Pasta With Escarole

My goal this year is to find some tasty recipes that are on the lighter side. This is a fantastic one I made tonight. It comes from the Food Network magazine from this month. I have never used escarole, but as I'm trying to get to know my greens better, I decided to try it out. This dish turned out to be very satisfying and full of flavor.

Serves 4; Calories 568

INGREDIENTS:

Kosher salt

12 ounces gemelli, fusilli or spaghetti

1 head escarole, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon pine nuts

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Freshly ground pepper

1/4 pound pancetta, cut into thin strips

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 red jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Add the escarole and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 more minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste; cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Wipe out the skillet, add the pancetta and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and blot dry.

3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then add the garlic and jalapeno and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain the pasta adn escarole, reserving 1 cup cooking water, and add to the skillet. Add half of the pancetta and toss, drizzling in enough pasta water to moisten. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Divide the pasta among bowls, top with the breadcrumb mixture, remaining pancetta and the parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.

Molten Lava Cakes

Wow! If you are a chocolate fan, you've got to try this one! This recipe is from The Neely's on foodnetwork.com. I LOVED the addition of the cayenne. It gave it a real pop. However, I feel that the portion sizes are way too huge, especially if you are having it to follow a large dinner. I think this recipe could easily be stretched to 12 portions. It's very rich, yet YUMMY!

INGREDIENTS:

2 sticks butter, unsalted, plus more for ramekins

4 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch cayenne

pinch nutmeg

12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (I actually used dark chocolate, and it was fabulous)

1 cup allpurpose flour

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

6 large eggs

6 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (I actually prepared these ahead of time and refrigerated until I was ready to cook them. I would probably cook a few minutes longer if I refrigerate them again)

Butter 8 (8-ounce) ramekins and sprinkle each with about 1/2 teaspoon sugar. (I would do 12)

In a saucepan combine butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg, and chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth; stir frequently. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners' sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract until creamy. Add melted chocolate to the batter and whisk together.

Pour into prepared ramekins.

Bake cakes until the top is stiff and cracked and the edges are dark, about 12-14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cake with a small paring knife then invert onto plates while warm.

Risotto Milanese Style

I have made this recipe several times, and it always turns out really good. It is one of Emeril Lagasse's recipes from foodnetwork.com. The only thing I changed was in the directions. Rather than stiring in all of the beef stock at once, I add it in one cup at a time and cook it until the liquid has been absorbed into the arborio rice. This gives you a creamier texture. I have made this recipe without the saffron, and it is still delicious. In the photo above, I topped the risotto with London Broil which I marinated and grilled, then sliced thin.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Butter

2 ounces diced Pancetta

1 Cup chopped Yellow Onion

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon White Pepper

12 turns fresh ground Black Pepper

1 pound (appx. 2-2 1/2 cups)Risotto (arborio rice)

5 cups Beef Stock, warmed (keep a little extra on hand. I have had to add extra)

1 cup warm Beef Stock

1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

1/4 cup Heavy Cream

1/2 Cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Over medium heat, in a large sute pan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Heat the oil for 1 minute. Add the pancetta and saute for 1 minute. Add the onions, salt, white pepper and black pepper. Saute for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the risotto. Saute for 2 minutes.

Stir in 5 cups of beef stock and garlic. Bring the liquid up to a simmer, about 6 minutes. (I add the stock 1 cup at a time, and let it absorb into the rice before adding another cup).

Simmer the risotto for 18 minutes, stirring constantly.

Stir in the remaining butter, cream and grated cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and serve.

Beef Marinade

This marinade would be great on any beef, I think. I have used it several times with a London Broil, which we then cook on the grill. YUMMY!!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

2 Tablespoons Spicy or Dijon Mustard

1 1/2 Tablespoons minced Garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons ground Black Pepper

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder

1 1/2 teaspoons Paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried Thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Combine all ingredients and marinate with your meat for several hours.

Blackened Corn Chowder

I took this chowder to a Halloween party last night, and it got great reviews. Sorry there isn't a photo. It was gone before I could get one!

Recipe:

1 T fresh minced garlic

1 red onion, diced

1 3oz can green chiles

3-6(if small) cobs of corn grilled-just blackened

3 diced potatoes

6 T butter

6 T flour

1/2 gallon heavy cream

1 T paprika

Dash white pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Melt a couple tablespoons of the butter in a large pot. Add the garlic and onion and saute until soft. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 1 hour.

*I have used frozen corn and blackened it in the oven. It works just as well. I personally like to double the amount of green chiles, as I like a little kick. If you want to use half and half instead of the heavy cream, I think it would still be great.

Tortellini & Spring Greens Salad

This was a concoction of mine, as I tried to come up with some kind of dinner with leftover tortellini, yet satisfy my craving for a salad and toasted pine nuts. Derrick actually requested that it be put on the blog, so he must have thought it was as tasty as I did!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound Tortellini, cooked as directed and cooled to room temperature

1 pkg spring greens salad mix

1 green onion, chopped

1/4 C toasted pine nuts

fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed

Mix together and top with this dressing:

DRESSING:

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T peach preserves (or whatever flavor you may have)

2 T red wine vinegar

1 T Dijon Mustard

1 t oregano

1/3 C light olive oil

Freshly ground pepper

Warm Chocolate Cakes with Berries

Okay, SERIOUSLY.  If you are watching your weight, just don't go here.  This recipe is way unhealthy, but oh....SO GOOD!  Thank you Giada De Laurentiis.  This is one of her recipes off of foodnetwork.com.  It is really easy to make, but comes out looking and tasting like you slaved over it.  So it's a great recipe to use when you are having guests over.

INGREDIENTS:

1 C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for buttering molds)

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 t instant espresso powder (I didn't have this, but it still tasted great without it)

4 large eggs

4 large egg yolks

2/3 C granulated sugar

4 t all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting molds

3 T Frangelico or hazelnut liqueur (I used hazelnut syrup)

2 C fresh berries

Fresh mint, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Butter and lightly flour 6 (6-ounce) ramekins (I spread it out to 8 ramekins).  Tap out any excess flour.  (I also covered the bottom of the ramekins with parchment paper).

In a small saucepan, bring to a boil 2 inches of water.  In a large glass bowl, add butter, chocolate and espresso powder.  Lower heat and place bowl over the simmering water.  Slowly whisk mixture until the chocolate is almost completely melted.  Remove bowl from heat and continue to whisk until all chocolate has melted.  Allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, add eggs, yolks, and sugar.  Using an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy and pale in color.  Reduce speed to medium-low and slowly pour in the chocolate mixture.  Add the flour and mix until just combined.  Do not overwork the batter.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Divide the batter between the molds.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Place chocolate molds onto baking sheet and place in oven for 7 minutes (I baked for 10 minutes).  If not baking immediately, cover chocolate molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 8 hours.  When ready to bake, place refrigerated chocolate molds onto baking sheet and place in oven for 10 minutes.  The top and sides should be cooked and dry and the inside will be runny.

Using oven mitts, carefully invert each mold onto a plate and let it sit for 10 seconds.  Then lift 1 corner of the ramekin and the cake should slip out.  Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon Frangelico over each cake.  Spoon berries around the chocolate cake and garnish with mint (or powdered sugar).  Serve warm.

Buttermilk Syrup

This is as close as I've found a recipe for Magleby's yummy syrup.  I have yet to find someone who doesn't like the taste!  It makes your regular pancakes or french toast extra tasty!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 C Sugar

3/4 C Buttermilk

1/2 C butter

2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

 

In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients except vanilla to boil (be careful, the soda makes this syrup quite foamy, so make sure your pan is big enough)!  Allow to boil gently for at least five minutes.  Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla.  Serve warm over pancakes or waffles.  Stores well for a few weeks in the refrigerator.

Italian Bread Dipping Spices

MMMMM!!!  If you have ever been to Carrabba's and loved their bread-dipping spices, try this recipe out.  I kept seeing the same copycat recipe on the internet, so I gave it a try.  It would be even better with fresh herbs, but I didn't have any on hand at the time, so this is what I came up with using all dried!  And it really tastes great with a bit of olive oil.  Just dip some yummy bread in it and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 T dried basil

1/2 T dried parsley

1 T minced garlic

1 t dried thyme

1 t dried oregano

1 t ground black pepper

1/2 t kosher salt

1/2 t dried rosemary

1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 t olive oil

Combine all ingredients in food processor, except olive oil.  Chop until all ingredients are about the same size.  Stir in olive oil.  

To serve:  Combine 1 1/2 t spices to 3-4 T olive oil on a plate and dip sliced bread in the mixture and enjoy!

Buttermilk Pie

I've made this pie so many times, so I was surprised when I  realized I didn't have it on this blog!  Great, moist pie with a different flavor.  And what I love best, is that it forms it's own crust.  This is one of Paula Deen's recipes from Foodnetwork.com.  This is also a very EASY, QUICK recipe to put together.  Pretty much need to just allow for the cooking time!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C sugar

1 C buttermilk

1/2 C biscuit mix (recommended: Bisquick)

1/3 C (5 1/3 T) butter, melted

1 t pure vanilla extract

3 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9-inch pie pan.

Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend for 1 minute with a  handheld electric mixer.  Pour mixture into prepared pan.  Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool for 5 minutes.  (I prefer it refrigerated)