Category Archives: Recipes

Tom Thumb and Tradition…for you Mom

Posted on by
Reply

IMG_1627Happy New Year to all.. Personally, I am pleased 2014 has come to an end. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all bad, it just wasn’t all good either. So, to begin this new year of 2015, I have decided to take no chances! Paul and I plunged into the great Atlantic Ocean this afternoon with several hundred others at the great Penguin Plunge in Atlantic Beach. As I have learned being a Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bear, the cold water is quite restorative. So, we cleansed off the old and are ready for the new.

That accomplished, I returned home to prepare a traditional Southern New Year’s fare. However, this year, I am truly returning to my eastern North Carolina roots. Growing up, my Mom always cooked a Tom Thumb on New Years Day.  I decided to gift her with that this year. I can’t recall my friends ever eating Tom Thumb. If they did, they weren’t fessing up…just look at the beast! It proudly ladened our table every year.

Tom Thumb, for those of you not knowledgeable on  eastern NC food, is ground pork, laced with several spices and stuffed into the pig’s large intestine. It is wrapped with twine and hung to smoke or air dry. In southern Virginia ( I didn’t know this delicacy crossed state lines) it is called Dan Doodle. I’m assuming these funny names are a result of enticing folks to eat this monstrosity of a sausage.

In keeping with tradition, we are also enjoying sweet potatoes, collards and,of course, black eye peas. I did a new twist on the potatoes and black eye peas this year just to kick it up a notch. The finishing touch is fried corn bread. I am pleased to say everything on our table is produced on farms in eastern NC.

I know you are waiting with baited breath for the Tom Thumb recipe.  Here it is…boil it!  Yep, that’s it, just place it in a pot and boil till done.  I confess, after it’s boiled, I do slice it and pan fry it just like you would any sausage. I dare you to try it. You may start your own New Year tradition.IMG_1630

Here is a recipe I procured while visiting my hometown, Kinston, NC.  There was a cooking demonstration at the local farmers market and this was a recipe that was shared. I love the lemon and sherry flavor that permeates this dish. (for traditionalists, you may use Bourbon)

Lemony Mashed Sweet Potatoes

3 pounds medium sweet potatoes
2 Tbl. firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup peach preserves
3 Tbl. dry sherry
1/2 stick butter, melted
finely grated zest  and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pierce the potatoes in several places and arrange them on the oven rack in a single layer. Place a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch the drippings. Roast until tender, about 40 minutes.

Peel the potatoes and mash until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients. Scrape the potato mixture into a prepared dish and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.   8 servings

You can make this dish up to one day ahead. Cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat them in the oven, covered, but increase the time to about 30 minutes.

Package Them

Posted on by
Reply

Ok. I confess. I am a cookie aficionado. So, I’m baking for Christmas and thought I would share the front runners this year. Don’t you love the smells permeating your home around Christmas? The tree, of course, mulling spices, a vast array of candles and freshly baked cookies are all the aromas swirling in the air at our home this time of year. Those smells evoke memories of Christmases past and ones to come!  Ah, I could go on and on but the recipes await.  The first one is a ginger cookie.  This is a great recipe that was shared at my knitting class. Paul says I need to package them. That’s his way of saying these are damn good!

Ginger Cookies

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups sifted flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare baking sheets. Use mixer at low speed and cream the shortening and sugar until combined. Add the eggs and molasses and beat until completely incorporated.  Sift together flour,baking soda,cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Add to the above mixture. Mix until combined. Roll dough into 1 inch balls.  roll the balls in sugar and place approximately 1/2 inch apart on a cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes.

IMG_1479

The following recipe I found on Food 52. I use potato chips or whatever I have in the pantry.  That’s what makes these so lovely. You use what you have on hand. The name says it all. Oh yeah, Paul says to package these also!

“If cookies be the food of love, bake on!”

 Magical Marvelous Memorable Cookies

Makes 24-30 cookies

1 1/2cups unbleached all purpose flour
1teaspoon baking powder
1/2teaspoon baking soda
1teaspoon kosher salt
1 3/4sticks (7 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
1cup granulated sugar
1/2cup light brown sugar
1egg
1teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granola (or other cereal)
1/2 cup crushed salted pretzel pieces (or other salty snack food)
1cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped chocolate candies, or a small bar of good dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
1/2cup chopped pecans or other nuts, optional
(If you don’t use nuts, you may want to add more cereal, snacks or chocolate to compensate.)
You may want to add a little cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, or whatever you fancy. We didn’t because we wanted the taste of the granola to come through.

Preparation
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. In another bowl, beat butter and sugars at medium-low speed until just combined, about 20 seconds. Increase speed to medium and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute longer. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula. Add egg and vanilla and beat on medium-low until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down bowl again. (For this step you can use a wooden spoon or your mixer on slow speed.) Add flour mixture and mix until just incorporated and smooth. Gradually add granola, pretzels, chocolate and nuts, and mix until well incorporated, ensuring that no flour pockets remain and ingredients are evenly distributed. Restrain yourself from eating the raw cookie dough. Scoop dough into balls, each about 1 1/2 tablespoons, then roll between palms into balls. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 1/2 inches apart, 8-12 per sheet. Freeze at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate at least one hour before baking. (They will still spread a lot.) Bake one sheet at a time until cookies are deep golden brown, 13 to 16 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through. Let cool completely before gently moving cookies to wire rack. They will be fragile, especially on the edges.

Trash, Nuts and Bolts, and Fall Memories

Posted on by
2

I’m sure everyone has a favorite of this tried and true recipe.  The one below is mine and quite a few others, so I thought I would share.  This came to me via my Mom ( any recipe shared by her is always a winner !).

This evokes a plethora of memories for me. Fall, always Fall;  though this can obviously be prepared other times of the year, it is only prepared in the Fall in my household.  This recipe evokes memories of tailgating and tennis season and going back to college.  But mostly, it is the house full of kids that we had while my daughter was in high school. I loved having them come in and out and spending the night and spending the days, too, and laughing and crying and watching TV and experiencing all the trials and tribulations of those teenage years. I made batches of this stuff. It makes an enormous amount, and they went through enormous amounts. They always wanted a bag to take with them and when they grew up and went to college, they requested care packages of this mix.

So, my house is emptier these days, but I continue to make this for the office staff and my friends. Of course, when my kids come home this is a staple they are counting on, waiting for them, as I cherish the sound of young voices permeating my home again, till it’s time to fill those “to go” bags and send them out into the world.

Trash


1 Pkg. Ranch Party Dip Mix
1Pkg. Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
2 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
2-4 Dashes Tobasco
1-2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
1 Cup Oil
2-3 Boxes Chex Cereal
2 Cups Pretzels
1 Pkg. Cheddar Goldfish
1 Can Mixed Nuts
1/2 lb. Pecans
1/2 lb. Cashews

Preparation

Combine cereal, pretzels, Goldfish and nuts in large roasting pan. Mix together the first seven ingredients and toss  in the cereal mixture until all is coated. Bake 200 degrees for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

 

Pass Along Recipes

Posted on by
3

In reflecting back over some of my favorite recipes, I realized many of them came from good friends that had shared food with my family and me when one of us happened to be under the weather.  There is nothing better than a prepared dish delivered to my home when I am in need.  The taste always seems better, probably because it is made with love and caring.  I am a great believer that our emotions infuse our food as we stir those pots or chop those ingredients.  Did you see the film “Like Water for Chocolate”? It takes this same idea and and weaves it into the storyline.  ( I am in the early stages of my blog, and I have already recommended two films…..hmmm…..guess what my other passion happens to be!).

Don’t you find cooking to be therapeutic?  When I am cooking and preparing food for others or even for myself, it removes my self absorption, replacing it with a selflessness, the concentration being on the recipe and its outcome, and the comfort it may bring to those enjoying the food.

So, this is a pass along recipe my friend Melodie shared after she brought this delicious dish to my home, “looking after” me.  I’m sure this won’t be the last recipe from Melodie.  I always enjoy an invitation to her table to share in All of This! and her incredible culinary skills.chicken pasta

Chicken and Pasta

Mise en place
1. About 2 large chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch slices
Salt and pepper the chicken. Sprinkle some oregano over them, too.
Dredge in about 1/3- ½ cup flour.

2. Cook ½ to 1 lb. linguine in salted water under al dente.  Drain, reserving about 1/3 cup pasta water.

Cut 2 ¼ inch thick lemon slices.
Chop ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, draining the tomatoes.
Peel and mince 4 garlic cloves.
½ tsp. capers
Pinch crushed red pepper
1 cup dry white wine
about 1 cup heavy cream
1 package fresh spinach

Preparation

Heat a 12-inch skilled over high heat until very hot.  Add 2 Tbls. olive oil. When oil begins to smoke, add the chicken pieces.  Cook until pieces are seared on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.  Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm, leaving oil in the pan.
Add the lemon slices to the pan and cook until caramelized, about 1 minute per side.  Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, capers, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute.
Add the white wine and cook until reduced to a glaze.  Return the chicken to the pan with the cream, and sauté for about 2 minutes.  Add the spinach in bunches until the spinach wilts.  Add the linguine.  Cook, tossing to combine linguine and sauce, just until spinach is wilted.

Side Note #1…When I prepare this recipe, I remove the lemon slices from the pan after they are caramelized. I also choose not to flour the chicken, but use the s&p and oregano liberally then continue with the recipe.  It’s all to your taste!

Side Note #2:  This can easily be a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and adding tofu.  Prepare in the same method as the chicken.

Eggs with a Twist Part 2. Or…… Time to Harvest your Basil!

Posted on by
4

I have discovered yet another twist to a tried and true recipe, actually, make that two, when they are combined.  Deviled eggs and pesto….yes, you read that correctly.  These two marry to create a delightful new taste to a couple of old favorites.  Besides, it really is time to harvest your basil, and pesto is the perfect way to freeze that fresh taste of summer.  Also, it’s tailgating time, and deviled eggs are an integral part of the pre-game feast. Use your favorite deviled egg recipe and substitute your pickled relish with pesto and, presto!, you have an appetizer or side dish that will command raves.  I use a roasted red pepper pesto because I’m not sure how to make a Carolina Blue pesto.  It’s your choice or your team’s colors.

images

Pesto Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

6 hard boiled eggs
3 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
1 to 2 teaspoons pesto

Preparation

Scoop out the hard boiled yolk from the eggs.  Using the tines of a fork, mash the yolk and add remaining ingredients.  Using a small spoon, dollop the ingredients back into the egg white halves.  Garnish with toasted pine nuts, petite basil leaves or paprika.

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

Ingredients
• 2 red peppers, halved and roasted
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ cup of basil
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan
• ⅓ cup of pecans, toasted
• 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil
• salt & pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Halve and seed the red peppers. Roast in oven for 15 minutes with the inside side down. Flip them over after 15 minutes and roast for another 15 minutes on the other side.
3. Remove from oven and place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes. {this will keep the heat in the bowl and make it easier to remove the skin}.
4. After peppers are finished resting, remove the skins and set aside.
5. Put pecans in a saute pan and toast until just fragrant. {about 7-10 minutes}
6. In a processor put, roasted red peppers, garlic clove, toasted pecans, shredded Parmesan cheese, basil, salt and pepper. Blend together.
7. Slowly start to add olive oil {depending on how you like your consistency} to the pesto mixture.

 This freezes well.  It is delicious tossed with pasta.

The Getty Girls

Posted on by
7

IMG_1436-0We are fortunate to have our own chickens here on Misty Morning Farm. Farmer Paul, aka husband, calls them the Getty Girls. Did you ever see the animated film Chicken Run?  It’s delightful and mindless entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon.  Chicken house antics.  When Farmer Paul talks about his Getty Girls, thanks to that film, I envision our southern hens, pecking and scratching, all the while accessorizing their beautiful coats of feathers with strands of pearls around their necks. Can’t you see it? Our girls are refined hens, producing the most beautiful colorful eggs that can easily rival those imaginary strands of pearls that grace their feathery necks.

IMG_1437-0 IMG_1433-0

If you have access to farm fresh eggs, make the effort to find and purchase them.  It’s worth it. The yolks are a rich deep golden color, and the taste is so much better. They require no refrigeration, and my recipes are much more flavorful when fresh eggs are used.

I have included a tried and true recipe with a new twist. I love breakfast for breakfast, brunch or supper, and Eggs Benedict top my preferred list. Use your favorite recipe or mine below, but replace the Canadian bacon or ham with avocado and tomato. It is so rich and creamy! I think you’ll like the change.

Avocado Eggs Benedict

 Ingredients

2 English muffins split in half and toasted
4 eggs
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1 avocado sliced
1 large or 2 medium tomatoes sliced
4 slices white American cheese
Easy Hollandaise Sauce
paprika and parsley for garnish

Preparation

Make Easy Hollandaise Sauce. To poach eggs, fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the white vinegar and reduce heat to a simmer. Crack and gently drop in the eggs. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove when the whites are firm and the yolks are done to your taste. Arrange in layers on each of the toasted muffins, the cheese, sliced tomatoes and sliced avocados. Top with the poached eggs and Hollandaise and garnish with paprika and parsley.

P.S. If you’re in a hurry Knorr makes a pretty good sauce mix…but, as always, fresh is best.

Easy Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients

2 egg yolks
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 stick butter melted
1 to 2 drops Tabasco sauce
dash of cayenne pepper and salt

Preparation

Combine egg yolks and lemon juice in a food processor. Turn it on and slowly add the melted butter. The sauce will emulsify. Add the seasonings. Do not reheat or sauce will separate.

IMG_1438

Cucumbers… the North vs. the South

Posted on by
4

Growing up in the South, I knew it was summertime when a big bowl of cucumbers in vinegar appeared on our table. Simple, sliced cukes (I like the small pickling ones) white or apple cider vinegar, salt, lots of pepper and a sprinkling of sugar. Nothing else like it! When the tomatoes are ripe on the vine, slice those along with some Vidalia onions and throw them on in with the cucumbers. The best trifecta.

This summer, on Martha’s Vineyard, the Northern version of summertime cucumbers shattered my Southern heritage a bit. I was invited to an outdoors jazz concert at Featherstone Art Center.  My friend provided the snacks, and I brought the wine. We put up our beach chairs and I opened a bottle of Vinho Verde, a light, perfect for summer, Portuguese white wine with a hint of bubbly. I recommend Casal Garcia. The label says “young and refreshing”….after a few glasses I certainly feel that way!

IMG_1249     IMG_1395

Renee opened her bowl of cucumbers laden with dill. After the first bite my cucumber horizons were expanded! They were delicious. A little hummus with chips and some fresh fruit rounded out our picnic fare. Combined with the music and our beautiful surroundings, this was one of my most memorable evenings of the summer – it was really the cucumbers that made it so.

So you decide…the North or the South? Or maybe we can just call it a truce.

 Southern Cukes                                                               Northern Cukes

   3 or 4 pickling cucumbers                                              3 or 4 pickling cucumbers

 vinegar to cover sliced cucumbers                                Juice of 2 to 3 limes

s&p…lots of p                                                              s&p…lots of p

a pinch of sugar                                                              chopped fresh dill    

                                                                                          2 chopped green onions       

Slice and peel cucumbers and add remaining ingredients. I use kosher salt and  course ground pepper. I have also used English cucumbers. Much of this recipe is to taste, so it’s all about your culinary creativity! Remember, some of the simplest recipes are the best.

IMG_1394

 

Breakfast on the Beach

Posted on by
3

DSC_7086 IMG_1231 DSC_7083This past summer on the Vineyard, I was fortunate to be invited to a couple of breakfasts on the beach. Each featured delightful and delectable offerings of food and fellowship. French toast and scrambled eggs cooked on grills, fresh fruit and freshly, baked that morning, scones, tomato pies, potatoes cooked various ways and artichoke strata are just a few of the samplings offered on those sun drenched mornings.With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, grills being fired up and the sweet, salty air surrounding us, I would say this was a near perfect way to begin a day.

The perk to all of the above was having your beach chair already set up, your suntan lotion handily available, and the sun and surf ready to be enjoyed. The breakfast easily eases into afternoon. This is another All of This! moments with friends gathered around in chairs, our tables being our laps or towels, and nature providing the most beautiful entertainment venue possible.

DSC_7079

Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomato Strata

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (about 1 large)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1 jar sun dried tomatoes (4 oz)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
1 3/4 cups  milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 (1-pound) loaf white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
Cooking spray
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled goat cheese, divided

Preparation

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in artichoke hearts, tomatoes and garlic; cook for 8 minutes or until artichoke hearts begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and stir in herbes de Provence. Cool 10 minutes.
2. Combine milk, black pepper, salt, and eggs in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and bread; toss gently to combine. Stir in artichoke mixture, and let stand for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375°.
4. Spoon half of bread mixture into an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of goat cheese, and top with remaining bread mixture. Sprinkle remaining half of goat cheese over top. Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

The Spirit of Giving?

Posted on by
Reply

We all know that special time of year when people are feeling oh so generous. The spirit of giving is evident all around….at the office, the schools and most especially, found in plastic bags on everyone’s door knob, when they are returning from having just spread their own special cheer.

You know the season, right? Zucchini season!!! When it grows, it really grows. All sizes too, whatever your heart desires. What to do with these gifts of the season you ask?

Zucchini Bread. A good recipe can be found online, or in any church or junior league cookbook worth its reading. I bake and freeze small and large loaves for year round enjoyment. They make nice hostess gifts in a pinch, unless your hostess also has her freezer stocked from all of those generous gifts of bounty.

My “go to” zucchini recipe is fritters. They are delicious, and can be eaten as a side dish with most entrees. They are also a great appetizer, that I like to serve with basil mayonnaise.                                                                                                                Though the zucchini rush is summertime, this nice little veggie is the gift that keeps giving all year long.

DSC01676

Zucchini Fritters

2 medium zucchini
2 Tablespoons grated onion
2 eggs
6 to 8 Tablespoons flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon pepper
butter & vegetable oil

Grate the zucchini and onion in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Heat 1/2 Tbl. butter and 1/2 Tbl. oil in the pan. Use medium to medium high heat. When the oil and butter are hot, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter in the pan.   Cook about 2 minutes on each side until browned. Continue to add oil and butter to the pan when needed, as remaining fritters are cooked.

Basil Mayonnaise 

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

Combine  the basil, 1/4 cup of the mayonnaise, lemon juice and several grinds of black pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the basil is finely chopped. Add the remaining mayonnaise and lemon zest and process again.

Store in a tightly covered bowl in refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.