• Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

    March 16, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum

    Ingredients:

    Filling:

    • Olive oil
    • One 14-oz. block extra firm tofu, minimally pressed to remove water
    • 1 can of water chestnuts, chopped
    • 2 c. cooked brown rice or quinoa
    • Butter lettuce, leaf lettuce, or iceberg lettuce for wrapping
    • Top with Yum yum sauce or spicy mayo, chopped peanuts, green onions, and/or crispy onions for topping

    SOS Peanut Sauce:

    • 1/2 c. teriyaki sauce
    • Juice of 1 orange
    • 1/4 c. peanut butter
    • Squirt of Sriracha sauce

    Spicy Mayo:

    • 1/4 c. mayo
    • 1 TBSP Sriracha, or to taste

    Directions:

    1. Cook the tofu: Heat a few swishes of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the tofu and crumble in the pan. Cook until slightly browned and then add the water chestnuts. While that’s cooking, whisk up all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
    2. Add rice and sauce: Add the rice and most of the sauce to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes or so – just enough to get some browning/light caramelization. Season with salt to taste.
    3. Spicy mayo: Mix mayo and sriracha.
    4. Fill and serve: Spoon your tofu and brown rice filling into crispy little pieces of lettuce or serve atop a bed of lettuce. Top with peanuts, green onions, and/or crispy onions and drizzle with a little extra sauce and yum yum sauce/spicy mayo.

    Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce:

  • Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles

    March 16, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    This dish is perfect for a quick weekday dinner.

    Recipe adapted from The Modern Proper.

    Ingredients:

    • 3 (3 oz.) packages instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded or 14 oz. fresh noodles
    • 1/4 c. soy sauce
    • 1/4 c. oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
    • 1 TBSP rice vinegar
    • 1 TBSP brown sugar, optional
    • 1 tsp chili sauce like sambal or sriracha
    • 1/4 c. water
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced about 2 tsp
    • 1 TBSP ginger paste
    • 2 TBSP toasted sesame oil
    • 1 small onion, large chop
    • 1 sweet red pepper, large chop
    • 6 oz. baby spinach
    • 1 TBSP chili crisp
    • 4-6 green onions, thinly sliced
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • Top with fried egg, crispy tofu, or cooked chicken

    Directions:

    1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook noodles according to package; drain well.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce through ginger paste.
    3. In a large skillet, heat sesame over medium heat.
    4. Add the onion and peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes; then add the spinach and sauté until spinach is wilted.
    5. Pour in the bowl of sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the chili crisp, and then add the noodles until heated through and evenly coated in sauce, about 3 minutes.
    6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
    7. Top with fried egg, crispy tofu, or cooked chicken, and extra chili crisp, if desired.

    Sesame Garlic Noodles:

  • Fresh Ricotta Cheese

    February 5, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe from Laura Cocoran and PJ Hinkel of Sweet Freedom Cheese.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 gallon of whole milk (Ozark Mountain Creamery cream line, Kalona milk, not homogenized)
    • 1/2 vinegar
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1-2 TBSP heavy cream, optional

    Directions:

    1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat milk rapidly to 180-190F while gently stirring to prevent scalding. Do not boil.
    2. Once milk reaches temperature, turn off the heat, add the vinegar, and stir until fully disbursed.
    3. When milk begins to foam, stop stirring to allow curds to form a thick mat. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
    4. Gently skim curds from surface into molds, drain bag, or a lined colander.
    5. Allow curds to drain for 10-20 minutes for a fluffy consistency or up to 1 hour for a drier curd.
    6. Stir in salt and also may stir in 1-2 TBSP of heavy cream for a richer ricotta.
    7. Use immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    Fresh Ricotta Cheese:

  • Pesto Pasta

    January 19, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Chef Vince Pianalto.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 c. (1.5 oz.) fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
    • 3/4 c. Italian parsley leaves, lightly packed
    • 1/4 c. pine nuts or toasted walnuts
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1/2 lemon, juiced
    • 1/2 c. olive oil
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1 c. Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
    • 2 TBSP salt for potato/green bean/pasta water
    • 3 medium (about 12 oz.) Yukon gold potatoes, cut in 1 inch cubes
    • 12 oz. green beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
    • 1 lb. dried fettuccine (can use fresh)
    • Reserved 1/2 c. pasta water, optional see below

    Directions:

    1. Pesto: In a food processer add the basil through the Parmesan cheese and pulse, scraping down the sides with a spatula until the herbs are tiny specks. Add pesto to a serving bowl.
    2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the 2 TBSP salt.
    3. If using fresh pasta: Add the potatoes and green beans to the boiling water and bring back to a boil. Once the water is boiling again, add the fresh pasta and stir so it does not stick together. Boil, stirring frequently until pasta is al dente.
    4. If using dried pasta: Add the potatoes, green beans, and pasta to the boiling water and stir immediately so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Boil, stirring frequently until pasta is al dente.
    5. Option 1: Reserve 1/2 c. of the pasta cooking water and then drain the potatoes, green beans, and pasta. Add the reserved pasta cooking water to the pesto and stir to combine, and then add the potatoes, green beans, and pasta and stir to combine. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.
    6. Option 2: Scoop the potatoes, green beans, and pasta out of the cooking water and add to the pesto and stir to combine (equates to adding 1/2 c. reserved pasta water). Top with additional Parmesan cheese.

    Pesto Pasta:

  • Instant Pot Goulash

    January 19, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Take on Aunt Arlene’s goulash and adapted for the Instant Pot.

    Ingredients:

    • Olive oil
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 4-6 garlic gloves, minced
    • 1 green pepper, chopped
    • 1 zucchini, chopped
    • 2 TBSP Chili powder
    • 1 TBSP salt
    • 4 TBSP sugar
    • 2 15 oz. cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 lb. elbow macaroni
    • 2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
    • 2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes
    • 3 c. water
    • 1 c. sour cream

    Directions:

    1. Turn Instant Pot on to saute; then heat the olive oil; then add the onion and garlic and saute; then add the green pepper and zucchini and continue to saute.
    2. When veggies begin to soften add the chili powder, salt, and sugar.  Toast the spices for a bit and then add the beans.
    3. Turn the instant pot off.
    4. After the Instant Pot is turned off, add the pasta, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, water, and give it a quick stir.
    5. Turn the instant pot to manual for 1 minute.  After 1 minute, do a 5 minutes natural release and then add the sour cream and mix to combine.

    Instant Pot Goulash:

  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

    January 19, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Damn Delicious.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 4 sage leaves, minced
    • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 2 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
    • 3 large carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 celery stalk, but into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 Granny smith apple, cored and chopped
    • 4 c. chicken stock
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1/3 c. heavy cream
    • 2 TBSP chopped fresh chives

    Directions:

    1. Set Instant Pot to the saute setting. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, sage and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    2. Stir in butternut squash, carrots, celery, apple, chicken stock, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 12 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions; remove and discard thyme sprigs.
    3. Stir in heavy cream. Puree with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    4. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chives and a little extra cream.

    Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup:

  • Risotto Alla Vodka

    January 15, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Caro Chambers.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 c. olive oil
    • 4 shallots, thinly sliced
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
    • 6 oz. tomato paste
    • 1/3 c. vodka
    • 2 c. half and half (can use fat free)
    • 5 c. chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 c. Arborio rice
    • Salt, to taste
    • 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/3 c. basil, chiffonade

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over low to medium heat and then add the shallots and pinch of salt; cook until shallots are soft and lightly golden brown, about 7 minutes. Then add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of oil.
    3. Add the tomato paste and stir it in until it starts to stick to the Dutch oven, about 1 to 2 minutes; then deglaze the Dutch oven with the vodka and scrape up all of the stuck bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. When the vodka has evaporated after 1 minute, stir in the half and half, 3 c. of the broth, and the rice.
    4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover and transfer to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
    5. After 40 minutes, remove Dutch oven from the oven, stir in 1 c. of remaining broth along with the Parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Add more broth until you reach your perfect risotto consistency.
    6. Serve topped with basil.

    Risotto Alla Vodka:

  • Roasted Tomato Soup

    January 15, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Abby Thome.

    Ingredients:

    • 13 vine ripe tomatoes, halved
    • 3 garlic bulbs, tops cut off
    • 2 white onions, quartered
    • 1 red pepper, quartered
    • 4 or more thyme sprigs
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 2 c. vegetable or chicken broth
    • 2 TBSP pesto
    • 1/2 c. heavy cream
    • Parmesan cheese, shredded
    • Basil, chiffonade

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425F.
    2. Roast Veggies: On a 9×13 baking sheet, place tomatoes skin side down and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then flip the tomatoes over. Nestle the garlic bulbs, onions, red pepper, and thyme in and around the tomatoes. Drizzle with more olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
    3. Blend Soup: Remove thyme sprigs and dispose. Add half of the tomatoes, onions, and red pepper to blender; then squeeze out the garlic cloves from the roasted bulbs into the blender; add 1 c. of broth to the blender and blend until smooth. Add soup to a Dutch oven and repeat in the blender with the remaining ingredients. (Alternatively, add all roasted veggies and broth to the Dutch oven and use an immersion blender).
    4. Once all the soup is in the Dutch oven, add the pesto and stir in the cream, and bring to a simmer.
    5. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and basil.

    Roasted Tomato Soup:

  • Simple Skillet Pasta

    November 12, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Ingredients:

    • 3 TBSP olive oil
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 – 1 tsp. crushed red pepper, to taste
    • 1 tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning
    • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/4 tsp. sugar, add more to taste
    • 3 1/2 c. water
    • 16 oz. penne
    • 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
    • Burrata
    • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

    Directions:

    1. Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes; then add the crushed red pepper and oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Bring to gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
    2. Stir in water and penne, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to vigorous simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring often, until pasta is nearly al dente, about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, tossing gently, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened, 4 to 7 minutes; if sauce becomes too thick, add extra water as needed. Off heat, stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste and top with burrata.
    3. Top individual portions with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.

    Simple Skillet Pasta:

  • Shakshuka

    October 25, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe from Amanda Arafat and Honeycomb Kitchen.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
    • 1/4 tsp. cayenne
    • 2 tsp. tomato paste
    • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
    • 4 medium-large tomatoes, diced
    • 4-5 eggs
    • 1/4 block feta, crumbled
    • Parsley, roughly chopped
    • Mint, roughly chopped

    Directions:

    1. In a large skillet heat 1 TBSP olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and salt and saute for 2-3 minutes. Next add garlic and saute for 2 more minutes.
    2. Add cumin through tomato paste and saute for 2 minutes; then add the remaining 1 TBSP olive oil.
    3. Next, add the diced bell pepper and saute for 2 minutes, stirring to combine with the garlic and onion; then add the diced tomatoes and raise the heat to medium-high. Stir the tomatoes occasionally until the mix reaches a vigorous simmer, and at that point cover the pan and lower the heat to medium. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and periodically using a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes, creating a saucier texture.
    4. After 15 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and uncover. Using the back of a wooden spoon, smash the tomatoes for 1-2 minutes to improve the texture of the sauce. Return the skillet to medium heat, uncovered, and simmer for 5 minutes.
    5. After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and create 4-5 divots of the surface of the sauce, making sure they are large enough for an egg to nestle into. Working with one egg at a time, crack the eggs first into a cup and then use the cup to gently drop the eggs into the divots. Cover the skillet, and return to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, just until the egg whites are set. Remove from heat.
    6. Garnish with feta, parsley, and chopped mint.

    Shakshuka:

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