Spinach & Mushroom Quiche
Servings: 6
Ingredients
One 9-inch refrigerated pie crust
4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup diced red onion
5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups), coarsely chopped
6 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with cooking spray. Fit the pastry into the pie pan and flute the edges.
Cook the bacon and drain on paper towels. Retain bacon fat in the skillet.
Scatter the crumbled bacon in the bottom of the prepared pie pan. Scatter 1 cup of the cheese over the bacon.
Add the mushrooms and onions to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Add spinach; cook, tossing constantly, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Whisk eggs, cream, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Fold in the mushroom mixture and 1 cup of cheese.
Spoon into the prepared pie pan. Bake until set and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with a salad. I made a Caesar salad.
Caesar Salad
2 servings
Ingredients
1/2 head Romaine lettuce, washed and finely chopped
1 cup croutons, see recipe below
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
Dressing
1 anchovy, finely chopped or use anchovy paste
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise made with olive oil, if available
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Add the anchovy, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to a bowl and whisk together.
Gradually whisk in the 1/4 cup of olive oil, whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
Place the chopped lettuce in a bowl and toss it with the dressing, and croutons. Top the salad with extra cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Croutons
Ingredients
2 cups cubed bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl combine the bread cubes and olive oil. Toss well to coat.
Pour the bread cubes onto a baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer. Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes to prevent burning. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Baked Branzino Fillets With Almond Topping
Branzino is a light and flaky fish with a sweet, buttery flavor. It is sourced from the Mediterranean waters, where the natural currents create the perfect environment for raising healthy fish.
Ingredients
2 Branzino fillets, about 6 oz each
¼ cup butter
Juice and zest from 1 small lemon
Chopped fresh parsley
Topping
½ cup ground toasted almonds
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon minced dried onion
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a baking dish just large enough to fit the filets, place the lemon zest and butter. Place the dish in the oven while it preheats. When the butter has melted, remove the dish from the oven.
Unwrap the fish and run it under cold water. Pat with a paper towel.
Place the fish skin side up in the prepared baking dish and then turn the fillets over. Place in the oven. Bake for 10 m minutes. Remove the dish from the oven and divide the topping evenly over the fish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 8-10 more minutes.
Squeeze the lemon.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the lemon juice over the fish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Herbed Farro
Farro is a high-fiber whole grain that is an ancestor of modern wheat. It is commonly used in Italian cooking and is readily available in the U.S.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups farro, soaked in cold water to cover overnight
When ready to cook, drain the farro.
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped fresh herbs {oregano, parsley, thyme, and chives}
Directions
Combine farro, water, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer; cook, uncovered, until the farro is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the farro and set it aside.
Heat the oil in the empty saucepan. Add the garlic and onion. Saute for 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender. Add the farro and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until the farro is coated in oil. Stir in the chopped herbs and heat briefly.
Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes
Ingredients
2 medium tomatoes
2 pinches of salt
¼ cup cooked, drained spinach/2 tablespoons of chive/onion cream cheese
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped chives
Directions
Cut a thin slice off the top of the tomatoes and remove the seeds and some of the inner flesh/ Sprinkle the salt on each tomato and turn them over in a paper towel. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Combine the spinach with the cream cheese and divide evenly between the two tomatoes. Sprinkle the tops with Parmesan and the chives. Place the tomatoes in a small baking dish and place them in the oven with the fish.
{400 degrees F for 20 minutes}
Greek Omelet
Ingredients
8 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1-10 pkg frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
PREHEAT THE BROILER.
Heat the oil in a large ovenproof swollen. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the spinach and salt. Sauté fir 1 minute. Add the tomatoes. Pepper and sauté for 3 minutes.
Pour the eggs over the vegetables and cook on medium until the eggs are set, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the omelet.
Place the pan two inches under the broiler and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the top is set. Cut into wedges and serve.
Buttery Braised Potatoes
Ingredients
3/4 lb baby potatoes, about 1-inch in diameter, unpeeled and halved
1 cup water
2 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
Place the potatoes in a 12-inch skillet, cut side down in a single layer. Add the water, butter, garlic and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover pan and cook 10 minutes.
Remove the cover and turn the heat to high. Cook 6-8 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until the water evaporates. Add lemon juice and parsley. Serve with the omelet.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
Potato Wedges
Scrub 1 medium baking potato and cut it in half. Cut each half into 3 wedges. Place on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake 20 minutes, then turn the wedges over and bake 20 minutes.
Crab Cakes
Ingredients
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup Saltine crackers crushed
8 oz. crab meat
3 teaspoons chopped parsley
Directions
Gently combine the crab cake ingredients and shape them into 2 patties. Brush lightly with olive oil. Place the patties on the baking sheet after the potatoes have cooked for 20 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the crab cakes over, and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until nicely browned.
Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes
Ingredients
1 large tomato
½ cup cooked, chopped spinach
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons greeted Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Cut the tomato in half and scoop out the seeds and center flesh creating two shells. Mix the spinach with the onion and add salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture in half and fill the tomato halves. Top each with a tablespoon of cheese. Place on the baking sheet with the crab cakes and bake for 2o minutes.
First Step
Poached Cod Fish
3 cups cold water
1 medium bay leaf
A large branch of fresh thyme
3 chive stalks
Salt and pepper
1 lb cod fillets
1/2 medium lemon, sliced paper-thin
3 fresh parsley sprigs, stems trimmed and coarsely chopped
Tomato Pesto Sauce for serving
Directions
Combine all the ingredients except the fish in a large, shallow-sided pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low until liquid is at a simmer. Add fish in a single layer, making sure it is completely covered with liquid. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper.
Poach until the cod flesh is opaque and flakes easily (the internal temperature should be 175ºF). Let cool in the poaching liquid off the heat.
Shred the cod.
Step Two
Cakes
1lb cod, poached and shredded
4 cups of mashed potatoes
1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
2Garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped parsley
For cooking
White rice flour
4 tablespoons butter
Directions
Combine the cake ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Coat a large piece of waxed paper lightly with white rice flour. Measure the cakes with a 1/4 measuring scoop and drop them on the floured paper. With floured hands shape into little patties. Coat highly in a little flour to remove any sticky areas. Makes about 18
Heat the butter in a large skillet and lightly brown the patties on both sides. About a minute on each side until light gold.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment and place the patties on the pan. Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes until hot.
Serve with 2 cups marinara sauce and add 2 tablespoons of basil pesto to the sauce.
Creamy Orzo With Spinach
Ingredients
11/2 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Italian Fontina cheese
10 oz pkg frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan with a cover. Add the orzo, lower the heat, and cover the pan. Simmer the orzo until the broth is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Set aside in a bowl.
Melt the butter in the empty saucepan and cook the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the cream, Fontina cheese, seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the orzo and cook over low heat until all the ingredients are hot.
Make extra lemon-herb butter. It’s delicious tossed with steamed green beans or hot cooked rice or pasta.
Butter Sauce
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon prepared basil pesto
1 teaspoon finely chopped shallots
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Fish
2 (6-ounce) skinless haddock, halibut, or cod fillets
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup rice or all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, cooked
Directions
Combine the ingredients for the butter sauce in a small bowl, stirring until well blended. Set aside
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish evenly on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour and shake off any excess.
Add fillets to pan; sauté 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Divide the spinach evenly between two dinner plates. Place a piece of fish on top of the spinach. Spread each fish fillet with basil butter mixture.
Cacio e Pepe Penne Pasta
Ingredients
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, finely grated
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook pasta according to the package for al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta. Add the butter, garlic, and ground pepper into the pot over low heat. Add the cooked, pasta, pasta water, and cheese.
Top with a little more grated cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and parsley.
Italian Style Lamb chops
4 servings
4 Large Lamb Loin Chops
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 Lemon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Directions
Mix together all of the marinade ingredients and place in a shallow casserole dish along with the lamb ensuring the marinade coats the lamb well. Refrigerate for at least two hours or up till 6 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 45 minutes before you are ready to cook to allow the meat to come to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat a heavy oven-proof frying pan at medium-high heat. Sear the lamb very well on both sides until golden brown. Place the pan in the hot oven until the lamb is cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Wild and whole Grain Rice
4 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cup whole grain wild rice {I use Lundberg}
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 oz can sliced ounces mushrooms
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Heat the butter in a large saucepot over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the rice and toast while stirring until it begins to smell nutty, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook on low until the water is absorbed about 40 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and seasonings. Keep the pot on the burner with the heat off, cover the pot, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Spinach With Garlic
4 servings
Ingredients
2- 15z pkg frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat the oil and garlic in a large, deep skillet over low heat. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet. Heat the spinach until hot, turning the mixture several times.
Pan-Seared steak
Ingredients
2 center-cut beef tenderloin steaks {filet mignin}, about 5-6 oz each
Sea Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Pound the steaks in plastic wrap until they are an even ½=inch thickness. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a nonstick medium skillet unit, very hot, about 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the pan, lower the heat to medium. Cook 3 minutes without moving the steaks. Turn them over, place one tablespoon of butter on each steak and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more.
Twice Baked Potatoes
2 servings
Ingredients
1 large russet potato, 12 ounces
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 slice bacon cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork. Brush lightly with the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast on a sheet tray covered with foil until tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
While still hot, cut the potato in half lengthwise and scoop the potato flesh into a medium bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch shell all around on the potato shell. Season the insides of the potato shell lightly with salt and pepper.
To the bowl with the potato flesh, add the sour cream and butter. Use an electric hand mixer or potato masher and mix until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mound into the potato shells and bake for 15 minutes, then turn on the broiler to high and brown the tops of the potatoes,t. Sprinkle with bacon and chives.
Spinach Salad
2 servings
Ingredients
6 cups fresh baby7 spinach leaves, washed and spinner dried
½ cup diced red onion
2 radishes, sliced thin
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
Italian vinaigrette
Directions
Combine the salad ingredients in a medium bowl and toss until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add enough of your favorite dressing to lightly coat the spinach leaves. Divide into two salad dishes and serve with the steak.
Greek Spinach Frittata
Ingredients
12 large eggs
¼ cup olive oil
16 oz frozen spinach defrosted, raw or canned, and drained
1 onion finely dices
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove minced
2 plum tomatoes, cut into thin slices
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Heat the broiler.
In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs. Add the spinach, onion, garlic, and oregano. Mix well.
Heat the oil in an omelet pan. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until set, lifting the edges and letting the eggs run under the omelet. Top the egg mixture with sliced tomatoes, and fetta cheese. Place the pan under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until the top is no longer runnun\g and beginning to brown.
Serve with pita bread and Tzatziki Sauce.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
2 to 4 servings depending on how large you like your portions.
I prefer to butterfly the chicken rather than cut a pocket. The breasts are much easier to fill if butterflied.
Ingredients
2 {8 oz} boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil,
For the stuffing
1/4 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon olive oil
Breading
½ cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
1 egg beaten
1 cup panko crumbs mixed with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
4 slices of tomato from a large tomato, ¼ inch thick
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
Make the filling. In a small mixing bowl combine the stuffing ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Pat the chicken breast dry. Place the breast on a cutting board. With a boning knife, butterfly the breast. Place it between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet to even the meat out. Repeat with the second breast.
Place half of the filling on one breast. Press down firmly on the filling to help it stick to the breast. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal. Repeat with the second breast.
Dredge the breasts in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally press in the panko crumbs. Place the breast in an oiled baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and top each breast with two tomato slices. Place the dish back in the oven for 5 more minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F.
Gnocchi With Peas
Ingredients
One 17 oz pkg Potato Gnocchi or
Homemade Gnocchi
2 pounds russet potatoes
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
To make homemade gnocchi
In a covered 8-quart Dutch oven cook potatoes in enough boiling water to cover about 20 minutes or just until tender (do not overcook); drain. Peel potatoes.
While potatoes are still hot, push through a ricer into a large bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add about half of the flour; mix well. Stir in enough of the remaining 1/2 cup flour to make a soft, pliable dough. Divide dough in thirds.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough at a time into a 1-inch-thick rope. Cut rope into 1/2-inch pieces. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the top of each piece. Place on a baking sheet; chill while preparing the sauce (up to 2 hours).
Heat the butter and peas.
To cook the gnocchi
In the Dutch oven bring a large amount of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the gnocchi; cook for 10 to 15 seconds or until the gnocchi starts to float to the top. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi as they rise to the top of the boiling water, to the p of the pan with the butter and peas. Add the cheese and mix well. Serve.
