Kitchen Sink Granola

We jokingly call our stews and soups 'Kitchen Sink' because everything goes into them except the kitchen sink. This is exactly how I make my granola.

Granola is a simple formula - butter or other fat, sweetener, rolled oats or other grain and dried fruits and nuts.

Today I cleaned out 8 containers from my cupboard by using up these saved bits and pieces. I added toasted coconut, hazelnut praline, dates, dried mango, honey, vanilla, organic rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios and toasted almonds to my rolled oats.

The benefits of making your own granola are worth the once a month ritual. Fats, sugars and salt is lower resulting in lower calories and sodium per serving. You will have better quality oats and more of the good morsels. And no unknown additives.

Formula for Granola

10 c. old fashioned rolled oats, spelt flakes or any other grain flaked
1/2 c. butter, or any other fat such as coconut oil, canola oil, camelina oil
1/4 c. honey, or any other sweetener such as maple syrup or sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar or homemade jam
2-3 c. combination of chopped dried fruits and nuts
1 tsp. pure vanilla, or any other flavouring such as cinnamon or maple
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add sweetener, vanilla and sea salt.

Mound rolled oats, nuts, seeds and coconut on a 12 x 18 inch baking sheet. There is no need to grease the baking sheet. Pour the butter mixture over it all. Gently mix until everything is coated. Pat the mixture into the pan.

Cook at 325F for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir so that browned edges are now in the centre of the pan and the unbrowned bottom layer is stirred up to the top. Pat down again. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until edges are nicely browned. Remove from the oven and let cool, undisturbed.

Meanwhile put all the dried fruits in a large bowl. When the granola is completely cool add it to the dried fruits. Mix so as not to break up any chunks of oatmeal mixture. Store in a tightly sealed container or in freezer bags and in the deep freeze. Will keep for a month in the cupboard or three months in the freezer.

Golden Milk - On the Turmeric Trend for 2017

Turmeric is a spice derived from a rhizome root and is similar in appearance to fresh ginger. It is cultivated in tropical climates, most often southern Asia. Curcumin is the compound in turmeric that gives its bright yellow colour and health benefits.

Turmeric is a highly effective anti-inflammatory and helps with joint pain and arthritis. It aids in digestion and heartburn and is a powerful antioxidant. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Too much turmeric can cause stomach upset. It can also strengthen the effects of blood thinning drugs including aspirin, stomach acid drugs and diabetes medications. Seek medical advice if you are on these drugs before using large quantities of turmeric on a regular basis.

Turmeric is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its yellow color. It is also used in mustard and to color butter and cheese.

Golden Milk

1 c. unsweetened non-dairy milk such as coconut milk beverage or almond milk 250 mL

1 c. water 250 mL

1 cinnamon stick

1-inch piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric 2.5 cm/2 mL

1/2-inch piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1.2 cm

1 tbsp. honey 15 mL

1 tbsp. virgin coconut oil 15 mL

1/4 tsp. whole black peppercorns 1 mL

ground cinnamon for garnish

Whisk coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until aromatic, about 10 minutes. Strain and pour into mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Golden milk can be made 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill. Warm before serving.

A Sandwich Buffet or How to use up all those bits and pieces of food

It’s that time again. Seeding is in full swing and farm work becomes more active so is the busy-ness in the kitchen. Sometimes it is okay just to throw something together for lunch. This sandwich buffet uses bits and pieces of food that alone are not enough to feed a crew. It is an excellent way to use a single pork tenderloin, a couple of chicken breasts or a partial package of bacon. Then present a decadent dessert as the finale.

The components of a sandwich buffet include the protein, the crunch, the breads, butters and mayonnaise.  

Proteins are essential for muscle growth and repair. It takes the body longer to digest protein so a person feels full longer. Offer several choices of pre-sliced meats, poached fish, pates, cheeses and eggs.

Generously rub pork tenderloin or skin-on chicken breast with a seasoning mix like Creole or lemon pepper. Preheat a cast iron pan with a little canola oil and add the meat. Brown on all sides then slip it into a 350 F (180 C) oven to complete cooking, about 15 minutes. Cool and slice thinly.

Crispy comes from sliced raw vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes and crisp, torn lettuces. Torn lettuce can be prepared in advance because it browns more slowly than cut lettuce. Wash and shake lettuce dry and tear into serving size pieces. Then wrap it in a clean tea towel and refrigerate until serving time. Pickles, sauerkraut and a simple shredded coleslaw add flavour and crunch. 

Offer a selection of breads and buns. Baguettes make a nice chewy sandwich. Slice them horizontally for a hearty serving. Whip up some biscuits. Focaccia is simple to make in large batches. It is a flatbread and is sliced horizontally to make sandwiches.

Moisten the sandwich and also prevent juices from soaking the bread with mayonnaise, butter and mustards. Dig through the fridge for condiments like cranberry sauce, salsas and chutneys and put them on the table.

Focaccia

1 medium baking potato, peeled and quartered

1 1/2 tsp. instant yeast 7 mL

3 1/2 c. unbleached all purpose flour 875 mL

1 c. warm water 250 mL

1/4 c. olive oil, plus more for the pan 60 mL

1 1/2 tsp. salt 7 mL

Boil potato until tender. Drain and cool. Put it through a ricer and use about 1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed potato.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer combine yeast, flour and 1 cup (250 mL) warm water until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Add remaining dough ingredients, including reserved potato. Mix with paddle attachment on low speed until the dough comes together. Switch to dough hook attachment and increase speed to medium. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Transfer dough to lightly oiled bowl, turn the dough to coat with oil and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm, draft-free place until dough is doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Cut dough in half and flatten each piece into an 8-inch disk on a large, generously oiled baking sheet. Cover dough with clean tea towel and rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). With 2 or 3 fingers, dimple the dough at regular intervals. Make about 2 dozen dimples. They should almost poke through the bottom of the bread. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake about 25 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. Serve warm. This recipe can easily be doubled. (Cooks Illustrated)

Poblano Salsa

1 large poblano pepper, halved and seeds removed 

1 bunch scallions 

2 tbsp. canola oil 30 mL

2 tbsp. fresh mint, roughly chopped 30 mL

1 tsp. lemon juice 5 mL

1/2 tsp. cane sugar 2 mL

1/2 tsp. chili flakes 2 mL

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).

Place poblano halves and scallions on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and roast until softened, about 15-18 minutes.

Remove from oven, cool slightly, then chop coarsely.

Add to a bowl with remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper.  (Bon Appetit)

Caramel Brownies in a Jar

There is no brownie better than a cocoa brownie. Serve these in a 1 cup (250 mL) wide-mouth canning jar or other dessert dish. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

10 tbsp. unsalted butter 155 mL

1 1/4 c. sugar 315 mL

3/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 175 mL + 30 mL

1/4 tsp. salt 1 mL

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla 2 mL

2 cold large eggs

1/2 c. all purpose flour 125 mL

2/3 c. walnut or pecan pieces (optional) 150 mL

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325 F (160 C). Line the bottom and sides of the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove bowl from skillet and set aside until mixture is only warm, not hot.

Stir in vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When batter looks thick, shiny and well blended, add flour and stir until fully mixed in, then beat vigorously for 2 or 3 minutes the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Stir in nuts, if using. Spread evenly in the lined pan.

Bake until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.

Lift up the ends of the parchment and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares. (Bon Appetit)

Soba Noodle Salad with White Miso Dressing

Salads are the crunchy version of a soup or stew. They can be made with whatever is at hand. My month of crunchy salads is on day 6. There is no real recipe today. Just an inspiration.

I have a few leftovers from previous meals so they came together in this salad with the addition of cold soba noodles. Cook noodles according to package instructions.

Finely chopped kale, romaine and green onions were tossed with cold cooked soba noodles and yesterdays salad dressing Miso, Carrot and Sesame Dressing. Garnished with spicy pepitas and sea buckthorn berries. Nutrition overload.

Miso, Carrot and Sesame Dressing

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This is day five in my month of salads challenge. My real meal was the shrimp bisque. This is a simple salad elevated by an interesting dressing. The recipe is from Bon Appetit. Enjoy.

Miso, Carrot, and Sesame Dressing

I have white soy paste and it is very thick and rich. I cut the amount of white miso in half. I would suggest you use it 'to taste'. 

Servings: Makes about 1 1/2 cups

• 1/2 cup white miso
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (packed) finely grated peeled carrot
• 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled ginger
• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons honey 
•  

Place all ingredients plus 1/4 cup water in a resealable container. Cover and shake vigorously until well combined. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

The Lazy Cook's Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes have been making their rounds on the foodie blogs and recipe websites. They originate from a restaurant that opened in 1748 in Hasselbacken, Sweden.  In the 1940's this restaurant introduced a crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside potato to their menu.

Usually a whole baking potato is laid on its side and then thinly sliced leaving about a quarter of an inch at the base unsliced. This holds the whole potato together. Then a buttery herbed mixture is slathered all over it and in between all the slices.

We swoon over the crispy edges and tender centres but the downside for me is that I can't eat a whole potato. And I don't like making those thin slices and fear for slipping and cutting right through.

This lazy cooks method is so easy. My potatoes are from the cold room and need to be peeled. Otherwise I would skip that step and go straight to slicing. A mandoline makes slicing failproof. Slice up the potatoes and slather in herby oil. You are good to go.

You will notice that I am using vintage muffin tins. These darker tins are better because, of course, they are well seasoned. Food doesn't stick so easily. But also because they are darker the food in them browns better.

Lazy Cook's Hasselback Potatoes

3-4 medium sized potatoes
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, roasted and pureed
1 tsp. coarse salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375F.

Mix melted butter, olive oil and seasonings in a medium sized bowl.

Wash and peel potatoes. New potatoes or ones with relatively fresh skins do not need to be peeled. Slice thinly, about 2 mm thick. A mandoline is the easiest way to accomplish this.

Immediately place in the bowl of herbed oil and toss to coat.

Coat a muffin pan with non-stick spray. Carefully make a pile of potato slices to fill each muffin spot. You can also use parchment paper muffin papers to line the pan for easy cleaning and serving.

Sprinkle with more thyme and black pepper, if desired. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until edges of potatoes are very crispy. Serve immediately.

Simple Parmesan Rind Stock

For the past couple of days I have been cleaning my kitchen. Emptying all shelves and drawers, washing them and replacing all my dishes, cooking pots, spices and flavourings. Today I finished. Cleaning my refrigerator was the finale.

For months I have been collecting cheese rinds. I sometimes add one to a chicken stock that I am making. Today I tossed about a dozen of them into a stock pot with frozen bits of fennel, carrots, onion and vegetables I have also been setting aside for a stock making session. I added about a gallon of cold water, bay leaves and turned on the high heat to bring all to a boil. When it was merrily bubbling away I reduced the heat to maintain a light boil. I left that on the stove top for about 45 minutes.

After cooling for awhile and straining in my colander this is the rich stock I collected. Now packaged and labelled and returned to the freezer I have the beginnings of some wonderful soups, stews and sauces. Easy as that.

Then I immediately concocted this version of avgolemono Greek soup. But without the lemons. I had none. Thanks, Ren, for the comment. You are absolutely right. This is more like an Italian straciatella than avglolemono.

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup with Spinach and Orzo

2 c. parmesan rind stock
1/4 c. orzo pasta
1/4 c. finely chopped spinach
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp. camelina oil
sea salt and piment d'esplet to taste

Boil the stock with the orzo until it is tender. Add spinach to wilt. Lightly beat the egg with the oil in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle into the simmering soup and stir until cooked, about one minute. Serve immediately. Garnish with piment d'esplet.

Classic Chanterelle and Shallot Quiche

Chanterelles have a sweet smokiness about them. They are strongly flavoured and a few go a long way. Good thing because they are dear. The best of all chanterelles come from the boreal forests of northern Saskatchewan.

They are small and rich in flavour because of the dry season punctuated by a few rainy spells that accelerate their growth. They grow on a bed of moss that enables them to be almost clean. They are favoured by chefs for these reasons.

I had a most intriguing summer of fine foods. I prescribed to a monthly basket of foraged foods from the boreal forests of Saskatchewan. I had mushrooms galore. Fresh exotic mushrooms.

Julia Child's recipes are not to be fiddled with. This is her classic mushroom quiche.

Quiche aux Champignons   from  Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

2 tbsp. minced shallots
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 c. sliced wild mushrooms
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon juice
3 eggs
 1 1/2 c. whipping cream
pinch nutmeg
1/8 tsp. pepper
An 8 inch partially cooked pastry shell
1/4 c. grated Swiss chese
1 tbsp. butter

Cook the shallots in a heavy bottomed saucepan with the butter until transparent. Stir in mushrooms, salt, lemon juice and wine. Cover pan and cook over moderately low heat for 8 minutes. Uncover. Raise heat and boil for several minutes until liquid is completely evaporated and mushrooms are beginning to brown in the butter.

Beat eggs, cream, nutmeg and pepper in a bowl to mix. Gradually stir mushrooms into this mixture. Pour into pastry shell and sprinkle with cheese. Dot with butter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated 375 F oven.

Community Supported Foraging is not for the Faint of Heart

Boreal Pestle    Clavariadelphus borealis

Every month this summer I received a box of foraged foods. August was particularly heavy with wild mushrooms. Some varieties were new to me. These are all from the boreal forests of Saskatchewan.

The boreal pestle had a sweetness to them. They didn't appeal to me so I dried them and will make a tea this winter. It will be a slightly sweet tea rich in protein and nutrients.

I understand where my food comes from and how it doesn't look like it came from a grocery store. However, I am still squeamish about worms. Some mushrooms are more loved than others by these little white worms or perhaps they are maggots. Elisabeth, my forager, said I should just dry them. "You would be surprised how much protein is in dried mushrooms." That is certainly food for thought. Well, I didn't think on it very long. Into the composter they went. Can't stomach little white worms.

The little white worms had a mind of their own, if that makes any sense at all. I have a composting pail in my kitchen. The morning after putting the wormy mushrooms into the pail, with a lid that simply sits upon it, they had attempted their escape. Little white worms laid dead and dried in a radius around my pail. I cannot imagine the energy expended to crawl up and out and down onto the countertop. A very quick wipe with a wet dishcloth was necessary and done with an attempt not to think about it too much.

Pig's Ear Gomphus clavatus

The Pig's Ear are richly flavourful. I sauteed them and put them in the freezer. I had such a variety of mushrooms that I couldn't possibly eat them all fresh.

Bellybutton Hedgehog  Dentinum repandum

These bellybuttons sauteed nicely. Very versatile.

Comb Tooth  Hericium ramosum

Combtooth was another mushroom that I dried. Not quite sure yet how I will use it. Perhaps a tea or in a ragout.

Rainbow of Beets and Chevre Salad

Lovely heirloom beets grilled over charcoal. Cool a bit and peel. Roughly chop. Arrange on a plate. Garnish with chevre and edible flowers. Drizzle with camelina oil and a little bit of balsamic vinegar or birch syrup. Shower with coarse sea salt. Serve.

Preserving the Harvest for a Brighter Winter Season

I have been eating pretty high on the hog since I picked up my CSA box from Meadowlark Farms and a CSF (Community Supported Foraging) box from Prairie Infusions.

A rainbow of beets, carrots and beans deserve more than to be devoured hungrily. As much as I know I would enjoy that I want to partake of their beauty for a bit longer. Preserving the bounty has been my agenda these past few days.

I have been learning how to use fermentation as a preservation method. My lovely red, yellow and orange carrots are in a sea salt brine. I have added fresh ginger to one jar and a Thai chili in the other. Did you know that you can add carrot tops for added complexity and flavour?

Hank Shaw of Hunter Angler Gatherer Cook fame is my reliable source of recipes using wild and foraged foods. I made his pickled chanterelles. I can hardly wait to open this jar. I look forward to fishing out the mushrooms and anointing them with camelina oil to serve with a charcuterie platter or salad.

Once you have a brine figured out you can pretty well ferment any vegetable. I have a giardiniera going in my gallon crock. I put together a medley of yellow beans, onions, zucchini, green tomatoes, carrots and hot and sweet peppers.

Pickled Chanterelle Mushrooms   from Hunter Angler Gardener Cook

I followed this recipe to a T. Dry saute chanterelles first. Clean and put them into a hot dry frying pan. Small mushrooms whole and larger ones cut into large pieces.

1 lb. chanterelles
2 c. white wine vinegar
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. sugar
2 tbsp. sea salt
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. black peppercorns

Clean mushrooms and cut into pieces, if necessary.

Dry saute in a large pan. When they give up their water sprinkle with one tablespoon of salt and the thyme. Add remainder of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and simmer for five minutes. Turn off heat.

Remove mushrooms with a slotted spoon and pack into jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Be sure each jar has a bay leaf and some peppercorns.

Add cooking liquid to cover the mushrooms. Wipe rims of jars and seal. Process in boiling water bath for 20 minute

Fermented Giardiniera

2 c. thinly sliced carrots
2 c. sliced red bell peppers
1 1/2 c. thinly sliced onions
3 c. coarsely chopped zucchini
a few thickly sliced green roma tomatoes
3 peeled and sliced garlic cloves
3 bay leaves
sprig of fresh thyme
3 tbsp. unrefined salt such as kosher or sea salt
6 c. filtered water

Prepare brine by dissolving the salt in water.

Mix all the ingredients except the brine in a large crock or jar.

Fill jar with the brine, leaving 1½ -2 inches of headroom—the space at the top, between the rim of the jar and the top of the vegetables. Weight the vegetables so they are completely submerged in the brine.

Cover the top of the vessel with a lid, coffee filter, paper towel, cheese cloth, or tea towel to keep bugs out.

Be sure to secure towels with a very tight rubber band or the ring from the canning jars. 

Place the jar out of direct light.

Ferment at room temperature 4 days before checking the flavor. If you prefer the flavor more sour, continue fermenting. Any foam that accumulates on the top of the brine can be skimmed off.

Transfer the jars to the refrigerator when the flavour is to your taste. 

Roasted Carrot, Orange and Avocado Salad

ROASTED CARROT, ORANGE AND AVOCADO SALAD


For the roasted carrots:
1 lb. carrots
1/4 tsp. coriander seeds
1/4 tsp. fennel seeds
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, crushed
Olive oil
Kosher salt

For the salad:
2 - 3 navel oranges
2 avocados
3 sprigs fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime, or to taste
Olive oil
Fleur de sel
Piment d’Espelette

Heat the oven to 400 F.

Peel and cut the carrots into serving size pieces, whatever you prefer, and place them in a bowl.

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the coriander and fennel seeds until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Let the seeds cool, then coarsely crush them with a mortar and pestle.

Add the toasted spices to the carrots, along with the thyme, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss well with your hands. Transfer the carrots to a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Set aside.

To assemble the salad, with a sharp knife, peel the oranges down to the flesh, removing all the bitter white pith. Slice the oranges into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and peels, then cut the flesh lengthwise into thick slices. Remove the cilantro leaves from the stems.

In a medium bowl, combine the carrots, oranges and avocados. Sprinkle with the cilantro, lime juice and olive oil.  Toss gently, then divide between serving plates. Garnish with fleur de sel and piment d'Esplette.

Nutrition information per serving: 340 calories; 200 calories from fat (59 percent of total calories); 22 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 37 g carbohydrate; 13 g fiber; 19 g sugar; 5 g protein; 330 mg sodium.

(Recipe adapted from Greg Marchand’s “Frenchie,” Artisan, 2014)

Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip

Everyone loves the baked spinach or artichoke dip made with lots of cream cheese. Yea, me, too. I always feel so guilty because I cannot stop dipping. It is so addictive.

Well this is the answer. Equally addictive but way lower in calories, this spring vegetable dip is to die for. Ricotta replaces cream cheese. Goat cheese adds richness but not too much. 

Make this in individual consuelas so each person has their own. Or make a large casserole for a party. I bet it might even work in a chafing dish. Serve with plenty of crudités and crusty bread.

Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip

This restaurant style hot artichoke dip makes perfect party food or first course for a dinner. This can also be made with spinach. This dip is plum full of vegetables reducing any guilt you may have for indulging in the cheeses. Serve with taco chips, baked pita chips or a veggie platter.

1 c. asparagus 250 mL

1 c. leeks, white and light green parts only, finely chopped 250 mL

2 tbsp. unsalted butter 30 mL

2 tbsp. all purpose flour 30 mL

1 1/4 c. whole milk 310 mL

1 c. grated white cheddar cheese 250 mL

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped 415 mL

1/4 c. peas, fresh or thawed frozen 60 mL

2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives or green onions 60 mL

2 tbsp. chopped parsley 30 mL

2 tbsp. chopped mint 30 mL

1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest 2 mL

4 oz. crumbled fresh goat cheese, divided 115 g

Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C). Prepare the asparagus and cook in boiling salted water until still crisp, about two minutes. Drain and set aside. Set aside the asparagus tips in a separate bowl.

Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat. Add leeks and cook until soft and tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in flour with a rubber spatula. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly stir in milk, over low heat. Stir while heating to a simmer. Cook until thickened and remove from heat.

Stir in cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Add 2 oz. (55 g) of goat cheese, herbs, lemon zest, asparagus, artichoke hearts and peas. Gently mix until evenly incorporated.

Pour into a 4 cup (1 L) buttered baking dish or six individual ramekins. Arrange asparagus tips and remainder of the goat cheese on top. At this point it can be covered with kitchen wrap and refrigerated until baking, up to 3 hours.

Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Rest for five minutes before serving. 


Source: Adapted from www.epicurious.com

Avocado Salad with Chickpeas

The avocados are brilliant at the moment. True, they are plentiful and inexpensive but you just can't beat the flavour of in-season produce. Avocados alone are a good source of fibre but add in chickpeas and the nutritional value becomes even more complex.

Piment d'esplette is a variety of chili peppers that is cultivated in the French Pyrenees in the Basque region. It is only mildly hot so can be used freely. Locally it is used as we use black pepper. Substitute with freshly ground black pepper if you wish.

Avocado Salad with Chickpeas

This salad is a meal for one person. Increase amounts to serve more.

1/2 avocado, cubed
1/2 tomato, roughly chopped
1/4 c. cooked chickpeas
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp. olive or camelina oil
crispy iceberg lettuce
fleur de sel
piment d'esplette

Peel and cube half an avocado into a medium sized bowl. Squeeze lemon juice over and toss gently. Add the chopped tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss again.

Arrange lettuce leaves on your serving plate and carefully arrange the salad on top. Drizzle with any of the dressing that remains in the bowl. Garnish with fleur de sel and piment d'esplette and serve.

Butternut Squash and Broccoli Lasagna

We are in the shoulder season between our winter stash of cold room and preserved foods and the garden's spring bounty. One day it feels like summer and we are digging in the soil and the next we have a few inches of snow.

I am fortunate that there is a gardener in town who has already begun her microgreen crop. Fresh is best when it comes to pea shoots. The grocery store isn't fresh enough unless you live in a big city.

This vegetarian lasagna can be made with whatever is available. I am using butternut squash and broccoli alongside my homemade ricotta cheese. Serve with a green salad.

Butternut Squash and Broccoli Lasagna

Filling:
1 butternut squash
1 lb. broccoli
olive oil
coarse sea salt
black pepper
1 pound fresh ricotta
1 pound mozarella cheese
1 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
red chile flakes
pasta sheets

Béchamel Sauce:
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 bay leaf

Slice the squash in half and scoop out all the seeds and discard. Slice squash into 1/2 inch slices and peel. When the entire squash has been sliced and peeled, toss lightly in olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake in a 400 F oven for about 12 minutes or until barely tender.

Meanwhile cut the broccoli into florets and blanch in salted, boiling water for 2 - 3 minutes. Drain and chill in cold water. Drain thoroughly. Chop coarsely. Toss with a little olive oil, season with sea salt, pepper and chile flakes. Set aside.

Combine the ricotta, mozarella, one cup of grated Parmesan, lemon zest, sage and rosemary. Set aside

Make the béchamel by melting the butter in a medium sized pot. Then add the flour. Cook for a couple of minutes but do not let it brown. Slowly whisk in the milk. Add bay leaf and grated nutmeg. Heat to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes. Transfer to the top of a double boiler and keep warm until needed.

Boil pasta sheets in a big pot of salted water until barely al dente. Drain and cut into pieces that fit a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish.

To put it all together begin by ladling a half a cup of béchamel sauce in the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of pasta. Then add a third of the squash and broccoli. On top of that add about a third of the cheese mixture. This will be in small chunks. Add a cup of béchamel. Top with another layer of pasta and repeat two more times. Top with pasta and the remainder of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. At this point the lasagna can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Bake at 375 F for about 45 minutes. It should be bubbling. If the top has not browned place under the broiler for a minute or two. Let it rest for 5 or 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8 people.

Molasses Pumpkin Loaf with Candied Ginger

I found a little pie pumpkin (not pumpkin pie) in my cold room from last summer's harvest. After roasting it and making pumpkin puree I checked my pantry for more inspiration. With lots of raisins and candied ginger in stock I turned to my favourite cookbook, Chef Google. A quick search online yielded an interesting recipe from Suburbia Unwrapped. With a few tweaks to her recipe it was ready for the oven.

I am using spelt flour but all purpose would work equally well. If your raisins have dried out a bit, like mine were, plump them in very hot water for 15 minutes before adding to the batter. Be sure to drain them well first.

Molasses Pumpkin Loaf with Candied Ginger

Wet Ingredients
 3/4 c. white sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 c. fancy molasses
1 1/2 c. pumpkin purée

Dry Ingredients
3 1/2 c. spelt flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. ground nutmet
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 c. raisins
1/2 c. coarsely chopped candied ginger

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Prepare two loaf pans by lightly oiling or buttering the insides.

Add all of the wet ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer. Fitted with the whisk attachment beat until foamy and all are well combined.

Add all of the dry ingredients to a separate bowl. Whisk to fully incorporate all the ingredients.

Now switch to using the paddle attachment with your stand mixer. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat on medium low until incorporated. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients and mix again until incorporated. Add raisins and candied ginger and mix.

Pour the batter into two prepared loaf pans. Bake at 350 F for approximately 50 minutes. Gently touch the top of the loaf. If it springs back after gentle pressure it is cooked.

Remove from the oven and let rest in the pans for five or ten minutes. Run a table knife around the sides of the cake in the pan and then invert the pan on a cooling rack. Cool about 15 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long). Thickly slice and serve. This loaf freezes well. After fully cooled, slice and package in freezer bags. Will keep up to three months.

Zucchini Stuffed with Ricotta Fiddlehead Mousse

Spring is a great time of year for the food lover. Our plates will soon be filled with fresh from the garden foods. Until this new crop arrives I am using up my freezer and pantry stash from last summer.

I bet you thought this ricotta would be flavoured with the traditional basil. I like pesto made from all sorts of green herbs and vegetables and I adore this fiddlehead pesto. The flavour is all fiddlehead and so fresh.

For April our group has this wonderful line up of foods that just might fool you ...

Creamy Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Pecorino from Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe
April Fool Spicy Shrimp with Grits from Jerry at A Life Lived
Chicken BLT Sandwich from Val at More Than Burnt Toast
Shelby at Grumpy's Honeybunch winds up with this seasonal dessert - Rhubarb Trifle


Zucchini Stuffed with Ricotta Fiddlehead Mousse

I always make my own ricotta. It is so easy, so fresh and half the cost. Click on the link for my recipe and directions.

6 small zucchinis
1 cup homemade ricotta
1/4 cup fiddlehead pesto
1/4 cup freshly grated Reggiano Parmigiano
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt
pepper

Preheat oven to 450 F.

Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out pulp to leave a 1/4 inch shell. Reserve the pulp for another use.

Combine the remainder of the ingredients stirring well with a whisk. Fill zucchini with the ricotta mixture, pressing firmly.

Bake at 450 F until zucchini is tender, about 20 minutes.

Fiddlehead Pesto Recipe 

3 cups of boiling water with a pinch of salt

250 g fresh or frozen fiddlehead greens

1/3 cup olive oil, add more if needed

3 tablespoons crushed pine nuts or walnuts (optional)

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese  

Cook fiddleheads in boiling water with salt 8 minutes, drain very well. Add fiddleheads, nuts and garlic, slowly adding the 1/3 cup of olive oil, blend well. Add about 1/3 of the parmesan cheese, mix, add balance of cheese, stopping to scrape down sides of container. Process or blend until fiddlehead pesto forms a smooth paste consistency.

Penne with Goat Cheese and Squash

What are your pantry essentials? Pasta is one of mine. I like having a few different kinds on hand for quick meals. Nuts and garlic are always in my kitchen, also. The trick is to put it all together in new and interesting ways.

I finally found kabocha squash in the grocery store and chevre was on sale. My inspiration for tonight's meal came from a restaurant menu. I have no idea how they put it all together but this is my take on their goat cheese and squash first course.

Penne with Goat Cheese and Squash

1 squash, kabocha or butternut
olive or canola oil
1 c. penne
3 tbsp. soft goat cheese or chevre
2 tbsp. Greek yogurt
2 tbsp. finely grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. dried Espelette pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp. chopped walnuts
salt and pepper

Cut squash into sections and scoop out seeds. Lightly oil a baking sheet and also lightly oil the squash segments. Season squash with salt and pepper. Arrange on baking sheet and roast at 350F until tender, about 20 minutes.

Coarsely chop the garlic and walnuts. Place on the baking pan with the squash. You will have to watch that these do not burn. Take them off the baking sheet when toasted and set aside.

Meanwhile boil the pasta in plenty of salted water until tender. Drain, reserving about a cup of the cooking water. Add goat cheese to drained pasta and cover the pot with the lid. Let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts. Add yogurt, oregano and pepper. Stir to mix. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.

When the squash is tender remove from the oven. Let it cool for a minute or two then peel the skin and chop about a cup of it into one-inch cubes.

Give the pasta a quick stir before plating. If it has become thick, add a little of the cooking water to loosen it up. Split the pasta between two plates or bowls. Top with squash and garnish with toasted garlic and walnuts. Serves 2.