Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Thighs

I've posted variations of this recipe before because it's pretty much my go to method for cooking chicken when I don't have the time or energy to get fancy. I've been in the habit of adding olive oil before the seasoning but for some reason I decided not to and I liked the way the skin crisped up without it. So that's the main difference between this recipe and the previous ones.

With this recipe you can buy the chicken on your way home, have it in the oven about 30 minutes after you arrive, prepare your sides while it is cooking, and have dinner on the table with minimal effort.

Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Meat Fish and Eggs
QUICK AND EASY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
4 bone in chicken thighs with skin
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried thyme leaves

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Season to taste with the salt and pepper, followed by the garlic powder, paprika and thyme.

Cover and cook for 45 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature registers 165° F.

Remove from the oven and let sit at least ten minutes before serving.

4 April 2021

Exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Spiced Tomato and Red Lentil Soup

I first posted this recipe in 2009, over ten years ago. I have been making it regularly ever since then and it has remained one of my favorite soups. It is easy to make and comes together in less than an hour. It is hearty and warm in the winter months but light enough for warmer weather as well. It goes great with whole wheat bread and a salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The creme fraiche and cilantro are completely optional; I used the because I had both on hand, but is just as delicious without any garnishes. I have made this for many people over the years and everyone has loved it.
Home Cookin Chapter 9.81 Chapter: Soups and Stews
SPICED TOMATO AND RED LENTIL SOUP
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or ghee
1 medium onion, chopped
salt to taste
1 tsp Madras curry powder (or to taste) or 1 Tbsp sweet curry powder
1 qt chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes with liquid
1-1/3 cups red lentils, sorted, rinsed and drained
3 medium celery ribs, cut into small dice
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
4 cloves garlic, minced
creme fraiche (optional) for garnish
chopped fresh cilantro (optinal) for garnish

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and salt and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the curry powder and stir for about a minute to release the fragrance and toast the spices.

Add the broth, tomatoes, lentils, celery, carrot, garlic, water and add more salt to taste in necessary. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring often. Remove any scum that forms on top. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the lentils and the vegetables are tender. Add salt if necessary.
Garnish with creme fraiche and chopped cilantro before serving, if using.

Adapted from Fine Cooking Magazine, December 2008/January 2009

Exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Kale Pesto

I wanted to make pesto to go with some pasta I made but I didn’t have basil or any other herb on hand. What I did have was a big bunch of kale. Guess what? Kale pesto is a thing.

I found a simple recipe online—so simple that it did not have any garlic, something I immediately rectified. Toasted walnuts, garlic, salt, kale, Parmigiano Reggiano and olive oil in the food processor et voila! A fresh, delicious addition to any dish. And unlike basil pesto, it stays a bright fresh green.

I won’t lie, if you don’t like kale you probably won’t like this. I would not have gone anywhere near it ten years ago but now I eat kale all the time and I love it. And this is another great way to get in my daily serving of leafy greens.

This is delicious with pasta and so much more! It made a tasty egg scramble and a most excellent base for avocado toast. I had no trouble finding ways to use it, but it also freezes well.
Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Appetizers Spreads Dips Sauces
KALE PESTO
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup walnuts
3 cups chopped kale
Kosher salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried basil (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Toast the walnuts until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Let cool. Place in the food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Add the kale, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped, then add the parmesan and process to combine.

With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and keep it running until you have a uniform paste. Add more oil if necessary to reach desired consistency. Taste and add more salt to taste.Remove from the processor and stir in the dried basil, if using.

Adapted from recipe found at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kale-pesto-with-walnut-and-par mesan-2269222

exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Monday, February 01, 2021

Scarlet Carrot Soup

I had been wanting to make this Scarlet Carrot Soup ever since I ran across the recipe in Gourmet Magazine (RIP) several years ago. I don’t know why I waited, it’s delicious! The soup turns a bright scarlet when the beets are added to the orange of the carrots. Ground coriander provides a subtle sweet, slightly smoky flavor in the background that lets the beets and the carrots shine. Such a pretty, cheerful lunch on a grey winter day.
Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Soups and Stews
SCARLET CARROT SOUP
1 Tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup sliced shallots
1 tsp thyme
2 Turkish bay leaves
1 lb cooked carrots, thinly sliced
3/4 lb cooked beets, peeled and chopped
4 cups water or vegetable broth, plus additional if needed
1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

Heat the oil over medium heat in a medium-sized pot. Add the shallots, thyme, and bay leaves and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, beets, coriander, salt and pepper to taste, and enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil and then simmer, covered, until the beets and carrots are fall-apart tender, about ten minutes.

Remove the bay leaves. Puree the soup in a blender or with a stick blender until smooth. Stir in the additional water or broth, then the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add additional water if the soup is too thick.

from Gourmet Magazine November 2009
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/scarlet-carrot-sou p-50065649

exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Friday, January 22, 2021

REPOST: Savory Cauliflower Cake

I'm reposting this recipe because it is such an unusual dish and people have asked me for the recipe. The caraway seeds and coriander give this savory cake an unusual flavor profile that is delicious. The cauliflower can be steamed ahead and once that is done it comes together quite quickly. It is perfect for vegetarians but hearty enough for non-vegetarians to enjoy as well.
Home Cookin v9.76 Chapter: Beans and Vegetables
SAVORY CAULIFLOWER CAKE
Servings: 6

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), trimmed and broken into small florets
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp caraway seed, ground or crushed
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, or to taste
3/4 tsp salt, divided
3/4 cup gram/chickpea/garbanzo bean flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
6 large eggs
1 jarred roasted red pepper, rinsed and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 Tbsps chopped fresh dill, divided

Break the cauliflower into large florets and place in a microwave-safe casserole dish. Add a couple of tablespoons of water, cover, and cook on high for about four minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. (This can be done the day before the casserole is assembled and baked).

Once the cauliflower has cooled or just before putting together the rest of the dish, cut the florets into small pieces about the size of chickpeas.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it is tender and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the caraway seed, coriander, crushed red pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the cauliflower and stir gently until it is well coated with the onion and spice mix. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to combine all of the flavors.

Combine the garbanzo bean flour, all purpose flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl and whisk together. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk together until they are well mixed. Add the dry ingredients and continue to whisk to combine and to elimiate any lumps. Stir in the roasted red pepper, feta and 2 tablespoons of the dill. Add the cauliflower mixture and comine. Spread the mixture evenly into the cake pan.

Bake until the top is golden and the cake is set, 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool to warm and remove from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with the remaining 1 tablespoon dill.

adapted from this recipe from Eating Well Magazine
exported from Home Cookin v9.76 (http://www.mountainsoftware.com/homecook.php)

Monday, January 18, 2021

Chickpeas with Cumin


These delicious Indian-style cumin and cinnamon-coated chickpeas are quick and easy to make and can be used in veggie bowls, salads, or served over rice.
Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Baked Goods (Sweet/Savory)
CHICKPEAS WITH CUMIN
2 Tbsp grape seed oil
1/2 small red onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch knob of ginger, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
dill for garnich (optional)

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the onion and cook for a minute or two, then add the garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and stir constantly for about two minutes, then add the turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper and cook for another minute, still stirring constantly.

Add the chickpeas and stir to coat well with the spice mixture. Cook for another ten minutes, lowering the heat if necessary, until the chickpeas are heated through.

12/22/2020

exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Monday, December 14, 2020

Baking Class: Mexican Wine Cookies

I first posted this recipe back in December of 2008. My father found it in the Dallas Morning News when I was in high school and suggested we make them together. If you want to read a funny story about that experience you can find it here.

These cookies don't look like much, but they are delicious. They have a delicate texture and the sherry adds a nutty warmth that permeates throughout every bite. Whenever I take them somewhere new they languish on the table while people are busy devouring the brownies, toll house cookies, gingerbread, and other more traditional Christmas goodies. But once the chocolate and cheesecake is gone and people start to nibble on them they discover just how good they are. And by the next year, they are asking for them.

This is my oldest tradition. I may not always do much for the holidays from one year to the next, but I always make a batch of these cookies.

Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Baked Goods (Sweet/Savory)
MEXICAN WINE COOKIES
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp salt
4 cup sifted flour
1/4 cup sweet sherry

Cream butter with sugar. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy. Blend in salt and 2 cups flour. Stir in the sherry and mix well.

Add the remaining two cups of flour and mix well. Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour.

Roll the dough into balls and use flatten them with the bottom of a glass or cookie stamps.

Bake at 350° F for eight to ten minutes, until the bottoms have just started to brown. Check after eight minutes.

Makes 8-10 dozen cookies.

from the food section of the Dallas Morning News ca 1972

exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Baking Class: Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers

I have been working on this recipe for sourdough discard cheese crackers for a while now and have finally gotten it to where I want it to be. They are flaky and crispy and cheesy, and reminiscent of the cheese crackers you get at the store.

This is the best way I have found to use up my sourdough discard. They don't take too much time, they are easy to make, and I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand.

One note - you may be tempted to substitute oil for the butter. Don't. They taste just as good but they do not stay crispy. I learned that the hard way.




Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: Baked Goods (Sweet/Savory)
SOURDOUGH DISCARD CHEESE CRACKERS
200 g sourdough discard (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup salted or unsalted butter
60-120g (1/2-1 cup) all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp salt (1/2 tsp if using unsalted butter)
dash of paprika
56 g (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese

Add the colled melted butter to the starter and mix well. Add the baking soda and 60g (half a cup) of the flour, adding enough to make a stiff dough. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place in a bowl, cover loosely with plastic warp, and let sit for anywhere from an hour to eight hours.

When ready to make the craciers, preheat the oven to 350° F and grease two baking sheets.

Knead the rest of the seasonings into the dough until well incorporated, then add the shredded cheese and continue kneating until everything is evenly distributed.

Divide the dough in half, then roll each half out into a rectangle about 10" x 12" and 1/8" thick. Transfer the dough to the greased baking sheets and cut into rectangles with a pastry cutter.

Bake for 15 minutes, then turn off the oven with the crackers still inside. Leave them in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until they are crispy.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

adapted from this recipe found at Curious Cuisiniere

exported from Home Cookin v9.81

Monday, November 09, 2020

Country Style Pork Chop Braised in Beer

This is another meal created from Project Freezer-burn, where I am woking to clean out my freezer. The pork came from one of my favorite local butchers, grocers and purveyors of beer and wine Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen and the recipe was adapted from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook 1996 edition by Marion Cunningham.

I coated the pork in seasoned flour and seared it in my cast iron skillet on all sides, then poured in about half a can (eyeballed) of beer, lowered the heat, covered it and let it cook until it reached an internal temp of 145 deg F.

When the chop was done I took it out of the pan and let the sauce cook down and thicken. The Brussels sprouts also came from the freezer and I basically just let them thaw, seasoned them and poured a little lemon-infused olive oil over the top which is all they needed. Some Yukon Gold potatoes baked with lots of garlic rounded out the meal.

The country style chop was big enough for me to make three meals out of it.

Home Cookin v9.81 Chapter: My Recipes
COUNTRY STYLE PORK CHOP BRAISED IN BEER
1 Country Pork Chop, about 1-1/2" thick
2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp pepper or to taste
1/4 tsp granulated garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup of beer

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano to the flour and mix well. Spread it out onto butcher or parchment paper to the size of the pork chop. I usually use the butcher paper the chop was wrapped in by the butcher.

Heat the oil in a ten-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium high heat.

Lay the chop over the flour mixture and pat it down, then lift it and shake off any extra mixture. Turn and lay the other side down and pat it as well so that both sides are covered in the seasoned flour.

Place the chop in the hot skillet. Sear on both sides until well browned, about three minutes per side.

Pour the beer into the skillet, lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook until the internal temperature has reached 145° F at the thickest part, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from pan and let sit for a few minutes. Meanwhile, raise the heat over the liquid in the pan and let it cook for another five minutes or so until it thickens. Serve the chop with the gravy.

adapted from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook edited by Marion Cunningham (Alfred A. Knopf, 1996)

exported from Home Cookin v9.81
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