Fruit Skewers with Vanilla Lemon Cream Drizzle

• Whatever fruit your heart desires cut up, and skewered like a kabob.
• 1 sm. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
• 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

Just before serving fruit, combine lemonade concentrate and pudding mix; drizzle over fruit. Garnish with poppy seeds if desired. 

Pecan Crusted Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

YIELD: SERVES 4

• 1/3 c. pecan halves
• 1/2 oz. parmesan, grated (about 2 tbsp.)
• 1/2 16 oz. log fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 c. grape tomatoes
• 6 c. mixed salad greens
• balsamic vinaigrette....recipe follows

1. Finely chop pecans. Grate parmesan cheese. Slice mozzarella cheese into eight rounds about 1/2 in. thick.

2. Place flour in a tray. Lightly beat egg in a second tray. Combine pecans, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in a third tray. Lightly dredge each mozzarella round in flour, shaking off excess; dip into egg and then into pecan mixture, coating evenly.
3. Add oil to skillet (do not use stainless cookware); heat over medium heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Cook mozzarella rounds 1-2 minutes on each side or until coating is golden brown and cheese begins to soften around edges.
4. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Divide mixed greens and tomatoes among serving plates; drizzle with vinairgrette and top with mozzarella rounds. 


Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp.  lemon juice 
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 c.  olive oil 

Spring Vegetable Minestrone

YIELD: SERVES 6

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 5 cloves pressed garlic
• 8 c. vegetable broth
• 1 c. uncooked ditalini pasta or orzo 
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 8 oz. green beans, trimmed
• 1 med. zucchini
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 1/2 oz. parmesan cheese, grated (about 6 tbsp.)
• 1/4  c. fresh parsley
• 1/4 c pesto (homemade or prepared)

1. Add oil to 4 qt. casserole; heat over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Meanwhile, chop onion and add it, along with pressed garlic, to casserole. Cook 1-3 minutes or until onion is tender.
2. Add broth, pasta, salt and pepper to casserole; bring to a boil. Meanwhile, cut green beans and zucchini into 1/2 in. pieces. Reduce heat to medium; add vegetables and cannellini beans. Cook 8-10 minutes. or until pasta is tender. Grate cheese and snip parsley.
3. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top with pesto, cheese, and parsley. 

Spinach Artichoke Ravioli with Portobello Mushroom Cream Sauce

• 2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 eggs, plus 1 for egg wash
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Cornmeal or flour for dusting

1. In an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook*, combine the flour and salt. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and continue to mix. 2. Drizzle in 1 tablespoons of the olive oil and continue to incorporate all the flour until it forms a ball.
3. Sprinkle some flour on work surface, knead and fold the dough until elastic and smooth, this should take about 10 minutes. Brush the surface with the remaining olive oil and wrap the dough in plastic wrap; let rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
*Alternatively if you don't have an electric mixer: Combine the flour and salt on a flat work surface; shape into a mound and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the well and lightly beat with a fork. Gradually draw in the flour from the inside wall of the well in a circular motion. Use 1 hand for mixing and the other to protect the outer wall. Continue to incorporate all the flour until it forms a ball. Continue as directed above.
Cut the ball of dough in 1/2, cover and reserve the piece you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out. Dust the counter and dough with a little flour. Press the dough into a rectangle and roll it through a pasta machine, 2 or 3 times, at widest setting. Pull and stretch the sheet of dough with the palm of your hand as it emerges from the rollers. Reduce the setting and crank the dough through again, 2 or 3 times. Continue tightening until the machine is at the narrowest setting; the dough should be paper- thin, about 1/8-inch thick (you should be able to see your hand through it.). Dust the sheets of dough with flour as needed.
**If you aren’t lucky enough to own a pasta machine: I divided my dough in half and shaped one half of the dough into a rectangle. Then rolled it out lengthwise. Keep rolling and stretching and rolling and stretching and rolling some more, until it seems to be as thin as described. It was about 3 ft[ish] long and 4-5 inches wide.
Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Dust the counter and sheet of dough with flour, lay out the long sheet of pasta, and brush the top surface with the egg wash, which acts as a glue. Drop tablespoons of your favorite filling on 1/2 of the pasta sheet, about 2-inches apart. Fold the other 1/2 over the filling like a blanket. With an espresso cup or fingers, gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling. Use a sharp knife to cut each pillow into squares and crimp the 4 edges with the tins of a fork to make a tight seal. Dust the ravioli and a sheet pan with cornmeal to prevent the pasta from sticking and lay them out to dry slightly while assembling the rest. {I would recommend letting the ravioli dry on a cooling rack or a greased surface. I just put them on a pan and they almost didn't make it off when it was time to cook them.}
Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling salted water for 4 minutes; they'll float to the top when ready, so be careful not to overcrowd the pot. {I also added a little EVOO to my water so they didn't stick}. Lift the ravioli from water with a large strainer or slotted spoon. Bath the ravioli in your favorite sauce to lightly coat and serve. 

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Filling

• 1 15 oz. carton ricotta cheese
• 1-2 c. mozzarella cheese...depending on your gooeyness factor!!! :) 
• 1/2 c. Parmesan Cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2-1 bunch spinach (I used fresh, but you could use frozen)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• optional: toasted and chopped pinenuts...in the filling or sprinkled on top. Yummy!!! 

1. Combine everything and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Portobello Mushroom Cream Sauce

• 6 tbsp. butter, divided
• onion to taste, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 portobello mushroom, diced
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 1/4-1/2 c. parmesan cheese (maybe 1/4 cup) 
• 1 juice from lemon
• 1/4 c. water
• salt & pepper to taste
• chives for garnish

1. Melt 4Tbsp.of butter in pan. Sauté green onions/shallots and garlic. Add mushrooms and chives. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add heavy cream, remaining 2 Tbsp. butter, water, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Whisk together and bring to a boil. Cook for a few minutes. Then, turn to low and simmer until you are ready to serve.
3. Serve over Spinach Artichoke Ravioli. Garnish with chopped chives. 

Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli

YIELD: Serves 4-5

• 5 lbs. broccoli, cut into florets. If you rinse them, dry thoroughly!
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp.salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 lemon zest & fresh squeezed lemon
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/3 c. parmesan cheese 
• 3 tbsp. pine nuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (easier clean up!).
2. Toss broccoli florets with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until some florets are a bit browned (but watch it doesn’t burn!).
4. Remove from oven, squeeze one half of the lemon over the broccoli as well as zest the lemon over the broccoli. Toss with parmesan cheese and pine nuts. 

Shrimp & Scallion Stuffed Sole with Lemon Dill Seasoning

YIELD: Serves 4

• 1-2 tbs.lemon pepper 
• 1  tsp.celery salt
• 2  tbs.  Fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. dill
• 1 tsp onion powder

 Mix seasonings all together.

• 1-2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 c. zucchini, diced
• 1/4 c. scallions, chopped (I like vidalla onions better)
• 4 oz. shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tbs. bread crumbs
• 4 fillets sole (or tilapia) 3-4 ounces each
• 1 c. white wine (or stock)
• 1/4 c.creme fraiche or sour cream
• sea salt to taste

In a deep sauté pan with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the zucchini until soft, then add the scallions and shrimp and cook until shrimps turn opaque


Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the bread crumbs and the dry seasoning mix, reserving a 1/4 or so for the sauce.


Lay the fish fillets on a prep surface and lightly salt. Place 1/4 of the shrimp mixture in the middle of each fillet. Wrap the thicker end of the fillet over the stuffing while folding the thinner end over to meet and cover the first. Secure each fillet with a toothpick.


Place the 4 stuffed fish fillets back in the sauté pan. Pour in the wine and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12 minutes (about 7 min. if using Tilapia) or until the fish turns opaque. Remove the stuffed fillets to a warm plate.


Boil the remaining liquid and the remaining seasoning mix until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Remove from heat and stir in the crème fraiche or sour cream. Garnish each portion with 2 tablespoons of the mixture and serve. 

Lemon Rosemary Salt

YIELD: 2 tbsp. salt (serving size: 1 tsp.)

• 8 tsp. grated lemon rind (about 2 large lemons) 
• 4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. 
• finely chopped fresh rosemary

1. Combine all ingredients in a mini chopper; pulse 5 times or until well blended.

Pistachio Panna Cotta with Vanilla Syrup & Raspberry Drizzle

YIELD: Serves 6

• 2 tsp. gelatin
• 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1/4 c. plus 2 tbs. sugar 
• 1/2 c. whole milk
• 1 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
• 2 tbs. shelled pistachio nuts, finally chopped (or more depending on how much you like pistachios! :))
• Vanilla Syrup* 1 pint
• fresh Raspberries....if available or frozen and thawed...reserve juice, plus a little sugar to taste

1. Prepare the panna cotta: Place six 31/2-ounceramekins (3 inches in diameter,11/2inches deep) on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until cold. Put 3 tablespoons cool water into a medium bowl. Sprinkle with gelatin; let stand until gelatin has softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir together cream and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar, until bubbles form at edges, about 2 minutes. Pour cream mixture into bowl with gelatin; whisk until gelatin has dissolved. Stir in milk. Pour through a sieve into a bowl. Pour cream mixture into chilled ramekins. Refrigerate on baking sheet until set, about 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, make the syrup and also puree 3/4 of berries with a little sugar. Reserve some to garnish on top.
4. To serve, dip one ramekin in a bowl of hot water for 20 seconds; make sure water does not reach the rim. Invert panna cotta onto a dessert plate, gently shaking and tapping ramekin to unmold. If unmolding is difficult, return the ramekin to hot water briefly. Repeat to ummold the remaining ramekins.
5. Drizzle each panna cotta with vanilla syrup, pureed berries, and a sprinkling of chopped pistachio nuts.
6. Serve and Enjoy!

VANILLA SYRUP
YIELD: Makes about 1/2 cup

• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
• 2 tsp. Marsala wine

1. Stir together sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until mixture has reduced to about 1/2 cup and has the consistency of a thin syrup, 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Pour syrup through a medium-mesh sieve into a small bowl. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in Marsala, and set aside until ready to use.

Cooking Class Gourmet

Menu

Strawberry Slush Daiquiri

Baked Fontina

Cherry Balsamic Salad

Pinwheel Steaks

Roasted Asparagus

Crepe Cake

Strawberry Slush Daiquiri

1 box frozen strawberries
4 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate
¼ C. sugar
1 C. Ginger Ale
Ice
Blend all ingredients together. If desired, dip rims of glasses in water or lime juice, then into sugar. Add a slice of fresh strawberry on the glass.

Baked Fontina

1 ½ lb. Italian Fontina, rind removed and 1 in. diced
¼ c. good olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tbsp. fresh minced thyme leaves
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 crusty French baguette

1.Preheat the broiler and position the rack 5in. from the heat.
2.Distribute the cubes of Fontina evenly in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Drizzle on the olive oil. Combine the garlic, thyme and rosemary and sprinkle over the cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and place the pan under the broiler for 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and starts to brown.
3.Serve the baked Fontina family style—right out of the oven in the cast-iron pan with crusty chunks of bread for everyone to dip.

Cherry Balsamic Salad

1 head Romaine lettuce washed and chopped

1 head Red Leaf lettuce washed and chopped
1 cup Craisins
1 ¼ cup candied almonds
1-2 English cucumbers, seeded and diced
1 pint raspberries
1 pound strawberries
1 small jicama, peeled and diced
1 recipe Dark Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette


Dark Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup cherry preserves
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil
Kosher salt
Freshly Ground black pepper

1.In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar, sugar, and garlic and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Simmer the mixture, uncovered, until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
2.Add the cherry preserves and cook for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3.Once cooled, whisk in the red wine vinegar followed by the canola oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Will keep in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Pinwheel Steaks

Filling:
1 (3-ounce) jar pine nuts, 1/3 cup
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1 cup basil leaves
2 cloves cracked garlic
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steaks:
6 thin cut New York strip steaks
Coarse salt and black pepper
1 tall jar, 18 to 20 ounces, roasted red peppers, well drained, about 3 peppers
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Metal skewers

Directions
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
Toast pine nuts in a small pan over medium heat until golden. Place spinach, arugula, garlic, cheese, 2 pinches salt, a few grinds black pepper, and toasted nuts in a food processor. Pulse grind the filling into a paste. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove 1/2 cup of filling paste to a bowl and stir in extra-virgin olive oil to loosen it. Reserve remaining filling in processor bowl.
Place steaks between layers of waxed paper several inches apart. Pound steaks with a heavy bottomed pan to 1/2 their thickness. Season each steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Cover each steak with a thin layer of filling and top with roasted red peppers. Roll steaks tightly. Secure pinwheels with a carefully placed skewer and set 6 pinwheels on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra-virgin oil and roast 12 to 15 minutes. Remove skewers and transfer pinwheels to dinner plates. Top each with a generous portion of reserved sauce made from filling and extra-virgin olive oil, combined.

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar and Parmesan

2 pounds asparagus spears

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.Trim asparagus by breaking off the woody part on at the bottom of the stem.
3.Arrange asparagus spears on baking sheet, and coat with olive oil. Toss the spears with the oil to ensure even coating. Sprinkle asparagus with salt and pepper.
4.Bake asparagus for 12 minutes until tender crisp.
5.Sprinkle asparagus with vinegar and cheese, serve hot.

Crepe Cake

For the crêpes batter:
6 tablespoons butter
3 cups milk
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tbsp. sugar
Pinch salt
vegetable oil

Directions:
1.The day before serving the cake, make the crepe batter and the pastry cream. For the batter, cook the butter in a small pan until brown like hazelnuts. Set aside.
2.In another small pan, heat the milk until steaming; allow to cool for 10 minutes. In a mixer on medium-low speed, beat together the eggs, flour, sugar and salt.
3.Slowly add the hot milk and browned butter.
4.Pour into a container with a spout, cover and refrigerate overnight.
5.To make the crepes, bring the batter to room temperature.
6.Place a nonstick or seasoned 9-inch crepe pan over medium heat.
7.Swab the surface with the oil, then add about 3 tablespoons batter and swirl to cover the surface.
8.Cook until the bottom just begins to brown, about 1 minute, then carefully lift an edge and flip the crepe with your fingers. Cook on the other side for no longer than 5 seconds. Flip the crepe onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
9.Repeat until you have 20 perfect crepes.

For the vanilla pastry cream:
2 cups milk
1 tbsp. vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, halved and scraped
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch, sifted
3 1/2 tbsp. butter

Directions:
1.Combine milk and vanilla bean in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and then set aside for 10 minutes.
2.In a medium heavy-bottomed pan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the hot milk, then place pan over high heat and bring to a boil, whisking vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes.
3.Press the pastry cream through a fine-meshed sieve into the small bowl.
4.Stir in the butter. When completely cool, cover and refrigerate.

To assemble the cake:
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
icing sugar (optional)

Directions:
1.Whip the heavy cream with the tablespoon sugar and the vanilla. It won’t hold stiff peaks but that’s okay. Fold it into the pastry cream.
2.Lay 1 crepe on a cake plate. Using an icing spatula, completely cover with a thin layer of pastry cream (about 1/4 cup).
3.Cover with a crepe and repeat to make a stack of 20, with the best-looking crepe on top.
4.Chill for at least 2 hours. Set out for 30 minutes before serving.
5.If you have a blowtorch for creme brulee, sprinkle the top crepe with 2 tablespoons sugar and caramelize with the torch; otherwise, dust with confectioners’ sugar. Slice like a cake.

Raspberry Sauce

Ingredients
12 ounces frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice

Directions:
1.In a blender, combine raspberries and sugar. Blend until liquefied.
2.Add orange juice and blend until well combined and smooth.
3.Pour raspberry sauce through a fine mesh sieve; discard seeds.
4.Pour over cake to serve.

Black and White

Menu
Salted Pretzel Bites
Spicy Jalapeño Jelly
Citrus Cider
Harvest Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Vegetable Pot Pie
Lemon Poppyseed Scones with Lemon Glaze

Jalapeno Jelly

• 7-8 Green Bell Peppers
• 3-4 Jalapeno Peppers 
• 6 C. Sugar {use exact amount} 
• 2 C. Vinegar 
• 2- 3 oz. pkgs. Of Liquid Pectin {1 box. Each indiv. Package contains 3 oz. }
• 3-4 drops of green food coloring

 Wash peppers, take out seeds. Cut into piece & blend in blender with a little bit of vinegar {each time} In 6-8 Qt. pan combine sugar, remaining vinegar & pepper mixture. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly. Boil hard for 10 min {stirring constantly}

Remove from hear stir in liquid pectin. Return to full boil and boil for 1 min.

Remove from heat and add green food coloring. Skim off scum and immediately fill jars to ¼ inch from the top. Wipe off jar lids and screw lids firmly.

Process in 15 min water bath or steamer.

Pretzel Bites

• 1 ½ C. Flour 
• 2/3 C. Milk 
• 2 TBSP Veg. Oil
• 2 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 tsp Sugar 
• ½ tsp. salt 
• 1 egg 

  Heat oven to 425.

Put the 1 ½ cu. Flour, milk, veg. oil, baking powder sugar & salt & mix together in a medium bowl.  Sprinkle flour on clean surface & place dough on the surface.  Divide dough into 2 parts & knead for about 10 minutes & then put med. Bowl upside down over dough & let rest for 15 minutes.

Roll out each ball of dough into a long rope & let rest.  Make an egg wash & brush over the dough, sprinkle with salt & using a pizza cutter cut up the rope into bite size pieces. 

Place on a cookie sheet & bake for 9 to 11 minutes of until bites are golden brown.  Let pretzels cool & enjoy! 

Apple Cider Punch

• Half Gallon Apple cider, chilled 
• 1 Qt. white grape juice, chilled 
• 1 {750 ml} bottle of sparkling apple cider, chilled 
• 8 oz. orange juice 
• 8 star anises 
• 3 large gold delicious apples, sliced thinly 

Put all together in a large bowl or pitcher & add anises & sliced apples as garnish on top. Also chill with ice either in the bowl or in each glass or tumbler.

Harvest Salad

Dressing

• 4 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar 
• ¾ tsp. Gound Cumin 
• ¼ C. extra virgin Olive Oil 
• 1/8 tsp. Salt 

Whisk vinegar & cumin. Gradually whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Add salt and pepper.


Salad

• 2 medium heads of Red Leaf Lettuce, torn 
• 2 cans of Mandarin Oranges, drained 
• 1 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced 
• 2 Medium Avocados, halved, seeded, & sliced 
• 8 tsp. cumin-toasted pumpkin seeds, bought at the grocery store. {See recipe below} 

Wash, dry & tear lettuce & top with oranges, red onion slices, avocado slices & top with pumpkin seeds. Lightly drizzle dressing over the top of salad.

Cumin-Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

• 1 Cup raw pumpkin seeds 
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil 
• ½ tsp. ground Cumin
• ½ tsp. Salt 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Toss in oil, cumin & salt & spread on a baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes {or until toasted} stirring once or twice. Let seeds completely cool. Makes about 1 cup.

Vegetable Pot Pie

Filling

• 12 TBSP. unsalted butter {1 ½ sticks} 
• 2 cups sliced yellow onions {2 onions}
• 1 fennel bulb, top & core removed, thinly sliced crosswise
• ½ cup all-purpose flour 
• 2 ½ cups good chicken stock 
• Pinch of saffron threads {you can find these in the grocery store in the spice section}
• 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 
• 3 TBSP heavy cream 
• 1 ½ cups diced potatoes {1/2 lb.}
• 1 ½ cups asparagus tips 
• 1 ½ cups peeled, diced carrots {about 4 carrots} 
• 1 ½ cups peeled, diced butternut squash 
• 1 ½ cups frozen small whole onions {1/2 lb} 
• ½ cup flat-leaf parsley 

Pastry

• 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt 
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• ½ cup vegetable shortening 
• ¼ lb. cold unsalted butter, diced 
• ½-3/4 cup ice water 
• 1 egg beaten with 1 TBSP water for egg wash 

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and fennel and sauté until translucent, 10-15 minutes. Add the flour, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Slowly add the stock, saffron, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the heavy cream and season to taste. The sauce should be highly seasoned.

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 minutes. Lift out with a sieve. Add the asparagus, carrots and squash to the pot and cook in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well. Add the potatoes, mixed vegetables, onions and parsley to the sauce and mix well.

For the pastry:
Mix the flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade {or do the old fashioned way cutting in the shortening with pastry cutter} Add the shortening and butter and mix quickly together. Mix or cut in the shortening until it is about the size of peas. Slowly add the ice water & only enough to moisten the dough and have it just come together. Dump the dough out onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Divide the filling equally either in pans or use a 9x13 baking pan. Either divide the dough to cover little individual servings or roll out to cover a 9x13 pan. Brush the outside edges of the indiv. Pans or larger pan with egg wash, then place the dough on top. Trim & crimp the dough to fold over the sides. Brush the dough with an egg wash and make some slits into the top. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 TBSP sugar 
• 2 TBSP poppy seeds 
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 TBSP baking powder 
• ½ tsp. salt 
• ½ baking soda 
• 1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces 
• ½ heavy cream 
• ¼ cup plus 1 TBSP of fresh lemon juice 
• ½ c. powdered sugar 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda & salt. Using a pastry cutter cut in butter until mixture resembles very coarse meal. Pour in heavy cream, them add ¼ c. lemon juice, stirring just until dough forms.

Using your hand, gather dough together & gently press into a ball. Transfer dough to a parchment lined baking sheet and shape into an 8- inch disk. Cut into 8 wedges & separate so scones are about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 12 to 14 minutes.

Transfer scones to a wire rack and let cool, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with remaining lemon juice and stir until smooth. Using a spoon, drizzle glaze over cooled scones.

Fresh & Flavorful

Menu

Flat Bread

30 Minute Mozzarella

Rosemary Honey

Lemongrass Soup

Jicama Slaw

Ahi with Cilantro Pesto

Grandma Gardner’s Strawberry Pie

Basil Ice Cream

Rosemary Honey

• 1 cup light-flavored honey, such as clover
• 5 rosemary sprigs (3 inches each)

Bring honey and rosemary to a simmer in a small saucepan. Cook for 5 min. Remove from heat, and let steep until cool, about 45 minuets. Remove rosemary or leave in for a stronger flavor.
*Honey can be stored in a airtight container at room temperature roe 1 week

Baked Puffed Flatbread

Makes eight 6- to 7-inch breads. 

Make sure you let the pieces of dough rest after forming them into balls and again after rolling them into 4-inch circles; otherwise, they will shrink back and not hold their shape.

• 1 package dry active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 cup water (warm -- 110 to 115 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil , plus extra for brushing
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt , plus extra for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour , sieved (before measuring) to remove coarse flakes of bran
• 2 cups bread flour , plus additional as needed
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

 1. In either the workbowl of a food processor fitted with stainless steel blade or, if working by hand, a medium mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Add oil, sugar, and yogurt and pulse to mix, about four 1-second bursts, or, if working by hand, mix with wooden spoon until well combined. Add salt, sieved whole wheat flour, and 2 cups bread flour; process until smooth, about 15 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary, or, if working by hand, mix with wooden spoon until flour is incorporated, about 3 minutes. Process dough (adding more flour as necessary until dough just pulls completely away from sides of bowl) until soft and satiny, about 30 seconds, or, if working by hand, turn dough out of mixing bowl onto very lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 12 to 15 minutes. Squeeze dough gently with full hand; if dough is sticky, sprinkle with flour and knead just to combine. Place dough in medium bowl or straight-sided plastic container, cover with plastic wrap, and place in warm, draft-free spot until dough doubles in size, 30 to 45 minutes. (At this point, dough can be punched down, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerated up to 2 days.)

2. Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface and, if it is sticky, sprinkle very lightly with flour. Following illustrations 1 through 4 below, cut, shape, and roll dough. If using sesame seeds, brush tops of circles lightly with water, sprinkle each circle with 3/4 teaspoon seeds, and gently roll over with rolling pin once or twice so seeds adhere to dough.

3. About 30 minutes prior to cooking, adjust oven rack to lowest position, line rack with unglazed baking tiles, pizza stone, or preheated baking sheet and heat oven to 500 degrees. Bake dough rounds on preheated tiles or pizza stone until bread is puffed and golden brown on bottom, 5 to 6 minutes.

4. Transfer breads to wire rack to cool for 5 minutes; wrap in clean kitchen towels and serve warm or at room temperature.

30 Minute Mozzarella

For SIMPLE step-by-step photo instructions, click here...

30 Minute Mozzarella

Lemongrass Soup

• 1 cup white wine
• 2 oz stalks lemongrass
• 1 lime zest
• 1 Tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 Tablespoon garlic, grated
• 1 Tablespoon curry powder
• ¼ cup honey
• 24 ounces chicken stock
• 16 ounces clam juice
• 27 ounces coconut milk
• 2 tsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sarachi chili sauce
• ¼-1/3 cup cornstarch

Add all ingredients into stockpot expect cornstarch. Bring to a boil and simmer until reduces by a quarter.

Mix cornstarch with water. Add to soup slowly. Strain out lemongrass stocks.

Grilled Ahi With Cilantro Pesto

• 1 ½ Lbs. of fresh Ahi tuna

Cilantro pesto

• 1 Tb chopped garlic
• ¼ freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 3 Tb olive oil
• 3 Tbl pumpkin seeds
• 3 Tb white wine
• 14 tsp salt
• ½ juice of a lime
• Mix well in blender

Cut into 1 inch stakes, marinate in pesto sauce for 20-30 minuets
Brush grill with oil, grill on high, 6 minuets for each side
Let rest 6 minuets then slice into strips

Sweet Asian B.B.Q Sauce

• ¼ cup dark soy sauce
• ¼ cup distilled vinegar
• 1/3 cup oyster sauce
• 1 cup plum sauce
• 1 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 Tb canola oil
• 3 Tb honey
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tb finely minced ginger
• 1 tsp. minced orange zest
• ¾ cup chicken stock

 Drizzle over the jicama slaw and the ahi tuna.

Jicama Slaw

• 1 medium sized jicama, peeled and julienned
• 2 whole carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 small white cabbage, shredded
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• sundried tomatoes’
• diced cilantro
• 1 lime juiced

Grandma Gardner's Strawberry Pie

• 3- egg whites
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder 
• 1 c. Sugar
• 10- Saltine soda crackers 
• 1/2 C. Pecans

Beat the 3 eggs white until stiff. Add baking powder & gradually pour in the sugar. Add the smashed soda crakers & fold in the pecans. Butter a 9 inch pie tin & bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. Let completely cool & then top with cut up Strawberries.

Basil Ice Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup basil leaves
• ½ cup sugar
• Pinch of Salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup well-chilled heavy cream 

Heat milk, basil and ¼ cup sugar, with a pinch of salt, in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the basil leaves.

With a hand-held mixer, beat the yolks and remaining ¼ cup sugar in a bowl until thick and pale (about 1 minute). Add the milk mixture in a slow stream and beat until combined. Pour mixture into a clean saucepan and cook over moderate heat. Be sure to stir constantly. The mixture will begin to thicken and is ready when it coats the back of a wooden spoon – this will take around 6 minutes of stirring. Do not let the mixture come to a boil.

Remove from the heat and poor in to a small bowl. Place the bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and stir until cold, around 12 minutes. (I recommend making the ice bath before you cook the custard over the stove – the custard will cook quickly and, if you don’t cool it down immediately, you risk curdling the mixture).

Stir in the cream and freeze in the ice cream maker. Once frozen, place the ice cream in an airtight container and put in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!