat oil over medium heat; about 360 degrees F.

Fry asparagus in batches for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with Creole Mustard Sauce.

Creole Mustard Sauce:

• 1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 tablespoons Creole mustard
• 2 teaspoons dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• Salt

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill.

Yield: 1 cup

Macaroni and Cheese

Courtsey of The Neely's

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk, warm
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Dash salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Dash hot sauce
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar
• 1 pound cavatappi pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup crushed potato chips
• 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, for topping

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepot over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in the warmed milk and bring to a boil, continue to whisk constantly. The mixture will thicken as the heat increases. Continue to stir while adding

the dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, pepper, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Stir in the 3 cups of Cheddar until it melts.

Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and add to a 3 quart casserole dish.

Sprinkle the chips, bacon and Parmesan on top and bake for 35 minutes.

Fried Onion Strips

Courtsey of Sunny Anderson

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Vidalia onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips

Directions

Place oil in a deep skillet until it comes about 1-inch up the side of the pan. Heat oil to 360 degrees F.

Mix buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Mix flour, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a bag. Pat onion slices dry and dip in the buttermilk mixture to coat. Transfer slices to bag and toss to coat. Deep-fry onions in batches until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, sprinkle immediately with salt, and serve.

Pommes Chef Anne

Courtesy of Anne Burrell

Ingredients

• 3 russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano
• Kosher salt
• Special Equipment: Mandoline, 8-inch nonstick saute pan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Working 1 potato at a time, slice very thin on the mandoline. It is important to work with purpose here (quickly) because the potatoes will discolor. Do not put the potatoes in water because this will wash the starch off the potatoes. Coat an 8-inch nonstick saute pan with olive oil, using the potato slices starting from the center make concentric circles of potatoes. Remember that eventually the bottom will be the top so it is important for the first circles of potatoes to look pretty. Brush each layer with olive oil and every 2nd or 3rd layer sprinkle liberally with grated Parmigiano and salt. After every layer of potatoes press the potatoes so they are very compact. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 potatoes.

Place the pan of potatoes over medium heat and cook until the olive oil begins to sizzle and the potatoes begin to brown on the bottom. Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place a tight fitting lid on the pan. Drain the excess oil out the side of the pan. THIS STEP IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! After the excess oil has been drained, completely flip the pan so the cake is turned out onto the bottom of the lid, then slide the cake off the lid back into the pan so the brown side of the cake is now up and the top becomes the bottom. We see now why draining the excess oil is important- if you attempt this without draining the oil it will drain out on your wrist and burn you.

Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the cake is fork tender. Cut into wedges and serve.

Sauteed Broccoli Rabe

Courtesy of Anne Burrell

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, tough, non-leafy stems removed
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Set up a bowl of well salted ice water. Drop the broccoli rabe into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the boiling water and plunge immediately into the ice water. Once cool remove from the ice water and let dry. It can be used right away or held for future use.

Coat a large saute pan with olive oil. Add the smashed garlic and crushed red pepper and bring to medium heat. Once the garlic is brown and aromatic, remove it from the pan and discard. It has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Add the broccoli rabe and toss around in the oil to heat up and season. Remember the broccoli is already cooked. Add more oil, if needed and season with salt if needed (it probably will).

All-American Potato Salad

Ingredients

Serves 10 to 12

• 4 pounds russet potatoes (about 8 potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Homemade Mayonnaise, or prepared
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (1/2 cup)
• 10 cornichons, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt, and lower to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain into a colander. Using paper towels or gloves to protect your hands, peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch dice while still hot. Drizzle with vinegar; set aside.
2. Place eggs in a small pan with enough water to cover by 1 inch, and place over medium-high heat. When water comes to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 13 minutes. Drain, and place in a bowl with cold water to cover. When cold, peel eggs. Chop 2 into 1/4-inch dice. Slice the third egg into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and set aside for garnish.
3. Combine diced eggs, mayonnaise, celery seed, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. Add reserved potatoes to mayonnaise mixture. Add celery, red pepper, onion, cornichons, scallions, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and reserved hard-boiled egg rounds.

Homemade Mayonnaise

Ingredients

Makes 1 cup

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• Salt
• 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions

1. Wrap the outside and bottom of a 1-quart bowl in a damp towel to secure it in place on the work surface. Combine egg and salt with a large balloon whisk, mixing until foamy and pale. Whisking constantly, add oils a few drops at a time, and then in a steady stream as the mixture emulsifies. Add lemon juice; blend briefly. Add additional salt and lemon juice to taste. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Mini Honey-Mustard Meatloaves with Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for baking sheet
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon honey mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar (about 4 ounces)
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 pound white new potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1 head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Brush a rimmed baking sheet with oil. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons mustard and ketchup.
2. In a medium bowl, combine beef, egg, panko, 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper. Form into four 2-by-4-inch loaves; place on baking sheet. Brush with mustard mixture; top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar. On another rimmed baking sheet, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer meatloaves to upper rack of oven, and place potatoes on lower rack. Bake until loaves are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets after 10 minutes. Remove loaves from oven; continue to roast potatoes until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together remaining tablespoon oil, remaining teaspoon mustard, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Add lettuce to bowl, and toss. Serve meatloaves with potatoes and salad.

White Beans and Rice

1 pound dried white or navy beans	2 teaspoons salt
1 pound tasso, fresh smoked sausage or cured ham	1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 medium onions, chopped fine	½ teaspoon ground red pepper
1 large bell pepper, chopped fine	½ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 cup chopped parsley

It is best to soak the beans overnight in water to cover, but it is not essential -- unsoaked beans simply take longer to cook.

If you are using tasso or ham, cut it in ½-inch dice; if you are using sausage, slice it half inch thick. Place the beans in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot and add water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil and add the onions, bell peppers, tasso, ham, or sausage, salt and peppers. Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Soaked beans will take 1 - 1 ½ hours, unsoaked beans up to 3 hours. If the mixture begins to dry out, add more water.

When the beans are tender, remove 2-3 cups of them, mash with a fork, and return to the pot. This makes a thick gravy base for the beans. If there still seems to be a lot of liquid in the pot, mash another couple of batches of beans the same way. Stir in the green onions and parsley and serve over rice.

Serves 6-8 as a main course, 10-12 as a side dish.