Exploring the world of food and bringing home my finds for you! Lots of chocolate recipes, Italian, comfort food like Louisiana Cajun and food videos.
24 November 2009
Pumpkin Risotto, Crispy Bread Soffritto, and Pumpkin Chile Recipes
Photo by Nesster @ flickr
From Denny: There are only so many pumpkin pies and pumpkins breads a cook can make before they are wondering if there is any greater creativity that can be done with a pumpkin. Pumpkins are such a great food resource of vitamins and minerals. Look no further as these Southern chefs have been busy creating new and tasty recipes for the revered pumpkin, raising it to the table status of vegetable royalty! :)
They were featured in Country Roads Magazine - a Louisiana regional arts, culture and cuisine magazine (no photos for their recipes).
Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Bread “Soffritto”
From: Chef Alon Shaya of Domenica Restaurant, New Orleans, Louisiana
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
6 tbsp. butter, unsalted
1 cup yellow onion, diced a quarter inch thick
3 cups pumpkin, skinned and seeded, diced quarter inch thick
12 1/2 cups vegetable stock
4 cups risotto (rice), Vialone Nanno or Arborio
2 cups Castelmagno cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano is a fine substitute), grated
8 tbsp. bread Soffritto (recipe below)
Salt to taste
Place rice in a large saucepot and turn the heat on medium. Continuously stir the rice until it is very hot, but not turning brown. This will release the natural oils in the rice and give the dish much more flavor. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
In a different saucepot, place half of the butter, onions and half of the pumpkin and cook until onions are tender. Add vegetable stock and bring to simmer. Simmer until pumpkin is tender and purée mixture with a hand blender. Add the other half of the diced pumpkin and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until it is tender.
Place the pot with the rice back on a high heat and add half of the pumpkin infused stock. Simmer until all of the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding one ladle of stock at a time while stirring until each addition has been absorbed and all of the stock is gone. This will take 18-20 minutes.
About 5 minutes before the rice is completely cooked stir in the cheese. Keep stirring over the heat until the rice is tender with a slight al dente bite to it. Add the butter and serve with the crispy Bread Soffritto on top (recipe below).
Bread Soffritto
Ingredients:
2 cups ciabatta bread, no crust, diced an eighth of an inch thick
¼ cup shallots, sliced thin
2 oz. dried cherries, rehydrated in warm water
2 oz. extra virgin olive oil
1 sprig rosemary
Salt to taste
Directions:
In a sauté pan, place oil, rosemary and onions on medium heat and cook until onions just begin to turn golden. Add diced bread and cook until bread is crispy. Toss mixture with salt and cherries. Remove rosemary sprig and set aside for the garnish.
Roasted Pumpkin Chile
From: Chef Regina Charboneau of Twin Oaks, Natchez, Mississippi
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
2 tbls. olive oil
1 medium diced onion
1 medium diced sweet red pepper
2 fresh jalapenos
1 lb.yams
1 lb. pumpkin or squash
4 small new red potatoes
8 garlic cloves
2 zucchini
2 cups cooked pinto beans
2 10 oz. cans Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with diced jalapenos)
1 12 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 tbls. ground chile powder
Salt and Pepper
Directions:
To roast pumpkin (or squash):
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut yams in half and cut pumpkin into eighths. Leave new potatoes, jalapenos and garlic cloves whole. Place on large baking sheet. Salt and pepper the tops and drizzle just a touch of olive oil on top of the pumpkin. Place in hot oven. Roast for 30 minutes then remove the Jalapenos and garlic cloves. Let cool and cut jalapeno into strips removing the seeds. Cut garlic into quarters. Continue to roast but every ten minutes, using a fork, check for doneness of vegetables. They should be firm but the fork should go through without excessive effort. Let vegetables cool. Peel the yams and pumpkin and cut into 3/4 inch cubes. Leave the skin on the Potatoes and dice into 1/2 inch cubes.
To complete chile:
In 4 quart pot add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Dice zucchini into 3/4 inch cubes and set aside. Add diced onion and peppers to hot oil and sauté for two minutes to brown. Add diced zucchini and sauté for one minute. Add roasted vegetables, garlic and jalapenos. Add cooked pinto Beans, Rotel tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir in chile powder and stir well. Taste and adjust salt, begin with 1/2 teaspoon. Simmer chile for 30 minutes.
Serve Chile in shallow soup bowls, topped with sour cream. Top sour cream with Spicy Corn.
Ingredients for Spicy Corn Topping:
Makes: 3 cups
2 ears yellow corn
1 16 oz. jar Mrs. Renfrows Spicy Green Salsa or any brand you like of spicy salsa verde
Sour Cream is optional
Directions:
Shuck yellow corn and remove kernels with a sharp knife. Get a cast iron skillet or sauté pan very hot. Place corn kernels into skillet and brown. Use a metal spatula to move the corn around to roast the kernels. Mix roasted corn kernels with green salsa. Serve on top of Roasted Pumpkin Chile.
*** Thanks for visiting and have a great Thanksgiving holiday!
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23 November 2009
Video: Funny Oreo Cookie Obsessed Fan!
From Denny: Thanks to reader elchupaoreo from YouTube for this chuckle of the Oreo day! Check out the Oreo cookie obsession. Someone is really flying their Oreo Freak Flag today... :)
recipes,food,arts,funny,photos
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22 November 2009
Video: Chicago Chef Jimmy Bannos Cajun Thanksgiving Menu of 12 Recipes
From Denny: There's a full Southern and Cajun menu here right down to the collard greens (full of calcium as well as vitamins B and C)and the roasted garlic mashed potatoes. He includes the jerk seasoning mix and marinade so you can make it yourself if you prefer along with a recipe for Cajun seasoning.
This chef may have a restaurant in Chicago but he knows the Southern trick of using Kitchen Bouquet to rub into the turkey to give an evenly browned color.
In the video he has a complete Thanksgiving table of wonderful side dishes but did not give all the recipes to The Today Show. Then he relented and gave his turkey and mushroom etouffee and red beans and rice and other recipes to us on his site HeavenOnSeven.com. This is a wonderful stash of awesome recipes! What I like best is that he provides us with his version of Cajun seasoning mix and the jerk seasonings. Cooking these recipes this holiday will sure make you popular with everyone! Enjoy!
Jimmy Bannos’ Jamaican Jerk Thanksgiving Turkey with Jerk Cream Sauce
From: Chef Jimmy Bannos at Heaven on Seven (HeavenonSeven.com)
INGREDIENTS
• 1 15-18 lb Turkey
• 2 lbs Plugra butter (or other European style high-fat content butter)
• 2 Tablespoons Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 2 Tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 1 Cup Jamaican Jerk Marinade (recipe follows)
• 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
• Jerk Cream (recipe follows)
DIRECTIONS
The night before roasting the turkey, rub the bird with the Jerk Marinade, inside and out. Rub the outside with Angel Dust and Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. Refrigerate overnight.
Cut one pound of butter into cubes. Carefully work your fingers between the skin and the meat of the breast. Work butter cubes in between and distribute evenly.
Melt the last pound of butter, stir in the Kitchen Bouquet. Place the turkey in a deep roasting pan. Gradually pour melted butter over the bird, massaging the mixture into the skin as you go.
Place the turkey into a preheated 450 degree oven and roast for one hour uncovered. After the first hour, cover with aluminum foil and continue to roast until done (approx. 15 minutes per pound). Baste the bird every half hour to ensure a crisp, golden skin.
Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
• 5 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Use as needed and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Dry Rub Jerk Seasoning
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Tablespoons onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 Tablespoon ground thyme
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground habanero chile powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container. The mix can be kept for up to two months.
Jimmy's Jamaican Jerk Marinade
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Tablespoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
• 1 Tablespoon seeded, chopped habanero chile
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed Key Lime, or regular lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon dark rum
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cane syrup or light molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon habanero hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the marinade by adding the allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves to a small skillet. Heat the spices over medium-low heat for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Transfer to a coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder. Put the spice mixture and the remaining ingredients in to a blender and puree into a thick paste. Store in a covered container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Jerk Cream Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 Tablespoon Jimmy’s Jamaican Jerk Marinade (recipe follows)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Roasted Garlic Puree (recipe follows)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Hungarian Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Spanish Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Chile Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 1/8 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, chilled and cut in pieces
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer, return it to the saucepan and stir in the butter. Set aside.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Puree (recipe follows)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
DIRECTIONS
Scrub potatoes. Boil in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly until potatoes can be handled comfortably, then peel and transfer to a large bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream, butter, and garlic puree until mixture just comes to a boil. Pour over the potatoes while mashing with a potato masher. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Collard Greens
INGREDIENTS
• 4 pounds fresh collard greens
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Puree
• 1 tablespoon seeded, minced jalapeno
• 1 cup shredded pickled pork
• 1/2 cup diced tasso ham
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup bottled Italian dressing
DIRECTIONS
Wash the collard greens several times in a large quantity of water; drain well. Pull the thick center core out of each leaf and discard; tear leaves into medium-sized pieces. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat; sauté the onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic puree and jalapeno and cook another minute. Add the pork and ham, and brown for 3 minutes. Mix in the vinegar, sugars, Cajun seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, and ground black and white peppers, stirring to coat the onions and meat. Add the greens, water, and dressing to the pot. Toss the greens as they begin to cook down and the liquid comes to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Went over to his website, HeavenOnSeven.com, to get the rest of the recipes he didn't give to The Today Show:
TURKEY AND WILD MUSHROOM ÉTOUFFÉE
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon plus ¼ teaspoon Heaven on Seven Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
2 tablespoons finely diced tasso ham
2 tablespoons shredded pickled pork or shredded smoked pork shoulder butt
3 tablespoons diced yellow onion
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion – green & white parts
2 teaspoons roasted-garlic puree
1 cup seeded, diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup diced celery
2 teaspoons seeded, minced jalapeño
¼ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
¼ teaspoon Spanish paprika
1/8 teaspoon chile powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 small bay leaf
1-1/2 cups chicken stock
1 (5.5-ounce) can tomato juice
¼ cup blond roux
8 ounces Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and sliced
8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
Sweet Potato Polenta (recipe follows)
Directions:
In a 5-quart heavy Dutch oven, preferably enameled cast iron, heat the oil over high heat.
Season the turkey with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, add to the Dutch oven, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ham and the pork; cook for 2 more minutes. Sir in the onions and garlic puree; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, celery, jalapeno, Hungarian and Spanish paprikas, chile powder, ground black and white peppers, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, bay leaf, and remaining ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the seasonings. Pour in the stock and tomato juice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 50 minutes. Whisk in the roux. Add the Shiitakes and cook for 2 minutes; add the mushrooms and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in the butter.
To serve, mound ½ cup of Sweet Potato Polenta in the center of a plate or large bowl and spoon the etouffee around it. Enjoy!
* Note that this recipe makes a thick etouffee; to make it slightly thinner, decrease the roux by 1 tablespoon.
SWEET POTATO POLENTA
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
10 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup instant polenta
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch of white pepper
Directions:
Place the potatoes in a small baking pan, toss with the maple syrup, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until soft. Scrape potatoes and syrup into the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.
Heat the cream and butter over medium heat in a 3-quart saucepan. When the cream begins to simmer, slowly whisk in the polenta. Add the salt and pepper and continue stirring for 7 minutes. Mix in the pureed sweet potatoes until completely incorporated and heat through. Cover and set aside.
CORN BREAD
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely ground corn flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
5 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 1/3 cups milk
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon bacon drippings, optional
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, butter and bacon drippings.
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until smooth. Transfer to the prepared pan and bake 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before cutting.
RED BEANS AND RICE
Ingredients:
1 pound dried light red kidney beans
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ pound Andouille sausage, thinly sliced
1 8-ounce fresh pork hock
¾ cup diced tasso ham
½ cup shredded pickled pork or shredded smoked pork shoulder butt (optional)
½ cup seeded, finely diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup finely diced celery
¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced green onion, white and green parts
1 ½ teaspoons seeded, minced jalapeno
2 teaspoons Roasted Garlic Puree (see recipe)
1 small bay leaf
2 teaspoons Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 cups water
½ teaspoon file powder
Cooked white rice
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
Soak beans overnight in a large quantity of water. Drain before cooking.
Heat oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven over high heat. Add Andouille and sauté for 1 minute. Add the pork hock, ham and pork; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bell pepper, celery, onions, jalapeno, garlic puree and bay leaf; cook for 10 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
Add beans, Cajun seasoning, salt, oregano, basil, ground black and white peppers and red pepper flakes, stirring to coat mixture with the seasonings.
Pour in the water, return the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours. Uncover and continue cooking about 1 hour, until the beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally, adding water if necessary.
Remove from the heat and stir in the file powder. Remove the pork hock, remove any meat attached to the bone; chop the meat finely, and stir it into the cooked beans. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve the beans in a bowl with a small portion of cooked rice; garnish with the parsley.
BOURBON MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Ingredients:
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Steen’s Cane Syrup, to taste
1 ½ oz Jack Daniel’s
Directions:
Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly until potatoes can be handled comfortably and transfer to a large bowl. Add Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and mash with a potato masher until incorporated. Gradually add Cane Syrup until sweetened to taste, then Jack Daniels. Mix in thoroughly. Serve immediately.
*** For a wide variety of turkey recipes:
Video: Unusual Exotic Thanksgiving Menu, Poll on Turkey Vs. Sides Debate
6 Easy Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes and Gravy, Roasting Tips and Advice
Video: 8 Cajun Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes, BBQ Turkey, Deep Fry Turkey, Roasting Tips
*** Check out New York Times and their ideas for Thanksgiving Day where Mark Bittman has all kinds of creative ideas for side dishes for you: 101 Head Starts on the Day
For a typical Louisiana sweet: Louisiana Culture: Heavenly Hash Cake
*** Thanks for visiting!
This chef may have a restaurant in Chicago but he knows the Southern trick of using Kitchen Bouquet to rub into the turkey to give an evenly browned color.
In the video he has a complete Thanksgiving table of wonderful side dishes but did not give all the recipes to The Today Show. Then he relented and gave his turkey and mushroom etouffee and red beans and rice and other recipes to us on his site HeavenOnSeven.com. This is a wonderful stash of awesome recipes! What I like best is that he provides us with his version of Cajun seasoning mix and the jerk seasonings. Cooking these recipes this holiday will sure make you popular with everyone! Enjoy!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Jimmy Bannos’ Jamaican Jerk Thanksgiving Turkey with Jerk Cream Sauce
From: Chef Jimmy Bannos at Heaven on Seven (HeavenonSeven.com)
INGREDIENTS
• 1 15-18 lb Turkey
• 2 lbs Plugra butter (or other European style high-fat content butter)
• 2 Tablespoons Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 2 Tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 1 Cup Jamaican Jerk Marinade (recipe follows)
• 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
• Jerk Cream (recipe follows)
DIRECTIONS
The night before roasting the turkey, rub the bird with the Jerk Marinade, inside and out. Rub the outside with Angel Dust and Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. Refrigerate overnight.
Cut one pound of butter into cubes. Carefully work your fingers between the skin and the meat of the breast. Work butter cubes in between and distribute evenly.
Melt the last pound of butter, stir in the Kitchen Bouquet. Place the turkey in a deep roasting pan. Gradually pour melted butter over the bird, massaging the mixture into the skin as you go.
Place the turkey into a preheated 450 degree oven and roast for one hour uncovered. After the first hour, cover with aluminum foil and continue to roast until done (approx. 15 minutes per pound). Baste the bird every half hour to ensure a crisp, golden skin.
Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
• 5 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Use as needed and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Dry Rub Jerk Seasoning
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Tablespoons onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 Tablespoon ground thyme
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground habanero chile powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container. The mix can be kept for up to two months.
Jimmy's Jamaican Jerk Marinade
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Tablespoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
• 1 Tablespoon seeded, chopped habanero chile
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed Key Lime, or regular lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons canola oil
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon dark rum
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cane syrup or light molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon habanero hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the marinade by adding the allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves to a small skillet. Heat the spices over medium-low heat for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Transfer to a coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder. Put the spice mixture and the remaining ingredients in to a blender and puree into a thick paste. Store in a covered container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Jerk Cream Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 Tablespoon Jimmy’s Jamaican Jerk Marinade (recipe follows)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Roasted Garlic Puree (recipe follows)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Hungarian Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Spanish Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Chile Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning (recipe follows)
• 1/8 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, chilled and cut in pieces
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer, return it to the saucepan and stir in the butter. Set aside.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Puree (recipe follows)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
DIRECTIONS
Scrub potatoes. Boil in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly until potatoes can be handled comfortably, then peel and transfer to a large bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream, butter, and garlic puree until mixture just comes to a boil. Pour over the potatoes while mashing with a potato masher. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Collard Greens
INGREDIENTS
• 4 pounds fresh collard greens
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Puree
• 1 tablespoon seeded, minced jalapeno
• 1 cup shredded pickled pork
• 1/2 cup diced tasso ham
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup bottled Italian dressing
DIRECTIONS
Wash the collard greens several times in a large quantity of water; drain well. Pull the thick center core out of each leaf and discard; tear leaves into medium-sized pieces. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat; sauté the onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic puree and jalapeno and cook another minute. Add the pork and ham, and brown for 3 minutes. Mix in the vinegar, sugars, Cajun seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, and ground black and white peppers, stirring to coat the onions and meat. Add the greens, water, and dressing to the pot. Toss the greens as they begin to cook down and the liquid comes to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Went over to his website, HeavenOnSeven.com, to get the rest of the recipes he didn't give to The Today Show:
TURKEY AND WILD MUSHROOM ÉTOUFFÉE
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon plus ¼ teaspoon Heaven on Seven Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
2 tablespoons finely diced tasso ham
2 tablespoons shredded pickled pork or shredded smoked pork shoulder butt
3 tablespoons diced yellow onion
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion – green & white parts
2 teaspoons roasted-garlic puree
1 cup seeded, diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup diced celery
2 teaspoons seeded, minced jalapeño
¼ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
¼ teaspoon Spanish paprika
1/8 teaspoon chile powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 small bay leaf
1-1/2 cups chicken stock
1 (5.5-ounce) can tomato juice
¼ cup blond roux
8 ounces Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and sliced
8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
Sweet Potato Polenta (recipe follows)
Directions:
In a 5-quart heavy Dutch oven, preferably enameled cast iron, heat the oil over high heat.
Season the turkey with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, add to the Dutch oven, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ham and the pork; cook for 2 more minutes. Sir in the onions and garlic puree; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, celery, jalapeno, Hungarian and Spanish paprikas, chile powder, ground black and white peppers, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, bay leaf, and remaining ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the seasonings. Pour in the stock and tomato juice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 50 minutes. Whisk in the roux. Add the Shiitakes and cook for 2 minutes; add the mushrooms and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in the butter.
To serve, mound ½ cup of Sweet Potato Polenta in the center of a plate or large bowl and spoon the etouffee around it. Enjoy!
* Note that this recipe makes a thick etouffee; to make it slightly thinner, decrease the roux by 1 tablespoon.
SWEET POTATO POLENTA
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
10 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup instant polenta
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch of white pepper
Directions:
Place the potatoes in a small baking pan, toss with the maple syrup, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until soft. Scrape potatoes and syrup into the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.
Heat the cream and butter over medium heat in a 3-quart saucepan. When the cream begins to simmer, slowly whisk in the polenta. Add the salt and pepper and continue stirring for 7 minutes. Mix in the pureed sweet potatoes until completely incorporated and heat through. Cover and set aside.
CORN BREAD
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely ground corn flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
5 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 1/3 cups milk
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon bacon drippings, optional
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, butter and bacon drippings.
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until smooth. Transfer to the prepared pan and bake 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before cutting.
RED BEANS AND RICE
Ingredients:
1 pound dried light red kidney beans
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ pound Andouille sausage, thinly sliced
1 8-ounce fresh pork hock
¾ cup diced tasso ham
½ cup shredded pickled pork or shredded smoked pork shoulder butt (optional)
½ cup seeded, finely diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup finely diced celery
¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced green onion, white and green parts
1 ½ teaspoons seeded, minced jalapeno
2 teaspoons Roasted Garlic Puree (see recipe)
1 small bay leaf
2 teaspoons Angel Dust Cajun Seasoning
¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 cups water
½ teaspoon file powder
Cooked white rice
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
Soak beans overnight in a large quantity of water. Drain before cooking.
Heat oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven over high heat. Add Andouille and sauté for 1 minute. Add the pork hock, ham and pork; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bell pepper, celery, onions, jalapeno, garlic puree and bay leaf; cook for 10 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
Add beans, Cajun seasoning, salt, oregano, basil, ground black and white peppers and red pepper flakes, stirring to coat mixture with the seasonings.
Pour in the water, return the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 2 hours. Uncover and continue cooking about 1 hour, until the beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally, adding water if necessary.
Remove from the heat and stir in the file powder. Remove the pork hock, remove any meat attached to the bone; chop the meat finely, and stir it into the cooked beans. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve the beans in a bowl with a small portion of cooked rice; garnish with the parsley.
BOURBON MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Ingredients:
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Steen’s Cane Syrup, to taste
1 ½ oz Jack Daniel’s
Directions:
Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly until potatoes can be handled comfortably and transfer to a large bowl. Add Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and mash with a potato masher until incorporated. Gradually add Cane Syrup until sweetened to taste, then Jack Daniels. Mix in thoroughly. Serve immediately.
*** For a wide variety of turkey recipes:
Video: Unusual Exotic Thanksgiving Menu, Poll on Turkey Vs. Sides Debate
6 Easy Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes and Gravy, Roasting Tips and Advice
Video: 8 Cajun Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes, BBQ Turkey, Deep Fry Turkey, Roasting Tips
*** Check out New York Times and their ideas for Thanksgiving Day where Mark Bittman has all kinds of creative ideas for side dishes for you: 101 Head Starts on the Day
For a typical Louisiana sweet: Louisiana Culture: Heavenly Hash Cake
*** Thanks for visiting!
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Thanksgiving
21 November 2009
Funny Editorial Cartoons 21 Nov 2009
From Denny: Every Saturday I round up the best editorial cartoons of the week. They sure do lampoon the latest news! This week women have been up in arms angry at new health care guidelines which sounded really lame. There is the controversy over bringing Gitmo terrorists onto American soil to hang 'em in the New York courts just blocks away from the still destroyed Twin Towers area. Comments about Prez Obama's trips to Japan and China, too much bowing and nice-nice for most cartoonists apparently. Plenty of cartoonists lampooning Congress about health care.
Be sure to check out the funny video of Comedy Central's Jon Stewart lampooning the Palin book tour and the GOP in general. There are real news headline links to check out about the book tour farce and how Palin has already stiffed her fans, leaving them hanging literally out in the cold for hours in the rain in Indiana. They were not happy campers at all. Well, that's what you get when your hero is a fantasy: reality face slaps.
So, hike on over to The Social Poets where I park those cartoons every week and enjoy yourself today! BTW, thanks, everyone for visiting. You have been coming by the thousands, quite the unexpected turnout for my comedy parties, thank you! I'll make sure I order more appetizers for my hungry hordes... :)
This Weeks Editorial Cartoons 21 Nov 2009
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20 November 2009
Unusual Exotic Thanksgiving Menu, Poll on Turkey Vs. Sides Debate
From Denny: This video is pretty funny as well as informative. Two NYT writers who are best friends have a friendly rivalry about which do people like best at Thanksgiving: the turkey or the sides? At the end of the video (no fast forwarding to peek now) is a poll of viewers with the astounding results.
One interesting fact about using salt for brining the turkey is that salt kills bacteria that poultry is notorious for having. Even when I don't brine I use a salt rub on any poultry or fish, leave it on for about 10 minutes or so, soak another 10 minutes in salt water, then wash it off and proceed with normal cooking, baking or grilling. So, if you are concerned about bacteria then brining a turkey may be your best choice.
The side dishes talked about in the video are simple to make and an unusual twist for the sweet potato category. That dish uses a Thai flavoring of coconut milk and red curry paste.
The dressing has chanterelle mushrooms, thyme, white wine, pears and pancetta for wonderful flavoring.
Recipes that follow the video:
Dry-Brined Turkey
Two-Way Chanterelle and Pear Bread Stuffing
Fiery Sweet Potatoes
Dry-Brined Turkey
From: The New York Times
INGREDIENTS
• 1 12- to 16-pound turkey, preferably a heritage or pasture raised bird
• 1/2 cup kosher salt, more if needed
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley
• 2 small onions, halved
• 2 small apples, cored and halved
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Two days before serving, rinse turkey and pat dry. Rub all over with kosher salt, slipping salt under skin where possible and rubbing some into cavities. Use about 1 tablespoon per four pounds of bird.
Wrap bird in a large plastic bag and place in refrigerator. On second night, turn turkey over. A couple of hours before cooking, remove turkey from bag and pat dry. Place in roasting pan and allow to come to room temperature.
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Sprinkle half the pepper into main cavity of turkey; add thyme, parsley, half the onions and half the apples. Truss legs with kitchen twine. Put remaining apples and onions in neck opening and tuck neck skin under bird.
Rub butter under breast skin and onto thigh meat. Sprinkle bird with remaining pepper.
Roast for 30 minutes. Remove turkey from oven, reduce heat to 350 degrees and cover breast of bird and wing tips with foil. Add a cup and a half of water or white wine to bottom of roasting pan and roast bird for another two hours, depending on size; figure 12 minutes a pound for an unstuffed bird. Remove foil in last half-hour so breast browns.
When turkey has roasted for two hours, begin to test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer (digital is best) into two places in thigh, making sure not to touch bone. It should be at about 160 degrees.
When roasting is done, tip turkey so interior juices run back into pan. Remove turkey to a separate baking sheet or serving platter, cover with foil and then a damp kitchen towel and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Pour fat and drippings from pan into a measuring cup. Deglaze pan with white wine or broth and pour that into same measuring cup. Fat and drippings can then be used to make gravy.
Two-Way Chanterelle and Pear Bread Stuffing
From: The New York Times
Time: One hour plus 24 hours for drying bread
Yield: Enough stuffing for a 12-to-14-pound turkey and a dozen muffin tins. If not stuffing a turkey, recipe will fill two dozen muffin tins or a small casserole dish.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 large loaf Pullman or other firm white bread
• 1 pound chanterelle mushrooms
• 1/3 pound pancetta, diced small
• 10 tablespoons butter, more for greasing muffin tins
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1/4 cup minced shallots (about three)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 3 1/2 cups diced pears (about four or five firm, ripe varieties like Bartlett or Anjou) plus one whole pear
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/4 cup minced chives
• 1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 2 cups turkey stock
DIRECTIONS
Tear bread into small pieces and set in roasting pan or bowl. To dry bread, cover with paper towels and leave out overnight. Or, place on a baking sheet in batches and lightly toast. Set aside.
Wipe mushrooms with a clean, damp towel. Trim tough ends. Slice some thickly, chop others. Set aside. Place pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook slowly until fat is rendered, about 7 minutes. Remove to a large plate.
Add 2 tablespoons butter to fat in pan and turn heat to medium high. Add onion and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just soft. Do not brown. Remove to plate holding pancetta.
Add 3 tablespoons butter to pan. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and quickly sauté until starting to brown. Remove and add to plate.
Add wine to pan and deglaze over medium high heat, cooking until wine reduces by about half. Pour remaining liquid over mushrooms. Wipe out pan and add remaining butter. Add pears and sugar and season with salt and pepper. Sauté pears, in batches if necessary, over medium high heat until they begin to brown slightly.
In a large bowl or roasting pan, add sautéed ingredients to bread. Toss lightly to combine. Add herbs and toss again. Slowly pour one cup stock over mixture and toss. Add more broth to make a very moist stuffing. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. If you are stuffing a brined turkey, remember that the bird will add a bit more salt.
Just before roasting turkey, place some room-temperature stuffing lightly inside a prepared bird. Place whole pear in opening of cavity to help hold stuffing in the bird.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter muffin tins and fill each with stuffing, pressing down so each cup is well filled. Top each with one tablespoon stock. Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, until a golden crust forms on bottom. To serve, use a butter knife to remove each stuffing muffin and invert onto the plate.
Fiery Sweet Potatoes
From: The New York Times
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
INGREDIENTS
• 5 pounds sweet potatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt.
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake potatoes on a baking sheet until very soft, about 1 hour. When cool enough to handle, peel and mash.
In a small saucepan, heat coconut milk with curry paste over low heat. Mix coconut milk mixture, half the sugar, half the butter, and salt into potatoes. Keep warm until ready to serve, or cover and refrigerate up to two days.
At least 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 degrees. Put potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover potatoes, dot with remaining butter and sugar and broil until brown and crusty on top, checking often to prevent scorching.
*** For a wide variety of turkey recipes:
6 Easy Turkey Thanksgiving Recipes and Gravy, Roasting Tips and Advice
Video: 8 Cajun Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes, BBQ Turkey, Deep Fry Turkey, Roasting Tips
*** Check out New York Times and their ideas for Thanksgiving Day where Mark Bittman has all kinds of creative ideas for side dishes for you: 101 Head Starts on the Day
For a typical Louisiana sweet: Louisiana Culture: Heavenly Hash Cake
*** Thanks for visiting! :)
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