Lamb chops with garlic and mint

Chops cut from the loin are the most costly of the various types of lamb chops, but they are also the tastiest and most tender. This recipe calls for double loin chops, which are simply cut twice as thick as a typical loin chop. While the chops are resting, a quick pan sauce of tomatoes, garlic, basil and mint that was started in a saucepan is finished in the roasting pan. Roasted potatoes, couscous or basmati rice would round out the plate.

Ingredients:
8 thick-cut bone-in lamb loin chops, each 1 1/2 inches thick, 2 to 2 1/2 lb. total weight
Extra-virgin olive oil for coating, plus 1 Tbs.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
For the sauce:
1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, cut into narrow strips
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, cut into narrow strips
1/4 cup dry red wine
Directions:

Using a sharp kitchen knife, trim away as much of the surface fat from the lamb as possible. Brush or rub the chops on both sides with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Press the parsley and basil firmly into both sides of each chop. Let stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before roasting.

Preheat an oven to 450°F.

Meanwhile, start making the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallot and saute until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes soften and release their liquid, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil and mint, and set aside until the lamb chops are roasted.

Preheat a large, heavy ovenproof fry pan over high heat until very hot. Add the 1 Tbs. olive oil, and then add the lamb chops and sear for 2 minutes. Turn the chops and sear for 1 minute on the other side. Immediately transfer the pan to the oven and roast the lamb until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone, registers 125° to 130°F for medium-rare, 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the chops to a warmed platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest while you finish the sauce.

Pour off any excess fat from the pan. Set the pan over medium-high heat, pour in the wine and cook, stirring to scrape up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the tomato sauce and any juices that have accumulated on the platter and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.

Divide the chops among warmed plates. Divide the sauce evenly among them, spooning it over the top. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma, Essentials of Roasting cookbook, by Rick Rodgers, Melanie Barnard and Bob and Colleen Simmons (Oxmoor House, 2004).



Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/11/15/icrossing-m10.DTL#ixzz15UeE37Ew

Pumpkin soup with garlic

Pumpkin Soup with Garlic

Preparation time: 15 min Servings: 4
Cooking time: 35 min
Ingredients:
1/2 oz unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 tsp tomato paste
1-2/3 cups water
2-2/3 tbsp chopped walnuts
10-1/2 oz pumpkin, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 vegetable bouillon cube, crumbled, large
Cooking Directions:
Melt butter in a heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic about 3 minutes, stirring, until onion is soft. Add remaining ingredients and increase heat to high. Stir frequently until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until pumpkin is tender. Transfer mixture to a processor or blender, in batches if necessary, and process until smooth. Serve hot.

Swordfish with Garlic

Swordfish with Garlic

Preparation time: 5 min Servings: 8
Cooking time: 15 min
Ingredients:
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp dry vermouth
2 swordfish steaks
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Cooking Directions:
Melt butter in a heavy nonreactive saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and sauté until garlic just turns golden. Add vermouth and season with black pepper to taste. Turn on broiler. Arrange fish on broiler pan and brush with seasoned butter. Broil 4 in. from heat source 10-15 minutes, or until fish is opaque. Serve with remaining seasoned butter.
Nutritionist Recommended For:
Low Fat
Low Calories
Low Cholesterol
Low Sodium

Nutrition Facts
Calories 62
% Calories From Fat 40.6%
Total Fat 2.8g
Saturated Fats 1.3g
Mono-unsaturated Fats 0.9g
Poly-unsaturated Fats 0.4g
Cholesterol 17mg
Sodium 31mg
Total Carbohydrates 0.9g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugar 0.1g
Protein 6.8g

Baked Garlic Thyme Chicken

Baked Garlic-Thyme Chicken

Preparation time: 10 min Servings: 4
Cooking time: 60 min
Ingredients:
3-1/2 lb whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry
1 tsp dried thyme, leaves
2 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients, except chicken, in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread seasoned butter over outside of chicken. Place chicken, breast side down, in a baking dish. Bake 35 minutes. Turn chicken breast side up and bake another 25-35 minutes or until tender, basting occasionally with pan juices.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 1100
% Calories From Fat 54%
Total Fat 66g
Saturated Fats 22g
Mono-unsaturated Fats 24g
Poly-unsaturated Fats 12g
Cholesterol 380mg
Sodium 330mg
Total Carbohydrates 1.4g
Dietary Fiber 0.4g
Sugar 0.2g
Protein 110g
More Information
Vitamins

Thiamin B1 0.26 mg
Vitamin A 1100 IU
Vitamin K 32 mcg
Vitamin E 1.5 mg
Pantothenic Acid 4.1 mg
Vitamin B6 1.6 mg
Choline 270 mg
Riboflavin B2 0.68 mg
Vitamin D 0 IU
Vitamin C 2.6 mg
Vitamin B12 1.2 mcg
Niacin B3 34 mg
Minerals

Sodium 330 mg
Zinc 7.8 mg
Copper 0.28 mg
Iron 5.6 mg
Calcium 78 mg
Manganese 0.14 mg
Magnesium 94 mg
Fluoride 59 mcg
Potassium 920 mg
Phosphorus 730 mg
Selenium 95 mcg

Chef Gerard's Autumn Inspired Bay Scallop

Chef Gerard's Autumn Inspired Bay Scallop

Autumn Inspired Bay Scallop, Butternut Squash and Wild Mushroom Panzanella with “Garlicky Red Vinaigrette”
By Chef Gerard Viverito CEC, CHE
Serves 6-8
To assemble:
6 oz Garlicky Red Vinaigrette
Prepared Butternut Squash
Prepared Mushrooms
6 cups croutons
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh thyme
2 ounces baby arugula or spinach
1# Roasted Cippolini Onion
.5 c pumpkin seeds
Garlicky Red Vinaigrette
3 fl oz Malaysian Red Palm Oil
1 fl oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 fl oz Honey or Agave Syrup
2 fl oz Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
4 ea Garlic Cloves, Minced
1/4 tsp Celery Seed
Place all ingredients in a mason jar and shake until emulsified. Season to taste if desired with some salt and pepper
For the mushrooms:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound wild mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced-(about 8 cups)
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and saute until fully cooked and well browned. Season to taste with Salt and pepper
Panzanella Croutons, Squash, and Onions:
4 cups (1/2-inch) cubes peeled and seeded butternut squash
1# Cippolini Onions, peeled
2 Tbs Malaysian Red Palm Oil
2 Tbs minced garlic
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup Malaysian Red Palm Oil
6 cups crustless cubed day-old bread (1/2-inch cubes)
Sea salt, preferably gray salt, and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh thyme
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together squash, onions, 2 Tbs of the palm oil, 1 Tbs garlic and pepper. Transfer to a large baking sheet and bake, tossing occasionally, until tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes.
2.Meanwhile melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the other 1 Tbsp of garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bread cubes and toss to coat with the butter. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Transfer the bread to a 2nd baking sheet.
3.Bake, stirring once or twice, until the croutons are crisp and lightly colored on the outside but still soft within, about 8 or 9 minutes. Let cool.
Scallops
1 to 1 1/4 pounds dry bay scallops
2 tsp unsalted butter
2 tsp Malaysian Red Palm Oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1.Remove the small side muscle from the scallops.
2.Add the butter and oil to a 12 inch saute pan on high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops. Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1/2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a 1/4-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Remove and hold warm.
To assemble:
Combine the dressing with the squash, mushrooms, croutons, Arugula, pumpkin seeds, scallops and roasted onions, and toss well to coat. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
Seared Scallops with Salsa Romesco
Chef Gerard Viverito CEC, CHE
Ingredients
1 to 1 1/4 pounds dry sea scallops, approximately 16
2 tsp unsalted butter
2 tsp Malaysian Red Palm Oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Romesco Sauce (recipe follows)
Directions
1.Remove the small side muscle from the scallops.
2.Add the butter and oil to a 12 inch saute pan on high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops. Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a 1/4-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve immediately with sauce.
Romesco Sauce
2 cups
Ingredients:
12 blanched almonds
10-12 hazelnuts
1 head garlic
1 slice stale bread
2 ripe medium size tomatoes
2 large roasted red peppers, well-drained
1 cup Malaysian Red Palm Oil
1/2 cup red wine or sherry vinegar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Preparation:
1. Roast garlic by first rubbing off excess dry skin from garlic head. Then place on baking sheet and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Roast in oven for 20 minutes at 300F degrees or until garlic on inside is roasted and soft.
2. If almonds are not already blanched: While garlic is roasting, blanch almonds, then peel. Make sure almonds are completely dry after blanching. Place almonds and hazelnuts into food processor and process until finely ground.
3. Pour a few tablespoons of Red Palm Oil oil into a small frying pan and quickly fry bread until both sides are browned. Remove from pan and allow to cool. Once bread is cooled, tear into 6 pieces and process with the nuts.
4. Cut tomatoes into quarters and sauté in same pan, adding oil if needed. Sauté for 4-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
5. Add sautéed tomatoes and continue to process. Squeeze roasted garlic from the skins into the processor. Place roasted red peppers into the processor with the other ingredients and process until ingredients are a thick puree. While processor is running, slowly drizzle in the Palm oil and vinegar. Add salt to taste.

Garlicious Rice Krispie Treats

Garlicious Rice Krispie Treats
Made by Ryan Dietzen, Carmel, N.Y.
2 tablespoons butter
Pinch of tumeric
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 heads of roasted garlic
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups of Brown Rice Crisps (or Kellogg’s Rice Krispies)
2 cups crushed salt & pepper potato chips
Paprika as desired
Melt butter in med-sized sauce pan. Add tumeric as butter melts. Add marshmallows, stirring until melted. Add roasted garlic and garlic powder, then rice crisps and potato chips. Press into 8” x 8” dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Cut into 1” cubes to serve.

Garlic Soup au Gratin

Garlic Soup au Gratin
Original recipe by Laurie Buzzard, Cuba
6 cups chicken stock (canned or homemade)
2 cups dry white wine
6 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and lightly crushed (keep cloves whole)
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp ground white pepper
2 cups half and half
3 tablespoons butter
8 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
8 slices French bread, about 3/4 inch thick
2 cups shredded Swiss gruyere cheese (about 8 oz)
Heat chicken stock in large pan until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and add wine and next 5 ingredients. Simmer on low for 30 minutes. Strain garlic and herbs out of broth. Add half and half and simmer on medium heat until heated through.
While soup base is simmering, prepare garlic slices. Heat butter on low in non-stick pan until melted. Add garlic slices in single layer and cook until garlic is tender and golden color, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
Bake French bread slices on cookie sheet for 10 minutes per side in 350 oven. Remove and cool on rack.
Shred gruyere cheese. Preheat broiler in oven. Put 8 one-cup ramekins or other oven proof bowls on cookie sheet. Spoon 1/8 of garlic slices/butter in each bowl. Put one slice of toasted French bread on top of garlic slices in each bowl. Top with some of the gruyere. Ladle hot soup broth over bread.
Top with remaining gruyere cheese. Broil 6 inches from broiler for 3 minutes or until cheese melts and is slightly browned. Serve immediately