Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Recipe Found HERE

1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts

3 Tablespoons olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)

2 teaspoons honey 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat. 

Trim off the outer, dry leaves, cut the bottom off and slice sprouts lengthwise. 

In a large bowl, toss brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to coat thoroughly. Transfer veggies to prepared baking sheet and roast until tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. 

Place roasted brussels sprouts back in bowl. Add balsamic vinegar and honey and toss to coat evenly. Taste and season with kosher salt if necessary and serve. 

If using frozen sprouts, thaw and shake off excess water. 

Roasted Carrots

Recipe Found HERE

1 pound carrots, about 1 large or 2 medium bunches, cut into 2-inch barrels 

1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup) 

½ teaspoon sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper 

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with the olive oil, honey, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Transfer the carrots to the baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Roast for 15 to 35 minutes, or until fork-tender and lightly browned but not mushy. The timing will depend on the size of your carrots. Remove from the oven and season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Roasted Broccoli

Recipe Found HERE

12 ounces broccoli florets 

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling 

Sea salt

Black pepper, freshly ground 

Red pepper flakes, optional 

Lemon, optional

Spice mix (Penzey's sandwich sprinkle, etc)

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt/pepper, and spice mix and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast 15 to 22 minutes or until browned around the edges. 

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh squeezed lemon juice over the top, if desired. 

Mango Salsa

The key to great salsa is dicing everything very small.

Recipe Found Here

3 ripe mangos, diced

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 

½ cup chopped red onion 

¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced 

1-2 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice) 

⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste 

In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeño. 

Drizzle with the juice of one lime. 

Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. 

Season to taste with salt, and stir again. For best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.

French Green Beans & Shallots

Recipe Found HERE 

4 cups water 

1 pound very small, firm green beans, cleaned 

3 tablespoons butter 

3 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots 

¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste 

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste 

1 teaspoon lemon juice 

Bring the water to a boil. Add the beans and cover the pot. Continue cooking the beans, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water. 

At serving time, heat the butter in a skillet, add the shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, until the shallots start to brown. 

Add the beans, salt and pepper, and sauté briefly. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Scrub sweet potatoes and then prick all over with a fork. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet (lined with foil/parchment for easy clean-up). Bake until tender, or until a knife inserted in the thickest part has no resistance, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Split tops open with a knife and season as desired (butter, cinnamon sugar, or with salt and pepper etc).

Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Recipe Found HERE

These ultra-creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes can be prepared two days ahead of time and reheated in the microwave. Perfect for the busy holidays! 

*My Idaho husband loved them - they passed the test!* 

3-1/2 pounds Russet potatoes
2 cups heavy cream
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Chives, for serving

Preheat the oven to 450°F and adjust an oven rack to the middle position. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (alternatively, you can place them on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet). Bake until very soft, 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. (Err on the side of overcooking rather than undercooking them.) Remove the potatoes from the oven.

While they are still hot, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using an oven mitt or a folded kitchen towel to hold the hot potatoes, scoop out all of the flesh from each potato half into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (*see notes on using a potato ricer, food mill or hand-held electric mixer). The flesh near the skin gets a little tough, so be sure to leave it behind. Break the cooked potato flesh down into small pieces using a fork, potato masher, or rubber spatula.

Beat on low speed until completely smooth and no lumps remain, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream and 6 Tablespoons of the butter to a simmer.

Remove the bowl from the mixer stand and, using a large rubber spatula, gradually fold in the hot cream and butter mixture. It will take a few minutes to mix it all in; keep folding until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, then taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large microwave-safe bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap (the bowl should be large enough that the potatoes don’t touch the plastic wrap). Refrigerate for up to 2 days. (DO NOT FREEZE)

To reheat, use the tip of a knife to poke about 10 holes in the plastic wrap knife, and microwave at medium-high (75 percent) power until the potatoes are hot, about 14 minutes, stirring halfway through the reheating time. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and sprinkle with the chives. Serve hot.
Note: For perfectly smooth potatoes, pass the potato flesh through a potato ricer or food mill before adding them to the mixer. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand-held electric mixer but the potatoes won’t be quite as smooth. If you don't have an electric mixer, pass the potatoes through a food mill or potato ricer and then whip by hand with a wooden spoon.

Baked Potato Garlic Herb Sour Cream Topping

Sunny A.

Recipe Found Here

1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh dill
1 teaspoon chopped chives
1 Tablespoon flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Add the sour cream to a small bowl. Add garlic, dill, chives, parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix to combine.

Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled until ready to serve. Slice potatoes in half and pinch sides to open. Add garlic herb sour cream and serve.

Collard Greens

Recipe found here

1 teaspoon of cooking oil
8 ounces of greens, divided (collards, kale, spinach etc)
2 garlic cloves
3 cups of water, divided
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

Remove stem from greens, and chop them finely, cut or tear leaves into bite-size pieces. Peel and thinly slice the garlic.

Place a deep pan over low/medium heat, add 1 teaspoon cooking oil. Add greens stems, cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic, and cook for 1 minute more. Add greens, and about 2 1/2 cups of water. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon cider vinegar.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to LOW; simmer, and cover. Cook greens till tender, 30-40 minutes. Once tender; taste, and adjust seasoning if desired. Braised greens are best served with their potlikker (cooking liquid).

Breakfast Potatoes

Recipe Found Here

4 whole (to 5) Large Red Potatoes
1 whole Onion
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Or Canola Oil
1 Tablespoon butter (more if pan needs it)
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Red and Green Bell Peppers, Diced (optional)

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover entirely with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork tender (20 min or so). When they are ready, place the potatoes on a cutting board and dice them into 1-inch pieces.

Next cut up an onion into a large, rough dice.

In a large skillet heat oil and butter. Put the onions in the skillet and sauté until they start to turn brown. (You can also use red and green bell peppers diced up. If you do, throw them in at this point).

Next, throw in the diced potatoes. Stir well and then slightly press/pack then. Now you will cook them without stirring for several minutes. You want the pan to be hot enough to crisp the potatoes but not hot enough to char them. (Optional step: sprinkle a bit of flour over potatoes as they cook). Cook for several minutes and then flip them with a spatula. Salt and Pepper them as they cook. Cook until desired brownness.

Southern Collard Greens

(Oma J.)

ham bone
collards
3 Tablespoons vinegar
4 teaspoons sugar
pinch salt

Clean them well - each leaf individually as they are sandy.  OR you can buy them in a bag chopped and cleaned.

Take a ham bone or part of the ham/bone. 

Take greens and pull the thick part of stem off.  Put all greens in pot with ham bone and just barely cover w/water;  add white vinegar, sugar, and a bit of salt.  Bring to boil;  simmer about an hour covered.  Taste to correct.  If bitter add a little more sugar - may need a bit more vinegar.

Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

recipe found here

4 whole Russet Potatoes, Scrubbed Clean

2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
1-1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Whole Milk
2 Tablespoons Flour
4 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
1 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Smear softened butter all over the bottom of a baking dish.

Slice potatoes, then cut slices into fourths.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, milk, flour, minced garlic, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Place 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes.

Repeat this two more times, ending with the cream mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and really bubbling. Add grated cheese to the top of the potatoes and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving by the spoonful. Delicious

***Cool Veggie Pizza***

Recipe Found here

1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups assorted fresh vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, green or red bell pepper, tomato, green onions, mushrooms, carrot, zucchini or yellow summer squash

Preheat oven to 350°F. Unroll crescent dough; separate into eight triangles. On Large Round Stone with Handles, arrange triangles in a circle with points in the center and wide ends toward the outside. Using lightly floured Baker's Roller®, roll dough to a 12-inch circle, pressing seams together to seal. Bake 12-15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven; cool completely.

In Classic Batter Bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic pressed with Garlic Press and dill weed. Season with salt and black pepper; mix well with Small Mix 'N Scraper®. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over crust.

To prepare vegetables, coarsely chop broccoli or cauliflower with Food Chopper. Dice or slice cucumber, bell pepper, green onions or tomato using Utility Knife. Slice mushrooms using Egg Slicer Plus®. Grate carrot using Rotary Grater. Crinkle cut yellow squash or zucchini using Crinkle Cutter.

Sprinkle vegetables over pizza. Cut into squares with Pizza Cutter; serve using Mini-Serving Spatula.

Yield:
10 servings of

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 190, Total Fat 14 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 4 g, Sodium 260 mg, Fiber 0 g

Cook's Tips:

All-Purpose Dill Mix or Italian Seasoning Mix can be substituted for the dill weed, if desired.

Vegetable Tian

from Barefoot in Paris, Ina Garten
also found here

Serves 4 to 6 (I will make a larger one next time)

3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, cut in half and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled (2 potatoes)
3/4 pound zucchini (1 zucchini)
1 yellow squash
1 1/4 pounds medium tomatoes (plum/roma tomatoes)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs (I used dried crushed)
2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (I used Parmesan)
3 tablespoons Panko crumbs (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Brush a 9x13x 2-inch baking dish with 1 Tablespoon olive oil. In a medium saute pan, heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.

Slice the potatoes, zucchini, squash and tomatoes in 1/4-inch-thick slices. Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly, making only one layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper thyme leaves, and thyme sprigs and drizzle with 1 more Tablespoon of olive oil. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, sprinkle with cheese* on top, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until browned. Serve warm.

*I wait unitl it is done and out of the oven to add the cheese

Can be made ahead of time, refrigerated and reheated at serving time.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Recipe found here

12 oz green beans, trimmed (make sure they are dry)
2 teaspoon olive oil
kosher salt + fresh cracked pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan

Directions: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum for easy clean-up. Lay green beans out on the baking sheet and drizzle oil over them. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss to evenly coat.

Spread them out on the sheet so that they all lay flat and place on the lower third section of your oven. Bake 10 minutes, shake the pan to turn; bake 5 additional minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Cucumber Salsa

(Johan G.)

2 cucumbers, chopped (no seeds)
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, minced (no seeds, this is optional)
1 small onion, chopped
1 to 2 Tbsp lime juice
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tsp minced fresh parsley
2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp salt

Mix everything, cover, refrigerate. Sometimes I use dried parsley and cilantro, as well as garlic powder, if I don't have them fresh. Served well in a flour tortilla!

Butternut Squash Baked

(Jessica A.)

1 butternut squash, chopped in small sqaures
olive oil
a few shakes Mrs. Dash Italian style
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
onion

Spread butternut squash on baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining ingedients over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 min.

Twice Baked Potatoes

(Oma J.)

4 medium baking potatoes
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons butter
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon chives
⅛ teaspoon pepper paprika

Bake potatoes in microwave on high for 18 to 20 minutes until done, or in oven at 350˚ about 1 hour 45 minutes (check to see if done by inserting knife, it should go in easy).

Place the butter and cream cheese in bowl. Slice off top length wise of each potato and scoop out insides carefully trying not to tear potato skin. Place the hot potatoes in bowl to help cream cheese and butter soften and melt. Add sour cream, onion salt, chives, and pepper. Mix well.

Spoon back into potato skins. Garnish with paprika. Reheat in microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or in oven until nice and hot in centers. May refrigerate until ready to reheat.