Let's Eat

Brown Butter Pierogies with Roasted Sweet Potatoe

By Heidi Sutton

Cooler days call for comforting flavors the entire family can enjoy at the dinner table like roasted veggies paired with hearty favorites like cheesy pierogies  followed by an apple crisp paired with pears and walnuts that provide a sense of warmth and coziness. Make this autumn one to remember by creating new meals and memories along the way.

Brown Butter Pierogies with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Brown Butter Pierogies with
Roasted Sweet Potatoes

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag (1.6 pounds) cheese pierogies 

2 cups sweet potato cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste 

4 tablespoons salted butter

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup pecans

fresh thyme leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss sweet potato cubes in olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste, and spread in even layer on baking sheet. Roast 25-30 minutes, tossing about halfway through, until potatoes are fork tender. 

In medium skillet over medium heat, brown butter 5-10 minutes. Avoid smoking or burning. Remove from heat. Allow to cool about 5 minutes then whisk in balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.

In large saucepan, bring water to boil. Cook pierogies according to package directions, about 3 minutes. Drain and toss in brown butter sauce. Add roasted sweet potatoes and pecans to brown butter pierogies and toss gently to coat. Top with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Apple Pear Walnut Crisp

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Apple Pear Walnut Crisp

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Walnut Crisp Topping:

1 1/2  cups California walnuts, divided

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, chilled and sliced into 1-tablespoon pieces

 

Apple Pear Filling:

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices

2 D’Anjou pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices

1/2  cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8  teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

ice cream (optional)

caramel sauce (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

To make walnut crisp topping: In food processor, pulse 1 cup walnuts until finely ground. In small bowl, combine ground walnuts, flour, brown sugar, oats and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until coarse crumb forms. Coarsely chop remaining walnuts and stir into crumb mixture until incorporated. Set aside.

To make apple pear filling: Preheat oven to 350 F. In bowl, toss apples, pears, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice. Place fruit mixture in bottom of 10-inch cast-iron pan or baking dish. Sprinkle walnut crisp topping mixture over fruit. Bake 45 minutes, or until fruit mixture is hot and bubbly and topping is golden brown. Top with ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.

Butternut Squash Sage Frittata

By Heidi Sutton

Well, it’s official: Fall begins Sept. 23. While the leaves haven’t changed color yet, the days are getting noticeably cooler, especially in the evening, and every day we inch a little closer to turning on the furnace.

For foodies, this is the perfect time to try a Butternut Squash Sage Frittata. Packed with fragrant autumn flavors, this recipe offers a creative and tasty way to kick off the day. 

Butternut Squash Sage Frittata

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Crispy Sage Leaves:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6-8 small fresh sage leaves

pinch kosher salt

Frittata:

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups butternut squash, diced

1clove garlic, minced

2 large sage leaves, chopped

6 large eggs

1/2 cup fat free milk  

salt and pepper, to taste

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS: 

To prepare crispy sage leaves: In small skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering. Fry sage leaves in oil until crispy, about 5 seconds. Remove sage leaves from oil and drain on paper towel. Sprinkle with salt while hot.

To prepare frittata: Heat oven to 425° F. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add butternut squash; stir to coat in oil. Spread butternut squash in single layer and cook 2-3 minutes before stirring. Repeat until squash becomes tender and begins to caramelize, about 10 minutes total. Add garlic and chopped sage; stir until fragrant, about 60 seconds.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pepper, salt and nutmeg. Pour mixture into skillet and stir gently, about 15 seconds, to distribute squash evenly around pan. Transfer skillet to oven and cook 10 minutes, or until egg is puffed and set. Remove from oven and let cool about 3-5 minutes before cutting and serving with crispy sage leaves.

Notes: To prepare butternut squash: Separate round end from long portion of squash; save round end for a separate recipe. With vegetable peeler, peel long portion. With sharp check’s knife, thinly slice squash. Cut slices into long matchsticks then chop into cubes. Pre-cut, store-bought butternut squash can be used in place of cutting entire squash.

Apple Coffee Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Last week’s recipes were two variations of apple pie; this week are two apple cakes. Both made with vegetable oil instead of butter, they are a perfect way to celebrate a sweet and fruitful New Year for Rosh Hashanah.

Apple Cake

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups crisp apples, peeled, cored and diced

3 teaspoons cinnamon

6 tablespoons, plus 2 cups, sugar, divided

3 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

icing (optional)

DIRECTIONS: 

Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, mix apples, cinnamon and 5 tablespoons sugar until combined. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Form well in middle of mixture. Add oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix until blended.

 In springform pan, pour half of batter. Add apple mixture. Pour remaining batter over apple mixture. Sprinkle remaining sugar over batter. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and tester comes out clean and dry. Drizzle with icing, if desired.

Apple Coffee Cake

YIELD: Makes 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups tart apples, cored, peeled and chopped

1 cup sugar

1 cup dark raisins

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 egg, beaten

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan.

DIRECTIONS: 

In large mixing bowl, combine apples with sugar and raisins; mix well. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir in oil, vanilla and egg.

Sift together flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Using about 1/3 of mix at a time, add to apple mixture, stirring just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Turn batter into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake slightly before serving.

On the web:

Check out a recipe for Crown Raisin Challah at www.tbrnewsmedia.com

By Heidi Sutton

During a trip to Haydens Orchard (formerly Davis Peach Farm) in Wading River last week to pick up some white peaches I was surprised to see their apple trees already laden with fruit. It made me think of my favorite dessert, apple pie. Most families have a favorite recipe that they love. Here are two more — Grandma’s Apple Pie and Brown Butter Apple Pie — to add to your culinary repertoire.

Grandma’s Apple Pie

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Double Crust Pie Pastry

1 large egg, beaten

6 to 7 cups apples, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons flour

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 425 F. Peel apples and cut in quarters. Remove the core and slice apples into 1⁄4-inch to 1⁄8-inch thick. In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well to combine and set aside.

Roll half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the pastry dough. Fill with apple filling. Roll the remaining crust and gently place it over the apple mixture. Seal the edges by gently pinching the top and bottom crusts together. You can fold or decorate the edges by crimping or pressing with a fork. 

Beat the egg and 2 teaspoons of water or milk. Cut 4 to 5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg mixture and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375 F, and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.

Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. 

Brown Butter Apple Pie

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Filling:

4 tablespoons butter

6 to 7 cups apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons flour

1 deep dish frozen pie shell

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 375 F.

To make streusel topping: Mix flour, chopped pecans and light brown sugar. Stir in butter using fingertips until incorporated with small lumps of butter visible. Refrigerate.

To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla and flour using spatula. Pour brown butter over apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown butter bits. 

Place frozen pie shell on baking sheet. Add 2 cups apple mixture into shell, gently pressing apple slices for even base. Add remaining apple slices and gently press. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are soft.

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

By Heidi Sutton

No dessert menu is complete without an array of treats, and these creamy, homemade Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to put a sweet finishing touch on your celebrations. Or go for a crowd pleaser with this Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert and its smooth, velvety texture and plump, juicy cherries.

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

Recipe courtesy of Inside BruCrew Life blog

Blueberry Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

YIELD: Makes 24 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Nonstick cooking spray

30 vanilla cream-filled cookies

1/4 cup butter, melted

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup key lime juice

1 tablespoon key lime zest

1/4 cup flour

3 eggs

green gel food coloring (optional)

1 can (21 ounces) blueberry pie filling, divided

1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed

key lime slices (optional)

DIRECTIONS: 

Place baking sheet on bottom rack of oven. Fill halfway with water. Heat oven to 325° F. Line 9-by-13-inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Using food processor, pulse cookies until crumbly. Stir together crumbs and butter. Press evenly into bottom of prepared pan. Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar and sour cream, and beat again until smooth. Add key lime juice, zest and flour, and beat until mixed thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat gently after each. Add green food coloring to cheesecake mixture, if desired. 

Spread cheesecake batter evenly over crust in pan. Add 1 cup of blueberry pie filling over top of cheesecake. Use butter knife to gently swirl pie filling into cheesecake. Do not let knife go through to crust.

Place pan on oven rack above tray of water. Bake 45-48 minutes. Remove immediately and place on wire rack for 1 hour then place in refrigerator until completely chilled. Cut into 24 squares and serve with whipped topping, remaining pie filling and key lime wedges.

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

Recipe courtesy of Lemon Tree Dwelling blog

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1 cup butter, melted

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

16 ounces whipped topping, divided

2 small boxes cheesecake-flavored pudding

3 cups milk

1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

1/2 cup. chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS: 

Heat oven to 350° F.

In medium mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans and butter.

Press into 9-by-13-inch baking pan; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

In separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Mix until smooth; spread evenly over cooled crust.

Combine cheesecake pudding mix, milk and 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, and mix until smooth. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer in pan.

Top with pie filling, remaining whipped topping and chopped pecans and serve.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto

By Heidi Sutton

I was telling my friend John the other day how my garden has gone rogue and is now spilling over the raised beds onto the lawn. Tomatoes, peppers, string beans and basil — all out of control and growing like weeds. I guess that could be a good thing too. Now there’s plenty to share with neighbors. Here are two delicious recipes to try if you have a bumper crop of tomatoes and basil.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 pound thin-cut chicken cutlets

1/4 cup basil pesto, divided

1 large tomato

8 slices crusty sourdough bread

4 ounces Brie, thinly sliced

1 cup packed baby arugula

DIRECTIONS: 

Heat grill to high. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper; pour into plastic zipper bag. Add chicken, seal and marinate at least 30 minutes. Grill chicken 2-3 minutes, turn and grill another 2-3 minutes, or until chicken registers internal temperature of 160 F. Remove and reserve. 

Spread each piece of bread with 1/2 tablespoon pesto. Slice tomato into eight slices. Place chicken on four bread slices. Top with Brie slices, arugula and two tomato slices. Top with remaining bread slices, pesto side toward tomato. Brush outside of each sandwich with about 1/2 tablespoon of remaining olive oil. 

Place on grill, reduce heat to medium and grill 2-3 minutes per side, or until bread is nicely toasted and cheese is melted. Remove from heat, cut each sandwich in half and serve.

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces regular or whole-wheat rotini or rotelle pasta, cooked according to directions

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, divided

salt and pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced and divided

1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped

10 to 15 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 slice whole-wheat or multigrain bread

DIRECTIONS: 

In bowl, cover and chill pasta. In large mixing bowl, combine vinegar, 2 tablespoons basil, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons oil and half of minced garlic. Whisk to combine well. Add pasta, bell pepper and tomatoes, and toss gently until well coated.

In food processor or blender, pulse bread to produce coarse crumbs. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and garlic. Saute 1 1/2-2 minutes until browned and crisp. Remove from heat and let cool. 

Top pasta with garlic crumbs and remaining basil before serving.

Parmesan Dip

By Heidi Sutton

Summer is the perfect time to entertain. If you’re a home chef, you know how fun and fulfilling it is to host friends and family. 

Check out this addicting parmesan dip recipe courtesy of Signature Kitchen Suite’s executive chef Nick Ritchie that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it as a topping for fresh bread, crostini (see recipe on left) or bruschetta, toss it with pasta, spoon it over fresh sliced tomatoes, add to a salad, dollop it on steak or chicken breast, or use it as a pizza base. The possibilities are endless!

Chef Nick’s Parmesan Dip

Parmesan Dip

YIELD: Makes 2 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces Parmesan cheese, broken into 1-inch chunks

8 ounces Asiago cheese, broken into 1-inch chunks

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

 2 tablespoons chopped basil

2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions

 1 tablespoon pepper flakes

1-1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS: 

Place the cheese chunks in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for about 10 seconds to break the cheese into small granules. (Use a rubber spatula to scrape down and recombine between every couple of pulses.) Add the remaining ingredients except olive oil and pulse briefly.

Using a spatula, remove all to a mixing bowl. Fold the olive oil into the blended ingredients and mix well by hand. Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving.

*To make the dip more spicy, add 1 tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste.

Basic Crostini

Crostini

YIELD: Makes about 20 pieces

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium baguettes,

2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt and pepper

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Using a sharp bread knife slice the bread into neat, even, thin slices. If the baguette being used is on the narrow side you can slice on a diagonal so the crostini aren’t too small.

In a mixing bowl drizzle the olive oil over the bread slices while gently tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and the grated parmesan and quickly toss again.

Arrange the seasoned and oiled crostini on a baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden brown on the outside, approx. 12 minutes. Make sure no moisture is left in the crostini or they will soften while in storage. Use immediately or allow to fully cool and store in an airtght container.

Lemon Crème Brûlée

By Heidi Sutton

What’s more delicious than crème brûlée? Two crème brûlées! With a rich and creamy custard filling topped with a hard sugary crust, these individual-sized decadent desserts, also known as burnt cream or Trinity crème, can provide a perfect ending to nearly any get-together. In honor of National Crème Brûlée Day on July 27, try these recipes courtesy of Culinary.net.

Vanilla Crème Brûlée 

YIELD: Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

1/2 cup granulated sugar

6 egg yolks

vanilla sugar

DIRECTIONS: 

Heat oven to 300° F. In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream and vanilla extract to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Do not boil. Remove pan from heat and let rest 10 minutes. In large bowl, whisk together sugar and egg yolks. Slowly whisk warm cream into egg mixture until smooth. Set 8 ramekins into baking dish with sides. Pour mixture into ramekins so that they are approximately 3/4 full. Pour boiling water into baking dish about half way up sides of ramekins. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until custard is firm. Chill 1 hour. Before serving, evenly sprinkle vanilla sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize vanilla sugar. Don’t have a kitchen torch? Place it on the top rack of your oven under the broiler set to low, watching carefully. Top with fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint if desired.

Lemon Crème Brûlée

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups heavy cream

6 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

4 large egg yolks

Zest of 2 lemons

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. heat large kettle of water to boiling. Place four 6-ounce ramekins in roasting pan. In small saucepan, heat cream and 3 tablespoons sugar over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes until cream just starts to bubble around edges of pan (do not bring to a full boil).

Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk egg yolks, lemon zest, vanilla, salt and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar until well combined. While whisking, use ladle to slowly add 3 ladlefuls of hot cream mixture to egg mixture. Gradually whisk remaining cream mixture into egg mixture. Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer into large liquid measuring cup.

Divide mixture between ramekins; place roasting pan in oven. Carefully pour enough boiling water from kettle around ramekins until it comes halfway up sides of ramekins, being careful to not get water in ramekins. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until custards are just set. Use tongs to carefully transfer ramekins to cooling rack; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours or up to 2 days before serving.

To serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each custard. Using blowtorch, caramelize top of each custard until sugar bubbles and turns brown (this can also be done under a broiler). Top with berries and a sprig of lemon thyme before serving.

Pecan-Topped Raspberry Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Looking for a scrumptious raspberry dessert? From a Pecan-Topped Raspberry Cake, to a Raspberry Whole-Fruit Sorbet and my daughter’s absolute favorite, Swedish Raspberry Almond Bars, these fruity desserts are guaranteed to fit the bill. And with these recipes, you’ll enjoy the flavor of summer all year-round!

Pecan-Topped Raspberry Cake

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 bag (12 ounces) frozen raspberries

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

whipped cream

DIRECTIONS: 

Heat oven to 350 F. In bowl, cream 3/4 cup sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time and continue beating until well incorporated. Add flour, baking powder and vanilla; beat well. Pour batter evenly into 9- or 10-inch prepared pan. Place frozen raspberries on top of batter. Sprinkle with pecans, remaining sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Bake about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool. Serve with whipped cream.

Raspberry Whole-Fruit Sorbet

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 tablespoons powdered sugar

18 ounces frozen raspberries

1 egg white, pasteurized

DIRECTIONS: 

In a blender, blend sugar and frozen raspberries until smooth. Add egg white and blend 30 seconds. Serve immediately or place in container, cover and store in freezer.

Swedish Raspberry Almond Bars 

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

1 1/2 cup flour 

3/4 cup red raspberry jam

3 egg whites

6 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup coconut

1 cup sliced almonds, divided

DIRECTIONS: 

Cream butter and confectioners sugar with hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add flour, mix well. Press unto bottom of 13” by 9” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool. Spread jam over crust. Beat egg whites, gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold in coconut and 1/2 cup of almonds. Spread over jam. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of almonds. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until golden brown.