Boeuf Bourguignonne

recipe adapted from Bon Appetit Y'all

 Ingredients

• 3 lbs.  lean rump roast, chuck pot roast, sirloin tip, top round, or bottom round, cut into 2-in. cubes
• 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, preferably Pinot Noir
• 1 carrot, cut into 1-in. pieces
• 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-in. pieces
• 1 onion, preferably Vidalia, coarsely chopped
• 4 slices, thick-cut bacon, cut into lardons
• 3 tbs. canola oil, plus more if needed
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbs. brown rice flour
• 2 1/2 c. beef broth
• Bouquet garni (5 sprigs of thyme, 4 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh, 10 black peppercorns, tied together in cheesecloth)
• 1 tbs. tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbs. EVOO
• 24 pearl onions, trimmed and peeled
• 8 oz. white button mushrooms, halved or quartered if large

Directions

1. To marinate the beef, place the cubes in a large nonreactive bowl.  Add the wine, carrot, celery, and onion.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Line both a baking sheet and a large plate with paper towels.  Remove the beef from the marinade and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.  Pat the meat dry with paper towels.  Strain the marinade, reserving seperately both the vegetables and the liquid.  
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  To cook the beef, heat a large, heavy duty Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.  Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate to drain.  Pour off all but 1 tbs. of the bacon fat from the pan.  Decrease the heat to medium, add 2 tbs. canola oil and heat until shimmering. 
4. Season the beef with salt and pepper.  Sear the beef in 2 or 3 batches without crowding until nicely browned on all sides, about 5 minutes; transfer to the prepared baking sheet when done.  Add the reserved vegetables from the marinade and cook until they start to color, 5 to 7 minutes.  Sprinkle on the flour and toss again to lightly coat.  Cook, stirring constantly, until the flour turns brown, 2 to 3 minutes.  Return the beef to the Dutch oven.  Add the reserved marinade liquid and enough stock to barely cover the meat. 
5. Add the bouquet garni, tomato paste, and garlic to the pan.  Bring to a boil on high heat on the cooktop.  Cover and transfer to the oven.  Cook until the meat is tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 
6. Meanwhile, to make the garnish, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbs. of canola oil and EVOO over medium heat.  Add the peeled onions, mushrooms, the remaining sprig of thyme, and the remaining bay leaf.  Season with salt and pepper.  Saute until the vegetables are lightly browned and tender, 5 to 7 minutes.  Set aside and keep warm. 
7. Remove the bouquet garni from the Dutch oven and discard.  Transfer the beef with a slotted spoon to a bowl.  In the Dutch oven, using an immersion blender, puree the sauce and vegetables until smooth.  Or, once the beef is removed, ladel the sauce and vegetables into a blender and puree until smooth a little at a time.  Cook the pureed suace over medium-high heat until the sauce coasts the back of a spoon; if needed, thin with more stock to achieve this consistency.  Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.  Return the beef to the sauce and turn to coat.  
8. Remove the sprig of thyme and the bay leaf from the mushrooms and onions in the skillet.  add the sauteed mushrooms, onions, and reserved bacon to the beef and sauce.  Stir to combine.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until warm and the flavors marry and blend, 5 to 7 minutes.  Taste and adjust fro seasoning with salt and pepper.  Serve immediately. 

 Serve Boeuf Bourguignonne over $20,000 Rice Pilaf

 Tuna & Hummus Sandwiches

recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa 

"How Easy Is That?"

 Tuna

 Ingredients

• 3 cans of white albacore tuna
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 1/4 c. minced celery
• 2 tbs. minced Vidalia onion
• 2 tbs. minced dill pickles
• 2 tbs. lemon juice
• 2 tbs. good mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 12 slices whole wheat bread
• Hummus, recipe follows

Directions

1. Drain the tuna.  Place the tuna in a mixing bowl and flake with a fork.  Add the celery, onion, pickles, lemon juice, mayonnaise, EVOO, mustard, salt, and pepper and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Toast the bread and spread each slice with a layer of hummus.  Spread the tuna salad on each piece of bread, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.  Serves 6.

Hummus

Ingredients

• 2 c. canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved (15.5 oz. can)
• 1/3 c. tahini or sesame paste
• 4 tsp. minced garlic, 4 cloves
• 6 tbs. lemon juice
• 8 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 2 tsp. kosher salt

 Directions

1. Place the chickpeas, 2 tbs. of reserved liquid, the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until coarsely pureed.  The hummus should be moist and thick; add more lemon juice or reserved chickpea liquid to thin, if necessary.  Cover and refrigerate for several hours for the flavors to blend.  Taste for seasonings.

Tarragon Green Bean Tomato Salad

recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, Y'all

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh green beans
• 1/2 lb. grape of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small Vidalia onion, minced
• 2 tbs. white wine
• 2 tbs. basalmic vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbs. fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2 tbs. fresh tarragon, finely chopped
• 1/4 c. fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 4 tbs. EVOO

Directions

1. Fill a large saucepan with water and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Add green beans and blanch for 5 minutes.  Drain beans and transfer to a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes to stop the cooking process.  Set aside.  
2. In a large bowl, combine white wine, basalmic vinegar, mustard, herbs, remaining salt, and pepper.  Whisk in EVOO.  
3. Drain green beans from ice bath and toss together green beans, onion, and oil mixture.  Lastly add tomatoes and gently toss. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or serve immediately.   Serves 6.

Lemon Chicken Breasts

recipe courtesy of Barefoot Contessa

"How Easy Is That?"

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. good olive oil
• 3 tbs. minced garlic (9 cloves)
• 1/3 c. dry white wine
• 1 tbs. grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 2 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 oz. each)
• 1 lemon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Warm the olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute but don't allow the garlic to turn brown.  Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and 1 tsp. salt and pour into a 9 x 12 inch baking dish.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them skin side up over the sauce.  Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper.  Cut the lemon in 8 wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.
4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned.  If the  chicken isn't browned enough, put it under the broiler for 2 minutes.  Cover the pan with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes.  Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with pan juices.

Mustard Chicken Salad

recipe courtesy of Barefoot Contessa 

 How Easy Is That?

Ingredients

• 2 whole (4 split) chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on
• Good olive oil
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups good mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  
• 1/8 cup whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon leaves
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and rub the skin with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and dice the chicken in large bite-size pieces.
3. Meanwhile, add the broccoli florets to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 1 minute, until crisp tender, drain, and place into a bowl of ice water until cool. This will stop the cooking and set the bright green color.
4. For the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, wine, mustards, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Add enough sauce to the warm chicken to moisten well. Add the tarragon, broccoli, and tomatoes and mix gently to combine. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature. Serves 4.

Potted Pork Chops with Sweet Onions and Apples

recipe adapted from Rachael Ray

 Ingredients

• 6 boneless pork chops, halved
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 2 medium Macintosh apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• A few sprigs fresh sage, very thinly sliced
• 1 can of chicken broth

Directions

1. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbs. EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and brown the meat. Do this in 2 batches if your pot size demands it. Use a little extra oil if necessary for a second batch. Remove the browned meat to a plate and add the remaining oil to the pan. 
2. Reduce the heat a bit and add the onions, apples, bay leaves, and sage. Season with salt and pepper and cover the pan to sweat the onions for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover the pot and raise the heat a bit. When the onions start to brown, add the broth to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes and allow to thicken.  
3. Slide the pork back in, and simmer to cook through a few minutes more. Serve from the hot pot. Serves 5.

Roasted Winter Vegetables

 Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 4 red potatoes, quartered
• 1/2 lb. brussel sprouts (halved if large)
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. Herbs de Provence

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Transfer to a large baking sheet.  Roast for 40 minutes, flipping once.  Serves 5. 

Balsamic Summer Squash

 Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 medium yellow squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 2 tbs. Balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

1. Heat oil over medium heat; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.  Add all remaining ingredients and cook covered for 25 minutes.  Remove lid and reduce heat to low; cook an additional 10 minutes stirring occasionally.  Serves 6.

 Christmas Pasta

recipe adapted from Rachael Ray

Ingredients

• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup good quality dry red wine
• 1 cup prepared beef broth, paper container or canned
• 2 (32-ounce) cans chunky style crushed tomatoes
• A handful chopped flat leaf parsley leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon (a couple of pinches) allspice or cinnamon
• Coarse salt and black pepper
• 2 pounds Gluten-Free brown rice penne rigate, cooked to al dente

 Directions

1. In a large skillet brown ground beef; drain off excess fat and set meat aside. 
2. Heat a deep pot over medium high heat. Add oil, garlic, bay, and cook for about 30 seconds. Add meat and cook for 2 minutes. 
3. Chop carrot, celery, and onions near the stove and add to the pot as you work. Cook vegetables with meat 5 minutes and add wine. Cook for 1 minute; add stock and tomatoes to the pot.
4. Stir in parsley, allspice, or cinnamon and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes minimum before serving. Reheated sauce only improves.
5. Toss pasta with sauce to coat, then top bowl with extra sauce.

Garlic Bread

recipe adapted from Ina Garten

 Ingredients

• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 1 loaf ciabatta or French bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

 Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the garlic in the bowl of a food processor and process until minced. Add the parsley, oregano, salt and pepper and pulse twice.
3. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan and add the garlic mixture. Remove the pan from the heat.
4. Slice the ciabatta bread in half horizontally, and spread the butter on 1 half. Spread the garlic mixture on the other half of the bread, and put the halves together. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.
5. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Open the foil, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.

 Wild Rice with Cranberries

recipe adapted from Complete Gluten-Free Cookbook

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. wild rice
• 3 c. GF chicken broth
• 1 c. chopped onions
• 2 c. sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 c. dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. chopped almonds
• 1 tbs. snipped fresh rosemary
• pinch freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a sieve, rinse wild rice under cold running water; drain well.  In a large saucepan, combine rice, broth, and onions. Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 35 minutes.  Stir in mushrooms, cranberries, almonds, rosemary and pepper.  Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until rice is soft but not mushy and liquid is absorbed.  Serve hot. Serves 6.  

Mini Meatloaves

recipe adapted from Complete Gluten-Free Cookbook

Ingredients

• 3/4 c. cooked brown rice
• 1/4 c. almond milk
• 2 tbs. ground flaxseed
• 1/4 c. warm water
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 c. diced mushrooms
• 2 tbs. grainy Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (80/20)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine rice and milk.  Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, combine flaxseed and warm water; let stand for 5 minutes.  Add to rice.  Add onions, mushrooms, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper; mix well.  Using a fork, gently mix in beef. 
3. Spoon mixture evenly into 12 count prepared muffin tin or among 6 ramekins, packing lightly.  Place on baking sheet, as it may bubble over. 
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes (if using muffin tin) or 30 to 40 minutes (if using ramekins), or until meat thermometer inserted in a mini loaf registers 160 degrees and meat is no longer pink inside.  Let cooked mini meatloaves stand for 5 to 10 minutes.  Remove from tin, draining off excess liquid. Serves 6.

More cookies - Gingerbread men, Angels and Christmas Trees

Gingerbread Cookie recipe

Sugar Cookie recipe

My Christmas ornament this year was appropriate.

Gingerbread Cookies

 Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 c. dark molasses
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Directions

1. Beat butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg white, and vanilla in a large bowl at high speed with electric mixer until smooth.  Combine flour, baking soda, powder, salt and spices in bowl.  Add to butter mixture; mix well.  Cover; refrigerate until firm, about 8 hours or overnight. 
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease cookie sheets.
3. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/8 in. thickenss. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.  Place on prepared cookie sheets.
4. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges begin to brown.  Remove to wire racks.  Cool completely.  Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.  Decorate with icing if desired. 

Thanks to my friend Sarah for the cookie making accessories!

 Classic Sugar Cookies

recipe courtesy of Southern Living

 Ingredients

• 1  cup  butter or margarine, softened
• 1  cup  granulated sugar
• 1  large egg
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 3  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• sprinkles and sparkling sugar for decorating
• Glaze
• 1  (16-oz.) package powdered sugar
• 6  tablespoons  warm water
• Liquid  food coloring (optional)
•  Stir together powdered sugar and warm water using a wire whisk. Divide mixture, and tint with food coloring, if desired; place in shallow bowls for ease in dipping cookies.

Directions

1.  Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Combine flour and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill 1 hour.
2. Roll each portion of dough to 1⁄4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with desired cookie cutters. (We used flower and starfish cutters.) Place on lightly greased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies 1 minute on baking sheets, and remove to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Dip cookies in Glaze and sprinkle, while wet, with sparkling sugar and sprinkles.  Yield: 20 medium size cookies or 40 small cookies.

 Perfect Roast Chicken

recipe courtesy of Ina Garten

 Ingredients

• 1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch fresh thyme
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
• EVOO

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the EVOO and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken on roasting pan.  
3.  Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve.  Serves 8.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

recipe courtesy of Lipton Secret Recipes

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 3-to 3-1/2- lb. boneless beef pot roast (rump, chuck or round)
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 medium all-purpose potatoes (about 2 lbs.), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 envelopes Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Onion Soup Mix
• 3/4 cup water

Directions

1.	Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brown roast.
2.	Arrange carrots and potatoes in slow cooker. Top with roast and set aside.
3.	Combine Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Onion Soup Mix with water in glass measuring cup. Add to skillet, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Add soup mixture to slow cooker. Cook covered on Low 8 to 10 hours or HIGH 4 to 6 hours. Remove roast and vegetables to serving platter.
4.	Thicken gravy, if desired, by combining additional 1/4 cup water with 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Cook on HIGH 15 minutes or until thickened. Serves 6.

Easy Coconut Cake

recipe courtesy of cooks.com

Ingredients

• 1 white cake mix
• 1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk
• 1 can cream of coconut or 1/2 can coconut milk (not lite)
• 1 lg. container Cool Whip
• 12 oz. pkg. coconut, flaked

Directions

1. Bake white cake according to box instructions. Punch holes in cake with straw or small round object, about 1 inch apart. Pour cream of coconut (or 1/2 can coconut milk) and then condensed milk over holes. Top with Cool Whip and coconut on top.  Refrigerate for 4 hours, then serve.

Note: This recipe is not gluten or dairy free.

 Dad's Apple Smoked Turkey

 Ingredients

• 1-14 lb. turkey
• 1 1/2 apples, cored and sliced
• 1 Vidalia onion, cubed into large chunks
• lemon pepper
• salt
• apple wood chips
• 32 oz. apple juice

Directions

1. Preheat electric smoker to 250 degrees.  Soak apple wood chips for at least 30 minutes in apple juice. 
2. Prepare turkey by removing giblets from inside. Stuff inside of turkey with apples and onions.  Rub outside of turkey and under skin with lemon pepper and salt.  
3. Place turkey in smoker and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. 

Meme's Cornbread Dressing

recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit, Y'all

Ingredients

• 4 tbs. unsalted butter
• 4 c. day-old crumbled Buttermilk Cornbread, recipe below
• 1 loaf-brioche or egg bread, cut into 1-in. cubes, about 2 cups
• 3/4 c. fresh or panko breadcrumpbs
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 c. chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbs. chopped fresh sage
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an oven proof gratin or casserole dish.
2. In a very large bowl, combine, the cornbread, brioche, and breadcrumbs in a very large mixing bowl; set aside.
3. Heat the 4 tbs. butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the celery and onion and cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.  Transfer the cooked vegetables to the bread mixture.  Pour over the broth and add the eggs, sage, and thyme.  The mixture should be fairly soupy; if not, add additional stock.   Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper.  Transfer to the baking dish.  Bake until heated through puffed, and golden brown, about 45 minutes.  Remove from the oven to cool slightly before serving. 

Buttermilk Cornbread

• Ingredients

• 2 tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 c. white or yellow cornmeal
• 1 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1  tsp. baking soda
• 2 c. buttermilk

• Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Place butter in a 10 1/2 in. cast-iron skillet or ovenproof baking dish and heat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.  Set aside.  In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and egg.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine.  Remove the heat skillet from the oven and pour the melted butter into the the batter.  Stir to combine, then pour the batter back  into the hot skillet.  Baked until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.  

 Gravy

 Ingredients

• 1/4 c. turkey pan drippings
• 1 vidalia onion, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1/2 c. white wine
• 3 c. chicken broth
• 2 tbs. Cornstarch
• 1 tbs. water

Directions

1. Saute onion in turkey drippings until onion caramelizes, about 15 minutes.  De-glaze the pan with white wine and reduce by half.  Add poultry seasoning and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes.  
2. In small bowl stir corn starch into cold water.  Whisk cornstarch mixture into gravy and bring to a boil.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.   

Brown Sugar Smoked Ham

Ingredients

• 1-10 lb. pre-cooked ham
• 1 c. brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat smoker to 210 degrees.  
2. Rub ham with brown sugar.  Place in electric smoker and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. 

Maple Sweet Potato Cups

recipe adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, roasted and peeled
• 1/3 c. EVOO 
• 1/3 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 c. pure maple syrup
• 3 tsp. orange zest
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Mash together sweet potatoes and next 5 ingredients. Spoon mixture into 8 (6-oz.) custard cups. Place on a baking sheet.
2. Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Add sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread meringue over sweet potato mixture.
3. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

 Maple Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie

recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

• 1 recipe  Pastry for Single-Crust Pie
• 1  15-oz. can  pumpkin
• 1/2  cup  sugar
• 1/4  cup  pure maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
• 1  tsp.  ground cinnamon
• 1/2  tsp.  salt
• 3  eggs, lightly beaten
• 1  cup  almond milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Prepare and roll out Pastry for Single-Crust pie.
2. For filling, in a bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Add eggs; beat with a fork until combined. Gradually add milk; stir until combined.
3. Carefully pour filling in pastry shell. Cover edge of pie crust with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25 to 30 minutes more or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate within 2 hours.
4. To serve, if desired, top with Whipped Cream. Makes 8 servings.
5. Pastry for a Single-Crust Pie: In bowl stir together 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using pastry blender cut in 1/2 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold water over part of the flour mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to side of the bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon water at a time (4 to 5 tablespoons total), until flour mixture is moistened. Form dough in ball. On floured surface flatten with hands. Roll dough from center to edges into 13-inch circle. To transfer pastry, wrap around rolling pin. Unroll pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into plate without stretching it. Trim pastry to 1 inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry.


Note:  There is always more filling than is needed to fill the pie crust.  I make a mini-crust-less pumpkin pie for myself that is gluten and dairy free. 

Red Velvet Brownies

recipe courtesy of Southern Living, December 2010

Ingredients

• 1  (4-oz.) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 3/4  cup  butter
• 2  cups  sugar
• 4  large eggs
• 1 1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1  (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting
• 1  (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 3  tablespoons  butter, softened
• 1 1/2  cups  powdered sugar
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract 
• Preparation 
• Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.

• Garnish: white chocolate curls

Line pan with foil by trimming two long foil pieces to a 9-inch width. Fit strips, crossing each other, in the pan.
Total: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Yield: Makes 16 servings

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Small-Batch Cream Cheese Frosting on top of brownies, and cut into 16 squares. Garnish, if desired.

Honey Dijon Grilled Pork Chops

recipe adapted from Rachael Ray

 Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1/4 c. stone ground Dijon mustard
• 1/4 c. honey
• 2 tbs. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbs. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. dried thyme

Directions

1. Whisk together mustard, honey, vinegar, lemon juice and thyme.  Pour over pork chops and allow to marinate overnight.  
2. Grill pork chops over medium heat for 20 minutes, flipping once.  Serves 4. 

Roasted Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions

 Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 4 small Idaho potatoes, cubed
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 1/4 c. plus 1 tbs. Kraft Zesty Italian dressing
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Toss vegetables in 1/4 c. dressing, salt, and pepper. 
3. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes.  Toss with remaining dressing and serve.  Serves 4. 

Sauteed Squash, Zucchini, and Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 4 yellow squash
• 3 zucchini squash
• 2 c. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp. black pepper

Directions

1. Slice squash into thick matchsticks.  In large cast iron skillet, heat EVOO over medium high heat.  Add squash, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cover with lid and allow to cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove cover and allow excess water to boil off.  Serves 6. 

 White Bean Chili

recipe adapted from Paula Deen

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried navy beans
• 5 c. GF chicken broth
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 1 tbs. minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 1/2 c. chopped green chiles (fresh or canned)
• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 tbs. ground cumin
• 1 tbs. dried oregano
• 1 to 2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. white pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse beans well, cover with cool water, and soak for overnight. Drain. Put the beans in large pot with the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Brown ground chicken in skillet and drain.  
3. In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and chiles and saute for 5 minutes. Add chile mixture to pot with beans. Add the ground chicken, cumin, oregano, pepper, white pepper, and red pepper flakes. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 2 hours. Serves 10. 

Shrimp with Lentils

recipe adapted from Ina Garten

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 pound lentils
• 3 tbs. EVOO, divided
• 4 small yellow onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped celery (4 stalks)
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped carrots (3 carrots)
• 1 can GF chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons good red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 lbs. large, white, raw shrimp, peeled

Directions

1. Place the lentils in a heat-proof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 15 minutes, then drain. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbs. of oil in a saute pan, add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the drained lentils, celery, carrots, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Add the vinegar and season, to taste. 
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  For the shrimp, toss with remaining 1 tbs. of EVOO and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Spread on baking sheet and roast for 6 minutes.  Serve shrimp over lentils.  Serves 4. 

 Bacon Wrapped Rosemary Chicken

recipe adapted from Rachael Ray

 Ingredients

• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. dried rosemary, minced
• 8 pieces good quality boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices bacon
• Drizzle balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Heat a double burner grill pan, griddle pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
2. Pour EVOO into a shallow dish and add the garlic and rosemary.
3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, to taste, and add them to the garlic mixture. Turn to coat. Wrap the chicken pieces in bacon. Grill for 12 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Serve 2 pieces of chicken for each serving.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve. Serves 4.

Roasted Balsamic Vegetables

Ingredients

• 5 yellow squash, cubed
• 3 zucchini squash, cubed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 5 roma tomatoes, cubed
• 2 tbs. EVOO
• 2 tbs. Basalmic vinegar
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss vegetables in EVOO and vinegar and spread on roasting sheet.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast for 30 to 40 minutes in oven, turning once.  Serves 6.

Thick, Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

recipe courtesy of smittenkitchen.com

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, softened
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (I often use a half teaspoon, but I like more salt in my baked goods)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together. Stir this into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins and walnuts, if using them.
3. At this point you can either chill the dough for a bit in the fridge and then scoop it, or scoop the cookies onto a sheet and then chill the whole tray before baking them. You could also bake them right away, if you’re impatient, but I do find that they end up slighly less thick.
4. The cookies should be two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes (your baking time will vary, depending on your oven and how cold the cookies were going in), taking them out when golden at the edges but still a little undercooked-looking on top. Let them sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool.

Note:  This recipe is neither dairy or gluten free.

 Garlic Roasted Shrimp

 Ingredients

• 1 lb. raw white shrimp, peeled
• 1 tbs. EVOO
• 1 tbs. lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Toss shrimp in oil, lemon juice, and garlic.  Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spread shrimp on roasting sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast for 5 to 6 minutes.  Serves 2.

Stuffed Green Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 green bell peppers
• 1 1/2 c. cooked lentils
• 1 c. cooked basamati rice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbs. canola oil
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Slice tops off green peppers and reserve.  Hollow out the inside of each pepper.  
2. In a separate bowl combine lentils, rice, garlic, oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Stuff mixture down inside peppers and place reserved tops on peppers.
3. Place peppers in baking dish and cook at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Serves 2.  

Note: You can use whatever leftover cooked vegetables you have on hand to stuff the peppers.  Additionally you may use different spices to mix in with the rice and lentils.  I made an Italian style pepper with oregano, basil, marjoram, and rosemary.  A Mexican style pepper could be made by mixing in cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

Sausage with Garlic Lentils

recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound lentils
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• 1 small onion, peeled and halved
• 4 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 fresh sausages, pork, chicken or lamb, hot or sweet
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cover lentils by 2 inches with water, add bay and onion and bring to a boil. Boil lentils 20 to 22 minutes until just tender but with a little bite left to them.
2. In a shallow pastabowl combine the garlic and about 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil and let stand 15 minutes.
3. Place sausages in a small pan and add 1/4-inch water and 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, a little drizzle. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat to medium-high. Let the water simmer away 8 minutes or so, then crisp the casings 3 to 4 minutes more.
4. Remove bay and onion from lentils. Toss hot lentils with garlic oil, parsley and salt and pepper. Serve with sausages on top.

 J.T.'s Georgia-Style Potatoes

 

Ingredients

• 4 red potatoes, diced into 1/4 in. cubes
• 1/2 Vidalia onion, diced
• 1/2 roasted red pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 c. canola oil
• paprika
• chives

Directions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add onions and cook 5 minutes.  Add potatoes and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add peppers and cook an additional 15 minutes.  Garnish with paprika and chives.  Serves 3.

Serve potatoes with Southwestern Frittata

 

Pennywise Steaks

recipe adapted from couponmaximizer.com

  

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
• 3/4 c.GF bread crumbs
• 1 1/8 c. almond milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400′
2. Combine all ingredients except Worcestershire sauce in a medium-sized bowl (mix by hand til well-blended)
3. Shape meat into 6 steaks and place in a baking dish
4. Sprinkle with Worcestershire to taste (6 shakes per steak)
5. Bake 30 minute.  Serves 6.

Squash Pie

recipe adapted from elanaspantry.com

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, cut in half, seeded
• 1 1/2 tbs. EVOO
• 1 tbs. honey
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tbs. vanilla extract
• 1/2  tsp. cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• brown sugar

Directions

1. Bake squash in the oven at 350° for 40 minutes, until soft
2. Scoop squash out of skin, discarding skin
3. Place squash in food processor with oil, honey, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt
4. Puree until smooth and creamy
5. Place 4 ramekins and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and serve.  Serves 4.