Posts for May 24th 2012

recipes

White House Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

This recipe calls for one teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon, so I used 1/2 teaspoon of each.

This recipe calls for one teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon, so I used 1/2 teaspoon of each.

White House Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

White House Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

6 tablespoons grape seed oil, or other neutral oil, plus extra for brushing the pan
2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup mixed seeds (such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, cherries, apricots, papaya, and pineapple — use at least three kinds and cut large fruits into dime-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 350ºF. Line a nine-by-nine-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, letting a few inches hang over the sides of the pan. Brush with oil.
  2. Spread the oats and seeds on another baking pan and toast in the oven until they're golden and fragrant, about six to eight minutes, shaking the pan once during toasting.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the oil, honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until smooth and hot.
  4. Transfer the toasted oats and seeds, dried fruit, and cardamom and/or cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the oats, seeds, and dried fruit, and stir until well combined.
  5. While the mixture is warm, transfer it to the prepared pan, pressing it into the pan easily with an offset spatula. Bake until brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
  7. Using the overhanging foil or parchment paper, lift the fruit and oat mixture out of the pan and place on a work surface. Cut into 1-1/2-inch-by-3-inch bars.

Serves nine.

recipes

Broccoli Soup

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock in place of chicken broth.

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock in place of chicken broth.

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Soup

Broccoli Soup

Ingredients

1 large onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
3 heads broccoli
6 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
1/2 cup light sour cream (optional)
4 tablespoons jalapeño-infused olive oil (optional)

Directions

  1. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic in butter until translucent.
  2. Trim the broccoli into one-inch pieces and blanch them in salty water.
  3. Add the broccoli to the vegetable mixture.
  4. Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Simmer for 10 minutes then pass the mixture through a strainer, food mill, or blender.
  6. Season soup to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Top with sour cream and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.

Serves four to six.

onsugar

A Veggie-Filled Indoor Picnic

A sandwich of asparagus and mushrooms could be kind of dull — or, as Between the Bread demonstrates, it could be a triumphant lesson in culinary restraint.

A sandwich of asparagus and mushrooms could be kind of dull — or, as Between the Bread demonstrates, it could be a triumphant lesson in culinary restraint.

Ann Arbor's famed Zingerman's Deli is known for its corned beef sandwiches, but it's also not shy when it comes to packing on farmers market fresh veggies.

This recipe, dubbed Rodger's Big Picnic, comes from my trusty Roadfood Sandwiches cookbook, which describes this sandwich as Zingerman's ode to Michigan produce and particularly asparagus.

Putting this recipe together, I worried it would be too dull. The mushrooms are just broiled, not marinated, and the sandwich is adorned with nothing but sharp cheddar and Dijon mustard.

But with perfectly cooked, totally fresh produce, two ingredients are all you need. The sandwich was unexpectedly graceful, simple yet full-bodied, and hard to put down.

For the recipe, keep reading.

let's dish

What Foods Did You Despise as a Child but Grow to Love as an Adult?

Every child has a food that's an absolute no.

Every child has a food that's an absolute no. It varies by kid; my niece loves everything from asparagus to calamari to brussels sprouts, but she'll turn her nose up at mushrooms every time, no matter how they're prepared.

When I was growing up, I was a pretty adventurous eater, but I despised frozen peas — so much that I made up an elaborate story about them being my doll's favorite thing on the entire planet and got away with passing along my helping to her whenever the vegetable was served at dinner. For most of my life, I continued my disdain of peas of all kinds: frozen, canned, and fresh. Then one Spring, I popped open one of those English pea pods at the farmers market and fell in love. Now, whenever this time of year rolls around, I can't wait to shell fresh peas.

I'm curious to know your stories: what foods did you hate as a kid that you've since learned to love?

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

salads

A First Ladylike Grilled Chicken Salad With Herb Vinaigrette

Michelle Obama exudes elegance, so it's no surprise that her recipe for chicken salad with herb vinaigrette is simple and sophisticated too.

Michelle Obama exudes elegance, so it's no surprise that her recipe for chicken salad with herb vinaigrette is simple and sophisticated too. In honor of the First Lady's first cookbook, American Grown, coming out on May 29, I whipped up this easy and healthy dinner salad.

This salad celebrates Summer greens, herbs, and grilling season, though if you don't have a grill, the chicken is just as delicious if you cook it in a broiler, like I did. The grill-laden marinade and sherry vinaigrette complement each other for a fresh flavor that requires little adornments. To marinate the chicken, just mix up the lemon zest, herbs, and enough olive oil to coat. I only marinated mine for about 20 minutes and that was plenty to create a flavorful, golden browned breast.

I also served the chicken a second night atop a salad with fresh corn and avocado, and it was still a standout. Considering how extraordinary fast and easy this recipe was, I'll definitely be making it again. Get the recipe now.

recipes

11 Iconic Frozen Treats to Make at Home

Warm weather is here, and with it, the inevitable cravings for ice cream and other frozen treats.

Warm weather is here, and with it, the inevitable cravings for ice cream and other frozen treats. Sure, a scoop of organic sorbet could do the trick, but sometimes nothing beats a bite of chilly nostalgia best enjoyed on sweltering days at the community pool. If the tinkling tunes of the ice cream truck don't grace your neighborhood nearly enough, we've rounded up 11 iconic frozen novelties that you can whip up at home!

community

Savory Sight: Chorizo and Potato Flautas

We like potatoes and we like chorizo — but wrapped together in crispy, just-fried tortillas?

We like potatoes and we like chorizo — but wrapped together in crispy, just-fried tortillas? Well, we love that. Thanks to Ericairis for inspiration.


These flautas were so easy to make and packed a huge flavor punch. 

For the recipe, check out her blog, then be sure to share your latest eats with us in the Savory Sights community group.