Widespread Panic Baked Ziti

Remember when you were in high school and you would 'carbo-load' the night before the big game? What if I told you that I'm going to carbo-load for a concert? It's ok, you can laugh at me.

My favorite band is in town and it's the one time a year that I can let loose and dance like a hippie for 3 1/2 hours. I've been seeing these guys for 12 years and after every show I am starving. This year, I thought that if I stock up on carbs before the show that maybe I won't need that burger at midnight. I figure it's worth a try. Here's what's on the menu...

Widespread Panic Baked Ziti

• 12 ounces ziti (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 pound Italian Sausage, removed from casing
  
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 26-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella (4 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it and return it to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef, sausage, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, red pepper flakes and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan.
5. Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or 4 large ramekins. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining ¼ cup of the Parmesan. Bake until the cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.

Widespread Panic Baked Ziti

Maple-Glazed Peanuts & Bacon

I was just browsing on the Food & Wine website this afternoon and came across a recipe for this peanut concoction. Suddenly, it hit me...I've eaten these before! See friends, there are some great people out there that send me random foodie stuff in the mail. I've received books, cheeses, special sauces, bacon chocolates and much more. But probably my favorite package came from my friend in NYC about 2 years ago that sent me a jar of these peanuts. According to the article, these have become so popular that The Red Head Restaurant in NYC now sells these online. With this recipe, you can skip the shipping fees and make it right at home.

Maple-Glazed Peanuts & Bacon

1. 3 thick slices of bacon (3 ounces)
2. 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, minced
3. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
4. 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
5. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
7. 3 cups unsalted roasted peanuts (1 pound)
8. 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then finely chop.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the thyme, salt, Old Bay, cayenne and dry mustard. Add the peanuts, maple syrup and bacon and toss until the peanuts are evenly coated. Scrape the nuts onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring once, until the maple syrup has thickened. Let the peanuts cool completely, stirring frequently to break up any large clumps. Transfer the peanuts to glass jars or a large bowl and serve.

The peanuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Maple-Glazed Peanuts & Bacon

You buy clothes, I buy tomatoes

If Drew gave me $100 bucks and said 'go have fun', I'd probably end up at the farmers market or some specialty grocery store. It's sad really. As I write this, I notice that I am wearing a pair of jeans that I bought my first year out of college. But how can you possibly resist these gorgeous heirlooms above or anything that's in its prime for that matter? I mean, these looked so pretty that I had to take a picture on my phone and email it to Drew.

Heirloom tomatoes came into their prime very late this year and so far it's been worth the wait. I just wash them and serve them sliced with salt and pepper as a side dish and I've heard no complaints from my guests. Know your seasons and know your fruits and veggies. It's pretty easy to cook when you don't have to do much to something that is already perfect.

You buy clothes, I buy tomatoes

The Pig Next Door

The best wedding gift that we've received so far is a membership to The Pig Next Door's Bacon of the Month club. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving. We received our welcome kit in the mail a couple weeks ago, which included a mug that says 'Oink if you love bacon', followed by our first shipment. The shipment arrives on your door in a styrofoam cooler with an ice pack. I was pumped to open it and find a big slab of Hobb's.

Hobb's bacon is king. Some of the best restaurants in the world (including The French Laundry) use his cured delights on a daily basis. 76 year-old owner, Hobbs Shore, has mastered his craft on his ranch in west Marin, CA. His bacon has been long admired by San Francisco foodie circles. But back to the important stuff....

Do yourself a favor and join this club. What do you have to loose? It will be a cured meat adventure. Who knows what will arrive each month? Did I mention each shipment comes with a recipe and background about the meat? Come on, just go to the gym an extra day a month and you'll be guilt free. Happy baconing.

The Pig Next Door

Tennessee Williams's Lemon Icebox Pie

I was catching up with one of my best friend's on the phone this week and she told me how she has really been getting into making retro desserts. One if particular that she insisted I share with all of you is this Lemon Icebox Pie. She was even kind enough to take a picture of her creation with her phone and send it to me. She used whole Nilla wafers to give it an extra visual effect. The result, as Tennessee Williams always said, "is good enough to slap your Mama."

Thanks, Lindsay!

Tennessee Williams's Lemon Icebox Pie
Epicurious

• 1/2 box vanilla wafers
• 1 stick lightly salted butter
• 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 can condensed milk, preferably Eagle Brand
• 1 egg yolk
• 6 egg whites

• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar

Accompaniment: grated lemon rind
Special equipment: pie plate

In a food processor, finely crush vanilla wafers. Melt butter for flavor (not sweet butter). Pour vanilla wafers and melted butter into a pie plate and shape into a pie shell with your fingers.

In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, condensed milk, and egg yolk. Pour mixture into pie plate. In another bowl, beat egg whites* with cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and sugar until stiff white peaks form. Pour over pie and top with freshly grated lemon rind.

Bake in oven at moderate heat just long enough for meringue to brown, about 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature and put in the refrigerator until ice-cold.

Tennessee Williams's Lemon Icebox Pie

Chicken Enchiladas

I know, I know. It's been forever. In fact, the longest time between posts EVER. But there is a good reason for this. Dear Reader, I just got married. Yup, I'm off the market for good. And you'll be very pleased to know that I have been eating a drinking my way through Cape Cod feasting on little-necks and lobster.

Leading up to the wedding was another story. A cottage cheese diet has me bored and starved. I ate no Mexican food for an entire month. I feel like a criminal. Now that I have returned as Mrs. Smith to sunny California, it's time to catch up on one of my favorite cuisines.

A good friend flew home the other night and sat next to Tyler Florence on the plane. She said he was the world's nicest guy. Here's a little Tyler recipe with plenty of cheese to remind me what I've been missing.

Chicken Enchiladas
Food Network

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Mexican Spice Blend
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 4 canned chipotle chiles, seeded and minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
• Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Coat large saute pan with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken over medium heat, allow 7 minutes each side or until no longer pink. Sprinkle chicken with cumin, garlic powder and Mexican spices before turning. Remove chicken to a platter, allow to cool.

Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.

Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.

Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Coat the bottom of 2 (13 by 9-inch) pans with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven until cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro, scallion, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving. Serve with Spanish rice and beans.

Chicken Enchiladas

Meyer Lemon Bars

I just got back from a girls weekend in Napa and my friend's Meyer lemon tree was kickin' with fruit. Before I left, I asked if I could harvest some to take back to the city, promptly filled up a bag and headed home to make lemon bars. I'm not a sweets person as I have said a million times on here but, boy, I can always go for anything with citrus of any kind. Lemon bars are easy, tasty and tart. Making them with Meyer lemons makes them even better. Here is a recipe from the sunny, celebrity-clad Hamptons (aka Ina Garten)

Meyer Lemon Bars

For the crust:

nocoupons

• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

nocoupons

• 6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
  
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Meyer Lemon Bars

Japanese Hamburgers

I have a friend that swears by this recipe. I had her over on Sunday night for Shrimp & Grits and she wouldn't stop talking about it so I asked for the recipe. She came across it on a fellow blog, Just Hungry. The two biggest differences? Adding pork to the meat and the sauce made with tonkatsu. Give it a try.

Japanese style hamburger (Hambaagu or hambaagaa)

This makes 4 small hamburgers, serving 2 to 4 people depending on what else you are serving.

• 200g/ about 7 oz. ground beef (from a cut that has a fair amount of fat in it - very lean beef will not work because it will be too dry.)
• 100g / about 3 1/2 oz. ground pork
• 1/2 medium onion
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• About 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• About 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 cup soft white breadcrumbs (Make the breadcrumbs from regular white bread slices with the crusts off. The crumb of a baguette is really good for this.)
• 2-3 Tbs. milk
• 1 egg
• Oil for cooking

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup Japanese tonkatsu sauce such as Bulldog brand

Chop the onion very finely. Sauté the onion in a little oil until translucent. Let cool.

Moisten the breadcrumbs with the milk. Combine the meat, cooled onions, moistened milk, egg, salt, ground pepper and nutmeg. Your hands are the best tools for this. Combine well until everything is amalgamated.

Divide into 4 portions. Form into patties, slapping each with your palms until the surface is smooth. Indent the middle with your thumb - this makes sure the middle gets cooked evenly.

Heat up a large frying pan with some oil over high heat. Place the hamburgers well apart in the hot pan, and fry until browned. Turn over and turn the heat down to low. Put a tight fitting lid on the pan and steam-cook the hamburgers for about 10 minutes until the middle bounces back if you press down on it. Take out and keep warm.

Pour out any excess oil from the pan and turn the heat up to high again. Add the red wine and deglaze the pan with it (scrape off the brown bits and blend). Add the ketchup and the Bulldog sauce and blend. Pour over the hamburgers.

They are best served piping hot, but they are also very popular for bento boxes.

Japanese Hamburgers

Grilled Softshell Crabs with Jicama Salad and Tomato–Avocado Salsa

What caught my eye in this recipe was that the crabs are grilled. Usually soft shell crabs are fried! Chef Rick Bayless created this recipe and I can imagine sitting in one of his Chicago restaurants enjoying this dish. Don't be afraid of soft shell crabs. They are delicious and eaten whole. Call your local seafood store to check if they have any in stock. Bon appetit!

Grilled Softshell Crabs with Jicama Salad and Tomato–Avocado Salsa

1 medium jicama, peeled and julienned
3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and julienned
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for
garnish
7 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
5 tbsp. fresh lime juice
Salt
2 medium tomatoes, diced
3 serrano chiles, seeded, if desired, and minced
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 medium white onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 avocado, peeled and diced
8 softshell crabs, cleaned
1 lime, cut into wedges

1. Combine jicama, cucumber, and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Dress with 4 tbsp. olive oil and 4 tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt, mix well, and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, chiles, garlic, onions, avocado, and remaining chopped cilantro. Dress with remaining lime juice, season with salt, and mix gently; set aside.

3. Lightly brush a hot grill or grill pan with 1 tbsp. oil. Brush crabs with remaining 2 tbsp. oil, then place on grill and cook until firm, about 2 minutes on each side. To serve, divide jicama salad and tomato-avocado salsa among four plates. Top each plate with 2 crabs and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

Grilled Softshell Crabs with Jicama Salad and Tomato–Avocado Salsa

Funnel Cakes

When you grow up in a small town like I did, the county fair is a big deal. For this holiday weekend, Drew and I are staying at a hotel in Calistoga to soak in the town parade, sit by the pool and spin around tirelessly on the Gravitron.

The county fair is a great place to eat. There are corn dogs, cotton candy, caramel corn, ice cream, churros and more. And it's a good thing I only go once a year because these menu options are not approved for my bride-to-be diet. One of my fair staples is the funnel cake. Make these at home and reminisce on your days as a kid at the carnival.

Funnel Cakes
FN Test Kitchen

• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract
• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying
• Cinnamon powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oil to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and lemon. Whisk well. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Stir until smooth. Hold your finger over the funnel opening, fill with 3/4 cup of the filling. Place your hand over the oil and carefully remove your finger. Scribble and criss-cross the filling into the hot oil. Fry until golden on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with cinnamon sugar mix. Repeat the process until all of the batter is used.

Funnel Cakes

Creamy Potato Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

What would summer be without potato salad? As the 4th of July nears, think about adding this salad to your BBQ menu. It's a major crowd pleaser and guests will be prepared to splurge on their calorie intake. I like my salad cold, so keep it in the cooler or fridge just before serving. Nobody likes a warm creamy dressing on a hot day.

Creamy Potato Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Bon Appetit
• 3 pounds baby red potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel

• Bring potatoes to boil in large pot of water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 17 minutes. Drain; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes.
• Cut potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Place 1 layer of potatoes in large bowl; sprinkle with some of vinegar and salt and pepper. Continue layering potatoes with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add all remaining ingredients; toss. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Creamy Potato Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Drew bought this gigantic watermelon at Costco last weekend and we had a ton left over after a BBQ. I brainstormed a couple ways to not let it go to waste, including making a sangria out of it. At the end of the day, this salad recipe sounded perfect and easy to make. The saltiness of the feta works nicely with the sweetness of the watermelon.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Jacques Pépin

1. 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3. 2 teaspoons kosher salt
4. 1 teaspoon Tabasco
5. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6. One 8-pound seedless watermelon, scooped into balls with a melon baller or cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (10 cups), chilled
7. 1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled (2 cups)
8. 1 1/4 cups pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped (optional)
9. 1 small sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
10. 1 cup coarsely chopped mint leaves

1. In a large bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt, Tabasco and pepper. Add the watermelon, feta, olives and onion and toss gently. Garnish with the mint and serve.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Andouille and Beef Burgers with Spicy Mayo and Caramelized Onions

Honestly, unless you are a vegetarian there is NO way that you can tell me that this thing does not look down-right delicious. With Spicy mayo, andouille and blue cheese, this sucker packs a serious punch.

Summer is officially here and we're packing up the car and heading up to Napa for a little poolside relaxation and some varsity grilling. I've been doing some menu planning this week and this burger has made the cut for Saturday's festivities. If people are turned off by the pecans in the recipe then just leave them out. Make sure to be patient when you are cooking your onions. Low and slow, friends. Low and slow.

Andouille and Beef Burgers with Spicy Mayo and Caramelized Onions
Saveur

Spicy mayonnaise

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Burgers

• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into scant 1/4-inch cubes
• 3/4 cup pecans, toasted, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck or ground beef (20 percent fat)

Caramelized onions

• 1 1/2 pounds onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing grill rack
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar

• 6 large hamburger buns, split
• 8 ounces crumbled blue cheese

• 12 pickled okra pods, halved lengthwise*
• 3 cups watercress tops

For mayonnaise:
Mix all ingredients in small bowl. Cover and chill.

Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For burgers:
Toss first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add beef; blend gently. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick patties. Transfer patties to small baking sheet.

Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

For onions:
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Toss onions and next 3 ingredients in large skillet. Place skillet on grill; cook until onions are golden, stirring often, about 25 minutes. Remove from grill; season with salt and pepper.

Brush grill rack with olive oil. Grill buns, cut side down, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer buns to work surface. Grill burgers until brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn over; sprinkle with cheese. Grill until burgers are cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. Place some onions, then burger, on each bun bottom. Top each with okra and watercress. Spread mayonnaise on cut side of bun tops; place on burgers. Serve with remaining mayonnaise.

Andouille and Beef Burgers with Spicy Mayo and Caramelized Onions

Strawberry Tart with Flaky Pastry

The great thing about summer is how easy and delicious meals can be. When ingredients are at their peak, you really just have to wash them, chop them and serve them. Case-in-point this great recipe for a summer strawberry dessert.

Strawberry Tart with Flaky Pastry

1. 1 teaspoon salt
2. 1 1/4 cups ice water
3. 3 1/2 cups chilled all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4. 1 pound cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3. 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
4. 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced
5. Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

1. Make the Pastry: Stir the salt into the ice water until dissolved. In a food processor, combine the 3 1/2 cups of flour and the butter and pulse until the butter is the size of peas and evenly distributed in the flour. Make indentations in the flour mixture and drizzle in the water. Pulse just until the flour is moistened. Scrape the mixture out onto a lightly floured work surface and quickly press and squeeze just until a shaggy, coarse dough forms. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. On a floured work surface, dust the top of the pastry with flour. Roll out to an 8-by-15-inch rectangle. Fold the rectangle into thirds like a letter, brushing off any excess flour. Roll it out to a rectangle and fold it again, dusting with more flour as necessary. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll and fold 2 more times, refrigerating the pastry for 30 minutes in between. Refrigerate the pastry for 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°. Cut out a 10-inch round of parchment paper. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Divide the pastry in half; freeze half for another use. On a floured work surface, roll out the pastry 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife and a 12-inch plate as a template, cut out a 12-inch round. Brush off any excess flour and transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Top with the parchment round and a 10-inch cake pan; fill the pan with pie weights or dried beans.
4. Bake the pastry in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375° and bake for about 35 minutes, until starting to brown around the edge. Remove the cake pan and parchment round and cover the edge of the pastry with foil. Bake the pastry in the upper third of the oven for about 15 minutes longer, until the center of the round is lightly browned and crisp. Transfer the pastry to a rack to cool.
5. Assemble the Tart: In a large bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks. Add the granulated sugar and Grand Marnier and whip the cream until firm. Spread the whipped cream over the pastry and arrange the sliced strawberries on top. Dust the tart with confectioners' sugar, cut into wedges and serve.

Strawberry Tart with Flaky Pastry

Spanakopita

Drew and I headed over to Pacifica for a BBQ on Memorial Day with some close friends. Prior to the big day, my friend and I decided to go 'Greek'. I brought a leg of lamb that had been marinating in lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic and rosemary for 24 hours and some spanakopita. For those of you that have never had spanakopita, it's a Greek staple and quite delicious warm or cold.

Recipes for this dish don't vary much. Here is an easy one from Tyler Florence.

Spanakopita

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds fresh baby spinach, trimmed, washed and roughly chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 12 ounces crumbled feta
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound phyllo pastry sheets
• 1/4 cup finely chopped oregano
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and place over medium heat. Saute onions and garlic for 3 minutes until soft. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper, and continue to saute until the spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice, remove from heat and place in a colander, and squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside to cool. The filling needs to be cool and dry to prevent the phyllo from becoming soggy. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with feta, coriander, and nutmeg. Season, then fold in the cooled spinach mixture until well blended.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, brush 2 baking sheets with some melted butter. Unroll the phyllo dough and lay a sheet flat on a work surface. Take care to keep the phyllo covered with a damp, not wet, towel as you work to prevent drying out and becoming brittle. Brush the sheet with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with some oregano and chives. Repeat with 2 more sheets of phyllo, stacking on top of each other. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheets lengthwise into thirds to form 2 1/2-inch strips. Do this with all the sheets of dough.

Place a heaping teaspoon of filling near 1 corner of the layered phyllo strip. Fold the end at an angle over the filling to form a triangle. Continue to fold the triangle along the strip until you reach the end, like folding up a flag. Brush the top with butter and dust with Parmesan, place on prepared baking sheet, and cover while preparing the remaining pastries. Repeat until all the filling and phyllo strips are used up. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the triangles are crisp and golden. Serve hot, warm or cold.

Spanakopita

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Romesco Sauce

Our good friends, Mike and Romy, are coming to visit this weekend and they love my home cooked meals. We have a hike in Marin, a visit to Napa, our engagement party at Press Club and the Lost finale. Yes, the Lost finale. I can't believe that I am doing a post on this but this is Drew's favorite show so I have decided to cook a feast for Sunday's big night. I figured surf and turf would be the way to go considering we'll be staring at a bunch of people trapped on a tropical island.

For the 'surf' part, I am thinking that this new recipe from this month's Bon Appetit should do the trick. Best part is that it is easy and I won't miss the show!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Romesco Sauce

• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 4 sun-dried tomato halves packed in oil, drained
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup chopped drained piquillo peppers or roasted red peppers from jar
• 1/4 cup whole almonds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse kosher salt

• 8 paper-thin slices prosciutto, each slice cut lengthwise into 3 long strips
• 12 sea scallops, halved horizontally
• Olive oil
• Coarse kosher salt
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

• Before cooking the scallops, be sure to remove the muscle, which can be tough when cooked. Find the muscle by looking for the white strip that runs up the side of the scallop. You can usually pull it off with your fingers, but you may need to use a paring knife to tease the muscle away from the rest of the scallop.

Romesco sauce

• Combine wine, tomatoes, and garlic in small saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
• Transfer tomato mixture to processor. Add peppers, almonds, and oil and blend until coarse puree forms. Transfer to small bowl. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.

Scallops

• Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wrap 1 prosciutto strip around center of each scallop half, pressing ends together to seal. Arrange scallops on prepared sheet. DO AHEAD Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
• Preheat broiler. Brush scallops lightly with oil; sprinkle with pepper and lightly with coarse salt. Broil scallops until opaque in center and prosciutto is almost crisp, turning scallops over halfway through broiling, 1 to 2 minutes per side, depending on size of scallops. Arrange scallops on platter. Top each with small dollop of romesco sauce and a few thyme leaves.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Romesco Sauce

Blueberry Oat Scones

Mother's day is around the corner which means most women are going to hang up their aprons for a day and kick their feet up. Now, I'm not a mother but if I was I would start dropping some hints on how I'd like to spend my morning in bed munching on these delicious scones. Just a thought...

Blueberry Oat Scones
Epicurious

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 11 tablespoons (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (about 5 1/2 ounces)
• 1 3/4 cups chilled half and half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 teaspoons raw sugar*

Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and coarse salt in processor; blend 5 seconds. Add butter. Using on/off turns, blend until mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Add 1 cup oats and blueberries; stir to blend evenly.

Stir half and half and vanilla in small bowl. Gradually add to flour mixture, tossing until dough just comes together (dough will be very moist).

Using 1/2-cup measuring cup for each scone, drop dough in mounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Sprinkle tops with remaining 3 tablespoons oats, then raw sugar.

Bake 15 minutes. Reverse sheets and continue baking until scones are golden and tester inserted into center from side comes out clean, about 12 minutes longer. Transfer scones to rack and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Blueberry Oat Scones

Pear-Cilantro Margarita

I managed to get a massive sunburn this weekend from hiking the coastal trail in Marin and running around the city in some serious sunshine. While I was out-and-about, I was not too surprised to notice that every patio, bar and restaurant was packed. What is it about nice weather that makes everyone want a cocktail? Next time the weather permits, try this fun spin on a marg.

Pear-Cilantro Margarita
F&W

Ingredients

1. Ice
2. 1 ounce reposado tequila
3. 1 ounce pear nectar or juice
4. 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
5. 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
6. 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
7. 1/2 teaspoon chopped cilantro, plus 1 small cilantro sprig for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients except the cilantro sprig and shake well. Pour into a chilled margarita glass and garnish with the cilantro sprig.

Pear-Cilantro Margarita

Poutine

I'm off to Toronto this week for work and guess what...I've never been there. So when I think of Canada, I think Poutine. This recipe basically consists of fries, cheese curds and gravy. I can't believe that this recipe is not from Chicago or Wisconsin but my research says that French Canadians in Quebec are the genius behind this glutenous treat.

If you don't have access to cheese curds and you have tried to track them down at your local cheesemonger and asked around, I would not sub with anything else. You might as well skip the whole thing and do chili cheese fries instead. The curds make it.

Poutine
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds Idaho white potatoes, peeled and cut
• 1/2 pound fresh cheese curd

Directions

In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the butter and flour. Stir until incorporated. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes for a dark roux. Stir in the stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm. Peel the potatoes and cut fries, 4 inches by 1/2-inch. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and blanch for 4 minutes. Remove, drain and cool completely. Fry the potatoes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, mound the fries into the individual (16-ounce) disposable cups. Spoon the gravy over the fries and crumble the cheese. Serve immediately.

Poutine