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Pear Glazed Salmon with a Potato, Parsnip, and Bacon Hash

January 8, 2010

Some foods are so versatile that they are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Bacon is definitely one of these ingredients, but I just realized that hash browns also fall into this category. Shreds of crispy golden brown fried potatoes just make everything better! I was recently spending a lazy Sunday morning trying to brainstorm a unique way to serve salmon, since we’ve in a bit of a rut with it, and realized over my omelet and coffee that I should try serving salmon with a breakfast twist – over hash browns!

The dish really came together wonderfully. I mixed turkey bacon and onions with shredded potatoes and parsnips and then fried them up in a bit of oil until they were golden brown. While the hash browns were cooking, I baked the salmon filets, which were topped with a quick pear and ginger sauce. The sweet tender salmon was perfectly complemented by the savory crisp hash browns. Mmm, I’m definitely going to be making this again, but with a bit of fresh parsley on top for a touch of color!

Pear Glazed Salmon with a Potato, Parsnip, and Bacon Hash
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and shredded
1 parsnip, peeled and shredded
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Barlett pear, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
4 salmon filets

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and cook bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Mix shredded potatoes, parsnips, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; mix in cooked bacon. Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet and evenly spread half the shredded potato mixture in the pan. Cook 14 to 18 minutes, turning once, or until hashbrowns are crispy. Repeat with remaining potatoes and 2 tablespoons oil.

Meanwhile, place pear, ginger, vinegar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor and pulse until well mixed. Evenly spread pear sauce over the salmon filets and bake in a greased pan at 350˚F for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Serve salmon over the hashbrowns. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition: 676 calories, 30.4g fat, 6.6g fiber, 47.4g protein per serving
Cost: $4.11 per serving

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Mediterranean Cornbread

January 5, 2010

It snowed all weekend here in Boston, so I decided it was time to bake up some warm and comforting homemade bread! I was originally planning on tackling a recipe from Peter Reinhart’s The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, but was out of yeast and not about to set out in the snow just to get one item from the store, so I decided to make a cheesy cornbread instead. I’ve seen a few recipes for Southwestern cornbread with cheddar cheese and jalapenos, but decided that a Mediterranean twist would also be delicious. I figured the flavor combo would work well since polenta is such a staple of Italian cuisine.

I stuffed the cornbread with caramelized shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, and then put a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella goodness on top. Mmmm. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that we devoured 6 out of the 9 pieces the same day that it was made… There’s nothing wrong with cornbread for lunch, right? Good thing the gym is open again! Oh, and you definitely want to serve it warm!

p.s. I’m submitting this to 5 Star Foodie’s Cornbread Makeover!

Mediterranean Cornbread
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped shallots (4 large)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup feta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté shallots for 15 to 17 minutes, stirring frequently, or until caramelized.

Meanwhile, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together butter, eggs, and buttermilk in a large bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until most of the lumps are dissolved. Stir in the caramelized shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch square pan. Bake at 350˚F for 23 to 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Preheat broiler. Evenly spread shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked cornbread. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool for 5 minutes and cut into 9 squares; serve warm. Makes 9 servings.

Nutrition: 331 calories, 19.1g fat, 1.7g fiber, 10.4g protein per serving
Cost: $0.58 per serving

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Egg and Potato Squares with Gruyere, Asparagus, and Mushrooms

January 1, 2010

Happy New Year! Did anyone else make any foodie resolutions? My goal last year was to get my blog up and running, and I remember spending the first few weekends in January designing the header and side bars for my little site. This year I just want to continue challenging myself in the kitchen and would like to cook at least one new recipe a week. I made a lot of progress in this area last year – I roasted my first chicken, played with royal icing and fondant, and conquered my fear of yeast. But, I have an ever-growing list of foods to master! I want to finally learn how to cook all the different cuts of meat, conquer pasta, and make my favorite Indian dish, saag paneer (if anyone has an Indian cookbook recommendation, please let me know!). Oh, and I’m hoping to convince my family to let me host Thanksgiving! I could go on and on… I spent part of today organizing and prioritizing the long list of recipes I’ve saved from around the blogosphere and my cookbooks, and I’m already looking forward to getting in the kitchen! Things definitely started out on the right track because I braised lamb for the first time last night and it turned out perfectly! I also wanted to make something special for our first 2010 breakfast.

I was inspired by Elly’s delicious moussaka a few months ago and really liked how the potatoes were fried first and then served as the base of the dish. So, I decided potatoes needed to be used in this way in a breakfast casserole. I topped the potatoes with shredded gruyere, mushrooms, and asparagus, and then poured an egg mixture on top – so good! I made enough for an 8 inch square pan, but the recipe can easily be doubled for a 13×9 if you’re having company. You can also fry up the potatoes and cook the veggies the night before so all you have to do in the morning is whip up the eggs! Yay for 2010!

Egg and Potato Squares with Gruyere, Asparagus, and Mushrooms
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large baking potato, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
2 cups sliced mushrooms (8 ounces)
1 cup sliced asparagus (4 ounces)
4 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat and pan-fry the potatoes on both sides until they are light golden brown. Place the fried potatoes slices evenly in the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle gruyere cheese evenly on top.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet and sauté mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Repeat with remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and asparagus. Evenly top gruyere cheese with the veggies.

Whisk eggs, milk, flour, and salt together in a large bowl. Pour over the veggies. Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cut into squares. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition: 355 calories, 21.7g fat, 2.8g fiber, 19.6g protein per serving
Cost: $1.68 per serving

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Chicken Salsa Quesadillas

December 27, 2009

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I’m in the lobby of the Bright Angel lodge at the Grand Canyon right now sitting next to the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate, and taking advantage of the free internet! Apolinaras and my brother Richard braved a snow and ice covered slippery trail down into the canyon today, but since I’m a bit of a klutz, I decided to walk around the South rim with my parents. Talk about gorgeous views! Phoenix was very warm though, and we all had fun hiking up a rocky Camelback Mountain trail, where a festively decorated Christmas tree and bush greeted us at the top of the peak. Richard even left a little ornament on the tree! It’s been so great spending time with everyone!

Food wise, I’ve really been enjoying all the delicious Southwestern flavors, so I was inspired to share this easy and tasty quesadilla recipe. This isn’t an authentic recipe, but it’s still one of my favorites because two types of salsa are involved! The quesadillas are filled with salsa and cheddar cheese and then served with fresh Pico de Gallo on top. So delicious! I did make Christmas dinner (chicken parm and lemon garlic shrimp pasta) and brunch (egg casserole, bacon, and pastries) with a very limited supply of dishes and ingredients in our condo in Phoenix, but I already can’t wait to get back into my own kitchen and work on some ideas that have been brewing on our trip!

Chicken Salsa Quesadillas
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
1 16-ounce jar salsa
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 8-inch whole wheat tortillas
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large nonstick skillet and sauté chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, or until no longer pink in the center. Mix cooked chicken with salsa in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, make the Pico de Gallo by mixing chopped tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a large bowl.

Preheat broiler. Place 3 tortillas on a large greased cookie sheet. Spread half the shredded cheese evenly on the tortillas; top with the chicken mixture, the remainder of the cheese, and the remaining 3 tortillas. Place quesadillas in the oven and broil for 2 to 5 minutes on each side, or until cheese is melted and quesadillas are heated through. Cut tortillas into 4 wedges and top with Pico de Gallo. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition: 366 calories, 15.8g fat, 4.5g fiber, 32.5g protein per serving
Cost: $1.36 per serving

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Pumpkin Puff Pastry Tarts

December 22, 2009

The countdown to our flight to Arizona has begun and we’re playing our favorite game of trying to finish up all the perishables in our fridge before we go. We got a little off track when Apolinaras brought a half gallon of milk home on Sunday and thawed six pork chops, but there are only two porkchops left, so I think we still have a shot! Even the huge roll of goat cheese from Costco is over half way gone and I’m going to make this pizza tomorrow night to use up the rest of it. I also found a cup of extra pumpkin puree in the fridge that was leftover from making Apolinaras his favorite low-fat oatmeal cookies the other day and decided to make myself a little treat.

I whipped up a super thick and creamy pumpkin pudding and was planning on just eating it straight out of the bowl, but some puff pastry shells caught my eye. I was experimenting with recipe ideas for the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Contest (which are due December 31, so you still have time to enter!), and had some extra shells, so I filled them with the pudding instead! I topped the little tarts with some toasted walnuts and powdered sugar and they were just a wonderful quick and easy holiday treat. Merry Christmas!

Pumpkin Puff Pastry Tarts
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 (10 ounce) package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Shells
1 (3.4-oz.) package instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pure pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoon toasted chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Directions:
Prepare the puff pastry shells according to the package directions. Let baked shells cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes, and remove the tops.

Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin filling. In a large bowl mix instant pudding, milk, condensed milk, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice. Refrigerate 10 minutes or until set. Scoop pumpkin filling evenly into the puff pastry shells. Sprinkle toasted walnuts and powdered sugar evenly on top of each tart. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition: 277 calories, 4.8g fat, 1.8g fiber, 6.3g protein per serving
Cost: $1.77 per serving

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Roasted Potatoes and Sausages with Green Beans and Mushrooms

December 18, 2009

I must have been a super good girl this year, because Santa already brought my present! Isn’t it pretty?

Apolinaras insisted I open my gift early so I could figure out how to use it before we visit the Grand Canyon over the holidays. He’s just the best! We don’t know anyone in Arizona, but my parents wanted to spend Christmas someplace warm this year and found a great deal on a Phoenix condo with their time share points. I was actually pretty disappointed that we wouldn’t be spending Christmas at my parents’ house because I love traditions and snow, but I was outvoted by everyone else. Oh well, I’m going to do my best to still get into the Christmas spirit, because it’s not where you are that’s important, but who you’re with, right? My mom did cheer me up when she promised I could make Christmas dinner in our condo. Anyway, I’ve been slowly plugging away at this book, which contains tips specifically for the T1i, but between playing with my new toy, baking Christmas goodies, and trying to wrap everything up at work, I actually haven’t had much time to cook real dinners. Except this one.

I love roasted potatoes and decided to make a meal out of them by throwing in some green beans, mushrooms, and chicken sausages. Then I tossed everything with a flavorful lemon horseradish mustard sauce. This meal comes together quickly and is so healthy that I think it balances out all the Christmas cookies I’ve been indulging in at work!

Roasted Potatoes and Sausages with Green Beans and Mushrooms
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
5 red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks (2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces fresh green beans with trimmed ends
5 shallots, chopped (1 cup)
1 12-ounce package sliced mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 12-ounce package fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1/4 cup horseradish mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place potatoes in a 13×9-inch pan and toss evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake at 400˚F for 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven and stir in green beans. Bake for an additional 15 minutes at 400˚F or until potatoes and green beans are tender.

Meanwhile, heat remaining one tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add shallots and mushrooms to the pan and sauté for 7 to 10 minutes or until veggies are tender; add garlic and sauté 1 additional minute. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and place in a large bowl. Add chicken sausage slices to the same pan and sauté for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned and warmed through.

Mix horseradish mustard and lemon juice in small bowl until smooth. Place mushroom mixture, chicken sausage slices, and horseradish mustard sauce in the 13×9-inch pan with the roasted potatoes and green beans. Mix all ingredients in the pan until thoroughly combined. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition: 309 calories, 11.2g fat, 4.3g fiber, 22.0g protein per serving
Cost: $1.65 per serving

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Christmas Dessert Sushi

December 15, 2009

If you’re having a bit of déjà vu, it’s because I posted a similar dessert sushi recipe back in March when I started my blog. But, I’ve since tweaked the original recipe after a few email requests and I think this version is definitely worth sharing! In all honestly, I don’t think this will be the last dessert sushi variation you’ll see on my blog. I think I’ll always be a bit obsessed with it and working towards improving my recipes and trying new techniques and flavor combinations!

The sushi itself contains a chocolate “seaweed” cookie dough wrapper, which is stuffed with coconut sticky rice and fruit. I played with the chocolate sushi wrapper ingredients and found that the dough is easier to work with when I used cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate. I’ve also included additional measurements so you can make it if you don’t have a kitchen scale. Plus, you know I couldn’t resist filling the sushi with red and green fruit (strawberries and kiwi!) so it would be perfect for Christmas!

Christmas Dessert Sushi
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup jasmine rice
1 1/3 cups (11 ounces) light coconut milk
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 ounces quartered strawberries (2-3 medium strawberries)
1 1/2 ounces kiwi, sliced into long rectangular strips (3/4 of a medium kiwi)
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Directions:
Combine rice, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture boils. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and sticky. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, mix butter and remaining 4 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl until creamed. Add milk, vanilla, and cocoa powder and mix until smooth; stir in flour and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Roll chocolate dough into a 12-inch log and place down the middle of a large sheet of waxed paper. Place another piece of waxed paper on top of the log and use a rolling pin to roll the log into a 12×6-inch rectangle. Remove top sheet of waxed paper.

Spread room temperature coconut rice on top of chocolate dough rectangle in a 12×5.5-inch rectangle, leaving a 1/4-inch border on both long sides of the rectangle. Line up quartered strawberries horizontally down the center of the coconut rectangle. Line up sliced kiwi below the line of strawberries. Roll up dough into a cylinder like a “sushi roll” by lifting up waxed paper and sealing the ends of the dough together. Roll the roll on the counter and press together firmly. Remove waxed paper from the roll and cut into 16 dessert sushi pieces with a sharp knife. Fill in any gaps with extra fruit, if needed.

Place melted chocolate into small soy sauce containers. Serve dessert sushi with chocolate “soy sauce” and eat with chopsticks! Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition: 209 calories, 10.6g fat, 1.3g fiber, 2.7g protein per serving
Cost: $2.92 total

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Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites

December 10, 2009

Party season is finally here! I’ve been getting into the holiday spirit by having hot chocolate after dinner every night and singing along to Christmas carols in the car (I was in chorus in high school and know all the words!). But tomorrow things will get into full force with our first work holiday party! I’m a huge fan of appetizer-only spreads because you get to try so many yummy treats and these little cranberry pecan brie bites are one of my favorites.

These little guys are very tasty and super fast to throw together. I just lined mini muffin cups with pie crusts (I usually use the refrigerated Pillsbury ones), stuffed them with chunks of brie, and then topped them off with a cranberry pear spread and chopped pecans. So easy and they are always a hit!

Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 box (15 oz) refrigerated pie crusts, softened according to package directions
1 large Bartlett pear, peeled, cored, and chopped (8 ounces)
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces brie, cut into 24 3/4×3/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Heat oven to 375˚F. Unroll pie crusts and place on a flat work surface. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to cut 12 rounds from each crust. Press each round in the bottom of 24 cups of an ungreased mini-muffin cup pan and press dough up the sides to form cups.

Meanwhile, place chopped pear, cranberries, and salt in a food processor, and process for 1 to 2 minutes or until well mixed.

Place one chunk of brie into each mini-muffin cup and top evenly cranberry mixture. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top. Bake at 375˚F for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes and remove from mini-muffin cups. Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition: 231 calories, 14.6g fat, 1.7g fiber, 4.4g protein per serving
Cost: $0.63 per serving

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