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Fast & Easy Dinner: Tangerine and Candied Walnut Salad

partysugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:50:44 -0800

When making a salad that is to be the main course of a meal, I like to take the time to ensure that the salad is really special. The more fresh flavors and interesting textures it has, the more satisfying the salad will be. This recipe guarantees a hearty and memorable dinner salad. It combines sweet and crunchy candied walnuts with crisp fennel, juicy tangerine segments, and salty olives. A bright apple cider vinaigrette coats the greens and veggies. If you enjoy cheese in salads, toss in some crumbled goat cheese. Learn how to assemble this simple but stunning salad after the break.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Greens With Almonds and Goat Cheese

partysugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:30:39 -0800

Although I eat as many salads in Winter as I do in Summer, the type of salads I consume is very different. In Summer, I crave light, leafy, and refreshing salads with fresh fruit and herbs. In Winter, I enjoy hearty salads with lots of textural elements, dark greens, and warm vinaigrettes. This recipe is my ideal Winter salad.

It combines arugula, endive, and radicchio with toasted, crunchy almonds. The dressing is a mixture of warmed olive oil, woody herbs, and sweet apricot jam. Disks of creamy goat cheese and a chunk of toasty bread turn the salad into a filling and healthy meal. To get the recipe, read more.

Greens With Almonds and Goat Cheese
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1/2 cup whole unsalted almonds
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
6 cups baby arugula (6 ounces)
2 Belgian endives, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 small head of radicchio, cored and finely shredded
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
3 tablespoons apricot jam
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
One 8-ounce log of fresh goat cheese, cut into 8 rounds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds in a pie plate and toast for 10 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
In a bowl, mix the shallot and vinegar; let stand for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the arugula, endives, radicchio and almonds.
In a skillet, heat the oil, rosemary and thyme over moderate heat for 2 minutes, until they sizzle. Stir in the jam and cook until melted, 30 seconds. Add the shallot and vinegar and cook over low heat until warmed, 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the greens and toss. Mound the salad on plates, arrange 2 rounds of goat cheese on each plate and serve.

Serves 4.

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Come Party With Me: Chinese New Year - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:50:28 -0800

Yet another Valentine's Day where I celebrate solo. Instead of being bummed about not having a boy toy, I'm doing what I do best: hosting a dinner party! Luckily, Chinese New Year happens to fall on Valentine's Day, so I'm inviting a select group of single friends to join me for a Chinese-inspired feast. The menu starts with shiitake and scallion lo mein and pork and chive dumplings. Noodles are a staple at Lunar New Year because they symbolize longevity. The main course consists of spicy Sichuan peppercorn shrimp, stir-fried Chinese greens, and steamed white rice. To enjoy these festive and delicious recipes with your loved ones, read more.

Shiitake-and-Scallion Lo Mein
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1 pound wide lo mein noodles
1/4 pound snow peas, halved diagonally
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
6 scallions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the noodles until tender; add the snow peas to the noodles in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the noodles and snow peas and rinse under cold water until cool.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce with the mirin and sesame oil.
In a very large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil until shimmering. Add the shiitake and cook over moderately high heat, undisturbed, until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil, the scallions and ginger and stir-fry until the scallions soften, about 3 minutes. Add the water and cook over moderate heat, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 1 minute. Add the noodles, snow peas and soy sauce mixture to the skillet and cook, tossing the noodles until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Add the cilantro, transfer to banana leaf cones or bowls and serve.

Serves 8.

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Pork and Chive Dumplings
From Gourmet

Ingredients

For dipping sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1/8 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 garlic clove, smashed
3 (2-inch) dried red chiles, wiped clean
1/8 teaspoon sugar
For dumplings:
1/2 pound fatty ground pork
1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon Vietnamese chile-garlic sauce (preferably Huy Fong brand)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (not seasoned)
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of white pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro stems
3 tablespoons finely chopped flowering chives, flat Chinese chives (garlic chives), or scallions
24 to 30 round dumpling wrappers (preferably with egg)

Directions

Make sauce: Stir together all ingredients and let stand at room temperature at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
Make dumplings: Combine all ingredients (except cilantro stems, chives, and wrappers) in a large bowl, then stir in cilantro stems and chives. Set bowl in a larger bowl of ice to keep chilled while forming dumplings.
Place a slightly rounded teaspoon of filling in center of a wrapper and moisten area around filling with water. Fold in half to form a crescent and press to seal. Moisten one corner and bring corners together, pressing them, to form a tortellini-shaped dumpling. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
Cook dumplings in a large pot of gently simmering water until pork is just cooked, about 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a platter.

Makes 8 servings.

Make ahead: Dumplings can be formed (but not cooked) 2 hours ahead and chilled; or 1 month ahead and frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag. Cook frozen dumplings in 3 or 4 batches, 7 to 8 minutes per batch.

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Sichuan Peppercorn Shrimp
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
1 pound large shrimp-shelled, deveined and butterflied
Salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 scallions-2 coarsely chopped, 1 thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced
1 dried pasilla or small ancho chile, seeded and very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chile-sesame oil, for drizzling

Directions

In a small skillet, toast the peppercorns over moderate heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds; let cool. Transfer the peppercorns to a mortar or spice grinder and grind to a powder. Put the shrimp in a bowl, toss with 1 teaspoon of the ground peppercorns and season with salt.
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and stir-fry over moderate heat until almost cooked through, 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the skillet. Add the chopped scallions, garlic, jalapeños and chile and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the scallions and garlic are softened, 5 minutes.
Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the shrimp and lime juice and stir until the shrimp are just cooked through, 1 minute. Season with salt and transfer to a bowl. Garnish with the sliced scallion, drizzle with the chile oil and serve.

Serves 4.

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Stir-Fried Chinese Greens with Ginger, Oyster and Soy Sauce
From Jamie Oliver

Ingredients

11 - 14 ounces mixed Chinese greens--bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai larn), baby spinach
3 tablespoons walnut oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon thinly sliced ginger
4 scallions, finely shredded
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 pinches of sugar
juice of 1 lime
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Remove any blemished outside stalks from the greens. Put the spinach to one side so that you can add it to the wok or pan at the last minute, as it cooks very quickly. Prepare the rest of the Chinese greens; cut the Chinese broccoli into strips and the bok choy into quarters. Plunge the greens into boiling water for about 1 1/2 minutes until just tender, and drain well.
Put the oil and the ginger into a very large, hot wok or other suitable pan and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the scallions and the rest of the ingredients apart from the seasoning. Stir, then add the spinach and toss so that everything is coated in sauce. The vegetables will sizzle and stir-fry. The oyster and soy sauce will reduce, just coating the greens. At this point season to taste. Stir-fry for a further minute and serve immediately.

Serves 4-6.

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Learn to Love: Spinach

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:30:26 -0700

When it comes to stereotypical foods that kids hate, spinach tops the list, along with brussels sprouts and broccoli, all of which I've learned to love. Seriously, when it comes to bang for your buck nutrition-wise, it's hard to beat spinach.

Spinach is an awesome vegetarian source of iron. Consider that an adult woman needs 18 mg of iron per day, and one cup of cooked spinach provides 6.4 mg of that!

Eat this leafy green raw, and one cup packs in 56 percent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin A; cook it and eat a cup, and you've got a whopping 377 percent of your daily value.

It's also very high in Vitamin C and lutein, which is good for your eyes and lowers your risk of cataracts. No wonder it's one of the foods women should eat every day.

Try serving fish or meat on a bed of cooked spinach, use it to make a light Mediterranean salad, or saute it with onions and spices for a yummy side dish.

'Wich of the Week: Reds and Greens Chicken Sandwich

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:00:06 -0700

This was one of those fridge-clean-out sandwiches that came together so brilliantly I wanted to make it again immediately. I started with some ingredients I needed to use up ASAP: precooked chicken patties from Trader Joe's, a bag of mixed Southern-style greens, and a yellow onion.

Then I thought, let's make things a little more interesting. Enter a jar of roasted piquillo peppers (regular red peppers will work just fine) and sliced white cheddar cheese. To balance out all that bite, I settled on cranberry-walnut bread from Acme, while sauteed onions also added sweetness. The resulting stack of reds and greens was delectably unfamiliar and comfortingly juicy. So make it yourself!

Healthy Eating Tip: Add Greens to Smoothies

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:30:00 -0700

When I recently posted my Almond Berry Banana Yogurt Smoothie recipe, FitSugar reader andrennabird had a brilliant idea - add greens to your smoothies. It's a great way to get more nutritious leafy greens into your diet, without even tasting them. The sweet fruit and creamy yogurt hide the earthy flavor, and since you blend the greens up, there's no chewing involved.

I like adding spinach, but you can also try kale, arugula, or sprouts. Just add a few cups of greens to your favorite smoothie recipe, and sip away. Experiment with combinations to see which taste the best, and if you've come up with any delicious concoctions, please share them below.

In Season: Dandelion Greens

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:00:54 -0700

Spring doesn't officially start until tomorrow, but judging by the produce that's popping up at the farmers market, the season's already begun. Edible weeds like fresh dandelion greens are at the peak of their season now through mid-Spring - and, with their mildly astringent, pleasantly bitter flavor, they're not to be missed. To find out how they're used, read more.

Dandelion greens, which are named after the phrase dent de lion, or "lion's tooth," have jagged, irregular leaves. Look for firm, fresh, tender, bright green leaves that aren't discolored or wilted. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, they will keep for a few days. Like spinach, dandelion greens are commonly enjoyed raw, but they also taste fantastic sautéed, braised, or even stewed:

Wash, trim, tear, and toss in your favorite salad medley.
Sauté with garlic, onions and pine nuts; finish with goat cheese crumbles.
Substitute spinach for dandelion greens in spanakopita, the traditional Greek dish.
Make Provençal soup: Sauté leeks, and garlic, add greens until wilted, and then simmer over water until greens are tender. Temper in a couple of beaten eggs, turn off the heat, and top with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
Add another layer of flavor to a stew: throw in greens and cook until wilted.

What do you think of dandelion greens? If you've been a longtime fan, tell us: What are your favorite ways to enjoy them?

Definition: Arugula

partysugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:50:03 -0700

Arugula
A bitter, peppery, and aromatic salad green. It has a mustardy flavor and resembles radish leaves. Arugula is sold in bunches and should be kept refrigerated in a plastic bag. Also called rucola, rocket, and rugula, this green is delicious in salads or pasta.

Source

Fast & Easy Dinner: Poached Egg Salad

partysugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:00:28 -0800

After the overindulgence of Christmas, give your body a break and eat a salad for dinner. This hearty vegetarian recipe features greens topped with crusty bread and an oozing poached egg.

Sautéed leeks and red grapes are tossed with cider vinegar to make a tangy dressing. To check out the recipe, read more.

Poached Egg Salad
From Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

8 eggs
2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
2 cups seedless red grapes
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
Salt and ground black pepper
4 slices crusty bread, toasted
1 10-oz. pkg. Italian mixed salad greens (romaine and radicchio)
2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)

Directions

In large skillet pour water to halfway up sides. Bring water to simmering (bubbles break surface). One at a time break an egg into measuring cup. Hold lip of cup close to water; carefully slide in egg, allowing each equal space in pan. Simmer, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes, until whites are set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.
Meanwhile, in second skillet cook leeks and grapes over medium heat in 2 tablespoons of hot olive oil for 4 minutes, just until leeks are tender and grape skins burst. Remove from heat. Add vinegar. Sprinkle salt and pepper. With slotted spoon transfer eggs to toast. Serve with greens, leeks, grapes, and cheese.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Potato and Leek Flat Bread With Greens

partysugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:15:30 -0800

Pizza dough is a great ingredient to have on hand. It can be used for so much more than the traditional tomato sauce and cheese pizza.

Take this recipe for example: the dough turns into flatbread when topped with a mixture of fresh thyme, leeks, and potatoes. A sprinkle of Gruyere provides a subtle richness. Serve with a green salad and a glass of red wine and let the weekend begin!

Want the recipe? Just read more.

Potato and Leek Flat Bread With Greens
From Real Simple

Ingredients

1 1-pound package refrigerated pizza dough
Cornmeal for the pan
2 small leeks (white and light green parts), halved and thinly sliced lengthwise
2 medium Red Bliss potatoes, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Kosher salt and pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Gruyère
1 5-ounce package mixed greens

Directions

Heat oven to 450° F.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal and place the dough on top.
Combine the leeks, potatoes, thyme, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in a large bowl. Scatter the potato mixture over the dough and sprinkle with the Gruyère.
Bake until the crust is golden, about 20 minutes.
Slice into wedges and transfer to individual plates. Divide the greens among the plates. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and drizzle with the remaining oil.

Serves 4.

NUTRITION PER SERVING: CALORIES 568(29% from fat); FAT 18g (sat 5g); CHOLESTEROL 18mg; CARBOHYDRATE 86g; SODIUM 581mg; PROTEIN 18g; FIBER 7g; SUGAR 2g

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