Easy Italian Beef Sandwiches ala ~DKBB~

 Easy Italian Beef Sandwiches ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.tasteofhome.com)

 
1 3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ tsp. ground pepper
¼ c. water
½ 16 oz. jar sliced mild (or hot) pepperoncini, undrained
½ 16 oz. jar hot giardiniera, undrained (you can cut up these veggies a bit)
½ 8 oz. jar Italian pickled garlic, drained (optional)
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1 medium green pepper, julienned
1 large clove fresh garlic, minced
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Buns for serving (ciabatta buns, hoagie buns, or a full loaf of Italian bread)

• Cut roast in half, place both halves in 5-qt. slow cooker; sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and ground pepper; add ¼ cup water to bottom of cooker; cook on high for 4 hours (until meat is tender).
• Remove both halves of the roast and shred the meat well (using either two forks or two meat claws); return shredded meat to slow cooker.
• In a large bowl, combine the pepperoncini, giardiniera, pickled garlic (optional), red and green peppers, minced fresh garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix; pour this over the meat in the slow cooker and cook for another hour on high (until peppers are tender).
• If you want grilled buns, prepare them as desired.
• Serve the shredded meat mixture over buns/as sandwiches using a slotted spoon (or tongs) to drain off the liquid.
• If using a full loaf of Italian bread, cut it in half lengthwise, spoon beef mixture over bottom half, replace top half, and cut into 6 sandwiches.

Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta ala ~DKBB~

Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.thepioneerwoman.com)

 

Photo from The Pioneer Woman

Kosher salt
8 oz. linguine (or similar type pasta)
3 Tbsp. salted butter
8 oz. each of two kinds of mushrooms (what’s available where you live will dictate this)
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 shallot, diced
1 Tbsp. fresh cracked black pepper
1 Tbsp. Trader Joe’s ground fermented black garlic (optional)
¾ c. heavy cream
¼ c. ground parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus additional for serving (or any other such cheese you may prefer)

Fresh parsley (optional)

• Bring pot of lightly salted (using kosher salt) water to a boil and add the pasta; cook for 2 minutes less than package directions.
• Using a glass measuring cup or heatproof pitcher, scoop 1½ cups of pasta water out, then drain the pasta and set aside.
• Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat; add mushrooms, garlic, and shallot and cook, stirring until the liquid cooks off and the mushrooms are golden (7 to 8 minutes).
• Add a pinch of kosher salt and the black pepper (it will look like too much pepper, but it’s not) and black garlic; stir and cook for another couple minutes.
• Pour in the cream, stir it in well, and let it boil gently and thicken (about 2 minutes).
• Reduce heat to low and add the cheese, stirring it in well, then the drained pasta; make sure to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
• Add in some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
• Dish up the pasta with lots of mushrooms and sprinkle on more cheese and sprinkle on fresh parsley if desired.

Vietnamese Shaking Beef ala ~DKBB~

Vietnamese Shaking Beef (Bo Luc Lac) ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.delightfulplate.com) 

For the beef:
12 oz. beef (I use stew meat or cube steak)
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. sugar
Black pepper
Cooking oil (sesame oil, fire oil, canola…but not olive)
1small red onion, thinly sliced
3 stalks scallions, white parts cut into 1-inch pieces, green parts cut into ½-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ Tbsp. butter
 
For the soy sauce mixture:
2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tsp. dark soy sauce (or hoisin sauce)
2 tsp. (low sodium) soy sauce
½ Tbsp. fish sauce
1 tsp. oyster sauce
1½ tsp. sugar
Small amount of cornstarch to thicken
 
For the salad:
2-3 soft lettuce leaves, chopped (butter lettuce works well)
1-2 cups microgreens
2 small or medium ripe tomatoes 

• Trim and cut the beef into 1-inch cubes; marinate with ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. sugar, plenty of black pepper, and 1-2 tsp. oil of choice. Set aside and allow to come to room temperature.
• In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients; taste and adjust per your taste; add cornstarch if thicker sauce is desired.
• In a wok or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, add oil and beef cubes; sear for 30-45 seconds, flip and sear for another 30-45 seconds.
• Add onion slices and stir-fry beef and onion 30 seconds; add minced garlic and white parts of scallions; stir-fry until garlic is fragrant.
• Add sauce mixture, shake wok to coat beef; then add butter and cook until butter completely melts and everything is combined.
• Toss in the green scallion parts before serving.

Plating:
Place lettuce on bottom, cover with sliced tomatoes and a layer of microgreens; top all with the beef/sauce mixture.

Harissa-Spiced Beef & Orzo Soup ala ~CHB~ & Harissa Paste ala ~DKBB~

Harissa-Spiced Beef and Orzo Soup ala ~CHB~

(original recipe from Milk Street)

 

Start to finish: 1¼ hours
Servings: 4-6
 
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. boneless beef (stew meat works great), cut into ½-inch cubes
Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. harissa paste*
½ to 1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. cumin
¼ tsp. cinnamon
6 oz. can tomato paste
15½ oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
7 cups water
1 cup orzo pasta
14½ oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped OR ½ cup dried parsley
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. dried mint
Any kind of dried, small hot chilis (to taste)

• In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering; add the beef in an even layer and season with salt and pepper; cook without stirring until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes; continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the beef of browned all over, about 4-6 minutes.
• Add the harissa paste* and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds; add the tomato paste and cook, stirring until the paste begins to brown and stick to the pot, 2-3 minutes; stir in garbanzo beans, can of diced tomatoes, and 7 cups water; bring all to a simmer, uncovered, over medium-high heat; reduce to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
• Stir in the orzo and cook uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking, until beef is tender and orzo is plump and fully tender (not al dente), 25 to 30 minutes.
• Off heat, stir in parsley, lemon juice, mint, and dried peppers; place back on low-medium heat the simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow dried chili peppers to reconstitute a bit.
• Enjoy soup with fresh baked bread or naan.

*Harissa paste can be purchased from some grocery stores, or you can use the following recipe to create your own:

Harissa Paste ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from Minimalist Baker)

 
10 dried New Mexico chilis (or other large dried chilis with mild to medium heat)
7 dried chilis de arbol and/or pequin peppers (can use < or > 7 to achieve desired heat)
1 heaping Tbsp. cumin seeds (or if subbing ground cumin use 1 level Tbsp. and skip the toasting step)
2 tsp. coriander seeds (or if subbing ground use a little less and skip the toasting step)
1 tsp. caraway seeds
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. fine sea salt
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
¼ cup olive oil

• Add dried chilis to a mixing bowl and cover with hot water; once submerged, cover and steam for 20 minutes to rehydrate; set aside.
• In the meantime, add cumin and coriander seeds (IF using seeds) to small skillet and roast over medium heat for a few minutes, or until fragrant and starting to pop; transfer to mortar and pestle and crush into fine powder.
• Next add caraway seeds, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt and mix; add lemon juice and vinegar and mix until you achieve a paste texture; transfer this mixture to food processor and add tomato paste; set aside.
• Once chilis are rehydrated, drain and remove the stems and seeds (might want to wear food grade gloves for that part), then add them to the food processor. At this point, all ingredients (except olive oil) should be in food processor.
• Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until a smooth paste is achieved; stream in olive oil while blending to create a saucier consistency, adding oil (or water) as needed until desired consistency is achieved.
• Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon or vinegar for acidity, paprika for smokiness, tomato paste for depth of flavor, or salt to taste; if it’s not spicy enough, you can add cayenne pepper to taste.
• Scoop paste into container to store in the refrigerator or up to 1 month. If you want to freeze this, it can be done for up to 2 months by freezing it in an ice cube tray, then storing those harissa paste ice cubes in a freezer-safe container; add frozen cubes directly to warm foods (like soups or sauces); if adding to cold foods (like dressings or dips), allow to thaw first.

Pasta Carbonara ala ~DKBB~

Pasta Carbonara ala ~DKBB~

2 egg yolks at room temperature
1 whole egg at room temperature
Freshly cracked pepper
1.5 oz. grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. spaghetti
1 tsp. salt
5 oz. pancetta OR 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon

Egg Mixture:

·       In a 2-cup or larger liquid measuring cup, whisk together the egg and egg yolks, grated cheese, and plenty of freshly-cracked pepper; set aside.

Cook Pork:

·       If using bacon, cut into small pieces before cooking.

·       Cook the pork in a large sauté pan over medium heat until browned and crispy (use a pan large enough to eventually hold all of the pasta); remove pan from heat; using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork to a paper-towel-lined plate. Do not clean out the pan.

Cook Pasta:

·       Add water to a large Dutch oven or stockpot; the water should be shallow because it needs to be very starchy; bring water to a boil; add 1 tsp. salt and then add spaghetti.

·       Cook pasta uncovered just a bit shy of al dente, stirring often so spaghetti does not stick.

·       Using tongs, transfer the spaghetti to the sauté pan with the pork drippings; mix in the minced garlic, set aside.

 Temper the Eggs:

·       While vigorously whisking the egg mixture with one hand, slowly drizzle ½ cup starchy pasta water into the egg mixture 2 Tbsp. at a time until incorporated (never stopping the whisking); set aside.

 Combine:

·       While continuously tossing the spaghetti, very slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the pasta; continue tossing until the cheese melts and the eggs thicken to form a glossy sauce.

·       Thin sauce with additional pasta water if needed.

·       Add the pork and toss to combine.

·       Transfer to a serving bowl (to remove from pan so eggs do not continue to cook); season to taste with more freshly cracked pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Pappardelle Pasta with Italian Sausage ala ~DKBB~

Pappardelle Pasta with Italian Sausage ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe & photo from www.spendwithpennies.com)

8.8 oz. dry pappardelle pasta

1 lb. Italian sausage
2 Tbsp. olive oil
½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ Tbsp. tomato paste
1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 (or more) Tbsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. basil
1/3 cup red wine
1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes (or you can use diced tomatoes)
½ tsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cracked pepper
1 cup pasta water (reserved)
Grated cheese of your choice (I use Parmigiano Reggiano)
Fresh basil, chiffonade

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta.
• While the water is heating, add olive oil to a large pan/skillet.
• Once the oil is hot, add the sausage and brown until it is not longer pink; break it up well as it cooks (you don’t want chunks of meat).
• Add onions and garlic to the browned sausage; sauté for 1 minute.
• Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute and let the tomato paste caramelize.
• Deglaze the pan by adding the wine and scraping the bottom to release any brown bits; let the wine cook to half the quantity (and to where you can’t smell the alcohol any longer).
• Add tomatoes, salt, sugar, and pepper; reduce heat, cover, and let cook for 5-6 minutes.
• By now the water for the pasta should be boiling; add a little salt and the pasta; cook per pasta package instructions; when the pasta is done, drain it, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
• The tomato meat sauce should be well incorporated now, and you should see a thin layer of fat on the top; taste and add more seasonings per your taste.
• Toss the cooked pasta along ½ cup of the pasta water (add the other ½ cup only if you feel it necessary).
• Garnish with grated cheese and fresh basil, tossing well to incorporate.

Daikon Radish with Chicken ala ~DKBB~

Daikon Radish with Chicken ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from zoukncook)

1 medium daikon radish
4 boneless chicken thighs
½ tsp. chili flakes
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1-2 minced garlic clove (the hotter the garlic, the better)
1 tsp. sesame oil
Chopped green onions (optional)

Sauce:
1 cup chicken stock
1½ Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. sake
1½ tsp. sugar
¼ tsp. rice vinegar
¼ to ½ tsp. white pepper

• Peel daikon and cut into ½-inch half-moons.
• Cut chicken into ½- to 1-inch pieces.
• Heat oil in large sauce pan OR wok; add daikon and chicken and sauté over high heat; stir in minced garlic, chili flakes, and white pepper.
• Add in all ingredients for the cooking sauce; cook all over medium heat, constantly skimming off fat (if needed).
• When sauce has nearly evaporated, sprinkle with sesame oil; remove from heat and serve over rice.
• Garnish with green onion, if desired.

Black Garlic Pappardelle Pasta ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.cookingontheweekends.com)

photo from cookingontheweekends.com

1 lb. dry Pappardelle pasta
¼ c. olive oil (for the pasta and the pan)
¾ c. black garlic cloves (about 3 heads)
1-2 cloves (regular) garlic, minced (optional)
1 c. shallots, thinly sliced
1 c. dry white wine
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

• Cook the past in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it’s al dente, 8 to 10 minutes (the pasta should be tender, but with a bite); drain the cooked pasta, then toss with a couple tablespoons of the ¼ c. olive oil and set aside.
• If you need to, peel the garlic and roughly chop it, keeping it in relatively large chunks.
• Coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with the remaining olive oil and place the pan over medium heat; add the shallots (and regular garlic, if you are so inclined) and cook until they are soft and beginning to brown (about 4 minutes); add the black garlic and toss with the shallots.
• Add the wine and turn the heat to high, letting it reduce to about 1/3; add the butter and swirl the pan around until it’s melted in the wine; season generously to taste with Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
• Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and very gently toss everything together.

Green Chile Cream Sauce ala ~DKBB~

Green Chile Cream Sauce ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.thekittchen.com)  

3 to 4 poblano or pasilla or hot hatch chili peppers (or a combination thereof)
1 Tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, chopped
¼ c. chicken broth
1 c. heavy cream
½ tsp. cumin
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. white pepper
½ to ¾ c. sour cream

• Start by roasting the peppers: Put them directly over the flame of a gas burner, rotating until all the skin is charred, then place them in a covered bowl for 15 minutes, letting the peppers sweat off the charred skin a bit; after 15 minutes, peel off the skin and loosely chop the peppers, discarding the seeds (unless you want hotter sauce).
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add the onion and garlic, cooking until they are translucent; add the chicken broth and cream and bring to a boil; then add the chopped peppers and let boil and reduce for 6 minutes.
• Poor the pepper mixture into a blender and liquify; season with the cumin, salt, and white pepper and ½ cup sour cream; blend all to combine; add more sour cream and/or salt to taste and blend.

Serving suggestions:

• Use as enchilada sauce (esp. with chicken enchiladas).
• Use on chimichangas.
• Use with tacos or fajitas.
• Use with Mexican Eggs Benedict (recipe on this blog).

Cavatelli with Cream of Beans & Clams ala ~DKBB~

Cavatelli with Cream of Beans & Clams ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.cookingwithnonna.com)

The original recipe calls for fresh clams, but I don't live where that is much of an option, so I substituted canned clam pieces and it worked well.

1 lb. cavatelli pasta
1 15.5 oz. can Cannellini beans (do not drain)
2 cans clam pieces (drain, but save liquid)
1 shallot, finely diced
15 to 20 cherry tomatoes
½ cup white (cooking) wine
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary (dried can be substituted, adjust amount)
Pepperoncino (hot pepper flakes) to taste
Salt (to taste)
Extra virgin olive oil (can use flavor infused if desired)

• Drain clams, saving liquid, and set aside.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions to an al dente consistency.
• In a large pan, add some olive oil and sauté the shallot, garlic, and pepperoncino; once the shallots are soft and garlic is turning gold, add the rosemary and sauté for another minute; add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for 4-6 minutes; add white wine and simmer until alcohol is completely evaporated.
• Put the beans (including liquid) in blender and make a cream out of them; add a bit of clam liquid if the bean blend is too thick to easily pour out of blender.
• Add blended beans, all remaining clam liquid, and salt to taste to pan; simmer all at a medium heat for 10 minutes.
• Add the clam meat to the pan, cooking all for another 5ish minutes, then add in the drained cooked pasta, stirring well to mix all together, and let cook for another 3ish minutes.
• Serve with a drizzle of the extra virgin olive oil of your choice.

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup ala ~DKBB~

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.smalltownwoman.com)

 

½ lb. ground Italian sausage

photo from
www.smalltownwoman.com

1 small onion, chopped
8 oz. sliced cremini mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups baby spinach, stems removed
5 cups chicken broth
5 lasagna noodles, broken into smallish pieces
1 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. dried basil
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour (I use Wondra)
1 cup milk
½ to 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1 piece rind from Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional)

• Brown sausage in large cooking pot over medium heat.
• Add onions and mushrooms, cooking another 5-6 minutes over medium-low heat.
• Add spinach and garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
• Add chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add oregano and basil and broken lasagna noodles, stirring well, and bring to a low boil.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes or until noodles are tender.
• Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat melt butter; whisk flour into melted butter and continue cooking for 1 minute, whisking constantly until mixture is bubbling.
• Slowly whisk in milk until mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Turn off heat and slowly whisk in cheese; when cheese is fully incorporated and mixture is creamy, slowly whisk into soup mixture.

Serve with garlic bread or a hearty artisan bread.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta ala ~DKBB~

 Cajun Shrimp Pasta ala ~DKBB~
(original recipe from www.carlsbadcravings.com)

1 lb. medium frozen shrimp (tails on)
2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 Tbsp. lime juice (divided)
½ tsp. garlic powder
8 oz. uncooked fettuccine
2 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
2 Tbsp. butter (divided)
½ large (red) onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
3 small bell peppers (any colors) OR 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper
⅛ to ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. flour
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 14 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes, well drained
½ cup grated Parmigiana Reggiano cheese

• Thaw shrimp; add to medium bowl and toss well with 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, 1 Tbsp. lime juice, and ½ tsp. garlic powder; set aside.
• Cook fettuccine in salted water according to package directions until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water, then drain well and set aside.
• Melt 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy bottom skillet; add shrimp and spread in even layer, cooking 3 to 4 minutes – just until shrimp are heated through – flipping shrimp half way through cooking; set aside. After shrimp has cooled, you can chop the tails off if you desire.
• To the now empty pan, melt 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat; add onions, bell peppers, 1 to 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning (your heat preference), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper; cook for 2 to 4 minutes; add garlic, sprinkle in flour, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
• Turn heat to low and whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth; stir in diced tomatoes.
• Increase heat to medium high and bring sauce to a simmer; simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 Tbsp. lime juice and the cooked shrimp and pasta until well coated in sauce, adding additional reserved pasta water or heavy cream if needed to reach desired consistency.
• Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and/or cayenne pepper as desired.
• Serve with a garnish of grated Parmigiana Reggiano cheese.

NOTE: Adding cooked, sliced andouille sausage knock this dish up a notch.

Japanese Curry ala ~CHB~

Japanese Curry ala ~CHB~

(original recipe from norecipes.com)

Curry

Photo from norecipes.com

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
⅓ c. canola oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp. or inch fresh ginger
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2½ tsp. to 3 Tbsp. curry powder (depending on taste and tolerance)
3 c. chicken stock
2 carrots, cut into chunks
½ medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated
2 Tbsp. chunou sauce (2 parts ketchup to 1 part Worcestershire sauce in a pinch)
1½ tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt

¾ tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. Szechuan peppercorns

½ tsp. cumin

1 bay leaf
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
¾ to 1 c. frozen peas

Roux
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. flour 

• Clean any large bits of fat or tendon from the chicken and cut into large chunks; sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix to distribute evenly.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until hot and shimmering, then add the chicken in a single layer; let chicken brown undisturbed about 5 minutes; flip chicken and let it brown on the other side.
• Turn down the heat to medium-low and transfer chicken to a bowl using tongs, making sure to leave as much oil in the pan as possible.
• Add the garlic and ginger and fry in the oil until it’s not sizzling as much and it reaches a rich caramel brown color.
• Add the onions, stirring to coat with oil; cover with a lid and let the onions steam until translucent and limp (about 10-15 minutes).
• Remove the lid, turn up the heat to medium, and continue frying the onions, stirring constantly until pan contents are reduced to about 1/8 of original volume and it forms a shiny caramel brown paste (20-30 minutes); if the onion starts to stick to the pan before fully caramelized, try scrubbing off the stuck bits with a spatula, and if that doesn’t work, add a tiny bit of water to the area where things are sticking and use spatula to scrape.
• When the onions are fully caramelized, add the curry powder and sauté briefly until very fragrant.
• Return chicken to pot and add chicken stock, carrots, grated apple, chunou sauce, tomato paste, cocoa powder, salt, turmeric, peppercorns, cumin, and bay leaf; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• In the meantime, make the roux by adding the butter and flour to a small saucepan over medium heat; use spatula to stir constantly until bubbling subsides and roux is light brown in color.
• When potatoes are tender, taste and adjust salt to taste; if you like your curry sweeter, you can add some honey to taste.
• Finish the curry by stirring in the roux and green peas; bring to a boil to thicken.
• Serve with hot rice or on top of a bowl of udon noodles.

Vegetarian Moussaka ala ~DKBB~

Vegetarian Moussaka ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from myrecipes.com)

3 peeled eggplants, cut into ½” thick slices
Olive oil
Cooking spray
2 c. chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ c. bulgur
¼ tsp. ground allspice
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp. ground cloves
2 c. organic vegetable broth
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained -OR- 1 container fresh grape tomatoes & ½ can fire-roasted
1 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour (I prefer Wondra for this)
1 c. milk
2 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
¼ tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add olive oil to pan and swirl to coat; add chopped onions and sauté for 8 minutes; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute; add bulgur and cook for 3 minutes or until bulgur is lightly toasted, stirring frequently; add spices; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• If using grape tomatoes, add now and allow to blister, if NOT using grape tomatoes, skip this step.
• Stir in vegetable broth, oregano, and canned tomatoes (full can or ½ can, depending upon use of grape tomatoes); bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with whisk until well blended; gradually add milk, stirring constantly with whisk; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently; stir in cheese and salt; remove from heat and cool slightly; add egg, stirring well with whisk.

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Arrange ½ of the broiled eggplant slices in 11x17 inch glass baking dish coated with cooking spray.
• Spread bulger mixture evenly over eggplant slices; arrange remaining eggplant slices over bulgur layer; top all with milk/cheese mixture.
• Bake for 40 minutes, then remove from oven and increase oven temperature to 475° F; return dish to oven for 4 minutes or until top is browned.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Bacon & Brown Sugar Arkansas Green Beans ala ~DKBB~

Bacon & Brown Sugar Arkansas Green Beans ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from thewanderlustkitchen.com)

 

Original photo
 from thewanderlustkitchen

1 lb. fresh green beans, snapped -OR- 1 lb. frozen cut green beans

4 to 6 slices of bacon, diced

1 to cloves garlic, minced

¼ c. packed brown sugar

¼ c. salted butter, melted

3 to 4 tsp. soy sauce

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place beans in large sauce pan; add enough water to cover beans; bring water to boil; reduce heat and cover; simmer for 5 minutes.
• Drain the beans and place them in a 1 to 2 qt. casserole dish or glass baking pan.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat; add the cut-up bacon and cook until almost crisp (or until as done as you prefer); remove bacon from pan and drain grease from bacon; add bacon to the beans in the baking dish.
• In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and melted butter; drizzle this mixture evenly over the beans and bacon.
• Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then gently stir making sure all the beans are coated with the sauce and continue baking for another 15 minutes.

Herbed Baked Eggs ala ~DKBB~

Herbed Baked Eggs ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from Ina Garten)

1 clove garlic, minced

Pinch thyme

Pinch rosemary

Pinch parsley

1 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp. heavy cream

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Toasted bread (I prefer homemade or English muffin)

• Preheat broiler (at 450° F) for 5 minutes, placing oven rack 6 inches below broiler.
• Combine garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and cheese and set aside.
• Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl (do not break the yolks) and set aside.
• Place 2 individual ramekins on a cookie sheet; put 1 Tbsp. cream and ½ Tbsp. butter in each; place under broiler for about 3 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
• Quickly but carefully, add an egg to each ramekin, sprinkle with the cheese mixture, and salt and pepper; place back under broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, until the whites of the eggs are almost cooked.
• The eggs will continue to cook after you take them out of the oven; allow them to set for 60 seconds before serving.
• You can leave them in the ramekins and dip your toast into them, or if they are a little too done, you can remove them from the ramekins and place them on the toast.

Cheesy Garlic Spinach Spaghetti Squash ala ~DKBB~

Cheesy Garlic Spinach Spaghetti Squash ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe from www.peasandcarrots.com)

1 medium spaghetti squash (2 to 3 lbs.)

3 to 5 cloves garlice, minced

1 tsp. olive oil

5 oz. fresh spinach, chopped

½ cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp. whipped cream cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

Salt (at least ½ tsp.) and pepper to taste

Grated mozzarella cheese for topping

• Preheat oven to 400° F.
• Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. For easier cutter, you can put the uncut squash in the microwave to soften it up a bit; pierce the squash a few times and microwave it on high for 3 to 5 minutes; the knife will cut through easier this way.
• Rub a small amount of olive oil on the cut sides of the squash; place the squash cut side down on a rimmed baking (or cookie) sheet; roast for about 40 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced by a fork.

While the squash is roasting, prepare the sauce:

• In a medium pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat; add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the spinach and stir until wilted; add cream, cream cheese, Parmesan Reggiano cheese, salt, and pepper and stir well.
• Once the squash is done and cooled a bit, you can use a fork (or two) to separate and fluff the strands of the spaghetti squash, leaving it in the shells.
• Pour the sauce over the spaghetti squash boats, working it into the strands a bit; top with the mozzarella cheese and a little bit of the Parmesan Reggiano cheese.
• Bake at 350° F for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Honey-Roasted Chicken ala ~DKBB~

Honey-Roasted Chicken ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe by Simpson Wong)

1 cup salt

½ cup sugar

1 gallon water

1 whole chicken (around 4½ pounds), giblets removed

1 cup honey

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup teriyaki sauce

8 garlic cloves, finely minced

¼ cup white-wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes

3 Tbsp. corn starch

2 Tbsp. water

• Stir salt, sugar, and ½ gallon water together in large pot (big enough to hold the chicken) over low heat until salt and sugar completed dissolve; add ½ gallon cold water; submerge chicken in liquid and refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 2 to 3 hours.
• Preheat oven (or Traeger) to 350° F when you are ready to cook the chicken.
• Whisk honey, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, white-wine vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes together in small bowl.
• Place a piece of aluminum foil (large enough to complete enclose the chicken) on a work surface; top this with a equivalent-sized piece of parchment paper.
• Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels, then place it in the middle of the parchment paper; gather the sides of the foil and parchment paper around the chicken and place the bird into an appropriately sized roasting pan, leaving the top of the bird exposed.
• Pour the honey mixture over the top of the bird, then wrap the chicken tightly with the parchment paper and enclose that with the foil.
• Roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes; remove roasting pan from heat and fold back the foil and parchment paper.
• Pour (or remove) the pan drippings into a sauce pan, leaving chicken in the parchment paper/foil in roasting pan.
• Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl; slowly stir cornstarch mixture into pan drippings while heating over medium heat; boil until sauce thickens.
• Baste chicken with some of the thickened sauce and return roasting pan to oven/Traeger; bake uncovered until skin is deeply golden brown (30 to 40 minutes), basting periodically.
• Serve with remaining pan sauce.