Squash Blossoms and Dad

03 Sunday Oct 2021

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen, Uncategorized

Tags

G. Kent Edwards, Smoked goat cheese, Squash blossoms

I always felt squash blossoms were a special and coveted find at the farmer’s market. It wasn’t until Tom and I started planting squash ourselves last year, that we realized how readily abundant and available they could be (particularly if grown in your own backyard).

Similar to a parent; they are there…and available, if only you pay attention to look, reach out. My Dad, as I mentioned previously, passed away on my birthday this summer. He was always there for me and willing to lend an ear, a hand and even a handout when needed in my youth.

I took for granted that he would always be there to talk to, in good times, and bad. I always remember his strengths, even though, as with all of us humans, were equaled by his weaknesses, even if unperceived by most.

Today would have been his 82nd birthday. Last year for his 81st, we celebrated over a Zoom call with most of the guest list who attended his special 80th birthday party at my brother Scott’s house the previous year. I thought about making some banana dessert today in his honor, as I did last year. He was famous for his love of banana cream pie and for his 80th, my sister-in-law Christine, had a cake made based off a recipe I found on the internet called Banana Cream Cake. The recipe was for a small cake so it was, I don’t know, quadrupled (!!!) in size? That Cake was quite the star of the party (other than Dad, of course) and continued to feed the group of house party attendees that had flown in for the event, and stayed over to keep the party going all weekend.

This year instead, I am celebrating with squash blossoms, to remind me how fragile life is and yet how exquisite it can also be.

The squash blossom is dynamic. The full, vibrant, yellow beauty is best when picked at peak color and scale, because soon after, it collapses into a watery mess. The flower is both delicate and sturdy, yet should be handled gently and with care. It has many talents but is best known for it’s affinity for being stuffed with soft cheese and quickly pan-fried.

Dad’s talents, accomplishments and contributions to society were impressive and many, but his greatest hit of all was just being Dad! Happy Birthday Dad; I love and miss you.

Just Dad!!!

Young Kent

An up and comer, kicking ass and taking names!

The good life…at home in Ajijic, Mexico, with wife/step-mom, Linda and beloved dogs Sophie and Sasha

The now-infamous banana creme cake

Fire Dogs standing by… (Photoshop mastery by PB Woychick)

A special shoutout for MY BROTHER MARK AND HIS WIFE IRMA who have been in Mexico helping to make sure our step-mom is both healthy again and sorting out the remains of his life from memorabilia. They are, the unsung hero’s and so appreciated. Mark met his wife, Irma, in Ajijic and is now surrounded by extended family (on her side) to rally and support. A big shout out to all – THANK YOU!

Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Smoked Goat Cheese

Fresh from the garden and quick to the plate. This is an easy, ad-hoc appetizer for any night of the week, or even every night of the summer while your garden is feeling generous. Since you might have only 4 blossoms to work with or you might have as many as 12 or 16, I will give a rule of thumb on the ingredient quantity, but feel free to scale up or down as needed. Left-over batter and stuffing can be stored, covered in the refrigerator for several days.

Author: Stacey Bender

Ingredients

Scale

Freshly picked squash blossoms

Smoked goat cheese (soft); assume approximately 1 oz., per 4-6 blossoms (depending on size of blossom)

Grated parmesan cheese (just a sprinkle, or up to a few TBSP if making 12-24)

Egg yolk (1 yolk for 6 oz. goat cheese, or just a portion of the yolk if doing a small quantity)

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Sprinkle of smoked paprika (more if using non-smoked goat cheese)

Cooked beets (particularly yellow), skin removed and sliced thin

Arugula, lemon juice, salt and pepper

Green Sauce (enough to dollop each plate)

FOR THE BATTER

Flour (1/2 cup or so)

Salt and pepper

Sprinkle of parmesan

Enough soda water to resemble pancake batter

FOR SAUCE

3 Gigante beans (in vinaigrette) from the olive bar (I said it was ad-hoc but you could use a little tahini or another handful of white beans from a can)

1/8 cup fresh basil leaves

3 green Castelvetrano olives

1 TB lemon juice

3 TB olive oil

3 TB water

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Check each blossom for bugs and gently part the outer pedals to create a cup for the filling.
In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese, parmesan, egg yolk, pepper and paprika.
Gently fill each blossom, leaving the tips empty enough to twist closed.
Twist the tips closed and set aside.
Meanwhile, make the batter by mixing all the ingredients together.
Add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of a sauté pan and heat until hot but not smoking.
Dip each blossom into the batter while holding the tips and drop them one-by-one into the heated oil.
Let the one side crisp to a golden brown (1-2 minutes) then, using tongs, flip them over to heat through (30-60 seconds more).
Put sliced beets onto a plate.
Toss arugula with sea salt, pepper, and lemon juice and put a mound over each plate of beets.
Top with the cooked blossoms and spoon a bit of the green sauce around the plate.

GREEN SAUCE

Simply put all ingredients into a blender/Vitamix or food processor until smooth.

BATTER

Mix all ingredients together.

Pork (for Dad), Polenta (for Linda) & the Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree

22 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by Stacey Bender in family gatherings, the kitchen

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

apple chutney, polenta, sous vide pork, Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney

I haven’t visited this space for awhile now and although I’ve had a lot to say, now is not the time to to say it all; I will however, say just enough.

I (we, actually) lost our father recently. I have two brothers and a step-brother, so I really can’t say it was just I who lost my father. My step-mother also lost her husband, of 34 years. Our extended family and many friends, lost a generous man, mentor, confidant, and dear friend.

I don’t feel the need to elaborate anymore on the specifics; they are private, and hard to relive. Certainly, at least hard to speak about here, a space where the focus is (primarily) food, but as it always takes a personal slant, as good a place to continue this journey as anywhere.

My father loved food. As do I (so the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree). Eating is a big part of (all of) our lives. Eating involves many things, such as sustenance, satisfaction, necessity, conversation, controversy, love, happinesses, losses, and so much more…

My dad loved eating. One of his favorite foods was pork. And banana cream pie, and chicken fried steak (I’m still not sure which he liked more), but that is another discussion.

Linda, his dear wife, my step-mother and friend, will eat pork, but, she prefers so many other things more; such as, any kind of vegetable, muesli, crab cakes, basted eggs, duck à l’orange, leg of lamb, and..yes, polenta. The first time I ate polenta was with her, during one of our first outings, just us two gals! We ate at a (then) new place in Pioneer Square called Carmine’s, owned by the late Carmine of Il Terrazzo Carmine’s, which was(and still resides) just across the street from the new place and a block east of my, at the time, loft.

I met Linda at the entrance after work, while Dad was in attendance of a ballgame at the old Kingdom (long before it was imploded). The brick arches, low light and casual air about Carmine’s was in stark contrast to the formality of it’s mothership across the street; a place known by those with old money and (some of) Italian decent. It is still favored by those in-the-know who have been in residence here for awhile. Even us without said old money or Italian heritage.

Linda and I were seated at a booth, down the narrow hallway toward the back, but still central to the fantastic chaos of casual kitchens. We both ordered wine, white wine is all I remember of that. Then the waiter, with dark hair and a thick mustache rambled out the specials of the evening. I had barely heard a thing when Linda said we would take the bruschetta. And so it was then, that I was first introduced to polenta. The special appetizer du jour: polenta bruschetta, which consisted of grilled bread, topped with grilled polenta and a smattering of cheese, surely a heavy dose of garlic, and perhaps herbs? To me at the time, it was a revelation. I wanted to know what this marvelous food was and how I could make it for myself. I have never replicated that bruschetta, but polenta has been in my repertoire ever since I was able to figure out the best way to make it (hint: proportions are critical, as are consistency and seasoning).

Had Dad been dining with us, he would have asked that the bread be burnt. Dad liked his toast burnt, and the more burnt the better. I share this trait with him, but I am more of a timid toast burner, with tendencies toward the slightly-charred side of the spectrum, rather than the actual blackened end. Actually, had Dad been dining with us, he would have ordered the mussels to start and proceeded to eat each and every one, sopping up the sauce with (burnt) toast. He would have done this, all the while looking across the table at us as he made a crack or two about our plain, uncolored plate of polenta. He would have spoken in his light-hearted, sarcastic voice, right eye lit with a slight sparkle under his enormous eye brow, squinting disapprovingly, with just enough of a snicker at the end that let us know he was having a wonderful time. The waiter would arrive back and Dad would ask him to leave the pitcher of ice tea right before ordering a pork chop, double-cut and sauced in whatever it was sauced in, or served with at the time. To finish would be a monstrous dessert, especially if there was one on the menu with bananas, and especially if it was also accompanied by creme.

The coffee must be hot, the milk in it warmed, and if he were drinking that night, a long pour of whiskey, two pieces of ice and water, just so.

I raise my glass to Dad, and finish with a meal that he would have surely and thoroughly enjoyed, polenta and all.

In fond remembrance of G. Kent Edwards (aka: Dad, Father, Kent, Grandpa Kent, Friend), 1939 -2021 – Salute!

Let them eat banana creme cake!

Sous Vide Pork Chop over Creamy Polenta, Puddletown Apple Chutney & a garnish of fresh herb salad

French for “under vacuum”, sous vide is a remarkable way to cook and an ironic way to describe my emotions at this moment. I know my father would have loved this pork; so tender, simple and delicious. A large, gregarious man with a huge appetite but simple tastes, this dinner would have made him rave (although, he might have preferred tater tots to polenta…talking to you brother Mark).

Author: Stacey Bender

Ingredients

Scale

PORK

(2) 1 inch thick boneless pork rib chops

1 tsp “Stacey’s Magic Mix” (aka: 1 part each Maldon’s sea salt, black pepper corn, coriander seed, cooked in a low oven temp until fragrant, grind fine)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 TB butter and 1 TB olive oil

Herbs (whatever you have fresh or none at all), chopped

POLENTA

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup corn meal (preferably…)

1 TB butter

1/2 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic, slightly crushed

1/4 cup grated mozzarella (optional)

SALAD

Chopped fresh herbs and greens such as:

Baby kale

Thyme

Basil

Arugula

Green onions

Tarragon (but Dad was not a fan of this herb)

Italian parsley

Instructions

Polenta

Bring the water, salt, butter & garlic to a simmer.

In a slow stream, whisk in the cornmeal.

Turn the heat to low, continuously stirring until it thickens. Stir in the grated cheese and keep warm until serving.

Salad

Clean and chop enough for each plate to have just enough (this is a personal decision as to how much is needed).

PORK

Dry each chop with paper towel and sprinkle with the magic mix. It should evenly coat each chop but not saturate. Rub this in and let sit until you are ready to cook. As everyone who knows me knows, I am not one to hurry. Dad often ate well past his mealtime.

Heat a pan on high and add oil to just coat the bottom of the pan. Add the pork, turn the heat to medium and scatter the garlic over to sear (a minute or two).

Turn and turn off the heat. You might choose to lift the chops so as to sear the edges as well.

Meanwhile, fill a stockpot with water, insert your Joule or other sous vide device and set heat to 144 degrees F.

Add the meat and juices to a sous vide bag, add a smidge of maple syrup and seal the bag, sealing out the air.

Put the bag in the water and turn in the timer.

When done, remove from bag and pat meat dry. Sear in butter, slice and serve over polenta, alongside a nice apple chutney topped with the herb salad.

Notes

At a time like this, shortcuts are necessary and in this case, very welcome. Puddletown Pub Chutney is a chutney of apples, onions, coffee and beer (seriously). A perfect combination for many occasions, I think. It is delicious alongside this pork and polenta as well as many other things. Check it out, I don’t get paid for promoting anything here.

Snow Day Chili, an Update

15 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ 4 Comments

It was nearly 20 years ago when I first wrote a recipe for Snow Day Chili. That was the first chili I ever made as an adult which was not from a can. Several years later, I journaled about my updated chili titled, Snow Day Chili – Part Deux.

I am a big fan of chili, mostly because I am a lover of beans, and spice. I love that it is so flavorful, satisfying, works well with various toppings and can easily feed a crowd.

I don’t usually feed a crowd when I make chili however. When entertaining, it seems much too pedestrian to serve for as little as we entertain. Although, last year, right after Christmas, we hosted an après ski party that consisted of three kinds of chili, a whole host of go-withs, and numerous (quantities and types of) drinks. We had hoped it could be an annual *thing* but then, well you know the rest; COVID-19 decided to put the ka-bash on that idea (for now).

So here we are in February, one long year later, and not so long after Punxsutawney Phil came out of his blasted burrow and yet again, proclaimed us to have 6 more weeks of winter. Varmint.

It had been a mild winter thus far, so to speak (as long as we don’t speak of the larger world affairs). So 6 more weeks of status quo seemed doable to me.

The sun has been coming out more often and it has stayed lighter out even almost past 6pm, at least enough to notice a change in the right direction. This is the time of year when I usually begin to see the end of the cold and begin dreaming of once again living outdoors more often than living in the confines of a dwelling.

Our garden still had greens and living things. Our Rhododendrons began blooming and it was exciting to think of pulling off the covers to our patio loungers and spiffing up the surfaces that have patina from the harsh conditions of our Pacific Northwest weather. The tropical beach that we missed visiting this year would soon be substituted with kayaking on a lake, basked with sun.

Tom kept informing me of an upending forecast for snow; as it usually does sometime far too long past Christmas. I couldn’t imagine that this year it would. The forecast came and went with no snow and more sunnier days. Finally a breath of relief for a soon to be Spring dream.

As that little boy that cried wolf, Friday came around and yet again Tom swore this time it would snow. I looked outside and while hoping per chance, maybe, I just couldn’t imagine it would.

I woke up early Saturday morning to the sound of Winston’s usual high-pitched bark indicating it was time to relieve himself from his 3rd late-night snack. I stumbled out of bed scooping him up and carried him to the back door, when I noticed it was brighter out than usual and as I stepped onto the deck. I then realized why. Snow was piled so high that I was wet up to my shins as I carried him down to the yard to under his canopy where it was clear. Or clear-ish.

That night, grilling burgers had been planned for, but in light of this new predicament, I decided it was time to bring out my journals and look up my snow day chili recipe instead.

I found it on page 118 of volume 4, and after reading it through beginning to end, I decided that I was apparently much too fussy back then. This recipe needed a rewrite and so rewrite is what I did.

So, I now offer a simpler plan.

Snow day is for PJ’s!

Can we make snowball soup? Dad says we just need to bring it inside!

Snow Day Chili, an Update

A classic chili made with beef and beans. Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini to round out the nutrition. As with most hearty stews/chilis/soups, it is best served the next day, but can be enjoyed right away too.

I enjoy a thick dollop of sour cream and diced avocado, but it is also wonderful to top with grated cheddar or mozzarella and scatter in chopped, green onions and cilantro as well or instead.

Author: Stacey Bender

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups mixed dry beans

1 bottle beer

2 cups water

1 TB veal demi glace

1 tsp ancho chili powder

1 TB ground cumin

1 tsp adobo sauce from chipotle chilis

1 wedge lime squeezed of juice

1 tomato, diced

2 TB olive oil

1 1/4 lb ground beef

Sea salt and pepper for seasoning

1 tsp ground chipotle chili powder

1 red or white onion chopped (approximately 2 cups)

3–5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 raw jalapeño, seeds and stem removed, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)

2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)

2 (14 1/2 oz) cans diced tomatoes

1 large jalapeño, roasted over flames or under broiler, skin on, stem and partial seeds removed, chopped

Instructions

Put beans though tomato ingredients in pressure cooker and cook on high for 18 minutes

Heat oil in a sauce pan and add beef with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. Let brown without stirring for approximately 10 minutes or until it is brown and is no longer sticking on the bottom side. Stir and add onions letting all brown another 5-10 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Add garlic, celery, carrots and peppers. Continue cooking over low until they begin to tender, approximately 15 minutes.

Add the cans of tomatoes along with the roasted pepper and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasonings as needed.

When the beans are done and pressure is released, add 2 tsp salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Let sit for 1/2 hour or so the take in the seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed.

In a large, oven-proof vessel, combing the bean mixture with the meat mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Cover the vessel and transfer to the oven to let cook for 1 hour or more to develop flavor. Uncover and continue to let thicken until your desired consistency.

Notes

If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can soak the beans overnight and let cook over the stove until just tender (approximately one hour).

Dreaming of Spring (and butterflies and squirrels, oh my)!

A Man with a Can and a Plan – Pig in a Pinwheel

01 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by Stacey Bender in holidays, the kitchen

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

dapper dudes, easy appetizers, holiday food

Reflecting on an unusual year, I felt it would be fitting to do something a bit unusual myself.

So, because this is not what you would expect from me and it is not something I would have expected to like SO MUCH, I give you a nostalgic throw-back hors d’oeurve which was hand-delivered to our doorstep by none other than the man behind this blog’s banner, our good friend Pete.

Pig in a pinwheel.

Yes, you heard me correctly.

Come on, let’s face it, we could all use a little nostalgia right now and a hot, cheesy hors d’oeurve! One of the best things to come through in 2020.

I am not sure I’ve ever eaten ham from a can. If I made these myself, I’m not sure I would use ham from a can. But these were tasty and unexpected…

…and as you might note, not exactly as pictured in the article (for the better) from which they came – written in the Men’s Health (?!) magazine, circa December 2002. Obviously, men will think anything they want to be healthy… is.

Who knew that Pete could improvise in the kitchen? Kudos! As stated in his text to me after I requested the recipe (which first came with the above attached article).

“This is the original … then improvised with seasonings/additions.”

The next text said this:

“(This time) mine had ham, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onion, jalapeño, mustard, salt, pepper in crescent roll dough”.

I know, not very specific but the result was delicious.

What kind of shredded cheese and how much?

Jalepeño – seeds in or out? Chopped, diced or just the slice? After delving in, it appears to be seeds out (except 1 or 2 left in for good kick), plus some small chopped in along with the slice on top.

Dijon mustard or do you only have French’s Pete?

The point here though is this: Don’t sweat the small stuff. These would be pretty hard to mess up, make to taste.

So to all you men out there grab a can and make your plan!

On another note, my furry little man turned 14 today and as the clock struck midnight, he rang in the new year in his usual dapper dude style.

That man has no can, but always a plan for eating his next meal. Today, it will be roasted pork tenderloin with green beans and squash.

Did someone say ham?

Fireworks, Firetrucks, Pancakes and the Fourth!

05 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in Breakfast/Brunch, family gatherings, holidays

≈ 3 Comments

Sleepy towns and big parades. The fourth of July is synonymous with fireworks, firetrucks and pancakes. At least it used to be before the summer of 2020. My brother and his Family used to have a vacation place in the seaside town of Manzanita, OR. In winter, a quiet place where you might not see a soul unless you were having dinner at the local pizza joint.

In the warmer months, it comes alive and is filled with the cries of happy children playing on the beach, racing their bicycles up and down the main drag or simply running amuck the way kids do when they are allowed to be kids.

The sidewalks are filled with people and strollers and dogs. Lots of dogs. The people stroll breezily along, dodging in and out of the many shops or carrying boogie boards and kites as they make their way to the beach.

The beach is at the end of the main street, right near that pizza place, which is also the doughnut shop and the coffee stop (next door). All three reside under the same roof with two or three manning the one cash register and a buzz of activity in the kitchen beyond. I have yet to have a better pizza elsewhere and don’t consider it an official start of the day until I’ve sat outside on the bench, with my dogs, my brother and a bag of breakfast. Sometimes a doughnut and cappuccino, other times the breakfast croissant and fresh orange juice. Either way, after a bike ride on the beach, stopping at Marzano’s makes me feel like it is the beginning of a glorious day!

On the fourth of July, all those people could be found at the firehouse, eating pancakes before the big parade. I have never actually eaten pancakes at the firehouse, but I couldn’t help but remember the many years of riding my bike past the sign that announced that particular big pancake feed. The night before, there were already chairs lined up and down the streets to await the parade that followed. It was tradition. I hope it still is.

Yesterday, I awoke to the sound of people walking by our house, in packs. I sat at my desk watching them carry folding chairs. Some wore masks and some did not. The chairs were set up on the corner, just past our street.

Even our sleepy town has a fourth of July parade and this year, even though it was not the usual gathering, the firetrucks, the medics, the police and even the Mayor, did a drive by through the neighborhood, honking horns and sounding the sirens to the delight of the children, young and old.

I couldn’t help but make a stack of pancakes.

Happy Fourth (on the 5th)!

Satisfied Customers. Looking for more?

Pancakes & the 4th

Pancakes, hot cakes, breakfast cakes. Easy to make and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a quick bite before heading off to the Fourth of July Parade.

The batter can be used a day or two later as well. The cooked pancakes can also be frozen to pop in the toaster for that quick, off-to-work kind of affair too. Just add syrup, berries or both.

Author: Stacey Bender

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/4 cup bread flour (or all purpose flour)
1 TB brown coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt

2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup cream on top, plain yogurt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 TB maple syrup
2 TB butter, melted and cooled slightly

Blueberries, optional

Instructions

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites to fluff and then whisk in the milk, yogurt, vinegar and syrup.

3. Whisk the egg yolks and then whisk in the melted butter.

4. Add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just unit it comes together (lumps are okay).

5. Stir the egg yolk mixture into the other mixture.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

COOK

On a hot griddle wiped with some coconut oil or other non-burning fat, plop spoonfuls of the batter spaced an inch or two apart. If using berries, drop the berries onto the wet surface of the pancake now. Let cook, undisturbed, until bubbles form on top.

Using a spatula, flip the cakes over. The tops should be golden. If not, add a little butter to the pan and let it seep underneath. Continue cooking a few minutes more.

Serve with butter and a good-quality maple syrup, or topping of your choice. Grilled pork sausages or bacon and fresh peaches are a flavor explosion not to be missed in these lovely months of summer.

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut (Granola)

20 Saturday Jun 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ Leave a comment

What, are you looking at me? I’m not a unicorn!

In this crazy world, I feel less like I am a nut (there are plenty of those crazy kind of nuts to fill that bill; you’ve been reading the news?!) and more like eating a big handful of them (the edible variety, that is).

One of my favorite things, lately, is to start my morning with a semi-small bowl of really good (high emphasis on that), full-fat, plain, Greek-style yogurt mixed with Vital Proteins collagen powder, tossed about with blueberries and (wait for it…) finally, topped with a healthy scoop of my homemade granola. My granola, by the way, is chocked-full of three kinds of nuts and four kinds of seeds. Healthy stuff here!

I mix up the batch with just enough sweetener (maple syrup and coconut sugar) to counter-balance the tartness of the yogurt, but not enough to make me feel like I am eating something you know, overly sweet. There are coconut chips in there too, which crisp up to the perfect texture and leave you fully satisfied about not having added more sugar! Trust me on this. Just wait and judge me later. If you are on the sweet tooth train, by all means, add more. I don’t think it is needed. My humble opinion, not everyone else’s.

My fat of choice (to create the toasty quality needed for a proper granola), is olive oil. Why, you ask? Because that is usually the most appropriate oil I have in my pantry. Yes, I suppose I could use butter, but I’m thinking that could easily burn and I have been known to forget to check in on the items in the oven (as my husband likes to remind me; don’t ask about last night’s soup prep, but I digress). I sometimes mix in little dabs of coconut oil too, but lately I have been keeping it a little less coconut intense. That might change at any moment, but for now I leave it sitting on the sidelines for cooking something else.

If I were treating my granola like my smoothies, there would be ample bits of ginger to add a fiery heat. Instead, I choose cardamon, cinnamon and vanilla to tweak the flavor bursts instead.

I mixed my last batch nearly 2 months ago, so it was time to make another batch. This never went stale, by the way. It was good to the very last bit.

Did I mention how easy this is to make? I usually refrain from saying that because that statement is usually met with the rolling of eyes, “oh, please…”! But this one really is easy!

My current favorite yogurt is Alexandre (CA), followed closely by Ellenos (WA). These are available locally to me, Ellenos is local. Sorry. I bet you also have some great yogurt local to you. Try that one.

I can lick the bowls clean for you Mom

how to store the granola after it is made

Good to go for another month, or two

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut Granola

Author: Stacey Bender
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 28 minute

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups quinoa flakes

3 cup oat flakes (or rolled oats)

1/2 cup almond slices

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

1/2 cup chopped, raw cashews

1 1/2 cup chipped coconut

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup brown coconut sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp cardamom

2 tsp vanilla paste

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tsp salt

1/3 cup hemp seeds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
Mix all together making sure it is all evenly coated
Put on rimmed baking sheet, evenly spread
Bake, stirring occasionally for approximately 30-45 minutes
Let cool before storing in an airtight container(s)

Notes

You can use any variety of nut. I sometimes use pistachios instead of hazelnuts.
You can skip the quinoa flakes and add more oats.
If you like things sweeter, add more sugar or maple syrup.

A simple past: lots of garlic, not much fuss (aglio e olio + some…)

06 Saturday Jun 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Italian pasta, The state of restaurants in the wake of Covid 19, ways to use roast chicken

I have worked at my share of Italian restaurants over the years and eaten at even more.

The first (that I worked at) was Umberto’s, which used to be in Pioneer Square next the Kingdome. For those that don’t know, the Kingdome was the home to Seattle Mariners long before we had Safeco Field (now T-Mobile Park with it’s Gawd-awful pink sign), but I digress. The Kingdome has been gone so long now (via a staged explosion that will remain a historical event) that many of the (newer) current residents of Seattle, might never have attended a ball game at the “Dome”..

At the time, I lived down the block from Umberto’s, in a loft overlooking Waterfall Park. I loved going to work each day, which was less than a 3 minute walk through (back then) fresh air. I was usually welcomed into the space with the enchanting (and delightfully fragrant) smell of garlic, still cooking.

Our clever chef welcomed in the lunch crowd by first, heating several pans of olive oil with chopped garlic, then immediately walking about the restaurant, infusing it’s tantalizing smell around each table before opening the doors for service.

It was at Umberto’s that I perfected my cooking of swordfish (after an emergency visit to the kitchen while preparing my first roof top dinner party; our chef helped me make the sauce 30 minutes before my guests arrived; a sauce I still prepare today (except using fresh orange juice rather than from concentrate).

I also learned to make my favorite pasta, radiatori pepperoncini which kept me baffled by how damn good it was, how light it seemed and (later learned) how bad it was for my fat watching, calorie counting, 1990’s twenty-something-self. I ate it anyway, demi-glacé, heavy cream and all.

Next up was The Poor Italian, a humble, family-owned place where Grandma was the main chef in the kitchen and all recipes were hers. Well she was the owner’s-wife’s-mother and well, he was kind of a jerk. The staff was very close though and we all felt a little bit like family.

We hung out together, ate together and generally looked out for one another. The music for dinner service came from a CD player behind the service bar, where each of us had to keep feeding it, one CD at a time; the good ‘ol days.

The Poor Italian is where I was introduced to Stan Getz, along with an “almost” affection for some opera. I also learned how to properly pound a chicken breast for Italian chicken classics and the most delicious way to make calamari (calamari steak, doré-style).

As it turned out, I didn’t learn “Grandma’s” technique well-enough because even though calamari doré was my favorite thing on the menu, when I cooked it for my future husband, while we were still dating, it went immediately into the trash. This was one of only a few meals that went the same way in 27+ years. Needless to say, I have never made it since. No complaints being heard either.

I moved on to Ristorante Buongusto, a neighborhood joint owned by two Italian brothers who couldn’t have been more different from one another. One was the executive chef, a smart-ass, loud-mouth womanizer, whose wife left him for another woman. The other was the front-of-house guy; sweet, elegant and wildly charming; his wife was none of those things. The food was un-fussy but superb. Buongusto gave me an appreciation for simple food with lots of flavor. I learned of a mixture called battuto which consisted of olive oil, chilis, garlic and herbs which was used for dipping bread. Tom loves this. I also learned to make tiramisu, aglio e olio and fresh puttanesca sauce, plus gained a lot of fond memories of the neighborhood where my husband and I first lived for years before and after we were married.

Then was my time at Italia. I adored working at Italia. Italia was a lovely, quaint, authentic restaurant/retail venue owned by then, Mayor Paul Shell. It was located in a terrifically quaint building clad in brick, ivy and history, just north of Pioneer Square. It was there that I learned how to make tomato sauce that was authentic, pepperoni pizza that was superb and appreciate sweet breads without knowing what they actually were at first. I ate the sweet bread pappardelle every night for a week before realizing I was eating, well, you know. Talk about an education. If you have to look it up, don’t. Just go to a great restaurant and try it. Poor Tom ate that pepperoni pizza every night I worked, after I finally came home late at night, no wonder he has reflux.

What I will pass onto you, from my experience, is this:

Restaurants will always be a fabric of our society, even in the wake of the current pandemic that is threatening their very subsistence.

The fabric is different now, that much we know. The question isn’t will they go on (?) but how (?) and in what form (?).

I hope the generations that are yet to come will be able to find the same joys that I and many others have found in the existence of restaurants, both working and dining.

I hope they continue to be a “necessary business” because they make all of our lives more educated, civilized, social and enjoyable.

Salute!

As a last word, I will also say this:

All you need to know about making great food is to keep it simple, keep it real and the rules are not always best to be followed.

Are we Italian?

What’s not Italian about my medallion?

I have the wink down! Still working on the paw gestures.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio + some…

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Naples staple. Garlic is sautéd in olive oil and chili flakes before tossing with fresh cooked pasta. As delicious as this is, it is far too simple for me. Here I have combined the simple preparation of that dish with the added flavors of my beloved radiatori pepperoncini. The combination of techniques results in a highly flavorful and fully satisfying pasta dish that you can tweak to your own liking, by removing or adding ingredients at your whim.

Author: Stacey Bender
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 lb fresh spaghetti

1/4 cup olive oil

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 tsp chili flakes

5 pepperoncinis, sliced

1/4 cup fresh, diced tomato

6 oz torn or cubed roast chicken, skin removed

1/2 cup veal demi-glacé

a few tablespoons heavy cream (indeed)

1–2 oz grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or to your liking)

1/4 cup chopped, fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the pasta and drain (saving a little pasta water if you prefer to use that over demi-glacé or stock.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil to hot, but not burning and add the garlic and chili flakes. Cook a minute or two, being careful not to let it brown.

Add the tomatoes and pepperoncini, then the chicken; cook another minute or two.

Add the demi-glacé (or stock or pasta water) and heavy cream.

Simmer a few minutes to thicken.

Stir in the pasta to coat and heat through.

Toss in 1/2 the parmesan and 1/2 the parsley to coat.

Divide amongst warm pasta bowls and garnish with the remaining parmesan and parsley.

Notes

For the pepperoncini, you could substitute fresh chopped chilis, such as jalapeño or you could use a roasted hot pepper, such as from the brand “Jeff’s Garden”.

For the chicken, you could also grill, poach or sauté fresh skinless, boneless chicken breast, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian meal.

I’ve also omitted the pepperoncini and used Nicoise olives instead if you prefer to keep it on the not-so-spicy side.

Preserved Lemon Pork Meatball Pappardelle (for a civilized dinner at home)

18 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

#Covid-19 cooking at home, comfort food, easy pasta dishes

Finished dish

Restaurants are closed but your kitchen is still open for business; am I right?

There are hungry mouths to feed (even if just your own).

The thought of yet another frozen pizza is quite possibly starting to lose it’s previous appeal?

If you are one that likes to eat something (sort of) fancy but have picky kids, this might be just the thing.

If you are not a great cook but you like to eat well, then give this a try.

If you are on a tight budget or even if you can throw down a big wad of cash, this fits the budget.

If you are a meat and potatoes guy, a lover of pasta and meat, or get excited about anything containing the word meatball, or just want to try something new, well, look no further than this.

This meal is for everyone who still eats meat, hasn’t given up on gluten and knows the joy a simple act of grating parmesan can bring.

This meal is therapeutically easy, relatively quick, quite inexpensive and even forgiving, if you need to improvise by substituting ingredients that you already have hanging out in the pantry or the fridge.

No ground pork? Grind your own in a food processor; any cut of pork will work.

No pork? Try using ground chicken, lamb or beef instead.

No pappardelle pasta? Use fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti.

No pasta? Substitute with rice.

No preserved lemons? Use extra lemon zest and a bit more salt. You could also add in some capers instead.

No chicken stock and/or no vermouth? Use all stock, all vermouth or substitute white wine, or even pasta water instead.

Bread crumbs? Make your own with any kind of bread or use that can of bread crumbs your mother bought last time she was in town (oh wait, that was my Mom). Add chopped olives (or not), it will still be good.

No butter? Do you have milk or cream? I bet you have mayonnaise? You could even use that!

What I’m saying is this. Make something delicious, satisfying and fun. Keep cooking. Start cooking. Eat well. Eat often (but not too often). Feel good and above everything, stay home and stay safe!

Let’s all get though this and come out stronger on the other side!

Step one: Dig in pantry for preserved lemons from Irma

Step 2: Make meatballs

Step 3: Make sauce

Step 4: Add cooked pasta

Step 5: Ring the dinner bell, they’ll be sure to come running from the home office!

Preserved Lemon Pork Meatball Pappardelle

Author: Stacey Bender
Yield: 4 servings (approximately 18-20 meat balls 1x

Ingredients

Scale

MEATBALLS

1 lb Ground Pork

1 cup (homemade) Olive Bread Crumbs (recipe to follow)

Juice of 1 Lemon plus it’s zest

1/4 of a Preserved Lemon, chopped

3 Cloves Garlic, chopped

2 TB Dijon Mustard

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Fresh, Ground Pepper to taste

1/2 bunch Italian Parsley, chopped

Peanut Oil for cooking the meatballs

PASTA

1 TB Olive Oil

1 Shallot, chopped (approximately 2 TB)

2 Cloves Garlic, chopped

1/4 cup White Vermouth

1/2 cup Chicken Stock

2 TB Lemon Juice

1–2 TB Butter

1/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan Cheese

3/4 lb Pappardelle Pasta

GARNISH (option 1)

2 cups Baby Spinach

1 TB Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic, chopped

1 tsp course Sea Salt

many grinds of fresh Peppercorns

2 wedges of Lemon

GARNISH (option 2)

1 cup Kale

1–2 TB Olive Oil

1/2 tsp course Sea Salt

many grinds of fresh Peppercorns

1 clove Garlic, chopped

1 TB grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place a handful of flour in the bottom of a baking pan.
In a bowl, combine all ingredients through Italian Parsley.
Using your hands, mix to combine.
Form into small, bite-sized balls and place on the prepared baking pan.
Shake the meatballs to get lightly coated in flour.
Cover the bottom of a fry pan with peanut oil and brown each side of the meatballs, transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate as they finish.
Cook and drain the pasta (I save a little of the pasta water in case it is needed for the sauce).
Remove the paper towel from the meatballs and place pan in oven while you prepare the sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan and add the shallots and garlic.
When the shallots and garlic are softening, add the lemon juice and stir. Add the vermouth, then the stock.
Simmer a few minutes to reduce the liquid slightly (you might have a little more than 1/2 cup).
Stir in the butter; it should slightly thicken.
Add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat. Add the cheese and toss together using metal tongs. Once the pasta is heated through, season as needed; you might add a little more liquid, or not.
Top with meatballs and your choice of garnish (see garnish instructions below).
I always add an additional grating of Parmesan over top.

GARNISH (option 1)

Just as you are about to add the pasta to your sauce, put the salt and pepper in a dry sauté pan and heat for 1 minute on low.
Turn the heat to medium and add the olive oil and garlic, stir and let cook 30 seconds before adding the spinach.
Toss the spinach to coat using metal tongs and cook just until wilted. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the spinach to the heated pasta before topping with the meatballs.

GARNISH (Option 2)

You can do this before you have started cooking the meatballs if you like.
Wash and dry the kale.
Remove the hard stem and discard.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients except the kale.
Tear the kale into pieces adding them to the bowl as you go.
Using your fingers, gently massage the kale with the mixture to rub all the flavors in and soften the kale.
Let sit until you are ready to garnish.

My (personal) Best Chocolate Chip Cookie: Dip, Eat, Repeat…

21 Saturday Mar 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

the best chocolate chip cookies ever

I know these are serious times. We are watching and waiting for life to go back to a more normal kind of scary.

In the meantime, as our global world, and more specifically, this small bit of my world that is located in King County within the Pacific Northwest, where our twelve legs reside (and ten spend time in the kitchen), we turn to something humble and familiar. A batch of cookies. Simple and comforting cookies that bring melted butter and sugar together, take a swing dance with flour, salt and baking powder, stir in vanilla and chocolate to reward us with fresh-from-the-oven comfort and success.

My late Grandpa George (on my Father’s side) taught me to dip cookies properly! In a tall glass of cold, whole milk; holding them just long enough to get moist, but not soggy and never too dry. If he were here today, he would tell us all to keep a positive mind, which can heal even a weak body, eat lots of cookies and be sure you dip them in milk.

He would also be taking in more stray dogs, giving them shelter and food, knowing that their capacity for love was larger than our own and rewards us with healing powers too.

I have been craving chocolate chip cookies for months now. Well before toilet paper, hand sanitizer and masks became the most coveted commodities.

We could be talking about doom and gloom, but let’s talk about the humble and almighty, classic chocolate chip cookie instead!

There are so many recipes out there. How is that possible? So instead of just winging it again, a long while back, I went to Pinch of Yum for a little inspiration and instruction (rather than making my “healthy” low butter, whole wheat, cardboard cookies yet again). I found this post and have been referring to it since (and that makes my husband happy…).

I love a soft cookie but actually prefer it to have a crisp edge. I don’t want it to be burnt (like my Dad) and certainly not doughy. It should be light and fluffy; soft and gooey. This recipe hits all the marks! I think Lindsay’s secret is in the melted butter, which seems weird at first, but works.

I always cut back on sugar, because most desserts just seem too sweet; that’s what I did here. In fact, the sugar in this recipe is replaced by Monkfruit sweetener.

No skimping on the chocolate though. Now’s a good time to use that good dark chocolate bar that you have been saving. Break into the milk chocolate that is stashed away for your secret craving, or just buy a good bit of chocolate specifically to make these! Yes, do that (but only if you have to go the grocery store anyways)!

For the chocolate, we splurged on Lilian’s Chocolate Chips which have Stevia rather than sugar (because we can all stand to cut down on sugar).

The butter I use is 100% Irish (and not because of a nod to St Paddy’s Day, but if that helps, then go with it). You can use any butter you like, preferably without salt. No fake butter allowed though! Seriously. I can’t believe I actually have to say that.

The flour. Let’s talk about flour.

I have been sabotaging my own baking for years. I tried making them healthy with whole wheat, or buckwheat, or whatever flour, other than white flour, that a nutritionist might conjure up. Today, we are using white flour, but, for the record, not just any white flour; we are using bread flour.

DO NOT Overcook! Unless you like them crisp (or burnt, of course). Enough said. Or is it? Let me know?

A silver plate of chocolate chip cookies and milk on a cloth napkin

Dip, Eat, Repeat!

Zoe: Ahhhhh, Spring is near.
Winston: I smell something cooking, or is that you roasting Zoe?

Zoe: La-zzz-y weekends…
Winston: The only thing that’s going to get me off this couch is food. I hope mom used carob in those cookies so I can have one.

Light & Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from Pinch of Yum’s, “Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies”, these are a cut above the rest of the recipes out there (in my humble opinion, of course). The melting of the butter first may be the trick to their texture.

These take minimal time to make and will satisfy the cookie monster in all of us.

Author: Stacey Bender
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9-10 minutes
Total Time: 3 minute
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: dessert snack
Method: baked

Ingredients

Scale

2 sticks of butter (16 TB), melted and cooled (I use Irish butter) Note: I tried my last batch with 12 TB butter and 2 TB olive oil.

1/2 cup raw Turbino sugar

1/2 cup brown coconut sugar (I tried my last batch with 1/3 cup)

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 large eggs

3 cups bread flour (I used King Arthur’s)

1/2 tsp Kosher salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 cup chocolate chunks (cut from a mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars)

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees F
Using a stand or hand mixer, on high speed, cream together the butter, sugars and vanilla bean paste.
Add the eggs and blend, on medium speed, just until incorporated (approximately 15 seconds).
Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix, gradually increasing speed until the mixture comes together and forms a crumbly, wet mound of dough.
Add in the chocolate and mix on high until just incorporated.
Form into 24 clumps and shape into cattywampus balls as you put them on 2 baking sheets.
Bake for 9 minutes then check for doneness. They should be just beginning to turn golden and will have puffed a bit with the chocolate chunks melted. If they still seem wet and not cooked, cook another minute or two but beware of over-cooking!
Let them sit on the baking sheet until they are completely room temperature (unless, of course, you are eating them warm; in that case, by all means, dig in after they are cool enough to touch).

Notes

This recipe easily doubles.

If you like, you can add more chocolate chips, chunks or pieces.

If you like nuts in your cookies, mix them in when you mix in the chocolate.

Keywords: Soft chocolate chip cookies

Mexican Made Easy! Mole Pork Tacos (rapidemente)

09 Monday Mar 2020

Posted by Stacey Bender in the kitchen

≈ 5 Comments

Ahhhh, he just might be right after all. No, not Winston, and certainly not Tom, but that pesky Groundhog. Let’s just say, Phil let us down in our neck of the woods last year. But, signs of young green leaves (and even color) are popping up, and it was a gloriously sunny (but damn cold) day. So lets say Phil had a reprieve. I think he knew it was a special day for another furry friend.

So let’s bring on the warmth from the South and wipe down that kitchen window to let more light in!

This particular cut of pork, the loin cut, packs a punch of flavor and pulls apart in juicy moistness thanks to pressure cooking and Oaxacan Mole Sauce by Bunches of Bunches Provisions.

What’s this all about?

Well, I’m glad you asked!

Having had purchased two duck hindquarters during one of my binge grocery shopping trips, duck mole was on my mind! Wait, wasn’t she just talking about pork?!

Oh baby, these are the dinners (my) dreams are made of.

Imagine my disappointment when I found the duck showing signs that the grocery trip had been a few days longer ago than I thought…

Disappointed as I was that I had already worked up my dinner plans, only to make that unfortunate discovery, I swiftly (albeit begrudgingly) switched my focus to finding “plan B” (AKA, freezer diving for replacement meat). I wasn’t willing to exit the train to Mole Town so soon!

I scanned the freezer until I spied something promising and pulled out two, 2-inch thick cut fillets of pork loin and immediately went to work.

Thaw meat.

Put in Zip-lock bag.

Add stuff (in this case: Cara Cara orange skin (can also use blood orange or other sweet orange) and segments, plus 3 TB previously mentioned mole sauce).

Let marinate (I didn’t have a lot of time to spare though, so rather than an overnight stay in the fridge, this concoction only took a one-hour soak).

Pat meat dry then brown the meat.

Add liquid (fresh-squeezed orange juice).

Pressure cook!

Add to taco shells with other good stuff.

Rapidemente!

Winston: “Hey, why did Mom throw out the duck?”
Zoe: “I don’t know; we like duck!”
Winston: “She knows you turned 11 today, right?”
Zoe: “Well, I’m not wearing my rain hat…” (editors note: FINALLY a sunny day in the PNW) Winston” “Happy birthday little sis. It looks like she made a special treat for us too!”

A big toast to my little Speedy Gonzales! Zoe turned a young 11 today and still only looks and acts like she is 3 1/2 years old!

Can we please throw a party?

Never one to miss a party! -GB

“Ginger (Princess) Bender: portrait by Bill Casto” (AKA, Grandpap)

Mole Pork Tacos with smashed avocado, radish & lettuce

These can be made very quickly for an effortless week night dinner, but would easily be welcome for lunch, brunch or as part of a taco bar to serve to a crowd.

The pork is lean but flavorful and could also be used in quesadillas or stuffed poblanos just as well.

I am not one to use jarred sauces but Bunches of Bunches Provisions was a happy discovery! Now I can enjoy a more authentic Mexican meal without the traditional time intensive process.

Author: Stacey Bender

Ingredients

Scale

2 Cara Cara Oranges, torn into segments (with skin on)

3 TB (for marinade) + 1-2 TB (for cooked pork) Oaxacan Mole Sauce by Bunches of Bunches Provisions

1lb pork loin cut into 2 thick pieces

1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice

Olive oil for browning

Hard taco shells (see note)

Crisp lettuce, cleaned, dried and sliced (approximately 1-2 leaves per taco)

Thinly-sliced radishes (approximately 1 radish per taco)

Avocado (approximately 1/8 large per taco)

1 tsp Fresh salsa per 1/4 avocado

Lime juice for seasoning

Sea salt and pepper for seasoning

Torn cilantro, cleaned and dried

Instructions

Squeeze the orange segments into a Ziplock bag and add 3 TB mole sauce. Add the pork, turning to coat. Squeeze out air, seal and put in refrigerator until ready to cook. You can let it sit overnight or if short on time, try to let it sit for at least 1 hour.
Remove pork from bag (reserve marinade) and pat dry.
In the bowl of an electric pressure cooker (or Instant Pot or sautè pan, brown pork in olive oil. If using an electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot, turn to high pressure and set time for 20 minutes. Pour over the 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and reserved marinade. Close the lid and press start.
When the pressure naturally releases, open the lid, remove the orange segments and shred the pork with two forks; add a TB or more of the mole to taste.
In a medium-small bowl, combine the avocado, sea salt, pepper, lime juice and salsa. Smash with a fork until combined but chunky. Stir in some chopped cilantro.
Heat the taco shells in a 350-degree oven for 5-8 minutes.
Put the pork down in the bottom of the shells first.
Top with the lettuce, radish, then avocado smash.

Serve immediately!

Notes

I love San Juan Island brand salsa or Salsa Rosa brand, medium hot.

I like to add some additional torn, fresh cilantro on top.

I also like to drizzle some fresh crema over top. Simply mix plain yogurt or sour cream with fresh lime juice and/or a bit of water and stir well to get a good drizzling consistency.

Cabbage is also a fine substitute for lettuce.

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