Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce with Ravioli
Ingredients
2 large red bell peppers (or get a jar of roasted red peppers at the store.)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup fresh basil
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ( I used 2 Tbsp).
2 cups half-and-half (or whatever milk you have on hand. I usually use whole milk or 2%)
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese ( I used 1/2 c.)
4 tablespoons butter (I used 2 Tbsp)
1 can of artichokes quartered
1/2 of Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage cooked
salt and pepper to taste
1 bag of Tortellini or ravioli cooked
sun dried tomatoes (optional)
sauteed mushrooms (optional)

Directions
1.Preheat broiler. Lightly coat the red peppers with olive oil. Grill peppers under the broiler until the skin is blackened, and the flesh has softened slightly. Place peppers in a paper bag or resealable plastic bag to cool for approximately 45 minutes. The jar of roasted red peppers is a great shortcut.
2.Remove the seeds and skin from the peppers (the skin should come off the peppers easily now). Cut peppers into small pieces.
3.In a skillet, cook and stir the garlic, basil, and red peppers in 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, so that the flavors mix stirring occasionally.
4. Slice the sausage on a bias. Boil in water for 10 minutes until cooked. Remove and cool. Drain artichokes from can.
5.Place red pepper mixture in blender (careful it is hot), and puree to desired consistency. Return puree to skillet, and reheat to a boil. Stir in the half-and-half and the Romano cheese; cook and stir until the cheese melts. Add the butter, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sausage, artichokes, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Pour over tortellini, ravioli or pasta.
7. Leftover sauce freezes really well!

Braided Bread with Quiche

I had this at a baby shower over the weekend and it sent me over the moon. I had two helpings and restrained myself from a third.

Ingredients: 8 Rhodes Texas™ Rolls, thawed and risen
8 ounce package cream cheese
3 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1 egg
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups chopped ham
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, beaten
Parmesan cheese, if desired


Directions: Press rolls together and roll out to a 10x13-inch rectangle. Mix cream cheese, spinach, basil, rosemary, egg, Parmesan cheese and ham in bowl. Spread mixture over dough. Sauté mushrooms, onion, garlic, butter, salt and pepper. Spread over cream cheese mixture. Starting with the longest side, roll dough up tightly and place seam side down. Tuck ends under. With a long, serrated knife, cut roll lengthwise in half. Carefully, roll each half so the cut side is facing out. Twist halves together 3 times and then pinch ends together and tuck under. This will form a long twist. Place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise until double. Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 45 minutes. Do not underbake. Cover with foil the last 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Braiding is optional, but better for presentation!

Tortellini Campagnola

Tortellini in a creamy red pepper sauce, artichokes, mushrooms and Italian sausage. I was inspired by a restaurant I ate at and loved the recipe. The recipe is better with roasted peppers in the oven. The jarred ones tend to make the sauce thinner.

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce with Ravioli
Ingredients
2 large red bell peppers (or get a jar of roasted red peppers at the store.)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup fresh basil
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ( I used 2 Tbsp).
2 cups half-and-half (or whatever milk you have on hand. I usually use whole milk or 2%)
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese ( I used 1/2 c.)
4 tablespoons butter (I used 2 Tbsp)
1 can of artichokes quartered
1/2 of Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage cooked
salt and pepper to taste
1 bag of Tortellini or ravioli cooked
sun dried tomatoes (optional)
sauteed mushrooms (optional)

Directions
1.Preheat broiler. Lightly coat the red peppers with olive oil. Grill peppers under the broiler until the skin is blackened, and the flesh has softened slightly. Place peppers in a paper bag or resealable plastic bag to cool for approximately 45 minutes. The jar of roasted red peppers is a great shortcut.
2.Remove the seeds and skin from the peppers (the skin should come off the peppers easily now). Cut peppers into small pieces.
3.In a skillet, cook and stir the garlic, basil, and red peppers in 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, so that the flavors mix stirring occasionally.
4. Slice the sausage on a bias. Boil in water for 10 minutes until cooked. Remove and cool. Drain artichokes from can.
5.Place red pepper mixture in blender (careful it is hot), and puree to desired consistency. Return puree to skillet, and reheat to a boil. Stir in the half-and-half and the Romano cheese; cook and stir until the cheese melts. Add the butter, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add sausage, artichokes, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Pour over tortellini, ravioli or pasta.
7. Leftover sauce freezes really well!

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Here's another winner from Cook's Country magazine. This was in the recipe card section of the April/May 2009 issue. It makes a lot (we had enough for 2 dinners) and reheats nicely. Just a warning: it is very garlicky.

Start heating enough water to boil 1 pound of penne pasta. Mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil together and heat this mix in the microwave for about a minute, until you can smell the garlic. Dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the garlic flavored oil in a large skillet (be careful not to add the garlic pieces or red pepper flakes) and cook chicken until brown and cooked through. Cover the cooked chicken with foil for 5 minutes, then slice into bite size pieces.
Salt the pasta water (about 1 tablespoon salt) and boil the pasta until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water in a measuring cup to thin out the sauce later on. After draining, put the penne back in the pot and add the sliced chicken, 1 (5oz) bag of baby arugula or baby spinach (I used spinach), 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 6 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the garlic oil. Thin with pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Short Ribs With Tagliatelle

Giada's Tagliatelle
•3 tablespoons olive oil
•2 ounces chopped pancetta (about 1/2 cup)
•2 1/2 pounds short ribs
•Salt
•Freshly ground black pepper
•1/4 cup all-purpose flour
•1 medium onion, chopped
•1 carrot, chopped
•1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
•2 cloves garlic
•1 (14-ounce) can tomatoes (whole or diced)
•1 tablespoon tomato paste
•1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
•1 teaspoon dried thyme
•1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
•1 bay leaf
•2 1/2 cups beef broth
•3/4 cup red wine
•1 pound fresh or dried tagliatelle
•4 to 6 teaspoons shaved bittersweet chocolate
Directions
Place the olive oil in a large heavy soup pot over medium heat. Cook the pancetta until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and dredge in the flour. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside. Add the short ribs to the pan and brown on all sides, about 7 minutes total.


Meanwhile, combine the onion, carrot, parsley and garlic in a food processor and blend until finely minced. Then add the tomatoes and tomato paste and pulse.


Once the short ribs are browned, carefully add the mixture from the food processor to the pot. Return the pancetta to the pot and stir. Add the rosemary, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, beef broth, and wine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for another hour and a half, stirring occasionally. Remove the meat and bones from the pot. Discard the bones. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste.


Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes for dried pasta and 2 to 3 minutes for fresh. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta liquid 1/4 cup at a time, if

needed, to moisten the pasta. Transfer to serving bowls, top each bowl with 1 teaspoon of chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

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Stuffed Pork Chops

1/4 cup chopped prunes
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, chopped, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons lemon olive oil
4 pork loin rib chops, 1 1/2 inches thick
Course salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces goat cheese
Directions
In a bowl, mix the prunes and almonds with 1 tablespoon of lemon olive oil.


Cut a pocket on the side of each pork chop from the fat side to the bone. Season the outside of each chop with salt and pepper, to taste. Stuff each chop with 1/2-ounce of goat cheese, pushing it to the bottom of the opening, then stuff with the prune mixture. Secure with toothpicks.


Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon olive oil in a large shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chops on both sides until golden brown. Add water to come 1/4 of the way up the side of chops. Cover and simmer until the chops are cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove chops to a serving platter and simmer the liquid and any stuffing drippings until reduced to a thick sauce. Pour the sauce over the chops and serve garnished with toasted almonds

Crustless Spinach Cheese Quiche

Paula Deen's Crustless Spinach Cheese Quiche

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups grated Cheddar
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Unwrap the spinach and put it, box and all, on a plate. Microwave and cook on high power for 4 minutes. Allow it to cool and remove it from the box. Squeeze out all of the liquid out of the spinach and put it into a medium bowl.

Combine the eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan, flour, salt, and pepper, in a medium bowl. Stir together, or blend in food processor until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the spinach. Add the Cheddar and blend with a spoon until well mixed. Pour the spinach mixture into the baking dish and smooth out the top.

Bake until set, about 45 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven. It will be puffed up, but will fall slightly as it cools. Allow it to cool, then, refrigerate. Cut it into squares and serve

Puerto Rican Meatballs

Puerto Rican Meatballs (6 servings)

1 lb. ground beef
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons milk
1 medium egg, beaten

Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup onion, small dice
3 small sweet peppers, small dice
1 grilled pimento, julienned
1 large tomato, small dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
12 seedless olives, sliced
2 teaspoons capers
1/3 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika (sweet)
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1. Mix the bread crumbs and milk.
2. Mix the beef with the bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, the pepper, oregano, garlic powder and egg.
3. Make 24 meatballs and bake in the oven at 400º for about 15 minutes (they don’t have to cook through).
4. At medium low, in a medium sauce pan, heat the olive oil and cook the onion, peppers, and garlic for five minutes.
5. Add the tomato, olives, capers, paprika and tomato sauce. Cook for another five minutes.
6. Add the meatballs, water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil.
7. Lower the heat to low and cook covered for 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens. If the sauce doesn’t thicken enough, uncover and cook until desired consistency.
8. Taste for salt and add more if needed.
9. Sprinkle with parsley right before serving.

Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Shrimp

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
3 or 4 big cloves garlic, cut into slivers
About 11/2 pounds shrimp, 20 to 30 per pound, peeled, rinsed, and dried
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
11/2 teaspoons hot paprika
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish


Directions:

1. Warm the olive oil in a large, broad ovenproof skillet or heatproof baking pan over low heat. There should be enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan; don’t skimp. Add the garlic and cook until it turns golden, a few minutes.

2. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp, some salt and pepper, the cumin, and the paprika. Stir to blend and continue to cook, shaking the pan once or twice and turning the shrimp once or twice, until they are pink all over and the mixture is bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish and serve immediately

Roated Grape Tomoates with Tangled Noodles

Ingredients
3 tablespoons garlic-infused virgin olive oil
4 cups sweet grape tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 pound angel hair pasta or extra-thin egg noodles
4 ounces smoked mozzarella, roughly chopped
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Drizzle the olive oil over the grape tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Place the tomatoes on the baking sheet and cook until skins turn a rich golden brown, about 10 minutes.


Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock over low heat. In a large skillet, bring 1 cup of the stock to a boil and add the noodles. Stir to prevent the noodles from sticking together as the stock cooks off. Continue to stir and add the remaining stock 1 cup at a time. Once all the stock is added and absorbed, stir in the cheese and toss with the roasted tomatoes and their pan drippings. Serve hot.


BYOC: Toss in some torn fresh basil leaves, fresh oregano, thyme or even lemon basil leaves for a nice surprising twist!

Pork Loin with Pinot Noir by Claire Anderson

2 pounds pork tenderloin
10 slices applewood smoked thick-cut bacon, divided
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
2 cups demi-glace
3/4 cup pinot noir wine
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.


Slice each tenderloin crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Wrap 1 piece of bacon around the pork and secure with toothpick or wooden skewer. Repeat with the remaining pork and bacon. Sprinkle with pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over moderately-high heat, add the pork and cook until golden brown, turning once, about 6 minutes total. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until no longer pink in the middle and the bacon is golden and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes.


In a large skillet over moderate heat, cook the remaining bacon until crispy, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Keeping the fat in the pan over moderate heat, add the shallots to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the demi-glace and wine and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.


Serve the pork with generous drizzle of the pinot noir sauce.

Sunny's Tuna Casserole

2 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking dish
1 (12-ounce) bag or 4 cups egg noodles
16 ounces yellowfin or albacore tuna in oil, drained and flaked (recommended: Ortiz or Callipo)
10 ounces frozen peas, thawed
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Irish Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon whole dried thyme
1/2 cup chopped onion
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 pint heavy cream

For the Topping:
3 cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.


Butter a 13 by 9-inch ovenproof dish or lasagna dish and set aside.


Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and immediately place the noodles in a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, pour the pasta into a large bowl with the tuna, peas and both cheeses. Toss to combine.


In a large pan with straight sides add the rest of the butter, the olive oil, thyme, and onions. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and cook on medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and cook gently until tender and darkened, about 5 minutes more. Add the Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and sprinkle flour over the entire pan. Stir to help the flour to soak into vegetables and cook a minute more to lose the flour taste. Raise the heat to medium high and add the chicken stock. Cook until slightly thickened then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer until the cream is thickened slightly, about 4 minutes more. Taste and season with salt, if needed. Pour the mushroom sauce over the prepared noodles in the large bowl and quickly stir to combine. Immediately pour into the prepared dish.


To make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Season with a sprinkle of salt and a grind or two of pepper. Stir until the crumbs soak up the oil evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the dish and place uncovered in the oven until the sides are bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 35 minutes.

Michael Votaggios Spanish Mac n Cheese

Add a global twist to family favorites. In this recipe, all-American comfort food becomes a brand-new dish by using a few Spanish ingredients.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup diced yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (12 oz.) diced Spanish chorizo
1 1/2 cups Bomba rice
Pinch of saffron
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dry sherry, preferably Manzanilla
4 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups (9 oz.) coarsely grated soft Spanish goat cheese
Kosher salt, to taste
1 1/2 cups (4 1/2 oz.) grated Manchego cheese
2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives
Directions:
Preheat a broiler.

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the chorizo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice, saffron and bay leaf. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sherry and cook until absorbed.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the water 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each addition has been absorbed and the rice is just al dente, about 20 minutes. Add the cream and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Fold in the goat cheese and season with salt. Transfer the rice to a casserole dish or large fry pan and sprinkle the Manchego on top. Broil until the cheese is golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the chives. Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe by Chef Michael Voltaggio

Bryan Voltaggio's One Hour Memphis Ribs

Williams Sonoma

Ribs rule at Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, a basement barbecue joint in Memphis, TN, where pork ribs are mopped with vinegar and cooked on an open charcoal fire. In Chef Bryan Voltaggio’s spin on that preparation, he seasons baby back ribs with a medley of spices and quick-cooks them in a pressure cooker, then smokes them on an outdoor barbecue.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 Tbs. freshly ground pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 Tbs. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. fresh oregano leaves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. piment d’Espelette
3/4 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, minced
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
3/4 tsp. celery seed
1 1/2 tsp. toasted and ground coriander seed
1 1/2 tsp. toasted and ground fennel seed
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup Sir Kensington’s scooping ketchup
3 1/2 lb. pork baby back ribs, cut into 3- or 4-bone slabs
Directions:
In a bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, piment d’Espelette, thyme, allspice, celery seed, coriander and fennel.

Prepare a grill for indirect grilling over medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, set a smoker box filled with hickory chips over direct heat.

In the base of a 10-quart stovetop pressure cooker, stir together the water, ketchup and 2 Tbs. of the spice mixture; reserve the remaining mixture. Place the ribs, bone side down, in the pressure cooker. Close and lock the lid and bring up to high pressure over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the pressure dissipate naturally, about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the ribs to a steel grill roaster set on a baking sheet. Pour the cooking sauce from the pressure cooker into a basting pot or liquid measuring cup. Brush the meaty side of the ribs with the sauce.

Set the roaster on the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing the ribs every 5 minutes with the sauce. Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Cut into individual ribs and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Recipe by Chef Bryan Voltaggio, inspired by Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, Memphis, TN.

Bryan Voltaggio's Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Compliments of Williams-Sonoma.

True Kansas City barbecue is pit-cooked low and slow and spiced with smoky-sweet tomato sauce. Crispy burnt ends are a local legend. Inspired by the burnt ends at Danny Edwards Blvd. BBQ in Kansas City, MO, chef Bryan Voltaggio created these pulled pork sandwiches so you can replicate that smoky, spicy flavor at home.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup lightly packed dark brown sugar
2 Tbs. kosher salt
2 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. freshly ground pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. ground coriander
1 Tbs. dried English mustard
2 tsp. ground fennel seed
2 tsp. garlic powder or onion powder
1 pork shoulder, 3 to 4 lb.
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 1/2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup water
Soft white dinner rolls for serving
Cowtown barbecue sauce for serving
Directions:
In a bowl, stir together the brown sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, thyme, coriander, dried mustard, fennel and garlic powder. Score a diamond pattern on the fatty side of the pork. Insert the knife tip into the pork to create 6 small pockets, spacing them evenly. Insert 1 garlic clove into each pocket. Generously rub the pork on all sides with 6 to 8 Tbs. of the spice mixture; reserve the remaining mixture. Wrap the pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

Remove the plastic wrap from the pork. Place the pork, fat side up, in the oven-safe insert of a slow cooker. Transfer to the oven and roast until the top of the pork starts to crisp, 45 to 60 minutes. Transfer the insert to the slow-cooker base and add the apple juice and water. Cover and cook on low according to the manufacturer’s instructions, turning the pork occasionally, until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork, 6 to 7 hours.

Transfer the pork to a deep bowl. Using 2 forks, pull the meat apart into large shreds or, using a cleaver, chop it into large chunks. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Using a handheld smoking gun, smoke with 2 to 3 chambers of applewood chips. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

Strain the cooking sauce into a bowl. Ladle 1/2 to 3/4 cup sauce over the pork. Stir in 1 to 2 tsp. of the reserved spice mixture. Serve immediately with rolls and barbecue sauce. Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe by Chef Bryan Voltaggio, inspired by Danny Edwards Blvd. BBQ, Kansas City, MO.

Michael Voltaggio's Texas Short Rib

Taken from Williams Sonoma magazine.

Great beef, pit-smoked over oak or mesquite, is the trademark of Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, TX. Chef Michael Voltaggio pays tribute to this incredible meat with these boneless beef short ribs. To speed preparation, they’re cooked in a pressure cooker along with Texas lager, then finished off on a backyard grill.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup BBQ seasoning
1/4 cup hickory smoked sea salt
2 Tbs. granulated honey
2 lb. boneless short rib plate or 2 lb. individual boneless short ribs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 bottles (each 12 fl. oz.) Lone Star or other lager beer
White sandwich bread for serving
Cheddar cheese slices for serving
Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together the BBQ seasoning, smoked sea salt and granulated honey.

Rub the short ribs all over with the oil and coat completely with about 6 Tbs. of the spice mixture; reserve the remaining mixture.

Pour the beer into the base of a 10-quart stovetop pressure cooker and add the short ribs. Close and lock the lid and bring up to high pressure over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 hour. Remove from the heat. To release the pressure, run cold water over the lid, then remove the lid. Transfer the ribs to a steel grill fry pan and reserve the cooking sauce.

Prepare a grill for indirect grilling over medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, set a smoker box filled with hickory chips over direct heat.

Set the fry pan on the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for 10 minutes. Turn the ribs over, cover the grill and cook for 10 minutes more, adding additional hickory chips as needed.

Transfer the ribs to a cutting board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the ribs and mop with some of the cooking sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture, if desired. Serve immediately with white sandwich bread, cheddar cheese and extra sauce for dipping. Serves 4 to 6.

Recipe by Chef Michael Voltaggio, inspired by Smitty’s Market, Lockhart, TX

No butter chicken

ngredients
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 small red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes
1/4 cup low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup water
Serving suggestion: Serve with roti or rice.

Put a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When it starts to get hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 4 minutes, or until the onion is golden. Add the tomato paste, brown sugar, cumin seeds, garam masala, red chile flakes, turmeric, and salt and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken cubes and stir well to coat. Add the yogurt and water and cook, stirring until the chicken is done, about 8 minutes. Serve the chicken with roti or rice.

Simple Tomato Sauce

Simple Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make Simple Tomato Sauce:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, and garlic and cook until soft and golden brown. Add the basil and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil, stirring often. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. With a potato masher, break up the tomatoes to achieve a sauce-like consistency.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Cook's Note: Tomato sauce will last 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer

Penette Ala Vodka

Rao's

1/2 pound cooked ham (better to use Italian cooked ham)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 large white onions, finely chopped
1.3 quarts (700 ml) tomato sauce (or blended canned peeled Italian tomatoes)
3 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
1 quart heavy cream reduced by half (1/2 quart)
3/4 cup vodka
Salt and pepper
2 pounds penne liscie # 40 (recommended: De Cecco)

Finely dice the cooked ham and set it aside.
Place a heavy bottom sautoir or pan on medium-high flame. Add the olive oil and the butter. When the butter melts and becomes foamy add the chopped onions, let it saute until crispy, and do not let it brown.
Add the diced ham, mix it in, lower the flame and let it sweat for about 15 minutes, stir it occasionally.
Add the tomato sauce, mix it in, let it simmer for another 20 minutes, then add the parsley, simmer for 3 minutes, add the reduced heavy cream and the vodka, mix it all well and let simmer for 20 minutes
Check the consistency, simmer for other 10 minutes if you need to, season and mix in the cooked penne, let it simmer for 2 minutes and serve it HOT!!!
Procedure to cook the pasta: In a pasta-cooker or a soup pot, add 6 quarts of salted water and place it over medium-high flame. Bring the water to a boil, add the penne at once, lower the flame to medium, partially cover the pot, and let it cook for about 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, drain it and dress the pasta with your favorite sauce.

Grilled Halibut with Summer Salsa

2 ounces cucumber, diced
2 ounces tomato, diced
1-ounce red bell pepper, diced
1-ounce orange bell pepper, diced
1/2-ounce jalapeno, diced
1-ounce. green onion, diced
1-ounce. white corn, cut from an ear of corn
1/4 bunch cilantro leaves
1 cup rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 ounces lime juice
1-ounce fish sauce
6 ounces halibut fillet
Salt and pepper
Chili threads
Microgreens
Chili oil

For the salsa: Combine all the vegetables in a bowl. Chop cilantro finely. Mix rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, lime juice, and fish sauce together until well blended. Add all chopped vegetables and cilantro to the mixture. Mix well.
For the halibut: Season with sea salt and pepper. Place the halibut directly onto a hot grill for a few minnutes. Then using tongs or a spatula give the halibut a quarter turn to create the second set of marks resulting in a crisscross pattern. When it's time to flip it, repeat the process of grilling for a few minutes and then give it a quarter turn. Remove from grill and finish in the oven.
Assembly: Spoon a nice mound of salsa in the center of each plate, adding a bit of the salsa juice. Place the halibut fillet on top. Garnish with chili threads and microgreens. Add chili oil to edges of salsa for color and heat. Enjoy!