Author: shreddedsprout

Lamb Meatballs

If you’re a lamb lover you will appreciate these simple yet delicious meatballs. Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc At Home Cookbook celebrates his genius and “dumbs down” his often complex recipes for the home cook. The recipe calls for preserved lemons, which are a not difficult  to make, but they need […]

Watermelon Radish And Burrata Salad

    The Watermelon radish is an edible globular root that has the most vivid color you will find in this category.  As with many roots, watermelon radishes should feel heavy for their size, and their skin should feel firm. Avoid watermelon radishes that feel spongy when gently squeezed. The […]

Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs

Who’s bringing the deviled eggs? You just might want to volunteer! This clever twist on a traditional deviled egg combines ingredients that mirror jalapeno poppers. The creamy yolks are combined with a bit of cream cheese, jalapeno and green onions. The eggs are then topped with cheddar cheese crisps and […]

Pasta with Yogurt, Peas, and Chile

DO NOT read this recipe and go….ewww!! These big flavors and ingredients are magical together. Jerusalem, the highly touted cookbook created by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, always seems to get it right. The recipe calls for Greek yogurt to create a cream based sauce. Toss in garlic, olive oil, feta, fresh […]

Sweet Pea Pancakes

                          Spring has sprung. Time to close the chapter on cozy comfort food and turn the page to fresh green spring veggies. Fresh peas are a sure sign of Spring and the health benefits are impressive. Green peas […]

St. Paddy’s Day Stuffed Potaotes

Colcannon: mashed potatoes studded with tender cabbage or kale, onions, salt, pepper, butter and cream. This traditional Irish potato dish is typically served on Halloween. Well, I’m turning this savory side into a hearty main for St. Paddy’s Day by adding corned beef and horseradish sauce! Stuffing these spuds with […]

Braised Short Ribs

What’s the perfectly elegant yet casual dinner party meal, you ask? Braised short ribs. This dish has a deep, rich flavor benefiting from a long, slow cooking process. Short ribs, when done to perfection, literally fall off their bones. Starting with browning the meat and adding the holy trinity of […]

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    Who doesn’t like (love) Kung Pao Chicken? How about a twist on your favorite Chinese take-out? Just add Brussels Sprouts to your Asian pantry staples…I hope by now you all have the ingredients on hand. Roast these seasonal beauties until they are firm but crisp and then toss […]

Scallops With Brussels Sprouts And Pancetta

 It’s Valentines Day and you are NOT paying 2x for dinner  ” It’s Valentines Day and you are NOT paying 2x for dinner “out.” This entree, along with a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries, will make for a very special evening at home. With only a handful of ingredients, […]

Momofuku Crack Pie

I needed a gesture of thanks…and a BIG one for our awesome neighbors, the Koz family!! We were stranded in Dallas while Chicago was getting pummeled by another storm of the century. They shoveled our driveway that had drifts up to three feet. I knew a sweet treat would be appreciated. […]

Potstickers

Homemade potstickers may seem intimidating but they are actually easy and fun to make. These dumplings fry and steam at the same time, leaving them soft and crispy. The deliciousness of the ingredients…ginger, garlic, sesame oil, water chestnuts and soy are suited for a meat or meatless option. Customize your […]

Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart

Cauliflower seems to be getting a bit more love lately….as it should. This cruciferous vegetable boosts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and digestive support. Roasting cauliflower turns the slightly bitter flavor to sweet and nutty. Healthy and yummy. NOW add sweet caramelized onions, a cheesy custard, a bit of dijon and you […]

Salad Nicoise with Seared Tuna

January. A fresh start. This healthy, protein packed salad from Provence, a staple in bistros all over France, may just be the entree to add to your weekday repertoire. In the traditional recipe according to Jacques Medecin, an authority on Provencal cuisine, “Never include boiled potato or any other boiled […]

Pear And Fennel Salad

  Fennel and pear are wonderful partners and combine beautifully to create this winter-time salad. The paper-thin fennel with a subtle, slightly sweet anise flavor, the bright peppery arugula and the crisp pear make this a perfect side for your comfy entree (braised beef shank?). The immune boosting fennel is a […]

French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese is perfect anytime, but with our first measurable snowfall and a lazy Sunday, grilled cheese seems like a perfect meal. There are so many creative combinations for this ultimate comfort food. With grilled cheese being soup’s best friend …let’s combine the two with this French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich. […]

Spaghetti Squash and Italian Sausage

                          It’s hard for me to believe this was the first time I’ve made spaghetti squash. I’m a lover of the butternut and I’m a lover of the acorn and now you can add spaghetti to the list. […]

Salted Butter Caramel-Chocolate Mousse

                  I’m in planning mode for Christmas Eve dinner. I love the idea of a rich chocolate dessert to put that exclamation point on the evening. On past Eve’s we’ve closed with Creme Brulee, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Chocolate Almond Torte, Chocolate Lava […]

Breakfast Pizza With Gruyere, Baked Eggs, Spinach and Bacon

  I’m sooo over “the putting a fried egg” on everything!!!  However, eggs on a breakfast pizza makes sense. The original recipe did not include spinach…I like the idea of adding this veggie with Gruyere. Although a successful dish, with my next attempt I will roll the dough free form on […]

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

You are going to love this simple, rustic chicken soup with its autumnal flavors. This soup is as easy as sauteing a few vegetables, adding chicken or turkey and then the star…wild rice. With its distinctive nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture, the rice turns this soup into a rich hearty […]

“ShreddedSprout” and Kale Salad

  This salad may become your go-to during the winter months. It is mine. Hearty, healthy greens in their natural state are the base for this delicious simple meal or side dish. The raw, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and stand up well to the bright, citrusy dressing. […]

Creamy Parsnip Soup

  It’s the season of tubers and root vegetables. Parsnips, with their unique rustic flavor, tend to be an under appreciated vegetable. Combining this ivory-colored root veggie with celery, onion, and garlic creates a savory, creamy and slightly sweet soup. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and phyto-nutrients, this soup delivers […]

White Chicken Chili

  A Hearty White Chicken Chili with a spicy kick! You can never have too many chili recipes in your arsenal when the temps start to drop. This comforting one-pot meal cooks in under an hour and you have a chili that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. The […]

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

  Do not let this elegant seasonal dessert intimidate you…….it’s easy! Amazing how just a few ingredients can create a dessert that will be your show stopper this holiday. It has the earthiness of the pumpkin, warm notes from the cinnamon and a crunch from the rustic burnt topping. Make […]

Polenta with Sauteed Mushrooms

This hearty vegetarian dish pairs rich, creamy polenta with a luscious topping of sautéed mushrooms. The Taleggio cheese adds a nutty layer of flavor that marries the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly. For an entrée, we paired this with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread and an earthy red wine. […]

Wilted Greens With Bacon Jam

Bacon jam. Sweet, savory, slightly smokey and a bit crunchy. This condiment is a game changer for a multitude of dishes. While I’m posting this to accompany greens (  Thanksgiving??) think of the possibilities…..ultimate grilled cheese, hamburgers, over brie, rosemary focaccia crostini, stuffed dates, quesadillas and on and on and […]

Orange Olives

Eat like a Mediterranean and live longer. OR…I would just like to live longer IN the Mediterranean!! After returning from a visit to Italy, it is clear that the Mediterranean diet is working on those people!! The diet is varied containing nuts, legumes, olives, olive oil, fish, whole grains and […]

“La Dolce Vita”

  While I’m gathering my thoughts, unpacking our bags and getting my camera repaired (ughhh) enjoy these pictures taken on a trip to beautiful Italy. A country known to the world as a “living art gallery” filled with art and architectural masterpieces, it’s a visit that should be on everyone’s […]

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian comfort food. Cooking this rustic style, hearty dish makes for a perfect meal transitioning into the cooler months. Cacciatore means hunter in Italian. Hunt for your favorite version of this dish by adding cremini mushrooms, olives, red wine or other tasty ingredients. I am […]

Sweet Corn Soup With Toasted Corn Guacamole

Make this soup! A simple, delicious, fresh corn soup with a touch of southwest flavors. The Avocado Salsa has the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the poblano’s giving it a nice kick. This comfy soup has a creamy texture and is loaded with fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Thanks to Barb, […]