Pappardelle with butternut squash and blue cheese

February 23, 2019 Belinda

Nigella Lawson has created this vegetarian and complex-flavored pasta dish.
This is one of those welcoming, big-bowl suppers, perfect for feeding friends cosily. Soft, oniony cubes of squash are answered by the salty, sharp and pungent cheese; a little sage breathes its necessary but not overbearing bitterness, and the waxy, scorched pine nuts give quiet crunch and a hint of nuttiness, to this meltingly gorgeous concoction.

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Serves: 6

1 large (approx 2¾-3¼lb) butternut squash or 1¾lb ready-cubed squash
1 medium – large onion
2 tbap regular olive oil
¾ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp marsala (don’t miss this out!)
½ cup water
Salt to taste
⅔ cup pinenuts
1 lb pappardelle or other robust pasta
6 fresh sage leaves
5 oz soft blue cheese (such as Saint Agur)

Peel and de-seed the butternut squash, and cut into roughly (1-inch) cubes.
Peel and finely chop the onion and fry in the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan that can accommodate the pasta later. When the onion starts to become golden, add the paprika.

Tumble in the cubes of butternut squash and then add the butter, turning everything together in the pan. Once the squash is slicked with the oniony oil and butter, add the marsala and water. Let the pan come to a bubble, then put the lid on, turn down the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, put a large pan of water on for the pasta, adding salt only when it comes to the boil; and toast the pine nuts separately in a hot, dry pan on the hob until scorched a dark gold, then tip them into a bowl or plate to cool.

Lift the lid off the squash pan and check the butternut is tender; if not, then cook for a little longer without the lid on – the squash should hold its shape and not turn to a mush. Once it’s ready, season to taste – go easy with the salt because the blue cheese will add extra saltiness later – and take off the heat and let it wait for its happy union with the pappardelle.

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions, though check a couple of minutes before the manufacturers declare it will be ready. While waiting for the pasta to cook – you should give the pan a loose stir or swirl every now and again – you can finely chop the sage leaves and crumble the cheese. Sprinkle most of the sage over the squash, keeping some back, and give a quick stir; but keep the cheese for now.

Before you drain the pappardelle, lower a mug or cup into the pan and hive off a little pasta-cooking water, then tip the drained pasta into the resting sage-sprinkled squash pan and slowly turn the pasta in the sauce to combine; or you can do this in a capacious warmed bowl. If you find the sauce too dry, or if it all needs a little help coming together, add some of the pasta-cooking water – the starch in it encourages the sauce to emulsify, the better to cling to the pasta.

Drop the crumbled cheese and about a half of the pine nuts, then – much as though you were tossing a salad – gently combine, before sprinkling the other half of the pine nuts and the reserved chopped sage on top.

Make ahead note:
Squash sauce can be cooked 1 day ahead. Simmer until the squash is just tender then transfer to non-metallic bowl to cool. Cover and refrigerate as soon as possible. Reheat gently in a saucepan before adding sage and continuing as directed in recipe.

Freeze note:
Squash sauce can be frozen, in airtight container, for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge and reheat as above.

Do-ahead · Vegetable sides

Low-carb cheesy zucchini gratin

February 21, 2019September 7, 2022 Belinda

Cheesy Zucchini Gratin is not only low carb, it is insanely delicious and loaded with garlic and the most heavenly cheesy cream sauce. Adults and children will both love it.

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1 large zucchini, sliced thin & cut in half circles
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup of beef broth
1 cup cheese of your choice (mozzarella/asiago mix is great, also provolone/fontina works wonderfully too)
3 large cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream

In a large oven proof skillet, melt butter with the onions until lightly caramelized, then add in the fresh garlic and saute for about 1 minute on medium heat.

Add in the beef broth, salt, pepper and the heavy cream into the onion/garlic mixture and stir to combine.

Allow it to slightly begin to bubble, then add in the parmesan cheese and stir.

Add in the sliced zucchini and cook an for an additional 5 minutes until softened..

Top with your cheese of choice evenly across the entire top and bake at 425F for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown to your liking.

Holiday Food · Pasta · Vegetarian pasta

World’s best baked mac n’ cheese with crispy garlic breadcrumbs

December 23, 2018December 23, 2018 Belinda

I have made so many mac n’cheeses over the years and finally settled on this one as being the very best. It’s one every age group loves.

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Serves 12

For the topping:
4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 – 3 cups Panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (grate it yourself, it tastes better)
1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the macaroni and sauce:
1 lb dried elbow macaroni (large size)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
¾ to 1 cup heavy cream
16 oz coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar (about 6 cups)
¾ cup grated Parmesan
2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1 1/2 tbsp English mustard powder

Special equipment:
9- by 13-inch baking dish

Preheat oven to 400°F with the rack in the middle of oven. Butter the baking dish. Set a large, covered pot of salted water over high heat to boil.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil until butter foam subsides. Add the panko breadcrumbs and garlic; cook, stirring, until crumbs are golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, stir in ¾ cup Parmesan and salt, and set aside.

Add macaroni to boiling salted water and cook until just al dente (avoid overcooking). Drain macaroni and set aside.

In a large wide pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over butter, whisking to incorporate and make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until roux is light golden, about 4 minutes.
Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to incorporate and make a béchamel sauce. Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes more.
Add the salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Add the cheeses in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Remove from heat.

Add the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Transfer macaroni mixture to the buttered baking dish and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.

Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Meat · Pasta

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

October 19, 2018 Belinda1 Comment

This is the perfect warming, comforting family meal combining two favorites from the food blog, “Damn Delicious”

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1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
8 oz ground beef
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3/4 cup canned white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 ounces elbows pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
Add the garlic, onion and ground beef, and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to a simmer and stir in pasta. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-15 minutes.
Remove from heat. Top with cheese, stir and cover until melted, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Do-ahead · Holiday Food · Pasta

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

October 18, 2018September 7, 2022 Belinda

This recipe is from the food blog “Damn Delicious.” It’s such a great time of year to serve this soothing, creamy and tasty dish.

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Serves 6

8 oz medium pasta shells
6 slices bacon, diced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tbsp finely chopped sage
1 1/4 cups half and half
1 cup whole milk
1 (15-ounce) can butternut squash puree. (You can also use sweet potato puree)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 oz shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 2 1/2 cups
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions; drain well.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat; transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the garlic and shallot, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Whisk in the flour and sage until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the half and half, milk, butternut squash and Dijon.
Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the pasta and cheese until melted, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and chives, if desired.

Appetizer Vegetarian · Appetizers · Baking · Holiday Food · Nuts

Mini cranberry-brie bites

October 14, 2018 Belinda1 Comment

These are simple and fabulous and the rosemary and chopped pecans really take them up a notch. Another beauty from the website “Delish”

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1 tube crescent dough
Cooking spray, for pan
Flour, for rolling out dough
8 oz. wheel Brie
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1″ pieces.

Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crescent dough, and pinch the seams together. Cut into 24 squares.
Place the squares into muffin tin slots.
Cut the brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough.
Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary.
Bake until the crescent is golden, about 15 minutes.
Serve warm.

Do-ahead · Gluten Free · Vegetable sides

Grilled asparagus with caper salsa

June 7, 2018September 7, 2022 Belinda

This is a really super recipe I got from the NYT and the salsa really complements the asparagus beautifully. If you can’t get the right goat cheese that crumbles easily, you can use crumbled feta cheese too.

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3 bunches asparagus, approximately 1lb, woody ends trimmed and discarded
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
¼ cup capers, ideally small, drained, rinsed and patted dry
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, peeled, crushed and minced
⅓ cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
½ cup crumbled caprino fresco cheese, or another soft goat cheese like chèvre, or crumbled feta if you can’t get the right goat cheese

Fill a medium-size pot with cold water, and place it over high heat. When the water boils, add the asparagus, and blanch for 1 minute.
Drain the asparagus, and rinse it immediately under cold water. Drain the asparagus again and place in a medium bowl, with 1 tablespoon of the oil, a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
Mix gently, and set aside.

Light a charcoal or gas grill, or place a grill pan on the stove over high heat. Once it is hot, add the asparagus in batches, and grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, turning a few times, until the spears are lightly charred. Transfer to a large platter with all the tips facing in one direction.

Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together the capers with the remaining tablespoon of oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. Add the goat cheese to the mixture, stir gently and spoon over the asparagus.

Gluten Free · Vegetable sides · Vegetable-related

Spaghetti squash with cheese, garlic and spinach

April 28, 2018 Belinda

This gorgeous recipe comes from a vegetarian blog called “Peas and Crayons”

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AUTHOR JENN LAUGHLIN – PEAS AND CRAYONS

YIELD 2-4 SERVINGS

1 medium spaghetti squash
2.5 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp olive or avocado oil
5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup cream
1 tbsp cream cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
salt and pepper, to taste
grated or sliced mozzarella for topping, to taste

Pre-heat oven to 400F.
Slice your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
For easy cutting, feel free to stick your squash in the microwave to soften it up just a tad. Pierce it a few times with a knife (to help vent so it doesn’t burst) and cook for for 3-5 minutes. The knife slides through way easier this way! Smaller squash will need about 3 minutes while larger ones will be good to go at 4-5 min.

Next grab a lipped baking sheet or a rimmed baking dish.
Rub the cut side of the squash with a teeny bit of olive oil and place on your baking dish/sheet and roast face-down for about 40 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary a bit depending on the size of your squash, and larger squash will need to roast a bit longer to tenderize. Once ready, the once rock-hard exterior of the squash will be visibly softened with a tender interior.

The squash can be roasted and stored in the fridge for a few days if you’d like to meal prep and plan ahead for a speedier dinner.

While the squash roasts, start on the sauce.

In a medium pot or skillet, bring a drizzle of olive oil to medium-high heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Next add the spinach and stir until wilted. Add your cream, cream cheese and parmesan cheese and stir well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
Once the squash is done roasting, allow to cool until easily handled or pop on an oven mitt and use a fork to separate and fluff the strands of spaghetti squash.
Pour your sauce over each squash boat, stir to mix, and top with a little mozzarella cheese and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees F for around 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

For a golden cheesy topping, flip your oven to broil on high for just a minute or two until lightly browned.

Appetizer Vegetarian · Do-ahead · Gluten Free

Guacummus (Guacamole hummus) with feta and cumin.

April 27, 2018September 7, 2022 Belinda

Yesterday I started to make guacamole and decided to add hummus for more body. Having done this, I added crumbled Greek feta cheese, roasted ground cumin and some finely chopped red onion.
It was divine, especially on toast. Try it!
Just know that you can vary the amounts of ingredients according to taste. Have fun with it!

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3 ripe avocados
1 large lime, juiced
1/2 small red onion, chopped finely (or more if you like it spicy)
a bunch cilantro, chopped
1/2 tsp paprika or if you like it slightly smoky, use smoked paprika
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin. (I roast my cumin then grind it for much more depth of flavor)
About 3/4 cup creamy hummus. (I used Trader Joe’s hummus)
1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese
1/4 to 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, if you want a kick

Firstly, mash the avocados, add the lime juice, red onion, cumin, cilantro and paprika.
Fold in the hummus and feta crumbles.
Taste and season, adding whatever you need to get the perfect flavor.

Serve on crackers or toast.