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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Recipes from BJ's Gourmet Foods





















Ingredients:
  • 1 gallon of whole milk
  • 1 quart heavy whipping cream, preferably organic, pasteurized (not ultra-pasteurized)
  • 1 tsp kosher sea salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
In a large pot combine the milk, cream, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching, until an instant-read thermometer registers 185F.

Add the lemon juice, stir. Reduce the heat to low and continue heating the mixture until the curds form.
DO NOT boil. Remove from the burner and let stand for a little 30 minutes to cool slightly. Meanwhile, line a sieve with several layers of cheese cloth. Set the sieve over a large bowl. Transfer the cheese into the lined sieve and drain approximately 1 hour.  Transfer the cheese into a container, seal and store in the refrigerator.

BJ's Adaptation of Pizza Margarita

Ingredients

Pizza Dough
4 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
3tbsp Salt
4 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
Pinch of Pure Cane Sugar
5 tbsp Warm Water

Topping
Fresh Basil Leaves

Preparation

Sprinkle the yeast and half the sugar on the warm water in a small bowl.  Stir until the yeast dissolves.  Let stand until mixture is doubled.

Put most of the flour and the salt in to a medium bowl.  Stir in the yeast mixture and Paradisio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Continue to stir until a smooth dough forms.

Knead on a floured surface, using as much of the remaining flour as necessary to form a stiff elastic dough.  Place dough in a large greased bowl, cover and let rest in a warm place until doubled (about 45 minutes) and not sticky. 

Punch down the dough, and knead on a lightly floured surface to distribute air bubbles; let dough rest for approximately 5 minutes longer.

Flatten dough into a circle on lightly floured surface.  Roll out from the center towards the edges to form a flat round disc.  Place on a pizza stone, and brush with Paradisio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Pour BJ's Marinara over the pizza dough, and place sliced rounds of the Fior Di Latte (Mozzarella).  Bake in a preheated 450F oven until golden brown for about 20 to 25 minutes.  Garnish with the Fresh Basil leaves.



Eggless Ricotta Cheese Creme Brulee with Raspberries and Carambola

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup pure cane sugar + 1 tbsp Caramelized Sugar Topping
1 tsp white vanilla
Fresh Raspberries
Carambola (Star Fruit) for garnish

Cream BJ's Gourmet Foods Ricotta Cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy...like frosting.  Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, and beat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until smooth in consistency.  Gently fold in Raspberries, and top with sugar.  Use a flame torch to caramelize sugar topping.  If you are not privy to a torch you can place under a broiler until the sugar caramelizes.  Place in refrigerator for up to two hours allowing for brulee's to set.  Serve with a garnish of Carambola, the mix of the ingredients with the crisp Carambola marries quite well.



Broccoli with Baby Bella Mushrooms Sauteed in Burgundy Wine

2 Large Broccoli Florets
8 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms
1/2 cup of diced Red Onions
3 large Garlic Cloves (coarsely chopped)
1 tbsp of Butter
1/2 cup of Burgundy Wine
Coarse Ground Pepper to taste

Place two tablespoons of LA Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large skillet, and add onions and garlic and saute over medium high heat until onions become translucent.  DO NOT brown the garlic as it has a bitter taste when it is browned, and could ruin a truly amazing dish.  Add mushrooms to onion, and garlic saute and brown until the mushrooms appear a bit crisp.  Add the butter, and mix with the vegetables until the butter has melted.  Add the broccoli florets and the Burgundy Wine, de-glazing the skillet.  Turn down the heat to medium, cover and cook broccoli for an additional 7 minutes until the florets are green, and crisp.

Fettuccine with Crispy Fried Eggplant & BJ's Creamy Eggplant Parmesan Sauce

1 lb Fettuccine
Crispy Fried Eggplant (see recipe below)
Parmesan Cheese for garnish
Fresh Basil for garnish
4 cups of Water

Bring the 4 cups of water boil, and add pinch of salt.  While water is boiling, add fettuccine pasta and turn heat down to medium.  Allow pasta to cook for 8 minutes for al'dente style pasta.  Meanwhile, simmer BJ's Creamy Eggplant Parmesan Sauce over medium heat and let simmer for approximately 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent scorching of sauce.

After 8 minutes remove pasta from heat, and drain in a colander.  Make sure you drain pasta thoroughly, otherwise you will have water pasta sauce with your pasta. 

Remove sauce from the stove, and add pasta to the sauce using tongs to mix the pasta and sauce together.  Toss in the Crispy Fried Eggplant, and gently mix together with sauce and fettuccine.  Pour Pasta onto a plate,and garnish with Parmesan Cheese, and fresh basil.

Crispy Fried Eggplant

1 medium eggplant
Safflower Oil

Cut Eggplant in half lengthwise, and then cut the halves into thin potato chip like slices. Put sliced eggplant into a colander and salt the slices.  Cover, and let sit for 5 hours until the salt drains the bitter liquid from the eggplant.  Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint less paper towel.

Pour Safflower oil into skillet, or my preference deep fryer, and heat to 375(F) degrees.  Add batches of thinly sliced eggplant to hot oil, and fry until crisp and light green.  Drain on a paper towel, and lightly salt.



Brazilian Vegetarian Feijoada (Black Bean Meatless Stew)

Ingredients

3 cups of Black Beans
1 large Sweet Potato cut and diced
2 cups of chopped Collard Greens
1 cup of diced Red Onions
3 coarsely chopped garlic cloves
4 Bay Leaves
1/2 Maggi Vegetable Broth cube
1 handful of chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 diced medium red bell pepper
1 small jalapeno pepper deviened and coarsely diced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 pack of Goya Sazon

Directions

Soak Black Beans overnight.  Cook soaked black beans with 1tbsp of Sosalt Sea Salt in a large pot with water generously covering beans.  Beans should cook for 2 to 3 hours covered on medium heat.  The starch in the beans will cause the liquid to thicken.  Remove 1 cup of the beans and mash to a pulp.  Re-add mashed bean pulp to the cooked beans.  This too will add as a thickening agent.

Heat Paradisio Extra Virgin Oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat.  Add onions, chopped garlic and cook to onions become translucent.  Add diced sweet potato, and chopped greens and continue cooking over medium high heat stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.  Greens should shrink in size, and have a dark green color.  Add jalapeno, red bell peppers and cilantro and remaining ingredients including cooked Black Beans to the collard green and sweet potato mixture.  Cook for 30 minutes on medium low heat. 

Serve with cooked white rice, and Caipirinhas



Carmelized Baby Bellas with Fettuccine and Fresh Basil
in a Lemony Cream Sauce

Ingredients

4 Large Baby Bella Mushrooms - Sliced thin
1/2 cup diced red onions
3 garlic cloves chopped
1/4 cup of White Wine
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1tbsp of heavy whipping cream
4 large leaves of Fresh Basil chopped
1 pinch of SoSalt Sea Salt
Pinch of Coarse Ground Black Pepper
Chopped Grape Tomatoes for garnish
Ricotta Cheese for garnish

Cooked Fettuccine Pasta

Preparation

Heat olive oil in pan over medium high heat, and saute onions and garlic...making sure garlic does not brown but is light in color.  Add sliced mushrooms, salt & pepper and continue to cook for about 2 minutes until they become carmel in color...caramelized get it? 

Add butter, and continue to cook reducing the heat to medium.  Add wine and fresh squeezed lemon deglazing the pan.  Cook for about another minute or so and add cream.  This will give the sauce a creamy consistency enhancing the lemony flavor.

Remove sauce from heat and add cooked pasta, tossing the pasta with the sauce. 

Plate the pasta, and sauce mixture and garnish with fresh chopped basil, tomatoes and ricotta cheese.


Friday, November 12, 2010

BJs Gourmet & Specialty Foods: BJs Gourmet Cheeses ON SALE

BJs Gourmet & Specialty Foods: BJs Gourmet Cheeses ON SALE: "Fior Di Latte (Mozzarella Cheese) $6.00   Buratta Cheese $5.00     Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese $8.99    Parmigian..."

BJs Gourmet Cheeses ON SALE

Fior Di Latte (Mozzarella Cheese) $6.00


Buratta Cheese $5.00
 





Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese $8.99
 

Parmigianao Reggiano Cheese $15.99

   
                                                                                             



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

My Favorite Vegetarian Gourmet Food Recipes

Rigatoni with Vegetable Bolognese


Ingredients

  • 1-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 ounces assorted mushrooms (like shiitake, cremini, and brown), stemmed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan

Directions

Place the dried mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with 1 1/2 cups very hot water. Set aside and let the mushrooms soften.

Place the carrots, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse the vegetables until finely chopped but still chunky. Place the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Strain the porcini mushrooms, reserving the porcini mushroom liquid. Add the porcini mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, and tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste, until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the porcini mushroom liquid and red wine. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and stir just until the cheese is incorporated.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and add to the vegetable mixture. Add some of the reserved pasta cooking liquid, if necessary, to moisten the sauce. Toss with Parmesan and serve.



Grits and Roasted Vegetables with Hazelnut Butter


Ingredients

  • 1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms, halved
  • 1 cup old-fashioned grits
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, such as gorgonzola
Directions
Adjust the oven racks to their top positions and preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Toss the squash, tomatoes, garlic and 2 sprigs thyme with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, turning the tomatoes skin-side up. Toss the mushrooms with the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the same bowl; spread on another baking sheet. Place the tomato mixture on the top rack and the mushrooms underneath and roast until the squash is tender, the tomatoes char and the mushroom edges are crisp, 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the grits, broth, milk, remaining 2 sprigs thyme, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the cayenne pepper in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, uncovered, for 16 minutes, stirring halfway through. (The grits should be fairly thick; if they're not, microwave up to 2 more minutes.) Remove and discard the thyme.

Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add the hazelnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly brown, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the brown sugar and vinegar and remove from the heat.

Divide the grits among 4 plates. Top each with a portion of the roasted vegetables and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with warm hazelnut butter sauce before serving.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/grits-and-roasted-vegetables-with-hazelnut-butter-recipe2/index.html


Collard Greens Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw peanuts
  • 1 cup grapeseed oil
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 6 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • into a paste
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
  •  1 medium carrot, peeled 
  • 8 oz. baby collard greens, stemmed, or 8 oz. collard greens, stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise 
  • 1 15-oz. can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed 
  • 1 Fresno or Holland chile, stemmed, seeded, and julienned 
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved (optional)
  • 1⁄2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves  
Preparation 
1. Heat oven to 325˚. Toss together peanuts, 2 tbsp. oil, paprika, and salt on a baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer peanuts to a rack and let cool. Coarsely crush peanuts and divide between two bowls; set one bowl aside. To one bowlof peanuts, add remaining oil, vinegar, garlic, and shallots and whisk to combine; season with salt and pepper and set vinaigrette aside.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, shave carrot lengthwise into thin ribbons; transfer to a large bowl along with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and chiles. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette over top. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Divide salad and eggs between 4–6 serving plates; drizzle with more vinaigrette and garnish with reserved peanuts and cilantro.
  
Risotto with Leeks, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Truffles


Ingredients
  • 2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), halved, thinly sliced crosswise (about 2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup whipping cream

Mushrooms:
  • 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, cut into 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick slices
  • 1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon white truffle oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

Risotto:
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 5 cups (or more) hot vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons shaved or chopped black truffle (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley
Preperation

For leeks:
Bring leeks and cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until leeks are tender and cream is thick, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm before continuing.

For mushrooms:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss all ingredients on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until mushrooms are tender and light brown around edges, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

For risotto:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add rice; stir 1 minute. Add wine and stir until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup hot broth. Simmer until broth is almost absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add more broth, 1 cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding next and stirring often, until rice is tender and mixture is creamy, about 20 minutes longer. Stir in leek mixture, mushroom mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, cheese, and truffle. Transfer to large bowl, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Market Tip White truffle oil is sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets. Black truffles are available at specialty foods stores and from igourmet.com. A flavorful substitute for the shaved truffles is the Truffle Gatherers Sauce ($19), which can be ordered from fungusamongus.com.


http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Risotto-with-Leeks-Shiitake-Mushrooms-and-Truffles-239801#ixzz14vlcBRRW



Brussels Sprout Hash with Caramelized Shallots


Ingredients


  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, divided
  • 1/2 pound shallots, thinly sliced
  • Coarse kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup water
Preparation

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sprinkle with coarse kosher salt and pepper. Sauté until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar. Stir until brown and glazed, about 3 minutes.
Halve brussels sprouts lengthwise. Cut lengthwise into thin (1/8-inch) slices. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sprouts; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until brown at edges, 6 minutes. Add 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons butter. Sauté until most of water evaporates and sprouts are tender but still bright green, 3 minutes. Add shallots; season with salt and pepper.


 http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Brussels-Sprout-Hash-with-Caramelized-Shallots-240411#ixzz14vjxj4p3


Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Pistachios

Ingredients 
  • 3 large red beets (1 2/3 lb without greens)
  • 2 large golden beets (1 lb without greens)
  • 1/4 cup minced shallot
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup pistachio oil
  • 4 oz soft mild goat cheese
  • 3 tablespoons salted shelled pistachios (not dyed red), coarsely chopped
  • 1 oz mâche (also called lamb's lettuce), trimmed (4 cups)

Special equipment: a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter (without handle; at least 2 inches high)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Separately wrap red and golden beets tightly in double layers of foil and roast in middle of oven until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Unwrap beets.

While beets are cooling slightly, whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a stream, whisking.

When beets are cool enough to handle, slip off and discard skins. Separately cut red and golden beets into 1/4-inch dice and put in separate bowls. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons dressing to each bowl and toss to coat.

Place cookie cutter in center of 1 of 8 salad plates. Put one eighth of red beets in cutter and pack down with your fingertips. Crumble 2 teaspoons goat cheese on top, then one eighth of golden beets, packing them down. Gently lift cutter up and away from stack. Make 7 more servings in same manner. Drizzle each plate with 1 teaspoon dressing and scatter with some pistachios.

Toss mâche with just enough remaining dressing to coat and gently mound on top of beets. Serve immediately.

Cooks' notes: Beets can be roasted and diced 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before using. • Molded beet salad (without mâche) can be assembled 45 minutes ahead and kept, covered, at cool room temperature.


http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Beet-and-Goat-Cheese-Salad-with-Pistachios-107426#ixzz14vl96sLd
Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon
Ingredients
  • 1 pound white asparagus, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 pound green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
  • 1/4 pound fresh morels, cleaned and halved lengthwise if large
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Garnish: chopped fresh tarragon
Preparation

Cook white and green asparagus separately in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes for white asparagus; about 3 minutes for green asparagus.

Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to a colander and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking), then drain again. Pat dry.

Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallots, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add morels and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus, tarragon, salt, pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and sauté, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Cooks' note: Asparagus can be boiled 1 day ahead and chilled in a sealed plastic bag lined with paper towels.


http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Asparagus-with-Morels-and-Tarragon-238445#ixzz14voO9Jpa



Avocado Tomato And Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 2 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 pound mozzarella
  • 1 1/2 ounce bunch fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

With a small knife, cut the little stem end out of the tomato, and using a serrated knife, cut the tomatoes into 1/3 inch slices. Slice the mozzarella 1/4 inch thick.
Alternate slices of Avocado, tomato, mozzarella and basil leaves like playing cards on individual plates.
Drizzle on the olive oil and vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Italian bread or baguette (French bread).

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianappetizers/r/avosalad1.htm



Marinated Cauliflower Salad













Ingredients
Serves 4
  • 3 Tbs. lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets (8 oz.)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch dice (1 cup)
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, optional
Preperation

1. Whisk together lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and oil in small bowl. Toss with cauliflower in large nonreactive bowl, cover, and refrigerate 4 to 8 hours. Stir 1 or 2 times while marinating.
2. Stir bell pepper and parsley into marinated cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan, if using.


Chocolate S'mores Pie


Campfire lovers rejoice: marshmallows may not
be veg (they contain gelatin), but marshmallow
crème is. A little of this decadent dessert goes a
 long way, so serve it in thin slivers.

Ingredients

  • 1 7-oz. bar 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
  • 1 cup soy creamer
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust
  • 1 1/2 cups marshmallow crème
Preperation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chopped chocolate in heat-proof bowl. Bring soy creamer to a simmer in medium saucepan. Pour soy creamer over chocolate, and let stand 30 seconds, then whisk until combined. Whisk in egg, vanilla, and pinch of salt.
2. Pour chocolate mixture into crust. Cover crust edges with foil or pie shield. Place on baking sheet, and bake 25 minutes, or until softly set around edges but still loose in center when shaken. Cool 1 hour on wire rack.
3. Preheat broiler. Spread marshmallow crème on pie, and broil 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until top is golden-brown.

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/11358?section



Wild Mushroom Lasagne

Earthy porcinis with tart tomatoes in a creamy sauce make for a vegetarian appetizer or main course that even meat-eaters might love.

For Béchamel sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, heated
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For mushroom tomato sauce

  • 2 cups boiling-hot water
  • 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms (1 cup)
  • 1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 (14- to 15-oz) cans diced tomatoes in juice
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For assembling lasagne

  • 12 long ruffle-edged dried lasagne noodles (not no-boil)
  • 5 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 3/4 cups; see cooks' notes, below)

Make béchamel:

  • Heat butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat until melted, then add flour and cook roux over low heat, whisking, 3 minutes. Add hot milk in a fast stream, whisking vigorously, and whisk in garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, whisking. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 10 minutes, then remove garlic and add pepper.

Make mushroom tomato sauce:

  • Pour boiling-hot water over porcini in a bowl and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes. Lift out porcini, squeezing excess liquid back into bowl, then rinse to remove any grit. Pour soaking liquid through a sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into another bowl. Chop porcini and add to soaking liquid.
  • Cook onion in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes, then stir in tomatoes with juice, sugar, porcini with soaking liquid, and 1 tablespoon basil. Simmer, stirring frequently, until tomatoes have broken down into a chunky sauce, about 25 minutes. Stir in salt and remaining tablespoon basil.

Assemble and bake lasagne:

  • Cook lasagne noodles in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water 8 minutes (noodles will not be cooked through), then drain and transfer to a bowl of cold water.
  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Spread 1 cup béchamel on bottom of a buttered 13- by 9-inch baking dish, reserving remainder for last layer. Drain 3 lasagne noodles in 1 layer on a kitchen towel and arrange over béchamel in baking dish. Spread pasta in dish evenly with one third of mushroom tomato sauce and sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layering of pasta, mushroom tomato sauce, and cheese twice, then cover with last 3 lasagne noodles. Spread remaining béchamel on top and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, until lasagne is bubbling and top is browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes before cutting.
Cooks’ notes:
  • To finely grate Parmigiano-Reggiano and similar cheeses, use the small (1/8-inch) teardrop-shaped holes (not the ragged-edged holes) of a box or similar handheld grater. Other shaped holes, a Microplane rasp, and pregrated cheese yield different volumes. 
  • Béchamel and mushroom tomato sauces can be made 2 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled separately, covered. Bring sauces to room temperature before using.
  • You can assemble lasagne 1 day ahead and chill, covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.

http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2005/02/wild-mushroom-lasagne



Bruschette with Chickpea Purée and Chopped Arugula Salad

For toasts

  • 6 (3/4-inch-thick) slices of bread from 1 (7- to 8-inch) round country loaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For topping

  • 1 (19-oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (2 cups)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Chopped arugula salad

Make toasts:

  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Arrange bread slices in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and brush top of each with 1 teaspoon oil. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes.

Make chickpea purée:

  • Slip off skins from chickpeas with your fingers (discard skins). Blend chickpeas, water, oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor until very smooth (mixture will appear whipped).

Assemble bruschette:

  • Spread toasts with chickpea purée and serve topped with arugula salad.
Cooks' note: Chickpea purée can be made 2 days ahead and chilled in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic















  • 1 1/2 lb Broccolini (sometimes called baby broccoli; 3 bunches), ends trimmed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cook Broccolini in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until stems are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes, then drain in a colander.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté half of garlic, stirring, until pale golden, about 30 seconds. Add half of Broccolini, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and repeat with remaining ingredients.














  • 6 1/2 cups cold water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups yellow cornmeal (not stone-ground)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil plus additional for brushing
  • 1/2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/3 cup)
  • Brush a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with water.
  • Combine 6 1/2 cups cold water with salt and cornmeal in a 5-quart heavy pot and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking. Reduce heat to moderately low and cook, stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon, until polenta begins to pull away from side of pot, 20 to 25 minutes. Pour polenta into baking pan, spreading evenly with a dampened heatproof rubber spatula. Cool in pan on a rack until polenta is lukewarm and set, about 20 minutes.
  • Brush a baking sheet with olive oil and invert baking pan with polenta onto sheet to unmold.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Brush polenta with 2 teaspoons oil and sprinkle with cheese. Broil about 4 inches from heat until pale golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then cut into 3- by 1 1/2-inch sticks.
Cooks’ note: Polenta can be cooked and unmolded 1 day ahead. Chill on oiled baking sheet, surface covered with lightly oiled parchment (oiled side down), then tightly covered with plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature before brushing with oil, sprinkling with cheese, and broiling.












  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 lb delicata squash (3 medium), halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide slices
  • 2 lb mixed fresh mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, trimmed (stems discarded if using shiitakes) and halved (quartered if large)
  • Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Stir together oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss squash with 2 tablespoons thyme oil in a shallow baking pan (1/2 to 1 inch deep) and arrange in 1 layer. Toss mushrooms with remaining 1/4 cup thyme oil in another shallow baking pan (1/2 to 1 inch deep) and arrange in 1 layer. Roast squash and mushrooms, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through roasting, until vegetables are tender and liquid mushrooms give off is evaporated, 25 to 30 minutes.
Cooks' note: Squash can be sliced 1 day ahead and chilled in a sealed plastic bag.

  • 1-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 ounces assorted mushrooms (like shiitake, cremini, and brown), stemmed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan

Directions

Place the dried mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with 1 1/2 cups very hot water. Set aside and let the mushrooms soften.

Place the carrots, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse the vegetables until finely chopped but still chunky. Place the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Strain the porcini mushrooms, reserving the porcini mushroom liquid. Add the porcini mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, and tomato paste and continue cooking, stirring to dissolve the tomato paste, until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the porcini mushroom liquid and red wine. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and stir just until the cheese is incorporated.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and add to the vegetable mixture. Add some of the reserved pasta cooking liquid, if necessary, to moisten the sauce. Toss with Parmesan and serve.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/rigatoni-with-vegetable-bolognese-recipe/index.html