tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:57:21 +0000make-aheadfruitfishtidbittechniquewinterslow cookercurrysummertravelcomfort foodquickgrainsspringbakingcanningfrom the freezerovencelebrationmenupicklespreservesmehsoupbraiseshortyconvenience foodsseafoodbreakfastcookiesfantasticcozyholidaykitchen philosophyveganporkfallstaplesexperimentbeefcookbooksstovetoprecipebeansdessertvegetablesvegetariandrinkspastasummaryleftoversroastSeasonal MenusPlanning, Cooking, and Eating!http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (MK)Blogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-1862196378110883179Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:57:00 +00002013-03-24T13:57:03.130-07:00menuGrab-BagMade <a href="http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/portal/food/ci_22210366/recipe-tangerine-and-vanilla-marmalade" target="_blank">this marmalade</a> last month; I should have looked up how much water is usually added to marmalade, but I blindly followed the "add water to cover" direction and the result is too watery. At some point I plan to remake the jam.<br /><br />Had <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/20612-lentil-salad-with-meyer-lemon-vinaigrette" target="_blank">Meyer-Lemon Lentil Salad</a> a few weeks ago - it was kind of fussy to make, but delicious.<br /><br />We've mostly been eating "old favorites"-type recipes that I've already written about here on the blog. It's been a busy time for both of us, and that looks to continue for at least the next few weeks (in fact, one or both of us will be traveling from now until the very end of April). Probably not a lot of updates as a result.<br /><br />Last week's menu:<br /><br />Su: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-day-2012.html" target="_blank">fancy-pants steaks</a>; mashed potatoes with <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-day-2012.html" target="_blank">crispy leeks</a>; salad with <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/01/bleu-blue-cheese-dressing-recipe-salad/" target="_blank">blue-cheese dressing</a><br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/07/pasta-sauce-easiest-make-ahead-meal.html" target="_blank">pasta with marinara</a><br />T: soup-swap soup (Beef with Barley, it was excellent!) and <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/06/bread.html" target="_blank">bread</a><br />W: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.html" target="_blank">pizza</a> with caramelized onions, rosemary, and local camembert-style cheese<br />R: take-out<br />F: roasted sweet potatoes &amp; cauliflower<br />Sa: roasted chicken with carrots, parsnips, and rutabagahttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/03/grab-bag.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-983040946995008674Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:56:00 +00002013-03-19T17:56:00.836-07:00shortybakingBacony PB CookiesMade following <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/06/09/peanut-butter-cookies/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from the brown-eyed baker; substituting bacon drippings for the shortening gives them a subtle bacony flavor.http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/03/bacony-pb-cookies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-6603078289794102645Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:35:00 +00002013-03-17T17:57:08.343-07:00beefSteakhouse Dinner at HomeSo full. This may be the most decadent meal we've ever made just for the two of us. We did split a single (large) steak, so we had a (very small) nod toward prudence.<br /><br />* salad with <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/01/bleu-blue-cheese-dressing-recipe-salad/" target="_blank">blue cheese dressing</a> (I used 1/2 C milk, 1/4 C yogurt, and 1 Tbsp buttermilk powder)<br />* <a href="http://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2012/02/frozen-seared-steak/#more-3212" target="_blank">sous-vide style steak</a><br />* crispy-leek mashed potatoes (1 leek, fried in generous vegetable oil with generous amount of salt until crispy, mashed into 2 steamed potatoes with a small nob of butter and some fresh-ground black pepper)<br />* peanut butter and bacon cookies (recipe forthcoming from V)http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/03/steakhouse-dinner-at-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-2574000997591057624Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:31:00 +00002013-02-23T22:31:00.914-08:00wintermenuOld Favorites: Menu, Week of Feb 17Su: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/not-entirely-unhealthy-mac-cheese.html" target="_blank">Mac &amp; Cheese</a><br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/multi-ethnic-stew-in-search-of-good.html" target="_blank">Curry of Indeterminate Ethnicity</a>; <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/2009/04/17/instant-gratification-the-indian-flatbread-naan" target="_blank">Naan</a><br />T: out<br />W: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/creamy-parsnip-leek-soup.html" target="_blank">Parsnip &amp; Leek Soup</a><br />R: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2011/12/shafers-goosh-buns.html" target="_blank">Goosh Buns</a><br />F: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches<br />Sa: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2010/01/braised-chicken.html" target="_blank">Braised Chicken</a>; Corn Breadhttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/old-favorites-menu-week-of-feb-17.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-6215351055084473448Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:20:00 +00002013-02-16T18:22:25.842-08:00wintermenuMenu Week of Feb 10Su: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.html" target="_blank">pizza</a> w/ Italian sausage &amp; roasted red peppers<br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/07/pasta-sauce-easiest-make-ahead-meal.html" target="_blank">pasta</a> w/ marinara sauce<br />T: <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/02/spicy-sweet-potato-wedges-plus-five-etceteras/" target="_blank">roasted sweet potatoe</a>s &amp; sauteed kale<br />W: out<br />R: V-Day dinner at <a href="http://www.blackbirdmpls.com/" target="_blank">Blackbird</a><br />F: <a href="http://www.katecooksthebooks.com/other-favorite-books-and-magazines/cooks-illustrated-magazine/potato-gnocchi" target="_blank">gnocchi</a> w/ sage butter sauce; saladhttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/menu-week-of-feb-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-7092837185867645200Sun, 10 Feb 2013 01:27:00 +00002013-02-09T17:28:01.280-08:00make-aheadwinterleftoversmenuLeftovers! Menu, Week of Jan 27<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Su: left-over <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/lemon-lentil-soup.html">lemony lentil soup</a>; bread</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">M: pasta with red sauce (made Sunday)</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">T: <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysroganjosh.html">Beef Rogan Josh</a><span style="font-size: small;">;</span> Naan (made by frying pea<span style="font-size: small;">ch-sized lumps of bread dough in ghee, 2-3 min per side)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">W: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/mexican-corn-chowder.html">Mexican Corn Chowder</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">R: <span style="font-size: small;">omelet with left-over wild-mushroom ravioli filling (...still need to write up the original recipe)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">F<span style="font-size: small;"> &amp; Sa: out</span></span></span>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/leftovers-menu-week-of-jan-27.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-4529698670413283986Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:40:00 +00002013-02-04T10:40:00.619-08:00ovenslow cookerbeefcomfort foodEsther Ann's Beef StewSome of my earliest food memories are of eating this stew at my grandmother's house, and it was one of the first meat dishes I made on my own. Today there are a number of ways I could fancy it up, but it's too precious of a memory for that. For those without fond childhood memories to preserve, you might try switching in your favorite stew spices (marjoram, perhaps?) and browning the beef before starting the stew.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Esther Ann's Beef Stew</b><br /><br /><ul><li>2 lbs stew meat (Grandma uses top round), cut into large chunks, perhaps 2-3"</li><li>3 celery stalks, cut into 2" segments</li><li>2 medium onions, cut in lengths </li><li>4 carrots, cut into 4 pieces&nbsp;</li><li>1 C tomato juice</li><li>1/3 C quick-cooking tapioca</li><li>1 Tbsp sugar</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1 Tbsp dried basil</li><li>1/2 tsp pepper</li><li>2 medium potatoes, cut into large chunks</li></ul>Preheat oven to 300F.<br /><br />Combine beef, celery, onions, and carrots in casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine tomato juice, tapioca, and seasonings. Pour over meat and veggies, stirring to cover.<br /><br />Cover and bake for about 2 1/2 hours. Remove the cover and add the potatoes. Bake for another hour, uncovered, or until potatoes are very soft.<br /><br />Can also be made in the crockpot by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 8 hours.</blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/esther-anns-beef-stew.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-7211438045521169319Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:38:00 +00002013-02-02T10:38:42.498-08:00soupLemon Lentil SoupThis is <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/literary-muffins.html">another recipe</a> from the <a href="http://www.poisonedpenpress.com/series/corinna-chapman-mysteries/">Corinna Chapman series</a> by Kerry Greenwood. (OMG - while I was looking up the series link, I came across a <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/_uploads/documents/minisites/Corinna_recipebook.pdf">link</a> to a mini-cookbook for them! Cannot wait to try. Ahem. Anyway...) I'm enjoying the series, but I'm also having a great time with the recipes Greenwood includes. This soup was no exception - easy to make, and very tasty. I did make a few minimal changes, because I can't seem to resist doing that, but it hews pretty close to the original.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Lemon Lentil Soup</b><br />adapted from <i>Devil's Food</i> by Kerry Greenwood<br /><br /><ul><li>2 cups brown lentils</li><li>olive oil</li><li>2 medium–large onions, peeled and chopped</li><li>bunch of silverbeet (I learned a new word from this recipe: silverbeet is also known as chard), trimmed and finely sliced.</li><li>juice of 2 large lemons</li><li>~ 2 C vegetable stock</li><li>salt and whole black peppercorns</li></ul><br />Soak the lentils overnight or, if time presses or you forgot, cover with cold water and bring to the boil, cover and turn off the heat and leave for an hour. Drain, cover with fresh water (this reduces the flatulence quotient), bring to a boil in a soup pot and simmer until tender (which won’t be long, don’t overcook them) — maybe five minutes. Keep tasting.<br /><br />Meanwhile, cover the base of a heavy sauce pan with olive oil. When hot, throw in the onions, stir, and cook until golden. <br /><br />When the onions are ready, throw in the chard, turn the heat to high, and mix the onions and chard together. Cover tightly, turn the heat down to medium, and cook until the stems are tender. Add the lentils and enough stock to come barely to the top of the mixture. Add the lemon juice and about 20 peppercorns, coarsely cracked. Add salt to taste and simmer for about 15 minutes. </blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/lemon-lentil-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-3165140987412125229Thu, 31 Jan 2013 02:59:00 +00002013-01-30T18:59:00.500-08:00vegetariansoup"Mexican" Corn ChowderLike the other recipes from this cookbook, I've been making this soup since college. V specifically requested this the other day (when I had to look up how to make garlic bread.....). The only problem is that we do all of our grocery shopping at a co-op these days, and the one we go to here in MN doesn't stock creamed corn, so this requires an extra trip. On the other hand, since we only visit regular groceries infrequently, when we go it's a bit like the stories about visitors from the USSR - it is completely stunning to see the huge variety on the shelves, and we go a bit wild buying things we "can't" normally get. Very fun. (My secret vice? all kinds of baked beans. The organic ones simply do not compare.)<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Mexican Corn Chowder</b><br />adapted from <i>Help! My Apartment Has A Kitchen</i><br /><ul><li>2 medium onions, finely chopped</li><li>2 celery sticks, thinly sliced</li><li>2-4 Tbsp vegetable oil</li><li>1 tsp ground cumin</li><li>2 Tbsp Wondra</li><li>2 15-oz cans creamed corn</li><li>1 4-oz can green chilies, drained</li><li>4 C milk</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li>2 C shredded Monterey Jack cheese</li><li>tortilla chips for serving</li></ul>Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until mostly softened (5-7 min). Add the cumin and flour and stir constantly until they're absorbed into the vegetable mixture. Add corn, chilies, milk, and salt &amp; pepper and stir thoroughly.<br /><br />Cook, uncovered, at a simmer until the soup thickens (about 8-10 min). Stir in the cheese and cook for a few more minutes, until the soup is hot but not boiling. Serve.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">makes a light meal for 4</div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/mexican-corn-chowder.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-7767852282731303605Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-01-28T05:00:11.015-08:00wintermenuWinter Menu, Week of Jan 20Su: Salmon, Fennel, &amp; Potato Bake; <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/01/well-that-worked-out-pretty-well.html">Apple Cake</a> (...there was lettuce for salad, but I utterly forgot about it)<br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2010/01/beans-beans.html">Pasta Fazool</a> (mostly cooked on Sunday); bread<br />T: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/cider-cooked-pork-chops.html">Cider-Cooked Pork Chops</a>; baked potatoes<br />W: left-over veggies from Sunday, mixed with some canned tomatoes and cooked with eggs<br />R: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/05/dish-for-cold-spring-day.html">Eleanor's Bean Casserole</a><br />F: bread &amp; roasted garlic<br />Sa: roasted sweet potatoes &amp; brussels sproutshttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/winter-menu-week-of-jan-20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-1982451930582031254Sun, 27 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +00002013-01-27T04:00:02.326-08:00ovenwinterfishwe're trying to eat a bit more fish these days...Eating more fish (salmon, specifically) was a NY's resolution of mine many years ago. I did it (whatever "it" was - I think it was probably 4x/month or similar). I'd read something about how salmon was supposed to be good for your heart, which is why we did it (heart disease runs in my family like wow). But the unexpected benefit was that, after a few months, I had dramatically fewer migraines, and the ones I did have didn't seem to last as long. This is all completely anecdotal, obviously, but for me the correlation was pretty clear. However, it turns out that, try as I might, I'm still not a huge fan of fish. These days I take fish oil tablets (which I still would swear are helping keep my migraines at bay) and we've only kept a few recipes from that long-ago period of frequent fish eating.<br /><br />This recipe is one of the ones I remembered really liking, though we haven't had it in years, so I requested Victor make it the other night. One thing to note - we both forgot that the recipe as originally written (I got it from an article in Health magazine) doesn't really allow enough cooking time for the potatoes. I think it would make sense to do one of the following: slice the potatoes VERY thinly (with a mandoline), braise them in the first step by adding some chicken broth and covering the pan with foil, or pre-cook the potatoes slightly by microwaving or steaming them. <br /><br />That said, with some extra time in the oven, this was delicious. We ate the salmon the first night, but had a lot of veggies/potatoes left, so they became part of dinner another night, mixed with some tomato puree and cooked with a few eggs on top.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><br /></b><b>Salmon with Potatoes, Onions, and Fennel</b><br />(adapted from <i>Health Magazine</i>, June 2001)<br /><br /><ul><li>~ 1 lb yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled, halved, and very thinly sliced</li><li>1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced</li><li>fennel bulb, trimmed, bulb halved and sliced (about 2 C)</li><li>1 Tbsp sugar</li><li>1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp fresh)</li><li>2 Tbsp drained capers</li><li>4 5-oz salmon fillets</li><li>4 Tbsp crumbled feta</li><li>3 Tbsp seasoned dried bread crumbs</li><li>1/4 C vermouth, dry white wine, or broth</li></ul>Preheat oven to 400F. Spray an 11x7 baking dish with cooking spray and arrange potato slices over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; bake 10 min (or more - see headnote).<br /><br />Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine onion, fennel, sugar, and thyme. Toss to combine. When you take the potatoes out of the oven, pour this mixture on top. Sprinkle with capers. Bake until potatoes are softened and fennel tastes nearly done (at least 15 min).<br /><br />Meanwhile, combine feta, bread crumbs, and vermouth or broth. Toss gently to combine. When the veggies are done, put the salmon, skin-side down,&nbsp; atop them. Spread cheese mixture over fish and vegetables. Bake another 20 minutes, or until salmon is done to your liking.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">serves 4</div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/were-trying-to-eat-bit-more-fish-these.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-8501679675704234767Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:09:00 +00002013-01-26T19:09:53.383-08:00stovetopporkCider-Cooked Pork ChopsThis recipe is one of the original "orange binder" recipes. I typed it up out of a now-forgotten magazine, put the title in a funky font, and printed it out for the binder (because that's how I roll). When we got pork chops from the meat CSA this month, it was the obvious thing to do with them. I love the combination of the tangy-ness and sweetness and the green onions. The green onions make it, IMO.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br /><b>Cider-Cooked Pork Chops</b><br />original source lost...<br /><br /><ul><li>1/2 tsp salt</li><li>1/4 tsp ground pepper</li><li>4 boneless pork chops (1.25 lb or so)</li><li>2 tsp vegetable oil</li><li>2 tart apples, peeled, cored, and very thinly sliced</li><li>1 C apple cider, the tarter the better</li><li>2 tsp dijon mustard</li><li>1 tsp honey</li><li>3-4 scallions, cut into 2-inch segments, green parts only</li></ul>Mix salt and pepper together; use 1/4 tsp of that mixture to season both sides of the chops. Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops and brown well on both sides; remove from pan (they'll finish cooking in a bit).<br /><br />Add remaining oil and apples slices to skillet. Cook, stirring once in a while, until browned (about 3 min). Stir in cider, mustard, honey, and the rest of the salt and pepper. Add chops, snugging them down in the liquid. Bring to a simmer and keep simmering for 3 min, covered. Add the scallions and simmer for another 3 min or so, until the chops are done to your liking.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">serves 4 as a main dish </div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/cider-cooked-pork-chops.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-2013718762118161414Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:40:00 +00002013-02-09T17:19:31.318-08:00wintermenuMenu, Week of Jan 13Sunday: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/slow-cooker-stuffed-greens.html">Slow-Cooker Stuffed Greens</a>; salad<br />Monday: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/health/rice-bowl-with-sweet-and-sour-purple-cabbage-recipes-for-health.html">Sweet-and-Sour Rice Bowl</a> (I loved the combination of veggies in the stir-fry, but this recipe turned out to be incredibly bland; we rescued it with large amounts of SoyVey)<br />Tuesday: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/06/bread.html">bread</a>, roasted garlic, salad<br />Wednesday: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/02/lemon-lentil-soup.html">lentil soup</a> and more bread <strike>(need to type this recipe up)</strike><br />Thursday: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.html">pizza</a><br />Friday: out<br /><br /><br />http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/menu-week-of-jan-13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-4333354805066383355Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:15:00 +00002013-01-19T09:16:00.773-08:00bakingMuffin Season (belated)I know, it's technically been "<a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/09/must-be-fall.html">muffin season</a>" for quite some time. I got a little derailed this year, but I'm <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/literary-muffins.html">catching up</a>. I woke up this morning thinking about a muffin with dates and pecans; when I got downstairs and looked at the pantry, I decided they'd be great in a spiced sweet-potato batter. This is what I came up with, aided by the always-fabulous <i>King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking</i>.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Sweet Potato Muffins with Pecans and Dates</b><br />adapted from <i>King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking</i><br /><ul><li>8 oz (2 C) whole wheat flour</li><li>1 tsp baking soda</li><li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li>1/2 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li><li>1/2 tsp ground cloves</li><li>fresh nutmeg, grated to yield about 1/4 tsp</li><li>3 oz (3/4 C) chopped pecans, toasted lightly</li><li>4 1/2 oz (3/4 C) chopped dates</li><li>1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened</li><li>7 1/2 oz (1 C) brown sugar (any kind; I actually used muscovado)</li><li>1 3/4 oz (1/4 C) cane sugar</li><li>3 large eggs</li><li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>9 1/2 oz (1 C) pureed sweet potato (mine was canned)</li></ul>Preheat oven to 375F. Grease every other well in two 12-muffin tins.<br /><br />Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a medium bowl. Mix in the pecans and dates. Cream together until fluffy the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla and sweet potato. Add the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until evenly moistened.<br /><br />Pour the batter into the prepared tins (I used two pans so the muffins would rise more evenly). Bake 20-24 minutes, until a tester inserted into a muffin comes out cleanly.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><i>yield: about a dozen muffins</i></div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/muffin-season-belated.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-4673021195595290736Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-01-14T04:30:02.493-08:00slow cookerwinterSlow-Cooker Stuffed GreensEven though he was sick, V still managed to put this together while I was out running errands. We both loved it, though I think the next time we make it I'll just use cabbage - I missed its flavor here.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Italian Sausage Stuffed Greens</b><br />adapted from <a href="http://clementinesproduceandprovisions.blogspot.com/2012/10/top-10-slow-cooker-recipes-for-parents.html">here</a><br /><br /><ul><li>4-6 large greens leaves (Swiss chard, kale, or collards)</li><li>1 lb. of ground Italian sausage</li><li>Handful of breadcrumbs</li><li>Small handful of Parmesan</li><li>½ onion, shredded</li><li>½ zucchini or carrot, shredded</li><li>1 egg</li><li>2 T. tomato paste</li><li>Tomato Juice or V8</li><li>Fresh Herbs, chopped</li></ul><br />Wash greens and make an inverted “V” in the base of the leaf to remove the steam. Combine the sausage, breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion, zucchini (or carrot), egg, and tomato paste. Divide mixture and using the greens, roll into “burritos”. Place in crockpot and cover with tomato juice or V8 and fresh herbs. Cook on high for 1 hour and low for 3 hours. <br /><div style="text-align: right;">Serves 4</div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/slow-cooker-stuffed-greens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-3856238617356469772Mon, 14 Jan 2013 01:02:00 +00002013-01-13T17:02:51.634-08:00wintermenuEye of the Storm, Mid-Flu Season 2012-13We were actually both well for almost the entire week, but Victor finally succumbed Saturday morning. In between our illnesses, though, we got some tasty food in.<br /><br />Su: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2010/06/perfect-kale.html">Zuni Chicken</a>; Roasted Carrots; <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2011/01/vanilla-bean-pudding/">Vanilla Bean Pudding</a><br />M: Mushroom Ravioli &amp; Sweet Potato-Sage Ravioli in broth (still need to write up these recipes); <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2011/02/dark-n-stormy-sorbet.html">Dark &amp; Stormy Sorbet</a><br />T: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2011/02/guess-i-should-update-my-profile.html">Chipotle Red-Bean Chile</a><br />W: out<br />R: "Snacker" <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.html">Pizza</a> (ended up being topped with an eccentric mix of turkey "snack sticks" and a single smoked-mozzarella stick)<br />F: left-overs<br />Sa: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/companys-coming-not.html">Quince-Rosemary Glazed Ham</a>; <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/03/simplest-potato-leek-braise.html">Braised Leeks &amp; Potatoes</a>; <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2008/11/19/pan-roasted-brussels-sprouts-a-meatless-thanksgiving/">Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts</a>; Pear Sorbethttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/eye-of-storm-mid-flu-season-2012-13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-9198427516211598861Sun, 13 Jan 2013 04:54:00 +00002013-01-12T20:55:20.247-08:00ovenholidaycompany's coming.... notWe'd planned to have this meal with friends, but were utterly thwarted by this year's intense flu season. First our friends' little girl got sick; even if that hadn't derailed our plans, V woke up this morning with a sore throat and a fever. Sharing this meal would have meant also sharing some nasty germs - so not a gift we want to give our friends. But the ingredients were ready to go, and I felt fine, so I went ahead and we had a very fancy dinner for the two of us.<br /><br /><b>Menu</b>: Quince-Rosemary Glazed Ham; <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/03/simplest-potato-leek-braise.html">Braised Leeks &amp; Potatoes</a>; <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2008/11/19/pan-roasted-brussels-sprouts-a-meatless-thanksgiving/">Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts</a>; Pear Sorbet<br /><br />For the ham, I baked a 4 lb. boneless smoked ham for 2 hours at 350F, basting every 20-30 minutes with quince-rosemary jelly (a homemade gift). Probably could have cooked it a bit less, but I was trying to time things with the leek-and-potato braise.http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/companys-coming-not.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-6672283956184879769Sun, 06 Jan 2013 22:50:00 +00002013-01-06T14:50:22.122-08:00ovenbakingliterary muffinsThis recipe originates from a mystery novel by Kerry Greenwood. The main character is a baker; her apprentice comes up with the idea of making a "plum pudding" muffin. It sounded fantastic when she described it and I was thrilled to discover that Greenwood included the actual recipe at the end of the book. It's been a few weeks since I finished <i>Earthly Delights</i>, but I only got around to making the muffins this weekend. They were easy and tasty and I will definitely be making them again. <br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Plum Pudding Muffins</b><br /><ul><li>2 C AP flour (I believe you could substitute white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour as well)</li><li>1/2 C sugar</li><li>1 1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li>1 1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li>1 C chopped dried fruit (I used a combination of candied lemon rind, golden raisins, and raisins)</li><li>1 tsp cinnamon</li><li>pinch allspice</li><li>1 beaten egg</li><li>1 C milk (I used skim)</li><li>2 Tbsp melted butter</li><li>1 Tbsp rum (or brandy)</li></ul>Heat oven to 300F. Spray muffin tins with oil (or my favorite, oil-and-flour baking spray). Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour through allspice) and wet ingredients in another bowl. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir. Pour batter into prepared tins. Bake for about 15-20 min, until they smell cooked and are lightly browned on top.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><i>yield: about 12 muffins </i></div></blockquote>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/literary-muffins.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-2953407515773094896Sat, 05 Jan 2013 22:49:00 +00002013-03-24T13:57:21.809-07:00staplesmake-aheadovenvegetarianfluThe last week has pretty much disappeared in a haze of Nyquil for me - I did manage to go to work for 2/3 of the work-days last week, but I'm lucky they like me there because I wasn't good for much. And I collapsed when I got home both days. So we ate a lot of leftovers and delivery; Victor also whipped up several of his go-to dishes (fried rice and omelets). Before I got sick, I did manage to make one meal, though. It's quickly become one of my favorites, mostly because (assuming you've pre-made the dough), it comes together in a snap and requires pretty minimal ingredients.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Margarita Pizza</b><br />from the wonderful new <i>Smitten Kitchen</i> cookbook<br /><br /><ul><li>~ 1/2 C strained and pureed tomatoes (I literally strain them to get excess liquid out so it doesn't make the pizza soggy, though I'm not sure that's what she intended)</li><li>1/2 tsp salt</li><li>1/2 tsp sugar </li><li>pinch red pepper flakes</li><li>few drops red wine vinegar</li><li>1-2 cloves garlic, minced or grated</li><li>3/4 lb ball pizza dough (recipe follows, or use your own favorite)</li><li>4-5 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced</li><li>some basil leaves, torn or chopped (or use fresh oregano)</li></ul>Heat your oven as high as it goes (ours goes up to 550F, which works wonderfully). Sprinkle a rimmed baking sheet (9x13) or a medium-sized pizza pan with cornmeal or spray with that cooking-spray-plus-flour stuff I'm so fond of.<br /><br />Blend the tomatoes and seasonings together. Stretch the dough to cover your baking sheet/pizza pan - no worries about holes or whatever, you can always pinch them together. Spread the mostly-flat dough with tomato sauce, sprinkle with basil leaves, and arrange the cheese slices to more-or-less cover your pizza. Bake for 7-11 minutes (in my oven, it always takes the full cooking time). The cheese should be very bubbly and even a little blistered.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">serves 2 generously </div></blockquote><br />"Leisurely" Pizza Dough<br />also from the new <i>Smitten Kitchen</i> book; she has a "rushed" pizza dough, too, but I've never made it; instead, I make a double batch of this one and freeze the second half. The day before I want to make pizza, I move it to the fridge and then proceed with the recipe as written. The book also has directions for hand-kneading the dough.<br /><br /><ul><li>1/2 C warm water</li><li>1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp dry yeast</li><li>1 1/2 C (190 g) AP flour (or a combination of AP and whole-wheat flour - I generally do about 50/50)</li><li>1 1/2 tsp kosher salt&nbsp;</li><li>little bit of olive oil </li></ul>Combine water and yeast in the mixer bowl; let stand for a few minutes if that's a thing your yeast needs. Add the flour and salt and mix with the dough hook until you have a craggy mass. Reduce the speed to low and let it bang around for about 5 minutes, until it is a smooth and cohesive ball. Take the dough out and coat it with a little olive oil; then put it back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest in the fridge for at least 8 hours and up to 24.<br /><br />When you're ready to use it, remove from the fridge and allow to double in a warm spot (I put mine on top of the kitchen radiator).<br /><div style="text-align: right;">makes about 3/4 pizza dough, enough for a medium pizza</div>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-8396268882969074569Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:38:00 +00002013-01-05T14:51:11.599-08:00travelwintermenuTravel Menu (late December)Whew - will I ever get back to posting regularly here?<br /><br />We were out of town part of last week for the holiday, so I did an (unusual for me) two-week menu plan. I hate coming home from a trip and having to eat out yet again because there's nothing edible in the house: this is my solution.<br /><br />Su: simple pizza from the new Smitten Kitchen cookbook <strike>(still need to write this up)</strike> link <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu.html">here</a><br />M: my grandmother's beef stew (somehow, I've never posted this recipe, either)<br />T: left-over cannellini bean soup<br />W: dinner out<br />R - M: out of town<br />T: pasta with <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/07/pasta-sauce-easiest-make-ahead-meal.html">red sauce</a> <br />W: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2011/12/shafers-goosh-buns.html">goosh buns</a> (my, but we get A LOT of ground beef from our meat CSA)<br />R: roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed kale, smoked brats (massive quantities of all, as we had guests)http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/12/travel-menu-late-december.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-2140681730499076269Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:28:00 +00002012-12-31T15:12:38.471-08:00celebrationbakingholidayCranberry-Orange Buttermilk RollsI was just trying to find this recipe so I could make my shopping list for the week, and it looks like I somehow neglected to post it here. I made this last year for Thanksgiving, and actually ended up baking another big batch the next day to eat with our leftovers. It's a tweaked version of the raisin bread recipe from <i>Artisan Bread in Five Minutes</i>.<br /><br /><b>orange-<span class="il">cranberry</span> buttermilk rolls:&nbsp; </b><br />The basic method is described here: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/dining/211brex.html" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2007/<wbr></wbr>11/21/dining/211brex.html</a><br /><br />The recipe theoretically makes 3- 1 1/2lb loaves; I instead made plum-sized balls of dough and bunched them together in a pan.&nbsp; You could do smaller batches in a brownie pan or pie plate.&nbsp; If you don't use the dough all at once, it will keep for a week in the fridge in a lidded container.<br /><br /><ul><li>2 C lukewarm water</li><li>1 C buttermilk</li><li>1 1/2 Tbsp yeast (1 1/2 packets)</li><li>1 1/2 Tbsp salt</li><li>1/3 C white sugar</li><li>6 1/2 C AP flour</li><li>1 C (or so) dried <span class="il">cranberries</span></li><li>zest from two large organic oranges<br /></li><li>butter or something to grease the pan (I usually use this stuff: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Canola-Baking-Spray-Flour/dp/B001HTNBNG" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>Spectrum-Canola-Baking-Spray-<wbr></wbr>Flour/dp/B001HTNBNG</a>)</li></ul>Mix all the dry ingredients together.&nbsp; Mix in the <span class="il">cranberries</span> and orange zest.&nbsp; Mix in the liquids; keep going until ALL the flour is incorporated.&nbsp; Cover loosely and allow to rise until the dough rises and collapses (or at least flattens on top): 2-5 hours.&nbsp; (It's much easier to use the dough when it's allowed to cool in the fridge overnight, but you can go on to the next step right away if you need to.)<br /><br />Shape the dough, and put it in your greased baking pan.&nbsp; Allow to rise for at least an hour (up to about 4 hours should be fine - 2 hours or so is ideal).&nbsp; Twenty minutes before you're going to bake the rolls, preheat the oven to 375F.&nbsp; Bake the rolls on a center rack for 30-45 minutes, until golden brown.http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/11/cranberry-orange-buttermilk-rolls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-4047712304916813813Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:53:00 +00002012-12-31T15:13:22.673-08:00summarywintermenustill just barely finding time to cook, let alone post...last week:<br />S: tomato &amp; cinnamon chickpeas (Urban Pantry)<br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-greens-all-time.html">kale salad</a> &amp; bread<br />T: left-overs<br />W: pasta with mushroom sauce (a variation of <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2009/07/pasta-sauce-easiest-make-ahead-meal.html">this</a>; sauce was actually a frozen left-over, too)<br />R: cauliflower florets roasted with bacon; bread; roasted garlic<br />F: out<br /><br />two weeks ago:<br />S: wild mushroom ravioli (from <i>How to Cook Without a Book</i>; I need to write up this recipe sometime - very very good &amp; easy)<br />M: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2010/02/catching-up.html">ginger-caramel shrimp</a> &amp; rice<br />T: tuna noodle casserole with crispy leeks<br />W: miso tofu &amp; garlicky kale; rice (leftover)<br />R: lamb shepard's pie (recipe from our meat csa)<br />F: leftovershttp://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/11/still-just-barely-finding-time-to-cook.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-1630808131925107935Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:08:00 +00002012-12-31T15:13:46.211-08:00fallmenumenu, mid-SeptemberCatching up on posting these: <br /><br />M: <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/dinner-recipe-slow-cooker-gree-134303">Slow-Cooker Green Curry with Pork &amp; Potatoes</a>; rice<br />T: fried rice<br />W: <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/03/spinach-and-chickpeas/">Spinach &amp; Chickpeas</a>; whole-wheat couscous<br />R: <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pork-cutlets-pan-roasted-tomatoes-10000001227419/index.html">Pork Cutlets with Pan-Roasted Tomatoes</a>; roasted potatoes<br />F: <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/raw-tuscan-kale-salad-recipe.html">Kale Salad</a>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/10/menu-mid-september.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-443514122725276342Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:04:00 +00002012-12-31T15:14:01.570-08:00fallmenumenu, week of October 14Su: Curried Coconut Tomato Soup (<i>Cook This Now</i>); grilled smoked cheddar sandwiches<br />M: chicken &amp; kale in simmer sauce; rice<br />T: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/02/creamy-parsnip-leek-soup.html">Creamy Parsnip &amp; Leek Soup</a> (<i>Cook This Now</i>); whole-wheat bread (<i>Artisan Bread in 5 Min</i>)<br />W: fried rice<br />R: cauliflower and brussels sprouts, roasted with bacon<br />F: <a href="http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2011/12/shafers-goosh-buns.html">Goosh Buns</a>http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/10/menu-week-of-october-14.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4371702662513901693.post-6315535392994707093Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:17:00 +00002012-12-31T15:14:26.966-08:00fallmenuLabor Day WeekendSu: <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/08/leek-chard-and-corn-flatbread/">Leek, Chard, &amp; Corn Flatbread</a><br />M (Labor Day potluck): <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/summer-corn-salad-recipe.html">Corn Salad</a><br />T: Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil<br />W: <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-glazed-chicken-sausage-with-sauteed-cabbage-169819">Glazed Sausages with cabbage</a><br />R: out<br />F: Tomato &amp; Cinnamon Chickpeas with couscous (Urban Pantry)<br />Sa: D &amp; M's wedding!http://seasonal-menus.blogspot.com/2012/09/labor-day-weekend.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (MK)0