Penne with butternut squash, sage, and bresaola

Sheesh, talk about delish. This Williams-Sonoma pasta dish was out of this world. 5-star stamp of approval from the family, too.

Penne with butternut squash, sage, and bresaola (non-dairy adaptations by me)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

5 shallots, minced

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into small dice

pinch of ground allspice

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

3/4 cup chicken broth

splash of balsamic vinegar

1 pound penne

8 fresh sage leaves, cut into narrow strips

1/4 pound thinly sliced bresaola, cut into narrow strips

1/2 – 1 cup grated soy parmesan

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the shallots and cook until softened, 3 – 4 minutes. Add the squash and allspice and season with salt and pepper. Saute for 1 – 2 minutes. Add the broth, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the squash is fork tender, about 8 minutes. (do not stir the squash while cooking or it will break down into a puree. You want to keep the pieces whole). Turn off the heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Generously salt the boiling water, add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 – 12 minutes.

Drain the pasta well and put it in a warmed large, shallow bowl. Pour on the squash mixture. Add the sage, bresaola, and a drizzle of olive oil and toss gently. Sprinkle with some parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

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Spicy grain soup

Well, okay, maybe not all that spicy, as I usually turn down the heat a little. But this was one excellent, full-bodied soup. Was it the grains? Plus the vegetables? Maybe the allspice? This had a richness all its own. It’s a chewy soup, and ultimately satisfying.

Spicy grain soup (slightly modified from Food&Wine)

1/2 cup pearl barley

water

1/2 cup short-grain brown rice

1/2 cup bulghur

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 ancho chile (or more, according to your liking for heat), stemmed, seeded, broken into 2″ pieces

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, halved

2 quarts vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes

6 cilantro sprigs, plus 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon ground allspice

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thinly sliced

1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium carrot, finely diced

1 medium zucchini, finely diced

1 medium parsnip, finely diced

1/2 cup salted roasted pumpkin seeds

In a medium saucepan, cover the barley with 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until tender, about 35 minutes; drain. Return the barley to the pan and cover. In another medium saucepan, cover the brown rice with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until tender, about 35 minutes. Drain the brown rice and add to the barley.

In a medium bowl, cover the bulghur with 1 cup hot water. cover and let stand until the water is absorbed, 10 minutes.

In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil. Add the chile, onion, and garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, cilantro sprigs and allspice and season with 1 tablespoon of salt and a pinch of pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. Puree the soup in a blender and return to the pan.

Add the  mushrooms, black beans, carrot, zucchini, and parsnip to the pureed soup and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Add the barley, rice, and bulghur and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro and serve. Makes 8 servings.

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Pasta with caramelized onion, swiss chard, and garlicky bread crumbs

Another delicious “fall” flavored pasta dish. I really liked the garlicky bread crumbs with the pasta and veggies – a really nice touch. The original called for anchovies, which I omitted – we just are not fans. I added a couple handfuls of soy mozzarella instead.

Pasta with caramelized onion, swiss chard, and garlicky bread crumbs (adapted from the NYTimes)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs (I used whole wheat sour dough)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling

1 yellow onion, halved from stem to root and thinly sliced crosswise

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 pound swiss chard, ribs removed and leaves chopped

1/2 pound whole wheat pasta (I used fusilli)

2 handfuls shredded soy mozzarella

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in the bread crumbs and toast until golden, 3 – 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Wipe the skillet clean and return it to a medium-high heat. Add the oil, the onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and caramelized, 15 – 20 minutes. Add the swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Cover and keep warm.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain well. Toss with the chard mixture and bread crumbs. Add the mozzarella and toss. Season with salt and pepper; drizzle with oil. Makes 4 servings.

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Moroccan chicken and couscous soup

A wonderfully spiced, hearty and healthy soup. Easy to prepare, and I served it with some crusty bread. It warmed us.

Moroccan chicken and couscous soup (from Food&Wine)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 pound boneless chicken breast, until into thin strips

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1″ pieces

3/4 cup tomato puree

1 quart water

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup couscous

1/3 cup chopped fresh parlsey

In a large pot, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, til translucent, about 5 minutes.

Increase the heat to moderately high. Add the chicken, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

Stir in the sweet potato, zucchini, tomato puree, water, and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the couscous to the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup stand, covered, for 2 minutes; add the parsley and serve. Makes 4 servings.

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Crab tater tots

These tasty little morsels I first saw on Eats Well With Others blog, and I knew I had to try them. Like Joanne, I did not deep fry mine; instead, I shallow-fried them, enough to get that crispy outer crust and a tender and melt-in-your-mouth interior. I added a little parsley to mine, too. Also, I subbed margarine for the butter. All good!

Crab tater tots

2 tablespoons margarine

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup flour

1 egg

1 cup seasoned mashed potatoes (2 medium/large potatoes worth)

8 ounces crab meat

handful of chopped parsley

panko

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil for frying

In a small pan, combine the margarine and water over medium-high heat. Simmer until margarine is melted. Lower the heat and mix in the flour. Keep mixing until the paste that forms peels away from the side of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool for five minutes. Mix in the egg.

Mix the egg mixture into the seasoned mashed potatoes. Mix in the crab and the parsley. Heat the oil.

Take a handful of potato/crab mixture, roll in some panko until it is completely dredged, then place in the oil, turning once in the frying process. hey should take 2 – 3 minutes to cook. Place on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

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Acorn squash alfredo pasta

This was a totally different take on “alfredo,” and when I perused this recipe, I became immediately drawn to it. Totally vegan, creamy and fresh, and with a little pop, too. Verdict? I loved it; husband was meh. But I will be making this again.

Acorn squash alfredo pasta (from HealthyHappyLife blog)

4 cups roasted acorn squash (about 1 medium squash)

1 cup parsley (or fresh basil)

3/4 cup almond milk

1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes

2 – 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 – 3 tablespoons dijon mustard

2 – 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons roasted garlic

1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

1 pound pasta

2 – 3 cups sliced mushrooms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Fill a casserole dish with an inch of water. Slice acorn squash in half and lay flat in dish. Roast for 60 – 75  minutes. When done, remove flesh and place in a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients up to the pasta. Process for about 2 minutes, so that the parsley is chopped into fine bits. Set sauce aside.

Boil a pot of salted water. Add your pasta. 3 minutes before the pasta will be ready, add the mushrooms to the pot and cook til pasta is al dente. Drain. Toss well with the acorn squash alfredo sauce and serve. Makes 6 servings.

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Pasta with heirloom grape tomato bruschetta

Here is a quick and easy lunch or dinner, using the last of the heirloom tomatoes, or in this case, the heirloom grape tomatoes. Use your favorite bruschetta recipe, or the one provided below, and toss over some freshly cooked pasta. Instant gratification.

Pasta with bruschetta

1 pound heirloom grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonaded

1 – 2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3/4 pound pasta, cooked al dente

Toss the first 4 ingredients together. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Toss with your pasta and serve. Makes 4 servings.

 

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Pizza with charred grape tomatoes

We hadn’t had pizza in a while, and this one looked too good to pass up. With a few modifications, I made it my own. We really liked the grilled chicken on top, and totally left off the pesto and never missed it. I just loved the panko crumbs mixed with the tomatoes – it added a very flavorful and sophisticated crunch. Delicious.

Pizza with charred grape tomatoes

3/4 pound grape tomatoes

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 shallot, thinly sliced

5 basil leaves, torn

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

pizza dough (I used Trader Joe’s)

1 boneless grilled chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup grated soy mozzarella

3 tablespoons grated soy parmesan

Preheat the broiler. In a medium baking pan, toss the grape tomatoes with the panko, garlic, shallot, basil, and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil 6″ from the heat for about 5 – 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes pop and brown lightly.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Prepare your dough in your favorite fashion and place on pan (rolled out, or like mine – I stretched mine out on a cornmeal dusted pan). Spoon on the grape tomato topping evenly, then add the chicken breast, scattered evenly. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and then the parmesan. Pop into the oven and bake for about 10 – 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is lightly golden brown. Makes 4 – 6 servings.

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Spaghetti with edamame, parsley, garlic, and olive oil

I love anything edamame, and this was a fresh idea for its use. A sort of modified pesto, sans nuts, but bursting with fresh flavor. I added some grilled chicken, too. This also tasted good for lunch the next day.

Spaghetti with edamame, parsley, garlic, and olive oil (from the NY Times, adapted by me)

1 large garlic clove, finely minced

leaves from 1 bunch parsley

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/3 cups frozen shelled edamame

3/4 pound spaghetti

1/4 cup grated soy parmesan

1 boneless grilled chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (my addition)

Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Meanwhile, turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it’s chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the bowl with a spatula. Add the parsley to the bowl, and process until finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil. Transfer the mixture to a large pasta bowl.

When the water in the pot comes to a boil, salt generously, add the edamame and cook five minutes. Remove from the pot with a strainer and place in the bowl with the parsley.

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, and cook al dente following package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, remove 1/2 cup of the cooking water and add to the bowl with the parsley and edamame. Drain the pasta, and toss with the parsley mixture. Add soy parmesan and serve. Makes 4 servings.

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Chard, onion, chicken, and swiss soy panade

After the successful attempt at making a panade last week, I found another panade recipe for inspiration and enjoyment. Again, substituting real cheese with soy, and with the addition of some grilled balsamic chicken, this was a complete meal for us. Most delicious, and it filled the house with great aromas as it cooked.

Chard, onion, chicken, and swiss soy panade (originally from the Zuni Cafe, via SuperSpark blog, with my adaptations)

1 1/2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced

about 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, slivered

salt

1 pound red swiss chard, thick ribs removed, cut into 1″ wide ribbons

1 boneless balsamic-grilled chicken breast, from Trader Joe’s (or any kind of cooked chicken of your choice)

10 ounces day-old chewy sour dough bread, cut into rough 1″ cubes

2 cups chicken broth

2 loosely packed cups of grated soy swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place the onions in a large skillet, drizzle and toss with about 1/8 cup olive oil, then cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and a few pinches of salt. Continue to saute, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and deeply golden. Set aside.

Place the chard in a large skillet, drizzle with olive oil and a few pinches of salt. Set pan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are just starting to wilt, about 2 – 4 minutes. Set aside.

In a 2 quart pan or dish, assemble the panade layers. Start with a good smear of onions, followed by a loose scattering of bread cubes, a thin layer of onions, a blanket of chard, and a handful of cheese and chicken. Repeat, continuing until all ingredients are incorporated and the dish is full. Aim for 2 to 3 layers of each component, but make sure that the top is a mosaic of all ingredients, having a rustic look.

Bring the broth to a simmer and pour the liquid slowly, in doses, over the assembled panade, drizzling it down the sides of the dish. The liquid should come up nearly to the top of the layered ingredients.

Cover and bake until hot and bubbly, about an hour to an hour and a half. The top should be pale golden and a bit darker on the edges. Remove the cover, raise the oven temperature to 375 degrees, and bake for another 10 – 20 minutes, until the to is golden brown. Remove from oven, let it settle for a minute or two, then serve. Makes 4 – 6 servings.

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