Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad

Pres made this recipe a few nights ago. It was really, really good. I brought the leftovers to work the next day, and they made a great lunch.

Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad
from EatingWell.com via Food Network

* 4 medium sweet potatoes
* 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
* 2 medium tomatoes, diced
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro


Prick sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. Microwave on High until tender all the way to the center, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place in a baking dish and bake at 425 degrees F until tender all the way to the center, about 1 hour.)

Meanwhile, in a medium microwaveable bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, oil, cumin, coriander and salt; microwave on High until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat.)

When just cool enough to handle, slash each sweet potato lengthwise, press open to make a well in the center and spoon the bean mixture into the well. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Roasted Shrimp Salad (Recipe #83) and Quinoa with Lemon and Zucchini (Recipe #84)

Results of these recipes: the quinoa was very good. The shrimp salad, on the other hand, was not very good. We didn't like the way the sauce tasted with the shrimp.

Roasted Shrimp Salad
from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa

* 2 1/2 pounds (12 to 15 count) shrimp
* 1 tablespoon good olive oil
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 cup good mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon orange zest (2 oranges)
* 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
* 1 tablespoon good white wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup minced fresh dill
* 2 tablespoons capers, drained
* 2 tablespoons small-diced red onion


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Peel and devein the shrimp. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss together. Spread the shrimp on one layer and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, just until pink, firm and cooked through. Allow to cool for 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. When the shrimp are cool, add them to the sauce and toss. Add the dill, capers, and red onion and toss well. The flavors will improve if you allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Otherwise, chill and serve at room temperature.




Quinoa with Lemon and Zucchini
from Whole Foods

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
1 1/4 cups quinoa, rinsed for 1 minute under running water
2 1/2 cups water
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Lots of chopped fresh dill
Crumbled feta (optional)

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until zucchini is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Remove zucchini from the pan and add quinoa, water and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, covered, until quinoa is tender but still chewy and a white spiral-like germ appears around each grain, about 15 minutes.

Toss quinoa with zucchini, zest, lemon juice and dill. Serve warm or room temperature, topped with feta cheese if you like.

Recipe #82: Dijon Crusted Halibut

I'm finally up-to-date on posting recipes, though I'm sure I missed a few. I'm making this halibut tonight with brussels sprouts. Hopefully it's good!

Dijon Crusted Halibut
From Allrecipes.com

* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon prepared Dijon-style mustard
* 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
* 4 (4 ounce) fillets halibut
* 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
* 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, and lemon juice. Stir in 1/4 cup bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Arrange fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spread bread crumb mixture evenly over fish.

In a small bowl, mix together melted margarine, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the coated halibut.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Recipe #81: Three Bean Salad with Quinoa

Three Bean Salad with Quinoa
From Whole Foods

1 cup uncooked quinoa
Salt and ground black pepper
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces, cooked and rinsed in cold water
1 1/2 cups frozen 365 Everyday Value Shelled Edamame, thawed
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1 (15-ounce) can 365 Everyday Value Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup 365 Everyday Value Organic Italian Dressing
1 teaspoon dried tarragon

Rinse quinoa under cold running water and drain. Bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil in a small pot. Stir quinoa and a pinch of salt into water. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and let cool. Put cooled quinoa, green beans, edamame, peppers, kidney beans, dressing, tarragon, salt and pepper into a large bowl and toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe #73: Tequila Lime Chicken

Tequila Lime Chicken
From Barefoot Contessa

* 1/2 cup gold tequila
* 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 to 6 limes)
* 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (1 pepper seeded)
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (3 cloves)
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 3 whole (6 split) boneless chicken breasts, skin on


Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts. Refrigerate overnight.

Heat a grill with coals and brush the rack with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, sprinkle well with salt and pepper, and grill them skin-side down for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Turn the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, until just cooked through. Remove from the grill to a plate. Cover tightly and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Cooking with Becky!- Part I

My friend Becky and I tried a couple of fun recipes when she visited in March. The first recipe was Ina Garten’s blue cheese soufflé. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out. The second recipe was her warm goat cheese salad, though we only really used the goat cheese part and made our own dressing (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, crushed garlic, and Dijon mustard). The salad was also delicious.

Recipe #70: Blue Cheese Souffle
From Food Network’s Barefoot Contessa

* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
* 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup scalded milk
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* Pinch cayenne pepper
* Pinch nutmeg
* 4 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
* 3 ounces good Roquefort cheese, chopped
* 5 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
* 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Butter the inside of an 8-cup souffle dish (7 1/2 inches in diameter and 3 1/4 inches deep) and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the hot milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the cayenne, and nutmeg. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, until smooth and thick.

Off the heat, while still hot, whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time. Stir in the Roquefort and the 1/4 cup of Parmesan and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Put the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, on medium speed for 1 minute, then finally on high speed until they form firm, glossy peaks.

Whisk 1/4 of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to lighten and then fold in the rest. Pour into the souffle dish, then smooth the top. Draw a large circle on top with the spatula to help the souffle rise evenly, and place in the middle of the oven. Turn the temperature down to 375 degrees F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (don't peek!) until puffed and brown. Serve immediately.

Recipe #64: Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

* 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 2/3 cup sherry wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
* 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
* 3 tablespoons minced garlic
* 2 tablespoons minced shallots
* 3/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
* 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
* 1 (1 3/4 to 2-pound) skirt steak

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the olive oil, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic and shallots. Pulse until well blended but do not puree. Add 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the crushed red pepper. Remove 1 cup of the chimichurri sauce from the processor and transfer to a non-reactive bowl, cover with plastic wrap and reserve at room temperature for up to 6 hours. (If cooking steak another day, refrigerate sauce and return to room temperature before serving.)

Season the steak with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt on each side, as well as 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper per side and place in a large, resealable plastic bag. Add the remaining chimichurri sauce from the processor. Seal bag and refrigerate the steak for at least 2 and up to 4 hours.

Preheat a grill to medium heat.

Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Brush the excess chimichurri sauce off the steak and set the steak over the hot grill. Cook for 6 minutes on the first side. Rotate the steak 45 degrees, and cook another 6 minutes. Turn the steak over and continue to cook until the steak is done, about 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare. Once cooked, lay the steak on a clean cutting board, and allow it to rest for 5 to 7 minutes before slicing across the grain into 2-inch wide strips. Serve with crusty bread and the reserved chimichurri sauce.

Recipe #63: Emeril's Chuck Wagon Chili

Emeril's Chuck Wagon Chili
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 3 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon ground cumin
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Emeril's Southwest Essence
* 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 3 cups chopped yellow onions
* 2 tablespoons minced garlic
* 2 (12-ounce) bottles dark beer
* 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed, with juices
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1-ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
* 2 tablespoons masa harina
* Grated Cheddar, for garnish
* Finely chopped green onions, for garnish
* Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish


Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add the beef, chili powder, cumin, Southwest Essence, cayenne, cinnamon, crushed red pepper and bay leaf and cook until meat is well-browned. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until the onions soften, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beers and cook until the foam subsides, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, and chocolate to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until thickened and meat is very tender, 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Skim off any fat that rises to the top of the chili. Sprinkle soup with masa harina and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve with the cheese, green onions, and cilantro alongside as garnish.

Recipe #62: Roasted Tomato Soup

This soup is delicious. I don't have an imersion blender, so I used a food processor instead. After roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions, I let them cool and then put them in the food processor.

Instead of adding the cream, I added about four ounces of goat cheese that I was afraid we weren't going to use. The goat cheese added a great flavor, especially when I had it the next day for lunch.



Roasted Tomato Soup
from Food Network's Tyler Florence

2 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes (mix of fresh heirlooms, cherry, vine and plum tomatoes)
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 small yellow onions, sliced
Vine cherry tomatoes for garnish, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 quart chicken stock
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, optional
3/4 cup heavy cream, optional


Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Wash, core and cut the tomatoes into halves. Spread the tomatoes, garlic cloves and onions onto a baking tray. If using vine cherry tomatoes for garnish, add them as well, leaving them whole and on the vine. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until caramelized.

Remove roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion from the oven and transfer to a large stock pot (set aside the roasted vine tomatoes for later). Add 3/4 of the chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid has reduced by a third.

Wash and dry basil leaves, if using, and add to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return soup to low heat, add cream and adjust consistency with remaining chicken stock, if necessary. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish in bowl with 3 or 4 roasted vine cherry tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream.

Recipe #61: Pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Brussels Sprout Pasta

Pancetta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Petite Brussels Sprout Pasta
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

2 tablespoons plus more, for drizzling, olive oil
2 cups diced pancetta
3 cups baby Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
1/4 cup diced shallots
1 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 pound angel hair pasta
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Parmigianino-Reggiano, for garnish


In a large stock pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. In a large saute pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and pancetta. Let pancetta render, about 3 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 5 minutes or until Brussels sprouts begin to brown. Add shallots, wine and garlic and let the mixture reduce, about 3 minutes. In the meantime, drop the angel hair pasta into the water, being sure not to overcook. Drain the pasta well and pour into the saute pan. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss to coat with the Brussels sprout mixture. Pour into a large serving bowl and garnish with Parmigianino-Reggiano.

Recipe #60: Antipasto Pasta Salad

I added mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, and hearts of palm to this recipe. Pres loved this dish.

Antipasto Pasta Salad
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound rotini pasta
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Emeril's Italian Essence, or other dried Italian herb mixture
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups 1/4-inch cubes provolone
1 cup thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 cup thinly sliced salami (1/4 pound)
1 cup thinly sliced prosciutto (1/4 pound)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Combine 2 tablespoons salt, the olive oil, and 4 quarts water in a large pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the rotini and cook, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together, until just al dente, about 9 minutes.

Meanwhile, mash together the garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar, Italian Essence, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Whisk to blend. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.

Drain the rotini and rinse under cold running water until cool. Add to the vinaigrette, along with the provolone, tomatoes, salami, prosciutto, parsley, and basil. Toss to mix. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Let the salad return to room temperature before serving.

Pizza "like Becky"

A few years ago, our friend Becky made pizza with homemade dough for us. Since then, Pres asks for pizza "like Becky." Last year I found a great recipe for the dough on the Cooking Light website (see the bottom of the post). It's super easy to make using a stand mixer to knead the dough. When I make it, I make a boy pizza for Pres and a fun pizza for me.

Pres's boy pizza has marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, onions, green pepper, mushrooms, and pepperoni. My pizza has caramelized onions, pear slices, walnuts, bleu cheese, and mozzarella cheese. I losely followed this recipe. After topping the pizzas, I cooked the pizzas for about 12 minutes on 500 degrees.



Wheat Pizza Dough
from Cooking Light

* 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar
* 1 1/2 cups warm water (100° to 110°)
* 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
* 1 cup whole-wheat flour
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* Cooking spray


Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, oil, and salt to yeast mixture, stirring until well-blended. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide dough in half; roll each half into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Top and bake according to recipe directions.

Note: This dough may be frozen. Follow directions for kneading dough, and shape dough into 2 balls. Coat balls with cooking spray and place into a ziptop plastic freezer bag. Thaw overnight in a refrigerator. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85'), free from drafts' 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If Indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Shape as instructed.

Nutritional Information for Two Entire Pizza Crusts

Calories: 847 (11% from fat)
Fat: 9.9g (sat 1.4g,mono 5.4g,poly 1.9g)
Protein: 25.7g
Carbohydrate: 164.6g
Fiber: 12.7g

Recipe #57: Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse


1 pork shoulder roast (Boston Butt or Picnic roast), about 6 to 8 pounds
4 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows (I substituted Tony Chacheres)
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Homemade Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
10 to 12 sandwich buns


Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before proceeding. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil. Season the roast well on all sides with the Essence, salt, and cayenne pepper. Place a roasting rack inside the roasting pan and place the seasoned pork on the rack, fat side up. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 4 hours.

Remove the foil from the roast and continue to bake until the roast is very tender and will pull apart easily with a fork, about 2 hours longer. Remove the pork from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. Remove any excess fat from the roast and discard if desired; I just love the crunchy bits of skin left on top! Using 2 forks or your hands, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Serve with sauce and buns to make sandwiches.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 1/4 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup cider vinegar
6 tablespoons dark brown sugar

In a medium non-reactive saucepan set over medium-high heat, add the butter and, when melted, add the onions and cook until they are very soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, Essence, ground mustard, salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, or until the tomato paste begins to brown. Add the water, cider vinegar, and dark brown sugar, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have come together, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Set aside to cool before using. The sauce may be made up to 1 week in advance and refrigerated in an airtight, non-reactive container.

Yield: about 3 cups sauce

Recipe #56: Risotto with Butternut Squash, Pancetta, and Jack Cheese

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Pancetta, and Jack Cheese
from Cooking Light

1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
Cooking spray
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 1/3 cups water
2 tablespoons Madeira wine or sweet Marsala
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon (I'm substituting rosemary because we don't have fresh tarragon)
4 ounces chopped pancetta
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup uncooked Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) 1/2-inch-cubed Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Fresh tarragon sprigs (optional)


Preheat oven to 475°.

Place squash on a nonstick jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 475° for 20 minutes or until tender, turning after 10 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 325°.

Combine broth, water, wine, and tarragon in a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Keep warm over low heat.

Cook pancetta in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove pancetta from pan; drain on a paper towel. Discard pan drippings. Add onion and oil to pan; sauté 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add rice to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes. (Do not stir; rice will have a liquid consistency similar to stew.)

Place pan in oven; bake at 325° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Stir in the squash, pancetta, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cover with a clean cloth; let stand 10 minutes (rice will continue to cook). Sprinkle with pine nuts. Garnish with tarragon sprigs, if desired.

Recipe #52: Ratatouille

Ratatouille
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
1 1/2 cups small diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups medium diced eggplant, skin on
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup diced green bell peppers
1 cup diced red bell peppers
1 cup diced zucchini squash
1 cup diced yellow squash
1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Set a large 12-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and garlic to the pan. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and lightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the eggplant and thyme to the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Add the green and red peppers, zucchini, and squash and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for a final 5 minutes. Stir well to blend and serve either hot or at room temperature.

Recipe #49: Another Meatloaf

Meatloaf #3
from Food Network's Bobby Flay

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large zucchini, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 yellow pepper, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef chuck
1 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan
1 cup ketchup, divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the zucchini, peppers, garlic paste, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper, to taste, and cook until almost soft, 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. Add the meat, bread crumbs, cheese, 1/2 cup of the ketchup, 2 tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar, and the cooled vegetables and mix until just combined.

Mold the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk together the remaining ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the entire loaf. Bake the meatloaf for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe #48: Mexican Suiza Enchilada Lasagna

Mexican Suiza Enchilada Lasagna
From Food Network’s Emeril Lagasse

6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
9 teaspoons vegetable oil
18 corn tortillas
4 cups cooked cubed or bite size chicken meat (2 pounds boneless skinless breasts)
2 teaspoons Emeril's Southwest Essence
6 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
1 cup chopped green onions
3/4 pound (3 cups) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnishing, if desired
4 ounces Queso Anejo, shredded (substitute Parmesan if unavailable)
1 cup sour cream, for serving
Salsa or Pico de Gallo, for serving, optional

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, little by little, until thoroughly combined. Add the chicken stock and bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thickened and flavorful, about 10 minutes. Add the pepper jack and stir until melted. Season with the salt and remove from the heat. Set aside, covered, while you assemble the remaining ingredients.

Heat a small skillet over high heat. When hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of the vegetable oil and 1 of the tortillas. Cook until soft, turning midway, about 1 minute per tortilla. Transfer to a plate and cover while you cook the remaining tortillas, adding additional 1/2 teaspoon of oil for each tortilla. Set aside on a plate and cover with plastic wrap or foil.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-by 13-inch casserole.

Spoon 1 cup of the sauce onto the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with 6 of the tortillas, spreading them evenly to form a complete layer. Top with half of the chicken, 1 teaspoon of the Southwest Essence, half of the poblanos, half of the green onions, 1 1/2 cups of the sauce, and 1/3 of the shredded Monterey Jack. Make another layer in exactly the same way: 6 tortillas, the remaining chicken, 1 teaspoon of the Southwest Essence, remaining poblanos, remaining green onions, 1 1/2 cups of the sauce, and 1/3 of the shredded Monterey Jack. Top with the remaining 6 tortillas, remaining sauce, tomatoes, cilantro, and remaining Monterey Jack, then sprinkle the Queso Anejo evenly over the top.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for about 15 minutes longer, or until the casserole is bubbly and light golden brown on top.

Serve immediately, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, more chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo, if desired.

Recipe #47: Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon
from Food Network's Ina Garten


1 tablespoon good olive oil
8 ounces dry cured center cut applewood smoked bacon, diced
2 1/2 pounds chuck beef cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
1/2 cup Cognac
1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine such as Cote du Rhone or Pinot Noir
1 can (2 cups) beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound frozen whole onions
1 pound fresh mushrooms stems discarded, caps thickly sliced

For serving:
Country bread or Sour Dough, toasted or grilled and rubbed with garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.

Toss the carrots, and onions, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper in the fat in the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with the juices. Add the bottle of wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork.

Combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. Saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil on top of the stove, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

To serve, toast the bread in the toaster or oven. Rub each slice on 1 side with a cut clove of garlic. For each serving, spoon the stew over a slice of bread and sprinkle with parsley.

Recipe #46: Lasagna Rolls

Lasagna Rolls
from Food Network's Giada DeLaurentiis

Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg

Lasagna:
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)

To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk the salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the bechamel sauce.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Whisk the ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, prosciutto, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend.

Add a tablespoon or 2 of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.

Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass baking dish. Pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread about 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll. Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamelsauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the lasagna rolls. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat until hot, and serve alongside.

Tandoori Chicken (Recipe #43), Yogurt Salad (Recipe #44), and Watermelon Sorbet (Recipe #45)

Grilled Tandoori Chicken
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

1 (4 to 4 1/2 pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces, skin removed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped white onion
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped ginger
1 teaspoon finely chopped serrano or jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed
1 tablespoon paprika
11/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

With a fork, prick holes in the chicken pieces. Using a knife, cut diagonal slices 1-inch apart, and 1/2-inch deep into the larger pieces. Place the chicken in a baking dish.

In a blender, combine the oil, onion, garlic, ginger, pepper, and process on high speed to a paste. Add the paprika, salt, cumin, turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne, and process until well blended. Add the yogurt and lemon juice, and process to a smooth sauce, scraping down the sides to combine all the ingredients. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Turn to coat evenly, rubbing the marinade into the holes and slits. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours, turning occasionally.

Preheat a grill.

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes on the first side. Turn, baste as needed, and cook on the second side for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn and continue cooking, as necessary until the chicken is cooked through, but still tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. (Alternately, bake in a preheated 425 degrees F oven on a baking sheet for 35 minutes.)


Yogurt Salad
from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse

2 cups plain yogurt
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, finely chopped
3 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Pinch sugar
Pinch cayenne

Place the yogurt in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and drain for 1 hour. Discard the liquid in the bowl.

Place the drained yogurt in a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Place, covered, in the refrigerator for 1 hour to cool and blend. Stir well and serve.



Watermelon Sorbet
from Epicurious.com

8 cups cubed (1 inch) watermelon, seeds and rind discarded
1 cup Simple Sugar Syrup
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Puree the watermelon cubes in a food processor. Measure 4 cups of the puree and place in a bowl. Add the Simple Sugar Syrup and lemon juice and stir well. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.