Ingredient: salt

Roasted Beet Biscuits

Beets aren’t just for salads anymore. These highly nutritious root vegetables can be found on dessert menus everywhere and are popping up in many recipes both sweet and savory. I always think of beets as a love-them-or-hate-them food.  You’re either all in or all out! 

Beets have been used in baked goods since the late 19th century, and especially during World War II when food was rationed. Think about some of the classics: carrot cake, pumpkin pie, banana bread, and zucchini loaf. Beets add moisture to baked goods along with a natural sweetness. 

In yeast breads, roasted beet puree makes for an incredibly tender crumb and moist interior thanks to the added hydration of the purée (similar to potato bread!) and a delicate crust, since the natural sugar in the beets creates more caramelization. Ultimately, the beets add a pleasantly earthy, subtly sweet flavor that enhances the rolls without overpowering them. 

The idea of using beets to bulk up bread dough is said to have originated in Paris or Vienna or Germany.

Today the nutrition-packed beet is considered a ‘super food’, credited with everything from lowering blood pressure and increasing energy to fighting inflammation and detoxifying the body.

With that in mind, it seems like a good reason to make some roasted beet biscuits to serve with some grilled chicken and corn on the cob.

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 Roasted Beet Biscuits
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Course side dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword roasted beet biscuits
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Course side dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword roasted beet biscuits
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Put the flour, baking powder, salt & sugar in the bowl of a food processor and process briefly to combine.
  3. Pulse in the butter, about 10-15 pulses to break it up & evenly distribute it through the flour. The mix will be coarsely crumbly.
  4. Whisk together the buttermilk & beets, then add to the dry ingredients, while pulsing the machine. If necessary, add a little more buttermilk to insure that the dough comes together. DON'T OVER PROCESS.
  5. Turn the wet dough out onto a floured board & knead a couple of times to blend the beet color through the dough.
  6. Pat the dough into an thick 8 inch round & cut 6 biscuits. Reform the dough gently & cut 2 more.
  7. Place the biscuits on a parchment lined baking sheet. Put the whole pan in the freezer for about 20 minutes. If your pan can’t fit in the freezer, put it in the refrigerator.
  8. Bake the biscuits for about 15-18 minutes, until risen & baked inside.
  9. Cool on a rack, or eat hot. Nice to serve with grilled chicken & corn on the cob. On the other hand Brion & I enjoyed ours with a veggie omelet.
Recipe Notes
  • The beets should be roasted until they are completely soft, and you need to puree them thoroughly, so they are as smooth and lump free as possible.
  • You will want to knead the dough briefly to work the beet puree through the dough so that your biscuits have as uniform a color as possible. The trick to creating light and flaky biscuits is to only handle the dough as much as necessary, just enough to bring everything together. Overworked dough becomes dense and tough.

Peachy Chicken

The original Peachy Chicken recipe has been printed on the back of the Heinz Malt Vinegar bottle for many years. Peaches paired with chicken just go together extremely well. The chicken cooked in peach sauce just melts in your mouth and the sauce itself has a sweet & sour flavor that is just amazing.

Malt vinegar transforms simple baked chicken into something incredibly special! Made from malted grains of barley, malt vinegar has a tart flavor and can help to enhance the flavors of other foods it is paired with. It is best known for topping fish and chips.

Malt vinegar is produced from the same grains that are used for making beer, and so it has a similar lemony, nutty, and caramel flavor profile as malted ale. It can range in color from light to dark brown while some distilled varieties are clear.

Usually found in condiment or bakery aisles at the grocery store, it’s become a culinary mainstay in British and Canadian cuisines.

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 Peachy Chicken
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword peachy chicken
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword peachy chicken
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
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Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, brown the chicken thighs, onion & garlic in the oil.
  2. Combine the reserved peach juice, orange juice concentrate, vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), basil, salt, cloves, cinnamon & pepper. Pour over browned chicken mixture. Cover & simmer 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Add peaches; heat. Combine cornstarch & water; stir into sauce. Heat, stirring, until sauce is thickened.
  4. Serve chicken & sauce over rice.
Recipe Notes

• If malt vinegar is not available, try using apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Strawberry Focaccia Cheese Danish

There is something irresistible about both focaccia and a cheese Danish. Focaccia is a magnificently versatile bread that can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. Today’s blog recipe is a new take on an old favorite, this modern riff on the cheese Danish skips the complicated layered dough of the original for a simple focaccia dough. And rather than forming individual pastries, it’s baked in a 14 x 4-inch pan and cut into rectangles. 

Some say the key to a great Danish is the dough and filling, and that even if the dough isn’t fancy, it should be light, sweet, and fluffy. Others say that the filling is what sets a great Danish apart, and that adding a little lemon juice and vanilla can make a big difference.

The history of the cheese Danish is a mix of multiple theories and events that took place in various European countries: 

  • French origins

According to one story, the pastry was invented by a French baker named Claudius Gelee who accidentally left out butter while making dough. To hide his mistake, he folded butter into the dough, resulting in a light and successful pastry. 

  • Austrian influence

In the mid-1800s, Danish bakery owners hired Austrian bakers to replace striking workers. The Austrian bakers brought with them their own recipes, including the Viennese lamination technique, which is used to create the pastry’s layers. The Danes called the pastry ‘wienerbrø’ (Vienna bread). 

  • Danish adoption

Danish bakers adapted the Austrian recipes to their own tastes by adding more egg and fat. The pastry became popular in Denmark and is now known as the Danish pastry. 

Focaccia dough is typically made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Some recipes add eggs to make the dough richer as I’m doing here today. Sweet focaccia can be made with a variety of flavors, such as cinnamon, apple, or rhubarb. This strawberry version has the characteristic soft, chewy interior of focaccia with a sweet ‘Danish’ pastry topping.

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 Strawberry Focaccia Cheese Danish
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Course dessert
Keyword strawberry focaccia cheese Danish
Servings
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Strawberry Topping
Cream Cheese Topping
Focaccia
Course dessert
Keyword strawberry focaccia cheese Danish
Servings
Ingredients
Strawberry Topping
Cream Cheese Topping
Focaccia
Votes: 1
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Instructions
Strawberry Topping
  1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries & sugar & place them over medium heat. Cook while stirring until the sugar has melted into a thin strawberry syrup & berries still have some shape. Remove from heat & allow to cool.
Cream Cheese Filling
  1. In a small bowl, place cream cheese, sugar, milk & lemon zest & beat together until smooth. Set aside.
Focaccia
  1. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup lukewarm water with the pinch of sugar. Sprinkle with yeast & let stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour, salt & 1 tsp sugar. When yeast is foamy, whisk in 2 Tbsp olive oil then add flour mixture combining with a fork. Place shaggy dough on a work surface & knead for about 3 minutes until soft & elastic.
  3. Oil bowl & place dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap & a tea towel & let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk,
Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. On an OILED work surface, roll out dough to about a 15 x 5-inch size. Transfer to a 14 x 4-inch baking pan. Press gently into pan.
  3. Using a spatula, cover dough with cream cheese filling. Next, top with strawberry filing, slightly swirling into cream cheese.
  4. Bake until sides are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for about 5-10 minutes then remove from pan with a long metal spatula. Transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Slice & serve.
Recipe Notes
  •  

Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches w/ Onion Jam

CELEBRATING MAY LONG WEEK-END!

This distinctly Canadian holiday serves as the official marker to end winter. Even if the date marks the informal start of summer, you could be planning for a backyard barbecue or an impromptu indoor shut-in due to an array of snow, sleet, rain or hail.

But for Canadians, it is a good excuse to celebrate the beginning of the summer season. Canadians jokingly refer to ‘Victoria Day’ as May ‘two-four’ day. This is an inside joke which refers to a case of beer, containing 24 cans. For most Canadians, this is the first warm-ish long weekend since Easter, so they head to campsites armed with a 24 case of beer. Although we hang on to the Victoria Day name for old times’ sake, somehow it seems we are really celebrating the beginning of the summer season.  May ‘two-four’ is probably the more accurate moniker.

Hot roast beef sandwiches with onion jam are perfect for today. They will work if you are outside or indoors. Layers of shaved roast beef are piled on top of garlic rolls and topped with melted mozzarella and a homemade sticky-sweet onion jam. The onion jam used for this roast beef sandwich just takes it to the next level!

Onion jam is an extremely versatile condiment that can be used in many ways such as a spread on crackers or crostini, as a pizza topping, in salad dressings, or as a complement to roasted vegetables. You can also add it to mini tarts and puff pastry appetizers, your favorite burger patty, a cheese board, or as a topping for both a tart and focaccia or swirl it into macaroni and cheese. 

Its unique flavor can be sweet and savory and can include a variety of flavors like red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. In terms of consistency, it is not unlike a fruit preserve, as the pieces of diced onion are intact and still look like an onion and it is spoon able just like a fruit preserve.

Enjoy your holiday weekend to the fullest!

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 Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches w/ Onion Jam
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Course Lunch
Cuisine Canadian
Keyword hot roast beef buns w/ onion jam
Servings
Ingredients
For the Garlic 'Bread'
Onion Jam
For the Sandwiches
Course Lunch
Cuisine Canadian
Keyword hot roast beef buns w/ onion jam
Servings
Ingredients
For the Garlic 'Bread'
Onion Jam
For the Sandwiches
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Garlic/Cheese 'Bread'
  1. Sauté the garlic in the butter & oil for 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat or until fragrant. Turn off the heat & add in the crushed red pepper flakes & parsley along with a pinch of salt (to taste).
  2. Lay bread slices out on work surface & distribute the garlic butter over all. Sprinkle with the Pecorino. Set aside.
Onion Jam
  1. Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium heat until golden (about 15 minutes). Add the salt, sugar, balsamic vinegar & thyme. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the jam has thickened. Taste & adjust salt, pepper & sugar levels to taste. Pour the jam into a bowl & set aside.
Sandwich Assembly
  1. Preheat panini grill to 350 F.
  2. Divide roast beef into 4 portions & place on 4 of the slices of garlic bread then top with mozzarella, dividing evenly.
  3. Spread the onion jam on top of the mozzarella then place the remaining 4 slices of garlic bread on top of the sandwich. Grill on a panini grill until golden & slightly crispy.
Recipe Notes

• 3/4 cup of sugar will yield a moderately sweet onion jam. Feel free to use more or less sugar to taste.

Poor Man’s Lobster

I’m not sure about you, but lobster is a rare treat in our household because it’s so expensive. ‘Poor Mans Lobster’ with melted butter is a dish that is made with white fish, so it tastes just like lobster, but it doesn’t cost a fortune. 

When the first European settlers reached North America, lobsters were so plentiful that they would reportedly wash ashore in piles up to 2 feet high. Their bounty made them a precious source of sustenance during hard times—and gave them a lowbrow reputation as the poor man’s protein. Instead of this leading to seafood festivals and celebrations like the clambake, colonists were just super embarrassed by all of, what they called ‘the ‘cockroaches of the sea’. These hard-shelled creatures were even used as fertilizer and fish bait because there were just so many around. Dirt-cheap because they were so copious, lobsters were routinely fed to prisoners, apprentices, slaves and children during the colonial era and beyond.

However, all this started to change in the mid 1800’s because of canned food and trains. Lobster actually became one of the most popular canned products on the market. Later, during World War II, canned lobster was used to feed soldiers. 

Once railroad transportation began to make travel easier, more and more people began to experience the taste for lobster. Thanks to the cheap price tag and the copious quantities, lobster was served on passenger trains. Passengers were intrigued by the dish and word began to spread about the rediscovered cuisine.

Before long, demand and prices for lobster both increased, as the crustacean was ultimately rebranded by the North American population from a food for the poor to a far more decadent dish.

Today, poor man’s lobster refers to a dish made of white fish, cooked in the style of lobster, mimicking many of the similar flavors. Once simmered in boiling water, dipped in butter, with a squeeze of lemon, it takes on a taste like cooked lobster.

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 Poor Man's Lobster
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword poor man's lobster
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine North American
Keyword poor man's lobster
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
  1. Preheat broiler.
  2. In a bowl, mix together water, sugar & salt then add to a large skillet.
  3. Place fish filets in the skillet & bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the cod by avoiding a hard boil during the poaching step. Keep the water at a gentle simmer & watch the cooking time closely ... overcooking is the main cause of rubbery fish.
  4. After poaching, transfer the cod to a baking sheet, brush with some melted butter & season with paprika.
  5. Broil for about 7 minutes on low until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Brush with more butter & juice from the lemon & serve.
  7. This meal is nice served with broccoli or green beans & roasted potatoes or rice. We added some 'Cheddar Bay Bread' as well.

Rhubarb Carrot Cake

CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY!

Here in Canada, we set aside the second Sunday in May to honor our mother’s with expressions of love and gratitude.

As I grow older, I realize how many ways I unconsciously emulate my mother. I loved everything about her and as a kid I could never imagine life without her. But in the natural sequence of events, that’s not how it works. I guess along with many other things, I’m grateful for the fact that she was there through my childhood. She passed away at the age of sixty and although she is no longer on this earth, her wonderful memory will live on in our hearts forever.

We are fortunate to still have Brion’s mother, Dolores. We have been able to spend a bit of time with her recently, which was so precious.

This blog is especially to honor: the special memories of my mother for her endless giving of selfless love – my mother-in-law, Dolores, for her kind ways and raising that ‘special’ man I love sharing my life with –my sister Loretta who passed away 3 years ago and to my sisters, Marilyn & Rita, who give so much of themselves to be the great mom’s they are.

In honor of these special women, I’d like to post something to ‘celebrate’ this day. My choice this year is a rhubarb carrot cake with rhubarb cream cheese frosting.

Rhubarb has been a staple in Canadian history since the days of early European settlement, valued for its hardiness, versatility, and medicinal properties. Rhubarb was a reliable perennial for homesteaders and pioneers due to its ability to thrive in Canada’s cold climate. When the homesteaders moved on, and their farms crumbled back into the ground, the rhubarb patch often persisted. The same is true of modern-day cities; every time a house in an older neighborhood is demolished, the rhubarb often remains. The distinctive plants that remain on abandoned farmsteads across the country are a testament to this hardy heritage.

I recall with fond memory, my mother having at least six huge rhubarb plants that bordered her large produce garden on our family farm. At that time I really didn’t take a lot of interest in them, they were just always there and grew huge without anything more than rain and sunshine. Now, of course I love using rhubarb in everything I can think of, sweet or savory.

Vegetable cakes are great for making the most of the seasons. This recipe for rhubarb carrot cake is a recent, modern fusion of two older dessert traditions: carrot cake and rhubarb cake. The combination likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as bakers experimented with popular seasonal flavors. What makes this rhubarb carrot cake so appealing is how the sweet, earthy carrots balance out the sharp tartness of fresh rhubarb. The carrots add this incredible moisture and natural sweetness, while the rhubarb provides these amazing tangy bursts that keep every bite interesting.

This ‘sophisticated’ cake features winter carrots and the first rhubarb of the year in a marvelous merging of two seasons. Of course, the rhubarb cream cheese frosting is truly ‘the icing on the cake’.

I hope anyone trying this recipe enjoys it as much as Brion & I did.

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 Rhubarb Carrot Cake
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Course dessert
Cuisine Canadian
Keyword rhubarb carrot cake
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Ingredients
Cake
Rhubarb Cream Cheese Frosting
Course dessert
Cuisine Canadian
Keyword rhubarb carrot cake
Servings
Ingredients
Cake
Rhubarb Cream Cheese Frosting
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
Rhubarb Frosting
  1. Combine chopped rhubarb, sugar & a splash of water in a saucepan on medium low heat. Stir regularly until rhubarb reduces. Adjust heat to low & continue stirring for 20 minutes until rhubarb thickens into a jam. Transfer rhubarb jam to a glass bowl & cool in the refrigerator.
  2. Whip butter & cream cheese on high until creamy. Add the rhubarb jam & vanilla to cream cheese mixture. Beat until combined. Add powdered sugar 1/2 a cup at a time & beat until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter either a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 2 round 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, sugar, brown sugar & buttermilk.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger & salt. Add to the egg mixture & blend well. Add the carrots & rhubarb, gently fold until evenly incorporated into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) & bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
Assembly
  1. If baking cake in the 2 layer version, spread the bottom of one cake with a bit of the frosting then top it with the other layer. Frost entire cake with remaining rhubarb frosting & decorate as you wish.
Recipe Notes

• Since there is only the two of us, I only used one layer & froze the other one for another time.

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

CELEBRATING CINCO de MAYO!

Remember those Taco Bell commercials with the slogan, ‘think outside the bun’? Taco-stuffed sweet potatoes are a perfect example of that.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a regional Mexican military battle that has nothing to do with Mexican independence. It’s kind of the equivalent of Victoria Day in Canada but it has evolved to become a big celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture in the USA and Canada.

The taco as we know it today is a blend of ancient Mexican recipes and international influences. However, before it was known in North America, natives in Mexico were eating a version that looked quite different.

In traditional Mexican cuisine, ground beef tacos are not as common as tacos made with other types of meat preparations. Ground beef tacos with toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream are more commonly found in Tex-Mex or North Americanized Mexican food.

This tender baked sweet potato is stuffed with spicy, juicy, ground turkey and tomatoes then topped with grated cheese. No bun (or tortilla) required on this Cinco de Mayo.

Native to Central and South America, sweet potatoes are some of the oldest vegetables on the planet. Distantly related to commonplace, starchy Russets and Yukon Golds. Western markets have tagged some sweet potatoes with the deceptive name ‘yams’ to differentiate the southern from the northern crops. True yams are rough-skinned tubers, related to lilies.

Cinco de Mayo just got an upgrade with all the things you love about tacos inside the deliciousness of a freshly baked sweet potato.

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 Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword taco stuffed sweet potatoes
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword taco stuffed sweet potatoes
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
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Instructions
  1. Pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Cook in the microwave on HIGH until tender when pierced with a fork, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Let the potatoes rest until cool enough to handle.
  2. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop the flesh out of the potatoes & place in a medium-sized bowl. Reserve the skins. With the back of a fork, mash the potato flesh until most lumps are gone. Stir in the olive oil, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Divide the mashed sweet potato evenly between the potato skins. Place on a baking sheet.
  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Add the ground turkey & cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, remaining ¾ teaspoon cumin, oregano, paprika, & remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt & pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
  4. Preheat the broiler. Spoon the turkey mixture into each sweet potato skin. Top each with 1 tablespoon grated cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve.

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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Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword corn gnocchi w/ pork, zucchini & mushrooms
Servings
Ingredients
Votes: 1
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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.

Print Recipe
 Cornbread French Toast
Votes: 1
Rating: 5
You:
Rate this recipe!
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
You:
Rate this recipe!
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.