De Ma Cuisine

Pork Archive

Thursday

19

November 2015

1

COMMENTS

Egg Salad

Written by , Posted in Beans, Bread, Dairy-Free, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Nuts, Pork, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Vegetables, Vegetarian

EggSalad-5

Eggs are a staple in our home. I feel a little lost when we’ve run out and I forget to order more. We eat them fried in olive oil, so the edges are crispy. I whisk them into a soft mayo. I crack them into simmering soup to poach. I use them to make shiny pie crusts and pain au chocolat. They are versatile, delicious, and go with so many things.

I often forget about egg salad. It’s quick and easy, but sometimes the thought of bringing some water to a boil to cook eggs seems like too much. Although it’s not really that much more difficult than opening the jars of peanut butter and jam to be slathered on some toasted homemade bread (because then I have to wash the peanut butter knife)… Great. Now I’m hungry for peanut butter…

EggSalad-1

Hardboiled eggs pretty much just require a bit of time, a gentle hand, and some water that’s come to a rolling boil. The time is mostly hands off. It’s best to carefully lower the eggs into the water so the shells don’t crack (but even then, sometimes they do – I add a splash of white vinegar to the water to help the whites not go to far if this happens). And, the water has to come to a boil even if you watch it… I mean, it’s science, the temperature will eventually climb. (For detailed instructions on how to boil an egg have a look at the Deviled Eggs post.)

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For an egg salad base, I like to use equal parts yogurt and mayo (you could substitute silken tofu for either if desired), and a little bit of salt. It’s pretty simple, really yummy, and could be eaten as is. But, for fun, there are tons of things you could mix in. Today I used mushrooms, garlic, basil, cannellini beans, cayenne, and dijon mustard. It was delicious. I’d do it again. But, here are some other mix in options that I’d like to try:

  • capers+shallots+dill+eggplant+dijon
  • kale+basil+red onion+parsley+cayenne
  • tarragon+parsley+dill+spinach
  • mushrooms+dried tomatoes+chiles+garlic+chives+parsley
  • cannellini beans+roasted bell peppers+chives+garlic+ bacon+cucumber+dijon
  • celery+chives+parsley

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Whatever the mix ins, they’re added to the base. It’s mixed up and tasted for salt (and because I’m starving and can’t wait to eat).

EggSalad-4

Depending on the type of bread and how hungry you are, you might opt for the messier open-faced sandwich. I did and hand to dunk my hand in my water glass so I wouldn’t get food all over the keyboard. Worth it.

I had two open-faced sandwiches, both on some homemade sourdough bread, one toasted, one not. I liked them both, but toasted definitely won. I chose simple toppings: lettuce and chopped cherry tomatoes. You might also add some chopped nuts for added crunch. I didn’t. (Because I forgot.)

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The mushrooms add a meatiness, the beans add even more protein and texture, the tomatoes add a sweet hint of the last days of summer. If I’d been able to find bacon when I was grocery shopping, I’d have added some too. But, I didn’t, so, alas, that will have to wait for another day.

Happy Eating!

Egg Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2-3

Egg Salad

Ingredients

  • 4-6 hardboiled eggs
  • 2 T mayonnaise (or silken tofu)
  • 2 T plain yogurt (or silken tofu)
  • to taste salt
  • original mix ins: 1 t olive oil
  • 7 mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 T fresh basil (or combo of basil and chives), chopped
  • 1/4 C cannellini (or any white) beans
  • pinch cayenne
  • 1 t dijon mustard
  • cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • other mix in options: capers+shallots+dill+eggplant+dijon
  • kale+basil+red onion+parsley+cayenne
  • tarragon+parsley+dill+spinach
  • mushrooms+dried tomatoes+chiles+garlic+chives+parsley
  • cannellini beans+roasted bell peppers+chives+garlic+bacon+cucumber+dijon
  • celery+chives+parsley
  • for serving: bread
  • lettuce

Instructions

  1. Combine egg salad base (eggs, mayo/silken tofu, yogurt/silken tofu, and salt). Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Choose desired mix ins and prepare or cook as needed. For original mix in recipe: Heat a skillet over medium-low. Add 1 t olive oil. When it's hot, add mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes then season with salt. Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Mix egg salad base with mushrooms, garlic (can add in last minute of mushroom cooking time if you prefer for it not to be raw), basil, beans, cayenne, and dijon. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  4. Serve on your favorite bread (toasted, if desired), topped with cherry tomatoes and lettuce.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/egg-salad/

Monday

26

October 2015

1

COMMENTS

Pumpkin Pasta

Written by , Posted in Cheese, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Main Dishes, Meat, Nuts, Pasta, Pork, Roasting, Vegetables, Vegetarian

PumpkinPasta-6

I’m eating this pasta as I type. I refrained from eating more than a bite or two while I was photographing so I could save it for dinner. It’s creamy, has a hint of spice, and it tastes like fall. It feels like the kind of food that should be enjoyed on a cold night with loved ones at your table… Lost in thought, I was envisioning my next dinner party when an errant noodle flung pasta sauce on to the floor. Distraction over.

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It’s pumpkin season and I’m so glad. I love all that there is to do with pumpkins (like I talked about in my Ten Ways to Use Pumpkins post from the other day). They’re versatile and yummy.

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For this recipe I roasted the pumpkin almost whole so that I could serve the pasta in it. It’s as simple as a little olive oil on the inside, flip it upside down, and roast for about an hour. I wanted to save some of the roasted pumpkin for a few other dishes, but if you wanted to use it all, you could totally do that.

Pumpkin isn’t the only option. If you’ve got other varieties of winter squash they’d be great too. I might avoid the spaghetti squashes (and those like them), but other than that, whatever you’ve got on hand should be great.

PumpkinPasta-3

Pumpkin (or winter squash) and browned butter are good friends. As they should be. You can use butter or not, olive oil is a great option as well. Equal parts butter/olive oil and all purpose flour work together to make a nice roux. Or, if you want to skip it all together (and for a gluten-free option), milk and cornstarch will thicken up nicely.

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The pumpkin, milk, and thickener heat slowly on the stove until they’re nice and thick. Then cheese and some seasonings are added and everyone gets blended together until you’ve got a nice smooth sauce.

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Whatever pasta you prefer will work perfectly. I made some fresh pasta today, cut in a fettuccine (ish) width, so that’s what I wanted to use. But, elbows, spaghetti, or fusilli would be great too. I opted for a creamy sauce without any add ins or toppings. Sometimes I just don’t want anything extra. But, next time I think I’m gonna try it with some mushrooms, greens, and sage… or maybe corn, crispy shallots, and bacon.

Happy Eating!

Pumpkin Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes

Yield: 6

Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 small pumpkin or small to medium winter squash (any except spaghetti squash) (about 2-3 C cooked) (could also use roasted or steamed carrots or cauliflower)
  • 1 t olive oil
  • 1/4 C butter or olive oil (optional)
  • 1/4 C all purpose flour or 1 T cornstarch
  • 2 C milk (any kind)
  • 1/2 C plain yogurt
  • pinch cayenne
  • to taste salt
  • good pinch coriander
  • good pinch ginger
  • 1 C cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère), grated
  • (could also mix in: 2-4 cloves roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, greens, sage, onion, leek, shallot, corn, lemon zest)
  • 6 servings pasta
  • toppings optional: fresh herbs, chopped; poached eggs, bacon, or nuts

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F. Cut the lid off the pumpkin (if you're going to serve in it, if not you could just slice in half), scrape out seeds. Rub the inside with 1 t olive oil. Roast for about 1 hour.
  2. Heat a medium sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Add butter, if using. When it starts to brown, whisk in flour. Cook for 30-60 seconds. If doing gluten-free, skip the butter and flour and whisk milk with cornstarch. Pour in milk (with or without the cornstarch), whisking as you do. Add pumpkin. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until thickened (it should coat a spoon without all running off), stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in yogurt. Season with cayenne through ginger. Stir in cheese. Blend with a hand blender (or in batches in a regular blender with the center plug removed and the hole covered with a clean tea towel) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Stir in any additional mix ins.
  4. Cook pasta. Drain and toss with sauce. Serve topped with desired toppings, or just serve as it is.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/pumpkin-pasta/

Monday

19

October 2015

1

COMMENTS

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Low Carb, Lunch, Meat, Pork, Potlucks, Quick and Easy, Sides, Snacks, Vegetarian

DeviledEggs-5

It’s taken me a while to get back into the swing of things since our trip. The first week we were back things were in a state of chaos. Half unpacked suitcases, piles of laundry, my brain still wanting to be with family. Then I was sick most of the next week, so I’m finally getting back into things today. What this meant was that I made mayonnaise. One step in the right direction of not eating quesadillas for every single meal. Tim asked if there were any leftovers to take for lunch today. Nope. Well, there are now: Deviled Eggs (minus the ones that I couldn’t resist), and the beans with rice and peas that was dinner. I feel better already.

I can’t remember the last time I made deviled eggs. If I’m hard boiling eggs, they don’t usually last long enough to be made into anything else. A sprinkle of salt is all they really need.

Until now.

JKWeddingTrip-1

My youngest brother got married a month ago in Ontario, Canada (where I grew up). They were married at my mom and dad’s place, a picturesque country home with plenty of room for their grown kids to come and stay. But, their home isn’t just where they live. They have a commercial kitchen where mom cooks for groups and for their bakery & cafe. This kitchen is a little bit of heaven for me. I get to cook with family in a great big kitchen.

Josh and Karensa asked my brother Jake and I to take care of the appetizers for the wedding. One of those was Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Chives, that was dreamed up for Josh. I just knew he’d love them (and I was right).

DeviledEggs-1

This recipe is a slight variation on the eggs that we made for Josh. Mostly because I have basil, not chives, and I don’t have any bacon. Oh, and I used 6 eggs rather than the 36 used for the wedding. I didn’t think I’d need thaaaaat many leftovers for lunches this week.

I boiled ’em. Simple. The way mom taught me. Boil water, add some vinegar (in case a shell cracks – it’s supposed to keep the whites from spreading too much), cook 15 minutes, cool, then peel. If you do it differently, that’s great. Do what works for you.

DeviledEggs-2

I’ve heard that it’s best to peel the eggs right away. I did, and they were perfect. I didn’t lose any of the white part. I’ve also heard that you’re supposed to use older eggs for hard boiled. I didn’t. I just got these today. So, who knows about these things that “they” say.

DeviledEggs-3

I try to keep homemade mayo on hand. Partly because I love it, partly because it’s so easy to make. Along with some paprika, basil, salt, and olive oil, it’s a fabulous mix-in for deviled eggs.

DeviledEggs-4

I topped each one with a parmesan crisp and a tiny basil leaf. You could opt for bacon and chives, or switch it up and use dill and skip the bacon altogether. So far, no matter how they’ve been topped, these eggs are irresistible and they won’t last long before they’re snatched up by hungry guests (or by a hungry blogger who is about to go raid the fridge).

Happy Eating!

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 1 whole egg

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 T white vinegar
  • 1/4 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • (optional) 1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 T fresh herbs (basil, chives, dill, tarragon), 12 left whole, remaining chopped
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1/2 t paprika
  • 2 T mayonnaise
  • coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
  2. Boil water. Add vinegar. Add eggs and boil for 15 minutes. Cool under cold water or in an ice bath. Peel as soon as they are cool.
  3. If using bacon, cook, then drain on a paper towel lined plate. Crumble.
  4. Drop a pinch of parmesan on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until all has been used up. (If you make too many, store in an air tight container in the fridge.) Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until crispy. Cool and remove from baking sheet.
  5. Halve eggs. Gently pop out the yolks and mash with the herbs through mayonnaise. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Return the yolk mixture to the whites (use two small spoons, a piping bag, or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off). Top each with one herb leaf, one parmesan crisp, and, if using, one small piece of bacon. Sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/deviled-eggs/

Thursday

28

May 2015

0

COMMENTS

Customizable Panzanella Salad

Written by , Posted in Beans, Beef, Bread, Cheese, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Eggs, Fish, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Herbs, Legumes, Low Carb, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Nuts, Pork, Poultry, Quick and Easy, Quinoa, Salads, Sides, Toasting, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

PanzanellaSalad2015-6

There are so many things that this salad can be. It can be vegan, paleo, low-carb, gluten-free, high-protein… It all depends on what you add to it.

PanzanellaSalad2015-1

I made some baguettes a few weeks ago that I wasn’t thrilled with. They’re prefect for croutons though. If you prefer to avoid bread, quinoa or tofu would be great bread replacers. Or, if you’re eating gluten-free, your best gluten-free bread will be just perfect.

PanzanellaSalad2015-2

To make up the bulk of this salad, I opened this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box then pulled a few things from the produce drawer. But this is where there are so many ways you can make this salad your own.

Beyond tons of veggie options, here are a few ways you could adapt this dish:

Protein a Plenty: Add beans, quinoa (instead of or alongside the bread), tofu, hard boiled eggs, meat (tuna, beef, chicken, turkey, pork), nuts, cheese.

Paleo: Add eggs, meat, and nuts instead of the bread.

Vegan: Leave as is, or add quinoa or tofu.

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread, or swap out the bread for quinoa.

All the Veggies: I used nopales, onion, carrot, green beans, radish, and summer squash. You could also add: snap peas, greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, eggplant, cucumber… or any other veggies that are in season and you think would taste great.

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I love the combination of a really good quality olive oil like Bari’s along with balsamic vinegar. But, a mixture of red wine vinegar and lemon juice, or balsamic and lemon juice would also be great. Customize it to make it your own!

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Riiiiiight before serving add the bread. Or to really avoid soggy bread, put the bread on the plate and top it with salad, letting the dressing soak in slowly. The lesson I learned today: only add as much bread as you’re going to eat. The leftovers will get way soggy (#freetofail).

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This is one of my favorite ways to welcome summer. But, come fall or winter, just trade the summer veggies for some roasted winter ones and you’ve got a winner all year round.

Happy Eating!

Customizable Panzanella Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4

Customizable Panzanella Salad

Ingredients

  • 3-4 C stale bread (any kind - or could sub 2-3 C quinoa or tofu), cubed
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C balsamic or red wine vinegar (or half vinegar half lemon juice)*
  • 1 1/2 t dijon mustard
  • pinch cayenne (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 T to 1/4 C olive oil*
  • 3-4 T fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives, oregano, thyme), chopped
  • 4-6 C any of the following (cubed, chopped, grated, or torn): summer squash, nopales, snap peas, green beans, greens, radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, eggplant, cucumbers, red onions, nuts, hard boiled eggs, nuts, chicken, beef, tuna, pork, mozzarella, parmesan, cannellini beans, garbonzo beans)

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400F. Toss bread with 1 t olive oil, salt, and pepper, Place on a baking sheet, bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for about 5 minutes more (or until they're golden and toasty).
  2. Whisk balsamic vinegar through pepper. Stream in oil as you whisk. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Toss salad contents (except bread, if using quinoa or tofu, add it now) with dressing. Add bread just before serving.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/customizable-panzanella-salad/

Thursday

16

April 2015

3

COMMENTS

Bacon and Feta Frittatas

Written by , Posted in Baking, Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Condiments, Dinner, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Pork, Potatoes, Vegetables

BaconFetaFrittata-11

Many of my favorite foods are those loaded with veggies and a little something else. I do this with pasta, soups, and stir fry. In this case, it was with bacon, eggs, and a little bit of feta cheese.

BaconFetaFrittata-1

This is a use what’s in season type of meal. I had asparagus, turnip, kohlrabi, carrot, and collard greens on hand. But, you could use bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, radishes, and any other greens that sound good to you.

BaconFetaFrittata-4

I cooked the bacon and when it was done and resting on a plate, I added some olive oil to the bacon grease in the skillet. If you want to wipe out the skillet after the bacon is done, that’s cool too. Add some butter or extra olive oil instead of the bacon grease. Don’t want to use bacon at all? That’s fine. I like the crunch that it adds to the frittata, but it’s not absolutely essential.

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While the veggies cook, whisk together some of your favorite eggs with a bit of milk. I needed just three eggs, since there were so many veggies. You can adjust the recipe according to your needs, keeping in mind that the cooking time may change depending on the number of eggs used.

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The eggs and veggies are combined and some feta is added. Like pretty much everything else in this recipe, you can change up the cheese if you want. Gouda would be a yummy choice, if you’re not using feta.

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Once the frittatas are done (I like to use a food thermometer to take the guesswork out of it), they get to stand around and rest for about 10 minutes. In that time, you can whisk up a lemony dressing that will be drizzled over the top.

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And then finally, it’s time for a bite. With that crunchy bacon, delicious veggies, and flecks of feta, it’s as delicious as I’d hoped it would be.

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Frittatas are perfect any time of the day, any day of the week. They’re especially good when shared with a loved one. But, if you’re having a meal by yourself, the second frittata can be refrigerated (or frozen and thawed in the fridge over night) and reheated another day.

Happy Eating!

Bacon and Feta Frittatas

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 43 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 3 minutes

Yield: 2

Bacon and Feta Frittatas

Ingredients

  • 4-5 slices bacon
  • bacon grease (or 1 T butter)
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 3/4 C kohlrabi (or potatoes, fennel bulb, or mushrooms), chopped
  • 3/4 C turnip (or radish), chopped
  • 1 1/2 C onion, chopped
  • 3/4 C carrot, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/2 t dried thyme (or 1/2 T fresh)
  • 1/2 t dried basil (or 1/2 T fresh)
  • 1 C asparagus (or peas), stems snapped off and discarded, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 C greens, chopped
  • 1 T fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 T fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 C milk
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/2 C feta, crumbled
  • Dressing: 1/2 t honey
  • 1 t dijon mustard
  • 1/4 C lemon juice
  • 1 t fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 t fresh dill, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 T olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Place two greased 5" (diameter) by 2" (tall) ramekins or oven safe dishes on a baking sheet and into the oven while it preheats.
  2. Cook bacon to desired crispness. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel lined plate. Crumble when cool enough to handle.
  3. Heat bacon skillet. Add olive oil (and butter if you've wiped it out and discarded the bacon grease). When it's hot, add the kohlrabi through basil (if you're using dried herbs). Cook covered over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add asparagus through dill (adding basil and thyme if you're using fresh) and cook for 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  4. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in veggies and feta. Pour into the hot, greased ramekins (still on the baking sheet). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and have come to 160F. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  5. While frittatas rest, whisk together dressing ingredients, streaming in the olive oil last, while you whisk. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  6. Serve frittatas topped with bacon and dressing.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/bacon-and-feta-frittatas/