Apricot Pork Tenderloin
Some people like to cook lamb for Easter and some people like to cook ham or pork tenderloin. Here is such an easy recipe for pork tenderloin. The key to this dish is to brine the pork tenderloin before cooking. It makes all of the difference in the world.
INGREDIENTS
2 Large Pork Tenderloins
1 1/2 Cup Apricot Preserves
6 Minced Garlic Cloves
4 Teaspoons Of Either Ground Ginger Or Freshly Grated Ginger
3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Hot Water
Brine:
8 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Kosher Salt
Remove the pork tenderloins from their packages and rinse. Place into a large size, but shallow bowl. Pour the brine over the tenderloins and cover with plastic wrap. Place into the fridge for 3 or more hours. When you are ready to cook remove from the fridge and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Make the apricot sauce by combining the apricot preserves, minced garlic cloves, ginger, soy sauce and hot water into a medium size bowl. Mix well with an electric mixer. Place the tenderloins into a large parchment paper lined baking dish. Preheat your oven to 400º F. Pour the apricot sauce over the tenderloins and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check for doneness at 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and tent with foil for 10 minutes. Slice and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm. Serves 6
NOTE: Make sure the sugar and salt are well dissolved when making the brine.
Victoria's Slow Roasted Salmon With Herb Oil
If you don’t want to make traditional gefilte fish then salmon is an excellent substitute and also delicious served at room temperature. I always try to purchase wild salmon at my local fishmonger. During the week I buy my fish at Pescatore Seafood (Grand Central Market) in New York and Superior Seafood in Westport, CT when I am at my Connecticut house on the weekends. This is truly an effortless dish that can be made for Passover or any day of the year for that matter.
INGREDIENTS
Herb Oil:
1 Cup Fresh Snipped Cut Chives
1/4 Cup Snipped Fresh Dill
1/2 Cup Grapeseed Oil Plus 2 Tablespoons
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Jarred White Horseradish
Salmon:
1 Large Sliced Onion
2 Pounds Fresh Salmon Fillet
1/4 Cup Olive Oil Plus 3 Tablespoons
2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 Cup Fresh Dill Leaves
Preheat your oven to 250º F. To make the herb oil combine the chives, dill, kosher salt and oil in a food processor or blender. Process on high until roughly pureed. Add two more tablespoons of the oil and process until nice and smooth. Transfer into a medium size bowl and then stir in the horseradish. Set aside.
Cut the salmon crosswise into 8 equal pieces. Bring the salmon to room temperature. Leave the skin on and remove any bones with a tweezer. Grease a large, but shallow roasting pan with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Coat both sides of the salmon with 1/4 cup olive oil. Coat well. In a small size bowl combine the paprika, kosher salt and pepper. Massage the spices into the fish. Place the sliced onion pieces on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the salmon, skin side down, in the pan and scatter the fresh dill leaves on top. Place the salmon into the oven and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Depending on how done you like your salmon you can adjust cooking time to be shorter or longer. Remove from the oven and remove the salmon skin. Throw away the onion slices and dill. Place the salmon pieces onto a serving platter and drizzle with some of the herb oil. Place the leftover herb oil on the table for guests to add more if they like. Serves 4
Asparagus & Shrimp Stir Fry
Spring time is nearly here which is a great time to find sweet, juicy, local asparagus. Asparagus & Shrimp Stir Fry make the perfect weeknight dinner.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Pounds Asparagus
2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce
6 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil Divided
2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
1/2 Pound Peeled & Deveined Large Shrimp
2 Large Sliced Shallots
1 Tablespoon Rice Wine
1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
Wash the asparagus and then snap off the end of each asparagus stalk. I don’t like to cut them and feel that snapping is much better because the stalks will naturally bend just above the tough part. Next, cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces on the bias. Set aside. In a small size bowl mixt together the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Set aside. In a wok or large skillet add 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over a medium high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Stir constantly. Add the shrimp and cook for 45 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cooking sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. You will want the shrimp to be almost opaque all the way through. Remove from the heat and place into a medium size bowl and set aside. Wipe the wok or skillet clean with a paper towel and place back on the stove. Turn the heat to high and pour in the rest of the vegetable oil and add the shallots. Cook and stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add the asparagus and pour in the rest of the cooking sauce. Cook the asparagus in the sauce for 4 minutes. Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the rice wine and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with steamed jasmine rice. Serves 4
Corned Beef
Growing up I adored Corned Beef & Cabbage and I still do today. I don’t have a drop of Irish in me, but who cares! Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! You just may want to put your cardiologist on speed dial this weekend.
INGREDIENTS
1 Three Pound Corned Beef
1 Bunch Fresh Cilantro
1 1/2 Cups Orange Marmalade
1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
Cabbage, Carrots, Turnips and Potatoes (Optional)
Preheat your oven to 350º F. Put the corned beef into a large size soup pot and fill with water. Place the bunch of cilantro into a large piece of cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth with string and place the cilantro bundle into the water with the corned beef. This keeps the cilantro from going all over the place. Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid halfway on the pot. Simmer for 3 1/2 hours. The corned beef should be fork tender. In a small size bowl mix together the marmalade, mustard and sugar. When the corned beef is finished cooking take it out of the pot. If you are going to save the water for cooking the root vegetables then leave the cilantro bundle in the water. In a large size glass baking pan place the corned beef and pour the marmalade mixture all over it. Make sure to coat completely. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes until the marmalade glaze is crisp and browned. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with the vegetables of your choice. Serves 6
Tip: If you are boiling carrots, potatoes, turnips and cabbage make sure to add the cabbage at the very end of cooking the other root vegetables. Cabbage takes a lot less time to cook and you don’t want to end up with mushy cabbage.
Tostadas de Pollo
This dish is popular in Mexico City and the state of Puebla. It has a smoky chipotle chile sauce that transforms the plain chicken into something addictive.
INGREDIENTS
Tostadas
Vegetable Oil
8 Corn Tortillas
1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
1 Minced Garlic Clove
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1/4 Cup Tomato Paste
1 1/2 Tablespoon Pureed Canned Chipotles In Adobo
2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
Garnishes
1 Cup Thinly Sliced Cabbage or Head Lettuce
3/4 Cup Pico de Gallo
1/2 Cup Crumbled Queso Fresco (Optional)
2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese (Optional)
1/2 Cup Diced Avocado (Optional)
1/2 Cup Diced Tomatoes (Optional)
1/4 Cup Crema
Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat until shimmering. Cook 2 tortillas at a time. Turn once and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels and set aside. Repeat until all of the tortillas are cooked. Puree the contents of the chipotle can in a food processor or blender. In a separate large frying pan add 1 tablespoon of the hot oil. Add the onions, garlic, kosher salt and pepper and sauté for 90 seconds. Stir in 3/4 cup of water, tomato paste, chipotle puree and cook over a medium high heat for 1 minute. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Add more water if you need to. Place the tortillas on a very large serving platter. Place the chicken onto the tortillas. Garnish with cabbage, salsa, queso fresco, cilantro, Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle with crema. Serve immediately. Serves 4
Mexican Shrimp Sauté
This Mexican seafood dish is so easy to make and is low calorie as well.
INGREDIENTS
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
2 Cups Cooked Shrimp
8 Halved Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Pimientos (Cut Into Strips)
1 Tablespoon Parsley Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Large Ripe Avocado (Cut Into Thick Strips)
Heat the olive oil, over a medium heat, in a large sauté pan. Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes until fully heated. Add the tomatoes and pimientos. Sprinkle in all of the spices. Add the lemon juice. Give a good stir. Add the sliced avocado last and cover with a lid. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and give one last stir. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately. Serves 4
Huevos Rancheros
Mexican food is often imitated but nothing compares to authentic Mexican dishes. Here is a great Mexican weekend breakfast favorite.
INGREDIENTS
8 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
8 Mini Corn Tortillas
Salsa
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese
8 Eggs
In a large skillet heat the oil and soften the corn tortillas on both sides by dipping them in hot oil. Drain and set aside in a warmer. Fry the eggs sunny side up and then place the eggs over the corn tortillas. Top with salsa and garnish with cheese. Serves 4
Salsa
4 to 5 Stewed Tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Diced Onion
1 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
4 Ounces Diced Green Chiles
Chop the tomatoes and combine with the onions. Heat in a saucepan with the oil and salt. Cook over a medium heat until well blended. Mix in the chiles and cover to simmer. Serve hot over your Huevos Rancheros.
Ground Beef Tacos
This recipe is perfect for kids because it has no chile, but if you want it hotter then add a pinch of ground red chile powder for a bit of heat and some extra flavor. This taco can be served in either a soft corn tortilla or a hard corn tortilla that has been fried.
INGREDIENTS
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
3 Minced Garlic Cloves
1/3 Cup Chopped White Onion
1 Cup Kidney Beans
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Red Chile Powder (Optional)
Corn Tortillas or Taco Shells
3/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional)
1/2 Cup Diced Roma Tomatoes
Sour Cream (Optional)
In a large size heavy skillet heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes. As the meat cooks, use a spoon to break the ground beef into smaller pieces. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the onions and cook for 4 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Add the cumin, kosher salt, pepper and chile powder (if you are using it). Cook for another 3 minutes until the ground beef is completely done. Remove from the heat. Warm up the kidney beans separately in a small saucepan over a medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain. To make each taco place some of the drained kidney beans and some of the ground beef mixture inside each corn tortilla or taco shell. Top with cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato. Top with a bit of sour cream if you want. Makes 6 to 8 tacos.
Rustic Potato Cheddar Soup
Spring is on its way, but in the meantime let’s warm ourselves up with delicious Rustic Potato Cheddar Soup. Comfort food in its truest form.
INGREDIENTS
4 Bacon Slices
1 Large Onion
1 Pound Boiling Potatoes
1/4 Cup Unbleached Flour
1 3/4 Cups Water
1 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Stout Beer
2 Cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 Tablespoons Chopped Chives
Chop the bacon. Place in a large saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 8 minutes until crisp. Stir occasionally. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve the fat in the pan. Chop the onion and peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into half inch cubes. Cook the onion in the reserved fat for 10 minutes over a medium heat. Stir occasionally. In a measuring cup stir together the flour and water. Add the flour mixture to the onions. Add the potatoes and the chicken broth. Stir together and cook on low for 14 minutes. You will want the potatoes to be soft. Add the beer and cook for 10 minutes. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese, but do not let it boil. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and sprinkle with bacon. Serves 4
Curried Carrot Soup
INGREDIENTS
7 Large Peeled & Chopped Carrots
2 Cups Water
2 1/2 Cups Vegetable Stock
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Teaspoon Curry Powder
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground PepperIn a large soup pot add the chopped carrots. Add water and bring to a boil over a high heat. After bringing to a boil turn the heat down to medium and simmer for 30 minutes until the carrots are nice and tender. Drain the cooked carrots and cool them completely. Add the cooled carrots and the vegetable stock into either a food processor or blender. Pulse for 30 seconds until nice and smooth. Return the mixture to the soup pot. Add the whipping cream, curry, salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes until the soup is heated through. Make sure to stir often. Remove from the heat and ladle into bowls or a soup terrine. Garnish with sour cream, chopped basil or red pepper flakes if you want. Serves 4
