You are very welcome Kathleen. If anyone else is looking for the Cookalong Links you can find them all here on the FAQ for the Cooking Forum. Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 8:35 It's time to pull out those favorite recipes and share with others. Squash can include pumpkin recipes too. Here are the general Cookalong guidelines for new posters and a reminder for all: Every two weeks we post T+T recipes for the *star* ingredient, including a picture is not a requirement but highly suggested. Each Cookalong will run about two weeks, at the end I will draw a name from all that participated in that Cookalong and that person will get to pick the subject of the next Cookalong. Please remember to check for your name if you participated! I'll be posting at the end of the current thread for the next one....and need you to get back with your ingredient choice by Monday night or sooner. I'll draw a second name on Monday night if I've not heard from the first. So, let's get started, this Cookalong on squash will run until Sunday night, November 8, 2009. I'm trying to link all the Cookalongs to each other, so here is the last one. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Link to Cookalong 13----Cheese Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 11:03 Okay here we go with one I have posted before but it is a good one: BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP 4 Servings - 1 TBS olive oil 1 1/4 lbs butternut squash, peeled and seeded 1 medium leek, trimmed 1/2 onion, chopped 1/2 medium carrot 1/2 TBS fresh grated ginger 1/2 TBS fresh chopped thyme 1/2 teasp dried sage 1 small apple, peeled and cored 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice 1/2 - 15oz can cannellini beans chopped fresh chives sea salt and FG black pepper 1. Chop the leeks, using only the white and light green parts. Dice the butternut squash, carrot and apple into 1/2 inch cubes. 2. Heat the oil over a medium high heat in a large saucepan, then add the squash, leeks, onion, carrot, ginger, thyme and sage. Cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly soft, then stir in the apple. 3. Pour in the stock and apple juice and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 4. Pour half the soup into a blender or food processor (I used a stick blender) and pur until smooth. Return the purée to the saucepan, add the beans and cook for 2 minutes over a medium heat until hot and bubbling. Adjust seasoning and serve sprinkled with the chopped chives. Source: Adapted from - Rick Gallop's GI Diet Green-light Cookbook SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 11:22 Sharon, that looks really good. Since I have a LOT of butternut squash in the garage that needs to be used, this is the perfect time for a Squash cook along. I have a recipe for bread that I think I'm going to try... Annie o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 11:29 I have two recipes for squash soup. One I need to make right away because I need to use up some celery and peppers which the soup has. The other recipe is for red lentil pumpkin which has been on my "to try" waiting list for a month. Meanwhile, I would like to try a yeast bread with squash, that sounds great. But one I can do in the bread machine!!!!!!!!!! (I'll post the recipes this weekend when I make the one soup.) o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 12:37 Oh it is a good time for squash recipes right now. Especially since I'm "allowed" to eat it too. Annie I envy you since butternut is hard to find over here. Lots of squash but not too much butternut. Since I always seem to post these two soup recipes together, here's the other one: Roasted Garlic & Butternut Soup 6 - 8 servings (My own recipe. I always make too much!) 1 1/2 lbs butternut squash - after baking there should be about 2 cups of mashed squash 1 lg Spanish onion - peeled and cut into 8 chunks 1 medium leek - washed & chopped, including best-looking top green leaves 1 teasp cumin 1 head of garlic - sliced across top to expose cloves 2 - 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 200 ml (about 3/4 cup) light cream or half & half olive oil fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste homemade garlic croutons (optional) & chopped flat leaf parsley Utensils needed: oven or toaster oven and roasting pan or tray, frying pan & lid, blender or food processor, large heavy saucepan with lid. 1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 300F 2. Split, quarter and seed butternut squash, and arrange on roasting tray together with cut chunks of onion and head of garlic. Drizzle with a little olive oil and roast 1 hr or until all is golden and tender, including garlic. 3. Clean and chop leek, including top green leaves. Sauté in a little oil for in frying pan 5 minutes. Then add 2 cups of chicken broth, turn down to simmer with lid on until tender - about 12 - 15 minutes. 4. When butternut etc is cooked, scrape it from skin and place in food processor along with the onion, cumin, and some pepper. Squeeze the garlic cloves - which should be soft and buttery - from their skins and add to food processor. 5. Add some of the rest of the chicken broth and process to a puré. Gradually add the leek and liquid from pan. Process until all is smooth, adding more of the chicken broth as needed. 6. Place the mixture in the saucepan and gently heat. Add the rest of the broth as needed for the desired consistency.. Add the cream, reserving 2 TBS for swirling as a garnish when served. Check the seasoning - adding salt and pepper as needed. 7. Serve with a swirl of cream, chopped parsley and small homemade garlic-flavoured croutons. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 12:56 I love butternut squash and as a matter of fact, I roasted some last night! Here's one of my favorite soup recipes: Butternut Squash Soup 1 Tblsp Olive oil or butter 2-3 lbs Butternut squash, peeled, and diced into 1 inch chunks 3 large carrots chopped 1 medium onion chopped 1 Tblsp ginger(1"piece)minced 2 quarts of vegetable stock or chicken stock or cold water (I use chicken) 1 bunch parsley, chopped Pinch of: nutmeg Powdered ginger Curry powder Parmesan cheese Heat the oil or butter over medium heat in a large saucepot, sauté the squash, carrots, onion and ginger for 3 minutes, until they are lightly browned. Add the stock and some orange zest (if desired) and bring to a boil. Lower to simmer and cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the parsley, nutmeg, salt, pepper, ginger and curry to taste. Puree the soup with a handheld immersion blender, food processor or regular blender until smooth and creamy. Soup can be garnished with fresh sage leaves and Parmesan Crostini. Serves 4-6 people o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by doucanoe (My Page) on Thu, Oct 29, 09 at 15:07 I made this last spring and liked it so much I made a double batch for our soup party a couple of weeks ago! Sorry, I didn't take a photo....maybe next time! A couple of things I do differently: I brown the pork cubes a bit before adding to the crockpot, and I sub a couple of yukon gold potatoes for the parsnips, only because I am not a fan of parsnips. Hearty Pork Stew with Squash Source: Penzeys One 2/09 1-1/2 lb boneless pork loin roast, trimmed and cubed (I used boneless chops) 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4" slices 1 medium onion, chopped 2 c peeld parsnips, cubed 1-1/2 c butternut squash, peeled & cubed 4 c chicken broth 1 T fresh sage or 1 tsp dried 2 tsp fresh thyme or 3/4 tsp dried 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 T flour 3 T butter, softened In 4-5 quart slow cooker, mix the pork and remaining ingredients except flour and butter. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours. OR... place in a covered pot in the oven at 350F for 2 hours. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and butter. Gradually stir into stew until blended. Increase setting to high or return to oven. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer, stirring occasionally until thickened. 6 servings Linda o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 8:59 Being a person who likes to buy in season, (and cheap), at this point there will hardly be a week that goes by when I'm not eating some type of squash dish. I have a gazillion T&T recipes, plus lots in the "to try" file. But not one for squash yeast bread, which is what I want to try in the bread machine. I have one recipe for it in Mollie Katzen's "Enchanted Broccoli Forest" cookbook, but it is a sponge method type bread and I am NOT going there (been there, done that, do not have the time or patience). Here's what I'm making this weekend, due to having the celery and pepper. Got it out of a vegetarian magazine but I don't know what it was called, it was NOT "Vegetarian Times." Neli's Pumpkin and Leek Soup (sorry, don't know who Neli is, but I think the article said it was someone's aunt in Australia.) 1 large or 2 small leeks (I'll probably use the cheaper onion option) 1 rib celery (I'll probably use two or three, just to use them up) 1 clove garlic 1 green pepper (mine is yellow) 2 tsp. oil 1 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (I'll use canned) 5 cups vegetable stock (I'm sure you could use chicken stock) 1 1/4 lbs. pumpkin or winter squash (I'll use the squash, I don't care for most pumpkins you can get in the store) 1/2- 3/4 tsp. oregano (I may use the last of the fresh stuff growing out in the garden) Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste. (Note: I add one can pinto beans to this) Cook leeks, celery, peppers, garlic and fresh tomatoes if using, in oil. Add stock, pumpkin, oregano, pepper, etc. Simmer 20 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley to serve. Great with cornbread. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 9:42 I want to play, but I don't have time to post any recipes right now. I'll be back for a butternut squash risotto recipe, and maybe a few other recipes. I love, love, love winter squash. Sally o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by joanm (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 10:40 I received butternut squash in my veggie box this week. I didn't know much about this veggie so I picked a sweet sounding recipe to try and we loved it. Carmelized Butternut Squash Ina Garten 2 medium butternut squash (4 to 5 pounds total) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut off and discard the ends of each butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. With clean hands, toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize. While roasting, turn the squash a few times with a spatula, to be sure it browns evenly. Taste for seasonings and serve hot. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by prairie_love (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 13:43 My favorite restaurant makes a butternut squash ravioli with sage cream sauce. If one of you can provide me with a T&T squash ravioli recipe, I'd love to give this a try. Ann o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by robinkateb (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 15:34 Lpink I have a squash bread recipe that I make in the bread machine. It's posted on my blog, although here it is Winter Squash Whole Wheat Bread 1 cup winter squash puree 1 Tbsp butter at warm room temperature or melted (you could sub oil if you want) 1/2 cup water 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar (I use what ever sugar I am in the mood for, brown, sugar in the raw, turbinado, maple sugar...) 1 Tbsp vital wheat gluten (optional, especially if you use some white flour) 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 3/4 tsp yeast Place the ingredients in your bread machine in the order listed. Turn it on and let the machine make you bread. (A note on measuring flour. When using a bread machine it is important to measure accurately as you will not have a chance to adjust the quantity of flour while kneading. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. The amount of four I get when using this method id vastly different from when I use the measuring cup to scoop up the flour and then leveling with the knife, or sometimes just wiggling the cup to level.) If you don't have a bread machine you can still make this, because bread has been around for a long time and bread machines are a new thing. Just put the yeast in the water and allow to stand until bubbly in the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the butter, squash puree, sugar, salt and vital wheat gluten. With the mixer on low add the flour until the bread forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. I also have a recipe on there for pureed butternut squash with chipotle. This time of year I am trying to find uses for squash so the timing is excellent. -Robin Here is a link that might be useful: Chipotle Roasted Butternut Squash Puree o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shambo (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 18:43 Here's a family recipe that uses pumpkin but could be adapted to use any mashed winter squash. If you're looking for an alternative to regular pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, this might be worth trying. It was a favorite of my mom and her sister. Glyki Kolokithopita (Greek Pumpkin Pie) A real change of pace from the traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Crispy fillo layers, a delicately spiced pumpkin filling, drenched in a luscious light honey syrup. Different and delicious. Filling: 2 large cans pumpkin ½ cup sweet, unsalted butter 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 cup golden raisins Syrup: 1½ cups sugar ½ cup honey 2 cups water Pastry: 1 pound fillo dough 2 cups finely chopped walnuts ½ - ¾ pound sweet, unsalted butter, melted Filling Preparation: In large saucepan, combine canned pumpkin, ½ cup butter (1 cube), and salt. Simmer over medium/low heat for 15 minutes to evaporate moisture and thicken; stir frequently and do not allow to burn. Remove from heat. Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, raisins, and 1 cup walnuts. Set mixture aside. Syrup Preparation: In saucepan, combine sugar, water and honey. Bring mixture to boil. Continue to boil until syrup is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Glyki Kolokithopita Assembly: Brush bottom and sides of 10" x 15" baking pan with melted butter. Layer about 5 fillo sheets for bottom of pita. Do not cut bottom fillo sheets to pan size; keep sides up. Brush butter between each layer of fillo; brush sides. For next 5 fillo sheets, brush with butter and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Spoon in pumpkin filling; spread evenly. Fold fillo sides over to completely enclose filling and brush generously with butter. Cut remaining fillo sheets to pan size. Layer next 5 fillo sheets, brushing with butter and sprinkling with chopped walnuts. Layer last fillo sheets, brushing butter between each layer only. Trim excess fillo dough from sides and corners of pan. Brush top generously with butter. Cut through top 3-4 fillo layers only; do not cut all the way through. Bake pita at 350° for 50 60 minutes; pita should be light, golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes. Pour syrup over warm pita. Let Glyki Kolokithopita cool and absorb all of syrup before cutting all the way through, at least four hours or over night Do not cover until completely cooled. Serve at room temperature or cold. Refrigerate leftovers. (If you're really bored, I can post a link to watch a decade old video of me preparing this dish.) o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 19:32 I'll watch that video, Shambo, link away! o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 19:59 Here's the butternut squash risotto recipe I promised. I'm sure I must have posted this one before, probably on one of the old risotto threads, but I'll do it again. It's from The Complete Italian Vegetarian Cookbook by Jack Bishop Risotto with Butternut Squash and Sage 6 cups vegetable stock 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium onion, minced 6 large fresh sage leaves, minced, plus 8 leaves for frying (optional) 1/2 small butternut squash, (about 1 pound), stringy pulp and seeds discarded, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/2 cup white wine 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for the table Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Bring the stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Keep it warm over low heat. 2. Heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy-bottomed medium pot. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced sage and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavor. Stir in the squash and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to coat the pieces. 3. Add the wine and 1 cup of the warm stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the squash is very tender, about 25 minutes. (If the pot runs dry, add more warm stock as needed.) Uncover the pot and cook off any extra liquid. 4. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the warm stock and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice absorbs the liquid. Continue adding stock in 1/2-cup increments, stirring, until the rice is creamy and soft, but still a bit al dente, about 25 minutes. (Add hot water if you run out of stock.) 5 Remove the pot from the heat and vigorously stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the 1/2 cup cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide the risotto among individual soup bowls and garnish with the fried sage leaves, if using. Serve immediately with more grated cheese passed separately at the table. ***** That caramelized butternut squash recipe of Ina Garten's sounds remotely similar to something my son did with acorn squash. Well, the brown sugar part's similar, lol. I don't remember exactly what he did, but it was a very simple dish, and quite delicious. Okay, I just called him, and here's what he says he did. It's still vague, as he didn't measure, but we'll just say the ingredients are to taste. Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar Acorn squash cut in half - 1/2 per person, or 1 per person if they're really hungry butter - softened enough to spread easily Brown Sugar - maybe a couple of tablespoons per half squash, or to taste. Bourbon (optional - that was my idea) Salt and pepper to taste Scoop the seeds out of the squash. Spread the butter on the cut side of each squash, actually mashing it into the hollowed out part. Smash (his word) an ample amount of brown sugar into the hollowed out part of the squash. If using bourbon, drizzle a little bit, about a teaspoon to a tablespoon, over the same area. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired. Place the squash cut side down (yes, he insists that's correct) on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 30 minutes. You can turn the cut side up during the last 5 to ten minutes of cooking if it needs browning. Sally o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shambo (My Page) on Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 20:23 Sally, I just finally got the hang of making risotto. And I love the idea of adding butternut squash. Thanks for the recipe. Jessy, here's the link. We made it about ten years ago, and I haven't looked at it for a while. I only hope I haven't embarrassed myself... Here is a link that might be useful: Kolokithopita o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Oct 31, 09 at 13:34 Shambo that video is AWESOME! If I had more patience with dough I would make that in a nano second, considering pumpkin pie and backlava are two of my favorite desserts! Also thanks RobinKate for the bread recipe. Today is a gray day and I think I am going to warm up the kitchen by baking bread! o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shambo (My Page) on Sat, Oct 31, 09 at 19:52 Lpink, thanks for the kind comments. And RobinKate, I've also copied the yeast bread recipe. I really like the idea of a more savory yeast bread made with pumpkin/winter squash rather than the usual sweet quick breads. I bet it would make really good dinner rolls. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 9:37 The bread was very good! I had it for breakfast this morning with cinnamon sugar. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by robinkateb (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 10:58 Glad you liked the bread!! I sometimes add some cooked cracked wheat to the recipe and I prefer it that way, I am still working on the perfect ratios for that in the bread machine. It is based on my regular/evryday bread recipe. Shambo, there are many savory applications for pumpkin/squash puree. it adds moistness and flavor to waffles, pancakes, bread, rolls... Plus a ton of vitamins. Your video is great. So nice to "meet" you. Somewhere I think I have a recipe for pumpkin cinnamon rolls I want to try. The question is where? -Robin Here is a link that might be useful: My Everyday Bread Recipe o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 11:35 robin, the recipe I have been keeping to try is a cinnamon loaf, one of those you roll up like cinnamon rolls and then you have the spiral of cinnamon filling when it's sliced. I've got to find it. shambo, that was a great video. I love pumpkin pie filling, but not pie crust so much, so this might be a good option, thanks. Annie o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 12:52 Boo hoo hoo, my computer just doesn't do videos very well any more. DH says it's because it's too old to upgrade to the level needed to play the videos. I tried to watch your video, Shambo, but it just doesn't translate to my computer. The vidoe goes in wa-a-a-ay slo-o-o-w, stop, start motion. I can't even do you tube. :-( Anyway, I want to try your recipe, Shambo, but I have a couple of questions. Do you brush the butter between the first 5 pieces of fillo, or do you lay 5 pieces down, then brush with butter, then add the next 5 pieces, or do you brush butter between each and every piece of fillo, then starting to add the walnuts between pieces 6 thru 10? I'm thinking it's the latter, but I'm not completely sure. Also, could it be made with a 9x13 inch pan, or slightly smaller? My pans are either a bit smaller or larger than what your recipe calls for. It looks so good, though. I hope you enjoy the risotto if you make it. Sally o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 13:01 Here is a squash soup I made last week. It was really good. The changes I made: I used one big squash, don't know the name but it was not butternut or acorn. I did not make the croutons, but they sound like it would make the dish. I used evaporated milk (all I had). Winter Squash Soup with Gruyère Croutons Bon Appétit : December 1996 Serves 8 Ingredients Soup 1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 3 14 1/2-ounce cans low-salt chicken broth 4 cups 1-inch pieces peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds) 4 cups 1-inch pieces peeled acorn squash (about 1 1/2 pounds) 1 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh thyme 1 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh sage 1/4 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons sugar Croutons 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter 24 1/4-inch-thick baguette bread slices 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage print a shopping list for this recipe PreparationFor soup: Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth, all squash and herbs; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash is very tender, about 20 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender. Return soup to same pot. Stir in cream and sugar; bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill. Rewarm over medium heat before serving.) For croutons: Preheat broiler. Butter 1 side of each bread slice. Arrange bread, buttered side up, on baking sheet. Broil until golden, about 1 minute. Turn over. Sprinkle cheese, then thyme and sage over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until cheese melts, about 1 minute. Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with croutons and serve. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shambo (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 14:11 Robin, I followed your link. I'm always on the lookout for cracked wheat bread recipes. So far I've got a couple that I like, but I definitely want to try yours. I've got a bread machine, but don't like the crust when it does the baking, so I always bake in the oven. But the machine sure helps with the kneading and rising. Sally, regarding the filo, you separate all the filo leaves with a good brushing of butter. For a savory pita like spanakopita, my family used olive oil between the sheets and saved the butter for the top. As an aside, one of my uncles married a non-Greek girl and she tried once to save calories & fat when making baklava. She didn't brush the individual pastry sheets with butter, just a bit on the pan bottom and a bit on the top. All the filo just kind-of glued itself together and became a big soggy mess swimming in syrup. I'm sure using a 9x12 pan would work too. Lately my grocery stores have been selling a different size of filo, made specifically for the 9 x 12 pans. Since all my family recipes call for the larger 14 x 18 sheets, I have to play around with adjusting the filo sheets to my larger pans. I do a lot of overlapping. I've actually got two large pans handed down from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. Here is a link that might be useful: Frozen filo dough sizes available o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sun, Nov 1, 09 at 14:14 A salad I made a couple of months ago and took to a work potluck. It was good; different. The only changes I made is using brown lentils instead of green and I used squash instead of pumpkin. Spiced Pumpkin, Lentil, and Goat Cheese Salad Bon Appétit : October 2009 by Ross Dobson Makes 6 servings This fall salad balances earthy, tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Ingredients 3/4 cup French green lentils* 6 cups 1-inch pieces peeled seeded sugar pumpkin or butternut squash 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika** 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 4 cups baby arugula 1 cup soft goat cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup thinly sliced mint leaves 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Preparation Cook lentils in boiling salted water until tender but firm, about 30 minutes. Drain lentils. Rinse under cold water, then drain. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pumpkin in large bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons oil, cumin, paprika, and sea salt. Arrange pumpkin in single layer on baking sheet; roast 20 minutes. Turn pumpkin over. Roast until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool. Combine lentils, pumpkin, and oil from baking sheet with arugula, half of goat cheese, mint, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates; sprinkle remaining goat cheese over. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by robinkateb (My Page) on Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 10:32 Annie, I often do that with my cracked wheat bread, I use melted butter, cinnamon and sugar in the swirl. It comes out too sweet for our tastes without the butter. It makes amazing french toast. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by terri_pacnw (My Page) on Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 11:59 This recipe caught my eye at FoodGawker..because it's so simple and I have all the ingredients. And while you are there put in pumpkin and/or squash into the search...and be tempted and teased by Food Porn. Here is a link that might be useful: Baked Feta Pumpkin o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 14:50 This is one that we really enjoy...... Butternut Squash Ravioli Filling 1/2-3/4 large butternut squash, peeled,seeded and chopped 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ lb prosciutto chopped fine 1/2 cup ricotta cheese salt and pepper Wonton Wrappers ¾ cup butter 1 ½ tbsp fresh sage Steam squash until easily pierced with a fork. Saute prosciutto in a bit of EVO until just warmed through. Mash squash, and add spices, cheese, proscuitto and salt and pepper. Cool. Drop a spoonfull of filling in the center of each wrapper, moisten edges with water, and cover with a separate wrapper. Pinch edges together and refrigerate until needed. Cook ravioli in boiling salted water for about 3 - 5 minutes, drain, and serve with preferred sauce. Brown Butter Sage Sauce 3/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over med-high heat until butter turns brown. Interestingly enough, this is what happened: frothy, clarity with butterfat globs, clear, frothy, then brown under the froth. Take off heat, and whisk in 1 1/2 tbs. of fresh sage. Keep warm on low heat on back burner. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by adoptedbygreyhounds (My Page) on Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 17:04 The Sunflower Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant in Atlanta and this is one of their entrees. I have made this several times, sometimes I leave off the acorn squash! As the chef said, the recipe is very "harvesty" and colorful. Café Sunflowers Stuffed Acorn Squash Hands on time: 25 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 4 medium acorn squash 4 tablespoons soy margarine, melted 4 teaspoons honey Paprika Salt 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil 1 cup sliced button mushrooms 1 cup shredded red cabbage 1 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup corn kernels 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup raw chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons cooked wild rice 1/4 cup cooked navy beans 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de Provence (basil, marjoram, savory, rosemary, thyme and lavender) 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon Pinch coriander Pinch black pepper Pinch allspice 1 cup chopped fresh spinach Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut the top quarter off the squash. If necessary, cut a coin size off the bottom ridges so the squash can stand upright. Scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each squash with the margarine. Drizzle with the honey and sprinkle with paprika and salt. Place the squash in a large baking dish. Add water to the pan to 1/2 inch deep. Cover the pan with foil, making four 1-inch slashes as vents for the steam to escape. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick can go easily into the squash. Heat the oil in a saute pan over high heat. Saute the mushrooms until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and carrots and saute for 3 minutes. Add the corn, cranberries, walnuts, wild rice, navy beans and garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the herbes de Provence, tarragon, coriander, black pepper, allspice and a pinch more of paprika; stir well. Season to taste with salt. Stir in the spinach and remove from the heat. When the squash are done, stuff them with the filling. Serve hot. Notes: This entree is so beautiful, it can be served on your nicest occasions. But be very careful when seasoning the filling: With each taste, you'll be tempted to, you know, check again to make sure there's enough, uh, salt. Yeah, salt. Better taste one more time . . . before you know it, you won't have enough filling left for the squash. Nutrition: Per serving: 530 calories (percent of calories from fat, 48), 9 grams protein, 66 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams fiber, 30 grams fat (4 grams saturated), no cholesterol, 169 milligrams sodium. Harvest 1 Harvest 2 Here is a link that might be useful: Sunflower Cafe's recipe o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 12:49 Adoptedbygreyhounds thanks so much for sharing that gorgeous picture! I would love something like that. Stuffed squash is so fun, but I rarely make it. Not worth the extra work for single-me and hard to keep and reheat at work, which is where I eat the majority of my meals. I need hash food one can eat by just reheating and scooping up. I could make stuffed squash and then scoop out the filling for the leftovers, but what I tend to do is bake it and scoop it first, then make a casserole type melange, or a skillet melange. I also do peeled butternut a lot. I'd be interested in any spaghetti squash recipes. I tried it for the first time last year, it was good but NO WAY resembled spaghetti, so my plan to serve it with spaghetti sauce died. I liked it with just butter, salt and pepper and maybe some parm. cheese. Seems like it would be better for that butternut lasagne than butternut--more texture and flavor. I make butternut lasagne and didn't really care for it--too bland. I think it was the cheese sauce, it overpowered the squash, IMHO, because I had pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter sauce at a restaurant and it was FAB. Here's one recipe which would be great to serve as a side dish for Thanksgiving if you have a vegan in attendance. Also just plain good. It's from my Williams and Sonoma Vegetable Cookbook, one of my favorite cookbooks. Not one really unusual recipe in it, but just great versions of the tried and true, and really inspiring photos to go along. A good book to put on your Christmas gift list to give to a vegetable gardner, CSA member, or just someone who loves veggies or is trying to amp up their vegetable intake. Pumpkin Baked with Tomatoes and Rosemary, from Williams and Sonoma's Vegetable cookbook 1 2 lb. baking pumpkin or winter squash (I used a butternut) 4 TBLSP EVOO Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 3-5 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (12 oz. ones) chopped tomatoes Pinch sugar 1-2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary (less than half that dried.) Peel the squash/pumpkin. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and fry in 3 TBLSP of the olive oil until just browned, about 6 min. total. Add more oil if needed to prevent sticking. Drain the pumpkin on pieces of paper towel to soak up extra oil. Add more oil to the pan if needed, and sautee the onion and then add the garlic at the end. Then add the tomatoes, salt, sugar and rosemary. Saute until flavors blend. It will take 15-20 minutes for this mix to get saucy. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees for the last step. Now assemble the squash and sauce in a casserole or baking pan for the oven, (they suggest 11 or 12 inches square or a 13 x 9 inch rectangle). Arrange layers of sauteed pumpkin alternately with layers of sauce, ending with sauce, (should have 3 layers of each according to the recipe). Drizzle the top with the reserved 1 TBLSP EVOO. Bake until the top is glazed brown in spots and the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a knife in spots, (30-35 min.). Check after 25 min. to prevent overbrowning. Remove from oven and serve hot or at room tem. Lpink's notes. You may have to sautee the pumpkin/squash longer than 6 min. to get it tender. Also may need more oil and possibly more tomato sauce. I'll bet you could skip the layering and just throw the sauce over the pumpkin, top with some parm. cheese under the broiler and serve as a stew. I'm lovin' the idea of feta with pumpkin. Here's a pic I scanned from the cookbook. ACTUAL results may not be this photogenic, lol! (At least if you're me). o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 13:21 I'll be playing today but I am soooooooooo boring! I'm doing a turkey and one of the sides will be roasted butternut squash with olive oil, thyme and rosemary. One of my favourite, and I'm really looking forward to it. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by teresa_nc7 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 14:23 Did you specify winter squash? I made some corn chowder today and added a little diced zucchini to it as I had a piece left over from vegetable beef soup earlier this week. You don't really taste the zucchini with the creamed corn, bacon, potato, onion, chicken stock, and cream. But it added another vegetable and the zuke didn't go to waste....and that's a "good thing." o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 17:50 I'm thinking any squash is acceptable. It all looks and sounds so good I'm having trouble making up my mind. Lpink, your last entry looks so good I wanted to make it, but I'm out of canned tomatoes, so I think I'll make the Caramelized Butternut Squash that Joan posted, except I'm thinking of tinkering with it just a little. For one thing, my one lonesome little butternut squash from my garden is quite small, and I have one large acorn squash, so I think I'll cut up both kind and have a medley of 2 squashes. We'll see how that works. Shambo, I tried your video again, and it worked! That's a great video, and it helped a lot to see you assemble the pie. You should be on Food Network. I was hoping to make it, but I forgot to buy the fillo, and only got one can of pumpkin. That's what I get for going to the store after work without a list. I will try it sometime, though. Sally o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 18:11 You're all making me want to like squash! I keep trying but can't seem to enjoy it. Except for those zuchinni fritters....LOL I'll be back later to pick a name from the hat.... Nancy o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 20:38 I baked a ham earlier this week and we had Roasted Butternut squash as a side. I like the addition of rosemary. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Butternut Squash (Roasted) ========================== Adapted from: Sugar in the Raw Butternut Squash 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon brown sugar salt pepper . Cut the butternut squash into 1 inch cubes. Coat the squash with the olive oil. Mix together the sugar, rosemary, salt and pepper and toss with the squash. Place in a shallow roasting pan and roast in a 375°F oven until the squash is tender. Watch carefully so that the squash doesn't burn. o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 22:43 Here we go..... drum roll.... I'm reaching in and pulling out a name of the above posters! Who is going to pick the next Cookalong *star* ingredient???? It is....omg....it's the last name I added to the hat.... AnnT!!!!!! Ann, if you will post on here what our next ingredient focus is to be, I'll set up the next thread... Nancy o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 8, 09 at 23:15 Huh, I thought we had till the end of Sunday night. Well, here's my entry anyway. I made the roasted butternut squash that JoanM posted. I used my one and only lonely butternut squash from my garden this year. I love simple recipes that have great flavor, and this one does. I also made a recipe for Dahl that I heard on Splendid Table today to go with the squash, some brown rice, and I sauteed some Mustard greens from my garden , (I think it was mustard, I can't remember what I planted, but it was either mustard or Chinese Cabbage) to round it out and have something other than brown. close up of caramelized squash Sally o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Mon, Nov 9, 09 at 0:25 Thanks for organizing each Cookalong Nancy. My choice is Potatoes. So versatile, lots of different varieties and can be used in just about every course - soups, appetizers, salads, main dish, sides, breads even desserts. Ann o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Nov 9, 09 at 8:03 Thank you Ann, that a great choice. I don't think I have ever known anyone who didn't like potatoes. It's one of those basic's that we all enjoy and I know I never get tired of trying different recipes. There are so many things to make from potatoes, I hope everyone posts their favorite and special recipes. Here's the connecting link to the next Cookalong. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #15 ----------- POTATOES o RE: Cookalong #14 -------------SQUASH clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Nov 9, 09 at 10:50 Sally, your dal looks yummy! It reminds me of the squash dish I have been eating all week--yellow split pea and squash soup. I didn't post the recipe because it was just OK, not bad but I won't make it again due to the recipe being unclear. Also, the split peas must have been way too old because their texture wasn't all that smooth in the soup even though I cooked and cooked them. Squash and lentil is a good combo in my book, but I have better curried split pea soup recipes and curried pumpkin soup recipes which I could use in the future to make this soup combo. Adding yellow split peas is a good way to ramp up the protein content of squash soup, if you are a veggie like me and are concerned with such things. I'm very excited about potatoes, as I eat them a lot due to their low price, versatility, and general yumminess.

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 8:27 Compumom has chosen BASIL for this Cookalong. Let's put our thinking caps on and come up with a wide variety of ideas for using it. Our virtual dinner featuring basil will be on Saturday, March 14. For those that may have missed the first Cookalong..... the idea here is to post hints, recipes and discuss the focus ingredient over the next two weeks. Recipes can use any form of the ingredient. Please mention the recipe source and whether it is one that you have already made (T+T) or one that you might be trying for the first time. I'm going to make an attempt to link all the cookalongs together. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #3 -- Carrots Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 9:41 As a segue, here's what I'm planning to make next, another recipe from Orangette's blog. I have acini de pepe to use up. It combines carrots and basil. I can't afford the fresh stuff though. There is a chance that I still have some pesto cubes in the freezer. So I will have to make some adjustments. I also don't have fresh thyme. I can't afford to buy fresh herbs. But I do have dried herbs from my own garden from last summer. I'm also going to use canned tomatoes. But I know some of you lucky southern climate folks can get fresh ones! Provenl Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta Adapted from Gourmet, September 2006 This business of blanching, peeling, and seeding the tomatoes may be a little fussy, yes, but it makes for a lovely, soft tomato flavor. Plus, theres nothing quite so satisfying for the fingers as slipping the skins from a few tomatoes, or scooping out their seeds and juicy slop. And aside from that mild labor, this soup is pretty straightforward. With a stir every now and then, it mainly cooks itself. And it makes for easy eating on the front stoop a table for two with a view! on an early fall evening. With a hunk of bread and some cheese alongside, its dinner. 2 lb good-tasting tomatoes 2 medium onions, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced (~2 cups) 1 medium carrot, finely chopped or cut into very thin rounds 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1 (3- by 1-inch) ribbon of fresh orange zest, minced 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme Scant ¼ tsp dried hot red pepper flakes ¼ tsp fennel seeds 1 Turkish bay leaf 3 Tbs good-tasting olive oil 2 Tbs tomato paste 4 ¾ cups water ¾ tsp salt, or to taste Pinch crumbled saffron threads 1 to 2 tsp granulated sugar ¼ cup small soup pasta, such as acini di pepe 2 Tbs finely chopped fresh Italian parsley ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil Bring a 5- to 6-quart saucepan of water to a boil. Cut a shallow X in the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife, and blanch them, 2 or 3 at a time, in the boiling water for about 15 seconds, until the skin around the X starts to curl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them, core them, and halve them crosswise. Set a sieve over a medium bowl, and squeeze the tomato halves gently over it, cut sides down, to extract the seeds and pulp. You may have to use your fingers to coax them out. Press on the seeds in the sieve to push through any juice; then discard them. Reserve the juice and the tomatoes. Pour the water out of the saucepan, and wipe it dry. Pour in the oil, and warm it over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, orange zest, thyme, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft but not brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their reserved juice and the tomato paste, water, salt, saffron, and 1 tsp sugar. Simmer, uncovered, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon occasionally, about 25-30 minutes. Add the pasta, stir to mix, and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf, and stir in the parsley and basil. Taste, and adjust sugar and salt as needed. Serve. Yield: 4-6 servings, depending on what else youre eating Here is a link that might be useful: On stewing, and soup o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by woodie2 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 10:33 This is a tried and true favorite of mine - Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Basil-Parsley Sauce Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 18 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings 2 pounds chicken cutlets Salt and pepper 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano, a couple of handfuls 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 clove garlic 1 (3-ounce) jar pine nuts (pignoli) 1 lemon, zested 2 eggs, beaten Olive oil, for shallow frying Basil- Parsley Sauce: 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves 1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves 1/2 lemon, juiced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it 1 Roma or plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped, for garnish Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides turn lightly in flour. Combine next 7 ingredients in food processor and pulse-process the crumbs to chop the spices, garlic and nuts and evenly distribute the flavors throughout the crumb and cheese mixture. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan, over medium to medium high heat. Coat the cutlets in eggs then breading and add to the hot oil. Cook cutlets in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until cutlets' juices run clear and breading is evenly browned. Return food processor bowl to base and add basil, parsley and lemon juice. Add a little salt and pepper. Turn processor on and stream in oil until a loose paste forms. Serve chicken cutlets with a generous amount of basil and parsley sauce poured over the cutlets. Garnish the chicken with finely chopped Roma tomato. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by marlingardener (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:44 I'm not in the gourmet chef league as many of the posters are, but I do have a unique and tasty appetizer featuring basil. Dip cherry tomatoes in hot water just long enough to slip their skins. Take young basil leaves and stick them in the stem end of the tomatoes. Serve on a platter laying on a bed of crushed ice. If you can get yellow and red tomatoes, it looks prettier. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:45 There was a show on the food network this past 2 weeks that was a challenge using basil. They cooked basil ice cream and a basil scented cornmeal cake.....and only one person did the traditional basil pesto over pasta.... I use lots of basil in the summer when I have it growing and fresh, but rarely use it in the winter but for the pesto in the freezer. I add a cube of pesto to lots of things like soups, sauces and as a bread dip. Linda c o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:51 Nancy, you are playing my song! Love, love, love basil and I can't wait to see all the recipes posted. I'll be back with one or more. jude o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:26 Time to drag this one out of my cobwsebbed magazine collection. I mde this quite a few times then forgot about it. Actually the recipe calls for pork chops..... I used Trader Joe's frozen or jarred mango when I couldn't find fresh to my liking. Grilled Chicken with Mango-Basil Sauce Bon Appétit : June 1997 Ingredients 1 small mango, peeled, pitted 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth 1 1/2 tablespoons golden brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 4 6- to 8-ounce flattened chicken breasts, boneless/skinless Preparation Puree mango in processor. Set aside 1/2 cup puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and jalapeño, then basil; sauté just until basil wilts, about 1 minute. Add broth, brown sugar and soy sauce. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in cup mango puree. Simmer until sauce thickens and coats spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Prepare barbecue or preheat broiler. Brush chicken with 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill or broil until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over chicken. Here is a link that might be useful: Original recipe, Bon Apetite o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil -basil -- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:39 Who posted the Pho recipe. Was it RachelEllen or Natalie ntt_hou). I can't find it. I think it would be a good addition. I admit that I can't make it better than I can get elsewhere around Los Angeles, but someone ele might want to make it. It calls for lots of basil at the end. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:53 This is a T & T in my files from Ina Garten. David Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Copyright, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All rights reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Feel Good Food Recipe Summary Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Yield: 6 to 8 servings 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 quart chicken stock or water Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold. Note: I don't have a food mill. I just use a stick blender. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 6:28 Since we both love any kind of pasta with pesto, I might be making this or perhaps I'll try to find a local Spanish recipe using basil for a change. I make this often and it's delicious: PESTO - from Italian TV demo 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups basil leaves 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 teasp salt 1/2 teasp f.g. pepper 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated 1/2 cup pine nuts (2 small jars) teasp water Process in food processor, adding oil slowly until all is creamy. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 9:36 I'm hoping basil plants will be at the nursery in time for this challenge, but it might be a week or 2 early for that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I hate to go out and buy basil at the grocery store when it's so close to time to plant it. Here's a recipe by Giada De Laurentis I've posted before, but it pertains to this challenge, and we really like it. To make it vegetarian, I substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. I've made it with regular couscous, with orzo, and with the Israeli couscous. All worked, but the regular couscous was the least successful. The slightly larger texture of the Israeli couscous or the orzo works the best. Mediterranean Salad Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentis 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (1-pound) box Israeli couscous (or any small pasta) 3 cups chicken stock 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, zested 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous. In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool. Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve. Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 20 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Yield: 6 servings Episode#: EI0819 Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved There's also a Brown Rice and Basil Salad recipe by Ina Garten I've made before that's really good. I don't have it on my computer, and don't have time now to type it out, so I'll try to do that tonight, or at least before the deadline. Linda, I saw that episode of Iron Chef where basil was the secret ingredient. I thought a lot of what they made sounded good, and some sounded odd. It looked, though, that the judges were pretty tough on both contestants, and didn't rave about any of the food. I was a little surprised they were so blase about what they were served. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shaun (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 10:35 marlingardener I'd really love to see a picture of the recipe you posted for the cherry tomatoes. Do you happen to have one? o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisazone6_ma (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:31 I make a dipping oil for bread using pesto in the winter, and fresh basil in the summer. I don't measure, I simply add things to taste, but I'll put in approximate amounts - you can change amounts to increase/decrease the total. The basic ingredients are as follows, but you can add other things or leave what you don't like out and it'll still work. 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar Sea salt or kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 hot dried red pepper crushed or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2-3 tbsp pesto or 6-8 large fresh basil leaves chopped 2 tbsp Garlic paste made from roasted garlic, or couple cloves chopped (even if using the pesto, and I like a lot of garlic - you can reduce the amount if you prefer it less intense) I roll the fresh basil leaves together then cut them with a scissors to make strips or chiffonades (sp?) Mix all ingredients and let sit for a bit for flavors to combine. You can just refrigerate any leftovers and bring to room temp to use again. The cheese, and especially if you use the pesto, makes it on the thick side, but that's the way we like it! Lisa o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:43 Think I might make this dish. Haven't had it for a long time. Cherry Tomato, Onion, Basil Sauce 2 Tbl olive oil 1/2 sweet vidalia onion sliced thin few drops best balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves minced 1 Lb cherry tomatoes halved 8-10 Basil leaves chopped salt and pepper 4 Oz Small Mozzarella Balls (Boccacini) Or Fresh Moz Cut In 1/2 Inch Squares Place oil in saute pan, add sliced onions and saute on medium heat until limp. Do not let brown or crisp. Add a few drops balsamic. Cook a few more minutes.Add garlic and continue to cook until onions are caramelized. Add cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat until the tomatoes loose their shape and give up their juices. Add basil and simmer until basil is limp and sauce is fragrant. Add the moz and toss with fresh cooked pasta such as linguine. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Here is another favourite dish of mine. Very special. Pork With Herb Crust I usually only do one 5 rib roast but I keep the same measurements for the herbs! Serve with Garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes and green beans 2 (3- to 4-pound) racks of pork 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 Tsp salt 7 garlic cloves minced 1/3 Cup fresh basil Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh thyme Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh parsley Chopped 2 Tbl pepper Coarsely Ground 1 1/4 Cup butter (or margarine)cut up 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 Can chicken broth 1 Tbl tomato paste 2 Tbl fresh sage Chopped 1/4 Tsp pepper Rub pork with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Stir together garlic and next 4 ingredients; press onto pork. Place pork on a rack in a lightly greased broiler pan; cover bone tips with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 150max, I prefer 140-145 ! Transfer pork to a serving tray.Cover and let rest while making sauce (even if you don't make the sauce let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute juices and let the internal temp climb a bit more) Pour pan drippings into a skillet. Add butter to drippings; cook over medium heat until butter melts. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until caramel colored. Gradually whisk. in broth and next 3 ingredients; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Serve with 'pork. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 8 servings.~ o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:59 Franco and Margaret Romagnoli had a cooking show on PBS years ago. One of my favorite pasta dishes comes from their cookbook, The Romagnolis' Table. It's a rich, butter-based sauce that couldn't be easier. The recipe intro says the sauce is classic with mostaccioli, ziti, and rigatoni, "and rather more special and delicate with homemade fettucine." I usually make it with our favorite thin spaghetti, DeCecco fedelini. Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce 8 tablesooons unsalted butter 12 fresh plum tomatoes, or 3 cups canned (I often use more than 12) 6 fresh basil leaves (or more) 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I use less) 6 Tablesoons Parmesan cheese, sprinkled on the sauced pasta 1 1/4 pounds of pasta (I use less), or a 5-egg batch of home-made fettucine. Melt the butter in a big frying pan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add the tomatoes. If you use fresh plum tomatoes: peel them, and cut them into chunks before adding to the butter. If you use canned tomatoes: crush them gently with a wooden spoon as you stir them in. Break the basil leaves into the pan, add the salt, raise the heat, and when the whole combination starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble along about 20 minutes, or until the juice has cooked away a bit,and the color darkened. Stir occasionally during the simmering process. If the sauce hasn't simmerd enough, it will sink to the bottom of the dish instead of coating the pasta when mixed. Cook and drain the pasta, and turn it out on a deep platter or a wide, shallow bowl, cover with the sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Turn the pasta with a serving fork and spoon to get the saude to coat it. Serve immediately. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Mar 5, 09 at 7:38 Basil is a tough ingredient for me at this time of the year. I like fresh basil with tomatoes, corn, etc. and I rarely buy those ingredients except in the summertime. I have been making this recipe with dried basil since my college days and it's as economical now as it was then. Even though it doesn't use much basil, it definitely is the standout flavoring. CHICKEN LIVERS AND RICE - 2 to 3 servings 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 lb. chicken livers, trimmed and quartered 1/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup uncooked rice 1 envelope instant chicken broth 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crumbled 1 whole bay leaf 1 1/4 cup water 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley (do not omit) Cook bacon until crisp in large skillet. Combine flour, salt and pepper and dredge chicken livers in it. Remove bacon and reserve. Brown livers in bacon grease. Remove and reserve. Saute onion over medium heat in same skillet (add 1 Tbs. olive oil of needed.) Stir in rice, broth pack, basil, bay leaf and water. Heat to boiling; then turn heat to low. Stir mixture thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Cover. Simmer 20 minutes without lifting lid. Spoon reserved livers over rice but dont stir. Put lid back on and simmer for another 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle with bacon and chopped parsley. Note: You can substitute 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth for the water and omit the instant chicken broth packet. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 13:49 For various reasons I was unable to participate in the first two cookalongs but I plan to on basil. My husband bought me an aerogarden for Valentines day and I have basil growing. Not enough for a whole recipe but enough for garnish or to enhance the flavor of the dried basil I will use. I am not sure of what I will make but I want something different than pesto or using it on pasta. I'll think about it and post back later. I hope that people are still interested in the cookalong for this weekend. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 14:58 I often make a salad with basil to pack for lunch - great northern beans, tuna, chopped red onion, tomato, parsley, basil, sprinkle of garlic powder and sliced black olives with an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. I mix all the ingredients ahead of time except the tuna and then add it the morning I'm going to eat it. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 15:34 I'm still in....hoping to see lots of basil ideas. David's soup is calling me but I'm not settled on a main dish but Woodies Crispy Chicken sure is sounding good! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by joanm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:03 The only recipe I make often that has basil leaves is Rachael's chicken meatballs. Chicken Sausage Meatballs Rachael Ray 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick) 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/3 palm full 1/4 cup tender sun dried tomatoes (available in pouches or tubs in produce section) 10 leaves fresh basil extra-virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chicken in a medium bowl with grill seasoning and add the fennel seeds. Pile sun-dried tomatoes on top of each other in small stacks then slice into thin strips. Coarsely chop the thin strips and add to bowl. Stack 10 basil leaves together then roll them up into a log. Shred the basil by thinly slicing the log. Add basil to the bowl. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken, mix meat together and roll into mini balls, 1 1/2 inches across, and arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degree F for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Remove meatballs from oven, add to sauce and serve with pasta. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gardenguru1950 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:51 I'm not sure if I can participate in the Cookalong (is that like a billabong?) but I invented this last Friday night and it came out pretty dang good: Three recipes [to assemble] ... CREAMY BASIL PESTO WITH ROASTED GARLIC For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2- 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup fresh fennel leaf 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, dry toasted (stovetop pan) 1 head garlic, roasted, peeled 2 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone or "Better Than Cream Cheese") 1/2 cup packaged mixed Italian cheeses, shredded 1 tsp lemon juice (about ¼ lemon) 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly finely grated Directions Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if its too thick to spread. ----- ROASTED VEGETABLES For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2 medium yellow onions, cut into thin wedges 1 large fennel bulb, cored, cut into wedges 1 small red bell pepper, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 medium whole head garlic, a little bit of the tops chopped off 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp fennel seed 1/2 tsp fresh milled black pepper pinch of salt (optional) 4 + 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 6 medium white mushrooms, sliced 1 small Japanese eggplant, peeled and sliced crosswise 1 small zucchini, sliced crosswise Directions Place onion, fennel and bell pepper pieces on a deep cookie sheet and sprinkle with the herbs and pepper (and, if you wish, salt). [Save a teeny bit of the basil and oregano for the garlic.] Drizzle the veggies with 4 Tbs of olive oil and tossed well to coat. Place the garlic head on a piece of foil and sprinkle with a bit of the herbs and drizzle it with a bit of oil. Wrap the foil into a closed tent and place on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet with veggies and garlic into a 280°F oven and roast for one and one-half hour, turning the veggies every half hour. After one and a half hours, toss the mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini with 2 Tbs of olive oil and then mix it with the onion mixture. Roast/bake for an addition hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Use the garlic for the pesto. ----- DLS PESTO AND ROASTED VEGETABLE PIZZA Serves 4+ Ingredients 2 packages Trader Joes plain pizza dough 4 Tbs olive oil creamy pesto per recipe roasted vegetables per recipe 8 oz mozzarella, sliced thin 1/2 pound provolone, sliced thin Directions Follow directions on pizza dough package with these exceptions: have a pizza stone warming in the 450°F oven. When the pizza has set its 20 minutes, place it on the pizza stone and "blind bake" for 6 minutes. If it puffs up too much in the middle, punch it with a few fork holes. Remove it from the oven and brush the edges and about 1 inch from the edge on the top with olive oil. Spread half of the pesto onto each pizza crust, making sure not to take it to the very edge. Spread half of the roasted vegetables on each pizza crust. Lay half of the mozzarella on each crust. Top with half of the provolone per crust. Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes. Best dang pizza I've ever eatin'! Joe o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 2:07 Caught this on page 2. Joe, that pizza sounds great. I like both cheeses on my pizza too. The provolone is great. The one I made for myself last week had hunks of ricotta on it too. I'm going to be making one of my favorite uses for basil. Ratatouille. I got very nice eggplant, and the squash looks very good too. I get groceries delivered and had ordered 2 lbs of white mushrooms, which they refer to as large bulk mushrooms. The person who filled the order sent me almost 2 lbs of portobello mushrooms for the price of loose white mushrooms. Well, they are large. So... the rat stew will benefit from that nice mistake. The store is very nice when they make mistakes and naturally don't charge you extra. Smiles. I remember the recent discussion about keeping herbs/basil so I thought I'd share my method. I use a lot of basil. I make big batches of pasta sauce so that I can eat it for breakfast and lunch for most of a week. I rarely go two weeks without having it. Right now I have four, gallon size freezer bags stuffed full of basil. Many have said they make pesto and freeze it or put it in ice cubes with water. I just wash big bunches well, shake the excess water off and stuff it into the bags. The bit of water that clings seems to protect the leaves. If the basil came from the garden and the stems are long I cut them back, wash them and bag them seperately. The stems are great in sauce for long cooking and easy to fish out. My favorite is to let the basil go to flower at the end of the season and pull the whole plants up. I then cut off the flower heads and bag them seperately. I love the flavor of the flowers in sauce. Very tender. Seperate the heavy stems and rest of the plant and wash and freeze. I have heard people say that when you freeze the leaves they then turn black. Well, you don't thaw when you go to use them or they would turn black/dark. You just use them right from the frozen state and they cook up very much like fresh. When I have the big bags frozen, as I go to use each bag I crush the frozen leaves up in the bag. If there are big blocks [from leaving them too wet], I just hit them with a rolling pin or hammer. After the leaves are crushed it's ready to use. It's best to use a soup spoon to scoop the leaves out when you use them because otherwise they will stick to your hands. Smiles. The pieces of stem that were attatched are now loose and I take those pieces and put them in the sauce first. Many soften enough to be eaten, or they can be fished out if they're too big. I've done this for a number of years and it keeps me and my basil addiction going through the winter and until fresh is ready to pluck again. If you like your basil fine, you can put some in a measuring cup with some water and give it the hand blender. I might make some gnocchi with a basil and sour cream sauce for an appetizer for the ratatouille dinner. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 12:50 Wow, I'd forgotten all about this. I'm leaning toward Ruthanna's chicken livers! Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cabogirl (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 17:43 My daughter loves this dip and makes it every time we have a get together. I believe she found it on Allrecipes Sun-Dried Tomato Dip INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, minced hot pepper sauce to taste 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil DIRECTIONS: In a food processor, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Process until well-blended. Add basil, and continue processing until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 19:56 I did break down and buy some fresh basil today. I could have bought 13 pounds of cabbage this week for the same price. LOL So I'll have to see what I can come up with for tomorrow night. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 9:46 I'm not going to be doing anything with basil tonight, because we have a wedding to go to. I might do something tomorrow, but I don't know what, yet. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks that I just haven't had time to think it out. Plus, I was hoping we'd get some basil plants into the nursery, but that didn't happen yet. Hmmm, I'll have to figure out what to cook, if anything, and do it tomorrow instead of tonight. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:16 I think I may try Cabogirl's dip! I've been MIA this week more or less and today I'm cooking a big pan of Mac& Cheese for DGS's birthday party. Since I'm going off to the market(s) this morning, I'll p/u the ingredients for this too. Coconut, thanks for the tips on how to keep fresh basil around longer! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:19 Well I've bought my basil but still need some more pine nuts, for tomorrow's pesto dinner. I would have liked to try something new but sometimes other obligations get in the way and suddenly it's the 'Basil Weekend' LOL. So it will be a Sunday dinner for us. Looking forward to seeing what you all are cooking up today and tomorrow! SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:34 I woke up to a never before seen sight this morning - my DH browsing through a pile of my cookbooks. Except for this week when we were out of town most of the week for a death in the family, I've tried making the Cookalong ingredient in different ways and DH enjoyed the anticipation of which would be next. So he announced that he had found a perfect (?) recipe using fresh basil and I have all the ingredients for it so we'll see how it turns out. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 12:34 I'm making Jessy's mango chicken tomorrow, except I'll modify the recipe to make it in the crockpot--I'm taking dinner over to a friend's house. I'm making CloudyChristine's gingerbread for dessert from the last thread, with lemon curd sauce. And that morrocan salad with carrots. Now I just need one more vegetable. A modified ratatouille might actually be good, I have some canned tomatoes in the fridge to use up. Today I'm making the tomato soup with basil and saffron for lunch. I'll report back. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by malna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 17:43 I hate it when life/work gets in the way of "cooking along". It was late last night by the time we got off the phone with clients, and the meat was defrosting...so stew tonight. Not something I could figure out how to get basil into - LOL. This is what I was PLANNING on making for tonight: Pesto Chicken Roll Up from Chef Bonnie Mair of The Hub Cafe 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets) 1 (7oz) container of Pesto (or 1 cup of your own) 2 cups of baby spinach 2 cups of chicken cut into bite sized pieces 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided 1 tsp garlic salt 1 egg, lightly beaten Cook chicken in a little bit of oil and season with pepper and garlic salt. Drain and set aside. Or you can use precooked chicken, but I think this way gives it more flavor. Roll out pastry sheets onto a cookie sheet. Divide all ingredients into two and evenly use on both sheets. Spread Pesto over both sheets. Top with mozzarella, 1/2 of the parmesan cheese, spinach and chicken. Roll the pastry sheet into itself until it is into the desired shape. Place the seam on the bottom and adjust it on the cookie sheet. Do this with both rolls. Brush each roll with the egg and then sprinkle it with the rest of the parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Make several slits in the top of the roll to vent. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Slice into individual servings. With a cup of minestrone soup to start, and this for dessert: Mini Cheesecakes (from All-Recipes) with Blueberry-Basil Topping INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 tablespoon margarine, melted 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,softened 1/4 cup white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 6 cup muffin pan. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and margarine with a fork until combined. Measure a rounded tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing firmly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes, then remove to cool. Keep the oven on. 3. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in the egg. 4. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the muffin cups, filling each until 3/4 full. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool completely in pan before removing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Blueberry-Basil Topping from an idea borrowed from Bakerella's recipe for Blueberry-Basil cupcakes: Purée 1 can of blueberry pie filling and 1 T. ground basil in a food processor. Sigh...I knew I should have cheated and made this a couple of days ago. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 18:24 I've had the "day off" cooking all day. My corned beef is out of the oven, my barm brack is baked. I have chicken stock simmering on the stove and chicken enchiladas ready to cook tomorrow after the farm. So what about the basil? I made that green pasta with all the basil, and had some for dinnr with a sprinkle of grated asiago because I'm out of parmesan. I figured leftovers will make a great St. Patrick's Day lunch, they're so nice and green, LOL. Photobucket Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:01 We had pureed spinach soup with garlic, fresh basil and dill, potato rolls and a chef salad. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:49 DH and I made Rachel Ray's chicken meatballs except about the only ingredient we used from HER recipie was basil. Basically we made Turkey Meatloaf: 1.25 lb ground turkey 1 egg 1 cup oatmeal 1/2 roasted red pepper Handfull chopped walnuts shredded romano cheese fresh basil oregano garlic Mix together and place in loaf pan, cook @ 375f for 45 minutes. We both loved it, a keeper! From Desktop From Desktop o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 2:10 Malna, you'll make it when you get a chance. You could have made it the other day, I don't think we are that strict about when we cookalong, eh? Smiles. Anne, you pasta looks great. I can almost taste it. That spinach soup has me wanting that too. Nice RuthAnna. I spy some basil on that salad too, eh? I love meatloaf Theresa and that looks like one we both would like. Well, I did make the gnocchi for a first course. After I saw Annies pasta I zapped some of my frozen basil with the egg and added it to the gnocchi as well as making a basil sour cream sauce for them. They were great. We got kind of full on them so we waited a while then had a nice bowl of the ratatouille a bit later. We were running late all day so it was nice to just slow down and enjoy our basil feast. I made the ratatouille with eggplant, basil, spanish onions, green and red peppers, portobello mushrooms, yellow summer squash and zucchini. We had it over some rice. It really hit the spot since I hadn't made it in a while. I used a ton of basil, including a bunch of my basil flowers, just how I like it and lots of garlic too. Our camera is still acting up. For some reason the battery will only last for one or two pics and if you leave the batteries in they go dead when you turn it on again. Odd. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 15:25 I'm home from vacation and cooking something for dinner tonight with basil..... ????? Just a reminder, those that posted on Cookalong #4, please check this thread tomorrow. I'll draw a name tomorrow morning...it might be you and we will be anxious to see what the next Cookalong ingredient is. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 17:07 Oh there are some really good sounding recipes here. I must try your meatballs Joan. I even have sundried tomatoes that a friend brought down from England and gave to me just this week, and I bring Montreal Steak seasoning back from Canada every year, so this is one of the rare instances when I have all ingredients. But today was our basil day and since we have a hot desert wind from the east this weekend, the temps have been around a balmy 28�C (82.4�F) and I didn't feel like doing rolled chicken breasts in the oven, so went for the pesto and noodles with a salad. We sat outside on the patio for lunch for the first time in ages. My hubby set the table and did a pretty good job.....despite that he put the tablecloth on face down (JIM TEX I'm still using the one you sent me in the swap years ago). The blackbirds and doves kept us entertained with a songfest and flying acrobatics back and forth across the garden. It's been a lovely day. I was recently asked to write restaurant reviews for a new golfing website in the south of Tenerife. I'm one of the few members of a local forum who lives in the north of the island so I accepted to test and write about restaurants here where we live, adding photos of the food and surroundings. I sent in my first draft yesterday and was pleased to see it published this morning without so much as a word changed. This is going to be very enjoyable as once I showed the writeup to the restaurant owner she invited Wolf and I to our next meal. This is a perfect hobby for foodies isn't it! Link to my writeup. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 21:49 SharonCb, I don't know what to say other than awesome! Great column and wonderful pictures. There are some really good recipes here. I guess that's already been said but I wanted to say it again. Good job CF'ers! I made the recipe that Sharon (Chase) posted, Cherry Tomato, Onion and Basil Sauce. We enjoyed it! Sauce simmering in the pan... Photobucket Finished and ready for me to dig into... Photobucket After a week of dining out and having some pretty rich foods, this was a refreshing dish. Great way to use Cherry Tomatoes too! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 22:20 Well the best laid plans . . . I did end up cooking and I did end up using some basil, and it was definitely a CF inspired meal, but it wasn't quite the dinner I was planning. I found out that instead of a quiet working dinner with just my friend/colleague, one of our friends and her husband was in town visiting and she just got back from deployment in Iraq. So it was dinner for five and I did most of the cooking but I brought it over to my friend's house. The dinner was in the new kitchen addition my friend is building. Sorry no pics, it just wasn't that kind of a night even though my friend has a camera. There was too much catching up to do. Our friend is from PA but now she and her husband live in Colorado so it was a treat to see them. I made curried chicken thighs and I was going to use Jessy's mango basil recipe, but while searching for mango chutney at the grocery, I found a jarred mango chutney sauce that had all the ingredients except basil, so I bought it. With that hot chicken curry I made Thai fried rice with dried mint and basil from the garden and fresh cilantro. That plus garlic, soy sauce and lime juice. The veggies were from a frozen mix plus fresh purple cabbage. It was very good with the chicken curry. Salad was plain romaine lettuce and spring mix with blue cheese dressing. Dessert was CloudyChristine's gingerbread from the last ginger thread, plus lemon curd sauce. Yes, I made lemon curd for the first time and it was yummy! Never got around to making the soup, but I finally got the ingredients for it. I just didn't feel like going out yesterday to the grocery store. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:18 Everyone's food looks and sounds so good! Alas, I just didn't have it in me this weekend to participate. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks, and had a lot going on, that by the time today rolled around I was doing good to open a can of soup for lunch, and I won't admit to what I ate for supper. Now that I've looked at and read about what everyone else did, I'm sorry I didn't put forth a little effort. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:46 I agree, lots of good looking food here for this cookalong. I went with Sharon's rack of pork recipe but used a short hunk of loin I had in the feezer. Here it is after resting a bit.... Image Hosting by I had it with some steamed cauliflower and little roasted reds....homemade rolls too...forgot to include them in the pic. Image Hosting by Taking the leftovers to work tomorrow for lunch. Yum!! David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 1:38 Wow David, it looks great! I'm back to report that Cabogirl's SUNDRIED TOMATO BASIL DIP was a big success! I subbed 2% Greek Fage Yogurt for the sour cream and it worked perfectly and cut a bit of fat, nevertheless everyone raved and DH asked me to make it again, soon! It took about an hour + for the basil favor to come through. I served it with Pita Crackers from Trader Joe's, they worked well or as a fresh veggie dip. It did set up firmer than this photo shows as it was taken right after it came out of the food processor. I'm also trying Cocoanut's idea of freezing the washed basil leaves to see how they come out. No report yet! Thanks!! Here is a link that might be useful: Sundried Tomato Basil Dip o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jojoco (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:04 These all look great! My favorite way to use basil is to eat it on a sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. S&P, too. Preferably, use fresh mozz, and go pick the tomatoes just before making the sandwich. Use great bread. If you can get Judy's peasant bread from New Haven, Ct, all the better. Truly, my favorite sandwich and one of my favorite meals. Jo o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:30 Our next Cookalong topic will be picked by Lakeguy35 David please pick an ingredient and I'll start the thread. Sweet? Savory? Baking? Cooking? It's up to you! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:36 I still have a bunch of cilantro left so I'm going to try to whip up a batch of this Thai curry paste and freeze it in cubes like I do pesto. I know cilantro looses its punch in the freezer, but adding corriander helps. This recipe is from Moosewood Restaurant Lowfat Favorites. Thai Curry Paste 1/4 cup chopped scallions 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, basil or Thai basil (I'll use cilantro mixed with dried basil, which I need to use up) 2 TBLSP garlic cloves 2 TBLSP ginger root, fresh grated 1 TBLSP fresh grated lemon or lime peel, or minced inner stalk of fresh lemongrass 1 TBLSP brown sugar 1-2 fresh red or green chilis (I'll use dried) 3 TBLSP fresh lemon or lime juice 1 TBLSP dried ground corriander 1 tsp. tumeric 1/2 tsp. salt Combine in blender or food processor and puree until quite smooth. Keeps a week in the fridge, longer in th freezer. Thai basil and fresh lemongrass gives the most authentic taste. Good with jasmine or basmati rice. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:52 Yummy dinner last night - grilled chicken with mango basil sauce, garnished with basil (of course). Guests were slopping up the sauce off their plates with bread. Also making an appearance was grilled sparagus and orzo pilaf. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 14:34 Okay, I wanted to pick something that would be good for both sweet and savory. Y'all know I love my desserts. I pick LEMON! I'm thinking you can make dinner, desserts, or both.. : ) David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dixiedog_2007 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:13 I've just run through real quick but there is a lot of good sounding recipes and pictures. I need to go back and really look through everything more closely. I wish I could have contributed but too much going on right now. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:55 Here's the link for Cookalong #5 -- Lemon Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #5 -- LEMON o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Thu, Mar 19, 09 at 21:51 Last night I made the Provençal Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta from Orangette's blog. This is some of the BEST tomato soup I have ever had! The pinch of saffron really makes it! I used dried lemon peel and a dash of orange juice instead of orange peel, dried parsley and basil and canned tomatoes, still yum! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 23, 09 at 8:50 still need 1 and 2......

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 13:51 Coconut-nj has picked a great spring vegetable for us to concentrate on for the next two weeks, asparagus! So let's dig out the favorite recipes. Our Cookalong virtual dinner will be May 9, 2009. If you need to post something made using asparagus before then, that's fine. If you are not sure about the few rules, check out some of the other Cookalong threads or just ask on this one. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #7------------Exoskeletal Critters Follow-Up Postings: o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 14:06 Asparagus! YUM!!! One of my favourite vegetables. I won't be joining the cookalong directly but maybe I'll order asparagus while at dinner in Michigan Saturday !!! YEAH! This one is Weed's, excellent! Asparagus - Parmesan Crusted (Weed) 1 Lb asparagus ends trimmed 3 Tbl butter room temperature 1 Tbl chopped fresh basil 1 large garlic clove finely chopped or crushed (I use my micr 1 1/2 Tsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 Cup (packed) grated Parmesan cheese Cook or steam asparagus until just crisp-tender. Err on the side of undercooked, since you will be putting them under the broiler for additional minutes later. Plunge into an ice water bath to retain color and halt cooking. Drain very well. (I went as far as putting them on a clean kitchen towel and patting dry. Preheat broiler. Arrange asparagus on broiler proof platter. Mix softened butter with basil, garlic and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Put butter mixture in microwave and heat until pourable, but not totally melted. Drizzle butter mixture all over asparagus, then sprinkle the parmesan on top. Broil asparagus until topping browns, watching closely to avoid burning. If you had to use a cookie sheet to broil them, slide a flat spatula under them to transfer to your serving platter - this will keep the yummy parmesan crust attached to the asparagus. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisazone6_ma (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 15:34 I'll be at Foxwoods celibrating a friend's birthday so I won't be doing any cooking, but I will keep an eye on this thread for sure!! I simply drizzle them with some extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and fresh cracked black pepper and throw them on the grill for a few minutes. Turn (without letting them fall thru the grill!)and cook a few minutes on the other side and they're heaven! I ordered 10 asparagus crowns and need to get them in the ground! I won't be able to harvest this year, but hopefully I'll get a few spears next year, then the year after that I can go to town! I'm excited about this thread - I LOVE asparagus!! Lisa o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 17:21 I love asparagus too, but I don't know if I'll be cooking along. The 10th is our first anniversary, and Elery has to work that day, so I'm only assuming we'll be celebrating on the 9th. We'll see. Chase, that recipe looks delicious, how did I ever miss it? Annie o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by stacy3 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 18:40 annie, I was thinking the same thing! looks like a keeper recipe. Thanks Sharon. and OMG - one year ANNIE!!???????????? holy cow does time fly. So is this the thread where we should take a tally on "how" asparagus affects you???? Yes, it definitely makes my pee odiferous... o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 22:59 I missed that one from Weed too...saving it now for sure. My faves for asparagus has always been simple. Steaming, roasting, or on the grill. I will add that I/we love it with some Hollandaise so I will link to this simple recipe that I got from Sara years ago. When it comes to Hollandaise just give me a bowl and a spoon....LOL David Here is a link that might be useful: Blender Hollandaise o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 23:49 I will have company that weekend....but it's almost for surew e will be eating asparagus.....and if I have my way it will be quickly blackened on a griddle and topped with hollendaise. And perhaps an asparagus and provolone omelet in the morning. Linda C o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by azzalea (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 7:47 A suggestion to all asparagus lovers. If you have a good, original asparagus recipe, keep it close to the vest (don't pubicise it here or elsewhere on the web). There's a contest currently for asparagus. Part of the prize is that your recipe will be sent to the White House chef, and there are other prize involved, too. Good luck!!! Here is a link that might be useful: Asparagus recipe contest o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 8:44 Geez, I guess we'll all have to copyright our original recipes. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by azzalea (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 9:26 Recipes cannot be copyrighted--which is why, if you have one that could possibly be worth several hundred$$$ up to one million$$$, it's a good idea to keep it confidential, until you're done using it. Hey, you don't have to agree with me at all. I--and many others--find recipe contesting a fun and lucrative hobby, I happened to know there is currently an opportunity for some to win a little something from their asparagus recipes, and offered to share that. Feel free to ignore my post if it makes you happy. I was just trying to help and to share a fun way to use one's creativity. and best of luck to any who decide to enter! wouldn't it be fantastic to have one's own recipe served to the president? And even better if it was the one recipe that changed his mind about asparagus!!!!! o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 9:44 Yeah, we're back to veggies! I love asparagus. And I love parmesan cheese. I don't know if we need to go further than Chase's recipe! I did a recipe from Giada a while back for DH for his birthday, which he really enjoyed. Here it is. Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles Prep Time: 20 min Inactive Prep Time: 0 min Cook Time: 10 min Level: Easy Serves: 4 to 6 side servings 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed (about 20 spears) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves Pinch kosher salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper 4 to 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon (1 slice per asparagus spear) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lay the asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until cooked and starting to brown around the edges, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to another baking sheet to cool. Once the asparagus have cooled, wrap each spear in a slice of smoked salmon. Arrange on a serving platter and serve at room temperature. 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 10:01 Okay - now don't shoot me..... but I have eaten so much asparagus already this spring I AM SICK OF IT! LOLOLOL! And I am NOT posting any recipes until after the contest. Alexa o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 14:39 Azzalea, I'm sorry if I sounded like I don't care or thought you shouldn't bring it up. I do and am glad you did. I totally understand. I taught cooking online for AOL for a number of years and all the recipes I used were my original recipes so this came up at various times. That's one reason I choose not to enter contests, because I don't want anyone else having the rights to my recipes. Just personal preference. I'm glad you and others do it and can get some money from it. That's cool. Plus a lot of us get some great recipes from such contests. Maybe you or one of us will win the $1,000 and get their recipe to feed the President. Good luck! Alexa, lol, you lucky girl. I tend to eat it till it's coming out my ears too when it gets in season around here. And yes, just to be safe, I might wait to post actual recipes till after the contest. ;-] o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by craftyrn (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 16:39 Can't join you on the 9th but here's an easy one I've just got to try : Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: For 2 Asparagus Souffle ================= Reminisce Magazine -Patricia Patton, Jal, New Mexico SERVINGS: 2 Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounce) frozen cut asparagus, thawed and well drained 1/3 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 egg white . Directions: In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, cheese, mayonnaise and onion. In a small bowl, beat egg white on medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold into asparagus mixture. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-cup baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 2 servings. Here is a link that might be useful: Asparagus Souffle o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Apr 28, 09 at 18:48 I just received a gift of a big hunk of Piave cheese and will definitely use some for Weed's recipe. I have been wanting to try an asparagus and blood orange salad from one of my cookbooks but forget which one. I'll post it when I get a chance to find it. We like asparagus and are just starting to get it locally the last week or two. That's one vegetable that is so good steamed in the microwave. I haven't steamed it in a pot of water for years. Here's where the Easter eggs that don't turn out that great go: EGG AND ASPARAGUS BRUNCH DISH 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup finely minced onion 3/4 cup flour 1 tsp. dry mustard 4 cups milk 1 can (14 ½ oz.) chicken broth 1 pound cubed fully cooked ham 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 8 hard-cooked eggs, quartered 1/2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp. crumbled dried tarragon (optional) 10-12 biscuits, warmed Cut asparagus into 1/2 inch pieces, using only tender parts of spears. Cook in a small amount of boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes; drain. Set aside to cool. Melt butter in saucepan over medium-low heat and add onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft but not brown. Stir in flour and mustard until smooth. Add milk and broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes. Add ham and cheese; stir until the cheese melts. Add eggs, salt, cayenne, tarragon and asparagus; heat through. Serve over biscuits. Serves 10-12 Note: can also be served in toast cups or over rice or noodles. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisa_in_germany (My Page) on Wed, Apr 29, 09 at 4:38 Asparagus season has also started here. I love asparagus, both white and green. I may even try and participate in this cookoff. The kids all like the white asparagus, but not the green. Lisa o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 11:30 I don't know if I will be able to participate in the exact date of the cookalong, but this dish is on my "to try" list and I will definately be making it sometime this spring. Risotto Marzolino from "La Cucina Ebraica" by Joyce Goldstein. "Marzo" is "March" so I'm already behind on making it! Serves 6 1 lb asparagus Juice of one lemon 3 large artichokes 6 cups vegetable broth 1/2 tsp. of saffron threads, chopped 2-3 TBLSP of butter 1 small onion, chopped 2 cups Aborio rice 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesean cheese Cut away all the tough ends from the asparagus, leaving only the tips and tender parts. (Unless you have an asparagus peeler Annie!). Blanch in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, then refresh in cold water. Drain, pat dry and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and set aside. Have ready a large bowl of water to which you have added the lemon juice. Working with one artichoke at a time, cut off the stem flush to the bottoms. Remove all the leaves and cut the tender heart in half lengthwise. Cut away the choke, then slice the halves lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Drop into the lemon water. When all the artichokes are trimmed, bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Drain the artichokes, add to the saucepan, and blanch for 2 min. Drain and set aside. LR's Notes: "Yeah right. Or buy a 10 oz box of Bird's Eye frozen artichoke hearts, thaw them out and cut them in half." Pour the broth into a saucepan and bring to a simmer; adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Ladle one cup of the hot broth, place in a bowl, and add the saffron; set aside. Melt the butter in a large, deep saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until softened, 5-8 min. Add the rice and stir until opaque, about 3 min. Add a ladleful of the simmering broth and stir for 3-4 min. until the broth is absorbed. Reduce the heat and continue to add the broth a ladleful at a time, waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. For the final cup, add the saffron and its broth along with the asparagus and artichokes. Stir until the broth is absorbed and the rice kernels are al dente at the center and creamy on the outside, 18-20 min. total. Stir in the cream and Parmesean cheese and heat through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a warmed serving dish. Serve immediately. I'll probably use something other than heavy cream, and less Parmesean. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 13:26 I'll be participating in this one as Wolf has asparagus feasts in his German heritage. But I'll be making something quite retro with my asparagus! And it will probably be on Saturday or Sunday next week. :-) till then..... SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 14:56 LOL, LR, no peeling asparagus for me! You could borrow my peeler, if you want. (grin) I have a jar of white asparagus Peppi sent home with me because I've only had white asparagus once, I got it at the local grocery and never saw it again. So, although I won't be cooking on Saturday, I'll be going out to dinner with Elery for our first anniversary (which is actually on Sunday, but he has to work), I'm thinking maybe I'll do something on Sunday with that jar..... Annie o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by fearlessem (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 15:45 Hey Folks -- I'm making this shaved (raw) asparagus salad tonight -- will report back and let you know how it is! Emily Here is a link that might be useful: Shaved asparagus salad with oranges and pecorino o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by katiec (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 22:50 If I can find decent asparagus, I'd love to play....try something new. We have a patch, but I don't get asparagus from it until June. We've found some nice (and cheap!) asparagus lately. I made a nice asp. risotto the other night. No recipe....arborio, chicken broth, white wine, shallots, garlic, a few mushrooms, parmesan, some truffle oil, cream and the asparagus. Also made this one...an old recipe from when we'd visit southern Idaho in the spring and walk the ditchbanks (before the subdivisions moved in). We'd wind up with bags and bags of wild asparagus....mmmmm.... * Exported from MasterCook * Christy's Asparagus Casserole Recipe By : Katie Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 2 c cooked asparagus -- cut in 2" pieces 3 eggs 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 c milk 3/4 c cracker crumbs 1 c cheddar cheese -- cut in 1/4" cubes 3 tbsp butter -- optional Beat eggs, add salt, pepper, pimiento, milk, crumbs and cheese. Stir in asparagus. Pour into greased 1 1/2 qt. casserole. Melt butter and pour over top. Bake at 350F, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until set. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by amysrq (My Page) on Fri, May 1, 09 at 23:23 We like to sauce asparagus with mayonnaise thinned with orange juice. I also add all the zest of the orange into the sauce and a turn or two of white pepper. Always been one of my kiddo's favorites. Luckily, I can post this since it won't likely win any big prize at the White House! ;-) o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, May 2, 09 at 8:55 I made an asparagus and orange salad last night to serve with chicken. It was good but the orange flavors somewhat overwhelmed the asparagus. No exact recipe since I couldnt find the cookbook where I saw it but I did measure out the dressing ingredients as I made it. ORANGE AND ASPARAGUS SALAD 1 Tbs. chopped shallots 1 Tbs. basalmic vinegar ½ tsp. honey 1 tsp. dry sherry 1/4 cup orange juice (I used blood orange juice, which is why the shallots are purple) 2 Tbs. olive oil Put steamed and blanched asparagus and peeled and sectioned oranges in a bowl. Add dressing, toss, and chill. Just before serving sprinkle with salt, freshly ground black pepper, sliced orange zest and chopped fresh mint. Photobucket o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by fearlessem (My Page) on Sat, May 2, 09 at 11:28 Hey folks -- I made the shaved raw asparagus salad last night and... Eh. The raw asparagus were delicious on their own, but the flavor is so mild that they got totally drowned out in the salad just by the addition of dressing. Oh well. It was a good excuse to buy some manchego cheese and eat some toasted hazelnuts. Emily o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, May 5, 09 at 10:28 We will be out on Saturday evening so made Weed's Parmsan Crusted Asparagus. I used Piave cheese instead of the Parmesan and less than listed in the recipe. It was great! Thanks for posting it. Photobucket o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, May 5, 09 at 10:49 Oh Ruthanna that looks SOOOOOO yummy!! An amazing picture, looks like I could just reach into the computer and grab a bite! I have all the ingredients of make asparagus pasta salad but zero energy, so I don't know if I will get it done this week. I have to be at a conference Thurs-Sat. and I've been sick for three weeks with a cough that just wears me out completely. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Tue, May 5, 09 at 14:30 Ruthanna both your recipes look just great, especially the parmesano crusted one. I will have to make that for my DH as he is German and I think was born with asparagus growing between his toes. He loves it! I did a trial run today of an idea I had for asparagus pinwheels using frozen puff pastry. I really want to make them with crustless white bread, as my mother used to do when her bridge club was coming....I was just small then. She would clean the house furiously, have her hair in pincurls all day, have tiny guest towels in the bathroom (don't you dare wipe your hands on them) and fill the fridge with every type of party sandwich, rollups, pinwheels and checkerboards using asparagus, cream cheese, devilled egg, red pimientos, pickles and then cover the trays of mini sandwiches with waxed paper topped with damp teatowels folded around. So far I haven't found any long, square sandwich loaves that are unsliced but I will keep trying. Just in case this is my final entry....the puff pastry pinwheels were done using frozen pastry cut into long rectangles, a little wider than the length of the asparagus spears ( I used bottled asparagus because I wasn't sure if fresh would be tender enough for this), spread the pastry lightly with cream cheese, very thin slices of york ham and three asparagus spears. (Next time I will add some chopped caramelized onion as well.) Rolled up, sliced and sprinkled with paprika, they went on a floured tray in the toaster oven at 375F for about 20 minutes. Perfect for appetizers! I may still be back here with the party bread rollups/pinwheels this weekend if I find the bread. These are about 2 1/2" across (6.5 cm). SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dcarch (My Page) on Wed, May 6, 09 at 18:15 My asparagus with shrimps. Desert is mango with mint sauce. dcarch Photobucket o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisa_in_germany (My Page) on Thu, May 7, 09 at 2:56 That looks fantastic, dcarch! Is that red asparagus??? I have seen white and green, but never red. Got any recipes? The shrimp look to die for, too. Lisa o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Thu, May 7, 09 at 9:43 I was trying to figure out what the red is, too. Ruthanna, both your dishes look so good! I might try the salad one, since I'm needing (not wanting to) cut back on the amount of cheese I'm eating. I won't be participating until Sunday. Sharon, the image of your husband with asparagus toes tickles me! DH made a very good asparagus dish for me a few years ago I just remembered about. It had boiled eggs with it, too, but no ham. If I can find the recipe, I'll see if it's similar to yours, Ruthanna. Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dcarch (My Page) on Thu, May 7, 09 at 15:05 "I was trying to figure out what the red is, too. ------" I will give you the secrete in another thread, because the same technique can be used in many other preparations, not just asparagus. dcarch o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Fri, May 8, 09 at 13:25 Dcarch...that red asparagus is definitely interesting. I know I've accidentally coloured vegetables with beetjuice when in a salad but asparagus is quite pretty. Well I won't be making those bread asparagus rollups for this challenge since I mentioned to my husband that I saw a large package of white frozen asparagus in the German supermarket, and how would he like a typical German asparagus dinner. He was all smiles so I guess that was my answer. I went down there today and picked up enough for two meals. Fresh white asparagus is out of the question here as it is brought down from somewhere far away, is stale and very expensive. So although the frozen is also expensive, I wanted to buy it just once this season. One of the typical ways to serve it in Germany is to have it cooked together with boiled potatoes, hard cooked egg and slices of york ham and served with hollandaise sauce and/or a large bowl of melted butter. Since it was very late when I got home from my gym class and then the supermarket I didn't try to make a hollandaise sauce, but bought one ready made. Hubby was delighted with the dinner. We ate outside on the patio beside the flowers and birds. And had berries and ice cream for dessert. SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sat, May 9, 09 at 21:30 My Cookalong Dinner.... I used the recipe from Weed that Chase posted. Made one change, instead of Parmesan cheese I used asiago. The asparagus was local...first of the season here. Beef Stroganoff with Asiago Crusted Asparagus Photobucket Nancy o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by weed30 (My Page) on Sat, May 9, 09 at 22:19 Ha - I was going to post the parmesan crusted asp. recipe, and Chase beat me to it :) It really is delish. Here is one I sort of made up - pretty yummy if I do say so myself! Here is a pic. Not the greatest photo, sorry. Shrimp, Tomato & Asparagus Risotto 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion/shallot mix 4 Tbl. butter 2 cups risotto Dry vermouth (or white wine) - about 1/2 cup or so - I just sloshed it in directly from the bottle :) 1 can Muir Glen fire roasted diced tomatoes (any diced tomato will do, but get the best brand you can) 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, or to taste 6 cups chicken stock, + more if needed 1 1/2# 21/25 shrimp, cut in half crosswise 1 bunch asparagus, use about the first 3" cut in small lengths + a bit of butter. salt and pepper to taste Parmesan for the table Prep: >Dice shallots & onions >Finely chop basil >Cook shrimp in simmering water with a little Old Bay seasoning until just done, about 2 - 3 min. Rinse with cold water to arrest cooking. >Steam asparagus until just done, rinse with cold water to arrest cooking. Put back in a saute pan with 1 tsp butter, don't heat them up until the very end. Make risotto: >Saute the onion/shallot mixture in the butter until wilted and starting to color. >Add the risotto and cook briefly to coat well >Add the dry vermouth or white wine and cook until absorbed >Add the tomatoes and cook until liquid from tomatoes is absorbed >Add the chicken stock, 1/2 cup - 1 cup at a time, cooking to absorb liquid. *Reserve 3/4 cup stock for later* >When risotto is the proper tenderness, take pot off the heat, cover very loosely. ~~ Take a 20 minute break, have a cocktail with your guests, serve your salad, or whatever you had planned to do before dinner :) ~~ Just before serving return pot to heat, add the basil, cooked shrimp and the remaining chicken stock. You don't have to get all this liquid to absorb, makes it creamier if you don't. Correct seasonings. Heat up the asparagus in the other pan. Portion the risotto onto serving plates and sprinkle asparagus on top. Serve with a bowl of freshly shaved parmesan at the table. I know most people would cook the raw shrimp in the risotto, but I just don't like to do that. It either ends up tasting too shrimpy, or I overcook the shrimp. o ////RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by weed30 (My Page) on Sat, May 9, 09 at 22:27 A quickie: This is an appetizer that the Chef did at work. Simply a cooked shrimp, steamed asparagus tip, and a bit of lemon crème fraîche. He did a lot of different things, and the presentation was fabulous: o /////RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by weed30 (My Page) on Sat, May 9, 09 at 22:40 Yeah, three posts in a row. I see that tonight was the night for cooking/having the asparagus. If it counts at all, I had to work today and into the early evening. I was on my way out, and the GM was in the restaurant with his wife having dinner. They invited me to sit down, and shared their food. Beef tenderloin, Kobe beef meatloaf, and.... grilled asparagus! o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 10:37 Weed, I want to work where you work! I'm going to do my aparagus tonight. I haven't made up my mind yet what I'm going to do, though. These all look so tempting. Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 13:10 What a great treasure chest of asparagus ideas and recipes! I think I'm asparagussed out for a while. I forgot to post this one, which is good for using up aspragus that's a little past its prime. ASPARAGUS PANCAKES makes 20 (2 inch) pancakes 1/2 lb. trimmed fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch length 2 large eggs 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper 3 Tbs. flour 1 Tbs. melted butter Hollandaise sauce (optional) Cook the asparagus in salted water to cover just until tender, 2 to 3 minute (I microwave it). Drain and let cool to room temperature. Finely chop in a food processor or with a knife. In medium bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly mixed. Whisk in the cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add the asparagus and flour and stir until evenly blended. Preheat a large heavy skillet or griddle over moderate heat. Brush very lightly with a little of the melted butter. Using 1 tablespoon of the batter for each pancake, spoon the batter onto the hot surface and cook until the edges become dry and dull and the underside golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn with a spatula and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a hot platter and repeat with the remaining batter and melted butter. Serve topped with a little dollop of Hollandaise sauce, if desired. Notes: Herbs like tarragon or marjoram can be added to the batter. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 18:06 Nice collection of asparagus recipes here. I'm open to suggestions on how this is working...it was unfortunate that the cookalong was on a Mother's Day weekend. The next one would be on Memorial Day weekend, which is bad for many..including me. I've been noticing that the posts are usually during the first week and I wonder if just doing recipes and no cookalong would be better???? We could change this to just a weekly ingredient challenge. Please add your thoughts... Nancy o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sheshebop (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 19:07 Nancy, other than the ginger challenge, every single cookalong has been a bad date for me. And as summer gets closer, it will get worse. Although I loved the idea, I think that it is just too often, and people will stop posting. Maybe post ideas and recipes for a one month, and then a one or two week period in which to do the cookalong instead of a specific weekend. Just an idea. Sherry o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by weed30 (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 19:12 Why not leave it open? You can cook or not on "the date", nobody will get in trouble :) I think these threads are excellent for building up our recipe files! o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ssommerville (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 20:43 I would love the recipes and no cook along as it works better for me. Weekends we usually go out so it's hard to cook. Or you could let people do either or. Those that are able to cook can, and those that just want to post recipes can. Thatway it works for everyone. Shelley S. By the way, I loved the idea of this and am really enjoying all the recipes that are being posted! o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Sun, May 10, 09 at 21:13 I think it's working pretty good. I'd say have the cookalong anytime during the two weeks that someone wants to do it. Also I agree about having people come back and post whenever they get around to cooking or if a new recipe comes up. Even when/if the threads get to page 3 or 4 they'll be easy to track down since you have the links on each one to the one before. I'd say encourage people to just post recipes if they want but also to make a dinner with the ingredient.... some time. I think this way if you want to make asparagus but know you won't get to it for a few weeks you can still just come back and post on the thread. That way it keeps the recipes and ingredients together. Same goes if you come across a new recipe for the ingredient you can track down the thread and post it. BTw, I still think 2 weeks is a good time before we change ingredient. With summer coming up and most of us being gardeners things will be hit and miss but I sure am enjoying it and hope we continue. That's my opinion anyway... says Coconut who has Christy home for a four day extended weekend so we can work in yard and didn't get asparagus bought until today and won't cook until tomorrow. Btw, I'm making her eggs benedict for a brunch before we hit the yard. Since it's so rich I usually only make it at Easter with the leftover ham. I didn't make it this year but put the ham away to do it. Love asparagus on eggs benedict. I like to make my hollandaise by hand. Like it a bit thick. Thanks for your efforts Nancy and for keeping up and trying to figure out the best way to make this work. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 0:01 Good ideas... keep adding your thoughts. I have to work tomorrow (Mon) so I may not be able to get back to this until evening. Nancy o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 0:46 It has seemed like all the recent cookathons or cookalongs have been on holidays. I like the idea of people being able to post or do their thing whenever it's convenient for them during the 2 weeks, or whatever time span is given. I work on Saturdays, which makes it more difficult for me to do a Saturday dinner, but Sundays work for me usually. So, I'm just now posting about my asaragus dinner. (Actually, I made the dinner, DH photographed it, and we ate it, then got involved in watching the television. It was late before I remembered about posting, so I'm probably after the deadline.) I did a modified version of James Beard's Pasta Primavera. In spite of this cookathon's ingredient being asparagus, I found myself pulling up all that was left of my sugar snap pea plants, and harvesting all I could from them, as they were dying from the rain, humidity and beginning of the hot season. So, I thought I'd do some version of pasta with peas and asparagus. Well, in the cute and wonderful cookbook I found at Half Price Books, called Beard on Pasta, I found that his Pasta Primavera recipe called for asparagus and peas, along with mushrooms and tiny new beans. He's not clear on what exactly tiny new beans means, so I left the beans out of the recipe. DH is not a fan of cream sauce on pasta, so I left out the cream, and subbed wine. Not the same, I know, but if you don't have cream, and do have wine, and DH doesn't like cream sauces, what are you to do? So, I'll type up his recipe, and note my changes/adaptations in parentheses. I'm including part of his introduction to the recipe. Pasta Primavera James Beard Beard On Pasta Copyright 1983 "In Italian, Primavera means "spring," and a primavera sauce should be made with the first, tiny vegetables that pop out in the spring. ... I've suggested a springtime combination that would be just delicious. Just don't be formal about it. Use what you have in the garden or in the refrigerator. ..." 1/2 cup fresh peas 1/2 cup tiny, new beans (I omitted them, because I wasn't sure what that means - Green Beans? Cannolli Beans? Black beans? In any case, I didn't have any tiny new beans.) 1/2 cup sliced stalks thin asparagus 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (I used portabella, cause that's what I had.) 4 tablespoons butter (I used 3 tablespoons butter, and 1 glug of olive oil, which is decadent for me, as I usually only use olive oil, but it's Mother's Day.) 1 cup light cream, warmed (I omitted this, as explained above - I subbed white wine, because I had it.) Lots of freshly ground black pepper (I also used white pepper on my serving, as I really like the flavor with pasta.) 1 pound angel hair, linguine, or even orzo (I used whole wheat thin spaghetti) Grated Parmesan cheese (Since I didn't use cream, and because I just love garlic, I did add a clove of garlic at the beginning. I melted the butter, and just before adding the mushrooms, I added 1 clove of garlic. Lightly cook the peas, beans, asparagus, and mushrooms in the butter until everything is crisply tender. Add the cream and pepper and cook down briefly. Cook the pasta, drain it, and toss with the sauce. Sprinkle with lots of grated Parmesan cheese. (I used lots and lots and lots of parmesan cheese - again, it's Mother's Day.) Even though I didn't follow the recipe exactly, it turned out quite tasty. I am curious as to how it would taste if made exactly as written, but I get the impression that Beard doesn't expect his readers to follow the recipe exactly. Here's a picture. Sorry it's so yellow. We haven't figured out how to get the yellow out of the pictures and DH hates to use the flash. We have a long way to go before we catch up to the skills of Ann and Sharon. Pasta Primavera variation Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 3:49 I'm okay with posting and cooking during a two or three week period as it keeps the time span compact. If we spread it out over a longer period it may just be forgotten. We already have a place to put recipes....it's The Recipe Forum... and previous attempts at keeping recipe threads here on The Cooking Forum have failed. They were okay for a couple of weeks but once they start sliding over to pages three and four they are out of sight, out of mind. I'm happy with the two week period but I don't have to go to work every day or care for a young family so I can understand how others who have a full schedule find it unworkable. So if we change the challenge to once every three weeks that's okay with me. It's always nice if we can prepare the recipes and give our results rather than just posting recipes, as that didn't last for long on previous occasions when we tried it. It was alright for a while but after a month or so was forgotten about and ended up on the back pages. SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus/////// clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 4:00 Sally2....sorry I didn't comment on your dish. The combo of pasta and fresh green vegetables is one of my favourite dishes! I'm sure yours was delicious. I especially like the flavour of fresh peas with pasta and with cream and parmesano it must be over the top! If you want to get the yellow out of your indoor photos when not using flash (never use flash on food)...check your WB....white balance setting. You will find it on one of your camera menus. If you are taking the photo under an incandescent bulb...switch to that setting....it's an icon of a little light bulb. There is also a setting for different types of fluorescent lights. If you have a chance to reset the ISO setting on the camera (light sensitivity setting) raise it up to about 400+ or more if taking pics in the evening under a lamp. But the WB setting is the clue to getting the yellow out of indoor pics using artificial light (not daylight). Good luck! SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 7:18 I have had a grand time with the Cookalong threads, although I interpreted it differently to fit with my schedule. To me, it was more of a two week "Iron Chef" challenge showcasing one ingredient and incorporating it into my menus any time during the period. I tried to use it in some new ways, either the posted recipes or ones I'd seen in cookbooks and had wanted to try sometime and report back on some of the results. DH really enjoyed it and asked last night when we'd find out the next Star Ingredient (what I call it at home). I have found the threads a good source of inspiration for making our meals more interesting. Thank you, Nancy, and all who posted on them. I thought two weeks was an ideal time period to be able to work the ingredient into a meal or two. Maybe it would be better to drop the cooking on a specific date part and make it anytime during the two weeks. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 11:41 I've really enjoyed the cookalongs, although I can rarely participate on the "correct" days. I'm like ruthanna, I enjoy the recipes and try them when I can, either within the two week period or whenever I can. I did carrot the week after and I'm still working on lemon! Why not loosen it up and say you can cook and post anytime within the two week period and then move on to a new ingredient, realizing of course that folks can still post to the old topic afterwards. I really like "cooking along" with other folks out there. That's one of the big pluses about CF for me, since I am single and can rarely share my cooking with a "real" person. I loved hearing how different people in different regions of the country did their meals. BTW, I finally got my asparagus pasta salad done. It is OK, but it had a few issues. I mixed short grain saffron rice with orzo and I think it would be better just done with plain pasta. I can't quite understand it myself, but I just don't like cold rice salads, even though the arborio with saffron was so yummy LOOKING and didn't taste bad either. It is a texture thing with me, for some reason rice (which is my favortie food) just doesn't seem right to me when it's cold. I keep trying to like it but I just don't. Then, when I went to add the olives, I see I have bought "jalepeno" black olive slices. Didn't see that in the store when I put them in the cart. Never even heard of them before. Well, the can was opened and that was all I had so I just dumped them in and fished out a few red jalepenos. Still, the hotness, although not overpowering, was a distraction from the other delicate flavors of the salad. I will make this again, but with fresh ingredients when I can get them. Asaparagus Pasta Salad One bunch asparagus, trimmed, then roasted (You can steam but I roasted just to be different.) Cut into 1 inch pieces. ~ 2/3 cup peas (I had to fish these out of a frozen pea-carrot mix which was all I had. Definately much better with fresh peas) 1 1/4 cups dry orzo (cook as you would any pasta, but don't drain in a colander with large holes, ask me how I know!) 1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped 1 small jar black olives (1/3 - 1/2 cup kalamatta would be great but I can't afford them anymore) 1/4 - 1/3 cup parmesean cheese Olive oil and lemon juice to taste as a dressing Penzey's "pasta salad sprinkle" seasoning or any italian seasoning mix, to taste Fresh parsley if you have it. Scallions or red onion to taste (A little bit goes a long way with me, so maybe 3 scallions or 1/4 cup chopped red onion) Can add rehydrated dried tomatoes and some celery or red or green pepper if you need more color or crunch. Can also add julienned carrots. Even some marinated mushrooms would be good if you used fresh asparagus and fresh peas. Kinda like sally's dish's flavors only cold. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 11:58 Lpink, I've thought about having the leftovers as a salad. I've done that with other pasta dishes originally served warm. Thanks, Sharon. I couldn't find that setting on my camera, but DH did. We'll use it next time. By the way, I always find your photography to be exceptional! Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 12:48 I also like the idea of cooking a dish any time within a two week period or so, weekends are just bad for me with it being spring and the farm needing all my spare time then, plus Elery is usually only here on weekends and he usually has something in mind to cook too. LP, that looks really good, and Elery really likes artichokes and olives, he'd love it. He'd love Sally's too, and the first Michigan asparagus is on sale right now at my local grocery for $1.29 a pound. I wonder how that canned white asparagus in my pantry would be in the salad, even though it wouldn't be so nice and colorful... My favorite way to eat aspargus, though, is just oven roasted with a bit of coarse salt. Mmmmm. Annie o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 14:34 Annie if you used the white asparagus, you could make the salad with colored pasta! I think the key is to have more crunchy than mushy ingredients. Like if you use canned asparagus, then use fresh lightly steamed peas, frozen artichoke hearts instead of marinated, and add carrots or green pepper for more crunch. On the other hand, if you use fresh asparagus and peas, then use marinated mushrooms and artichokes. You could also use lightly steamed fresh green beans instead of asparagus I think. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 15:44 Thanks, LP, I think you're right, cooked asparagus and cooked pasta might be a lot of "soft" ingredients. Ah well, maybe we'll have eggs benedict with asparagus! Annie o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, May 11, 09 at 21:02 I like the suggestions for changing a little...good ideas. I'll set up the new thread with the changes. BUT....first... need to draw a name......it is.... lpinkmountain!!!! lp.... what's the next star ingredient going to be? Just post it on here and I'll set up the new thread. Thanks! Nancy o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dcarch (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 7:55 White asparagus omelet, with onions, mushrooms, and topped with crushed potato chips and tomato powder. dcarch Photobucket Photobucket o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 9:33 Dcarch, what can I say but "wow!" Sally o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 10:41 DC, that's not food, that's art!! OK, new ingredient is RICE, my favorite food. In all it's forms, rice flour, rice milk, cream of rice cereal, brown, red, white, jasmine, basmati, aborio, short grain, long grain, puffed, rice crackers and cakes, rice paper . . . be still my heart. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 10:56 Lpink.....Rice was also what I was going to choose if one day my turn comes up to name the ingredient LOL. Okay rice it is....think I'll have to do a Spanish recipe this time! Dcarch ...white asparagus is our favourite too! SharonCb o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 12:31 Good Grief DCArch!! Wow.... just .. Wow... You certainly know how to put an exclamation point on a great session of really good recipes. Thanks ya'll for playing along. I sure got my monies worth by choosing asparagus. I know it was a bit difficult since it's such a great thing to eat in the most simple ways, but ya'll came up with some great alternatives to my favorite just plain steamed with lots of butter and a little lemon juice. o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 19:09 Here's the link to #9-----Rice! Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong # 9 --- Rice o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dcarch (My Page) on Tue, May 12, 09 at 21:18 I am not done yet with asparagus. :-) Thin asparagus, cheese and turkey Spam. dcarch o RE: cookalong --#8 -- asparagus clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 23, 09 at 8:52 Here ya go.