ricotta, spinach and mint gnocchi

As this was my first attempt at gnocchi (nok ee) I followed a recipe pretty closely. I've tried a couple kinds at restaurants so I was really looking forward to making this recipe. It was delicious. When I do it next time I'd like to try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. I also want to use steamed fresh spinach, but I was all out when I made this.

serves 4

*ingredients:

2 and 1/2 cups ricotta or quark

1/4 cup finely grated parmesan

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup all purpose flour (sifted)

2 tsp. finely grated lemon rind

1 Tbsp. chopped mint leaves

about 3 cups (250g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup semolina flour

1 cup cream

extra grated parmesan (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup mint leaves

sea salt and black pepper

1. Place ricotta, parmesan, eggs, flour, lemon rind, 1 Tbsp. mint and spinach in a bowl and mix well to combine. 

2.Turn out onto a surface covered in semolina and roll into 4 - 12 inch long ropes.

since the dough was fairly soft I found it helped to place both hands like this and gently roll

3. cut into 3/4 inch lengths. Cook the gnocchi in batches in a pot of salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until the float to the surface. Remove with the slotted spoon and keep warm.

4. place the cream in a large frying pan over high heat and cook for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Add the gnocchi, extra parmesan, extra mint, salt and pepper and gently toss to coat.

the dough was rather soft so when I stirred it into the sauce some lost their form. Next time I think I'll try tossing them in semolina to coat all sides before cooking.

all ingredients are usually available at the Green Barn

garlicky asparagus flatbread

makes 12 appetizer servings

try this, it is seriously delicious

  ingredients

• 1
  1 pound loaf fresh whole wheat pre-made or home-made pizza dough (or frozen, thawed)
• 2 Tbsp.
  butter
• 2 Tbsp.
  flour
• 1 cup
  milk
• 1/2 cup
  finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 oz. 
  mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated
• 1 - 1 1/4
  pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut in 3-inch lengths
• 3/4 cup
  butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced (can substitute 1 medium yellow squash*)
• 3 Tbsp.
  tablespoons olive oil
• 5
  large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Honey for drizzling (optional but really good)
  green onions, about 1/4 cup thinly sliced (optional. I actually forgot to put them on top)

          

directions

1.Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Grease large 15x10x1-inch baking pan; 

set aside. 

For flatbreads, on a lightly floured surface, roll to a rectangle. (If dough becomes difficult to roll, let rest for 5 minutes, then resume rolling.) Press dough into prepared pan, pressing to sides. Prick dough all over with a fork. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until very lightly browned.

2.Meanwhile, for white sauce, in a small saucepan melt the butter over 

medium heat; 

stir in flour. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add Parmesan cheese; cook for 1 minute.

3.Spread the white sauce within 1/2 inch of dough edges. Top with 

mozzarella. 

toss butternut with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and roast about 5-7 minutes until just tender. Lightly toss asparagus with 1 Tbsp. of the olive oil. Spread asparagus and squash on cheese layer. Bake for 10 minutes, until browned. Cool slightly.

4.Meanwhile, in a small skillet heat the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium 

heat. 

Cook sliced garlic in oil, stirring frequently, until tender and beginning to brown. 

Remove from heat. Spoon garlic and oil evenly on flatbreads. Pass honey.

*if using yellow zucchini you don't need to roast first, just toss with the asparagus

balsamic-ginger chicken lettuce cups

a simple but fancy slow-cooker meal

serves 4

Ingredients:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4-1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3/4 cup brown rice, cooked (simmered with about 1 1/2 cup water for about 30 minutes or until tender)

1 orange

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 small head Boston lettuce, leaves separated

1. Combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and red pepper in slow cooker. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cook until chicken is cooked through and very tender, 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

2. About 35 minutes before serving, cook rice.

3. peel and cut away white pith of orange. Thinly slice then cut each slice in half. Fold in green onions.

4. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken into medium pieces and stir into cooking liquid.

5. Fill lettuce leaves with rice and top with chicken and orange mixture.

carrot-parsnip soup

This is very tasty and easy to prepare. It doesn't even require cream to make it creamy. It had a similar taste to squash soup, but is simpler because the vegetables don't need to be peeled. The parsnip crisps add a very nice finish.

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 quite large onion)
3 cups water
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped carrot (about 1 pound)
3 cups coarsely chopped parsnip (about 1 pound)
28 oz. low sodium chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
to taste: nutmeg, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves (you can add some of each or pick and choose to your liking)
1/2 cup (1/8-in thick) slices parsnip
1 Tbsp. fresh chives or green onion, chopped

1. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add chopped parsnip, carrot, water, and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 35-45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

2. Puree mixture in small batches (fill blender about halfway so the hot liquid doesn't explode out (I've had that happen so I'm always nervous when I blend soup :) Stir in salt and pepper and desired spices.

3. While keeping soup warm, heat remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp. oil in a small saucepan over med-high heat. Add parsnip slices; cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle parsnip chips and chives on top.

makes 6 servings

bruschetta with herbed cream cheese

This recipe was inspired by an idea on the back of a salmon package. I took it to a different level  by using what I had on hand. I "stole" a little smoked salmon that was waiting around for another recipe. I was also excited that our parsley survived all the snow. It was a very welcome addition!

Ingredients:
1 whole wheat baguette, cut into 1/4-1/2 inch slices
olive oil

8 oz. cream cheese

2 Tbsp. fresh herbs (I used basil, oregano, and parsley)

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

4 roma tomatoes, diced
1/8 cup. pesto (jarred or freshly prepared)
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
1/8 cup fresh parmesan, finely grated

3-4 oz smoked salmon (optional but super delicious) sliced into small pieces
fresh parsley, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350. Brush bread slices with olive oil and toast in oven for about 7 minutes.
2. Combine cream cheese, herbs, and garlic.
3. Combine tomatoes, pesto, salt, pepper, and parmesan and mix well.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture on toasted bread slices. Spoon tomato mixture on top. Place salmon on next and finish with fresh parsley.

makes at least 8 appetizer servings.

avocado with grapefruit topping

a fresh, healthy, and filling side dish/salad

Ingredients:
2 avocados, halved lengthwise and pitted*
2 red grapefruit
1/4 cup plus 2 tsp lemon juice (1 large lemon)
3/4 tsp coarse salt
2 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon or mint (plus more for garnish)
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

1. Brush 2 tsp lemon juice over avocados; set aside.
2. Halve grapefruit and remove segments of grapefruit by cutting out from between membranes. Transfer to a bowl, reserve juice.
3. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice, salt, chopped herbs to grapefruit juice; season with salt and pepper. Whisk in oil in a slow, steady stream.
4. Place each avocado half on a plate. Top with grapefruit then pour dressing on top. Garnish with extra herbs.

* I learned a neat trick. If you gently tap a sharp knife into the pit and twist, the pit should come out smoothly.

makes 4 servings

adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe

balsamic and parmesan roasted cauliflower

cauliflower doesn't have to be drowning in a cheese sauce to taste good. This version is lighter but still delicious

Ingredients:

1 large head cauliflower (about 8 cups) cut into 1-inch thick slices cauliflower florets

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. dried marjoram

1/4 tsp salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 finely shredded parmesan

fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450F

2. Toss cauliflower, oil, marjoram, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until starting to soften and brown on bottom, 15-20 minutes. 

3. Toss the cauliflower with vinegar and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and roast until cheese is melted and moisture has evaporated, 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

makes 4 servings

hearty chicken and squash stew with quinoa

I found this recipe on pinterest and made some adjustments

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. squash (I used delicata* although the recipe called for butternut), peeled, seeded and chopped into 1/2-in. pieces

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium yellow or sweet onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano (if you have fresh use 1 Tbsp and add in step 5

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2/3 cup uncooked quinoa

1/2-3/4 cup pitted and quartered kalamata olives (optional, but they do add a delicious saltiness)

freshly ground black pepper and salt

garem masala (about 1/2 tsp or to taste)

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1. Steam squash until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half and set aside. Steam remaining squash until very tender, an additional 4-6 minutes. Mash with fork and set aside.

2. In large saucepan over med-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add chicken thighs,  cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool. Pour broth into a bowl.

3. Return saucepan to stove and heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until it is starting to turn brown, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring, for an additional minute.

4. Add tomatoes and all squash and stir. Add reserved broth and quinoa. Bring to a simmer and cook until the quinoa turns translucent, about 15 minutes.

5. Shred chicken and add to stew along with olives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in garem masala. Heat about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and serve.

makes 6 servings

*I always thought that I loved butternut, but when my husband brought home delicata I discovered that I really love delicata. It has a richer flavor and creamier texture. You also don't need to peel it (except for this soup).

winter fruit salad with lemon poppyseed dressing

Well, here is a new recipe (finally!). I had hoped to post some Christmas dinner ideas, but business and several days without internet made that difficult. Oh well...

Here is a salad we brought for Christmas dinner. Yum!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup white sugar (or honey)

1/3 cup lemon juice

2 tsp. diced onion or shallot

3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 cup canola (or other) oil

2 tsp. poppy seeds

1/2 head romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces (alternately use spinach or half lettuce and half spinach)

2-3 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded

2/3 cup cashews

3 Tbsp. dried cranberries

1/2 apple (or more to taste), diced

1/2 pear (or more to taste), sliced

1. In a blender or food processor, combine sugar (or honey), lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds and process just to mix.

2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the lettuce/spinach, shredded swiss cheese, cashews, dried cranberries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving and toss to coat.

makes approx. 8 servings

Simple chicken and leek stew

2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium leeks, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch (or smaller) pices
all-purpose flour, for dusting (about 2 Tbsp.)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 Tbsp. thyme
2 Tbsp sour cream
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
steamed rice for serving

1. in a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of the oil. Add the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes. Pour into bowl and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and lightly dust with flour, shaking off any excess (or place chicken and flour in ziplock bag and shake until coated. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in the skillet. Add the chicken and cook over moderate heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Add chicken stock and simmer until chicken is just cooked through, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate with the vegetables.
3. Simmer stock over med-high heat until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Return chicken, leeks and mushrooms to the skillet and simmer over low until warmed through, about 1 minute.
4. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream with the mustard and stir into the stew. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper and serve. The stew tastes great over rice.

makes 4 servings