Creole seafood stew

The term ‘Creole’ refers to the blend of French and Spanish influences in this broth. Olive oil 1 poblano pepper 1 red jalapeno ¼ of a large red onion, quartered 4 garlic cloves 5 plum tomatoes, halved ½ lb each cod, squid and bay scallops 2 limes, juiced 1 small shallot 2T parsley, divided Cayenne…

Baked German potato salad

Some people sneer at the thought of a hot potato salad.  To appease those people we call this a casserole. 2lb potatoes 1/4 C cider vinegar 1T sugar 1/2t salt 1/2C sour cream 1/4C Havarti cheese, cut into chunks 5 gherkins, chopped 1 T whole ground mustard Boil potatoes whole in water until fork tender. …

Spicy chickpea sandwich spread

Spread on multi-grain bread and top with sprouts, serve as a dip, or use as the glue in a traditional sandwich, this lighter style ‘hummus’ serves as a meal in a spread.  The key to a creamy hummus is to excessively moisturize the chickpeas and this takes time. Resist the temptation to buy canned chickpeas,…

Caramelized onion pull-apart bread

A garlic cheese bread with more intense flavor, the onions help distract from the lack of fat.  Instead of adding olives, you can use olive bread.  Serve in the middle of a family table as a fun appetizer or to bulk up a salad dinner. 1T butter 2 large onions, sliced 1t thyme ½c milk…

Crab avocado salad

Almost a crab guacamole,  this crab avocado salad can be served with chips, mounded on mixed greens, or as a sandwich. Meat of 2 Dungeness crabs (or 2 cups of snow or king crab) Juice of half a lemon 2T red onion, minced 1-2 avocados, diced 1T mayonnaise 1T sour cream 2 green onions, minced 1…

Fresh chunky tomato sauce with mushrooms

A simple sauce that works equally well over pasta, polenta, fish or chicken.  If using as a pasta sauce, it can be embellished by tossing some dried mushrooms into the pasta water before bringing it to a boil.  Add the pasta and strain as normal before adding to to the sauce. Olive oil ¼ of an…

Grilled mussels with avocado herb butter

Grilling adds a depth of flavor to this dish, but it could be prepared on the stove top just the same.  The compound butter ingredients can also be added, individually, at the end. 1/4 stick butter, softened but not melted ¼ avocado 4 big sprigs parsley, leaves stripped and stems discarded 2 sprigs tarragon, leaves…

Artichoke dipping sauce

For those who want something better than butter with the chokes. 1 clove garlic, grated Zest and juice of ½ a lemon 2T lowfat Greek yogurt 2T lowfat mayo ½-1T butter ¼ t truffle oil (optional) Combine grated garlic, lemon zest, mayo and yogurt in microwave-safe ramekin.  Add a pat of butter and microwave the…

Asian pasta salad slaw

A cross between a rice noodle salad and an Asian slaw, this Asian pasta salad slaw can go either way by reducing the quantity of noodles or cabbage . ½ head cabbage 1/4c lime or lemon juice, or rice wine vinegar or a combo 3t light brown sugar 2T fish sauce 2T soy sauce 4 cloves…