Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Herbs and Parmesan

To use the site functionality, click here to search for recipes or use the site search functionality located in the footer. 

 Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (I used sage, rosemary, and oregano), finely chopped

1/4 cup grated parmesan

kosher salt

black pepper

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Method:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the stem end off the squash and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and brush with one tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes or until tender.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using a fork, scrape the squash to remove the flesh in long strands. Place the squash in a large bowl. Add olive oil, herbs, and parmesan and toss to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Cherry Tomato, Basil, and Roasted Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

1 bone-in chicken breast

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 large onion, diced to 1/4 inch

4 cups chicken stock

1 cup water

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup brown rice

1/4 cup torn basil

1/2 cup heavy cream

olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

Method:

Serves 4.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the chicken breast on a small baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a 4-quart dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic and onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until aromatic and translucent. Add chicken stock, water, and rice. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer until rice is almost tender. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, heavy cream and basil. Return to a simmer and cook 5 minutes to soften tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with additional fresh basil and serve immediately.

Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Fried Eggs

Ingredients:

Salad:

1 large bunch green kale, ribs removed and torn into bite-sized pieces

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced in 1/4-in dice

8 slices of high-quality thick-cut bacon

4 eggs

2 tablespoons butter

olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

Vinaigrette:

2 teaspoons whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 small shallot, finely minced

1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the butternut squash on a sheet tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Roast until soft and starting to crisp around the edges, about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Reduce the heat to 350 and place bacon on a large baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Remove from the oven, and drain the bacon on paper towels. Break the bacon into 1-inch pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings for the dressing.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet. Once the whites start to set, sprinkle a few drops of water around the edges of the pan and cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the white is completely set and the yolk reaches your desired level of doneness.

Divide the kale evenly between 4 large bowls. Arrange the roasted butternut squash and bacon on top. Drizzle with maple bacon vinaigrette and top with one egg. Serve immediately.

Viniagrette:

Place all ingredients in a mason jar, or any other jar with an air-tight, secure lid. Place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are emulsified. Dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

8 large tomatoes

1 head garlic

2 cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

        

Method:

Serves 6.

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Core the tomatoes and slice them in half crosswise. Place on a parchment or foil lined sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cut the top off the head of garlic, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place on the baking sheet.

Roast tomatoes for 25-35 minutes or until soft and brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 - 15 minutes.

Place the roasted tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Unwrap the garlic and add to the tomatoes. You can easily remove the roasted garlic from its skin by pressing gently on the skins.  Pulse the tomatoes and garlic until almost smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Quick Dill Pickles

Ingredients:

4-6 small to medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 cup distilled white vinegar

2 cups water

2 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

4 teaspoons mustard seed

4 teaspoons black peppercorns

1/4 cup roughly chopped dill

8 cloves garlic, crushed

Method:

Divide the cucumbers between 8 pint jars. Top each jar with 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 crushed garlic clove, and 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped dill.

In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Whisk briskly until the salt and sugar is dissolved. Pour enough brine over each jar to cover the cucumbers completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving.