Greek Lemon and Orzo Soup

After many years of travelling to Athens and the Greek Islands this is a very special soup for me that I put in the category of “healthy chicken soup”.  Better known as “Avgolemeno Soup” I think I will leave those differences to the Greeks.  In every country chicken soup recipes are incredible and so different every place you go, but I do believe this version of Avgolemeno, which I adapted from www.kalofagas.ca . is my “go to” recipe when the memories of the Greeks are calling me.

Greek Lemon and Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• 8 C. Chicken Stock (home made recommended)
• 3-4 Strips of Lemon Peel
• Juice of 3 Lemons
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Pinch of Saffron
• 1  C. Orzo
• 4 Lg. Eggs (separated)
• 2-3 Drops Tabasco Sauce
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
• Fresh Chives (chopped)

Preparation

1. Add the stock, lemon peel, bay leaf and saffron to a large pot and bring to a boil; add the orzo and boil for 5 minutes; cover and remove from heat letting orzo steep for about 5 minutes (discard the lemon peel and bay leaf)
2. Whisk egg whites to form medium peaks in a separate bowl; add the yolks and lemon juice while whisking continuously
3. When orzo is finished take the soup off the heat and remove 2 C. of the stock and add slowly to the egg/lemon mixture while beating continuously
4. Add the mixture slowly back into the pot while whisking
5. Serve immediately in warmed soup bowls and add fresh chives for a garnish

(Serves 8-12)

Recipe adapted from www.kalofagas.ca

Spaghetti and Meatballs

I would bet money that most of us consider this is one of the ultimate comfort foods.  Although I only make this a few times a year I do make sure I make a double recipe of the Marinara for the freezer  This recipe we had a few times a month or maybe even once a week, so now it is a “must have” whenever some cool weather reaches South Florida.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 2/3 lb. Ground Beef
• 1/3 lb. Ground Pork
• 1/4 cup Fresh Bread Crumbs (white bread/cut into small pieces)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh Rosemary
• 1  Lg. Egg (beaten)
• 1/3 C. Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)
• 1/4 t. Ground Nutmeg
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
• 1 lb. Spaghetti
• Addl. Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated for garnish)
• Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish/optional)

For the Marinara Sauce

See here for Marinara Sauce recipe

Preparation

1. (Begin to heat Marinara Sauce (low and slow)
2. Soak the bread crumbs in the milk
3. Squeeze milk out of the bread crumbs and mix gently with the beef, pork, onion, parsley, rosemary, nutmeg, Parmigiano Reggiano and salt and pepper; shape into balls, golf ball size
4. Let rest on a baking sheet covered in the refrigerator for about 1 hour
5. Saute the meatballs in the oil on medium high; brown on all sides in batches/remove to paper towel lined plate; when all meatballs are cooked drain off the oil
6. While the meatballs are cooking the Marinara Sauce can be heating / now add the cooked meatballs and heat thoroughly
7. Cook the spaghetti until al dente/drain and serve immediately on warmed plates; add the sauce and meatballs
8. Garnish with additional fresh cheese and fresh basil leaves

(Yield: approx. 16-20 meatballs)

Recipe from Betty Cheney (and changes through the years)

Chicken Livers and Sour Cream Stroganoff

Ah, the dreaded “chicken livers”.  Well this ingredient seems to be in the categories of “love it” or “hate it”.  This is one of my mother’s recipes which I make all the time, so rich, sweet, delicate and of course truly comforting on a cold night.  I never did enjoy this dish as a young child but I do believe your palette does change, fortunately mine changed when I was a teenager and decided I liked everything, some things more than others.

 

Chicken Livers and Sour Cream Stroganoff

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Chicken Livers (rinsed and trimmed)
• 3-4 T. Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 C. Chopped Onion
• 1 T. Paprika
• 1/3 C. Dry Sherry
• 1 1/2 C. Sour Cream
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
• 1 Pkg. (12 oz.) Egg Noodles
• Additional Sour Cream (for garnish)
• Fresh Chives (chopped for garnish)

Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and add the onions, cook until tender (about 5 minutes)
2. Heat a large pot of salted water and when boiling add the noodles (cook about 8 minutes); remove noodles when ready and drain
3. Add the chicken livers, paprika, salt and pepper to the onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes (nicely browned on the outside, pink on the inside)
4. Remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the sherry and then the sour cream until blended
5. Plate the noodles on a warmed plate and add the chicken liver mixture over the top; garnish with sour cream and chives

 

(Serves 4)

Recipe from Betty Cheney

Butternut Squash Risotto

Bring me all kinds of squash any day of the week in any form you choose.  However some squashes and especially butternut squash is a problem for me.  When I broke my wrist it has been impossible for me to cut it when it is raw and of course many other kitchen duties, but good food does prevail.  So since I cannot just stop eating it I bake it partially, skin and cut it and start the recipe from that point but below I have described the recipe as you would normally bake it.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Ingredients

• 1 Butternut Squash (cut in pieces)
• 2 T. Olive Oil
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
• 1 t. Fresh Sage (snipped)
• 1 t. Fresh Rosemary (snipped)
• 1 t. Fresh Chives (snipped)
• 1 Medium Onion (chopped)
• 2 T. Unsalted Butter
• 2 C. Arborio Rice
• 4 C. Chicken Stock (plus more if needed)
• 1 C. Dry White Wine
• 1/2 C. Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)
• Parmigiano-Reggiano (for garnish)
• 2 T. Unsalted Butter (for garnish)
• Fresh Sage Leaves (for garnish

Preparation

1. Toss the squash with the oil, fresh herbs and salt and pepper
2. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes (until tender); remove from oven and mash (yet still leaving large pieces of squash) and set aside *
3. Saute the onion in the butter over medium heat until translucent
4.  Simultaneously heat the stock and keep warm on simmer
5. When the onions are ready add the rice and stir until totally coated
6. Add 1 C. of stock and stir until all liquid is absorbed before adding 1 C. of stock at a time while stirring (rice will become thick like soup, about 20 min.)
7. Add the squash and stir thoroughly
8. Saute a few fresh sage leaves in 2 T. of butter (for garnish)
9. Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the cheese, some additional sage (snipped) and the 1-2 T. butter; taste for additional salt as needed
10. Serve in warmed bowls; garnish with the sage butter, cheese and a few fresh sage leaves

*  Mashing Squash: You may totally mash squash, not at all or somewhat mash as I did

(Serves 4-8)

Recipe adapted from ”Every Night Italian”  by Giuliano Hazan

Chicken Noodle Soup

Do not make fun of Chicken Noodle Soup, ever.  In these days of “frantic foodies” we have so many choices but the basics actually rule.  Some may add some ingredients you are not familiar with, but give me this simple, flavor filled and historic classic.  I do use and encourage home-made stock for best results (and why not/warms the home) and according to my mother plenty of carrots.  I did add the cheese and fresh parsley because as I child we were not that fancy (my mother would have smiled at the first taste).

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 2 T. Unsalted Butter
• 1 1/2 – 2  Cups Carrots (sliced 1/4″ thick)
• 1 C. Onion (chopped)
• 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 C. Celery (sliced 1/4″ thick)
• 1/4 t. Salt
• 1/4 t. Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 6 C. Chicken Stock (homemade preferred)
• 2 C. Uncooked Egg Noodles
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• Fresh Parsley (chopped)

  Preparation

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat; add carrot, onion and garlic and saute until onion is tender and lightly browned
2. Add celery, taste test for salt and pepper; add if needed and saute for about 4 minutes
3. Add broth, egg noodles and bay leaf and bring to a boil
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
5. Add chicken and heat for about 3-5 minutes; discard bay leaf
6. Stir in the fresh parsley
7. Ladle soup into warmed bowls

Yield/2 quarts

Recipe from Betty Cheney

Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

Generally this is called Pumpkin Cranberry Bread however I really do not want it unless there are plenty of oranges (and I want walnuts too).  Something that should be around the house during the fall and winter months every day.  I love this for breakfast, in the afternoon and at midnight with lots of butter or the orange marmalade cream cheese shown here.

Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients

• 1 C. Fresh Cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 1 2/3 C. All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 t. Baking Powder
• 1 t. Baking Soda
• 1/2 t. Salt
• 1 T. Orange Zest
• 1/2 t. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 t. Ground Ginger
• 1/4 t. Ground Cloves
• 1/2 C. Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 1 C. Granulated White Sugar
• 1 t. Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2 Lg. Eggs
• 1 C. Canned Pumpkin Puree
• 1/4 C. Orange Juice
• 1 C. Walnuts (chopped) optional

Preparation

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a large bowl
2. In a separate bowl beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes)
3. Add the eggs one at a time; beat well after each egg is added; beat in the vanilla, pumpkin puree and orange juice
4. Using low speed add the flour mixture slowly and mix until incorporated
5. Fold in the cranberries and (nuts-optional)
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 55-65 minutes (toothpick will come out clean when inserted into center of the loaf
7. Remove from oven; place on a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes
8. Remove from oven and serve warm
9. Wrap and store in refrigerator or freezer

(Makes 1 Loaf) Served here with Orange Marmalade Cream Cheese

Recipe from www.joyofbaking.com and adapted

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

I do not make too many dips or spreads unless I am having guests as I generally do not eat them.  I love them but if I make them for myself I eat ALL of it.  For spinach or artichoke lovers this one is great for a special dinner for family and/or friends or just a casual get together in the garden.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Ingredients

• 8 oz. Fresh Spinach
• 1 oz. Unsalted Butter
• 2 Jars (7 oz.) Artichoke Hearts (drained)
• 1/2 C. Mayonnaise
• 1/2 C. Sour Cream
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Garlic Clove (crushed)
• 1 1/4 C. Parmesan Cheese (grated) (divided)

Preparation

1. Saute the spinach in the butter for 2-3 minutes
2. Add all the ingredients to a blender (except for 1/4 C. Parmesan Cheese)
3. Blend until all ingredients are chopped and thoroughly blended
4. Pour into oven proof bowls and top with the remaining cheese
5. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes (cheese will be bubbling)
6. Place on serving plates with crackers

(Yield: Approx. 3 Cups)

Crab Linguini

This is how you surprise some unexpected guests for dinner and keep them wondering if you eat that way every night. (No, I do not, but I did fool them.)  Although I cannot get fresh crab many weeks of the year I do try to keep a one pound can of crab in the refrigerator.  A simple and special pasta that will impress some of your most jaded friends.  This sublime dish is also nice for a starter or a pasta course.

Crab Linguini

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Linguini
• 1/4 C. Butter
• 2 Lg. Shallots (sliced thinly)
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 C. Heavy Cream (may substitute Half & Half)
• 1 C. Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 Lb. Canned Crabmeat (Fresh is better if possible)
• Fresh Parsley (chopped) (and some leaves for garnish)

Preparation

1. Pick over the crab and remove any shells
2. Melt butter over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic; saute until translucent
3. Add the heavy cream and mix well; heat thoroughly and then add the parmesan; heat until melted and sauce is thick (do not boil)
4. Simultaneously heat the water for the linguini and cook until al dente; drain and set aside
5. Add the crab to the sauce mixture and heat thoroughly; add some parsley
6. Combine the linguini and sauce and plate immediately on warmed plates
7. Garnish with fresh parsley

(Serves 4 for dinner or 8 for a starter)

Recipe adapted from www.allrecipes.com

Salisbury Steaks with Onion Gravy

Sometimes forgotten but a true “comfort food” from the old days and great for your budget.  Although I could eat a nice, juicy, thick steak most nights of the week I try to venture off that pattern often.  But this old recipe is so satisfying I can get beyond that and I believe it is the onion gravy that makes it special, so do not skimp on that part.

Salisbury Steaks with Onion Gravy

Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 T. Butter
• 2 Lg. Onions (sliced)
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Ground Thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 Slices White Bread (stale and crust trimmed)
• Half and Half/just to cover bread (may substitute Whole Milk)
• 1 1/2 lbs. Ground Sirloin
• 1 Lg. Egg (beaten) 1/4 C. Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 T. Onion (grated)
• 2 T. Flour
• 1/2 C. Dry White Wine
• 1 C. Beef Consomme

Preparation

1. Saute the onions over medium heat in some olive oil and butter; season with salt, pepper, thyme and the bay leaf; saute for about 20 minutes until soft and light golden
2. Soak the bread in milk
3. In a separate bowl add the ground sirloin and the egg; squeeze the bread and crumble into the bowl with the meat; add the Worcestershire and grated onion to the meat; add salt and pepper and combine thoroughly; make 4 oval meat patties (about 1″ thick)
4. Pan fry the patties in a large skillet over medium high heat with a little olive oil for about 15 minutes, turn once or twice; transfer to a warm platter
5. Add the flour over the onion mixture and stir well; deglaze the pan that the patties were cooked in with the wine and pour over the onions; add the beef consomme and stir while it thickens
6. Pour over the patties and serve immediately on warmed plates

(Serves 4)

Recipe

Spicy Pinto Bean and Sausage Stew

A spicy stew for a cold day.  Lots of flavors in a cup and you can make it as spicy as you like.  I do relish the few cold days here in Florida and I always keep the pantry ready for the few months of chilly weather.  Plenty of dried beans, cans of plum tomatoes and a lot of peppers, onions and chilis.  Mix it up with your choice of meats and/or vegetables and you have a new dinner each time and a warm kitchen.

Spicy Pinto Bean and Sausage Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Dry Pinto Beans
• 1 T. Canola Oil
• 1 lb. Sausage (sliced)
• 3 Slices Bacon (chopped
• 2 Medium Onions (diced) 2 Cloves Garlic (peeled and mashed)
• 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
• 1-3 t. Jalapeno Pepper (minced)
• 1 t. Smoked Paprika
• 1 Can Plum Tomatoes (28 oz.) mashed
• 8 C. Water
• 1 t. Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper
• 2 t. Freshly Grated Lime Zest
• Juice of 1/2 Lime
• Sour Cream (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Rinse beans under cold water; remove any pebbles or broken beans; for quick soak method; put beans in a pot and cover completely with water, boil then remove from heat; cover and set aside for 1-2 hours (or follow directions on the package)
2. Heat oil in a large pot and saute the bacon and sausage until bacon is almost crisp (7-10 minutes); remove the bacon and sausage from pot and put in a bowl, cover and set aside in refrigerator
3. Add the onions and garlic and cook over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes); add the bell peppers and chili peppers to taste;continue to cook while stirring occasionally until mixture is soft
4. Stir in the paprika, add the tomatoes and cook about 3 minutes
5. Drain the beans and add them to the stew mixture and add 8 C. water and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour
6. Stir in the sausage and bacon and add salt and pepper; continue to simmer (add water if the stew is too dry) until beans are soft and are beginning to break down (at least 30 minutes
7. Stir in the lime zest and juice
8. Serve in warmed soup bowls or cups and add sour cream

(Serves 8)

Recipe from www.eatingwell.com