Friday, May 24, 2013

Shepherd's Pie

Next to chicken potpie this is my husband's favorite dish.  We really like comfort food in our house and when the weather turned a little cold again this dish was perfect. 


Ingredients:

4 Potatoes
garlic powder or a couple cloves of garlic
1 lb. beef or lamb
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups of carrots
2 cups of peas
3/4 cup beef broth
2 Tablespoons ketchup
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cheese divided
1/2 onion
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-2 Tablespoons Parsley
butter
salt and pepper


Directions:

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. 
2.  Peel, dice, and boil the potatoes just as you would if you were making mashed potatoes
3.  Cook the meat and the onion together and add the cornstarch; stir thoroughly and cook for 1 minute.
4.  Add the veggies, broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire;  stir thoroughly and cook for 5 minutes covered.  Add the parsley.  If this mixture becomes too dry add a little extra broth, ketchup and Worcestershire. 
5.  Using a mixer add butter sour cream (and a little milk if desired) to the potatoes.  Mix until the potatoes are creamy and smooth not runny.  (I have used left over mashed potatoes in the past and just added the sour cream). 
6.  Pour the meat mixture into a square 8 inch by 8 inch baking dish. (My pictures show a larger dish because I doubled the recipe)
7.  Spread the prepared potatoes on top.  (It helps to spread big amounts)
8.  Top with the shredded cheese.
9.  Bake 18 to 20 minutes until it bubbles and the cheese melts. 

 
 
 
 


Apple and Pear Salad (Just in time for Summer)

This is my favorite salad to make, especially when it starts to be warmer outside.  The home made dressing is also unbeatable and crazy easy to make. 


Ingredients:

Salad
1 head of lettuce
2 pears
2 Gala apples
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded cheese (I used Parmesan)
lemon juice

Dressing
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup white vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

1.  Wash and slice the head of lettuce and place in a large mixing bowl.
2.  Dice the pears and apples into bite sized pieces; toss with a little lemon juice before adding to the lettuce).
3.  Add the cranberries, almonds, and shredded cheese. 
4.  Toss together until completely combined.
5.  In a medium mixing bowl whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. 
6.  Add the dressing to the salad as desired. 

** Cover and refrigerate for up to three or four days.  

This is what the dressing should look like



Tomato Tart

I haven't had this dish in years.  I recently just tried to make it myself and it turned out to be completely delicious!  I am not even a huge tomato fan and I think that this dish rocks.  It was a huge success at our last gathering.  I am planning on making it again this weekend for our Memorial Day BBQ. 


Ingredients:

1 single pie crust (I used the same crust I usually use to make apple pie http://glutenfreethetastyway.blogspot.com/2012/07/american-as-apple-pie.html)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
5 Roma tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil leaves
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste. 

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 450degrees.
2.  Press the crust into a tart pan (you can also use a pizza pan or cookie sheet).
3.  Prick the bottom of the crust with a fort and bake for about 8 minutes.
4.  Reduce the oven temp to 375 degrees. 
5.  Sprinkle the crust with about 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
6.  Cut the tomatoes into 1/4 inch think slices and drain on paper towels. 
7.  Use a food processor to roughly chop the garlic and basil.
8.  Place the tomatoes on the cooled crust and sprinkle the garlic and basil mixture on top.
9.  In a mixing bowl mix the remaining mozzarella, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. 
10.  Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the tomatoes. 
11.  Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375 degrees until the top is golden and bubbly. 



Monday, May 6, 2013

Gluten-free cooking class

I have several recipes I will be posting in the next couple of weeks.  I have been doing a lot of experimenting...and it has come out delicious! 

I am teaching a gluten-free cooking class at Cook's World in Seattle this weekend.  There is still space so please sign-up!