You are browsing the archive for 2008 January 24.

by danky

Smoked Salmon with Cognac Caraway Mayonnaise and Toasted French Bread Recipe

January 24, 2008 in Recipes by danky

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serves 8 generously.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 teaspoons cognac
  • a side of smoked salmon (about 2 pounds)
  • garnish: fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges

  • accompaniment: toasted french bread

    DIRECTIONS

    With a mortar and pestle or in an electric spice grinder grind caraway seeds fine and in a small bowl stir together with mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, and Cognac.

    Arrange salmon on a cutting board or platter and garnish with dill sprigs and lemon wedges. Serve salmon, sliced thin, with mayonnaise and French bread.

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  • by danky

    Black Bean, Sausage, and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

    January 24, 2008 in Recipes by danky

    Makes about 8 cups, serving 4.

    INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cups dried black beans, picked over
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 5 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 pound smoked hot beef and pork sausage (about 2 links), cut
  •  into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • garnish: chopped scallion greens

    DIRECTIONS

    In a 4-quart saucepan simmer beans, garlic, bay leaf, allspice, broth, and 5 1/2 cups water, partially covered, until beans are tender, about 50 minutes. Discard bay leaf. In a blender purée 1 cup beans with 1 cup cooking liquid and return to pan.

    In a small bowl stir together tomato paste and remaining tablespoon water and stir into beans with sausage and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer soup, covered, 15 minutes. Soup may be prepared up to this point 3 days ahead, cooled, uncovered, and chilled, covered.

    While soup is simmering, peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. In a steamer set over boiling water steam potatoes, covered, until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir potatoes, scallions, and salt and pepper to taste into soup.

    Serve soup garnished with scallion greens.

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  • by danky

    Broccoli Potato Soup with Parmesan Croutons Recipe

    January 24, 2008 in Recipes by danky

    Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

    Makes about 8 cups, serving 4.

    INGREDIENTS

  • 1 3/4 pounds boiling potatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 7 cups water
  • 2 cups 1/2-inch cubes italian bread, toasted lightly
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1 pound broccoli, coarse stems discarded, cut into 1-inch flowerets
  •  and remaining stems peeled and sliced thin

    DIRECTIONS

    Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a 4-quart saucepan boil potatoes, garlic, and water, skimming froth, until potatoes, are very tender, about 15 minutes.

    Set broiler rack about 1 inch from heat and preheat broiler.

    While potatoes are boiling, in a bowl sprinkle bread with oil and salt to taste and toss. On a baking sheet arrange bread in one layer as close together as possible and sprinkle with half of Parmesan. Broil bread until Parmesan is melted, about 1 minute.

    Transfer potatoes with a slotted spoon to a bowl, reserving cooking liquid in pan, and with a potato masher mash coarse. Stir potatoes and broccoli into reserved cooking liquid and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

    Serve soup with croutons.

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  • by danky

    Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, and Chicken Soup Recipe

    January 24, 2008 in Recipes by danky

    Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

    Makes about 8 cups, serving 4.

    INGREDIENTS

  • 2/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed lightly
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 cups 1-inch cauliflower flowerets (about 1 small head)
  • 1/2 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups chopped red swiss chard leaves, washed well and drained

    DIRECTIONS

    In a 4-quart heavy saucepan cook onion and caraway seeds in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened. Add broth and water and bring to a boil. Stir in cauliflower and orzo and simmer, stirring occasionally, 7 minutes. Stir in chicken and Swiss chard and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Season soup with salt and pepper. Soup may be made 3 days ahead, cooled, uncovered, and chilled, covered.

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  • by danky

    Blue Corn Bread Recipe

    January 24, 2008 in Recipes by danky

    I first created this recipe at Routh Street Cafe in 1984. I’ve since had it on menus at five different restaurants in some form or another. It’s also delicious when spread with a mixture of one part jalapeño jelly and three parts cream cheese whipped together. It’s also best served warm.

    Serves 8.

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1/4 pound unsalted butter (1 stick)
    • 8 tablespoon shortening
    • 4 serranos, seeded and minced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/4 cups blue cornmeal
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 1/4 cups milk, at room temperature
    • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    • olive oil for brushing

    DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400°F.


    Place a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet in the oven to warm for at least 5 minutes.


    Gently melt the butter and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the serranos and garlic, and sauté for 10 minutes. Sift together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Beat the eggs, lightly in a medium bowl. Add the serranos and garlic, and sauté for 10 minutes. Sift together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Beat the eggs lightly in a medium bowl. Add the serrano mixture and stir in the milk. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients; beat just until smooth. Add the cilantro.


    Remove the cast-iron skillet from the oven and brush generously with the oil. Reheat the skillet for about 2 minutes, then fill with batter.


    Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cornbread is lightly browned but still blue and springy to the touch.

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