Sicilian Pesto

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1 clove garlic peeled and smashed 1 cup packed basil leaves 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese INSTRUCTIONS: In the bowl of a food processor or high […]

Beef Tenderloin with Marsala and Balsamic Vinegar

3 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied (I used NY steak) 3 cloves garlic, peeled and cut into slivers Marinade: (maybe double this) 1/4 C Marsala wine 1/4 C olive oil 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/4 tsp kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste Make small incisions in meat and […]

Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage with a Ricotta Surprise

1 lb short-cut pasta, such as penne 1 C ricotta cheese Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 lb sweet Italian sausage 1 large head broccoli 1 medium onion, chopp3ed 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1 1/2 C chicken stock 1/2 C fresh flat leaf parsley, […]

Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops

4 (¾ inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (about 2 lbs total) Salt and pepper 2 Tbsp olive oil 8 small shallot, peeled, leaving root ends intact, and quartered ⅔ C balsamic vinegar 1 ½ tsp sugar Pat pork dry and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper Heat oil in 12 inch […]

Carnitas

3 lb boneless pork shoulder or country-style ribs 6 cloves garlic, halved Zest of 1 orange, cut into strips ¾ C fresh orange juice Sea salt 1 Tbsp canola oil, if needed 12 purchased corn tortillas Guacamole for serving Salsa Fresca for serving Refried Beans and/or red rice for serving Cut off any big pieces […]

Polenta with BBQ Turkey

2 C polenta 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cumin 1 lb lean ground turkey 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 medium red pepper, chopped 1 C frozen corn kernels ½ C barbecue sauce Salt and pepper to taste 1 ½ C shredded mozzarella Cook polenta according to instructions.  Add […]

Teriyaki Chicken

1 cup soy sauce 1 cup granulated sugar 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar 6 cloves garlic, crushed in a press 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 3-inch cinnamon stick 1 tablespoon pineapple juice 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 2 tablespoons cornstarch In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except […]

Chicken Adobo

4 to 5 pounds chicken legs and thighs ¼ C palm vinegar (or white) 3 Tbsp soy sauce 2 bay leaves 4 cloves garlic, peeled ½ tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger ¼ tsp black peppercorns 2 tsp tomato paste 2 Tbsp oyster sauce 2 to 2 ½ C chicken stock (enough to cover the […]