Easy Corn Soufflé for the Holidays

Baked Corn Souffle 3 cups corn (fresh) sweet corn, husked1/2 cup diced or shredded Gruyère cheese1/2 cup half-and-half3 large eggs, lightly beaten1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons diced poblano pepper, or to tasteSea saltFreshly ground black pepperPinch red pepper flakes2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh chivesUnsalted butter, for the soufflé molds4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheesePreheat...

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A Great Chef Knife for the Perfect Meal

Choosing a quality chef knifeMany of you have asked me which knife is best to use for cooking at home. Here is some information that may help you choose:Quality chef’s tools are the most important part of preparing the perfect meal. There’s no doubt that foremost among tools is a quality chef’s knife. A chef’s knife works as an extension of the arm in every step of the cooking process from prep to...

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Aegean Beef Kebabs with Yogurt Sauce

Aegean Beef Kebabs 1 pound ground beef (80-85 %)1 onion, gratedSea saltBlack pepper2 tablespoon red pepper paste or tomato pasteGround Paprika1 teaspoon dried mint, optional1-2 tablespoons  extra virgin olive oilMix all ingredients together in a bowl, kneading well with hands.Divide the meat into 10 balls and shape like a burger. Place on skewer and stretch and pull the patty to the length...

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Orange and Fennel Salad

Orange and Fennel Salad3 large juicy organic oranges 1 medium red onion, sliced very thin1 bulb fresh fennel (reserve the greens)A drizzle Champagne vinegarA drizzle extra virgin olive oil Cracked pepper to taste2 tablespoons fennel greens, roughly choppedPeel the oranges, and slice to thin round. Place the slices on a serving platter overlapping each other slightly. Cut the fennel into thin slices....

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Maghreb Hummus and Olive Salad

Hummus and Olive Salad1 large (28 ounces) can garbanzo beans, drained2 cloves garlic, crushedZest 1 lemon, and juice of 1/2 - 1 lemon 1 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed1/2 cup tahini (ground sesame paste)1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground corianderPinch red pepper flakes1/2 teaspoon sea salt1/4 - 1/3 cup mild extra virgin olive oilWarm water, as neededOlive Salad20-30 mixed green and black...

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Magical Eggs in Balsamic

Balsamic Hard-boiled Eggs12 hard- boiled eggs1 – ½ cups Secolari California Balsamic vinegarWarm the balsamic vinegar. Place the eggs in glass container. Pour the warm balsamic vinegar over the eggs.  Let cool and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Be sure to turn the eggs occasionally so that they will be evenly colored. When you have the desired color, remove eggs from balsamic.  The eggs...

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Leeks and Cheese Pie

Leeks and Cheese Pie2 ready-made pie crusts2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil3 large leeks, cleaned thoroughly**Sea saltBlack pepperPinch red pepper flakes½ teaspoon ground cumin½ teaspoon ground coriander½ teaspoon ground turmeric¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon2-3 tablespoons golden raisins1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere or Fontina ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseTo clean the leeks, loosen the outer leaves,...

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Halloumi and Endive Salad

Halloumi and Endive Salad3 endives, cut in cubes (diced)Juice ½ lemon5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided  Flour for dredgingSea saltFreshly ground black pepper 1 halloumi cheese, thinly slicedMix the lemon juice, 2-3 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper in a bowl; mix well. Add the cut endives and mix again.Dredge the halloumi slices in flour, shaking off any excess flour.  Add 2 tablespoons...

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Sweet Onion and Fennel Frittata

Sweet Onion and Fennel Frittata8 eggs1/4 cup milk1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese4 tablespoons minced fresh fennel greens, divided1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepperPinch red pepper flakes2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced  Fresh FennelIn a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 3 tablespoons...

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Baked Sformato of Potatoes and Leeks

Sformato of Potatoes and Leeks4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, dividedFreshly ground black pepper1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided4 Yukon gold potatoes, small diceSea salt3 large leeks, cleaned thoroughly, diced, pat dry  2 large eggs, lightly beaten  8 ounces whole ricotta, drained overnight 4 ounces sharp provolone, shredded 6-8 tablespoons minced fresh herbs (any: basil, parsley,...

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