Spicy Skillet Seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

It is time to start planning this year's Thanksgiving menu. Turkey? check. Garlic Smashed Potatoes? check. Cornbread Stuffing? check. Spicy Baked Sweet Potatoes? check. Cranberry & Chile Relish? check. And brussels sprouts...must have brussels sprouts, one of my favorite winter vegetables. This recipe requires searing the sprouts in a hot cast iron pan which caramelizes, sweetens and eliminates any bitterness.  Paired with bacon, onions, chiles, pecans, cranberries and topped with seasoned rice vinegar, this is a perfect side dish for your holiday table.  Give it a try...I predict even brussels sprouts haters will eat every bite.

Spicy Skillet Seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
(serves 4)
3 slices thick cut bacon
2 lb brussels sprouts, halved with stems cut off 
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup white onion, coarsely chopped
1 tsp dried red chili flakes
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Heat a cast skillet over med-high heat. (cast iron is preferred for this recipe).  When hot add bacon and fry until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towel lined plate. Remove all but 2 tbsp bacon fat from skillet and add the brussels sprouts, cut side down.  Cook without stirring for 5 minutes until the sprouts are dark brown and caramelized.  Season with a pinch each salt and pepper.  Add onions & chili flakes and stir. Cook for 3 minutes or until onions begin to soften, stirring frequently   Add remaining olive oil, pecans and cranberries and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add vinegar. Crumble bacon and add to skillet, Stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Cook an additional minute.  Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

It is "brussels sprouts" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite brussels sprouts recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one.

Feed Me Phoebe: Roasted Brussels Sprout and Gruyere Toasts
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Tangy Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Vinaigrette and Crunchy Breadcrumbs 
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Red or Green: Spicy Skillet Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Yogurt Garlic Dip
Domesticate Me: Brie Quesadillas with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon and Beer-Glazed Onions
Virtually Homemade: Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash
Dishing: Brussels Sprouts with Plain Omelette
Devour: Chefs' Best Brussels Sprouts
Weelicious: Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Poppy Seeds
FN Dish: Thanksgiving's Finest Brussels Sprouts Sides
Dishin & Dishes: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.

Cauliflower, Leek & Peppers Frittata

Sunday brunch is one of my favorite meals of the week.  I want something easy...something delicious, not pretentious or fancy, just really good food.  This frittata fits the bill perfectly. Sauteed vegetables, eggs and fresh herbs, light but filling. Just the thing to fulfill breakfast and lunch!

cooking in skillet, this is about the time to flip the frittata

This dish is very versatile so mix up the vegetables and use whatever you like or have on hand.  I especially like the cauliflower, leek, peppers and tomato combination used today.  The vegetables have a bit of a crunch, the fresh herbs add some pop and the eggs are light and fluffy.  Don't worry if the frittata tears a bit when you flip...this just adds to the rustic texture.  If you want a more filling meal, feel free to add crispy bacon and/or cheese when adding the eggs.  Like I said...very versatile.

Cauliflower, Leek & Peppers Frittata
(serves 2-3)
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 leek, scrubbed and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded,  and diced
1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/ 2 small cauliflower, stem and florets cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 small tomato, diced
6 large eggs
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, snipped

Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and leeks. Cook for 3 minutes until softened.  Add bell pepper, jalapeno and cauliflower.  Saute until softened and beginning to caramelize (about 8 minutes).  Add tomato, salt & pepper and saute additional minute.

Break eggs into medium bowl.  Add parsley and beat until frothy. Pour over vegetables in skillet. Cook until the top looks fairly dry. While cooking, every so often take a spatula and lift the edges of the frittata to let the uncooked eggs run to the bottom of the pan. When the top is almost dry, take a dinner plate and place over the top of the skillet. Hold the plate (wear oven mitts) and carefully flip the skillet so the frittata is on the plate. Place the now empty skillet back on the heat and slide the frittata back in the pan. The former bottom of frittata is now on top. Continue cooking for another minute or two and then slide onto a serving dish. Sprinkle with chives and serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

It is "cauliflower" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite cauliflower recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. 

Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower and Bulgur Salad
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower and Potatoes
Feed Me Phoebe: Pan-Roasted Cauliflower
Devour: Cauliflower and Broccoli Mac and Cheese for Thanksgiving
Blue Apron Blog: Cauliflower "Mac 'n Cheese"
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli with Cranberries and Garlic Breadcrumbs 
Red or Green: Cauliflower, Leek and Pepper Frittata
Virtually Homemade: Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese
Taste With The Eyes: Saffron Cauliflower à la Ottolenghi
Domesticate Me: Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese
The Sensitive Epicure: Cauliflower Flat Bread (Gluten-Free)
Weelicious: Cheddar Cauliflower
Cooking With Elise: Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese Fondue
FN Dish: Comforting Cauliflower Recipes

My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.

Spooky Black Bean Dip & Chile Roasted Sweet Potato Appetizers

Food Network announced that this week's theme would be a "Halloween-themed post (produce related)". Eek!  Cookies, candy or cakes I could handle, but produce?  How to make produce look Halloweenish?  (I love to make up words).  I decided to look through my collection of cookie cutters for inspiration and found a cat.  Don't ask me where it came from...I have never used it and do not remember buying it...but there it was.  And black cats qualify as a Halloween theme, right?

Now I just needed to figure out what produce item was black?  Dark fig skins? olives? blackberries?  I settled on black beans.  The idea of black beans on cat shaped tortillas chips sounded fun.  Roasted diced sweet potatoes dusted with New Mexican chile powder for the eyes was a perfect complement (and a delicious addition).  I really like the final result.  What do you think?

For an easier version...or non Halloween party, skip the cat cutouts and just serve the dip and potatoes with regular tortilla chips. Equally delicious...but not as much fun.  Happy Halloween everyone!

Spooky Black Bean Dip & Chile Roasted Sweet Potato Appetizers

Black Bean Dip 
(makes 2 1/2 cups)

Ingredients
2 cups cooked drained black beans (homemade or canned)
1/2 red onion, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded with ribs removed
1 medium tomato, chopped
juice from 1/2 a fresh lime
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Place all ingredients in bowl of food processor.  Pulse until smooth.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Chile Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Follow the recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Fries using 2 potatoes instead of 4.  Cut the potatoes into small dice and eliminate the dried red pepper flakes. Dust with New Mexican red chile powder and reduce roasting time to 30- 45 minutes

Baked Corn "Black Cat" Tortilla Chips
12 corn tortillas
Halloween shaped cookie cutter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place a Halloween shaped cookie cutter on one of the tortillas. Using a sharp knife, trace the outline of the cutter.  I can get 2 cutouts per cutter.  Repeat with remaining tortillas.  Spread chips on to two rimmed baking sheets.  Do not let the edges of the tortillas touch each other.  Bake 10 minutes or until chips are just beginning to brown.(check every couple of minutes to ensure they do not burn).  Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.  They will continue to crisp up as they cool.  
** note, i like mine plain, but you can spray lightly with cooking spray prior to baking and then sprinkle with salt and/or your favorite seasonings.**

Assembly

Frost each chip with black bean dip. I use a very small spatula to complete this task. Use 2 sweet potato pieces for the cats' eyes and more for decorations.  Serve with remaining sweet potatoes, salsa, the remaining bean dip, crudite and plain tortilla chips.  Add freshly made margaritas and you have a party!

It is  "Halloween-themed post (produce related)" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. 

Feed Me Phoebe: Leftover Jack-o-Lantern Salad i.e. Pumpkin & Arugula Salad with Miso-Lemon Dressing
The Heritage Cook: Jack-o'-Lantern Black & Orange Soups
The Lemon Bowl: Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Virtually Homemade: Apple Caramel Cake Pops
Weelicious: Roasted Pumpkin and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds 
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Ghoulish "Bloody Brains" Roasted Cauliflower and Beet Hummus
Devour: Caramel Apples for Halloween
Taste With The Eyes: Braised Oxtail for Halloween?
Made By Michelle: Clementine Pumpkins
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Silky Pumpkin Hummus
Red or Green: Spooky Black Bean Dip & Chile Roasted Sweet Potato Appetizers
Dishing: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Domesticate Me: Spiced Pumpkin Punch
Cooking With Elise: Wicked Good Halloween Recipes
The Sensitive Epicure: Trick or Treat, Spaghetti or Squash? Both
FN Dish: Have a Homemade Halloween

My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.

Spinach-Walnut Pesto on Bruschetta with Fried Egg

So I spent the last week of September/First week of October in Southern California visiting my parents. When I left Taos I had a huge terra cotta pot of basil growing in my front yard.  I kept meaning to make tons of pesto to freeze for the winter but ran out of time.  My plan was to do this as soon as I returned.  That plan was dashed when we had a few early fall freezing nights.  I came home to black, limp basil. Sadly, no basil pesto for me until next summer.

Happily, delicious pesto can be made with a wide variety of herbs, greens and/or nuts.  This ensures pesto can be made year round with locally sourced ingredients.  Win, Win for all.

One of my favorite versions uses spinach.  This delicate green provides the perfect complement to the traditional parmigiano-reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil used in authentic pesto alla Genovese. I further strayed from tradition and used walnuts instead on pine nuts.  This pesto slathered over toasted bread and topped with a fried egg makes a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch. Or, skip the egg and serve on the toast (bruschetta) as an appetizer.  I am OK with waiting for Summer for the basil version!

Spinach-Walnut Pesto on Bruschetta with Fried Egg
1/2 cup walnut halves
2 oz parmigiano-reggiano cheese, cut into 2 pieces
2 garlic cloves
1 fresh red cayenne pepper (or other fresh hot red pepper), seeded
5 cups baby spinach leaves (packed)
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
whole wheat sourdough baguette
6 fresh organic eggs
extra virgin olive oil for skillet and drizzling
12 baby spinach leaves chopped for garnish (optional)

Toast walnuts in skillet until just beginning to brown.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Add cheese to food processor fitted with the chopping/mixing blade.  Process until cheese is grated.  Add cooled walnuts, garlic and red pepper and process until all ingredients are finely grated.  Add half of spinach, lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil and process until smooth but with a bit of texture.  Add remaining spinach, remaining olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Process until well mixed.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

Slice bread into twelve 3/4 to 1 inch thick pieces.  Toast in oven or toaster until golden brown.  Slather pesto over bruschetta.

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough olive oil to lightly cover pan.  Crack eggs into skillet and turn heat down to medium-low.  Cover pan and cook for 3 1/2-5 minutes or until whites are set and yolk is cooked to your preference. (I like mine runny so I cook for 3 1/2 minutes.)

Place 2 pieces bruschetta on each plate and top with 1 egg per serving.  Serve immediately topping egg with sea salt, pepper & chopped spinach leaves.

It is "spinach" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite spinach recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one.
Feed Me Phoebe: Healthy Creamed Spinach
The Heritage Cook: Fresh Spinach with Maple Vinegar Vinaigrette
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Za'atar Roasted Salmon with Greens
Blue Apron Blog: Saag Paneer at Home
Weelicious: Spinach Cake Muffins
Virtually Homemade: Creamy Spinach and Chicken Casserol
Haute Apple Pie: Parmesan Spinach, Broccoli and Chicken Bake
Red or Green: Spinach-Walnut Pesto on Bruschetta with Fried Egg
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Spinach with Sausage, Peppers and Tomatoes
The Sensitive Epicure: Spanakopita Minus the -Opita
Taste With The Eyes: Spinach and Chickpeas in a Bengali Mustard Sauce
Domesticate Me: Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette and a Fried Egg
In Jennie's Kitchen: Crispy Spinach Latkes 
Devour: How to Make Spinach Gnocchi
Dishin & Dishes: Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad with Arugula and Baby Spinach
FN Dish: Eat Your Spinach Sides

My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.

Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots with Cayenne Pepper

We had a dinner party Saturday night...right in the midst of our construction project.  We have an addition to our home being built...sounds easy and straightforward right?  Ha! Not when you are adding on to a historic adobe home...one built without a foundation.  One where what was once adobe brick walls are, when exposed, adobe "mud".  When finished it will be amazing but during this phase? Oh my.

So you probably think I lost my mind deciding to host a party in the midst of chaos.  Maybe, but I actually followed the advice I give everyone else. If you want a stress free party, cook dishes you have made a million times before.  I chose to roast everything.  Easy, effortless and no stress. What could be better? The menu included roast pork with chokecherry glaze, roasted winter root vegetables, slow roasted cherry tomatoes and these carrots.  Everyone was very happy!

The carrots are first roasted until they are caramelized and tender.  Just before serving, I drizzled a glaze made from butter, extra virgin olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar and  fresh, minced cayenne pepper.  So delicious...and no left-overs! The sign of a really good dish.  These are being added to my Thanksgiving day menu.  Enjoy....

Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots with Cayenne Pepper
1 1/2 lbs small carrots (not the pre cut "baby" carrots in bags), halved lengthwise
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 fresh cayenne pepper, minced or 1/2 tsp dried

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Add carrots to prepared pan in a single layer.  Season with the salt and pepper.  Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over carrots.  Using your hands, roll carrots in oil to ensure they are coated. Place back into a single layer, cut side down,  and roast for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven, flip carrots to cut side up and continue roasting 20-25 minutes or until carrots are very tender and beginning to caramelize. Remove from oven and place on serving platter

In a microwave safe bowl add the butter, 2 tbsp olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar and cayenne pepper. Microwave for 30-45 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir glaze and drizzle over carrots. Serve immediately.

It is "carrots" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite carrot recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. 
Feed Me Phoebe: Carrot Cake Pancakes
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Fresh Carrot, Banana and Peach Smoothie
Red or Green: Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots with Cayenne Pepper
And Love It Too: Carrot Cake Blondies with Cinnamon Coconut Butter
Virtually Homemade: Easy Carrot Torte
Made By Michelle: Carrot Apple Bread
In Jennie's Kitchen: Carrot Persimmon Cake
Devour: Roasted Carrots with Cumin and Coriander
The Sensitive Epicure: Chimichurri Carrots
Domesticate Me: Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
The Heritage Cook: Roasted Maple Dilled Carrots and Shallots
FN Dish: 10 New Ways to Devour Carrots

My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.

Roasted Turnip & Parsnip Soup with Toasted Walnuts

I spent the past couple of weeks in Southern California visiting my family. The Santa Anas were in full force. Santa Ana winds are a So Cal phenomenon where strong winds blow east to west versus the more typical west to east. The weather was very hot, dry and windy during my entire trip. We tended to eat a lot of salads, fruit and light meals.  No oven or dishes cooked over a hot stove. So it was quite the contrast to come back to Taos where the nights have been below freezing the past few days.  Driving to yoga at 7:30 am with 28 degree temps signals fall is here! Time for the oven...time for long simmering dishes cooked on the stove top.

Fall is the perfect time for homemade soup.  Warming, comforting, filling, paired with a salad and dinner is served.  Today I roasted root vegetables and pureed them into vegetable broth.  The roasting delivers sweetness and richness. The soup does not contain any cream so it is light and rich at the same time.  This one will be on the menu often during the cold fall and winter months.

Roasted Turnip & Parsnip Soup with Toasted Walnuts
2 turnips, unpeeled and diced
2 parsnips, unpeeled and diced
1 medium white onion, diced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
2 1/2 cups water
2 cups organic vegetable broth
1/4-1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes
sea salt
black pepper
3 tbsp walnut halves, toasted and chopped
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
2 tbsp fresh chives, snipped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.  Add turnips, parsnips and onion to sheet.  Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over top. Using your hands, roll vegetables in the oil until covered. Sprinkle 1 tsp (each) salt and pepper over vegetables and place in preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes. Stir and roast an additional 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are very soft and deeply caramelized. (Do not allow them to burn). Remove from oven.

Heat large stockpot over medium high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the garlic. Saute for 30 seconds. Pour in roasted vegetables scraping in browned bits and olive oil from pan. Add thyme, parsley, water and broth. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes.

Remove from heat. Discard thyme and, using an immersion blender*, puree until smooth. If soup is too thick, thin with water. Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.  Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add additional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you like it a bit spicier.

Serve in large bowls topped with walnuts, chives and drizzled with olive oil.

It is "turnips" week at Food Network's Fall Fest roundup. Check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. Do you have a favorite turnip recipe? Share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one. 
Feed Me Phoebe: Mashed Turnips with Miso Butter
The Lemon Bowl: Baked Turnip Chips
Purple Cook: Turnip and Tomato Curry, Recipe Reviewed
Domesticate Me: Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Easy Roasted Root Vegetables
Red or Green: Roasted Turnip and Parsnip Soup with Toasted Walnuts
Dishing: Roasted Turnips with Parmesan
Taste With The Eyes: Quinoa Corn Timbale, Turnip Confit, Quail Egg and Fried Sage with a Demi-Glace
The Sensitive Epicure: Mashed Turnips with Celery Root
Devour: 4 Ways to Cook Turnips
In Jennie's Kitchen: Turnip Soup
Cooking With Elise: Turnip Farmers Tell All
FN Dish: Turnip Recipes Revisited


My best,

Diane

red or green? 

california girl in taos

napa farmhouse 1885

please follow us on facebook

I have started sharing my Taos experiences on my newest blog "California Girl in Taos". Please visit and let me know what you think.