Ingredient: butter,

Corn Gnocchi w/ Pork, Zucchini & Mushrooms

The other day when Brion & I had time to do a walk-about through Winners, we noticed some ‘corn’ potato gnocchi. Being gnocchi lovers we decided to give it a try. Of course, you might know I would inevitably have to research the company before making it just for interest’s sake…..

The corn potato gnocchi from Siena Artie are crafted using rehydrated potatoes (70%), corn flour, potato starch, corn starch, rice flour, salt, and acidity regulators.

The inclusion of corn flour and starch instead of wheat is designed to provide a gluten-free alternative that retains the traditional texture and flavor of Italian potato gnocchi. These gnocchi are produced in Italy, emphasizing a ‘traditional Italian recipe’. 

The corn potato gnocchi produced by Siena Artie is a modern commercial adaptation of a traditional Italian staple that traces its roots back centuries. While Siena Artie specifically markets these products as being made from old Italian family recipes, the use of corn and potato reflects the broader history of the dish. 

Gnocchi originated in Roman times, originally made from a semolina porridge-like dough mixed with eggs. Potatoes were introduced to Italy in the 16th century but only became the ‘star’ ingredient in gnocchi in the late 19th century. This shift occurred largely because potatoes grew more easily in the cooler climates of Northern Italy than traditional grains.

The inclusion of corn (maize) or corn meal in gnocchi is a regional variation found throughout the Italian peninsula. Like potatoes, corn became a vital substitute when wheat was scarce or too expensive for small landowners. 

Siena Artie’s recipes often use approximately 70% rehydrated potatoes, adhering to the 19th-century standard where mashed potatoes became the foundation of the dough.

By offering variations like whole wheat or corn-based gnocchi, the company mirrors the historical ‘cucina povera’ (poor cuisine) tradition of using whatever local starch—such as chestnut flour, breadcrumbs, or corn—was available.

While traditional gnocchi were hand-rolled—a time-consuming process often saved for Sundays or special occasions—Siena Artie provides a shelf-stable or vacuum-sealed version that maintains the classic ribbed texture designed to hold sauce. 

I crafted a recipe using a pork/beef combo along with some of our favorite veggies to go with the corn/potato gnocchi. This is what developed.

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 Corn Gnocchi w/ Pork, Zucchini & Mushrooms
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword corn gnocchi w/ pork, zucchini & mushrooms
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Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword corn gnocchi w/ pork, zucchini & mushrooms
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
  1. Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi in a single layer & cook on one side for 2-3 minutes until browned & toasted. Shake the pan to toss the gnocchi & continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until both sides are toasted. Remove gnocchi to a plate & set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  3. Turn the heat to high & return skillet to stove. When the pan is hot, add the pork/beef combo & season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika & mustard powder. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the meat starts to turn brown. Add the leeks, mushrooms, zucchini, corn & garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked & veggies are tender-crisp. Drain if necessary.
  4. Add the tomatoes, broth, gorgonzola cheese & gnocchi back into the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour mixture into an 11 x 7-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  5. Cover with foil & bake for 20 minutes then remove foil & continue to bake another 10 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from oven & top with sliced green onions. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes then serve with some crusty bread.

Apple Maple Boursin Crescents

Boursin’s story began in 1957, in a small Normandy village, located in France, when cheese maker François Boursin set up a factory producing soft cheese. At that time, he had no idea his name would become internationally famous.

Boursin Garlic & Herbs was launched in 1963 and quickly became a household name across France. Sixty years later, the original recipe remains unchanged and food lovers in more than 35 countries have spread their passion for Boursin all around the world. Perfect on bread, as appetizers or in a creamy sauce for main or side dishes. Since 2011, Boursin has been made in Canada in St. Hyacinthe, Québec, by Agropur, the Canadian dairy co-operative, for Bel Cheese Canada, the Canadian arm of Bel Group, the France-based multinational. 

There are seven flavors of Boursin Cheese sold in Canada: Garlic & Fine Herbs, Shallot & Chive, Bouquet of Basil & Chive, Cranberry & Pepper, Cracked Black Pepper, Fig & Balsamic, Apple & Maple.

Boursin is sometimes dubbed a Gournay cheese, Gournay being the name of the region in Normandy where Boursin was first made. The cheesemaker used the name when he was first asked to classify the cheese for customs purposes.

Today, I’m making a simple little dessert using some crescent dough with some Apple Maple Boursin. The apple flavor and the silkiness of maple syrup perfectly complement Boursin’s incomparable texture along with some apples, dates and pepita seeds. The whole combination creates an exceptional sweet and savory cheese pairing with minimal effort.

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 Apple Maple Boursin Crescents
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Course Brunch
Keyword apple maple Boursin crescents
Servings
Ingredients
Pastry
Filling
Topping
Course Brunch
Keyword apple maple Boursin crescents
Servings
Ingredients
Pastry
Filling
Topping
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Filling
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add prepared apples & sauté until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Add spices, honey & dates. Combine & cook for another minute. Remove from heat & allow to cool to lukewarm.
Topping
  1. In a small dish combine pepitas, sugar & cinnamon. Set aside.
Pastry
  1. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder & salt. With a pastry blender, cut in cream cheese & shortening until mixture resembles coarse peas. Stir in milk. On a lightly floured work surface, knead dough gently 20 times.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  3. Roll out dough into a 12 X 8-INCH rectangle. Cut into 8 triangles. Crumble Boursin in a dish then divide into 8 equal portions.
  4. Top each triangle with a portion of the Boursin. Divide apple filling into 8 equal amounts then top each triangle with a portion of apple filling.
  5. Roll each triangle up 'croissant" style. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  6. Combine egg & water to make egg wash & brush some over each roll. Sprinkle with prepared topping.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven & place on a wire rack to cool.
Recipe Notes

• Alternately you could use refrigerated crescent rolls to speed up the process if you wish.

Cornbread Cinnamon French Toast

French toast is a breakfast staple for the ages. It has a long history and is eaten in many forms all over the world. It is often enjoyed much like we usually serve it, but many countries give it a local twist. In India, savory French toast with spices, green chili, chopped onions, and salt is popular. Scottish French toast is often served with sausage between two slices like a sandwich. In Hong Kong, French toast doubles as a decadent peanut butter sandwich. New Zealand French toast is enjoyed with bananas, bacon, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Creole French toast kicks it up a notch — the milk and egg soaking mixture is spiked with alcohol, often whiskey.

When you hear the word ‘cornbread,’ what comes to mind? The next question is ‘have you ever tried cornbread French toast’? Over the years I’ve made a lot of different versions of French toast and cornbread, but I’ve never combined the two.  Although cornbread might be considered simple and dated, it is the cornerstone of soul food. I’ve always been a cornbread fan. Undeniably, I love it! The smell and taste of fresh cornbread are definitely nostalgic for me.

Traditional cornbread is a quick bread leavened with baking powder, but this loaf is leavened with yeast. It works like all other yeast breads, mixed and kneaded by hand or a stand mixer, and left to rise and ferment before being shaped and eventually baked.

Unlike traditional quick bread, this yeast-based version rises beautifully, creating a light yet sturdy loaf with a golden crust.

Using cornbread for making French toast today, turned out to be amazing! There’s something so comforting about thick slices of egg-soaked bread cooked on a hot griddle, making the outside golden and crispy while its custard-like inside stays soft and rich. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a simple slice of toast or a sandwich loaded with your favorite meats and vegetables, this bread will elevate your meal, believe me.

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 Cornbread French Toast
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Course Brunch
Cuisine North American
Keyword cornbread French toast
Servings
LOAF
Ingredients
Cornbread
French Toast
Sides
Course Brunch
Cuisine North American
Keyword cornbread French toast
Servings
LOAF
Ingredients
Cornbread
French Toast
Sides
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Cornbread
  1. In a small saucepan, combine milk, 1 tablespoons butter & salt. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer. It's ok if the butter does not completely melt. Remove from heat. Slowly whisk in cornmeal, stirring until smooth. Stir in honey. Set this cornmeal mixture aside to cool.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine brown sugar & yeast in water. Stir to dissolve. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add eggs, cooled cornmeal mixture & 1/2- 3/4 cup flour. Beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. As soon as the dough pulls away from the pan, stop adding flour.
  3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth & elastic. Place dough in greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a slightly damp towel. Let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  4. When risen, punch down dough; knead 30 seconds. Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tsp cornmeal over bottom and sides of each pan. Shape dough into a loaf & place in prepared pan. Allow to rise 30 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Slash top of loaf as desired. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with remaining cornmeal. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped on bottom. Remove loaf from pan. Cool on a wire rack.
French Toast
  1. In a small bowl, combine the milk, eggs, cinnamon & brown sugar. Whisk until well combined. Slice cornbread
  2. Heat a non-stick griddle to a medium-low heat. Lightly butter the griddle. Carefully dip the cornbread into the egg mixture, gently shake off the excess & place on griddle. Don't allow the cornbread to soak in the mixture - just a quick dip.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, adjusting the temperature to keep it from burning. Repeat until all cornbread has been cooked, adding additional butter if necessary. Hold the other pieces in a warm oven to keep them warm.
  4. Serve with bacon & poached eggs or maple syrup, fresh berries & a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Somewhere along the way, I became interested in the iconic Old Bay Seasoning. It seemed I was forever looking for that special something that would elevate seafood dishes from basic to ‘wow’ that’s good! Once I tried Old Bay seasoning it became a pantry staple for me.

Old Bay seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that is currently marketed by McCormick & Company, and produced in Maryland, USA. It is produced in the Chesapeake Bay area where it was developed by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in the 1940s, and where the seasoning is very popular to this day. At that time, crabs were so plentiful that bars in Baltimore, Maryland offered them free and seasonings like Old Bay were created to encourage patrons to purchase more beverages.

Old Bay Seasoning is named after the Old Bay Line, a passenger ship line that sailed the waters of the Chesapeake Bay from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia, in the early 1900s. Gustav Brunn’s company became the Old Bay Company, producing crab seasonings in the unique yellow can container until the company was purchased by McCormick & Co around 1990.

Old Bay is known for its savory, aromatic, quite salty, and reasonably spicy flavor. The presence of warm, slightly sweet spices balanced by the fairly modest amount of heat from red pepper and dry mustard harmonizes beautifully with the distinct flavor of celery seed.

While it was initially marketed as a seasoning for seafood, specifically crab, Old Bay has since become a versatile ingredient in a wide range of dishes, including poultry, meats, vegetables, soups, stews, and snacks. It adds depth of flavor and a touch of nostalgia to recipes, evoking memories of summertime seafood boils. Its versatility has made it a staple in kitchens worldwide.

It definitely adds some flavor to these stuffed shells I’m making today.

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 Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy seafood stuffed shells
Servings
SHELLS
Ingredients
Pasta
Filling
Sauce
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy seafood stuffed shells
Servings
SHELLS
Ingredients
Pasta
Filling
Sauce
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Pasta
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
Filling
  1. Melt 2 Tbsp butter and oil in a large skillet over med-low heat and sauté onions until tender. Stir in the clam juice and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add in the shrimp, scallops, crab meat & 1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning. Return to a boil, then reduce heat & let simmer for 4-5 minutes until the seafood is cooked through (shrimp is pink & scallops opaque). Drain the seafood, reserving the liquid. Set aside.
Sauce
  1. Set a large saucepan over med-low heat & melt the remaining 1 cup butter. Stir in the flour & mix until smooth. Gradually add in the milk & reserved liquid while continuously stirring. Sprinkle in 1 tsp of the seasoning. Bring the sauce to a boil & cook, continuing to stir, for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  2. Remove from the heat; stir in cream and half of the cheese. Stir 3/4 cup white sauce into the seafood mixture.
Assembly/Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Drain and rinse pasta. Spread 1/2 cup white sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish. Fill each of the shells with the seafood mixture & place in rows over the sauce. Top with remaining sauce & cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining seafood seasoning.
  3. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown & bubbling, about 30 minutes. If desired, top with additional chopped green onions.

Bacon Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll

The aroma. The sizzle. The crackle. The taste. Bacon is a staple of so many menus, from diners to fine dining. Commonly featured in breakfast dishes and sandwiches, bacon has expanded its reach into our main course, desserts, cocktails and hors de oeuvres as well.

Bacon has a unique ability to evoke strong sensory memories. The aroma of sizzling bacon sizzling in the pan triggers a sense of comfort and anticipation, reminiscent of weekend breakfasts or family gatherings. The sound of bacon crackling in the pan and the sight of its golden-brown color further enhance the sensory experience. These sensory cues, combined with the indulgent taste, create a nostalgic connection for many people, reinforcing their love for bacon.

Bacon’s distinctive flavor is one of the primary reasons why people love it so much. The combination of smokiness, saltiness, and overall essence creates a taste sensation that is hard to replicate. The crispy texture adds a great crunch, while the fat contributes to its mouthwatering juiciness. Its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes makes it a go-to ingredient for cooks of all experience levels. 

This bacon chicken Alfredo lasagna roll is a unique and indulgent twist on the classic pasta dish. This recipe features layers of lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, chard, alfredo sauce, and cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon. The bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the lasagna, while keeping it moist and tender. This decadent dish is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something extra delicious.

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 Bacon Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll
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Course Main Dish
Keyword bacon chicken alfredo lasagna roll
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Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Keyword bacon chicken alfredo lasagna roll
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
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Instructions
  1. Over a long sheet of saran wrap, lay 8 of the bacon strips down back to back. Lifting up every other strip, fold about 1-inch (2 cm) the bacon back on itself. Lay another slice of bacon perpendicular to the strips & fold the flaps back over the horizontal strip of bacon. Repeat with the rest of the bacon until a tight weave has formed. Set aside in the fridge.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add the butter & garlic over medium heat, cooking until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the cream, and bring to a boil. Add in the Parmesan, parsley, salt, & pepper, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted & there are no lumps remaining.
  4. Pour half of the mixture over the shredded chicken, reserving the other half to use a sauce in the end. Mix the chicken with the sauce until thoroughly combined.
  5. On a separate sheet of saran wrap, lay down the lasagna noodles, overlapping them slightly. Spread the chicken mixture over the noodles, making sure that you leave about a 1-cm (½ inch) gap at the bottom so the noodles have room to roll on themselves.
  6. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  7. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly across the chicken, then spread the broccoli over the grated cheese.
  8. Lift the saran wrap up and over, causing the noodles to roll on themselves. Make sure to roll tightly until the entire thing has come together into a neat rolled bundle.
  9. Transfer the lasagna roll to the bottom of the bacon weave, & repeat the saran wrap rolling process until the bacon has tightly & completely wrapped the lasagna roll. Unwrap & transfer to a baking tray.
  10. Bake for about 25 minutes until the bacon is starting to get crispy but not too dark.
  11. Cool for about 15 minutes, then transfer the roll to a cutting board. Slice generous 1-inch (2 cm) thick portions, then serve with the remaining alfredo sauce.

Stuffed Gnocchi Bolognese

With origins dating back to ancient times, gnocchi hold a prominent place in Italian culinary history, where it has been passed down through generations as a cherished comfort food. Today, it continues to be an essential part of Italian cuisine, adopting different names depending on the origin.

Gnocchi (pronounced no-kee) are soft dumplings that may be made from wheat flour, rice, semolina, ricotta cheese, potatoes, or breadcrumbs.  Gnocchi are made throughout Italy, but the stuffed version is made mainly in the Piedmont region. The key to making delicate potato gnocchi is to add as little flour as possible but enough to keep the dough together. The filling should have a robust flavor so that it stands out from the potato dough. 

For our stuffed gnocchi today, I’m making an Asiago/ricotta filling served in a meaty Bolognese sauce. Yum!

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 Stuffed Gnocchi Bolognese
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword stuffed gnocchi Bolognese
Servings
Ingredients
Stuffed Gnocchi
Bolognese Sauce
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword stuffed gnocchi Bolognese
Servings
Ingredients
Stuffed Gnocchi
Bolognese Sauce
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Stuffed Gnocchi
  1. Boil the whole potatoes with their skins until you can easily pierce them all the way through (about 20-25 minutes, depending on the dimension of the potatoes), then wash them with cold water & remove the skin when they are still warm.
  2. Mash the potatoes while they are still warm & make sure there are no chunks; add a pinch of salt and ¾ of the flour. Mix well with your hands until a nice soft dough forms (but not sticky); if necessary, add some more flour. When the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest & cool for about 10-15 minutes. In a small dish, combine finely grated Asiago with ricotta cheese.
  3. Cut the dough into 3 or 4 parts, take 1 part and cover the rest with plastic wrap so it doesn't dry. Dust the cutting board with flour & roll the dough with your palm to make a long thick cord about 2 cm in diameter, then cut chunks 2 cm long.
  4. Roll each cube between your palms to make balls then press them on your palm to make a disc. With a teaspoon, place a small amount of cheese in the center of the disc and close it on itself (make sure to cover the cheese well and close all the holes), roll it again between your palm to make the ball smooth & set it aside on a clean cloth.
  5. Bring to boil a large pot of salted water then slowly drop the gnocchi in & cook until they float on the surface. Drain, reserving 1 cup of starchy water. In a pan melt the butter and carefully add the drained gnocchi to sauté a little bit. Remove from pan, place in a dish until Bolognese sauce is ready.
Bolognese
  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced celery, carrot & onion. Cook until veggies are soft tender. Add ground beef & let cook, breaking it apart until fully browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in garlic & cook until fragrant.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water or stock, bay leaves & crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer & cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves.
  3. Add cooked gnocchi to Bolognese sauce & stream in reserved gnocchi water as needed if the mixture is too thick. Cook for an additional minute or so, taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
  4. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

Perogy Stuffed Pasta Shells

These simplified perogy stuffed pasta shells have all the delicious flavor of homemade perogy but without the fuss of making dough! So, when you feel like having perogies but don’t have the time to make them from scratch and don’t have any left in the freezer, these stuffed perogy shells are a great shortcut.

Use the same potato and cheese filling that you use to make homemade perogies, then fill pasta shells with it instead of making pasta dough.

For the perfect finishing touch, top them with onions that have been sautéed in butter. After they come out of the oven garnish the ‘perogies’ with a bit more chopped bacon and green onion. Of course, don’t forget the sour cream (and sausage)!

Perogy dough and pasta dough differ in a few ways but in the name of convenience give pasta shells a try!

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 Perogy Stuffed Pasta Shells
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine European
Keyword perogy stuffed pasta shells
Servings
SHELLS
Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Cuisine European
Keyword perogy stuffed pasta shells
Servings
SHELLS
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
  1. Place the potatoes in a medium pot & cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, add salt to taste & cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. In another pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. When finished cooking, drain the pasta shells then spread them out on a large baking sheet or tray & allow to cool.
  3. In a skillet, (or the microwave) cook bacon until done but not real crisp. Drain on paper towels & chop fairly small. Set aside. Wipe out skillet then melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions & sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 5 minutes; turn off the heat & set aside.
  4. Chop green onion & grate cheese. When the potatoes are done cooking, drain them & return them to the hot pot; let them sit for a few minutes ( with heat off) to allow the excess moisture to evaporate out.
  5. Place the potatoes in a food processor & add the grated cheese to the potatoes; mash until they are well-combined & smooth. Remove from processor & add bacon, green onion, salt and pepper, combining well by hand. Set aside to cool slightly for a few minutes. Make sure your potato/cheese mixture is well-seasoned with salt & pepper. It shouldn't be salty, just really flavorful.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
  7. Evenly fill the pasta shells with the potato/cheese mixture; place the shells in the prepared baking dish, filling side up. Spoon the onion & butter mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
  8. Bake, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes or just until heated through. I placed the covered pan of shells over another pan with a small amount of water in it (like a bain marie) to prevent the shells from becoming hard since they do not have a sauce to cook in.
  9. Remove from oven & garnish with more green onion. Serve with sour cream if you wish.

Smoked Turkey w/ Guacamole & Monterey Jack Cheese Panini

In the fall of 2005, Brion & I spent a month in Rome where we rented a furnished apartment in a lovely hilltop neighborhood. This was our first trip to Italy so every morning we would choose a different destination for the day. It was relatively easy to get around the city by using the public transit system (Rome Termini is the city’s main transport hub). We paid 18 Euros for a 7-day pass, and you could use it as many times as you wished. To rent a car to see the sights of Rome would be an exercise in frustration or to say the least, taking your life in your hands. So many of its legendary sites are the original article that to see them is to fulfil a lifelong dream. In no other city can you see so much in such a short space of time and merely scratch the surface.

It was at that huge ‘Rome Termini’ station that we experienced our first panini sandwiches. Very often when we returned to the station after our day’s adventure, Brion & I would stop into one of the eating places and have something to eat. One day the person making our lunch asked if we wanted our sandwiches ‘grilled’. We were familiar with the basic grilled cheese sandwich but had never had them made as a grilled panini before. The taste was so incredibly good. Strange, how something as minor as a sandwich can be so memorable.

Paninis and their presses arrived in North America around 1956 but didn’t become mainstream until the 1970s and 1980s. Elevating the standard grilled cheese sandwich, paninis have become vessels for culinary creativity. It would be easy to assume a panini and a sandwich are the same—a panini is a sandwich—but not all sandwiches are paninis. So, what makes the panini stand out from the sandwich? Bread and pressing them in a hot grill give paninis their signature presentation and amazing taste. You can serve paninis for breakfast or lunch with limitless combinations for the perfect filling.  

One that really works for Brion & I, is this smoked turkey with guacamole & Monterey Jack cheese. I guess its because it combines contrasting textures and savory flavors … smoky, creamy and crunchy into a warm, satisfying meal.

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 Smoked Turkey w/ Guacamole & Monterey Jack CheesePanini
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Course Lunch
Cuisine Italian
Keyword smoked turkey & guacamole & Monterey Jack cheese paninis
Servings
PANINIS
Ingredients
Guacamole
Other Ingredients
Course Lunch
Cuisine Italian
Keyword smoked turkey & guacamole & Monterey Jack cheese paninis
Servings
PANINIS
Ingredients
Guacamole
Other Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Guacamole
  1. In a bowl, mash avocados & lime juice. Stir in garlic, onion & cilantro: blend well. Ser aside.
Paninis
  1. Slice red onion thinly. In a saucepan, add butter & heat to melt. Add onion & sprinkle with salt. Cook until onion has softened. Remove from heat & set aside.
  2. Slice cheese & butter one side of each slice of bread.
  3. With buttered sides down, Generously spread guacamole over the 4 slices of bread. Divide the turkey slices between 2 of the slices. Next, divide the cheese & place it on the turkey along with the red onion. Place the 2 remaining slices on top with the buttered side on the outside.
  4. Grill on panini maker until heated through & crispy on the outside. Serve.
Recipe Notes

If a panini grill is not available just use an ordinary skillet to get the job done!

German Rhubarb Crumble Rice Pudding

I recall my mother’s rice pudding with much fondness. It was a creamy pudding with raisins and a nice cinnamon flavor. Although, as a kid, raisins didn’t really appeal to me, they seemed to belong in this pudding. My father was a ‘meat and potatoes’ kind of man with an inherited love of sweets. I rarely ever remember my mother preparing a meal that didn’t end with some kind of dessert. It didn’t have to be anything elaborate. To this day, I still think a meal isn’t complete without a little sweetness at the end. Not a good thing as we get older.

Rice puddings are found in nearly every corner of the world. Milchreis is the German version, made by cooking short grain rice on the stove top in milk with sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.

Due to the mildness of this pudding, you can change the flavor significantly by just making a few changes such as nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon, adding fresh or dried fruits and/or nuts.

That brings me to rhubarb — I love everything about the plant — how good it tastes, the beautiful huge foliage in the garden and how it can keep on producing all season long. The uses of rhubarb are endless, both sweet and savory.

Bordering one side of my mother’s large country garden grew six or eight rhubarb plants. I can’t even remember all the things she made with it but one thing still remains and that’s my love for it.

Today, January 22, our family celebrates the birthday of my sister, Marilyn. Birthdays were always made to be special as we were growing up. Not so much as to gifts but in regard to the family acknowledgement of ‘your’ day especially food wise.

For something I think holds a special nostalgic memory and to mark the occasion even if we can’t be together, I have prepared a German rhubarb crumble rice pudding.

 BRION & I ARE THINKING OF YOU MARILYN & SEND OUR LOVE & BIRTHDAY WISHES.

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 German Rhubarb Crumble Rice Pudding
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Rating: 5
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Course dessert
Cuisine German
Keyword German rhubarb crumble rice pudding
Servings
PUDDINGS
Ingredients
Pudding
Rhubarb Compote
Crumble Topping
Course dessert
Cuisine German
Keyword German rhubarb crumble rice pudding
Servings
PUDDINGS
Ingredients
Pudding
Rhubarb Compote
Crumble Topping
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Rice
  1. Place the milk, rice & sugar in a heavy bottomed pot on medium heat & bring to a simmer. Cook 45-55 minutes on medium low, stirring occasionally so bottom doesn't scorch, until it reduces by about half.
  2. When thickened, remove from the heat, let it cool. Pour into a bowl or 4-6 individual custard cups you will serve from. Pudding can be served warm or cover & refrigerate.
Rhubarb Compote
  1. Add rhubarb, sugar & ginger to a small pot. Over medium heat, cover & bring to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes at a simmer until rhubarb has softened but still keeps its shape. Set aside to cool.
Crumble
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. In a bowl mix all the ingredients & bring it together with your fingers or a fork. When fully mixed, spread it on a lined baking sheet & bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned & crispy. Remove & cool.
Serving
  1. Spoon a generous portion of the rhubarb compote on top of the pudding, followed by a generous portion of the crumble mixture.

Anise Seed Borrachio Cookies

Anise seed borrachio cookies are a special treat that combines the aromatic flavor of anise seeds with the rich, warming notes of rum. These cookies present a sophisticated twist on traditional baked goods. The recipe is simple yet yields cookies that are especially flavorful, making them ideal for special occasions or as a gourmet homemade gift.

The rich and complex flavors of these cookies have their roots in traditional European baking, where anise has long been a popular flavor in desserts and bread. The addition of rum, referred to as ‘borrachio’ (drunken) in Spanish, gives these cookies a unique twist, blending cultural influences to create a modern classic. This recipe is a testament to the evolution of baking, where traditional ingredients meet contemporary tastes.

Borrachio anise cookies are a shortbread type of cookie flavored with anise seed-soaked-in-rum, which gives them their distinctive ‘boozy’ quality. The addition of alcohol to the recipe is a common feature in some Spanish and Mexican desserts. They are often enjoyed with a cup of strong black tea, coffee or a dessert wine as a festive treat during holidays and celebrations.

The recipe, while seemingly straightforward, benefits from careful execution and attention to detail, ensuring a batch of these cookies that will meet all expectations of an iconic anise cookie.

Print Recipe
 Anise Seed Borrachio Cookies
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
You:
Rate this recipe!
Course dessert
Cuisine Spanish
Keyword anise seed Borrachio cookies
Servings
COOKIES
Ingredients
Course dessert
Cuisine Spanish
Keyword anise seed Borrachio cookies
Servings
COOKIES
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
You:
Rate this recipe!
Instructions
Dough
  1. Place rum & anise seeds in a small bowl. Set aside to marinate, preferably overnight.
  2. Beat butter, sugar, vanilla & anise extract together in a medium bowl until smooth.; stir in rum mixture.. Whisk in egg. Combine flour, cinnamon (cloves), baking powder & salt in a bowl; stir into butter mixture then add chopped nuts (if using) & combine until well blended. Cover bowl & chill in refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight..
Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. For the assembly there is a number of ways to go with this: 1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness; cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. 2. Place dough into a spritz cookie press & squeeze out desired shapes onto cookie sheets. 3. Scoop out cookie dough into balls; flatten slightly using a WELL FLOURED cookie press to create a design deep enough that it will still be there after baking.
  3. Bake until lightly browned on bottoms, about 10-15 minutes. Cool on baking sheets, 3-5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe Notes

To draw attention to the anise flavor in the cookies, I placed whole anise on top of the cookies in my blog picture which I removed before serving.