Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Curry

The beauty of this recipe is that it is 1) very quick, and 2) very forgiving. What that means is that you can play around with the veggies a great deal. Want sweet potatoes instead of potatoes? Done. Want winter squash instead of that? Done. Want to throw in green beans or eggplant or mushrooms? Go or it. Just don't overload your pressure cooker, and you'll be fine. Enjoy!

Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Curry

Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• optional: 3 Thai green chilis
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons Thai curry cowder
• OR 2 tablespoons Thai curry paste
• 1 14-oz can coconut milk
• 6 cups potatoes, cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1-2 lbs chicken pieces
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 4 oz (4 packed cups) spinach
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh herbs
• fresh black pepper
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked rice or grain
• 6 lime wedges

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add garlic, chilies (if using), ginger, coriander, and cumin and cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add curry powder or paste and cook, stirring, until it has darkened slightly, about 2 or 3 minutes.
2. Add coconut milk, stir, bring to a simmer, and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle salt on chicken pieces. Add half the potatoes and carrots. Add chicken and top with the remaining potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle on a little salt. Seal pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
3. Release pressure with the quick-release method, remove lid, and stir in the fish sauce, spinach, and 3/4 of any fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the stew into serving bowls and place remaining herbs on top. Serve with rice (or grain) and lime wedges.

Spinach Souffle

Maybe this is a souffle, maybe it isn't. I'm still unclear. One thing for certain is that it is delicious, nutritious, and fun to boot. Simple, easy, and foolproof. Play around with the spices, amount of cheese, and other leafy greens. Anything light will work. Enjoy!

Spinach Souffle

Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients

• 10 eggs
• 2 tablespoons garlic, diced
• 5 tablespoons parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 ounces spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Steam or microwave the spinach for 2 minutes. Drain.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
3. In a loaf pan, whisk the eggs until slightly frothy.
4. Whisk in the salt, pepper, and any other spices, 3 ounces of parmesan, and the garlic.
5. Melted the butter and mix into the eggs.
6. Mix in the spinach.
7. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on the top.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, until browned on top. Serve immediately, otherwise the souffle will start to deflate.

Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup

A delicious recipe for a vegetarian split pea soup made in a pressure cooker. Simple, quick, and effective. Just how I like it. Enjoy!

Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup

Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients

• 1 lb split peas, soaked and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 celery, diced
• OR 1 tablespoon dried celery leaf
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups water

Cooking Directions

1. Add everything to the pressure cooker. Mix well.
2. Close and lock the lid.
3. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Let cool via the natural release method off the burner.
5. Open the pressure cooker, remove the bay leaves, mix, and serve.

Garlicky Roasted Butternut Squash

This is sooo simple. And seriously delicious. The hardest part is cutting through the dang butternut squash! It's always my favorite holiday dish. Enjoy!

Garlicky Roasted Butternut Squash

Yield: 8-12 servings
Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the parsley, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add squash and toss to coat.
2. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes or until squash is just tender and browned on the bottom.

Pressure Cooker Carnitas

Delicious carnitas made so quickly and easily in a pressure cooker. It takes almost as long to cut up the pork into cubes as it does to cook it in the pressure cooker. I don't think I'll ever go back to slow cooking again. Just amazing. Enjoy!

Pressure Cooker Carnitas

Yield: 12-16 servings
Ingredients

• 1 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat (outside only), cut into 1-1.5 inch "cubes"
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 cups water

Cooking Directions

1. Combine dry ingredients.
2. Heat stove top pressure cooker over medium high heat. Brown meat on most sides, if possible.
3. Add spices and mix.
4. Add onions and mix.
5. Add water and mix. Add the bone (from the pork shoulder) and push to the bottom.
6. Cook at medium to medium high pressure for 45 minutes.
7. Release pressure via the quick release method.
8. If you want it crispy, continue below. Otherwise, serve immediately.
9. Remove pork. Uncover and cook one hour to reduce cooking liquid.
10. Set oven to broil.
11. Transfer pork and cooking liquid to large baking sheet.
12. Pull apart larger pieces with two forks, and then press pork into roughly uniform thickness.
13. Place under broiler for 2-5 minutes until browned. Use a large, flat spatula to flip the pork and brown again for 2-5 minutes more.

Banana Blossom Stir Fry

A meal my wife made up on the fly (winged it, as she likes to say). Once you've gone through the long, long, long processing of the banana blossom, it's pretty easy. That info you can find here.

The banana blossom gives an almost coconut-like taste to the dish. It's texture is reminiscent of green onions, perhaps. Not hard, slightly crunchy. Plus, it's just fun to try a new ingredient! Enjoy!

Banana Blossom Stir Fry

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1 banana blossom, prepared
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 eggs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice, dry

Cooking Directions

1. Boil the prepped banana blossom for a minute. Drain.
2. Heat the canola oil, stir fry the onion and carrot, then the banana blossom a few minutes later. Add turmeric.
3. Add the cooked rice until heated through. Add whatever sauces and seasonings you like. Set entire mixture aside.
4. Scramble the eggs, add the garlic, then add the rice mixture back to the pan. Stir well and enjoy.

Stuffed Roast Pork Loin

This one's a little tricky and takes a little time, yet the roast that emerges is savory with a not-too-sweet stuffing. It's huge and well worth it. It also works extremely well without the stuffing. The brine is just that delicious. Enjoy!

Stuffed Roast Pork Loin

Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients

• 2 quarts pork brine
• 2.5 pound pork loin roast
• 1/2 cup fennel, cut into 1 1/2 by 1/2 inch pieces
• canola oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon onion, chopped
• 1 cup fig and balsamic jam
• 1/4 cup stock
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• kosher salt and fresh black pepper
Pork Brine
• 1/4 cup honey
• 12 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 cup garlic cloves, crushed, skin on
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 8 cups water
Fig and Balsamic Jam
• 0.8 pounds figs, preferably Black Mission or Kadota, stems removed and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, tied in a sachet
• lemon juice

Cooking Directions

Pork Brine
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve salt. Remove from heat and cool completely, then chill before using.
Fig and Balsamic Jam
2. Combine figs, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and sachet in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring to break up large chunks of fig, until the jam reaches 215 F to 220 F. Remove from heat and remove the sachet. Add lemon juice to taste. Let cool to room temperature.
Pork Roast
3. Pour the brine into a large container and add the pork. Refrigerate for 10 hours but no longer.
4. Remove pork and rinse. Pat dry or let air dry. Discard brine.
5. With a long knife, make a horizontal lengthwise cut all the way through the center of the loin. Work from both ends. Then make a vertical cut to form a cross.
6. Set a rack over a baking sheet and line with paper towels.
7. Heat a small amount of canola oil in a medium pan over medium heat, cook fennel for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Add garlic and shallot and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the jam until warm, then add stock, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Put a roasting rack in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
9. Meanwhile, use your fingers to widen the cavity in the meat. Stuff the pork loin from both ends all the way to the center. Tie the loin with kitchen twine.
10. Season the loin with salt and pepper all over. Heat some more canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until smoking. Brown the loin on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side.
11. Transfer the pork to the roasting pan and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork is 135 F to 140 F. Remove from the oven and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the string and cut into 1/4 inch slices. Plate and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Red wine braised short ribs

This is such a powerful yet simple dish. The braising really tenderizes and brings out the flavor of the short ribs, like it does to so many other delicious dishes (e.g. Osso Buco). Serve this on its own, with potatoes, polenta, or, as pictured, risotto. Enjoy!

Red wine braised short ribs

Yield: 1 piece per serving
Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless beef short ribs
• seasoned flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, diced
• 4 carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 14 oz. can plum tomatoes, broken up
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried herbs de Provence
• salt and pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Coat the shortribs with seasoned flour and brown in the oil.
3. Remove from the pan and add the onion, celery, mushrooms, garlic, and carrots.
4. Sauté another 5 minutes, add the wine, and reduce by half.
5. Add the tomatoes, stock, and herbs. Cover and braise covered in the oven for 1 hour at 400 degrees then reduce the heat to 350 F, uncover, and continue cooking for another hour or until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are incredibly easy, yet seem fancy and nostalgic at the same time. Of course you can have the filling be whatever you like, but the following recipe works pretty well. Some versions include and slightly watered-down ketchup that is poured over the filled peppers before adding the cheese on top, though we found that wasn't necessary and made it a little too sweet. Just keep the basic method for blanching the peppers the same, and you can go to town on whatever filling you want. Enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, tops removed, cored and seeded
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 12 ounces ground meat
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
• 5 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Boil 4 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot. Cook peppers until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Remove and drain peppers with a slotted spoon or tongs.
2. Add the rice to the pot and cook until tender, about 13 minutes. Drain rice and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the ground meat, breaking it into small pieces until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the bowl with the rice.
4. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup of cheese, the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Heat the oven to 350 F with the rack in the middle.
6. In a 9-inch square baking dish, place the peppers cut side up. Divide the filling evenly among the peppers. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
7. Bake until the cheese in browned and the filling is heated through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

The Best Cheddar Biscuits

Biscuits are easy to make, but don't mess with it too much. The secret to flaky and tender biscuits is all in how the butter is distributed throughout the dough. If done correctly, it'll melt and puff up the biscuits when they bake at a high temperature. This is an adaptation from America's Test Kitchen, so you know it's perfect. Enjoy!

If you don't have buttermilk, just use milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup. Fill to 1 cup with milk. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

The Best Cheddar Biscuits

Yield: 20-24 biscuits
Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute)
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for brushing biscuits
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt 1 stick of butter first and set aside to cool.
3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
4. Add the grated cheese and mix it into the dry ingredients.
5. Pour the cold buttermilk (or substitute) into a medium bowl. Pour in the cooled, melted butter and mix it together with a whisk or a fork.
6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk mixture and mix the batter quickly and gently, just until the batter is moistened and comes together. Do not over-mix the batter.
7. Use a large spoon to scoop up and portion out the batter onto the baking sheet for 20-24 biscuits.
8. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown.
9. While the biscuits are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and the minced parsley to the butter.
10. When the biscuits are baked, brush the biscuits with the melted garlic-parsley butter.

Baked Sprouted Falafel

This falafel is extremely easy. All you need is a food processor to make the falafel dough and you're all set. Even better, they're baked and still get a crispy crust on the outside. Enjoy with your favorite sauces, hummus, whatnot. The only thing you really have to prep for in the sprouting, but that super easy. Make them bigger ro smaller too. Experiment and go crazy. I'd like to see one giant falafel. Enjoy!

The Easiest Gluten-free Sprouted Baked Falafel

Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/2 onion, quartered
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

New York Street Cart Chicken and Rice

If you've ever had the chicken and rice from the Halal Guys in New York (or just about any of the other carts), you've likely dreamed about making it at home too. Here's a recipe for that deliciousness that closely hits the mark. Enjoy!

New York Street Cart Chicken and Rice

Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients

For the chicken:
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/8-1/4 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
For the rice:
• 2 cups rice, uncooked
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• water
• salt and pepper
For the white sauce:
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• salt and pepper
To serve:
• 1 lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges

Cooking Directions

1. For the chicken: Combine the lemon juice, oregano, coriander, garlic, and olive oil in a ziploc bag. Season the marinade to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the bag. Turn the chicken to coat, seal the bag, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours, turning occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
2. Remove the chicken from the bag. Season with kosher salt and a lot of pepper. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is lightly smoking. Add the chicken pieces and cook without disturbing until they are lightly browned on the first side, about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
3. Roughly chop the chicken into 1/2- to 1/4-inch chunks. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the marinade, cover, and refrigerate while you cook the rice and prepare the sauce.
4. For the rice: Put rice in rice cooker. Add the turmeric and cumin. Add water to the suggested amount for 2 cups. Season with salt and pepper. Cook as normal.
5. For the white sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Season to taste with salt.
6. To serve: Return the entire contents of the chicken bowl to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Pile the chicken on top of the rice and lettuce. Top with the white sauce. Serve immediately.

Garlic Broccoli Rabe

Here's a recipe for some simple and delicious broccoli rabe. It's basically a recipe you can employ with any green, more or less. Enjoy!

Garlic Broccoli Rabe

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 2 bunches broccoli rabe
• 6 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Rinse and drain the broccoli rabe. Cut off and discard the tough ends and cut the rest of into 2-inch pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or pan. Over low heat, cook the garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove the garlic and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli rabe stems to the hot oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes, covered. Add the rest of the broccoli rabe, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and cook, covered, over medium low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stalks are tender.
4. Add the reserved garlic, season additionally to taste, and serve hot.

Roasted Chicken Thighs

With this basic recipe for roasted chicken thighs, you'll have tender, juicy meat every time. Play around with the different options and let me know what works best for you. Personally, I like 2 tbs white wine and 2 tbs lemon juice. Enjoy!

Roasted Chicken Thighs

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1-2 any other root or roasting vegetable
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons other liquids, such as lemon juice, white wine, etc.
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add veggies to the bowl with the chicken. Add dried herbs.
2. Add the garlic, olive oil, and other liquid to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together, and add the salt and black pepper.
3. Spread the chicken and veggies on a large baking sheet, arranging the veggies around the outside and placing the chicken pieces closely together in the center. Pour any remaining juices in the bowl over the chicken.
4. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F. Take the pan out of the oven, and cover with foil. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Homemade Tamales

Did you know that the singular form of tamales is tamal? Now you'll never order a tamale again. You're welcome.

Homemade Tamales

Yield: 48-60 tamales
Ingredients

• 1/8 cup chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 lbs cooked meat
• 4 to 5 dozen dried corn husks
• 2 lbs masa (yellow cornmeal)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 7 1/2 oz (about 1 cup) lard
• 3 to 4 cups liquid

Cooking Directions

For the meat:
1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper and cumin.
2. Mix onto whatever cooked meat filling you already have.


For the wrappers:
3. Place the husks in a large bowl or container and submerge completely in hot water. Soak the husks until they are soft and pliable, at least 45 minutes and up to 2 hours.


For the dough:
4. Place the cornmeal, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and combine. Add the lard and, using your hands, knead together until the lard is well incorporated into the dry mixture. Gradually add enough of the reserved liquid, 3 to 4 cups, to create a dough that is like thick mashed potatoes. The dough should be moist but not wet. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and set aside until ready to use.


To assemble the tamales:
5. Remove a corn husks from the water and pat dry to remove excess water. Working in batches of 6, lay the husks on a towel and spread about 2 tablespoons of the dough in an even layer across the wide end of the husk to within 1/2-inch of the edges. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture in a line down the center of the dough. Roll the husk so the dough surrounds the meat, then fold the bottom under to finish creating the tamale. Repeat until all husks, dough, and filling are used. Optionally, tie the tamales, around the center, individually or in groups of 3, with kitchen twine.


To cook the tamales:
6. Stand the tamales upright on their folded ends, tightly packed together on a steamer in a large pot. Add enough water so the liquid comes almost to the bottom of the tamales. Try not to pour the broth directly into the tops of the tamales. Cover, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to low to maintain a low simmer, and cook until the dough is firm and pulls away easily from the husk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
7. Serve the tamales warm. For a 'wet' hot tamale, serve with additional simmering liquid. Store leftover tamales tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and steam until heated through.
8. Leftover masa can be stored in the freezer as well.

Based on Alton Brown's recipe.

Chili with Beer

Some might call this boilermaker chili. Some might call it tailgate chili. Those two names conjure up different meanings for me, especially concerning their list of ingredients, so I simply named this chili with beer.

Like all tomato sauces, this is better as leftovers, though still incredible the day of. The longer it simmers, the better it'll be too. Enjoy!

Chili with Beer

Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground meat (can be anything with or without sausage)
• 1/2 pound dried beans, soaked overnight, sprouted if desired
• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 small cubes of beef bouillon
• 1/2 cup beer
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble the ground meat into the hot pan until evenly browned. Drain off fat.
2. Stir in the soaked beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
3. Stir in the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, bouillon, and beer.
4. Stir in chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot sauce, basil, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and salt.
5. Stir together, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. After 2 hours, taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder as desired. The longer it cooks, the better it'll taste. It'll also get better when refrigerated like most tomato sauce-based dishes.

Chicken Liver Pate

The onion could be doubled, increasing the deliciousness. Otherwise, keep as is.

Chicken Liver Pate

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken livers, cleaned
• 1/2-1 stick cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup whiskey, cognac, or brandy

Cooking Directions

1. In a large pan, melt 1/2 stick of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken livers, 1 tablespoon of capers, the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the livers are browned on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the whiskey and cook until most of the liquid is evaporated and the livers are cooked but still tender.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Take out the bay leaves.
4. In a food processor, puree the liver mixture. If desired, add the remaining butter in pieces and blend. Add the other 1 tablespoon of capers. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Pack the pate into a bowl. Cover with plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours.

Osso Buco with Beef

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish that usually uses veal shanks. We wanted to see if we could create the same flavors but with a less expensive meat. Blade steaks were used because they're comparatively inexpensive and are a tough cut. Tough cuts like veal shanks and blade steaks are perfect for braising, which is exactly how osso buco is cooked. By the end, the meat became tender and fell apart easily and soaked up much of the flavor of the braising liquid. It was extremely easy, and I would make it again as-is any time. Enjoy!

Osso Buco with Beef

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds blade steak
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed and diced
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Trim and season the blade steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat oven to 300 F.
3. Heat skillet or dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
4. Drop the steaks in pan and sear it thoroughly, using a pair of tongs to turn it. When a nice brown crust has developed on all sides of the meat, remove it from the pan to a bowl.
5. Pour in most of the wine and scrape the pan to remove the browned bits. Remove to the bowl with the steaks.
6. Add the carrots and onions and cook for 5 minutes or so, or until the onion is slightly translucent. Add the garlic and after 30 seconds, add the rest of the wine and scrape the pan again.
7. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. Add the steaks and juice from the bowl. The liquid should cover 3/4 of the steaks.
8. Cover and put in oven at 300 F.
9. After 40 minutes, flip the steaks and cook uncovered for another 40 minutes.
10. Replace cover, reduce heat to 250 F, and cook for 1 hour.
11. Serve with polenta, rice, or risotto. Serve with gremolata if desired.

Pickled Green Tomatoes

They taste like pickles!

Pickled Green Tomatoes

Yield: 1 quart jar
Ingredients

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 pound firm green tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6 garlic cloves, sliced in half
• 2 tablespoons pickling spices
• 1/4 tablespoon whole black pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Sterilize the jar by submerging them in a boiling water bath.
2. Add the garlic, dill seeds, and peppercorns to the jar.
3. Thoroughly wash the tomatoes and slice them in quarters. Cut out all bad spots and the stem ends. Cram them in the jar leaving about 1/2" to 3/4" of space at the top.
4. Make the brine by combining the vinegar, water, and salt in a non-reactive sauce pan or pot. Bring to a boil, and stir until all the salt is dissolved.
5. Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes to within 1/4" of the top. Wipe the jar top, put the lids on and tighten. Age for at least 1 week in the refrigerator.

Recipe adapted from Meathead at AmazingRibs.com

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce

Yield: 1 quart
Ingredients

• 32 oz plain greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• a pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Directions

1. Place the yogurt in a medium-sized bowl. Add the crushed garlic to the yogurt.
2. Peel the half cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with a spoon, and shred the cucumber using a cheese grater. Squeeze out any excess water from the cucumber and add it the yogurt mixture.
3. Add the olive oil, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture well. It is optional to add a tiny amount of fresh parsley for garnish or color.