Mint Glazed Carrots and Peas
Source: Favorite Herbal Recipes of the Maple Hill Gardeners, 2000
Submitted by Donna Storrs
Location: page 33
 
This is a beautifully delicious recipe for any meal and any occasion. 
 
4 medium carrots, sliced lengthwise ¼ inch thick
¼ cup butter
½ teaspoon salt *(added by Liz)
Optional 1 teaspoon sugar 
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 cups cooked peas
 
Cook carrots until just fork tender and drain. 
Add the butter, salt, optional sugar, and mint leaves. Cook on low until carrots are well glazed. Add the peas and heat through. Serve.
 
Liz’s notes:
I cut my carrots on the bias. 
I added some salt to balance out the sweetness of the carrots. 
The original recipe called for ½ cup sugar. I felt this made the recipe much too sweet. 1 teaspoon of sugar is perfect. Carrots and peas are naturally sweet so if you prefer, don’t add sugar at all.

By Joshua McFadden from his book Six Seasons
Serves 2-4 
(depending on the shape of your head of cauliflower and how many “steaks” you serve per person)
 
1 large head cauliflower (1 ½ -1 ¾ pounds)
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ cups dried breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
1 cup (3 ounces) aged provolone, shredded (grated on large holes of a box grater)
Plus ¼ cup finely grated provolone for dusting (cheddar, mozzarella, or swiss are delicious too)
½ cup chopped pickled sweet hot peppers
1/3 cup chopped mixed pitted olives (kalamata, green)
¼ cup capers
¾ cup lightly packed roughly chopped flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon lemon zest

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Trim the bottom of the cauliflower so that it sits firmly on the cutting board. Trim off about ½ inch from two opposite sides (to flatten them), then cut the cauliflower into thick slabs. Use a large spatula when handling the slabs. This will help to keep them from falling apart. Brush both sides of each slab with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Chop the trimmings and set aside to use in the topping.
3. Heat a baking pan in the oven for 10 minutes. Preheating the baking pan will help to brown the steaks on the bottom. Heat two if needed to cook the steaks without crowding.
4. Using a spatula, lay the slabs on the preheated pan and return to the oven quickly. Roast the cauliflower until tender, but not falling apart, 18-20 minutes.
5. While the steaks are roasting make the topping by mixing the breadcrumbs, shredded provolone, pickled peppers, olives capers, parsley lemon zest, and chopped cauliflower trimmings. Moisten with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, just to help the filling hold together. Taste the filling and season well. You should want to eat it all!
6. Take out the baking pan again and distribute the topping among all the slabs, pressing the make a thick layer. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the topping is lightly browned and starting to crisp, 10-15 minutes. 
7. Using your spatula, transfer the slabs to plates and top with a dusting of finely grated provolone.

 
Alternatives:
 
Variation to the above filling: (omitting the pickled peppers, olive, and capers) instead use 1 cup roughly chopped fresh mushrooms-cremini, portabella, button, ½ cup roasted red peppers, roughly chopped, 1/3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed. Follow the recipe as above.

Protein option: Place topping on slabs of fried tofu

Herb options: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
 
How can you use this topping? 
 Stuffing for peppers, zucchini
Topping for roasted portabella mushrooms, spaghetti squash, pasta

By Gabrielle Hamilton
“This recipe does not include quantities for an excellent reason. At Prune, in New York, we started with a pound of brussels sprouts for dinner but ate them all while still prepping in the kitchen and then increased to two pounds and ate those as well, before we even sat down. Now we make them to be eaten standing up on purpose. Set out on the bar for parties, where you’d expect to find olives; they never last there either.” Gabrielle Hamilton
 
Kosher salt (Liz used about 2 tablespoons Kosher salt)
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed at stalk end 
Extra-virgin olive oil (Liz used about 2 tablespoons)
Vietnamese fish sauce-Red Boat is a good brand ( Liz used 1 tablespoon)
 

1. Bring a large pot of water (Liz used 6 cups) to a boil, and season with coarse kosher salt until as salty as the sea. The author suggests to get a spoon and taste the hot water for salinity. It’s the only way to know what you’ve got in the pot. 
2. Add the brussels sprouts, and cook for about 10 minutes, until they are just cooked through. Still firm but fork tender.
3. Drain sprouts, and quickly transfer to a heatproof shallow bowl, and while hot, douse them with good-quality olive oil and sprinkle fish sauce over them judiciously. Stir, and taste one. Add another splash of fish sauce, if needed, and let the sprouts cool completely, resting and steeping for an hour or so, before serving at room temperature.

No one writes better recipes for the air fryer than Urvashi Pitre. Her website www.twosleevers.com is full of many easy and delicious recipes. This recipe is from her book Every Day Easy Air Fryer. You must buy this book and try every delicious recipe.
I often double and triple the spice mix in this recipe and use it to season vegetables, meat, and rice.

Serves 4
4 cups yellow baby potatoes cut into 4 pieces each
3 tbsp olive oil, coconut or avocado oil
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp amchoor, sumac, or lime or lemon zest
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground cumin
1/3 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley chopped

1. In a large bowl, add potatoes, oil, turmeric, amchoor, salt, cumin coriander, and cayenne pepper. Mix well. 
2. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the potatoes are cooked through. 
3. Sprinkle lime or lemon juice and chopped cilantro onto the potatoes. Toss and serve. 

*this recipes is excellent using small cauliflower florets, brussels sprouts (cut in half), radishes, sweet potatoes (cut into 1 inch cubes), or sliced carrots.

​1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 cup chopped baby spinach or arugula
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt
Pepper, freshly ground
 
To cook the cauliflower, fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water, bring to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower head. Cut the head into florets. Add to the boiling water and cook until just fork tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well. Place onto a warm platter and cover w/foil to keep warm.
 
While the cauliflower is cooking, make the sauce. Place the olive oil and garlic in a large sauté pan and turn the heat to medium low. Cook the garlic slowly until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream and chopped herbs to the cooked garlic and bring to simmer over medium high heat. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to infuse the cream with the herb flavors.


To finish, add the cooked cauliflower to the simmering sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Add the cheese and toss gently. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
 
Variations:
Herb Alfredo Cauliflower with Prosciutto and Peas
Sauté 6-8 thin slices of prosciutto in a little olive oil until crisp. Remove the prosciutto and set aside on a paper towel. Prepare the recipe above as written. When you add the cauliflower to the sauce add 2 cups frozen petite peas (thawed) and the cooked prosciutto.

This is the perfect replacement for buttered noodles. Naturally sweet and fragrant and low in carbs.

Serves 6

4 ounces butter
2 pounds cabbage, about ½ large head-shredded
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced    
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup assorted greens-baby spinach, flat-leafed parsley, baby arugula-chopped
1 lemon, zested
½ cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

1. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over a medium heat. When melted, add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds. Place the shredded cabbage, thyme, and crushed red pepper to the pan and stir to coat with the butter. 
2. Lower the heat to medium-low, add 1/4 cup water, cover with a lid and steam until the cabbage is wilted, but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. 
3. Remove the lid and add the chopped herbs, lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, and the heavy cream. Heat through and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Serves 4-6

4 tablespoons butter, ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil
12 ounces cauliflower
2 scallions, chopped
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh flat leafed parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or cilantro
Salt and pepper

1. To “rice” the cauliflower: Remove outer leaves. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Using a box grater, grate the cauliflower florets. To use a food processor, place the blade attachment in the processor bowl. Add the florets and pulse until the cauliflower looks like rice. 
2. Place the riced cauliflower onto a cotton towel and squeeze it to release as much water as possible. 
3. In a large heavy skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften--about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the herbs and cook just until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Additions:

• 1 cup riced broccoli
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Hard boiled eggs

Recipe by Penelope Casas-Tapas: The Little Dishes of Spain

Serves 6
​4 red peppers
2-3 tablespoons chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 clove garlic, lightly crushed and peeled
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt
 
 

1. Place the peppers in an ungreased roasting pan in a 375-degree oven for 17 minutes. Turn the peppers and continue roasting for another 17 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover the pan tightly with foil, and let cool. 
2. Remove the peppers and deglaze the pan with the chicken broth. Reserve. Peel the peppers, remove the core and seed, and cut each into 8 strips. In a skillet heat the oil till warm but not sizzling hot.
3. Add the peppers, garlic, cayenne, and salt and sauté slowly over low heat for 3 minutes. Add the reserved pan juices, cover, and cook slowly 5 minutes more. Can be prepared ahead. Serve at room temperature with bread.

Recipe by Julia Turshen Small Victories The entire book is filled with easy, delicious recipes. I love her "small victories". They will give you so many different ways to use her recipes.
​
4 scallion stalks, white and pale green parts only
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 16-oz jar cabbage kimchi, including juice
3 tbsp avocado oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt
4 cups day-old cooked white rice
1 tbsp soy sauce, plus more as needed

1. Julienne scallion into 2″ matchsticks. Combine with sesame oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Drain kimchi, retaining juice. Chop finely and set aside. In a large wok over medium-high heat, heat up oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes. Turn heat to high and add kimchi. Cook for another 5 minutes until the edges become crispy and kimchi begins to stick to the pan.
3. Add chilled rice into the wok, and as it heats up, use wooden spatula to break up the chunks. Combine thoroughly. Add in reserved kimchi juice and mix until thoroughly red-orange in color. Turn off heat and drizzle over soy sauce. Taste and adjust as preferred.
4. Transfer fried rice to a bowl, top with scallion salad.

​Serves 4-6
 
3 Tbs olive oil
4-5 large cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
2 pints cherry tomatoes cut in half-use a colorful assortment
1/8 tsp of crushed red pepper
1 cup water
2 ears of freshly picked corn, corn cut off the cob
10 leaves fresh basil, sliced in strips
3 Tbs unsalted butter (very cold)
Kosher or Sea Salt and Pepper

1. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and the slivered garlic over low heat. Cook until the garlic begins to brown.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Sauté gently until the tomatoes begin to breakdown about 3 minutes.
3. Add the water, corn kernels, and basil to the tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and finish by stirring in the cold butter 1 tablespoon at a time for a smooth finish.  

Serve over pasta, with chicken or fish, or as a topping for Bruscetta.

Serves 4
 
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or regular balsamic
4 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped herbs-mint, cilantro, parsley, basil-2-4 ounces cheese-shaved parmesan, asiago, 1 ripe avocado-not too soft
1 mango
½ English cucumber
¼ cup red onion diced or scallions
2 cups assorted salad greens
½ cup feta or ricotta salata
Salt and pepper to taste
Edible flowers for garnish-nasturtium, calendula, petunia, marigold, daylilies

1. Place the vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cut the avocado, mango, and cucumber into ½ inch cubes. Keep them in separate piles on the cutting board.
3. Line a large platter with the salad greens.
4. Arrange the avocado, mango, and cucumber on top of the greens. Sprinkle with diced onion and feta.
5. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with edible flowers if you have them.

Other ingredient options:
Instead of mango you can use-peaches, plumbs, berries of any kind, watermelon, cantalope, honeydew melon

Serves 4-6

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup golden raisins
1 pound red cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
1 pound beets, peeled and spiralized or shredded. Use multiple colors if you can.
¼ of a red onion sliced thinly or 1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup capers, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped tarragon or basil
2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup pistachios, lightly toasted (or pecan, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds)
Garnish: edible flower petals (pansy, petunia, calendula, bachelor button, roses, marigold. Edible Flowers List)
 

1. Combine the raisins and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and let sit while preparing the salad-at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine all of the remaining ingredients except the salt and pepper and the pistachios in a large bowl. Add the soaked raisins and olive oil and toss everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the pistachios on top of the salad and garnish with edible flowers if in season.

Variations:

• add shaved raw butternut squash
• add raw chopped broccoli

Makes 4-6 servings
 
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic
1 large fennel bulb
3 large leeks
½ pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted or oil cured olives
1 lemon or teaspoon of red wine or apple cider vinegar
2 ounces goat cheese, feta, or ricotta salata
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
 

1. Cut the fronds off the fennel close to the bulb.  Trim the root by slicing off a little of the bottom. Set the fennel bulb on the root end and cut in half from top to bottom.  Stand one half on the root end and slice down into ¼ -inch slices.  If you have a thick piece at the end, cut it into ¼ -inch thick pieces.  Repeat with the other piece.  Set aside.
2. Cut the roots off the leeks at the base.  Remove the dark green upper portion of the leeks (this and the fennel fronds can be frozen and used for a vegetable stock or soup later). Slice the leeks into 1/4 inch-thick rings. Leeks can be very sandy so be sure to rinse them well in a bowl of cold water if needed. Set aside.
3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with the butter and sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the fennel to the pan in one layer and cook for 2 minutes.  Turn the fennel pieces over and scatter the leeks on top of the fennel.
5. Add ¼ cup of water and a good pinch of salt and cover the pan.  Cook for 5 minutes. 
6. Remove the cover and add the cherry tomatoes and the olives. Cook uncovered until any remaining liquid has cooked off. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the cooked vegetables onto a warm platter and top with the cheese and parsley as garnish.  Drizzle with any remaining liquid from the pan.  Serve immediately.

 

Variations:
Serve with fish, chicken, or pork.
​To make a tasty appetizer, serve the vegetables hot or room temperature on toasted bread.

Serves 2
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
​2 tablespoons chopped scallions
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon neutral oil, like avocado oil
1 large red pepper, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
Optional protein-see below
White rice, for serving

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, cilantro, and oil. If tofu or other protein, place on a plate and spread with half the sauce. Toss the vegetables with the remaining sauce.
   
3. Move the vegetables to the sides of the pan and place the marinated protein into the center of the pan and place the pan into oven.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot with rice.

Alternatives:

• 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and sliced crosswise into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slabs
• 1 1/2 pounds Scrod, swordfish, or salmon 
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, thighs, or pork chops-increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the meat. Add vegetables to the pan 10 minutes into the cooking time.
• Green beans, snow peas-add last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Thank you goes to Smitten Kitchen's Deb Perelman for this recipe. You must check out her wonderful website and her cookbooks. I spend lots of time with both getting inspired.

1 round of pie dough (1/2 recipe Art of the pie double crust pie dough-recipe here)
1 large or 2 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch-thick rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup (about 2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (2 oz) shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon slivered basil leaves
 
Glaze: 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water

1. Spread the zucchini out over several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let drain for 30 minutes; gently blot the tops of the zucchini dry with paper towels before using. 
2. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and the garlic together; set aside. 
3. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of the garlicky olive oil together and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
5. On a floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch round. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet or onto a piece of parchment paper place on the baking sheet. 
6. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the bottom of the galette dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Shingle the zucchini attractively on top of the ricotta in concentric circles, starting at the outside edge. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of the garlic and olive oil mixture evenly over the zucchini. 
7. Fold the border over the filling, pleating the edge to make it fit. The center will be open. Brush crust with egg yolk glaze.
8. Bake the galette until the cheese is puffed, the zucchini is slightly wilted and the galette is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with basil, let stand for 5 minutes, then slide the galette onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

 
Alternatives

• Asparagus instead of zucchini. Cut asparagus into thin slices at a sharp angle. Follow step one in recipe. After drying with a paper towel, spread evenly over the ricotta mixture. Finish galette as directed.
• Cook these vegetables to release the moisture before arranging on top of the ricotta filling. 
  • Mushrooms with rosemary
  • Leeks with mint
  • Roasted butternut squash cubes (about 1 pound) with sage
• Add 2 cups cooked, finely shredded chicken breast onto the filling and top with a vegetable that has been prepared to reduce moisture. Note: It’s important to shred or cut the chicken fine to make cutting the galette even.
• Cooked ground beef seasoned with herbs
• Cooked bacon, chopped.
• Shrimp, raw, placed artfully with the top layer of vegetable
• Add 2 tablespoons of Liz's Gremolata to the cheese mixture to add a bright lemon flavor
• Use a variety of herbs to flavor the tart-basil, parsley, thyme, dill, or tarragon 
• Cheese alternative to mozzarella in the ricotta mixture
  • Gruyere
  • Stilton
  • Cheddar
  • Feta

Serves 6 as a side dish
 
1 pound bag frozen Petite Peas (these are the sweetest), thawed
4-6 radishes, sliced thinly (about 1 cup)-if the radishes are small use about 2-3 per person, cut them into quarters
2 Tbs butter
2-3 scallions, sliced thinly on the bias
3 Tbs fresh mint, chopped
Kosher salt and Pepper

1. Heat a sauté pan with the butter and the radishes over medium-low heat. Cook until the radishes are soft and lightly pink about 3-5 minutes. 
2. Add the peas and heat until the peas are warmed through, about 3 minutes. 
3. Add the mint and the scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, room temperature, or cold.

 
Variations:
Add: Sugar snap peas, asparagus-sliced thinly, pea tendrils-cook with the peas.
Top With: Feta cheese, or shaved parmesan cheese.
Serve:
    As a salad with cooked new potatoes, rice, or other cooked whole grain.
    On toast with ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese.
​    

Serves 4
 
¼ cup “yellow” curry paste (curry paste heat: yellow=mild, green=spicier, red=spiciest)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (avocado oil, or other neutral fat is fine)
½ cup coconut cream (the thick layer at the top of a can of coconut milk) 
1 cup coconut milk (I prefer “Thai Kitchen” or “A Taste of Thai” brands)
1 can chickpeas with the canning liquid
1 pound cauliflower florets-frozen or fresh
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1 red pepper, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons fish sauce (I prefer Red Boat brand) 
½ pound peas, frozen
1 lime, cut in quarters
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: Cooked rice for serving

1. In a sauté pan, combine the curry paste, oil, and coconut cream over medium-high heat and fry until fragrant and the coconut fat separates, about 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, chickpeas and their canning liquid (called aquafaba), onions, red pepper, and fish sauce, stir well, and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. 
2. Add the peas and a little water if the sauce is very thick. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more fish sauce if needed.  
3. Remove from the heat and serve over rice with the lime, and herbs on the side. 

​Variations:

• Chicken Curry- Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, into 2-inch cubes. Add the chicken to the dish after it has simmered for 10 minutes (after step #1). Cook the chicken in the sauce for 5 minutes or until it is cooked through. Continue with step #2). 
• Shrimp Curry-Add 1 pound (26-30 sized) raw shrimp (shelled and deveined) as in the Chicken Curry variation above.

Serves 2-4
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil         
4 beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ( to save time, you can purchase Loves cooked beets from the produce section at your grocery store.
2-4 ounces baby arugula or other salad greens-radicchio or shaved red cabbage would be beautiful too!
¼ of small red onion, sliced thinly
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds or chopped pistachios

1. Put the vinegar and olive oil in a jar with a cover. Shake to combine.
2. Heat oven to 400° F. Place cut beets into pan or in a casserole dish, drizzle with a bit of oil, add a splash of water, cover with foil and roast until tender (about 45 minutes). Cool. If using already cooked beets, cut them into cubes and put them under the broiler and cook until they brown up a bit-about 5-8 minutes.
3. Place the beets in a large mixing bowl. Toss with half of the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the arugula in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Season with salt and pepper.
   
5. Place the arugula on a serving platter or individual plates and then arrange the beets, red onion slices, and pumpkin seeds on top. Serve.

Note: this salad is wonderful with warm beets too!

Additions: 
Orange segments-add on top to keep the color bright.
Feta, cheddar cheese curds, or goat cheese-use as garnish
Toasted croutons
Capers
Cooked shrimp, scallops, steak, or lamb

2 Tbs oil (peanut oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil)
1 large carrot, peeled, sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
1/2 lb broccoli, cut into florets w/stems
1 large pepper-red, yellow, or orange, sliced
1/4 lb snow peas, whole or cut in half
​3 scallions, chopped-green and white parts
Fresh cilantro (a handful with stems), chopped or flat leafed parsley- if you do not like cilantro

Optional protein additions: 
1 pound chicken breast or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
or
½ pound extra firm tofu, drained, pressed between paper towels, and cut into ½ inch cubes

1. Prepare hot and spicy stir fry sauce (recipe below) and set aside.
2. Add 2 tbs of oil to a large fry pan and heat pan over high heat until oil is shimmering.  If cooking chicken or beef, add to hot oil and toss until cooked through. Remove from pan. 
3. Add more oil if needed and add sliced onions and carrots, cook over high heat, stirring until crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes.  
4. Add broccoli and peppers with 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam over high heat for about 2 minutes; uncover.
5. Add snow peas (and tofu, cooked beef, or cooked chicken if using) and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, 30-60 seconds.
6. Pour 1 cup stir fry sauce over cooked vegetables. Add more if you like.  Add chopped scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately.
   
   
   

Hot and Spicy Stir Fry Sauce
Martin Yan (prepare before class)
Makes 2 cups
​
2/3 cups Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons sugar
½ tsp white or black pepper
1 ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce or 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
1 ½ tablespoons minced ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch
​1/4 cup water

1. Combine the rice wine, soy sauce, broth, sugar, pepper, and garlic sauce in a bowl. Set aside. Combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and stir. Set aside.
2. Heat a saucepan with the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook stirring for about 20 seconds. 
3. Add the soy sauce mixture and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.  
4. Stir up the cornstarch mixture and add to the hot sauce while stirring and cook until thickened. Store sauce in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze.

Serves 4-6

​2 lbs broccoli, cut up into florets or 24 ounces of frozen broccoli
3 ounces cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
salt and pepper to taste
 

1. Steam or boil broccoli until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
   
2. Drain the broccoli well and place it in a large mixing bowl.
3. Cut the cream cheese into four pieces. Add it and the butter to the broccoli and mash together with a potato masher or purée with an immersion blender. You can also place this in a food processor.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. 

Variation: 
Baked Broccoli
Place the seasoned, mashed broccoli in a buttered baking dish. Combine ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle on top of the mashed broccoli. Place in to a 375-degree oven and cook until the breadcrumbs are browned.

Serves 8
4 tablespoons unsalted butter 
1 butternut squash (about 2 ½ pounds) 
1 ½ cup Gruyere or Swiss cheese, grated 
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated 
1 ½  teaspoon kosher salt 
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 
2. Brush a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon butter melted butter. 
3. Peel the squash, then cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Slice each half into ¼ inch slices.
4. Combine the cheeses and salt and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Arrange half the squash in the bottom of the buttered baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheese on top. Layer the remaining squash on top and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. 
6. Pour the cream evenly over squash and cheese. 
7. Melt the remaining 3 Tbs of butter and toss with the Panko crumbs in a bowl.  Sprinkle Panko crumbs over the top layer of cheese. Cover the pan with foil. (You can prepare the dish to this point 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.)
8. Bake until the squash is soft when pierced by a fork, about 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to cook until the breadcrumbs have browned, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately or refrigerate and warm in the oven before serving. 

Alternatives: Use Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes instead of squash. You can also substitute cauliflower or broccoli for the squash. 

Serves 6

​​1 ½ cups plain whole fat Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup mint leaves, chopped fine
½ cup parsley, chopped fine
1/8  teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 pounds butternut squash or other winter squash (or use a few different kinds of winter squash-(I love Delicata squash-no need to peel!)
2 tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons toasted pistachio nuts, roughly chopped (pecans, walnuts, or almonds are fine to use too)

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 
2. Place the yogurt, minced garlic, mint, parsley, coriander, cumin, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl and stir to combine well. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Peel the butternut squash, cut in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into ½ inch thick pieces (slices or cubes is fine).
4. Toss the squash with the olive oil and season with plenty of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Spread the squash in one layer on one or two rimmed baking pans. Roast until fork tender and browned on some of the edges, about 20 minutes.

Place the cooked squash onto a serving platter. Drizzle with half of the yogurt herb sauce (serve the remaining sauce at the table). Scatter the top with pistachio nuts. Serve hot or warm.

Serves 6-8
1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into ½” cubes
4 tablespoons olive oil
10 large thinly sliced garlic cloves
4 cups chopped baby arugula 
1 tablespoon chopped sage or rosemary
1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt
Pepper, freshly ground
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta
 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl combine the butternut squash and olive oil with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.  Divide the squash between 2-3 sheet pans.  Cook for 10-12 minutes or until it is just fork tender. Remove from the oven and set aside uncovered. As an alternative to roasting, steam the squash for 8-10 minutes in a large covered sauté pan with ¾ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.   
2. Place 3 tablespoons olive oil and the garlic slivers in a large sauté pan.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes.  
3. Add the chopped arugula, sage, and parsley to the garlic and toss for 3 minutes or until the arugula is wilted and the sage is fragrant. Add the cooked squash into the pan and toss gently to combine and heat through.  Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Place the squash onto a platter and sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese on top.  

Optional: Top with Greek yogurt (1 ½ cups Greek yogurt, 1 garlic clove-crushed, 1 tsp lemon zest, salt to taste. 
 

Serves 6
 
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 ½ pounds celery root, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
1 ½ pound baking potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
2 garlic cloves
​1 cup chicken stock
¾ cup heavy cream, warmed
3 Tbs fresh scallions, minced 

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, celery root, potato, garlic, and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. If stock remains, drain in a colander set over a bowl and reserve the cooking liquid. 
2. Mash the celery root and potato with a potato masher or put through a potato ricer. 
3. Add as much of the warmed cream and reserved cooking liquid as necessary to form a soft puree.  Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the puree to a serving dish and top with the minced scallions.

 
Notes: For a low-carb option, use cauliflower in place of potato.

This recipe is from the wonderful cookbook "Spice" by Ana Sortun. Ana is a celebrated Boston based chef who I had the pleasure of working for at the beginning  of my cooking career. If you are in the Boston area you must seek out her restaurants Oleana, Sarma, and Sofra Bakery

Serves 4
 
4 medium carrots
2 Tbs butter
½ vanilla bean or ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbs lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Peel the carrots and slice on the bias into ¼ inch thick slices.
2. Melt the butter medium heat in a 4 quart saucepan. Slit the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds with a knife into the butter.  If using extract, add it to the butter. 
3. Add the carrots and ½ cup of water to the pan and cook over medium heat until they soften and become lightly glazed, about 10 minutes. 
4. Add the lemon juice and stir.  Season with salt and pepper.