Tag Archives: summer sides

Memorial Day Weekend Cookout Recipes

 memorial table
Kick off your summer cookout weekend with some of these favorite recipes!
From by the bay , wishing you delicious cookout food memories and a Happy Memorial Day!
Maryann
blog onion jam burger
Short Rib Burger with Rosemary Onion Jam
Serves 6
Ingredients
2 pounds ground short rib
6 sesame seed buns
6 slices smoked cheddar cheese
6 tablespoons onion jam
12 slices pancetta cooked, crisp
4 ounces baby arugula leaves
Directions
Cook burgers , as preferred. Cut rolls through middle and toast. Add the cheddar cheese to top of burger and melt. To assemble place some arugula to the toasted bottom of the bun. Place burger with cheese on top of the arugula. Top with the onion jam and then the cooked pancetta. Finish with the toasted top of the bun and enjoy!

 

blog jalapeno slaw

Jalapeno Kale Coleslaw

Serves 6

Ingredients for salad

1 head of green cabbage , finely shredded

1 cup of kale, remove ribs and finely shredded

1/2 cup red onion finely sliced

Ingredients for dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

juice of 4 limes

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 small jalapeno seeded and chopped

Directions

To make dressing combine all the ingredients in a food processor and first pulse and then mix until emulsified. Pour dressing over salad and mix well. Serve cold or at room temperature.

 

blog deli mac

Deli Style Macaroni Salad

Serves 6

1 pound cooked elbow macaroni

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup Mexican sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 tablespoons whole milk

3 celery ribs, chopped finely

1/2 onion ,chopped finely

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium saucepan add the vinegar and sugar and bring to a bowl, dissolving the sugar. In a large bowl add macaroni and pour the sugar/vinegar mixture over and stir. Place in the refrigerator to cool for an hour. Remove bowl from refrigerator and add the remaining ingredients. Combine well. Cover and refrigerate until ready for use.

blog mustard

Homemade Beer Mustard

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces yellow mustard seeds

1 1/2 ounces black mustard seeds

4 ounces beer or lager ( such as Shiner Bock)

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon dried yellow mustard

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup chopped white onion

Directions

Mix the mustard seeds and beer together in bowl, cover and set aside overnight. (The mustard seeds will soften and soak up most of the beer. Stir in the remaining ingredients, then blend in a food processor until nearly smooth (you may need to do this is batches). Spoon the mustard into clean jars; tap gently to remove all the air bubbles. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.

blog pickles

Pickled Cucumbers with Dill and Lemon

Makes 1 quart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound kirby cucumbers
  • 1 shallot
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 springs dill
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Directions

Have ready a 1 quart size glass container such as a mason jar. Trim the ends off of the kirby cucumbers and slice in 1/4 inch rounds. Peel and thinly slice the shallot. Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Take the glass jar and layer the cucumbers, then shallots , garlic and dill. Repeat until you have layered all your ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients into a saucepan and bring to simmer.  Remove from heat and pour over the cucumbers. Let cool to room temperature. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. The pickled cucumbers will last about 2 weeks stored in the refrigerator.

blog star cookies

Sugar Cookies

From the Food Network, Alton Brown

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
Directions
Watch how to make this recipe
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. Cut into desired shape, place at least 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat. Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve as is. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/sugar-cookies-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Corn in a Cup

Last weekend was the first country music festival in New York City!  I’m a big fan of country music and there were many great musicians who made it to the big apple to partake in the festivities held on Randall’s Island – from up and coming artists such as the fantastic Striking Matches and Dallas Smith to big name artists such as Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan. Three days of great music and some really good food. One of the things that I tried at the festival was corn in a cup. What a yummy treat. Corn in a cup is a traditional Mexican street food, which is made with Queso Fresco crumbled cheese. The version I tasted at the festival used parmesan cheese which was delicious and cheese I always have on hand in my home. I made these little cups in advance and heated in the microwave for 1 minute before serving. I’m planning on serving corn in the cup this holiday weekend!

From by the bay wishing you creamy corn food memories!

Maryann

 

blog corn cups

Corn in a Cup

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 ears sweet corn, husked and silks removed
8 teaspoons Mexican sour cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
8 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
Fine sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
optional: chopped chives to garnish

Directions

Using a knife remove all the kernels from the husk and place in a bowl.  Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain corn. In a bowl add the butter and top with the strained hot corn. Mix until butter is melted, salt and pepper to taste. Take for glass cups fill each half way with corn, add 1 teaspoon of sour cream and 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese. Top with corn and add another teaspoon each of sour cream and parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately or don’t add chives cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Microwave for 1 minute , garnish with chives and serve.

farm

Zucchini Salad with Toasted Pine nuts and Shaved Asiago Cheese

blog zucchini

Zucchini Salad with Toasted Pine nuts and Shaved Asiago Cheese
Serves Four
Ingredients
2 medium size zucchini
1/4 cup olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, such as Maldon
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons basil
Asiago cheese , shaved to taste
Directions
Place a dry small pan on medium heat, add the pine nuts and toast in pan until they start to brown. Remove from heat and keep to the side. Take the zucchini and cut off the ends. Use a mandolin or box grater to slice thinly the zucchini length wise. Place on platter. Dress with the olive oil,  lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix well. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the zucchini slices to marinate. When ready to serve, top with the pine nuts, basil torn into pieces and the shaved Asiago cheese and then serve.

blog zucchini salad

 

Cilantro and Pistachio Couscous

Looking for that quick reliable side dish? Stop looking and make couscous the dish. I always have some sitting on my pantry shelf. It’s easy and delicious side dish that can be make in advance and served at room temperature . It’s perfect for summer menus. Below is a basic recipe I use, but it’s easy to get creative. For example,  pistachios can be replaced with walnuts, pine nuts or pecans. The cilantro can be replaced with other leafy green fresh herbs such as mint or basil. You can add dried fruits or even fresh corn or berries. I suggest adding to your pantry today and  to your menu this week .

From by the bay wishing you delicious couscous memories!
Maryann

Cilantro and Pistachio Couscous

Serves 6

1 ½ cups couscous

1 ½ cups boiling water

½ cup pistachios, chopped

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoons fine sea salt

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

6 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Olive oil and cilantro leaves to garnish

Directions

In a large bowl place couscous, cover with boiling water and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let bowl sit for 10 minutes. Remove wrap and using a fork lift the couscous to make fluffy. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. This can be served immediately or at room temperature. Just before serving add a drizzle of olive oil.

Lime Sweet Potato Salad

My sister Nancy loves sweet potatoes! I don’t usually think about making sweet potatoes in the summer, it always seems like a fall food for me. So when we were planning a barbecue one weekend, Nan suggested I try making a sweet potato salad. I knew I had to use the flavors of summer which include for me lime and cilantro. Below is the salad I came up with and it was a big hit, so much so that it’s now requested all the time. Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
From by the bay wishing you sweet (potato) food memories!
Maryann
blog sweet potato 2
Lime Sweet Potato Salad
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes cut into cubes
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives to garnish
Directions
Add sweet potatoes to a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook potatoes until tender about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let cool. While potatoes are cooking, add the remaining ingredients into a large bowl and blend. Add the cooled potatoes and mix throughly, making sure all the potatoes are coated with the dressing. Let sit covered in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Enjoying Corn Two Ways :Fresh Corn Pesto with Tagliatelle and Fresh Corn and Zucchini Salad

blog corn
It’s the beginning of September , Labor Day is this weekend and it’s time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh corn that is still available. Here are two more recipes to try this weekend. Both of these recipes are tasty ways to think of fresh corn beyond eating on the cob. The first recipe is for cooked corn with a fresh zucchini dressing to create a lovely side dish that would compliment any main course. The second  recipe features corn as the main event by creating a corn pesto to use on pasta. Using corn as the base of the pesto makes a sauce that is creamy in texture and very delicious! So run out this weekend, buy some corn and give a try to these recipes . Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
 
From by the bay, wishing you bright and fresh food memories!
Maryann

blog corn zuc salad

Fresh Corn  and Zucchini Salad
Serves 6
8 ears of corn, cooked
1/4 cup mint
1/4 cup chives, chopped
1 1/2 cup zucchini or summer squash, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
Cut corn off off the cob and place in a bowl. Add to a food processor mint, chives, zucchini, lemon juice , salt and pepper and blend. Slowly add the olive oil and continue to blend to a smooth consistency. Pour dressing on top of corn and mix well. Serve at room temperature.
blog corn pasta
Fresh Corn Pesto with Tagliatelle
Serves 4
6 ears of fresh corn
6 slices bacon
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped 
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup basil leaves
1 tablespoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
12 ounces tagliatelle 
Directions
In a frying pan cook bacon until crisp, drain and place to the side. While bacon is cooking cut the corn off the cob. Once the bacon is done cooking, keep 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat from bacon and place frying pan back onto a medium heat and saute the corn for 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let cool. Take half of the corn and place into a food processor along with the pecans, remaining olive oil, cheese, basil and salt and pepper and blend until it’s a creamy consistency. Cook pasta as directed, before straining take 1 cup of hot pasta water and place to the side. Place the strained pasta into a bowl, top with the corn mixture, remaining whole corn kernels and 1/2 the pasta water. Mix well. You are looking for a creamy sauce that covers the pasta well, , add more water if needed. Sprinkle the top with crumbled cooked bacon and more parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Fresh White Corn Salad

blog corn salad

 

Fresh White Corn Salad

Serves 4

4 ears of white corn, shucked ( or use yellow corn if white is not available)

1/4 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon fine sugar

2 tablespoons good olive oil

 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes. Drain and immerse it in ice water, this will stop the corn from cooking. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob.

In a large bowl add all the ingredients and mix well .Serve cold or at room temperature. Mix again and garnish with extra cilantro right before serving.