Stuffed kabocha squash

A vegetarian can saddle up to one half of this stuffed kabocha squash and scoop out a meal of it. Alternately. add sausage and divide each half into smaller increments for a warm fall side dish. 2T butter, divided Olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 carrot, chopped, 8 cremini mushrooms, sliced…

Basic ‘Thanksgiving-style’ stuffing

This is a variation on my grandmother’s Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.  While she celebrated the invention of packaged, pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, I prefer using real bread, not sliced bread, not precut cubes, but actually cutting a loaf of bakery bread.  This poses a perception challenge because the bread swells with the liquid and the stuffing can end…

Rice 4 beans

A perfect compliment to most bean recipes. 1 strip bacon, cut into large slices 6 scallions, sliced 2 stalks celery, minced 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, minced 1 garlic clove, grated 1 bay leaf 1T thyme 2 whole dried chile de arbol 1c rice In a rice cooker or pot, render the bacon over…

Roasted pepper and radicchio salad

Sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter, try this roasted pepper and radicchio salad when you are looking for a creative side dish. Can also be made with kale, red preferred, tossed with some olive oil and roasted until just crispy. 1 red bell pepper 1 Anaheim pepper 1 yellow or orange bell pepper 1T olive oil…

Easy Cabbage Salad

This easy cabbage salad changes delightfully as it ages. Eat freshly made and you have a refreshing, crunchy snack. Let sit a few hours and you have a tangy slaw side dish to accompany rich barbecue dishes. Let sit a few days and it takes on the fermented flavors of sauerkraut. ½ a cabbage –…

Brunch special: smoked fish frittata, zucchini pancakes, salad

A three part brunch special, each item matches wonderfully with each other, but each component can be matched with other sides if you wish. Pancakes 1 zucchini, shredded 2 scallions, sliced 1T dill, minced 1t sesame seeds 3T honey 1C ricotta or cottage cheese 1 egg 1C flour Butter for frying Mix all ingredients, season,…

Corn Stuffed Chilies

These make a great substitute for chili rellenos which take way more effort and have far more calories.  Sometimes I use an egg as a binder and sometimes I mix in a melting cheese to keep the filling together.  I personally think the combination of fresh cheeses give it a bright, light flavor which I…

Ratatouille pasta salad

The pasta serves as another ingredient in this salad, not the predominant one.  The vegetables can be grilled or roasted over high heat. ¼ c olive oil 1 red onion 2 red peppers 1 zucchini, halved 1 eggplant, sliced into half-inch rounds ½ a basket (4oz) heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium sized beefsteak or…

Sweets and greens

Favor the flavors you most prefer in this dish.  I use olive oil sparingly, but if you like more, go for it. Same goes for most everything else named here. Olive oil 2 sweet potatoes, cubed 1T nuts (pine nuts, hazelnuts or pecans work) 1 large apple, cubed 1 chili pepper (optional) 1T raisins 1 bunch…

Mediterranean dinner salad

So you have a big appetite and want to chow down.  Have you considered a salad?  Salads can fill that craving to stuff your gullet without packing on the extra padding.  Go big, toss something family size and settle in for seconds.  You won’t hate yourself in the morning if you follow these guidelines: Don’t…