• About
  • Recipes
  • Shopping List
  • Try This

Category: Vegetables

Mushroom and Herb Polenta

May 15, 2013 Filled under Italian, Main Dishes, Pasta, Rice, & Grains, Vegetables
2 Comments
 

mushroom and herb polenta 1

We’ve been eating vegetarian a few times a week and I’ve been experimenting with satisfying, simple, meatless meals.   I’m not a vegetarian by any means, but I enjoy eating meatless meals quite often, especially when those vegetarian meals are cheesy, herb-filled comfort meals like this mushroom and herb polenta.

plenty cookbook coverrecipe in cookbook

This recipe is adapted from ‘Plenty‘ by Yotam Ottolenghi.  Famous for his famous London food shop ‘Ottolenghi’, he became renowned for his innovative vegetarian offerings.  This cookbook is full of ‘vibrant vegetable recipes ‘ that are globally inspired and full of flavour.  The recipes are accessible and easy to follow with interesting stories about his inspirations and beautiful photography for each recipe.  It’s one of my favourites in my vast cookbook collection.

mushrooms herbs cheese

Mushrooms are so satisfying and the perfect meat substitute.  You can use any mushrooms you like, and play around with the herb combinations too.  I’ve used basil and parsley before, and played around with the proportions of the herbs.  The options are limitless.  Taleggio melts so amazingly and has a rich, salty flavour so perfect in this dish.  Because Taleggio can be quite salty, it’s a good idea to add salt sparingly to the polenta.

I love that this dish is elegant enough to serve as a vegetarian main course for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal – perfect vegetarian eating that’s decadent and delicious.

 

mushrooms in pan 1 mushrooms in pan 2
1. Add half olive oil and half the mushrooms to pan 2. Fry a few minutes until just browned – don’t stir too much
instant polenta package polenta with herbs and cheese stir
3. Slowly add 1/2 cup of polenta to simmering vegetable stock 4. Add garlic, rosemary, butter, Parmesan, salt and pepper to polenta and stir
polenta in dish mushrooms on top of polenta
5. Spread polenta in oven-ready dish 6. Top polenta with mushroom herb mixture
taleggio on mushorooms polenta close up
7. Top mushrooms with Taleggoio and place in broiler 8. Done when cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot.

 

Mushroom and Herb Polenta (adapted from Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi)

Ingredients:

  • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups mixed mushrooms, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp chopped tarragon
  • 1 Tbsp chopped thyme
  • 1 Tbsp truffle oil
  • 2 ¼ cups vegetable stock
  • ½ cup instant polenta
  • 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp chives, finely chopped
  • 3 oz Taleggio cheese (rind removed), cut into 3/8” slices
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add half olive oil and half the mushrooms to pan, and fry for a few minutes until just cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t stir too much to get more golden brown bits.  Remove mushrooms from pan and place in a bowl and set aside.  Repeat with remaining olive oil and mushrooms.  Remove pan from heat and add first batch of mushrooms back to pan.  Add two-thirds of the garlic, and all the tarragon, thyme, and truffle oil.  Stir to combine and set aside.
  2. Bring vegetable stock to boil in a medium saucepan and reduce to simmer.  Once simmering, slowly pour in polenta, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.  Cooking time will vary depending on brand; polenta is done when it leaves the sides but is still runny.  Remove from heat.
  3. Preheat the broiler.  Add Parmesan, butter, rosemary, and chives. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Spread polenta in oven-ready dish and top with mushrooms.  Top mushrooms with Taleggio and place under broiler for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot.

polenta on plate

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Grilled Zucchini with Herb Dressing

April 15, 2013 Filled under Salads, Sauces & Dips, Sides, Vegetables
No Comments
 

zucchini salad 3

Here’s an easy side for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. This flavourful herb-filled dressing, which is a cross between pesto and salsa verde with a hint of Caesar dressing, is versatile and great on grilled vegetables, chicken, steak, or fish.  The best part is that everything for the dressing gets tossed into a food processor or blender and it’s ready with the touch of a button.

pucci

Grilled zucchini reminds me of summer barbecues in my parent’s backyard with my dad at the grill and my dog Pucci on a lawn chair in the shade.

Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients like potassium, folate, and vitamin A.  Most of the nutrients are in the skin so make sure to leave the skin on.  Zucchini is also great fried in a Gwenyth Paltrow inspired pasta, and in these amazing vegan chocolate chip muffins.  But I really love zucchini best when it’s grilled and simply dressed with this minty pesto dressing.  Hope you enjoy.

zucchini salad at table
Grilled Zucchini with Herb Dressing (serves 3 to 4 as a side)

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, cut diagonally into 1/4″ slices
  • Non-stick cooking spray or canola oil
  • Parmesan cheese shavings (omit for vegan version)

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, omit for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Special Equipment: Blender or food processor, grill pan/outdoor grill

Directions:

  1. Preheat grill pan to medium-high heat.  When pan is quite hot and almost smoking, spray with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush pan with oil.  Lay slices of zucchini onto grill pan in a single layer, and cook about 2 minutes each side, or until zucchini has charred grill marks.  Remove from pan and place in serving dish.  Repeat with remaining zucchini.
  2. Meanwhile, place dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend.  Set aside.  Add more olive oil if too thick and blend.  Spoon over grilled zucchini and sprinkle with Parmesan shavings, drizzle with olive oil, and add  salt and pepper to taste.

PS – I don’t have access to an outdoor grill but if you have one, I would totally recommend using it for grilling instead of a grill pan indoors.  Unless it’s raining or snowing, both of happened last week.

zucchini salad done

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Guacamole with Pomegranates

April 10, 2013 Filled under Fruits, Sauces & Dips, Snacks & Appetizers, Vegetables
No Comments
 

guacamole in bowl

Are you thinking ‘What the what?!  Pomegranates in guacamole? This Chinese girl from Canada is crazy.’  Seriously, I don’t blame you but I swear this is the real deal.    I’ll always remember my first authentic Mexican meal after moving to Arizona at Barrio Cafe in Phoenix, where they made fresh guacamole right at our table.  The waiter wheeled out a little cart with cut up limes, cilantro, jalapeno, and fresh avocados and smashed them together in a stone mortar and pestle.   And just when I thought he was done, he mixed in some fresh pomegranate seeds.  That, my friends, was when my mind was officially blown away.

Once I fully comprehended what had just happened, I tried the fresher than fresh guacamole on warm just-fried corn tortilla chips and died.  Died and went to taste heaven.  In fact, my taste buds did the Three Amigos Salute as the sweet pomegranates blended perfectly with the sour lime juice, sharp red onion, creamy avocado, and salty chips for the ultimate bite.  I don’t remember what I had for my main as the rest of the night became a blur of tequila shots, but I do recall our friends losing their minds over the churros and goat’s milk caramel.  At least I’ll have the memories of the guacamole for the rest of my days.

Barrio Queen is the sister restaurant located in Old Town Scottsdale.  They add dried apricots to the guacamole there.

Barrio Queen is the sister restaurant located in Old Town Scottsdale. They add dried apricots to the guacamole there.

This guacamole is great for dipping tortilla chips into, or topping onto some yummy fish tacos, or even on top of a corn and black bean salad.  Besides being delicious, avocados are full of healthy things like good fats, fiber, and have more potassium than bananas.   Pomegranates are full of anti-oxidents and other good stuff.  Plus they’re pretty.  Whenever I make this guacamole, it feels like I’m in Arizona all over again.  Hope you enjoy.

guacamole and chips 2

Guacamole with Pomegranates (serves 2)

  • 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, cubed
  • 1 Tbsp Spanish onion, finely diced
  • 1 Tbsp finely minced coriander/cilantro
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of cayenne or chili powder (optional)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh pomegranate seeds

Combine all the all the ingredients except for pomegranates into a bowl and mash with a fork.  Serve chunky or smooth.  Stir in pomegranate seeds and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

If serving later, place the pit of the avocado in with guacamole and cover to prevent avocado from turning brown.

guacamole on chip

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Sausage and Kale Pasta

April 7, 2013 Filled under Italian, Main Dishes, Pasta, Rice, & Grains, Poultry, Vegetables
No Comments
 

pasta plated

Kale’s so hot right now.  Right?  Or are we over it?  I mean it is kind of a winter green, but technically it’s spring now.   Kidding.  Regardless of what’s hot or not, or how unseasonably cold it still is outside (spring, where are you?!?), kale is tasty, full of nutrients and available year round.  I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy kale, whether it’s baked kale chips or a Tuscan salad with currants and Parmesan in lemon vinaigrette.  And now it’s pasta turn to get kale’d.

Sauage and Kale ingredients

This is a comforting supper with some healthy ingredients.  Chicken sausage replaces fatty pork and really helps cut down on the calories.  Before I went on a kale kick, spinach was my go-to green.  I still like spinach a lot (makes me feel like Popeye) but kale is just a wee bit healthier - see why here in this food face-off.   Organic brown rice pasta is great gluten-free option too.

chopped kale

sausage in pan

In our house, we’re big fans of spicy food so lot of crushed red pepper flakes make their way into most pasta dishes, but I’ve only added a touch in the recipe for a bit of kick. For a kid-friendly version, the chili flakes can be omitted completely.  For a dairy-free version, use Toffuti’s Better than Cream Cheese instead of grated fresh Parmesan. 

sausage and kale pasta dinner

Kale and Sausage Pasta (serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • 4 turkey or chicken sausages, removed from casings (about 1.25 lbs)
  • 1 bunch kale, about 12 ounces, washed, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces gluten-free pasta
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • 2 Tablespoons dairy-free cream cheese or grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add pasta and cook according to package directions.  Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil.  Add sausage and break up with wooden spoon.  Cook until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
  3. Add remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to pan and add shallots and cook for 2 minutes.  Add garlic, anchovy paste, kale, chili flakes, and 2 tablespoons of water.  Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. 
  4. Add cooked pasta to kale mixture.  Add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water and cream cheese (or parmesan cheese) and stir until pasta is evenly coated.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add more pasta water if needed.  Garnish with parmesan cheese (if using), additional chili flakes and truffle oil.

sausage and kale pasta pot

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Emily’s Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

February 18, 2013 Filled under Soup & Sandwiches, Vegetables
2 Comments
 

Squash soup finished

It’s kind of cold out there these days with no signs of an early spring despite what the groundhogs predicted.  You know the cold I mean right?  The kind where your organs feel like they’re shutting down and liquids in your eyeballs feel like they’re freezing over.  On days when there’s a wind chill factor, nothing but a hot soup will do - a comfort food to warm your belly and other internal organs. 

squash

Spices

This recipe is an old favourite that my fabulous sister-in-law kindly shared with me years ago and it’s now a part of my family’s recipe repertoire. Perfect for cozy nights at home yet fancy enough to serve on special occasions.  Hope you enjoy as much as we do.  Thanks Em!

PS – I realize that ‘turmeric’ is misspelled on my spice jar.  Spelling is not my strong suit and there is no spell check on my label maker.  Oh well.

sqaush carrots in potsquash soup cooked

Emily’s Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

 Ingredients:
 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 butternut squash (about 1 1/4 lb) peeled, halved, seeded, and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 3 large carrots peeled and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable stock or water
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for vegan, use dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 Tbsp fresh chives, diced
  • 1 Lime cut into wedges

Equipment: Blender, or handheld immersion blender

Directions:

  1. In a large soup pot over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil.  Add onion and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.  Add squash, carrots and saute for 10 min.  Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric and coriander and continue to saute for 10 min. 
  2. Add the stock or water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the squash and carrots are soft.  Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Working with 2 cups at a time, place soup in a blender and puree on high until smooth and light.  As each batch is pureed transfer it to a large saucepan.  If using immersion blender, puree soup directly in pot.  If soup is too thick, thin with a little water.  Should have the consistency of heavy cream.
  4. To serve, place soup over medium-high heat and warm to serving temperature.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  In a small bowl whisk the water and the yogurt until smooth.  Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, fresh cilantro, chives and fresh lime wedges.

 squash soup close up

 

Emily's Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

February 11, 2013 Filled under Breakfast, Sides, Vegetables
No Comments
 

Roast Fingerling Potatoes on Napkin

Ever since the new year started, I’ve sort of been on a lucky cooking streak.  New recipes attempts and even old favourites were turning out yummy.  However as of late, I have entered into a bit of a slump.  Friday, my sticky rice came out bland, and well, not really sticky.  Yesterday, I attempted a mini cheesecake recipe which yielded some tragic little hockey pucks.  They looked as deflated as I felt.  Today, my homemade brownies ended up a blobby coagulated mess that went straight into the trash. 

Just as I was feeling down in the dumps and considered living off take-out and cut fruit for the remainder of the week, I came across an article on The Kitchn, entitled ‘My Time of Endless Failures.’  The article beautifully captures that feeling of how it’s no fun to suck at something, but with cooking, it’s okay to dust yourself off and keep on going.  At the end of the day you’ve got to keep eating and no failed recipe attempt goes without learning something new.  

D is the one who often reminds me that I shouldn’t dwell on the failed outcome, and instead, should focus on the fearlessness it took to try something new.  It’s a great reminder because I admit that sometimes I’m just too hard on myself, and you probably are too.  Instead of getting discouraged, I will try to remember to shake it off and high five myself for simply giving it a go.

potatoes on tray

After the botched brownie attempt, I was going through my archives and I found this little recipe that has always served me well.  It’s a classic/ foolproof/everyone loves it/make it with your eyes closed/no recipe needed recipe.  Whenever I’ve needed a steady side to accompany a new dish or even an old favourite, these tasty taters have always ended up crispy and golden brown outside and deliciously soft on the inside. 

These potatoes are as perfect for breakfast as they are for lunch or dinner, and are a great vehicle for your favourite sauces, herbs, and spices. Every time I make them, I’m reminded that yes, new recipes are great, but sometimes, you can’t forget the old favourites.  So as I dust myself off, literally, I’m still covered in cocoa powder, I will keep on trying new ideas and sharing them with you.  And high-five to you, for every new recipe adventure you go on.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

  • Fingerling potatoes, washed and dried
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Cut fingerling potatoes in half length-wise and toss in just enough olive oil to coat.  Place potatoes cut-side down on lightly oiled baking sheet.  Roast in oven for 25 minutes or until cut-side down is golden brown.  Season with salt to taste and serve.

Roast Fingerling Potatoes

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Tuscan Kale Salad with Currants and Parmesan

January 7, 2013 Filled under Italian, Salads, Sauces & Dips, Sides, Snacks & Appetizers, Vegetables
7 Comments
 

Kale Salad with Lemon Vinegarette

Have you ever ordered something in a restaurant and swooned with every delicious mouthful? And then wondered how they made it so delicious, even long after the meal was over. I bet that you have experienced this feeling, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t over a salad.  Now I like salad just fine, but I’m not one to get excited about them, normally that is. But then I ordered the ‘Cavolo Nero’ salad at Gusto 101 and lost it.  I ate that salad so hard, with the gusto (sorry couldn’t resist) that I typically reserve for cupcakes or french fries.

The texture of the  dark green bumpy leaves of raw lacinate kale (aka cavolo nero, Tuscan kale, or lacinato kale) becomes silky and velvety after marinating in the lemon vingarette, which softens the leaves.  The currants add a lovely sweetness that goes perfectly with the saltiness of the parmesan shavings.  Gusto 101 served the salad with pine nuts, but I’ve swapped them for sunflower seeds, perfect for those with nut allergies.  I knew I nailed the recipe when D and I had this salad for dinner and it got gobbled up way before the perfectly juicy pan-roasted chicken and fingerling potatoes sharing the same plate.  Buon appetito.

Tuscan Kale Salad with Currents and Parmesan (adapted from Epicurious)

Serves 4 as a starter or side

Ingredients:

  •  2 Tablespoons dried currants
  • 2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bunch lacinate kale, centre ribs and stems removed, washed and dried (about 1 pound)
  • 2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds
  • Parmesan cheese shavings

Directions:

  1. Place currants in small bowl and cover with two tablespoons white wine vinegar.  Set aside.
  2. Lay several leaves of kale on top of each other and cut thinly crosswise.  Add to a large bowl.
  3. Make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine one teaspoon white wine vinegar, lemon rind, lemon juice, honey, olive oil and salt, and whisk.  Add vinaigrette, sunflower seeds, and currents, including any additional vinegar left over from soaking, to the kale and toss to combine.  Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally.  Sprinkle with cheese shavings and serve.

Kale Salad with Lemon Vinegarette

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Top Side Dishes for Entertaining

December 23, 2012 Filled under Sides, Vegetables
No Comments
 

In my family, side dishes are just as important to the meal as the main course. An array of delicious sides can take a holiday meal from basic to basically amazing. Here’s my list of top sides to serve at your next holiday meal that’ll keep them coming back for seconds:

Crispy Potato Roast – Layers of potatoes stacked vertically to get crispy browned edges. The caramelized onions and fresh rosemary update this non-traditional potato side.

Crispy Potato Roast

Crispy Potato Roast

Inside-Out Stuffing: Lots of stuffing with a little chicken. Sounds about right to me.

Inside-Out Stuffing

Inside-Out Stuffing and Simple Roast Chicken

Sweet Potato Wedges – This is possibly the easiest side dish to whip up – a total of only five ingredients and ready to bake in five minutes. The unique combination of spices makes this dish extra yummy.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet Potato Wedges

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes: These tasty taters are vegan – swapping using buttery flavoured dairy-free butter. They get their flavour boost from tasty homemade caramelized onions (or use store-bought if you can find).

Lamb Gremolata with Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Lamb Gremolata with Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk Biscuits – Confession: these biscuits come from a gluten-free baking mix. But they are decadent, tasty and fast. Perfect for dipping into gravy or slathering with butter.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating! xo

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Mushroom Toasts

November 20, 2012 Filled under Snacks & Appetizers, Vegetables
2 Comments
 

Mushroom Toasts close up

Have you ever been to Copenhagen?  I was there on vacation this summer and loved the entire experience in the design-savvy chilled-out happiest city on earth.  A few fun factoids that I learned while I was there: 

1) People from Denmark are Danish, not Dutch, and generally speaking are a beautiful bunch with fabulous cheekbones

2) Danish folks tend to go organic, ride bikes instead of driving cars, and enjoy Carlsberg beer. Also home of Lego, Vikings, and the Danish royal family.

3) Copenhagan has amazing food, including the world’s greatest restaurant Noma, new Nordic cuisine, hot dogs, open-faced sandwiches, and of course Danishes (the pastry)
……………………………………………..
Tivoli at nightdanish palacelittle mermaid
 

 

 

 

 

 

……………………………………………..
I’ve been making mushroom toasts appetizers for years, originally created as a mushroom brushetta - they’re my go-to starter.  If you’ve ever come to my house for dinner, I’ve probably served these to you.  I happened to see something similar, a Danish version, on a few menus while on my trip.   These open-faced sandwiches are called ‘smorrebrod’, Danish for ‘butter’ and ’bread’, and can be found in all kinds of variations.  With generous amounts of butter and served atop rye toast, these beautiful savoury sandwiches were a staple on many menus in Copenhagen, usually topped with fried fish, roast beef, eggs, shrimps, deli meat, and/or cheese.  I took lots of pictures of smorrebrod in Copenhagen and other delicious eats.  And yes, I take lots of pictures of food when I travel.  I’m totally THAT person in a restaurant.

mushroom smorrbrod

fish smorrbrod

flodebolleroastbeef smorrbrodhot dogsdanish 

 

……………………………………………..

My take is a bit healthier, where the mushrooms are lightly coated in olive oil instead of butter and cheese toppings are optional too (I usually opt for goat or brie).  A little truffle oil drizzled on top really takes the flavour to the next level and of course, gluten-free bread is great substitution for rye bread.  Perfect for entertaining or bringing a little bit of Scandinavia to your home.

 mushroom toast close up gf

Recipe Mushroom Toasts (Serves 4 to 6 as appetizer)

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbs fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • Salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 gluten-free baguette, cut into 3/4″ slices or 6 slices gluten-free bread, cut diagonally
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 3 Tbs olive oil or melted vegan butter
  • 12 slices brie cheese or 3 ounces goat cheese
  • Truffle oil (optional)

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine mushrooms, parsley and 2 tablespoons olive oil until mushrooms are evenly coated with oil.
  2. Combine garlic and remaining olive oil in a small bowl.  Add one teaspoon of garlic oil mixture to slice of bread to coat.  Layer mushroom slices on toasts, so all pieces have equal amounts of mushrooms.  Top mushrooms with cheese. 
  3. Place toasts on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.  To serve, drizzle toasts with a few drops of truffle oil if using.
    ……………………………………………..
  4. bittersbike

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto

October 10, 2012 Filled under Snacks & Appetizers, Vegetables
No Comments
 

Asparagus Proscuitto spears

This is a recipe that’s got a lot of endearing qualities, such as a) easy to make, b) tasty, c) great for entertaining and d) pretty.  The lovely Giada De Laurentiis taught me how to make these via Food Network – my free (with cable) culinary school.  TV hosts like Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, and Barefoot Contessa’s Ina Garten have all inspired my cooking at one point or another and I have them to thank for many delicious meals that I’ve prepared in the past

This elegant appetizer has graced my dining table / kitchen island many times for random dinners, special celebrations, and holidays over the years.  As the entertaining season approaches, it’s great to have tried and true recipes to turn to and I hope you enjoy these as much as my guests have.

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto (adapted from Giada De Laurentiis) Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound asparagus spears (stalks trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 6 to 8 slices of prosciutto, paper-thinly sliced, and halved length-wise

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Snap the ends off the asparagus and place on a baking tray.  Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and toss until evenly coated.  Roast asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness (less time for thin stalks).  Allow to cool until cool enough to handle.
  3. Wrap each spear with a slice of prosciutto (or two spears if very thin).  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and serve.

 

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print
 

Asparagus Proscuitto spears

This is a recipe that’s got a lot of endearing qualities, such as a) easy to make, b) tasty, c) great for entertaining and d) pretty.  The lovely Giada De Laurentiis taught me how to make these via Food Network – my free (with cable) culinary school.  TV hosts like Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, and Barefoot Contessa’s Ina Garten have all inspired my cooking at one point or another and I have them to thank for many delicious meals that I’ve prepared in the past

This elegant appetizer has graced my dining table / kitchen island many times for random dinners, special celebrations, and holidays over the years.  As the entertaining season approaches, it’s great to have tried and true recipes to turn to and I hope you enjoy these as much as my guests have.

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto (adapted from Giada De Laurentiis) Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound asparagus spears (stalks trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 6 to 8 slices of prosciutto, paper-thinly sliced, and halved length-wise

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Snap the ends off the asparagus and place on a baking tray.  Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and toss until evenly coated.  Roast asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness (less time for thin stalks).  Allow to cool until cool enough to handle.
  3. Wrap each spear with a slice of prosciutto (or two spears if very thin).  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and serve.

 

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Pin It
  • Email
  • Print
-->
Next Page »
Follow Us
  • 
  • 
  • 
Recipe Categories
  • Asian
  • Breakfast
  • Cakes & Cupcakes
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Fish & Seafood
  • Fruits
  • Indian
  • Italian
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Main Dishes
  • Meat
  • Pasta, Rice, & Grains
  • Poultry
  • Salads
  • Sauces & Dips
  • Sides
  • Snacks & Appetizers
  • Soup & Sandwiches
  • Southwestern
  • Vegetables
Recent Posts
  • Quinoa Granola
  • Mushroom and Herb Polenta
  • Brie Pear Walnut Honey Flatbread
  • Grilled Zucchini with Herb Dressing
  • Guacamole with Pomegranates
Recent Comments
  • Ness on Blueberry Buckwheat Waffles
  • Tia on Blueberry Buckwheat Waffles
  • Vanessa on Mushroom and Herb Polenta
  • Emma Lamb on About
  • Emma Lamb on Mushroom and Herb Polenta
Tags
ahpoh apples avocado barefoot contessa berries Bob's Red Mill butter cake cheese chicken chocolate coconut corn corn-free dairy-free Earth Balance egg-free eggs fast gluten-free lamb mint mom muffin mushrooms Namaste noodles nut-free nuts Pamela GF Mix pesto pie pizza potato pucci quinoa sandwich soy-free spicy tacos tomato tortilla vegan vegetarian yeast-free
FreshNess Web design by KeenerStyle and The Clear Line Theme

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.