Recipes

Calzones with Cheese, Sausage, and Roasted Red Pepper

The original recipe includes a dough recipe, but I didn't think I had enough time to let the dough rise on its own. I used two hot Italian pork sausages, one red onion, 16oz ricotta, and 12oz mozzarella. No gas (and I didn't want to start the grill just for one pepper) so I broiled the pepper in a pan for about 15 minutes, turning it a couple times once the top surface was charred. After about 10 minutes in the oven, it started to release its juices. After 10 minutes in the paper bag, the pepper was limp and the skin peeled off incredibly easy.

I used my two pizza stones in the center of both ovens at 400F. I built the calzones one at a time on my pizza peel, sprinkled with enough corn meal to allow the calzone to slide on to the stone with a couple small shoves. 30 minutes was perfect. ...and omg they were delicious!!!

Pizza Dough:

  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water (80F)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

Calzones:

  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 1/4 lb red onions, sliced
  • 4 sweet or hot Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 3 cups (packed) coarsely grated mozzarella cheese (about 12oz)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (about 12oz)
  • 4 tsp dried oregano
Directions:

  1. Using my Breadman Ultimate, add ingredients, select pizza dough cycle, and press start (about 55 minutes). Easy peasy.
  2. Meanwhile...... Char bell pepper over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and slice.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add red onions; saute until brown, about 25 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Cook sausage in heavy medium skillet over medium heat until cooked through, breaking into 1/2-inch pieces with back of fork, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
  5. Mix both cheeses and oregano in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400F. Dust 2 heavy large baking sheets with flour.
  7. Divide dough into 2 equal portions; shape each into ball. Roll out dough balls on lightly floured surface.
  8. Spread 1/3 cheese mixture over half of each round, leaving 3/4-inch plain border. Cover cheese with onions, then 1/3 cheese mixture, sausage, the remainder of the cheese, and the peppers. Fold plain dough halves over filling, forming half circles. Pinch edges of dough firmly together to seal.
  9. Using large spatula, transfer 2 calzones to each prepared baking sheet. Pierce tops in several places with small knife for steam to escape. Bake calzones 15 minutes. Reverse positions of baking sheets and bake until calzones are golden brown, about 15 minutes longer.

Source: The Bon Appetit Cookbook


Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Sauteed Apples

I didn't have any eggs and I didn't want to screw up the lemon ricotta pancake recipe, so I made the Palmer Pancakes with diced up sugar cinnamon apples topped with the sauteed apples below. I had a couple honey crisp apples that I thought were slightly too old (i.e. not juicy enough) for the apple crisp recipe, so I decided to use these instead of Granny Smiths. And I used only one and a half apples (the remaining half went in the pancake batter) with two tablespoons of sugar.

Apples:

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • fresh lemon juice to taste

Pancakes:

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 1/3 cups ricotta
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Melted butter for brushing the griddle
Directions:

  1. In a large heavy skillet, saute the apples in the butter over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until they are softened. Sprinkle them with the sugar and the cinnamon, and cook them over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir in the lemon juice and keep the mixture warm.
  2. In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks, the ricotta, the sugar, and the zest, add the flour, and stir the mixture until it is just combined. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks, whisk about one fourth of them into the ricotta mixture, and fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Heat a griddle over medium-low heat until it is hot enough to make drops of water scatter over its surface and brush it with some of the melted butter. Working in batches, pour the batter onto the griddle by 1/4-cup measures and cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden, brushing the griddle with some of the melted butter as necessary. Transfer the pancakes as they are cooked to a heatproof platter and keep them warm in a preheated 200°F oven.
  3. Serve the pancakes with the sauteed apples and the maple syrup.

Source: Smitten Kitchen




Update (01.31.2010): I made them. Holy bananas these are awesome!!!

Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

What a way to break in our new Cuisinart GreenGourmet ceramic griddle. Drizzled a little olive oil on the griddle instead of cooking spray (yuk) and used fresh oregano instead of dried. I used 1.5 lbs of ground turkey and made 5 stout burgers. The yogurt-cucumber-mint sauce was super yummy and tasted great with the burger. I didn't find an English cucumber so used a regular one and used a fine grate.




Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 2 - 3 tsp chopped fresh)
  • 1 tsp grated lemon rind
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 6 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
  • cooking spray (olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup grated English cucumber
  • 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 4 (1/4-inch thick) slices tomato
  • 4 green leaf lettuce leaves
  • 4 (2-oz) Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
Directions:

  1. Combine first 6 ingredients. Divide mixture into 4 portions. Indent center of each portion; place 1.5 tbsp feta into each. Fold turkey mixture around cheese; shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
  2. Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add patties; cook 5 minutes on each side.
  3. Combine cucumber, yogurt, and mint in a small bowl. Arrange 1 turkey patty, 1 tomato slice, 1 lettuce leaf, and 2 tbsp yogurt mixture on bottom half of each roll.

Source: Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2010


Espresso Gingerbread Cake


Gingerbread:

  • 1/2 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
  • 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled to just warm
  • 11 3/4 oz (2.5 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 10 oz (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; more for the pan
  • 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature

Espresso Glaze:

  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp dark rum
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brewed espresso (or 1 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 1/2 tbsp hot water)
Directions:

  1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350F. Butter and flour a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan (or four 2-cup mini loaf pans). Tap out any excess flour. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk the molasses with the brewed coffee. Sift the flour with the baking powder, salt, baking soda, espresso powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  2. With a stand mixer (use the paddle attachment) or a hand mixer, cream the butter in a large bowl on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs and yolks one at a time, stopping to scrape the bowl after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour and coffee mixtures, beginning and ending with the flour. Stop the mixer at least one last time to scrape the bowl and then beat at medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 20 seconds.
  3. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan (or pans), spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Run a knife through the batter to eliminate any air pockets.
  4. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted int he center comes out clean, about 40 minutes (about 30 minutes for mini loaves). Set the pan on a rack to cool for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack, remove the pan, and let cool until just barely warm. Drizzle with the glaze (if using) and then let cool to room temperature before serving. If you're making the cake ahead, wrap it while still barely warm without the glaze. If you plan to freeze the cake, don't glaze it until you're ready to serve it or give it away.
  5. For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar and rum in a bowl and, adding the espresso gradually, whisk until smooth. If necessary, add more espresso or water to thin the glaze to a drizzling consistency. When the cake is still barely warm, use a fork or spoon to drizzle the glaze over the top.

Source: Fine Cooking, Parties 2009


Caramelized Onion-Stuffed Baked Potato

Nom. Instead of Gruyere, I used sharp cheddar and fresh crumbled goat cheese. I didn't have dry sherry so I used some marsala wine which made the onions super strong but it was delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 baking potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp butter
  • 2 cups vertically sliced red onion
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp dry sherry
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
Directions:

  1. Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 10 minutes or until done, rearranging potatoes after 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
  2. Cut each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells. Combine potato pulp, 1/4 cup cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Spoon potato mixture evenly into shells.
  3. Melt butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sugar, saute 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in sherry, Worcestershire, thyme, and garlic; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates, scraping pan to looses browned bits. Top each potato half with about 2 tablespoons onion mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese. Arrange stuffed potato halves on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

Source: Cooking Light: Annual Recipes 2006
4 servings


Summer Squash Pizza with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Pizza. Yes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • all-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 6 oz pizza dough
  • pinch of crushed red pepper
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded part-skim-milk mozzarella
  • 1 tsp chopped summer savory
  • 1/4 pound summer squash, thinly sliced on a mandoline
  • 2 oz fresh goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp chopped toasted walnuts
Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 500F. Preheat a pizza stone. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tbsp olive oil with the minced garlic and let stand. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to form a 12" round, 1/4" thick. Transfer the round to a lightly floured pizza peel.
  2. Leaving a 1/2" border of dough, brush the round with the garlic oil and sprinkle with crushed red pepper, salt and black pepper. Scatter the onion slices over the round; top with the mozzarella and savory. Arrange the squash slices on top in a single layer, overlapping them slightly. Dot with the crumbled goat cheese.
  3. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is crisp and the squash is slightly browned. Transfer the pizza to a work surface. Sprinkle with the walnuts and drizzle with olive oil. Cut into wedges and serve.

Source: Food & Wine, October 2009


Roasted Pork Loin with Orange-Herb Sauce

Yum. Gonna make it!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1.5 lb boneless pork loin
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 5 black peppercorns
  • 1 rosemary sprig
  • 1 oregano sprig
  • 1 parsley sprig, plus 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp of the oil with the garlic. Add the pork, turn to coat and let stand for 1 hour.
  2. Set a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400F. In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat the remaining oil. Season the pork with salt and pepper and add to the skillet, fat side down. Cook over moderately high heat until richly browned, 4 minutes. Brown the pork on the remaining sides, then turn it fat side up. Add the orange juice, stock, wine, peppercorns and herb sprigs and bring to a boil.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the upper shelf of the oven and roast the pork for about 35 minutes, until and instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 145F. Transfer the pork to a carving board.
  4. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, 15 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and stir in the chopped parsley. Carve the pork and serve with the orange sauce.

Source: Food and Wine, October 2009


Blueberry Yogurt Pancakes

Instead of plain yogurt and milk, I used vanilla yogurt and vanilla soy milk. This recipe says it makes about a dozen 4" pancakes. I ended up with five 6" to 7" pancakes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup blueberries
Directions:

  1. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg in a medium sized bowl.
  2. Beat egg with yogurt and milk in a large bowl. Beat in oil, and then add flour mixture.
  3. Stir just until combined. Batter can be a little lumpy.
  4. Grease pancake griddle if necessary and place over medium heat until drops of water dance when sprinkled onto the griddle.
  5. For each pancake, pour a scant 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Sprinkle each pancake with a few blueberries.

Source: The Maine Wild Blueberry Cookbook


My Grandma's Apple Crisp

We brought a bag of Honeycrisp apples back from the MSAD #1 Educational Farm in Presque Isle, Maine. After we devoured my grandma's apple crisp in Minnesota the previous week, we new exactly where the Honeycrisps would go. :) I wasn't sure about the "1 tbsp flour & cinnamon" so I used a tablespoon of each. I didn't have graham crackers so I used 3/4 cup of oats.

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups peeled, sliced apples (I used 5 apples)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tbsp flour & cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup oatmeal & graham crackers
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Mix apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon and put in a floured, greased baking dish (I used a 9x9 pyrex dish).
  3. Mix remaining ingredients and spread over the apples.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes.

Source: My Grandma! :)


Panko-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Maple Pan Sauce

Found a way to use more of the panko left over from the grilled breaded cheese-stuffed jalapenos. Nom! And it was amazingly delicious!!! Made this with some honey glazed carrots and cheddar mashed potatoes with sauteed onions and garlic.

Ingredients:

  • 2 8oz skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise in half
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 2 tsp plus 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup low-salt chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp coarse-grained mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chilled unsalted butter
Directions:

  1. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound chicken in resealable plastic bag to 1/3- to 1/2-inch thickness. Whisk egg, parsley, and 2 tsp Dijon mustard in large bowl. Place chicken in egg mixture; turn to coat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece in panko; turn to coat.
  2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk broth, syrup, coarse-grained mustard, and remaining 2 tbsp Dijon mustard in glass measuring cup.
  4. Transfer chicken to plates. Add broth mixture to skillet; boil until reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add buter; whisk until melted. Spoon sauce alongside chicken.

Source: bon appetit, October 2009



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