Category: make ahead

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Simple Edamame Salad

So easy. So good. Two tips: steam the edamame rather than boiling them to keep them crunchy. Shave the cheese rather than grating it for ultimate texture. Any hard, salty, flaky, buttery cheese will work — I’m partial to sheep’s-milk cheeses, especially those from Spain. Leftover vinaigrette goes well on tomatoes or other vegetables. Can be made ahead, with the cheese and mint added just before serving.

Inspired by Mark Bittman, the Minimalist

Serves: 4-6
Time: ~20 minutes
Make Ahead: Yes

1 package frozen shelled edamame
~3 oz pecorino romano or other similar cheese
handful minced mint

Dressing:
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2T red wine vinegar
~4T EVOO
sea salt
lots of freshly ground black pepper

1) Steam edamame for 5 minutes or until just tender. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
2) Meanwhile, whisk together dressing ingredients. Don’t skimp on the paper.
3) In bowl, slowly add dressing to edamame. You want the beans to look slick, but not be swimming in liquid. Toss and adjust seasoning to taste.
4) Add shavings of cheese (use a vegetable peeler) and garnish with mint.

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Recipe: Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Omelette)


Easy! Versatile! Can be served hot or cold. Can be an appetizer cut into small pieces, a sandwich filling, or enjoyed plain. Can go for hours without refrigeration. Perfect for Passover; pretty enough for any other holiday. This is my go-to dish for potlucks, and I bring it by request to all family events. Directions for both the traditional and modified (easier) methods are below. Both are equally delicious.

Servings: Flexible – ALWAYS keep the 2 eggs per potato ratio straight, and you can make as much as will fit in your pan.

Prep time: 30-45 minutes

1.Place potatoes and onions in skillet. Pour olive oil over them and toss to coat. Add more oil if necessary to ensure that they’re well-coated.
2.Sauté over medium-high heat until potatoes begin to brown. Add more oil as needed, but be sparing.
3.Meanwhile, beat the eggs together into a large bowl. Stir in salt to taste. If using green pepper or other add-ins, add to eggs.

Traditional Finish:
4.When potatoes are beginning to brown, remove from heat. Stir potato mixture into egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
5.Warm skillet over medium-high burner. Add a bit of oil if pan is dry.
6.Add mixture to pan. Run spatula around edges and under tortilla and slap pan against burner to avoid sticking.
7.When bottom part of tortilla starts to solidify and become slightly golden, here comes the only challenge:
8.Remove skillet from heat. Place plate over mouth of skillet, and turn entire tortilla out onto the plate.
9.Place skillet back on burner (add oil if necessary to avoid sticking), and slide tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side.
10.Again, run spatula around edges to avoid sticking. When bottom is browned and solid, turn tortilla out on a plate. Serve hot or cold.

Oven Finish:
4.When potatoes are beginning to brown, add egg mixture directly into pan and stir until just combined.
5.Run spatula around edges and under tortilla and slap pan against burner to avoid sticking.
6.When bottom of tortilla starts to solidify, transfer pan to preheated 400-degree oven.
7.Bake for 12-15 minutes or until center is solid. If necessary, finish by running under the broiler for a few minutes, but check often and be careful not to burn!

Posted on

Recipe: Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Omelette)


Easy! Versatile! Can be served hot or cold. Can be an appetizer cut into small pieces, a sandwich filling, or enjoyed plain. Can go for hours without refrigeration. Perfect for Passover; pretty enough for any other holiday. This is my go-to dish for potlucks, and I bring it by request to all family events. Directions for both the traditional and modified (easier) methods are below. Both are equally delicious.

Servings: Flexible – ALWAYS keep the 2 eggs per potato ratio straight, and you can make as much as will fit in your pan.

Prep time: 30-45 minutes

1.Place potatoes and onions in skillet. Pour olive oil over them and toss to coat. Add more oil if necessary to ensure that they’re well-coated.
2.Sauté over medium-high heat until potatoes begin to brown. Add more oil as needed, but be sparing.
3.Meanwhile, beat the eggs together into a large bowl. Stir in salt to taste. If using green pepper or other add-ins, add to eggs.

Traditional Finish:
4.When potatoes are beginning to brown, remove from heat. Stir potato mixture into egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
5.Warm skillet over medium-high burner. Add a bit of oil if pan is dry.
6.Add mixture to pan. Run spatula around edges and under tortilla and slap pan against burner to avoid sticking.
7.When bottom part of tortilla starts to solidify and become slightly golden, here comes the only challenge:
8.Remove skillet from heat. Place plate over mouth of skillet, and turn entire tortilla out onto the plate.
9.Place skillet back on burner (add oil if necessary to avoid sticking), and slide tortilla back into the pan to cook the other side.
10.Again, run spatula around edges to avoid sticking. When bottom is browned and solid, turn tortilla out on a plate. Serve hot or cold.

Oven Finish:
4.When potatoes are beginning to brown, add egg mixture directly into pan and stir until just combined.
5.Run spatula around edges and under tortilla and slap pan against burner to avoid sticking.
6.When bottom of tortilla starts to solidify, transfer pan to preheated 400-degree oven.
7.Bake for 12-15 minutes or until center is solid. If necessary, finish by running under the broiler for a few minutes, but check often and be careful not to burn!

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Recipe: Chicken (or other protein) with Coriander and Fennel

Looking for something delicious and different? Look no further. You can even make it ahead. This recipe would work with fish, veal or pork chops, or seitan. Make spice blend far in advance. Recipe may be prepared to step 2 and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Prepared chicken may be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months.

Serves: 4 (easily multiplied)
Make ahead: Yes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T olive oil

2t coriander
2t fennel seeds

5T grill seasoning OR make your own by mixing:
1/2T coriander
1/2T onion powder
1/2T garlic powder
1/2T coriander
1/2T kosher salt
2T black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (375 if using veal or pork chops)
2. Combine all spices. Rub chicken (or other protein) with spices.
3. Heat 2T olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Transfer pan to oven for 10 minutes.

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Recipe: Squash and Black Bean Burritos

Delicious, vitamin-packed, and protein-filled. Serve with a guacamole for an extra flavor kick and protein punch. Highly flexible — add more squash, beans, or kale to serve your crowd. Can also be eaten alone or served with brown rice. For something different, don’t drain the tomatoes to make a stew, and serve over protein-packed quinoa.

Servings: 2-4
Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Make Ahead: Yes, and freezes well

1 onion, diced
1 butternut squash, 1-2 delicata squash, or other winter squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into ~1/2″ chunks.
2-4 C stock or water
1 bunch kale, rinsed thoroughly and coarsely chopped
1 can black beans
1 can tomatoes, drained (optional) (I like to use Muir Glen tomatoes with chile peppers or adobo)
1 T minced fresh ginger, or 1t dried
1t cumin
red pepper flakes or cayenne, to taste
salt
pepper
1-2T olive oil
large whole wheat tortillas

1) Heat 1-2T olive oil in a dutch oven or 4 quart saucepan. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stir occasionally until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add ginger, cumin, and red pepper flakes to taste.
2) Add squash and saute for ~2 minutes. Add stock just to cover squash, cover pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for ~5 minutes. Add kale and another pinch of salt at top of pot without stirring, where it will steam while the squash braises.
3) When squash is fork-tender, stir to combine with kale. Add black beans and drained tomatoes. Stir, taste and adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings.
4) Enjoy in tortillas, with or without brown rice, topped with optional low-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, or guacamole.

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Make-Ahead or Weeknight Menu: Maple Chicken (or Non-Chicken), Simple Cranberry Sauce, Baked Sweets, and Roasted Broccoli

A veritable weeknight feast that’s even good enough for entertaining. Like having a bit of Thanksgiving anytime. Highly flexible. Can be done all in one night, made ahead, or some of each. Whatever you have time for. Roast the veggies while baking the potatoes, and while you’re at it, fill your oven with colorful veggies to roast for the rest of the week!

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 1/2 hour
Serves: 4
Make-ahead (optional): The sweet potatoes and broccoli can be roasted ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 4 days. The chicken (or other protein) can be marinated overnight and/or baked up to 4 days ahead.
Clean-up Tip: When baking sweet potatoes, save your pans by lining them with foil. Sweet potatoes contain a gooey substance that is nearly impossible to clean up otherwise.

Ingredients:
1 recipe Simple Cranberry Sauce
1 recipe Simple Maple-Mustard Marinade
4 chicken breasts (or other chicken parts, or 6 oz pieces of salmon, or seitan or tempeh)
4 sweet potatoes or yams (I prefer yams because they are easier to work with), scrubbed
1-2 bunches broccoli
1-3 cloves garlic (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Olive Oil (to taste)
Lime wedges for the sweet potatoes (optional, but really delicious)

Game Plan:
1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees.
2. Prick sweet potatoes with fork to let steam escape during baking. Wrap in foil or place in foil-wrapped pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until a fork goes in easily. Serve with lime wedges.
3. Marinate the chicken (or other protein) for 15+ minutes and start the cranberry sauce.
4. Cut broccoli into florets. Shave the stem with a vegetable peeler and cut into pieces (approximately 1/2″). Toss with olive oil, salt and garlic in an ovenproof baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Saute, grill, or broil chicken, 4-6 minutes/side. If you’ve used oil in the marinade, you shouldn’t need to add extra to the pan, or can use just a bit of olive oil cooking spray.
6. Assemble a gorgeous and colorful plate of chicken cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, lime wedges, and broccoli. Try oranges for dessert!

Posted on

Make-Ahead or Weeknight Menu: Maple Chicken (or Non-Chicken), Simple Cranberry Sauce, Baked Sweets, and Roasted Broccoli

A veritable weeknight feast that’s even good enough for entertaining. Like having a bit of Thanksgiving anytime. Highly flexible. Can be done all in one night, made ahead, or some of each. Whatever you have time for. Roast the veggies while baking the potatoes, and while you’re at it, fill your oven with colorful veggies to roast for the rest of the week!

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 1/2 hour
Serves: 4
Make-ahead (optional): The sweet potatoes and broccoli can be roasted ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 4 days. The chicken (or other protein) can be marinated overnight and/or baked up to 4 days ahead.
Clean-up Tip: When baking sweet potatoes, save your pans by lining them with foil. Sweet potatoes contain a gooey substance that is nearly impossible to clean up otherwise.

Ingredients:
1 recipe Simple Cranberry Sauce
1 recipe Simple Maple-Mustard Marinade
4 chicken breasts (or other chicken parts, or 6 oz pieces of salmon, or seitan or tempeh)
4 sweet potatoes or yams (I prefer yams because they are easier to work with), scrubbed
1-2 bunches broccoli
1-3 cloves garlic (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Olive Oil (to taste)
Lime wedges for the sweet potatoes (optional, but really delicious)

Game Plan:
1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees.
2. Prick sweet potatoes with fork to let steam escape during baking. Wrap in foil or place in foil-wrapped pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until a fork goes in easily. Serve with lime wedges.
3. Marinate the chicken (or other protein) for 15+ minutes and start the cranberry sauce.
4. Cut broccoli into florets. Shave the stem with a vegetable peeler and cut into pieces (approximately 1/2″). Toss with olive oil, salt and garlic in an ovenproof baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Saute, grill, or broil chicken, 4-6 minutes/side. If you’ve used oil in the marinade, you shouldn’t need to add extra to the pan, or can use just a bit of olive oil cooking spray.
6. Assemble a gorgeous and colorful plate of chicken cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, lime wedges, and broccoli. Try oranges for dessert!

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Recipe: Simple Maple-Mustard Marinade

Try it with chicken, fish (especially salmon), seitan or tempeh. Use it for delicious make-ahead meals.

Total Time: 5 minutes

3 T Maple Syrup
1-3 T Dijon Mustard (to taste)
1 T Balsalmic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: 1-2T olive oil (you may wish to add this here rather than adding oil to the cooking pan)
Optional: 1 t dried rosemary

Combine. To use, add to protein of choice, and mix well. Marinate for 15 minutes to overnight. Broil, grill, sear, or saute protein.

Posted on

Recipe: Simple Maple-Mustard Marinade

Try it with chicken, fish (especially salmon), seitan or tempeh. Use it for delicious make-ahead meals.

Total Time: 5 minutes

3 T Maple Syrup
1-3 T Dijon Mustard (to taste)
1 T Balsalmic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: 1-2T olive oil (you may wish to add this here rather than adding oil to the cooking pan)
Optional: 1 t dried rosemary

Combine. To use, add to protein of choice, and mix well. Marinate for 15 minutes to overnight. Broil, grill, sear, or saute protein.

Posted on

Recipe: Simple Maple-Mustard Marinade

Try it with chicken, fish (especially salmon), seitan or tempeh. Use it for delicious make-ahead meals.

Total Time: 5 minutes

3 T Maple Syrup
1-3 T Dijon Mustard (to taste)
1 T Balsalmic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: 1-2T olive oil (you may wish to add this here rather than adding oil to the cooking pan)
Optional: 1 t dried rosemary

Combine. To use, add to protein of choice, and mix well. Marinate for 15 minutes to overnight. Broil, grill, sear, or saute protein.