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Showing posts from 2013

Spatchcocked Chicken on Bread

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Ingredients 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds) 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 teaspoons chunky sea salt 6 slices rustic bread (from about 1/2 loaf), 3/4 inch thick 1 cup fresh Thai or regular basil leaves 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 lemon, halved Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut chicken along backbone on 1 side with kitchen shears and open it like a book. Turn over and press to lay flat. Slather with 2 tablespoons butter; season all over with salt. Spread remaining tablespoon butter on 1 side of bread slices. Place side by side, buttered side up, on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and lay chicken on top. Roast until chicken is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast (do not touch bone) reaches 160 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove chicken from oven; let rest on baking sheet 10 minutes. Scatter with herbs; squeeze lemon juice over chicken. Cut chicken and bread into serving pieces; place on a platter. Pour ...

Salmon Pasta

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Ingredients 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 1 tablespoon light-brown sugar Salt and pepper 1 one-pound salmon fillet with skin (about 1 inch thick) 1 pound corkscrew or other short pasta 10 ounces spinach, stems trimmed and leaves washed well 1/2 cup sour cream 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Directions Heat the broiler. Put fennel seeds in a small, self-sealing plastic bag, and crush with a rolling pin. Add parsley, brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to the bag, and shake to mix. Press the mixture onto the skinless side of the salmon. Broil salmon, skin side down, until it is no longer red in the center, about 8 minutes. Flake the fish with a fork. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup cooking water, and drain pasta. Return it to the warm pot, add spinach, and toss. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, l...

Pork and Plums

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Ingredients 1 pound pork tenderloin, pounded thin Coarse salt Extra-virgin olive oil Unsalted butter 4 plums, cut into wedges 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar Directions Slice pork tenderloin, and season with salt. Brown pork in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, and remove. Saute plums and red onion over medium heat. Add vinegar, and stir until bubbling. Return pork to pan, and toss. Serves: 4

Pork Sausages and White Beans

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Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 ounces diced bacon 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes (from one 14.5-ounce can) 1 1/4 cups chicken stock 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 pounds cooked pork sausages (French garlic and bratwurst), left whole or sliced 1 inch thick 5 cups homemade breadcrumbs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large braiser or high-sided ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook until crisp. Add onion; cook until tender. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute. Add wine; cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes; cook until sauce is thickened. Add stock and beans; bring to a simmer. Add sausages. Bake for 30 minutes. Toast breadcrumbs in remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, s...

Ice Cream Waffle Sandwich

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Ingredients 1 scoop ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, softened 2 waffle cookies Directions Spoon ice cream onto a waffle cookie. Top with another cookie and press together lightly. Serve immediately or wrap in waxed paper and freeze on a baking sheet, up to 1 day.

Peanut-Butter Chocolate Parfaits

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Ingredients 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter 1 recipe cooled Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding 6 peanut-butter sandwich cookies Directions In a medium bowl, whip 1 cup cream along with sugar until soft peaks form. Reserve. Place peanut butter and remaining 1/2 cup (unwhipped) cream in another medium bowl; whisk until smooth. Add reserved whipped cream; gently fold in with a rubber spatula until combined. Creating alternating layers, spoon Chocolate Pudding and whipped cream mixture into 6 serving glasses or dishes. Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 2 days. Crumble cookies over parfaits before serving. Prep Time: 45 Minutes Total Time: 4 Hours Servings:6

Sauteed Corn, Bacon, and Scallions

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Ingredients 4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch strips 4 cups corn kernels Coarse salt and ground black pepper Pinch of red-pepper flakes 2 to 3 scallions, sliced Directions Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Add corn kernels; season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until corn is tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in scallions. Serve immediately.

Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad

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Ingredients 6 medium zucchini, diced Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 pound orzo 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 5 cups corn kernels (from 6 ears corn) 1 small red onion, chopped 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 3 lemons) 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 4 ounces feta, crumbled (2 cups) Directions Place zucchini in a colander and toss with salt. Place colander in sink and let sit 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; transfer to a large bowl. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 4 minutes. Add to pasta along with zucchini, 3 tablespoons oil, onion, jalapeno, and lemon zest and juice; season with salt and pepper. Stir in basil and feta. Prep Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Serves: 6 ...

Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed Muffins

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Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 1 cup lightly packed light-brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated zucchini (from 1 large zucchini) 1/3 cup mashed ripe banana (from 1 large banana) 3/4 cup whole milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat 12 standard muffin cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flaxseed, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add zucchini and banana and stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until combined (do not overmix). Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let muffins cool completely in pan on a wi...

Raspberry-Filled Molten Chocolate Cupcakes

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Ingredients 1/2 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature 4 large eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) Pinch of salt 11 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted (2 1/2 cups chopped) 18 raspberries (36 if they are small) Confectioners' sugar, for serving Vanilla ice cream (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 cup standard muffin tin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl with a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With mixer on low, beat in flour and salt. Beat in chocolate until just combined. Divide half the batter among cups, add two raspberries to each, and top with remaining batter. Bake until tops are just set and no longer shiny, 10 to 11 minutes, let cool in pan on a wire rack, 10 minutes. Remove from pans, dust with confectioners' sugar, and top with ice cream, if desired. Prep Time...

Apple-Pie Cake

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Ingredients 2 cups flour 1 cup packed light-brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 5 pounds (about 12) tart apples, such as Granny Smith 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Directions In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Using an electric mixer or a pastry cutter, cut in butter until the mixture forms pea-size pieces. Press 2/3 of the mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel apples, cut into thin slices, and place in a bowl. Pour off any accumulated liquid. Toss apple slices with remaining teaspoon cinnamon and lemon juice, and put them in the prepared pan, pressing down gently as you pack them in (they will mound above the edge of the pan). Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top. Put the pan on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Run a knife arou...

Toasted Marshmallow Cupcakes

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Ingredients For the Cupcakes 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup whole milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 18 cupcake liners For the Topping 1 bag of jumbo marshmallows Directions Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line cupcake tins with cupcake liners. Whisk cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in eggs, warm water, milk, sour cream, butter, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Fill each muffin cup half way (about 2 ounces each). Bake until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cake cool slightly and change the oven to broil. Make the topping: Place one marshmallow vertically in the center of each cupcake. Put the c...

Warm Brownie Cups

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Ingredients 4 ounces semisweet chocolate 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Pinch of salt 1/2 cup cocoa powder 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sugar Confectioners' sugar, for dusting Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place a baking pan half full of water in oven. Bring a saucepan of water to barely simmering. Place chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Place over water and stir until almost melted. Remove bowl from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally. Sift together twice all the dry ingredients except sugar. Set aside. Beat eggs and vanilla until foamy and light. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir in chocolate-butter mixture. Fold in dry ingredients. Pour into five 8-ounce custard cups, filling each nearly to rim. Place in baking pan; water should come halfway up sides of cups. Bake for 30 minutes or until brownies have risen to just above the rim an...

Light Chocolate-Chunk Brownies

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Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower, plus more for pan 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled) 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (2 ounces melted, 2 ounces coarsely chopped) 2 large eggs Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-inch square baking pan with oil; line with a strip of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides, and brush paper with oil. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda; set aside. In another medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, applesauce, sour cream, melted chocolate, eggs, and oil until combined; add flour mixture, and mix just until moistened. Spread batter in prepared pan; sprinkle top with chopped chocolate. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attac...

Breakfast Sandwich Frittata

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Ingredients 5 large eggs 1/4 heavy cream 1/4 whole milk 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons mixed chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and chervil) 2/3 cup grated sharp cheddar (2 ounces) Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces 1 pita, split horizontally into 2 rounds Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, cayenne, herbs, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. In a small ovenproof nonstick or cast-iron skillet, cook bacon over medium, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to egg mixture and pour all but 1 teaspoon fat into a small bowl. Add 1 pita round to skillet and cook until toasted and golden, 3 minutes, flipping halfway through; transfer to a plate. Repeat with more reserved fat and remaining pita half; leave pita in skillet, cut side up. Add egg mixture and cook over medium, gently stirring, 30 seconds. Top egg mix...

Easy Poached Eggs

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Ingredients 3 or 4 large eggs Directions In a 12-inch straight-sided skillet, heat 2 inches water over medium until bubbles cover the bottom and sides of pan. Crack each large egg into a separate small bowl (do not use eggs with broken yolks). When a few bubbles have broken the surface of the water, gently pour each egg into the pan, leaving room between them. Cook eggs, undisturbed, until white is just set and yolk is still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to gently release eggs from the bottom of pan, if necessary. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from water. If using immediately, blot the bottom of the spoon on a paper towel to remove excess water before serving. Note If your egg white thins out in the pan, try swirling the water before adding the next egg. The moving water will help hold the egg's shape. You can refrigerate poached eggs for up to 3 hours, on a parchment-lined plate. To serve, heat water in skillet according to instructions in step 1...

Prosciutto and Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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Ingredients Cooking spray 1 ounce chopped prosciutto 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded fontina cheese 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 42 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large egg whites 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons canola oil Directions 1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add prosciutto to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until browned. Add rosemary and garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute. Spoon prosciutto mixture into a bowl; cool to room temperature. Stir in fontina cheese; set aside. 2. Cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 2 tablespoons prosciutto mixture into each pocket; press lightly to flatten. Sprinkle chicken evenly with pepper. 3. Place crackers in a food processor; process 2 minutes or until fin...

Chicken Scaloppine over Broccoli Rabe

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Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast cutlets 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon butter 1 pound broccoli rabe (rapini), cut into 3-inch pieces 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained 4 lemon slices (optional) Directions 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Combine breadcrumbs and pepper in a shallow dish; dredge chicken in breadcrumb mixture. Add chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; keep warm. 3. Add wine, broth, juice, and butter to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in broccoli rabe; cover and cook 3 minutes or until broccoli rabe is tender. Stir in parsley and capers. Serve chicken over broccoli rabe mixture. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Chicken and Shiitake Marsala

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Ingredients 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 (3 1/2-ounce) packages shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup Marsala wine 2 green onions, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup) and divided 2 tablespoons butter Directions 1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. 2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan. Cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken and drippings from pan; set aside, and keep warm. 3. Heat pan over medium-high heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add mushrooms. Coat mushrooms with cooking spray; cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add wine and 3 tablespoons onions. Cook 30 seconds over high heat. Reduce heat; add butter, stirring until butt...

Tarragon Chicken

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Ingredients 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, minced 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon 1/8 teaspoon salt Directions 1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt. 2. Combine olive oil and remaining 5 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons oil mixture to pan, spreading evenly over bottom of pan with a wide spatula. Add chicken; cook 2 minutes. Drizzle chicken with 2 teaspoons oil mixture. Turn chicken over; cook 2 minutes. Drizzle remaining oil mixture over chicken; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 2 minutes or until done. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Pour pan drippings ove...

Pineapple Chicken Soup

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Ingredients 3 cups cubed ripe pineapple, divided 1 can (14.5 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 quarter-size slices fresh ginger 1 large garlic clove, smashed 1 1/2 cups lemon verbena leaves 1 tablespoon fish sauce 8 ounces boned, skinned chicken thighs, cubed 1 cup trimmed clamshell mushrooms 1 tomato, halved and seeded, then cubed 1 green onion, sliced diagonally 1/2 serrano chile, sliced Directions 1. Whirl 1 cup pineapple with 3 cups of water until smooth, about 1 minute. Strain liquid into a 4 qt. pot. 2. Add broth, ginger, garlic, and verbena leaves. Simmer over medium heat, covered, until flavors have melded, 10 to 15 minutes. 3. Strain mixture again, discard solids, and return to pot. Add remaining 2 cups pineapple along with the remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat until chicken is firm, about 10 minutes.

Chicken Noodle Soup

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Ingredients 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds), giblets and liver discarded 1 pound carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick 1 pound parsnips, sliced 1/2 inch thick 2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges 4 teaspoons coarse salt Cooked wide egg noodles, for serving Directions In a large pot, combine chicken, carrots, parsnips, and onions. Add water to just cover. Stir in salt. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook, partially covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 35 minutes (skim off foam). Transfer chicken to a plate to cool; refrigerate (see note, below). To serve soup, add noodles to broth, and season with salt, if desired. Note To store, pull meat from bones, keeping chicken breasts whole and tearing dark meat into bite-size pieces (discard skin and bones). Refrigerate in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days. Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Serves: 8

Asian Noodle Soup

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Ingredients Coarse salt and ground pepper 8 ounces rice noodles 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 piece fresh lemongrass (3 inches), smashed, or 3 sticks dried lemongrass 1 piece peeled fresh ginger (1 inch), cut into matchsticks 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each), thinly sliced crosswise 8 ounces snow peas, trimmed and halved 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves Asian chile sauce (such as Sriracha), for serving (optional) Directions In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain noodles. In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, lemongrass, ginger, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until fragrant, 10 minutes. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain broth and return to saucepan. Add chicken and snow peas and simmer until chicken is cooked through and snow peas are crisp-tender, 2 t...

Corn Chowder

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Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 5 cups) 1 medium onion, chopped 1 box (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) vegetable broth 1/2 cup heavy cream Directions In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high; add squash and onion. Cook until onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add corn and curry powder; cook until curry is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add broth and simmer until squash is tender, about 25 minutes. In a blender, blend half the soup until smooth. Return to pot and stir in cream; heat through over medium-low (do not boil). Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serves: 4

Mini Mocha Cheesecakes

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Ingredients 2 cups nonfat cottage cheese 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 9 chocolate wafer cookies, such as Famous Whipped cream (optional), for serving Directions Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line 9 standard muffin cups with cupcake liners. In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, eggs, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, and vanilla. Process until smooth, 4 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. Divide mixture among cups and place 1 cookie on top of each. Bake until fillings are set and cookies soften, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature in pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours (or, covered, up to 3 days). To serve, invert cheesecakes onto plates and peel off liners. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serves: 9

No-Bake Espresso Cremes Brulees

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Ingredients 6 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped 3 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons instant-espresso powder 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Coarse salt 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup whole milk 1/4 cup raw sugar Directions Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Arrange four 4 1/2-inch creme brulee dishes (1 inch deep) on a baking sheet. Freeze. Meanwhile, whisk together yolks, espresso, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until sugar has almost dissolved. Bring cream and milk to a boil in a saucepan; gradually whisk about half into yolk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan; whisk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until mixture is thick and reaches 175 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 6 minutes; pour over chocolate, and whisk until chocolate has melted and is smooth. Divide among molds, and freeze until firm but not frozen, 45 to 55 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon raw sugar onto each custard; shake off excess. Caramelize tops using a handheld kitchen ...

Sweet Potato-Cheesecake Squares

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Ingredients 2 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds total) 18 graham crackers (9 ounces total) 1 cup sugar, divided 1 stick plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided Fine salt 1 1/2 cups ricotta 1/2 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt 4 large eggs Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then discard skins and mash flesh with a fork (you should have 1 1/2 cups). In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until finely ground (you should have about 2 1/4 cups). Add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 stick butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until combined. Firmly press mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until crust is dry and set, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325 degrees. Meanwhile, in clean food processor, puree sweet potatoes, ricotta, yogurt, eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter...

Grilled Eggplant with Tomatoes, Basil, and Feta

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Ingredients 1 large eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed, cut lengthwise into 1-inch-thick slices Coarse salt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 10 ounces), halved 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup) Pinch of red-pepper flakes 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn if large Directions Generously season eggplant slices with salt. Place vertically in a colander, overlapping them. Let stand 30 minutes; rinse and pat dry. Preheat grill to medium-high. Liberally brush cut sides of eggplant with oil. Grill, turning once, until tender, about 4 minutes a side. Mix tomatoes, pine nuts, feta, red-pepper flakes, and oil; season with salt. Spoon over eggplant; top with basil. Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Serves: 4

Lemon and Olive Chicken

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Ingredients 8 bone-in chicken breast halves Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 lemons 2 onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved 2 cups chicken stock or reduced-sodium broth 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper Directions Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. In two batches, sear chicken, skin side first, until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a plate. Cut lemons in half lengthwise and then into thin slices crosswise. If the skillet is dry, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onions and garlic, and cook over medium heat until soft but not brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon slices, olives, stock, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Put chicken on top of vegetables, pour in any accumulated juices from the plate, and sprinkle with thyme and crus...

Lighter General Tso's Chicken

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Ingredients 1 1/4 cups long-grain brown rice 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 pound snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated and peeled 3 tablespoons light-brown sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes 2 large egg whites Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower Directions Cook rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. Add snow peas, garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, and red-pepper flakes; toss to combine, and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together egg whites, remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken, and toss to coat. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Lift half the chicken from egg-white mixture...

Spinach-and-Brie Chicken with Tomato Orzo

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Ingredients Coarse salt and ground pepper 8 thin chicken cutlets (1 1/2 pounds total) 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 package (10 ounces) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 8 slices 1 cup orzo 2 plum tomatoes, cored and chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Directions Set a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Place chicken on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Dividing evenly, spread one side of each cutlet with mustard; top with spinach, then cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Starting at short end, roll chicken up tightly, and arrange, seam side down, on sheet. Season rolled chicken with salt and pepper. Broil, without turning, until tops are lightly browned and chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook orzo in boiling water until al dente. Drain well; return to pot. Add ...

Baked Alaska

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Ingredients FOR THE CAKES 2 cups sugar 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda Salt 1 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup warm water (about 100 degrees) 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 6 large eggs, room temperature, separated FOR ASSEMBLING Vegetable oil, cooking spray 6 cups chocolate ice cream (3 pints) FOR THE MERINGUE 12 large egg whites, room temperature 3 cups sugar Pinch of cream of tartar Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the cakes: Sift 1 1/3 cups sugar, the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt into a bowl. Combine oil, water, and vanilla. Whisk egg yolks with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. With machine running, slowly pour oil mixture into yolks, and then add sugar mixture. In a clean mixer bowl, whisk egg whites on medium-high speed, gradually adding remaining 2/3 cup sugar, until ...