Ale and Cheddar Soup

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers #soupswappers and today's challenge was to make a soup with craft beer!  Why craft beer? That is easy.  Beer is fun to make, fun to drink, and fun to include in recipes. It is also a fact that craft beer has been gaining in popularity in the last few years.  How many brew pubs do you notice popping up in your area?   How many names of new beers seem to appear overnight?

Craft beer isn't really a new thing.  I know it has been at least 25 years since I recall Terry and has pal, Glenn, making beer in our kitchen.  Brewing beer can mean surprises and adventures, such as

• waking up to the smell of hops permeating the house on a Saturday morning,  
• unattended pots of beer boiling over on the stove,
• a carboy found cooling in the backyard pond, and  
• a five-gallon glass carboy exploding while being kept cool under the stairs.

There may have been some surprises during Terry's beer-brewing days but I must admit he and Glenn made some darn good brew!

Cooking with beer is likely to tease the palate and is just as likely to surprise!  Beer has become a regular ingredient in Spicy Drunken Beans (chili), Beer-Braised Sirloin Tips, Steak and Guinness Pie and desserts like Chocolate Coated Beer Marshmallows, Chocolate Guinness Pudding at our house.

I enjoy cooking with both a dark beer or an ale.  I selected an ale for today's soup.  It is a Lagunitas 12th of Never Ale.

The soup is simple and flavorful.  It is one that I would make again and again.  Yum!

Ale and Cheddar Soup #soupswappers

adapted from Food and Wine

1/2 pound bacon, cut into narrow lardons
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large jalapeno, seeded, deveined and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dry thyme or 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
12-oz beer (ale, lager or pilsner)
2 1/4 cups chicken stock
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound sharp cheddar, shredded
1/3 pound smoked cheddar, shredded
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp.  Remove bacon to a plate and set aside.  Add the celery, carrot, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and thyme to the pan.  Cook until the vegetables are softened.  Add 6-ounces of beer and cook until reduced by half.  Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

In a small pan melt the butter.  Add the flour and whisk over medium heat until the roux is light brown.  Whisk the mixture into the soup and bring to a simmer.  Cook until the soup has thickened.  Add the cream, cheddar cheeses, and the remaining 6-ounces of beer.  Stir until the soup is thick and creamy.  Stir in the bacon.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

While eating leftover soup for lunch I could be heard saying, "I like this soup."  "I really like this soup."  You will too.

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

• Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm: Fasolada
• Karen of Karen's Kitchen Stories: Pressure Cooker Beef and Beer Soup
• Sid of Sid’s Sea Palm Cooking: Øllebrød (Danish Rye Porridge)
• Sneha of Sneha’s Recipe: Veg Chessy Beer Soup For Two
• Kathy of A Spoonful of Thyme: Ale and Cheddar Soup
• Cindy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings: Boozy Potato Soup

Spanish-Style Meatball Soup with Saffron and Kale #soupswappers

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and today's challenge was to make a soup with meatballs!  This was a super fun challenge.  Why?  Because I love meatballs!!  Since childhood I have leaned toward a dish that features meatballs...I have even been known to eat lamb meatballs and if you know me well, you know that lamb rates at the bottom of my list of favorites.  Bring on the Spaghetti and Meatballs, bring on the Italian Wedding Soup.  I will always have a fork and spoon ready!

Today's soup features turkey meatballs and kale with a lovely picada mixed in just before serving.  Picada originated in the Catalan region of Spain around the thirteenth or fourteenth century as a way of thickening a soup or stew.  It is a combination of ground nuts, bread crumbs, aromatics and olive oil that when mixed together thickens a dish and provides a "tah dah" to the dish!

Saffron is the star of this soup.  It has a lovely subtle flavor that you know when you taste it.  Paella isn't paella without saffron!  Bouillabaisse isn't bouillabaisse without saffron!  And, this Spanish-style soup wouldn't be nearly as tasty without it! There really isn't a substitute for saffron.  It is expensive and if you are lucky enough to be traveling in Spain you can easily find it in the market.  Saffron is the dried orange-red stigma of a crocus sativas a sterile crocus used specifically for the purpose of its three stigmas!  Yes, three.  Three per flower.  And, they are hand-harvested!  You can see why the expense.  There are 70,000 flowers harvested for one pound of saffron!

The soup starts with a sofrito which is a base for Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese cooking.  This sofrito consists of onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.  The recipe says the rest....

Spanish-Style Meatball Soup 

with Saffron and Kale

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

Soup Serves:  6-8

Picada 
Yields:  1 cup
Preheat oven:  375° (Place oven rack in the middle.)

1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 slices white bread, quartered
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp salt
Three twists fresh ground pepper

Pulse the nuts in a food processor to fine crumbs.  Add the bread, olive oil, salt and pepper and continue to pulse the bread to coarse crumbs.  Spread the mixture over a baking sheet.  Toast, stir frequently, until golden brown.  (Ten minutes)  Let cool.

The picada may be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for two days.

Meatballs
Yields: 30-35 meatballs

2 slices white bread, torn into quarters
1/3 cup milk
1 pound ground turkey (93 % lean)
1/2 cup Manchego cheese
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
3 Tbsp minced shallot (1 medium)
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

In a large bowl, mash the bread and milk together into a paste.  Add the ground turkey, Manchego cheese, parsley, shallot, oil, salt and pepper.  Mix the combination thoroughly.  When combined, roll the meatballs by pulling off about 2 teaspoons of meat mixture.  Roll into firm balls and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerator until firm, about 45 minutes.

Soup
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/4 tsp saffron threads, crumbled
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups chicken stock
1 recipe of picada
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil until shimmering.  Add the onion and bell pepper.  Cook until softened and lightly browned. (10-12 minutes) Stir in the garlic, paprika, saffron, and red pepper flakes.  Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits.  Cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Stir in the broth and bring the soup to a simmer.  Gently add the meatballs and kale.  Continue to simmer until the meatballs are cooked through 12-15 minutes.  Off the heat, stir in the picada, parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

Meatball and Noodle Soup (Sopa Albondigas con Fideo)  by Palatable Pastime 
Zucchetti and Meatball Soup  by  Home Sweet Homestead
Green Gram & Chicken Meatball Clear Soup  by  Sneha's Recipe 
Albondigas Soup by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Shrimp and Pork Meatball Wonton Noodle Soup  by  Karen's Kitchen Stories 
One-Pot Fennel & Stout Beef Meatball Stew  by  Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice http://faithhopeloveandlucksurvivedespiteawhiskeredaccomp

Slow Cooker Lentil, Vegetable and Pasta Soup #soupswappers

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and today's challenge was to make a soup with an Italian flair!

I think that I mentioned my husband having knee replacement surgery which led to no appetite.  Soup was was came to mind.  I have made so many pots of soup this month that it is actually hard to decide which one to post for today's challenge.  It was a good month for soup!

When I think of Italian soups, the first soup I usually think of is Minestrone. I have a great recipe for it but I had seen some lentils in the pantry as well as some kale and vegetables in the refrigerator so it was settled.  I pulled out the slow cooker and put it together before I left for the library as I was volunteering in the Genealogy Room that day.  It was nice to know that dinner would be ready when I got home!

This is a super recipe for improvising.  Whatever is in season will work.  You can make it as brothy or hardy as you like depending on you selection of vegetables.  You really must give it a try!

Slow Cooker Lentil, Vegetable & Pasta Soup

1 pound Bob's Red Mill Lentils (brown), rinsed and picked over
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large celery rib with leaves, chopped
1 can fire roasted tomatoes (about 2 cups)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into small chunks
2 medium zucchini, sliced
8 cups vegetable stock
1 cup small pasta

Garnish:  Chopped parsley, fresh grated romano

Combine all of the ingredients except the pasta and zucchini in the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.  Add the pasta, sliced zucchini and salt and pepper.  Cook an additional 30 minutes or more until the pasta is tender.  (You may wish to increase the temperature of the slow cooker for this last step.)

PRINTABLE RECIPE

We loved the soup!  It had great flavor.  The next time I make it though, I will not use zucchini.  I just didn't like the flavor, it seemed bitter.  Maybe it was because it was winter zucchini as I am usually a big fan of this squash.   The kale never made it to the soup...it didn't pass muster!

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

Inlinkz Link Party

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup #SoupSwappers

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and I was challenged to make something that would warm us up on a cold and snowy day.   Today's theme was selected by Sue at Palatable Passtime.  Thank you, Sue, for stretching my memory... This was quite a challenge as snow is only a memory for me...the last time it snowed here was January 25, 1999!   That was an exciting day as it wasn't just a dusting of snow, it was six inches in some places.  Most folks were told to stay home and not go to work.  I know school was cancelled...we don't have anything that looks like a snowplow and our streets were filled with children, snowmen, and if you lived near a hill, there were sleds and skis everywhere!  What did I cook?  I have absolutely no idea!  I do know that I sat outside with a cup of tea and watched as it continued to snow and snow and snow.  I loved every minute!!

Back to today. Well, I feel fortunate if we have rain.

I was facing a challenge, though.  Terry had a surprise issue with his knee the first week of December.  He was in excruciating pain.  After multiple trips to doctors....the bad news came.  He was facing a knee replacement right after the New Year.  Needless to say, he has had no appetite, but, Chicken Noodle Soup sounded comforting.  So, I made a very quick and easy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil
3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin slices
2 celery ribs, sliced thin
1 medium onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 quarts organic chicken stock, more if desired
2 bay leaves
2 tsp dried thyme
12 oz wide egg noodles
2 cups shredded chicken, a rotisserie chicken works great or cook three chicken thighs and a chicken breast in the oven and shred.
3-4 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium high.  Add the carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves and thyme and saute for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.  Add the garlic and saute another minute or two.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Allow the mixture to gently boil until the vegetables are tender.

Add the egg noodles and boil the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.  If it appears that additional liquid is needed add more stock or a cup of water.

Add the chicken and parsley to the mixture and continue to simmer until the chicken is warm.  Adjust the seasoning as desired.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with a bit of parsley, if desired.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

While Terry was only able to eat about half a cup of soup, he said it really hit the spot.  I know I enjoyed it. Who doesn't like a basic chicken noodle soup?  If nothing else, it brings back childhood memories!

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

An InLinkz Link-up

Chicken, Pasta and Leek Soup #SoupSwappers

What to do when the leftovers start disappearing and one has not made the soup!  When, the ingredients change and you do not end up with what you thought....the orzo disappeared, the spinach had its own private trip, but the chicken remained!   I seem to be good at falling back and regrouping.

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and I was challenged to use up my leftovers!   One or more of the soup's ingredients was to be leftover from another meal.  For me the count went from three to one!  Today's theme was selected by Karen at Karen's Kitchen Stories. Thank you, for reminding me that leftovers do not have to be an exact repeat of a previous meal and that improvising can be a good thing.

Leftover Chicken, Pasta and Leek Soup

2 cups chicken pieces
2 leeks, cleaned and sliced into half moons
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large potato peeled and diced into small cubes
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup water, plus additional if needed
1 sprig rosemary, leaves striped, finely chopped
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 cups noodles or any small pasta
1 Tbsp sherry vinegar

In a large pot heat one tablespoon butter and olive oil. When hot, add the leeks, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften.  Add the can of tomatoes, chicken, potato, beans, chicken broth and water.  Stir.  Allow to simmer until the potato has started to soften.  Add additional liquid if needed.  Add the pasta and cook on medium until softened.  Taste the broth.  We found that the addition of a bouillion cube enhanced the flavor.

Add a splash of sherry vinegar and serve.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!


Inlinkz Link Party

Spicy Winter Squash Soup

Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the reprieve from the heat and hope of cool breezes and, just maybe rain!  For now, there is no rain but the cool morning air brings a smile to my face.

As the evenings cool down soup comes to mind for lunch or dinner.  Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and I was challenged to make a soup using squash, pumpkin, or both.  The theme was selected by Ashley at Cheese Curd In Paradise.  And, of course, I decided to use both squash and pumpkin!

Spicy Winter Squash Soup

adapted from Cookie and Kate

Yield: 6-8 servings

1 medium butternut squash, halved, seeds removed
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, small chop
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 apple, cored, peeled, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground coriander
Pinch of cloves
1 tsp kosher salt
3-4 cups vegetable broth
Juice from 1/2 lemon

Garnishes
1/4 cup pepitas, lightly roasted with spices.
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
Pinch coriander
Sour Cream, thin with vegetable broth
Chopped cilantro

Preheat oven:  350° F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Place the squash, cut sides down and roast for 40 minutes.  Test with a fork.  Remove from oven when tender.  Allow the squash to cool.  Remove the flesh from the shell and place in a bowl.  (Should the squash have some firm spots, it will continue cooking with the broth.)

In a Dutch oven, warm the oil over medium heat.  Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.  Add the garlic, squash, pumpkin, apple, salt and spices.  Cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the vegetable broth and lemon juice.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes.  Test the squash to assure it is tender.

Blend the soup in batches in a blender or use an immersion blender and blend the soup until smooth.  Return the soup to the pot and keep warm on low.  Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired.

To prepare the pepitas:  In a small skillet warm the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, coriander and a pinch of salt.  Toss to combine and toast for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.

Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with the sour cream.  Sprinkle with pepitas and cilantro.

PRINTABLE RECIPE


I had expected the soup to be a bit more spicy.  Should I make it again I would definitely increase the spices.

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

And here is the reason that I have been out of touch with blogging!  Our daughter got married!

An InLinkz Link-up

Spanish Romesco Sauce Becomes Soup! #SoupSwappers

Romesco sauce is a popular topping in Spain.  It hails from the Catalonia area of Spain and appears with roasted vegetables, fish or slathered on a crostini.  While in Spain I grew to love crostini with Romesco....so yummy, especially with a nice glass of wine!  This Romesco soup is a variation of the sauce.  It has all of the great ingredients: roasted red peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and almonds with some vegetable broth and a few surprises tossed in.

One of the surprises is harissa paste.  I usually have powdered harissa on hand but paste has more complex and depth of flavor than the powder.  (Thank you, Amazon...you saved me miles of driving.)  So when it was suggested that harissa paste be used, I was willing.

The other surprise is chickpeas.  This soup has smashed chickpeas in it.  These, along with the almonds, give a nice texture to the soup.  It is called Spanish Romesco Soup with Smashed Chickpeas!

Today is Saturday Soup Swappers and I was challenged to make a soup using almonds.  I usually associate almonds with baking so I had a little thinking and working to do.  Today's theme was selected by Sneha at Sneha's Recipes.  Thank you, Sneha, for reminding me that there many ways to use an almond!

Spanish Romesco Soup with Chickpeas

adapted from Minimalist Baker

Yield:  8 servings

2 red peppers (with skin and stem)
4-5 cloves of garlic (skin on)
1 cup raw almonds
1 28-oz can roasted diced tomatoes
1 1/2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
3/4 tsp spicy smoked paprika
1/2 tsp each salt and fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 to 2 tsp harissa paste (taste and add more as desired)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 15-oz can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, smashed)

Garnish:  Chopped cilantro, shaved parmesan cheese

Preheat oven:  350° F.

Line a baking sheet with foil.  Arrange peppers on one side.  On the other side spread the almonds and garlic.  Place in oven.  Roast almonds for 12 minutes.  They will be golden brown and slightly cracked.  Remove the almonds from the baking sheet and set aside.
Continue roasting the garlic for 7-8 minutes.  Remove and set aside.  Return the baking sheet to the oven and increase the temperature to 475° F.

Roast the peppers until they have blackened, about 12 minutes.  Turn the peppers midway to char the other side.  Once charred, remove the peppers and place in a paper bag or wrap in foil to allow them to steam for about 3-4 minutes.  After steaming the peppers, peel away the skin, remove the core and the seeds.  Remove the skin from the garlic.

Put the peppers, garlic, almonds, tomatoes, vinegar, harissa, paprika, salt, pepper, and maple syrup into the blender.  On high speed, puree the ingredients until smooth.  Scrap down the sides of the container as needed.  Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired for additional heat, sweetness, acidity or salt.

Pour the mixture into a large pot.  Add the vegetable broth and the smashed chickpeas.  Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce and simmer on low for approximately 15 minutes.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired with chopped cilantro and parmesan.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

This was an enjoyable soup.  I loved the spiciness and depth of flavor from the harrisa paste.  And I am so thankful to have the air conditioning unit up and running!  Ten days without air conditioning is a very long time.  Once the house had cooled down....on came the oven to roast those gorgeous peppers, garlic cloves and almonds!!

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

An InLinkz Link-up

Spicy Veggie Chili with Summer Squash #soupswappers

Today I was challenged to prepare a soup or chili that required me to use a slow cooker.  That means the dish had to be one that would stand up to our summer...for me, that is a chili and one that features veggies.  Using a slow cooker during the summer is so much better than using an oven! And, it is a garden veggie time of the year! 

Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Soup is hosted by Karen at Karen's Kitchen Stories. Thank you for reminding me that the slow cooker is a great summer appliance.

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

This chili is a winner!  It lives by its name, it is spicy and the flavor is wonderful!  We loved it and neither of us can wait for lunch tomorrow!

Spicy Veggie Chili with Summer Squash

adapted from Dina Cheney, Fine Cooking

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup scallions, white, light green and some dark green parts (4 onions)
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp minced jalapeno (1/2 medium)
1 1/2 tsp cumin
2 tsp kosher salt, divided, 
5 grinds fresh black pepper
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp oregano flakes
2 cups frozen corn
2 yellow squash, quarter lengthwise, then cut into thick slices
1 zucchini squash, quarter lengthwise, then cut into thick slices
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 Tbsp minced chipotle chiles or use just the adobo sauce
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 28-oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
3 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Garnish:  Tortilla chips, sour cream, chopped avocado

In a 10-inch skillet, heat half of the oil on medium-high.  Add the bell peppers, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, half of the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder and oregano.  Saute about six minutes, just until the vegetables soften.  Add the squash and the corn and saute an additional three minutes.  Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.  Add the beans and mix well.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil, tomato paste, chipotle chiles or adobo sauce, and flour.  Cook until the mixture is thickened and the flour disappears.  Increase the heat to high and add the tomatoes with their juices, vegetable stock, lime juice, and the remaining salt.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring well for about 3 minutes.  Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.  Mix well.  Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.  Stir in the cilantro.  Serve with chips, sour cream and avocado.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

I wasn't really certain how the squash would do in a slow cooker so upon thought, I decided that they should be cut into thick slices and quartered.  They stood up to the heat really well.  This was truly a tasty recipe.  If you aren't a fan of really spicy chili, I would suggest cutting back to one Tablespoon of adobo sauce.  

An InLinkz Link-up

Don't Throw Out the Pickle Juice!

There is a first time for everything, for me, it is using pickle juice.  I know that it is a regular thing for many cooks to use pickle juice in their potato salad.  Until recently, I had always made my own oil and vinegar mixture for marinating the potatoes and seemed to be stuck in my ways.  That is why when I was presented with this recipe, I just had to "follow directions".  Just what has cooks singing pickle juice praises was something I wanted to know.

I tossed my fresh cooked potatoes with the pickle juice, just as directed.  What I learned is that pickle juice offers up a smooth tangy flavor with just a hint of sweet.  This was a flavor that makes potato salad dance!  It was delicious....

All-American Potato Salad

adapted from The Complete Cook's Country TV Show Cookbook

Yield: 8-10 servings

3 large eggs
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 Tbsp dill pickle juice, plus 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 small red onion, chopped fine
2 celery ribs, chopped fine
1 Tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
1/4 tsp paprika, for garnish

Bring the eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and one quart of water to a boil in a saucepan.  When it reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes.  Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let cool for about five minutes, then peel and coarsely chop the eggs.  Set aside.

Place potatoes in a large pot.  Add enough cold water to cover them by an inch.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Add one teaspoon salt, reduce heat to medium-low.  Allow the potatoes to simmer until they are tender, 10-15 minutes.  Drain and spread the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet.

Mix two Tablespoons pickle juice and mustard together in a small bowl,drizzle the mixture over the hot potatoes and toss until coated evenly.  Refrigerate until cooled, about half an hour.

Mix the remaining Tablespoon of pickle juice, chopped pickles, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, celery seed, mayonnaise, sour cream, red onion, and celery in a large bowl.  Add the cooled potatoes and toss.  Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 30 minutes.  Just before serving fold in the chopped eggs.  Sprinkle the mixture with the paprika and the chopped parsley prior to serving.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

This met the taste test.  I will definitely make it again.  Will I give up the usual way that I marinate warm potatoes?  No.  I have just added another choice to the repertoire!

Mac and Cheese Salad with Chipotle

We eat our fill of macaroni salad and potato salad during the warm months.  There is just something about it that says tasty!  I love the tanginess of the two salads and since they are a cold dish, I can think "cool"!

I recently prepared a Macaroni Salad with Cheese and Chipotle for a gathering of friends.  It was a new recipe but friends do not mind being guinea pigs!  The only thing I was nervous about was that the recipe called for three tablespoons of chipotle....you know that was destined to be a super spicy hot side dish!  Since I didn't want to run my friends off, I decided to add the chipotle a tablespoon at a time and taste test in between.  It seemed the prudent thing to do.

There was one little thing that happened....at least, I thought it had happened....I was squeezing my lemon juice into the salad when I heard a pop.  Thought about it and kept on mixing.  It kept niggling at me.  Upon investigation I noticed that one screw on the lemon juicer was missing...hmmmm....had it already been missing and I hadn't noticed, or, did it just then pop into the macaroni salad?

I poked around in the salad with a fork and didn't find anything...but, this was a ton of salad and the screw was tiny.  Since I really didn't want anybody to break a tooth, an additional search was necessary.  So, a spoonful at a time was removed from the bowl and checked for a screw!  While one was not found, I did give fair warning to friends, just in case!

This wasn't a king cake, nobody got the prize for finding something strange in the salad!

Macaroni Salad with Cheddar and Chiptole

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

Yield:  12-15 servings

1 1/2 pounds large elbow macaroni
1/2 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
3 Tbsp minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1/2 cup minced red onion
3 ribs celery, minced
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
3 Tbsp lemon juice
5 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 1/4 cups mayonnaise

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the pasta plus 1 1/2 Tbsp salt and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.  Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until cool.  Transfer to a large bowl.

Stir in the cheddar, onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and cayenne.  Add the chipotle a tablespoon at a time, taste testing in between.  Or, if you are brave, add all three tablespoons at once.  Let the mixture sit until the flavors are absorbed.

Stir in the mayonnaise and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes while the may is absorbed.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Test Kitchen says that the salad may be refrigerated for up to a day.  They recommend mixing in 1 Tablespoon of hot water at a time to refresh the salad prior to serving.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

We decided that we would definitely make this again.  There was something about the sharp cheddar and the tang of the chipotle.  Delicious!

You will be happy to know that I am the proud owner of a new lemon juicer!

Slow Cooker Salmon Chowder #soupswappers

I gave Terry a choice today.  Should I make a Salmon Chowder or a Thai Crab and Corn Chowder?  I was leaning toward the crab.  He was leaning toward the salmon.  I leaned toward the slow cooker.  Salmon Chowder was the choice for Saturday Soup Swappers.

Today's chowder doesn't have a heavy cream base.  It is predominately clam juice with just a bit of cream and a dab of butter.  It was really perfect and I must admit that I was trepidatious. I am really used to making chowders of the creamy variety!  This isn't a brothy soup and only partially submerging the salmon allows it to poach in the herby broth.  Yummy!

Slow Cooker Salmon Chowder

adapted from the Food Network Kitchen

Yield:  4 servings

3 cups bottled clam juice

1 pound potato medley (red, yellow and purple), diced

2 carrots, thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1/2 yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

12 sprigs dill

12 sprigs parsley

8 sprigs thyme

2 bay leaves

1 wide strip of lemon zest

1 pound fillet, skin removed, cut into four pieces

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp butter

Garnish

Chopped fresh chives

Chopped dill

In a large measuring cup, heat the clam juice until very hot.

Scatter the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion and garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker.  Tie the dill, parsley, thyme, lemon strip together with twine.  Lay the herb bundle on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.  Add the bay leaves.  Pour in the hot clam juice.  Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours.

Season the salmon with salt and pepper.  Stir the heavy cream into the vegetable mixture.  Lay the salmon pieces on top, partially submerging them.   Cover and cook an additional 30-40 minutes.

Discard the herb bundle, remove the bay leaves.  Stir in the butter.  Season the chowder with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the broth and vegetables into a soup bowl and top with a piece of salmon.  Garnish the chowder with chopped chives and a sprinkle of dill and serve.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Chowder is the theme for this month's Saturday Soup Swappers.  The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!  This Saturday is hosted by the chef who began the group, Wendy!  Thank you for all of your work!

I mentioned earlier I was trepidatious about making a chowder like this but I did get encouragement from Terry...to quote, "Everything you make is delicious, unless it's not...but that only happens every five of six years."  Ha!  This was not one of those years!

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White Bean and Barley Soup #soupswappers

"Some days are like that...Even in Australia."  

(Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst)

We all can count upon having a bad day now and then, it is what happens.  What I try to remember is that there are those whose day is probably worse than mine, so, be strong, push through. The quotation from Judith Viorst's children's book has long been a quotation that I think of when things get tough.  But....my question is, does this also apply to months?  I think it must.  What a month it has been.  

In a span of five days my ninety-one year old mother had a big setback:  five falls, a trip to urgent care, two trips by ambulance to the emergency room, a three day stay in the hospital for observation and as a result, a need to change her living situation which entailed a move to a dementia care facility.  With that decision, the dominoes begin to fall in regard to moving. What to do with furniture, household items, etc.  I must say that I appreciate my niece.  She and her husband came to the rescue.  (I love it when needs match up!)

Meshed in among all of the above we was hosting a family dinner for visiting out of state family, a trip to Seattle to help my daughter as her hubby had to go to....wait for it....Australia.... I got sick so I wasn't really much help.....came home and began the laundry that had been piling up for a long while.  It was either do the laundry or go to the store and buy new necessities!  Watching the washing machine could be therapeutic.  Ha!   

Thankfully, I had made this easy, soothing, flavorful, and delicious Bean and Barley Soup before the dominoes began falling!  It is Saturday!  It is the third Saturday of May!  I am to make a soup with the theme that Paula at The Saucy Southerner selected for the Soup Saturday Swappers: Let's Go Meatless!

What I learned in making this soup was that all vegetable broths are not created equal.  The broth that I found at Trader Joe's exceeded the other brand I had purchased...hands down!  If you haven't tried it...do so!

White Bean and Barley Soup

adapted from Eating Well

1 1/2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium fennel bulb, cored and chopped

5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 tsp dried basil

2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 14-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth

3/4 cup quick cooking barley

6 oz package baby spinach (about 6 cups)

1/4  cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat.  Add the onion, fennel, garlic, and basil.  Stirring frequently, cook the mixture until it begins to brown, about 8 minutes.

Mash about 1 cup of the beans.  Add the mashed beans, remaining whole beans, tomatoes, broth and barley into the pot and stir.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium and simmer.  Stir the mixture occasionally, until the barley is tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir in the spinach leaves cooking until wilted.  Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the cheese and pepper.

Notes:  The soup may be refrigerated for up to three days.  It freezes well for up to six months.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

This would be a great soup for a girls' luncheon served with some crusty bread!  I know that I will definitely make this soup again.  In fact I have some friends coming next week....all I need is the fennel!

The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

An InLinkz Link-up

Red Wine Beef Stew #soupswappers

It is Saturday!  It is the third Saturday of April!  It is spring...or supposed to be!  I am supposed to make a soup with the theme that Camilla, at Culinary Adventures with Camilla selected for the Soup Saturday Swappers:  Spring Has Sprung

The only problem I have is that it is winter outside.  So, I do believe I am a failure at making a soup that has spring vegetables.  We really were craving comfort food, I mean it was going down to 38°.  I know that there are some folks out there with even colder weather....I'm sorry your spring looks like winter!  What I do know is that you would be comforted with this super, slow cooked Red Wine Beef Stew!

Red Wine Beef Stew

adapted from NY Times Recipes

Marinating Mixture

3 1/2 - 4 pounds beef stew. cut into large pieces

2 large sprigs of thyme

2 bay leaves

12 juniper berries

1/2 bottle red wine (red table wine or cabernet works well)

In the Pot

Salt and fresh ground pepper
4 garlic cloves  (1 smashed, 3 minced)
4 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 stalks celery
3-4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 1/2 onion, chopped
1 large Idaho potato, peeled and diced
3-4 slices bacon, cut into lardons
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp tomato paste

Bouquet garni (2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs rosemary and parsley, 2 bay leaves, 6 juniper berries, 4 whole cloves, 1 tsp dried orange peel, wrapped in cheesecloth and tied.

1/2 bottle
Chicken broth, as needed
3 Tbsp chopped parsley

In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.  Mix well.  Place the meat and marinade into a large zip lock bag or bowl and refrigerate.  Marinate for at least two hours or up to a day.

After the meat has marinated, strain off the marinade and reserve for cooking.  Drain the meat on paper towels and pat dry.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Prepare the vegetables:  cut the celery and carrots into large chunks.  Peel and dice the onion.  Peel and dice the potato. Set aside.

Prepare a large, heavy pot with a tight fitting lid by placing it on the stove and rubbing the bottom with the smashed and peeled garlic clove coating it with the garlic's oils.  Discard the garlic.

Heat 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pot until shimmering.  Add half of the meat and brown gently on both sides.  When browned, remove the meat to paper towels to drain.  Repeat with the remaining two tablespoons of oil and meat.  Then return the all the meat to the pot.

Heat the oven to 250° F.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon lardons until crisp.  Cook gently until the fat renders.  When the bacon is close to finished, add the onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic.  Cook stirring, until softened and golden, about ten minutes.  Increase the heat, add the tomato paste and cook, stirring until sizzling and fragrant.  Add the bouquet garni, reserved marinade and potato.  Let the mixture bubble rigorously for 5 to 10 minutes until the liquid is thickened and syrupy.  Transfer the mixture to the heavy pot with the meat.

Pour the remaining half bottle of red wine to the pot.  If needed, add enough chicken broth so that the ingredients are covered.  Stir to combine.  Bring the mixture to a simmer.  Place the lid on the pot and bake four to five hours.  At four hours, test the meat for doneness.  It should be soft enough to eat with a spoon and the sauce should be thick.  If after four hours, the liquid appears thin, remove the lid from the pot and bake uncovered for the remaining time.

When done, let cool slightly.  Remove and discard the bouquet garni and the celery chunks.  To thicken the stew, smash some of the carrots and potatoes with a fork.  Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper.

Garnish each serving with thyme leaves and chopped parsley.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

 Copycat soup recipe is the theme for this month's Saturday Soup Swappers!  The Saturday Soup Swappers is a group of bloggers brought together by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm. The group gets together on the third Saturday of the month to share soups or stews based on a theme selected by one of the members. If you are interested in joining in on the fun, follow the link above for more information. All are welcome!

An InLinkz Link-up

Cheese, Leek and Potato Pasties - SRC

Today is special.  It is a reunion and I am so excited!  For a number of years, I participated in a group called the Secret Recipe Club.  Each month we were assigned a blog and asked to select a recipe to prepare and share.  It was so much fun.  It made me get out there and really look at another blogger's work.  I prepared dishes that I probably would never have tackled if left to my own devices...you know how it is...your own little recipes, routine and rotation.  It is easy to fall back into that MOD.   I must admit as I examined my "little rotation", I noticed that a number of recipes were those that I found on a Secret Recipe Club blog!  It made me smile.

For the reunion I was assigned Maxine's lovely blog, WHYIAMNOTSKINNY. I have visited Maxine's blog a number of times as she was my assigned blogger in 2016.  At that time I was searching for food that could travel so I made Maxine's wonderful blueberry muffins.  This time, I was just looking with no idea of where I was headed. It was kind of like a kid in a candy store. So many choices and I could only have one.

You see, WHYIAMNOTSKINNY is impressive!  Not only does Maxine love food, cook and share recipes, she has written many restaurant reviews.  Maxine and her work are well known in Brussels and the blogging community.  She loves to share "food gathering" experiences...and you know what?  She is right.  All of us gather together around food. We bring family together for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.  We meet friends for brunch, lunch and dinner....  Food is a focal point and I am thrilled to be able to share WHYIAMNOTSKINNY with you today.

As I searched through the recipe index, my eyes landed on the word "pastie".  This just could be it, Cheese Leek and Potato Pasties! I read a lot of historical fiction and every character is always grabbing a pastie for a meal.  It was definitely time for me to expand my horizons, so to speak, and prepare and grab pasties for our meal!!  I loved the idea of using puff pastry.  The only thing that I did differently was add bacon so it would appeal to Mr. T.

Leek, Cheese, and Potato Pasties

adapted from WHYIAMNOTSKINNY

Yield: 4 pasties
Preheat oven:  350°
Prepare baking sheet by lining with parchment.

2 small potatoes, cut into small cubes
2 Tbsp butter
2 small leeks, white and light green part only, cleaned, split in half lengthwise and finely sliced
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg (14 oz.) puff pastry
flour for dusting
3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1 egg beaten
3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

In a medium fry pan, cook the bacon until crisp.  Drain and crumble.

In a saucepan boil the potatoes in salted water until tender but still holding shape.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan.  Add the leeks and cook on medium until softened, about 10-12  minutes.

Drain the potatoes.  Add them to the leeks along with the seasonings.  Stir in the cream.  Add the bacon and stir. Set the mixture aside to cool.

On a floured surface, roll out the pastry to the thickness of about 1/8 inch.  Using a small bowl with a diameter of 6 inches, cut out four to six circles.

Mix the cheese with the leek and potato mixture.  Scoop about 1/4-1/3 cup of the mixture into the center of each pastry.

Brush beaten egg around the edges.  Bring the opposite sides to the center and crimp the edges with fingers.  During this step you will be able to determine if you have too little or too much filling.  Brush a little egg over the outside of the pasties.

Place the formed pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake pasties at 350° for 40-45 minutes.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Reunions are fun and this one was especially so. Thank you, Sarah for bringing us all together again!

An InLinkz Link-up