Tomorrow sports crab season starts in this neck of the woods the family will be enjoying this recipe again as soon as I get some Crab Cioppino INGREDIENTS 1. 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2. 8 large garlic cloves 6 finely chopped, 2 whole 3. 3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped fine 4. 4 Tunisian Baklouti's chili’s or 2 red bell peppers, diced 5. 1 large onion, finely diced 6. 2 tbl tomato paste 7. 1 cup red wine 8. 2 tbl fresh oregano chopped fine 9. One 28-ounce can peeled tomatoes, finely chopped, juices reserved 10. 1qt clam broth 11. 1 1/2 cups water 12. 1/2 cup packed basil leaves 13. 1/2 tsp dried crushed red chili peppers 14. 4 steamed Dungeness crabs, about 2 pounds each, cleaned cracked and cut into 1/4ers 15. 2 dozen clams (cherrystone littleneck etc), scrubbed 16. 2 pounds firm, white fish fillets (I like Ling Cod), skinned and cut into 1 ½” chunks 17. 2 pounds 21/25 green headless shrimp, shelled and deveined 18. 2 pounds PEI mussels, scrubbed 19. 1 pound medium size sea scallops, 20. Salt and freshly ground pepper 21. Sour dough bread, for serving Preparation 1. In a large non-reactive skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the chopped garlic, jalapeños, peppers, onion and and cook, stirring occasionally, over moderately high heat until softened and beginning to color, about 8-10 min. Add the wine and cook until nearly evaporated, add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices the oregano and cook over moderately high heat about 5 minutes. Add the clam broth and water, pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the broth is reduced, 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and generously with pepper 2. Meanwhile, in a small food processor, combine the basil leaves with the whole garlic and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil and the crushed red pepper and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Add the crabs and clams to the pot. Cover and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the clams just start to open, 3-5 minutes. Using tongs, remove the crab pcs to a large sheet pan. Add the fish, shrimp, mussels and scallops to the pot, pushing them into the still simmering broth. Return the crabs to the pot, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the clams and mussels are fully open and the fish, shrimp and scallops are cooked through, about 8 minutes longer do not overcook! 4. Ladle the Cioppino into deep bowls and drizzle each serving with some of the basil puree. Serve with crusty sour dough bread

Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 8:27 Compumom has chosen BASIL for this Cookalong. Let's put our thinking caps on and come up with a wide variety of ideas for using it. Our virtual dinner featuring basil will be on Saturday, March 14. For those that may have missed the first Cookalong..... the idea here is to post hints, recipes and discuss the focus ingredient over the next two weeks. Recipes can use any form of the ingredient. Please mention the recipe source and whether it is one that you have already made (T+T) or one that you might be trying for the first time. I'm going to make an attempt to link all the cookalongs together. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #3 -- Carrots Follow-Up Postings: o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 9:41 As a segue, here's what I'm planning to make next, another recipe from Orangette's blog. I have acini de pepe to use up. It combines carrots and basil. I can't afford the fresh stuff though. There is a chance that I still have some pesto cubes in the freezer. So I will have to make some adjustments. I also don't have fresh thyme. I can't afford to buy fresh herbs. But I do have dried herbs from my own garden from last summer. I'm also going to use canned tomatoes. But I know some of you lucky southern climate folks can get fresh ones! Provenl Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta Adapted from Gourmet, September 2006 This business of blanching, peeling, and seeding the tomatoes may be a little fussy, yes, but it makes for a lovely, soft tomato flavor. Plus, theres nothing quite so satisfying for the fingers as slipping the skins from a few tomatoes, or scooping out their seeds and juicy slop. And aside from that mild labor, this soup is pretty straightforward. With a stir every now and then, it mainly cooks itself. And it makes for easy eating on the front stoop a table for two with a view! on an early fall evening. With a hunk of bread and some cheese alongside, its dinner. 2 lb good-tasting tomatoes 2 medium onions, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced (~2 cups) 1 medium carrot, finely chopped or cut into very thin rounds 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1 (3- by 1-inch) ribbon of fresh orange zest, minced 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme Scant ¼ tsp dried hot red pepper flakes ¼ tsp fennel seeds 1 Turkish bay leaf 3 Tbs good-tasting olive oil 2 Tbs tomato paste 4 ¾ cups water ¾ tsp salt, or to taste Pinch crumbled saffron threads 1 to 2 tsp granulated sugar ¼ cup small soup pasta, such as acini di pepe 2 Tbs finely chopped fresh Italian parsley ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil Bring a 5- to 6-quart saucepan of water to a boil. Cut a shallow X in the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife, and blanch them, 2 or 3 at a time, in the boiling water for about 15 seconds, until the skin around the X starts to curl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them, core them, and halve them crosswise. Set a sieve over a medium bowl, and squeeze the tomato halves gently over it, cut sides down, to extract the seeds and pulp. You may have to use your fingers to coax them out. Press on the seeds in the sieve to push through any juice; then discard them. Reserve the juice and the tomatoes. Pour the water out of the saucepan, and wipe it dry. Pour in the oil, and warm it over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, orange zest, thyme, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft but not brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their reserved juice and the tomato paste, water, salt, saffron, and 1 tsp sugar. Simmer, uncovered, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon occasionally, about 25-30 minutes. Add the pasta, stir to mix, and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf, and stir in the parsley and basil. Taste, and adjust sugar and salt as needed. Serve. Yield: 4-6 servings, depending on what else youre eating Here is a link that might be useful: On stewing, and soup o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by woodie2 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 10:33 This is a tried and true favorite of mine - Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Basil-Parsley Sauce Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 18 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings 2 pounds chicken cutlets Salt and pepper 3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano, a couple of handfuls 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 clove garlic 1 (3-ounce) jar pine nuts (pignoli) 1 lemon, zested 2 eggs, beaten Olive oil, for shallow frying Basil- Parsley Sauce: 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves 1/2 cup loosely packed parsley leaves 1/2 lemon, juiced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it 1 Roma or plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped, for garnish Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides turn lightly in flour. Combine next 7 ingredients in food processor and pulse-process the crumbs to chop the spices, garlic and nuts and evenly distribute the flavors throughout the crumb and cheese mixture. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan, over medium to medium high heat. Coat the cutlets in eggs then breading and add to the hot oil. Cook cutlets in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until cutlets' juices run clear and breading is evenly browned. Return food processor bowl to base and add basil, parsley and lemon juice. Add a little salt and pepper. Turn processor on and stream in oil until a loose paste forms. Serve chicken cutlets with a generous amount of basil and parsley sauce poured over the cutlets. Garnish the chicken with finely chopped Roma tomato. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by marlingardener (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:44 I'm not in the gourmet chef league as many of the posters are, but I do have a unique and tasty appetizer featuring basil. Dip cherry tomatoes in hot water just long enough to slip their skins. Take young basil leaves and stick them in the stem end of the tomatoes. Serve on a platter laying on a bed of crushed ice. If you can get yellow and red tomatoes, it looks prettier. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:45 There was a show on the food network this past 2 weeks that was a challenge using basil. They cooked basil ice cream and a basil scented cornmeal cake.....and only one person did the traditional basil pesto over pasta.... I use lots of basil in the summer when I have it growing and fresh, but rarely use it in the winter but for the pesto in the freezer. I add a cube of pesto to lots of things like soups, sauces and as a bread dip. Linda c o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jude31 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 11:51 Nancy, you are playing my song! Love, love, love basil and I can't wait to see all the recipes posted. I'll be back with one or more. jude o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:26 Time to drag this one out of my cobwsebbed magazine collection. I mde this quite a few times then forgot about it. Actually the recipe calls for pork chops..... I used Trader Joe's frozen or jarred mango when I couldn't find fresh to my liking. Grilled Chicken with Mango-Basil Sauce Bon Appétit : June 1997 Ingredients 1 small mango, peeled, pitted 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves 3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth 1 1/2 tablespoons golden brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 4 6- to 8-ounce flattened chicken breasts, boneless/skinless Preparation Puree mango in processor. Set aside 1/2 cup puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and jalapeño, then basil; sauté just until basil wilts, about 1 minute. Add broth, brown sugar and soy sauce. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in cup mango puree. Simmer until sauce thickens and coats spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Prepare barbecue or preheat broiler. Brush chicken with 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill or broil until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over chicken. Here is a link that might be useful: Original recipe, Bon Apetite o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil -basil -- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:39 Who posted the Pho recipe. Was it RachelEllen or Natalie ntt_hou). I can't find it. I think it would be a good addition. I admit that I can't make it better than I can get elsewhere around Los Angeles, but someone ele might want to make it. It calls for lots of basil at the end. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Tue, Mar 3, 09 at 19:53 This is a T & T in my files from Ina Garten. David Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Copyright, 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All rights reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Feel Good Food Recipe Summary Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Yield: 6 to 8 servings 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 quart chicken stock or water Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold. Note: I don't have a food mill. I just use a stick blender. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 6:28 Since we both love any kind of pasta with pesto, I might be making this or perhaps I'll try to find a local Spanish recipe using basil for a change. I make this often and it's delicious: PESTO - from Italian TV demo 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups basil leaves 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 teasp salt 1/2 teasp f.g. pepper 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated 1/2 cup pine nuts (2 small jars) teasp water Process in food processor, adding oil slowly until all is creamy. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 9:36 I'm hoping basil plants will be at the nursery in time for this challenge, but it might be a week or 2 early for that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I hate to go out and buy basil at the grocery store when it's so close to time to plant it. Here's a recipe by Giada De Laurentis I've posted before, but it pertains to this challenge, and we really like it. To make it vegetarian, I substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. I've made it with regular couscous, with orzo, and with the Israeli couscous. All worked, but the regular couscous was the least successful. The slightly larger texture of the Israeli couscous or the orzo works the best. Mediterranean Salad Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentis 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (1-pound) box Israeli couscous (or any small pasta) 3 cups chicken stock 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, zested 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous. In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool. Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve. Recipe Summary Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 20 minutes Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Yield: 6 servings Episode#: EI0819 Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved There's also a Brown Rice and Basil Salad recipe by Ina Garten I've made before that's really good. I don't have it on my computer, and don't have time now to type it out, so I'll try to do that tonight, or at least before the deadline. Linda, I saw that episode of Iron Chef where basil was the secret ingredient. I thought a lot of what they made sounded good, and some sounded odd. It looked, though, that the judges were pretty tough on both contestants, and didn't rave about any of the food. I was a little surprised they were so blase about what they were served. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by shaun (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 10:35 marlingardener I'd really love to see a picture of the recipe you posted for the cherry tomatoes. Do you happen to have one? o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lisazone6_ma (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:31 I make a dipping oil for bread using pesto in the winter, and fresh basil in the summer. I don't measure, I simply add things to taste, but I'll put in approximate amounts - you can change amounts to increase/decrease the total. The basic ingredients are as follows, but you can add other things or leave what you don't like out and it'll still work. 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar Sea salt or kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 hot dried red pepper crushed or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2-3 tbsp pesto or 6-8 large fresh basil leaves chopped 2 tbsp Garlic paste made from roasted garlic, or couple cloves chopped (even if using the pesto, and I like a lot of garlic - you can reduce the amount if you prefer it less intense) I roll the fresh basil leaves together then cut them with a scissors to make strips or chiffonades (sp?) Mix all ingredients and let sit for a bit for flavors to combine. You can just refrigerate any leftovers and bring to room temp to use again. The cheese, and especially if you use the pesto, makes it on the thick side, but that's the way we like it! Lisa o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:43 Think I might make this dish. Haven't had it for a long time. Cherry Tomato, Onion, Basil Sauce 2 Tbl olive oil 1/2 sweet vidalia onion sliced thin few drops best balsamic vinegar 2 garlic cloves minced 1 Lb cherry tomatoes halved 8-10 Basil leaves chopped salt and pepper 4 Oz Small Mozzarella Balls (Boccacini) Or Fresh Moz Cut In 1/2 Inch Squares Place oil in saute pan, add sliced onions and saute on medium heat until limp. Do not let brown or crisp. Add a few drops balsamic. Cook a few more minutes.Add garlic and continue to cook until onions are caramelized. Add cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium low heat until the tomatoes loose their shape and give up their juices. Add basil and simmer until basil is limp and sauce is fragrant. Add the moz and toss with fresh cooked pasta such as linguine. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Here is another favourite dish of mine. Very special. Pork With Herb Crust I usually only do one 5 rib roast but I keep the same measurements for the herbs! Serve with Garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes and green beans 2 (3- to 4-pound) racks of pork 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 Tsp salt 7 garlic cloves minced 1/3 Cup fresh basil Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh thyme Chopped 1/3 Cup fresh parsley Chopped 2 Tbl pepper Coarsely Ground 1 1/4 Cup butter (or margarine)cut up 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 Can chicken broth 1 Tbl tomato paste 2 Tbl fresh sage Chopped 1/4 Tsp pepper Rub pork with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Stir together garlic and next 4 ingredients; press onto pork. Place pork on a rack in a lightly greased broiler pan; cover bone tips with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 150max, I prefer 140-145 ! Transfer pork to a serving tray.Cover and let rest while making sauce (even if you don't make the sauce let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute juices and let the internal temp climb a bit more) Pour pan drippings into a skillet. Add butter to drippings; cook over medium heat until butter melts. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until caramel colored. Gradually whisk. in broth and next 3 ingredients; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Serve with 'pork. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 8 servings.~ o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cloudy_christine (My Page) on Wed, Mar 4, 09 at 12:59 Franco and Margaret Romagnoli had a cooking show on PBS years ago. One of my favorite pasta dishes comes from their cookbook, The Romagnolis' Table. It's a rich, butter-based sauce that couldn't be easier. The recipe intro says the sauce is classic with mostaccioli, ziti, and rigatoni, "and rather more special and delicate with homemade fettucine." I usually make it with our favorite thin spaghetti, DeCecco fedelini. Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce 8 tablesooons unsalted butter 12 fresh plum tomatoes, or 3 cups canned (I often use more than 12) 6 fresh basil leaves (or more) 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I use less) 6 Tablesoons Parmesan cheese, sprinkled on the sauced pasta 1 1/4 pounds of pasta (I use less), or a 5-egg batch of home-made fettucine. Melt the butter in a big frying pan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add the tomatoes. If you use fresh plum tomatoes: peel them, and cut them into chunks before adding to the butter. If you use canned tomatoes: crush them gently with a wooden spoon as you stir them in. Break the basil leaves into the pan, add the salt, raise the heat, and when the whole combination starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble along about 20 minutes, or until the juice has cooked away a bit,and the color darkened. Stir occasionally during the simmering process. If the sauce hasn't simmerd enough, it will sink to the bottom of the dish instead of coating the pasta when mixed. Cook and drain the pasta, and turn it out on a deep platter or a wide, shallow bowl, cover with the sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Turn the pasta with a serving fork and spoon to get the saude to coat it. Serve immediately. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Thu, Mar 5, 09 at 7:38 Basil is a tough ingredient for me at this time of the year. I like fresh basil with tomatoes, corn, etc. and I rarely buy those ingredients except in the summertime. I have been making this recipe with dried basil since my college days and it's as economical now as it was then. Even though it doesn't use much basil, it definitely is the standout flavoring. CHICKEN LIVERS AND RICE - 2 to 3 servings 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 lb. chicken livers, trimmed and quartered 1/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup uncooked rice 1 envelope instant chicken broth 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crumbled 1 whole bay leaf 1 1/4 cup water 2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley (do not omit) Cook bacon until crisp in large skillet. Combine flour, salt and pepper and dredge chicken livers in it. Remove bacon and reserve. Brown livers in bacon grease. Remove and reserve. Saute onion over medium heat in same skillet (add 1 Tbs. olive oil of needed.) Stir in rice, broth pack, basil, bay leaf and water. Heat to boiling; then turn heat to low. Stir mixture thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Cover. Simmer 20 minutes without lifting lid. Spoon reserved livers over rice but dont stir. Put lid back on and simmer for another 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle with bacon and chopped parsley. Note: You can substitute 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth for the water and omit the instant chicken broth packet. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 13:49 For various reasons I was unable to participate in the first two cookalongs but I plan to on basil. My husband bought me an aerogarden for Valentines day and I have basil growing. Not enough for a whole recipe but enough for garnish or to enhance the flavor of the dried basil I will use. I am not sure of what I will make but I want something different than pesto or using it on pasta. I'll think about it and post back later. I hope that people are still interested in the cookalong for this weekend. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 14:58 I often make a salad with basil to pack for lunch - great northern beans, tuna, chopped red onion, tomato, parsley, basil, sprinkle of garlic powder and sliced black olives with an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. I mix all the ingredients ahead of time except the tuna and then add it the morning I'm going to eat it. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 15:34 I'm still in....hoping to see lots of basil ideas. David's soup is calling me but I'm not settled on a main dish but Woodies Crispy Chicken sure is sounding good! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by joanm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:03 The only recipe I make often that has basil leaves is Rachael's chicken meatballs. Chicken Sausage Meatballs Rachael Ray 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick) 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/3 palm full 1/4 cup tender sun dried tomatoes (available in pouches or tubs in produce section) 10 leaves fresh basil extra-virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chicken in a medium bowl with grill seasoning and add the fennel seeds. Pile sun-dried tomatoes on top of each other in small stacks then slice into thin strips. Coarsely chop the thin strips and add to bowl. Stack 10 basil leaves together then roll them up into a log. Shred the basil by thinly slicing the log. Add basil to the bowl. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken, mix meat together and roll into mini balls, 1 1/2 inches across, and arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degree F for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden. Remove meatballs from oven, add to sauce and serve with pasta. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gardenguru1950 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 9, 09 at 20:51 I'm not sure if I can participate in the Cookalong (is that like a billabong?) but I invented this last Friday night and it came out pretty dang good: Three recipes [to assemble] ... CREAMY BASIL PESTO WITH ROASTED GARLIC For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2- 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup fresh fennel leaf 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, dry toasted (stovetop pan) 1 head garlic, roasted, peeled 2 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone or "Better Than Cream Cheese") 1/2 cup packaged mixed Italian cheeses, shredded 1 tsp lemon juice (about ¼ lemon) 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly finely grated Directions Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil if its too thick to spread. ----- ROASTED VEGETABLES For 2 pizzas Ingredients 2 medium yellow onions, cut into thin wedges 1 large fennel bulb, cored, cut into wedges 1 small red bell pepper, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 medium whole head garlic, a little bit of the tops chopped off 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp fennel seed 1/2 tsp fresh milled black pepper pinch of salt (optional) 4 + 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 6 medium white mushrooms, sliced 1 small Japanese eggplant, peeled and sliced crosswise 1 small zucchini, sliced crosswise Directions Place onion, fennel and bell pepper pieces on a deep cookie sheet and sprinkle with the herbs and pepper (and, if you wish, salt). [Save a teeny bit of the basil and oregano for the garlic.] Drizzle the veggies with 4 Tbs of olive oil and tossed well to coat. Place the garlic head on a piece of foil and sprinkle with a bit of the herbs and drizzle it with a bit of oil. Wrap the foil into a closed tent and place on the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet with veggies and garlic into a 280°F oven and roast for one and one-half hour, turning the veggies every half hour. After one and a half hours, toss the mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini with 2 Tbs of olive oil and then mix it with the onion mixture. Roast/bake for an addition hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Use the garlic for the pesto. ----- DLS PESTO AND ROASTED VEGETABLE PIZZA Serves 4+ Ingredients 2 packages Trader Joes plain pizza dough 4 Tbs olive oil creamy pesto per recipe roasted vegetables per recipe 8 oz mozzarella, sliced thin 1/2 pound provolone, sliced thin Directions Follow directions on pizza dough package with these exceptions: have a pizza stone warming in the 450°F oven. When the pizza has set its 20 minutes, place it on the pizza stone and "blind bake" for 6 minutes. If it puffs up too much in the middle, punch it with a few fork holes. Remove it from the oven and brush the edges and about 1 inch from the edge on the top with olive oil. Spread half of the pesto onto each pizza crust, making sure not to take it to the very edge. Spread half of the roasted vegetables on each pizza crust. Lay half of the mozzarella on each crust. Top with half of the provolone per crust. Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes. Best dang pizza I've ever eatin'! Joe o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 2:07 Caught this on page 2. Joe, that pizza sounds great. I like both cheeses on my pizza too. The provolone is great. The one I made for myself last week had hunks of ricotta on it too. I'm going to be making one of my favorite uses for basil. Ratatouille. I got very nice eggplant, and the squash looks very good too. I get groceries delivered and had ordered 2 lbs of white mushrooms, which they refer to as large bulk mushrooms. The person who filled the order sent me almost 2 lbs of portobello mushrooms for the price of loose white mushrooms. Well, they are large. So... the rat stew will benefit from that nice mistake. The store is very nice when they make mistakes and naturally don't charge you extra. Smiles. I remember the recent discussion about keeping herbs/basil so I thought I'd share my method. I use a lot of basil. I make big batches of pasta sauce so that I can eat it for breakfast and lunch for most of a week. I rarely go two weeks without having it. Right now I have four, gallon size freezer bags stuffed full of basil. Many have said they make pesto and freeze it or put it in ice cubes with water. I just wash big bunches well, shake the excess water off and stuff it into the bags. The bit of water that clings seems to protect the leaves. If the basil came from the garden and the stems are long I cut them back, wash them and bag them seperately. The stems are great in sauce for long cooking and easy to fish out. My favorite is to let the basil go to flower at the end of the season and pull the whole plants up. I then cut off the flower heads and bag them seperately. I love the flavor of the flowers in sauce. Very tender. Seperate the heavy stems and rest of the plant and wash and freeze. I have heard people say that when you freeze the leaves they then turn black. Well, you don't thaw when you go to use them or they would turn black/dark. You just use them right from the frozen state and they cook up very much like fresh. When I have the big bags frozen, as I go to use each bag I crush the frozen leaves up in the bag. If there are big blocks [from leaving them too wet], I just hit them with a rolling pin or hammer. After the leaves are crushed it's ready to use. It's best to use a soup spoon to scoop the leaves out when you use them because otherwise they will stick to your hands. Smiles. The pieces of stem that were attatched are now loose and I take those pieces and put them in the sauce first. Many soften enough to be eaten, or they can be fished out if they're too big. I've done this for a number of years and it keeps me and my basil addiction going through the winter and until fresh is ready to pluck again. If you like your basil fine, you can put some in a measuring cup with some water and give it the hand blender. I might make some gnocchi with a basil and sour cream sauce for an appetizer for the ratatouille dinner. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 12:50 Wow, I'd forgotten all about this. I'm leaning toward Ruthanna's chicken livers! Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by cabogirl (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 17:43 My daughter loves this dip and makes it every time we have a get together. I believe she found it on Allrecipes Sun-Dried Tomato Dip INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, minced hot pepper sauce to taste 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil DIRECTIONS: In a food processor, mix the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Process until well-blended. Add basil, and continue processing until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Fri, Mar 13, 09 at 19:56 I did break down and buy some fresh basil today. I could have bought 13 pounds of cabbage this week for the same price. LOL So I'll have to see what I can come up with for tomorrow night. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 9:46 I'm not going to be doing anything with basil tonight, because we have a wedding to go to. I might do something tomorrow, but I don't know what, yet. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks that I just haven't had time to think it out. Plus, I was hoping we'd get some basil plants into the nursery, but that didn't happen yet. Hmmm, I'll have to figure out what to cook, if anything, and do it tomorrow instead of tonight. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:16 I think I may try Cabogirl's dip! I've been MIA this week more or less and today I'm cooking a big pan of Mac& Cheese for DGS's birthday party. Since I'm going off to the market(s) this morning, I'll p/u the ingredients for this too. Coconut, thanks for the tips on how to keep fresh basil around longer! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:19 Well I've bought my basil but still need some more pine nuts, for tomorrow's pesto dinner. I would have liked to try something new but sometimes other obligations get in the way and suddenly it's the 'Basil Weekend' LOL. So it will be a Sunday dinner for us. Looking forward to seeing what you all are cooking up today and tomorrow! SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 10:34 I woke up to a never before seen sight this morning - my DH browsing through a pile of my cookbooks. Except for this week when we were out of town most of the week for a death in the family, I've tried making the Cookalong ingredient in different ways and DH enjoyed the anticipation of which would be next. So he announced that he had found a perfect (?) recipe using fresh basil and I have all the ingredients for it so we'll see how it turns out. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 12:34 I'm making Jessy's mango chicken tomorrow, except I'll modify the recipe to make it in the crockpot--I'm taking dinner over to a friend's house. I'm making CloudyChristine's gingerbread for dessert from the last thread, with lemon curd sauce. And that morrocan salad with carrots. Now I just need one more vegetable. A modified ratatouille might actually be good, I have some canned tomatoes in the fridge to use up. Today I'm making the tomato soup with basil and saffron for lunch. I'll report back. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by malna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 17:43 I hate it when life/work gets in the way of "cooking along". It was late last night by the time we got off the phone with clients, and the meat was defrosting...so stew tonight. Not something I could figure out how to get basil into - LOL. This is what I was PLANNING on making for tonight: Pesto Chicken Roll Up from Chef Bonnie Mair of The Hub Cafe 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets) 1 (7oz) container of Pesto (or 1 cup of your own) 2 cups of baby spinach 2 cups of chicken cut into bite sized pieces 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided 1 tsp garlic salt 1 egg, lightly beaten Cook chicken in a little bit of oil and season with pepper and garlic salt. Drain and set aside. Or you can use precooked chicken, but I think this way gives it more flavor. Roll out pastry sheets onto a cookie sheet. Divide all ingredients into two and evenly use on both sheets. Spread Pesto over both sheets. Top with mozzarella, 1/2 of the parmesan cheese, spinach and chicken. Roll the pastry sheet into itself until it is into the desired shape. Place the seam on the bottom and adjust it on the cookie sheet. Do this with both rolls. Brush each roll with the egg and then sprinkle it with the rest of the parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Make several slits in the top of the roll to vent. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Slice into individual servings. With a cup of minestrone soup to start, and this for dessert: Mini Cheesecakes (from All-Recipes) with Blueberry-Basil Topping INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 tablespoon margarine, melted 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,softened 1/4 cup white sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 6 cup muffin pan. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and margarine with a fork until combined. Measure a rounded tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing firmly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes, then remove to cool. Keep the oven on. 3. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in the egg. 4. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the muffin cups, filling each until 3/4 full. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes. Cool completely in pan before removing. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Blueberry-Basil Topping from an idea borrowed from Bakerella's recipe for Blueberry-Basil cupcakes: Purée 1 can of blueberry pie filling and 1 T. ground basil in a food processor. Sigh...I knew I should have cheated and made this a couple of days ago. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1992 (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 18:24 I've had the "day off" cooking all day. My corned beef is out of the oven, my barm brack is baked. I have chicken stock simmering on the stove and chicken enchiladas ready to cook tomorrow after the farm. So what about the basil? I made that green pasta with all the basil, and had some for dinnr with a sprinkle of grated asiago because I'm out of parmesan. I figured leftovers will make a great St. Patrick's Day lunch, they're so nice and green, LOL. Photobucket Annie o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:01 We had pureed spinach soup with garlic, fresh basil and dill, potato rolls and a chef salad. Photobucket o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sat, Mar 14, 09 at 22:49 DH and I made Rachel Ray's chicken meatballs except about the only ingredient we used from HER recipie was basil. Basically we made Turkey Meatloaf: 1.25 lb ground turkey 1 egg 1 cup oatmeal 1/2 roasted red pepper Handfull chopped walnuts shredded romano cheese fresh basil oregano garlic Mix together and place in loaf pan, cook @ 375f for 45 minutes. We both loved it, a keeper! From Desktop From Desktop o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 2:10 Malna, you'll make it when you get a chance. You could have made it the other day, I don't think we are that strict about when we cookalong, eh? Smiles. Anne, you pasta looks great. I can almost taste it. That spinach soup has me wanting that too. Nice RuthAnna. I spy some basil on that salad too, eh? I love meatloaf Theresa and that looks like one we both would like. Well, I did make the gnocchi for a first course. After I saw Annies pasta I zapped some of my frozen basil with the egg and added it to the gnocchi as well as making a basil sour cream sauce for them. They were great. We got kind of full on them so we waited a while then had a nice bowl of the ratatouille a bit later. We were running late all day so it was nice to just slow down and enjoy our basil feast. I made the ratatouille with eggplant, basil, spanish onions, green and red peppers, portobello mushrooms, yellow summer squash and zucchini. We had it over some rice. It really hit the spot since I hadn't made it in a while. I used a ton of basil, including a bunch of my basil flowers, just how I like it and lots of garlic too. Our camera is still acting up. For some reason the battery will only last for one or two pics and if you leave the batteries in they go dead when you turn it on again. Odd. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 15:25 I'm home from vacation and cooking something for dinner tonight with basil..... ????? Just a reminder, those that posted on Cookalong #4, please check this thread tomorrow. I'll draw a name tomorrow morning...it might be you and we will be anxious to see what the next Cookalong ingredient is. Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 17:07 Oh there are some really good sounding recipes here. I must try your meatballs Joan. I even have sundried tomatoes that a friend brought down from England and gave to me just this week, and I bring Montreal Steak seasoning back from Canada every year, so this is one of the rare instances when I have all ingredients. But today was our basil day and since we have a hot desert wind from the east this weekend, the temps have been around a balmy 28�C (82.4�F) and I didn't feel like doing rolled chicken breasts in the oven, so went for the pesto and noodles with a salad. We sat outside on the patio for lunch for the first time in ages. My hubby set the table and did a pretty good job.....despite that he put the tablecloth on face down (JIM TEX I'm still using the one you sent me in the swap years ago). The blackbirds and doves kept us entertained with a songfest and flying acrobatics back and forth across the garden. It's been a lovely day. I was recently asked to write restaurant reviews for a new golfing website in the south of Tenerife. I'm one of the few members of a local forum who lives in the north of the island so I accepted to test and write about restaurants here where we live, adding photos of the food and surroundings. I sent in my first draft yesterday and was pleased to see it published this morning without so much as a word changed. This is going to be very enjoyable as once I showed the writeup to the restaurant owner she invited Wolf and I to our next meal. This is a perfect hobby for foodies isn't it! Link to my writeup. SharonCb o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 21:49 SharonCb, I don't know what to say other than awesome! Great column and wonderful pictures. There are some really good recipes here. I guess that's already been said but I wanted to say it again. Good job CF'ers! I made the recipe that Sharon (Chase) posted, Cherry Tomato, Onion and Basil Sauce. We enjoyed it! Sauce simmering in the pan... Photobucket Finished and ready for me to dig into... Photobucket After a week of dining out and having some pretty rich foods, this was a refreshing dish. Great way to use Cherry Tomatoes too! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 22:20 Well the best laid plans . . . I did end up cooking and I did end up using some basil, and it was definitely a CF inspired meal, but it wasn't quite the dinner I was planning. I found out that instead of a quiet working dinner with just my friend/colleague, one of our friends and her husband was in town visiting and she just got back from deployment in Iraq. So it was dinner for five and I did most of the cooking but I brought it over to my friend's house. The dinner was in the new kitchen addition my friend is building. Sorry no pics, it just wasn't that kind of a night even though my friend has a camera. There was too much catching up to do. Our friend is from PA but now she and her husband live in Colorado so it was a treat to see them. I made curried chicken thighs and I was going to use Jessy's mango basil recipe, but while searching for mango chutney at the grocery, I found a jarred mango chutney sauce that had all the ingredients except basil, so I bought it. With that hot chicken curry I made Thai fried rice with dried mint and basil from the garden and fresh cilantro. That plus garlic, soy sauce and lime juice. The veggies were from a frozen mix plus fresh purple cabbage. It was very good with the chicken curry. Salad was plain romaine lettuce and spring mix with blue cheese dressing. Dessert was CloudyChristine's gingerbread from the last ginger thread, plus lemon curd sauce. Yes, I made lemon curd for the first time and it was yummy! Never got around to making the soup, but I finally got the ingredients for it. I just didn't feel like going out yesterday to the grocery store. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:18 Everyone's food looks and sounds so good! Alas, I just didn't have it in me this weekend to participate. We've been so busy the last couple of weeks, and had a lot going on, that by the time today rolled around I was doing good to open a can of soup for lunch, and I won't admit to what I ate for supper. Now that I've looked at and read about what everyone else did, I'm sorry I didn't put forth a little effort. Sally o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Sun, Mar 15, 09 at 23:46 I agree, lots of good looking food here for this cookalong. I went with Sharon's rack of pork recipe but used a short hunk of loin I had in the feezer. Here it is after resting a bit.... Image Hosting by I had it with some steamed cauliflower and little roasted reds....homemade rolls too...forgot to include them in the pic. Image Hosting by Taking the leftovers to work tomorrow for lunch. Yum!! David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 1:38 Wow David, it looks great! I'm back to report that Cabogirl's SUNDRIED TOMATO BASIL DIP was a big success! I subbed 2% Greek Fage Yogurt for the sour cream and it worked perfectly and cut a bit of fat, nevertheless everyone raved and DH asked me to make it again, soon! It took about an hour + for the basil favor to come through. I served it with Pita Crackers from Trader Joe's, they worked well or as a fresh veggie dip. It did set up firmer than this photo shows as it was taken right after it came out of the food processor. I'm also trying Cocoanut's idea of freezing the washed basil leaves to see how they come out. No report yet! Thanks!! Here is a link that might be useful: Sundried Tomato Basil Dip o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jojoco (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:04 These all look great! My favorite way to use basil is to eat it on a sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. S&P, too. Preferably, use fresh mozz, and go pick the tomatoes just before making the sandwich. Use great bread. If you can get Judy's peasant bread from New Haven, Ct, all the better. Truly, my favorite sandwich and one of my favorite meals. Jo o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:30 Our next Cookalong topic will be picked by Lakeguy35 David please pick an ingredient and I'll start the thread. Sweet? Savory? Baking? Cooking? It's up to you! Nancy o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:36 I still have a bunch of cilantro left so I'm going to try to whip up a batch of this Thai curry paste and freeze it in cubes like I do pesto. I know cilantro looses its punch in the freezer, but adding corriander helps. This recipe is from Moosewood Restaurant Lowfat Favorites. Thai Curry Paste 1/4 cup chopped scallions 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, basil or Thai basil (I'll use cilantro mixed with dried basil, which I need to use up) 2 TBLSP garlic cloves 2 TBLSP ginger root, fresh grated 1 TBLSP fresh grated lemon or lime peel, or minced inner stalk of fresh lemongrass 1 TBLSP brown sugar 1-2 fresh red or green chilis (I'll use dried) 3 TBLSP fresh lemon or lime juice 1 TBLSP dried ground corriander 1 tsp. tumeric 1/2 tsp. salt Combine in blender or food processor and puree until quite smooth. Keeps a week in the fridge, longer in th freezer. Thai basil and fresh lemongrass gives the most authentic taste. Good with jasmine or basmati rice. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by jessyf (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 9:52 Yummy dinner last night - grilled chicken with mango basil sauce, garnished with basil (of course). Guests were slopping up the sauce off their plates with bread. Also making an appearance was grilled sparagus and orzo pilaf. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 14:34 Okay, I wanted to pick something that would be good for both sweet and savory. Y'all know I love my desserts. I pick LEMON! I'm thinking you can make dinner, desserts, or both.. : ) David o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by dixiedog_2007 (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:13 I've just run through real quick but there is a lot of good sounding recipes and pictures. I need to go back and really look through everything more closely. I wish I could have contributed but too much going on right now. o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Mar 16, 09 at 15:55 Here's the link for Cookalong #5 -- Lemon Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #5 -- LEMON o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lpinkmountain (My Page) on Thu, Mar 19, 09 at 21:51 Last night I made the Provençal Tomato Soup with Orange, Saffron, and Tiny Pasta from Orangette's blog. This is some of the BEST tomato soup I have ever had! The pinch of saffron really makes it! I used dried lemon peel and a dash of orange juice instead of orange peel, dried parsley and basil and canned tomatoes, still yum! o RE: Cookalong #4 --- Basil --- Thread #1 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 23, 09 at 8:50 still need 1 and 2......

Posted by lindac (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 0:48 you know things that wear their skeleton on the outside....things like clams, oysters, shrimp, crayfish, lobster....but not things like squid or salmon. We could include things like grasshoppers if you like and chocolate covered ants....but I'd rather not! I would say this could be sweet or savory a la Food Network....but. So...I'll start. You'll need 2 pounds of freshly de headed shrimp, a big pan, a little salt lots of water and a couple of teaspoons of crab boil ( I know! They are NOT crabs, but run with it, OK?)....bring about 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add the crab boil and 1 tsp of kosher sale....plop in the shrimp....watch carefully, and when that pot of water comes back to a boil, shut it off quick!....let the shrimp sit in the hot water for 3 minutes, drain and sit down with a couple of friends a couple of beers and peel and those lovely shrimp. Linda C Follow-Up Postings: o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 2:58 Yay, great choice! Love me some exo's...lol. I'm probably being anal, but now I'm worried that the thread might go too far before Nancy gets a chance to put the link to the old thread and the stuff about how the cookalong runs. Sooooo,... I'll just paste her stuff here for her. From Nancy/WizardNM on previous threads. For those that may have missed the previous Cookalongs ..... the idea here is to post hints, recipes and discuss the focus ingredient over the next two weeks. Recipes can use any form of the ingredient. Please mention the recipe source and whether it is one that you have already made (T+T) or one that you might be trying for the first time. Ummm.. she would have also said that the next date for the Cookalong will be Saturday April 25th, 2009. Also Nancy said "Don't hesitate to post earlier than that if needed. I know how life gets in the way at times." People have posted on Sunday too. Nancy/WizardNM picks a new person on the following Monday morning. Phew, I hope I did that right and no one minds. Here is a link that might be useful: CookAlong #6 Dried Fruits o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 5:57 This is originally from and is T&T. It is absolutely TDF. MARINATED SHRIMP WITH CHAMPAGNE BEURRE BLANC Sauce base 2 cups Champagne or other dry sparkling wine 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or other white wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns Shrimp 1 cup Champagne or other dry sparkling wine 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons minced shallots 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 24 extra-large uncooked shrimp (about 2 pounds), peeled with tail left intact, deveined 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley Nonstick vegetable oil spray 1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces For sauce base: Combine Champagne, shallots, vinegar, and peppercorns in heavy medium saucepan. Boil until reduced to 1/4 cup liquid, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.) For shrimp: Combine Champagne, olive oil, shallots, and ground pepper in resealable plastic bag. Add shrimp to bag and seal; shake bag to coat shrimp evenly. Marinate shrimp at room temperature at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, turning bag occasionally. Mix chives, tarragon, and parsley in small bowl. Preheat broiler. Spray broiler pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Drain shrimp; discard plastic bag with marinade. Arrange shrimp on prepared pan in single layer. Broil shrimp until just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Stand 3 shrimp, tails upright, in center of each plate. Rewarm sauce base over medium-low heat. Whisk in butter 1 piece at a time, just allowing each to melt before adding next (do not boil or sauce will separate). Season beurre blanc to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon warm sauce around shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve. Market tip: Champagne and sparkling wines labeled extra dry are actually slightly sweeter than those labeled brut. The latter works best for this dish. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 8:23 Whew....was glad to see that Linda responded this morning. I was worried that I was going to have to pick someone else. Either that or connect with her in someother way...another reason Facebook could help out. Thanks Coconut, you did the opening just fine! To those who can't participate due to the theme..... Blame LindaC. I think she forgot! So, let's run with it and have some fun with exoskeletal creatures...I love the common ones and don't plan on trying the weird... Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by donna_loomis (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 8:59 I saw this recipe in the Sunday newspaper insert years ago. It was presented by Jill St. John shortly before she married Robert Wagner (1990). I absolutely love the bold flavors of this dish. Fiery Cajun Shrimp 2 cups (4 sticks) melted butter 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons ground pepper 2 tablespoons hot sauce 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons salt 5 pounds unpeeled medium shrimp 2 lemons, thinly sliced French bread, for dipping Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stir together the butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pepper, hot sauce, garlic, and salt. Pour half this mixture into a large heatproof dish. Layer half the shrimp and half the lemon slices in the dish; then form a second layer with the remaining shrimp and lemon slices, and pour remaining sauce into the dish. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, stirring twice. Pour off the sauce into individual serving dishes. Serve the shrimp with plenty of French bread for dipping in the spicy butter sauce. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by sally2 (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 9:33 I'll be sitting this one out, unless you count, say, an orange as an exoskelatal critter. Sally o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by bbstx (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 9:34 This recipe is T&T, many many times. Crawfish Etouffe cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped green pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup butter, melted ¼ tsp whole dried thyme ¼ tsp chili powder ½ tsp whole dried basil 2 Tblsp flour ½ cup fish stock ½ cup white wine 1 cup cream of mushroom soup 2 ½ cup peeled crawfish tails ½ cup chopped green onions ¼ cup chopped parsley ¼ tsp creole seasoning (Tony Cachere's) ¼ to ½ tsp hot sauce 1 tsp tomato paste Saute first 4 ingredients in butter until tender. Add thyme and next 3 ingredients. Stir well. Cook 15 minutes, stirring often. Add fish stock and wine. Cook 10 minutes. Stir in soup and crawfish. Simmer 15-20 minutes covered. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook 3-5 minutes covered. Remove from heat. Let stand a few minutes before serving. Serve over plain hot white rice. 4 servings For the slackers among us (and I am one): Frozen crawfish tails including all the juice in the package may be substituted for fresh. Shrimp may be sustituted for crawfish. Clam juice may be substituted for fish stock. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 10:17 You better hurry for this one....it's still ApRil but not for long. Oyster Stew 1 qt shucked oysters ( never said it was a budget recipe) 1/4 cup butter 1 T finely chopped onion 1 T finely chopped celery 3 cups milk 1 cup cream (half and half is fine) Pick over oysters to remove any bits of shell, save liquor Heat butter in a large heavy Dutch oven and slowly sautee onions and celery until they are soft and translucent but not browned, turn up[ the heat and add the oysters with their liquor and cook until the edges just curl. Add the milk and heat slowly until bubbles just break the surface, add cream, heat until hot correct seasonings, I like lots of fresh ground pepper, and serve. The above recipe works with bay scallops also. Linda C o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by foodonastump (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 10:54 Great choice, albeit against the rules. Something tells me I'm going to be clipping this entire thread! I think I've posted this before but can't find it, so here goes again. To me it's the best Baked Stuffed Lobster I've had anywhere. It's very basic, but I love the high seafood-to-filler ratio. Don't let the killing/cleaning get to you; it's really no big deal. I've seen people have the fish store kill and clean the lobsters, but I don't think that's a good idea. I seem to recall hearing that dead lobster degrades quickly. Baked Stuffed Lobster (stuffing amount is for 4 lobsters) Kill 1.25 lb lobsters by driving a knife through the brain and down through the head. Then use kitchen or poultry shears to cut down the middle of the belly side, all the way down through the tail. Pry open and clean out guts under cold running water. Pull off claws, boil for five minutes, shell and reserve meat in butter until the last five minutes of baking. (I dice the knuckle meat and add it to the stuffing.) In large saute pan over med-high heat, combine 1 stick of butter, two stalks of celery, minced, half an onion, minced, and cook until soft. Add 1 lb sea scallops cut into bite size pieces and 1 lb of cleaned shrimp that have been halved lengthwise. Cook until just shy of done, remove from heat, add two sleeves of Ritz crackers, crumbled. Add salt, pepper, basil, thyme to taste. If the mixture seems too wet, add some breadcrumbs. It should be moist but not mushy. Sprinkle Parm Regg over the stuffing and mix well. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and mix again. Jam the lobsters' body cavities full of stuffing, and continue down through the tail. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, laying the reserved claw meat on top for the last 5 minutes. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gina_w (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 15:17 Hey that's not kosher! :-) Click the links below for pix that go with each recipe. One of my favorites from Nancy/Wizardnm: ========================================== Crab Imperial 3 tbs butter 2 tbs chopped onion (I use green onions) 2 tbs all-purpose flour 1/2 cup milk or half and half 1 lb fresh lump crab meat, drained 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning 1/4 tsp ground white pepper 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tbs dry sherry Paprika Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender. Combine flour and milk, stirring well. Add to onion and cook about 2 minutes or until thickened, stirring often. Add crab meat and next 4 ingredients. Spoon into a greased 2-qt baking dish or individual baking shells. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6. Note: I usually add a pinch or two of mace and if I have a mild cheddar, I sprinkle a little on top. Nancy (wizardnm) ------------------------------------------- And another good one from Nancy: Gingered Shrimp Cakes 1 lb. large shrimp, cooked 4 scallions, sliced, green parts included 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1/2 C fresh corn, cooked, cut off cob (can use frozen) 1 lg egg 3 Tbsp mayonnaise 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce 1/2 tsp salt Pinch of ground black pepper 1 1/2 C fresh bread crumbs or panko (divided) 2 Tbsp olive oil (or more, for frying) 1 Tbsp butter (with the oil, for frying) Coarsely chop shrimp in bowl. Add scallions, ginger, lemon zest, parsley and corn. Combine mayonnaise, egg, hot sauce, salt and pepper and fold into shrimp mixture. Add 1 Cup breadcrumbs and gently mix. Form into 4 patties and gently dredge in remaining 1/2 C breadcrumbs, adding more if necessary. Put on a plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 min and up to 4 hours. Heat oil and butter in large skillet over med-high heat. Saute cakes until cooked through and golden brown on both sides, adding more oil to skillet as needed, about 8 minutes. Chile Garlic Sauce To make Chile-garlic cream sauce, combine 2 Tbsp chile-garlic sauce (from Asia aisle at supermarket) and juice of 1/2 lime with 1/2 cup sour cream or cream fraiche. Spoon about 3 Tbsp of sauce on each plate and place shrimp cake on it, serve immediately. Makes four servings. Variation: Substitute lump crab meat for the shrimp. Nancy (wizardnm) ---------------------------------------------- Here's a mouth-watering recipe from the L.A. Times: Grilled Shrimp Charmoula Note: This recipe calls for bamboo skewers. 1 pound cleaned, tail-on jumbo shrimp (12 to 16) Charmoula (see recipe), divided 1 large lemon, sliced crosswise into 1/8 -inch slices Oil for the grill 1. Combine the shrimp and one-third cup charmoula in a large nonreactive bowl or resealable plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Ten minutes before removing the shrimp from the refrigerator, soak the bamboo skewers in water to prevent the wood from burning. 2. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread with the lemon slices onto the prepared bamboo skewers. 3. Heat the grill over medium-high heat. When the grill is hot, oil the rack and place the skewers on top. Grill the skewers until the shrimp are puffy, pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with the remaining charmoula sauce. Each of 4 servings: 172 calories; 18 grams protein; 2 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 168 mg. cholesterol; 218 mg. sodium. CHARMOULA: Note: Store the charmoula for up to 1 week, refrigerated, in an airtight jar or plastic bag. 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1/3 cup chopped cilantro Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons sweet Spanish paprika Pinch cayenne powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 dried bay leaf, crumbled Pinch saffron 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1. Using a mortar and pestle, or in the bowl of a food processor, grind the garlic and ginger to a paste. Add the chopped parsley, cilantro and lemon zest and coarsely mash. Stir in the lemon juice. Stir in the paprika, cayenne, cumin, bay leaf and saffron and grind to incorporate. 2. Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending to form an emulsion, then stir in the salt. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, then cover and refrigerate at least 1 day before using. Each tablespoon: 64 calories; 0 protein; 1 gram carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 7 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 38 mg. sodium. o the pix clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gina_w (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 15:30 Oh, the top 2 pix are mine, the last one is from the Times. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by velodoug (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 15:59 It's not quite as simple as LindaC's, but there are still only four essential ingredients, besides the beer: Boil, peel and coarsely chop a pound or two of shrimp. Mix with enough Hellman's mayonnaise to make a nice shrimp salad consistency. Serve on toasted hot dog buns with a sprinkle of Old Bay. (You can add some sliced scallions, chopped celery, pickle relish or whatever else you like, but I prefer to keep it simple.) This was an off the cuff suggestion by Mike Colameco at the end of a show where he made lobster rolls. We often make them when the Acme has 2 lbs packs of IFF shrimp on sale for $9.99. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 16:07 Nice pic's Gina, I don't remember seeing either of them before.......ubeenholdinout! Glad you posted the recipes, I'll look through for some other favorites...we love our seafood!! Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by riverrat1 (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 16:12 YAY! It's crawfish season and they are really nice this year. I'll try to participate in this cookalong. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by annie1971 (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 16:20 Here's an easy crab casserole from the sixties. KAPPY'S CRAB CASSEROLE 1 Lb crab meat 2 Pkgs frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture) 13 oz. Cracker Barrel Cheese (or any sharp cheddar) 1 Cup chopped onions 1 Cup sour cream 1 small can tomato paste Alternate layers of spinach, onions, crab meat and cheese in a casserole dish. Top with sour cream; carefully spread tomato paste on top. Bake 350, approximately 40 minutes (until tomato paste begins to crack). NOTE: I've always sliced the cheese and layered it, but I suppose you could grate it, as well. The truth is, I never had a cheese grater until 1978! Annie'71 o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 21:53 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO riverrat....noooooooooooo.... you dirty little rat faced rat..... wahhhhhhhhh.... I miss La... I want my crawfishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... wahhhhhhhh..... throws self down on floor and flops around like a catfish out of water.... screeching..... crying..... crawfishhhh... crawfishhhhhh... wahhhhhhhh.... sobbbbbbbb... hiccup... sobbbbb... noooooooooooo.................NICE THIS YEAR... WWWwahhhhh.... noooo...nooooo... o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by pkramer (My Page) on Wed, Apr 15, 09 at 22:42 Dumb question, but what date? Crawfish? I loved those mudbugs but all I can get here in Chicago are the nasty ones from China. Blech! i do have shrimp, scallops and lobster in the house. Thinking..... o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by riverrat1 (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 8:43 LOL cocoNUT! I didn't know that you have spent time here in LA. Did you live here? Come on back for a visit. We would love to have you over for some mudbugs. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by mustangs (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 9:46 Coconut, I'm really going to make you flop around on the floor! We had Camp Fais Do Do at RiverRat's house. One night RR took us on an adventure to experience some local culture. As we drove through dark, lonely roads, I was a little skeptical especially when we drove up to a ??roadhouse?? with a parking lot deep in motorcycles, pickups, and old Chevy BelAirs. But memories of trays piled high with crawfish whizzing by all night, the Cajun/Zydeco band, people doing the Arcadian Two-step, still clearly resonates in my head. The food, the entertainment, the locals, was such a rich experience, one that I will treasure for a long time. We did a lot of "Eating the Tail - Sucking the Head". Here is a link that might be useful: Listen and really flop around!! o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 10:57 Heh riverrat. Yes, I lived in NO for 9 years. My DW from there. Mostly the Westbank. She goes home to visit every year or two, but I've been so crippled up that I haven't been in a while. One of these years soon. Smiles. I really do miss the crabs too and all my shrimper friends that would drop off a cooler with 40#'s at a time. Ah, the good ole days. At least we have our blue crabs up here and frozen shrimp, but.. crawfish.... sniff.. lol. I just talked to Christys sister last night and she said the GN had crawfish last night. I carried on and the poor kid said she felt sorry for me..lmao. Aw, Cathy thanks for that link. It reminds me of going down to the bayou to visit our friends in LaRose, then heading way out on Little Lake to their camp. Also those fishermen I spoke about above were all Cajuns and had some great parties. Good times. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by craftyrn (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 11:37 Here's 3 of our favorites: Maggie's recipe-- Deviled Lobster Free Image Hosting at Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: Shrimp & Lobster Deviled Lobster Tails ===================== 2 teaspoons Salt 4 (about 10 ounce each) frozen Lobster Tails 4 tablespoons Butter 4 Green Onions, sliced 2 tablespoons Flour 1-1/2 cups Half and Half 1/4 cup Cocktail Sauce 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1/2 teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce 1/3 cup unseasoned Dry Bread Crumbs . Bring water to boil with 2 teaspoons of salt. Add lobster tails; return to boil. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until lobster shells turn red and meat is opaque. Immediately plunge lobster tails into cold water to stop cooking. Lobster will not be thoroughly cooked, but will continue to cook during baking step. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Melt butter in medium saucepan; add onions and cook about 2 minutes. Add flour; cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add half and half, stirring constantly. Bring to boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add cocktail sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the hot pepper sauce; mix well. Remove from heat. With kitchen scissors, cut and remove membrane from under side of each lobster tail - discard. Remove lobster meat; cut into chunks (reserve shell). Add meat to sauce and mix well. Return mixture to shells. Place on ungreased baking sheet - place small crumbled pieces of foil between tails if they look like they will tip over. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and add the bread crumbs; mix well. Sprinkle over lobster mixture. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and bread crumbs are brown. * my notes ( works great with scallops too) posted by Maggie +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Another T & T is Ina Garden's Baked Shrimp Scampi; Baked Shrimp Scampi =================== Ina Garten Serves 6 2 pounds (12 to 15 per pound) shrimp in the shell 3 tablespoons good olive oil 2 tablespoons dry white wine Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 clove) 1/4 cup minced shallots 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 extra-large egg yolk 2/3 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes) Lemon wedges, for serving . Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture. In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until combined. Starting from the outer edge of a 14-inch oval gratin dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of the dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you like the top browned, place under a broiler for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges. From Swap Cookbook ( The Essential Eating Well Cookbook ) sent by Blueiris South Pacific Shrimp: Free Image Hosting at Home Cookin Chapter: Shrimp & Lobster South Pacific Shrimp ==================== From "The Essential Eating Well Cookbook" Combine the following in a medium bowl: 1/3 cup "lite" coconut milk 2 serrano chilies or red jalapeños, seeded & minced 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon brown sugar Add: 1 # medium shrimp , peeled & deveined Toss to coat, cover & marinate in refrig for 10 - 15 min. Heat 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil in a 12 in skillet over med high heat. Add drained shrimp ( reserve marinate) & cook-- turning shrimp once , until barely pink- about 30 sec per side-- transfer to plate . . add to pan: 1/2 c seeded diced tomato 4 c. baby spinach. cook-- stirring until spinach starts to wilt , about 30 sec.-- add reserved marinate, simmer until sauce thickens slightly- return shrimp to pan-- heat through o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by chase (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 12:57 Not sure what I'll do. We will be at the cottage for "opening" weekend which means putting the docks in, putting the boats and seadoo in, spring cleaning the bunkie and doing yard cleanup. Of course all that assume the ice is out of the lake...big assumption! It's a working weekend so I need to provide warm comfort type food. Chris, Amity, Doug and Sara will be there. Amity is allergic to shellfish and Clive is not thrilled with any shellfish except shrimp, mind you he likes crab or lobster if it's in a sauce like a thermidor. Got give it some think time but I'm in. This is one of my all time favourite recipes but I rarely make it because Clive doesn't "do" scallops. I've made it with shrimp and with lobster but it's best with scallops. Coquilles St Jacques (Originally From The Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cooking ) 1 1/4 Lb scallops butter (or margarine) 6 shallots (or green onions), chopped Bouquet Garni (dried parsley,celery leaves,thyme, bay leaf) 1 1/2 c dry white wine salt 12 mushrooms,finely chopped 1/3 c water or chicken broth juice of 1 lemon Fresh groud pepper 3 T Flour 4 egg yolks 1 c cream grated parmesan fine dry bread crumbs Wash scallops and dry with paper towel. Place in a saute pan with 2TBSP butter, the shallots and the Bouguet Garrni. Barely cover with white wine. Season with a little salt and bring to a boil. Turn down and simmer about 4 minutes or until the scallops are barely tender. Drain and save broth for sauce. When the scallops are cool enough tohandle cut in small pieces or in slices. Saute mushrooms in 2 TBSP butter for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth or water,lemon juice, salt and pepper. Simmer until mushrooms are tender. Drain and reserve liquid. Combine the reserved liquids from the scallops and the mushrooms and heat. Melt 3 TBSP of butter in a sauce pan, blend in the flour, add the liquid, heat and stir until thickened and smooth. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the scallops, heat through. Beat the egg yolks and mix with the cream. Add this to the sauce and cook gently, do not boil. Add mushrooms and season to taste. Spoon into individual ramekins or shells, sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs. Glaze under the broiler for just minute or two. NOTE: Can be made several hours in advance and then spooned into the dishes and placed under the broiler just before serving but let it come to room temp first. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 14:24 Shall we call"The Party" for the weekend of the 25th-26th? Or shallw e just let this thread go on as long as the yummy recipes keep piling in? I think the 25/26 weekend ought to be good. Let's see....shrimp ono for appy, Manhatten clam chowder for a soup, main dish of either grilled diver scallops wrapped in bacon, or Alaskan King Crab....and for dessert, white chocolate mousse moulded in a scallop shell and topped with a drizzle of Frangelico scented dark chocolate sauce. And how about sugar snap peas in the SHELL and a salad of baby greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and SHELLED toasted pecans? Linda C o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by gina_w (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 16:06 Oh Chase's Coquille St. Jacques is fantastic. I vouch for it! Nancy I posted those pics a long time ago when I still had time to participate a bit in WFD. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Thu, Apr 16, 09 at 21:24 Here is a good one I made for our South American virtual dinner years ago. Free Image Hosting at peruvian marinated shrimp (seviche de camarones) 1 to 1 1/2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 cup each lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 scallion (spring onion) green and white parts, finely chopped 1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley finely chopped red or green hot chile pepper, to taste salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste 2 to 3 avocados, halved and pitted (optional) combine all the ingredients except the avocados in a glass or ceramic bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. chill for at least 1 hour before serving. serve mounded on the avocado halves, or on a bed of lettuce. serves 4 to 6. David o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Tue, Apr 21, 09 at 6:56 I used to like crab cakes with as little "filler" as possible but not any more. Our local newspaper printed a recipe from a restaurant known for their crab cakes. It was sold a few years ago when the owners retired and finally released their "secret" recipe. I tweaked it a little but they were the best crab cakes I ever made. CRAB CAKES Combine: 1/4 cup grated celery 3 Tbs. grated onion 1 grated hard boiled egg 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. parsley flakes or 1 Tbs. fresh chopped parsley Add to the first mixture in the order given: 1 raw egg 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 3 Tbs. mayonnaise dash of hot pepper sauce 3 slices white bread, crusts removed and then cut in TINY cubes Mix until smooth. Then add 1 pound of lump crabmeat and mix gently with your fingers to avoid breaking up the crab. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour; then form into six patties. Sprinkle with paprika and put in ungreased baking dish containing about 3/8" of water. Bake on center rack of oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes. Turn on broiler, leaving the cakes on the center rack and brown tops of patties. Grated hard-boiled egg, celery, onions, seasonings and raw egg: Photobucket Mayo and tiny bread cubes mixed in: Photobucket Now the crab is mixed in and ready to shape: Photobucket In the pan and ready to bake, then broil: Photobucket Done: Photobucket Photobucket o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by riverrat1 (My Page) on Tue, Apr 21, 09 at 9:01 Ack! I'll be out of town for that weekend. We may go out to eat crawfish and if we do I'll be sure to take pictures. rutanna, Those crabcakes look scrumptious. Lot's of gleening going on in this thread. Chase's Coquille St. Jacques is going in the "to try" pile of recipes. Cathy, We did have fun at roadhouse. Our Cajun culture sure has some people leaving the State and scratching their head. They just don't get it. Dancing to loud live Cajun music, dancing till you almost drop, sucking head and eating and pinching tails....ahhhh, what a life. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by compumom (My Page) on Tue, Apr 21, 09 at 9:29 I doubt that I can play along, due to time restrictions, but I've copied and pasted some of the great sounding recipes here and will let you all know when I make them. Riverrat, I'm so jealous, it sounds like one more fun way to enjoy the south! LOL o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Fri, Apr 24, 09 at 15:44 bumpity bump! I am C&P all these recipes, they all sound great! However - I am looking for MORE recipes that might be served cold. It is going to be in the 90's here on Sun and we are invited to a BBQ. I am bringing the appys, and I would love to have a chilled exoskelton theme! Alexa o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 16:57 Anybody cooking for the Cookalong tonight? I'm making a new recipe from the May issue of Gourmet. I'll be back later with the recipe and a picture. Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by momj47 (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 17:08 Hmm... maybe I'll get a lobster or two for dinner tonight. They have exoskeletons, don't they. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 17:12 I'll be cooking tomorrow Nancy. I bought a couple of crabs today and have a couple of Crab Louie recipes I want to combine and try so when it's ready tomorrow I'll post how I made them with photos. I went out and bought all the ingredients this afternoon. Looking forward to it! Alexa mine will, of course, be a cold dish. SharonCb o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by joanm (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 19:55 I'm not a big fan of exoskeletal critters. So I smoked pig skeleton in my new smoker. It smelled like a fair at my house. Yum! o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 20:06 Well, I cooked, we ate, I'm full and I'm tired tonight! It will probably be tomorrow before I post. It was pretty good though. Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by pkramer (My Page) on Sat, Apr 25, 09 at 22:06 Nancy, I cooked and ate and am stuffed! I had planned a lobster as one is in the freezer, but changed my mnd and made shrimp. I used Doucanoes Greek style shrimp with oregano and pasta. That is a dish that has become comfort food for me. And not low cal either as it also has feta cheese in it. No photos though. Sorry. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ruthanna (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 10:08 I didn't get a chance to take any photos but since the temperature was a degree away from a record-breaking high, we had a picnic dinner featuring David's Peruvian Marinated Shrimp. The orange juice gave it a different flavor and we really liked it. I also made a dandelion and egg salad with cream dressing and grilled kabobs of new potatoes and mushrooms. The shrimp will go on my summer menu list for sure and I'll be trying other recipes on this thread, as I've done for the other Cookalong threads. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by ann_t (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 10:19 I decided while I was still at work yesterday to make a Paella for dinner. I had Moe pull some spotted prawns out of the freezer. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from work and picked up some chicken and chorizo. Chicken and Prawn Paella Platted o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by theresafic (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 12:32 We had stir-fry with shrimp. The shrimp were frozen tiger shrimp from Trader-Jo's. Very good. My sister and her 16yr old daughter joined us for dinner. Cassidy (16) went back for seconds. In addition to the shrimp the stir fry had cabbage, green pepper, carrots, onion, fresh spinach, a couple of bags of frozen stir fry veggies. The sauce was a curry coconut milk combo. It was very good. We forgot to take pictures. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 13:20 I made Crab Louie, using 2 frozen cooked whole crabs, which is the only way to find crab withing a reasonable distance here, although it also comes in tins. First time trying this recipe and I will make it again but without these crabs which have no resemblance to Dungeness crabs. The work was not agreeable as there was no white meat in the body, it was only in the claws. I put it down to experience so as long as I live here, I will buy tinned crab and save making the mess I made looking inside the innards trying to find white meat LOL. The salad was great though. Lars I did try to find your recipe but it didn't show up in a search here, so I combined recipes from Rachel Ray and Epicurious for the sauce. It was a good challenge, anyway! Looking forward to the next one. SharonCb o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 13:39 We made the shrimp stew but that was earlier. We've both been hurting so plans for last nights dinner got canceled. I was going to make my recipe for seafood crepes. Shrimp and crab in a light bechamel made with stock from the shrimp shells. Served in some nice thin, tender crepes. Hope to have it soon. Last night I just boiled some shrimp to munch on all evening with remoulade. Hit the spot and really very little work. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by malna (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 17:48 Working outside all day Saturday in almost 90 degree heat really took the edge off our appetites - but we did do crab cakes and homemade coleslaw. I had 3/4 of my sandwich left for breakfast this morning (LOL). o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by kathleen_li (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 19:16 I realize a clam is a mollusk, but its shell is like its skeleton..so stretching it.. Here comes dinner.. Photobucket a whole load of fresh Long Island Clams..with them you can make this.... Photobucket or baked clams Photobucket or Long Island Clam Chowder... Photobucket Photobucket chocked full of Long Island potatoes, of course..:) And now I will clam up! And find some exoskeletans.. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 19:18 Been working in the church kitchen all day.....and will hit it again tomorrow early...funeral for a 21 year old soldier. Think I'm going to thaw soem frozen shrimp and mix ti with a few veggies and rice and call it shrimp fried rice....I might splash it with a little sesame oil and add a little ginger to make it special....but frankly....oatmeal would be fine.... Linda C o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 21:01 Tried a new recipe from the May issue of Gourmet Magazine for the Cookalong. I was disappointed in it, just not enough flavor. I'll be glad to post the recipe if anyone asks but I'm not pushing it. It's on page 97 if you get the mag. First we had a salad.. Photobucket Then the pasta... Photobucket I'll draw a name in the morning...PLEASE check this thread. Maybe it will be you that gets to pick our next ingredient. Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lindac (My Page) on Sun, Apr 26, 09 at 22:36 The pasta looks great! what was wrong with it? I ended up with cooked brown rice.....and a mess of sauteed veggies, red pepper, onions, garlic, tomato, celery and spinach....mixed it with some thawed shrimp and some dark sesame oil, ginger, a bit of habanera hot sauce ands ay sauce.....and it was yummy comfort food.....and there's enough left for tomorrow! Linda C o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by caliloo (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 6:34 I ended up making David's Peruvian Marinated Shrimp for last night and everyone agreed that it is excellent! Sorry I didn't get a picture, I had forgotten to bring my camera. Alexa o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 9:26 Good job everyone! Nice collection of recipes. Coconut-nj.....are you around??? You get to pick the next ingredient to focus on. Please post it to this thread. Because I want to include as many posters as possible, I'll do a little reminder that I think it's better to stay away from meats, poultry, fish and seafood as the topic ingredient. No problem with recipes that use the focus ingredient and a meat, etc. but I want to make sure no one is left out because of religion or being a vegetarian. Thanks. Coconut, I'll keep a watch on here for your choice! Nancy o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by coconut-nj (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 12:37 Wow, I had a premonition. Cool. Yesterday I thought it was going to be me, then said, nah, that's silly. So many other people. Okay, hmmmm... too bad I didn't think about what I'd pick in case my "feeling" was right. LOL. Ok, I'm trying to think seasonal, so I hope it's not too early for this one, but, let's make it Asparagus. Mine is just starting to push through, so I might have a bit by the dinner in two weeks. I think/hope most of us will be able to get some. o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by wizardnm (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 13:54 Here's the link to the next Cookalong. Thank you to all that participated in this one. Nice to have all these yummy recipes collected. Nancy Here is a link that might be useful: Cookalong #8 --- Asparagus o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by canarybird (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 18:25 Nancy... I just realized I didn't post the Crab Louie recipe but I halved this one and changed lemon for lime as that's what's on our tree and added avocado and hard boiled egg on the plate and in the dressing as well as black, not green olives. The sauce was very rich but good, and if I make this again I need a source of fresh, lump crab which is not still inside the shell , because we don't get the right kind of crab here and it's a very messy job to find the meat LOL. CRAB LOUIE - epicurious yield: Makes 4 main-course servings active time: 20 minutes total time: 30 minutes For dressing * 1 cup mayonnaise * 1/4 cup ketchup-based chili sauce * 1/4 cup minced scallion * 2 tablespoons minced green olives * 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice * 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 teaspoon bottled horseradish * Salt and pepper to taste * 1 1/2 lb jumbo lump crabmeat * Iceberg lettuce, shredded * Capers * Tomato wedges * Hard-boiled egg * Lemon Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, scallion, green olives, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, bottled horseradish, and salt and pepper to taste. Pick over crabmeat, then divide among 4 plates lined with shredded iceberg lettuce. Garnish with capers and wedges of tomato, hard-boiled egg, and lemon and serve with dressing. SharonCb o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lakeguy35 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 27, 09 at 21:28 I'm late reporting back here. I managed to trip on the cord to my laptop and the very end of it broke off inside the port. So.....I was MIA all weekend. I had a couple of friends over for the afternoon and we did crabcakes for a late afternoon munchie before grilling some steaks. I used Ina Gartens recipe but will be trying Ruthanna's in the future...Sue's recipe is a good one too. Glad to hear that you two liked the Peruvian Shrimp. I love the citrus flavor and the heat from the peppers...I up that a little. Saving all the recipes in my TT file and thanks for all the pics too. Sorry I couldn't post any this time. Now on to asparagus...YUM! David o RE: cook along --- 7----- exoskeletal critters! clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 23, 09 at 8:52 More coming.

We were at a gathering of my wife's family in Vermont for New Years. I was volunteered to cook dinner on New Year's eve. I wasn't quite sure what to make but the two previous nights there was Jambalaya, then Chicken Enchiladas, I felt I had to go in a different direction. At first I was planning and buying ingredients to make an Irish Beef Stew, for about 25 people, but after getting back to the house from the store and remembering that I had brought a container of the spice blend Ras el Hanout, I decided to change it up and make Moroccan Beef Stew. Whatever that is, :-) I had purchased about 13 lbs of sirloin roast, plus onions, carrots, parsnips, green peas, and yukon gold potatoes, I decided that the onions, carrots and parsnips would work, but I should not use the potatoes and should instead use sweet potatoes. Fortuitously a nephew had brought a large box of carrots, winter squash, and sweet potatoes from his nearby farm, so i felt I was good to go. I cubed the meat, and liberally sprinkled it with the spice blend, plus some cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, which were probably in the blend but not enough, and left the meat sit in the walk-in-fridge/unheated garage overnight. The next afternoon I started cutting up the vegetables, and browning the meat, and started two pots simmering with the meat and onions. After a couple of hours, I also cubed a butternut squash, and roasted it, and then added all of the vegetables to the stew, and cooked it another 45 minutes. Someone else helped out by making a large rice pilaf, (although couscous would have been a better option) and although I felt the stew wasn't quite thick enough, everyone raved about how good it tasted. After a little more refinement to the recipe I think it will be a real winner.