Tomato Clafoutis

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...You know there's too much on your plate when green tomatoes, meant for relish, turn bright red on the pantry shelf while waiting to be used. While there'll be no chow-chow this year, there is an upside to all of this. Those no longer green tomatoes will give me an opportunity to share an old recipe with you. It was developed by Patricia Wells and while it's called a clafoutis, I honestly think it's texture is more like that of a frittata. I'll leave final judgment to those of you who experiment with the recipe. Whatever you chose to call it, rest assured that it's a nice entree for lunch or a light supper. The dish is far more attractive when it's made with uniformly sized Roma tomatoes. Unfortunately, I had to use those pesky no longer green tomatoes to make mine. This is more time consuming than most custard dishes. The tomatoes must be skinned before they are cored and seeded. They are then cut, salted and left to drain on paper toweling for at least 30 minutes to rid them of moisture. Too much juice can spoil the custard, so don't rush this step. I actually let mine drain for about 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe. Once the tomatoes are done, the remainder of the recipe is child's play. I hope you'll give it a try. Here's how it's made.

Tomato Clafoutis...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Patricia Wells

Ingredients:
2 pounds Roma tomatoes, peeled, cored, quartered, seeded and juiced
Salt
2 whole eggs + 2 additional egg yolks
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh thyme

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 10-inch round baking dish. Set aside.
2) Salt tomatoes and drain on several thicknesses of paper toweling for 30 to 60 minutes.
3) Place eggs, cream, half of Parmesan cheese and half of thyme in in a small bowl. Whisk to
combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4) Layer tomatoes on bottom of baking dish. Pour batter over tomatoes. Sprinkle with remainder of cheese and thyme.
5) Bake until batter is set, about 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Tomato, Zucchini and Goat Cheese Clafoutis - What's for Lunch Honey
Eggplant Clafoutis - Eating Club Vancouver
Rose Murray's Roasted Tomato Clafoutis - More Than Burnt Toast
Bistro Artichoke Clafoutis - Sippity Sup
Romanesco Claufoutis with Soy Ricotta - Vegalicious
David Boulud's Asparagus Clafoutis - La Belle Cuisine

Smoked Salmon Quesadillas - Pink Saturday

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This is a lovely, quick appetizer that has great eye appeal. While it's easy to prepare, it's stylish enough for guests and will be loved by family and friends alike. Many of you are familiar with a version of this appetizer that is served on thinly sliced rye bread. I use fried flour tortillas to make mine. The base recipe uses goat cheese as a pillow for thinly sliced smoked salmon. Whipped cream cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for the chevre and herbs other than dill can also be used. This is one of my favorite informal appetizers and I make it a point to keep the ingredients need to make it on hand. Smoked salmon is plentiful here in the Pacific Northwest and it is slightly less expensive than in other areas of the country. Folks with a fisherman in the neighborhood are luckier still, as the bounty of our rivers is often shared. It takes about 15 minutes to make this dish. If you try it, I think you'll agree that it is time well spent. Here's the recipe.

Smoked Salmon Quesadillas...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
3 ounces chevre or whipped cream cheese
1 tablespoon well-drained prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh dill or chives
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 (7-inch) flour tortillas
4 to 6 ounces smoked salmon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1) Combine cheese, horseradish, and 1 teaspoon dill or chives in a small bowl. Beat with a spoon until smooth and well-blended. Blend in salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2) Heat oil in an 8-inch skillet set over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Fry tortillas, one at a time, until both sides are lightly brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3) Spread 3 generous teaspoons of cheese mixture on each tortilla. Arrange smoked salmon slices over over cheese. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon reserved dill or chives. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Cut each tortilla into six pieces and serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Ravioli with Smoked Salmon and Vodka Cream Sauce - One Perfect Bite
Smoked Salmon Frittata - One Perfect Bite
Salmon Burgers with Chipotle Aioli and Pineapple Avocado Salsa
Buckwheat Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Creme Fraiche - The Recipe Girl
Smoked Salmon Chowder - Mennonite Girls Can Cook
Smoked Salmon Costini - Yum Sugar

This post is being linked to:
Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

Southwestern-Style Potatoes Roasted with Peppers and Herbs

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...If you like roast potatoes, chances are you'll love this version which has a slightly Southwestern twist. The potatoes are topped with a medley of herbs and absorb additional flavor from three types of fresh peppers that roast along side them. There are a couple of tricks to making this dish work, but I assure you they are simple. To prevent the peppers and onions from releasing juices that would braise, rather than roast, the potatoes, hot becomes the operative word. The oven must be hot and the pan on which the vegetables roast must be hot enough to sizzle when the vegetables are dumped onto it. To assure a hot pan, place it in the oven as it preheats. Spray it with a nonstick vegetable spray or olive oil just before you place vegetables in it. Resist the temptation to oil the pan while it preheats. You'll end up with enough smoke to set off your alarms. This lesson comes from the been there, done that school of life which I've completed with high honors. These potatoes are a wonderful accompaniment to steaks and roasts and can make a plain meal sparkle with flavor. If I can get you to make them, I know they'll become a favorite of yours as well. While I make this with baby Yukon Gold, any small potato, including fingerlings, can be used with similar result. Leftovers can be warmed the following day and served with poached or fried eggs for a quick and easy feast. Here's the recipe for roast potatoes made new again.

Southwestern-Style Potatoes Roasted with Peppers and Herbs...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
2-1/2 to 3 pounds small new potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
1 large red bell pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 large poblano pepper, cut in 1/2-inch dice
1 large jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut in very thin crosswise slices
1 large sweet onion cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sweet smoked Spanish paprika (pimenton)
1 heaping teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1 large lemon

Directions:
1) Place a large baking sheet into oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2) Place potatoes, red pepper, poblano pepper, jalapeno pepper, sweet onion, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice in a large bowl and toss well to coat all ingredients. Quickly spray hot pan with nonstick spray. Dump potato mixture in a single layer onto pan. Return to oven.
3) Bake, turning mixture every 15 minutes, until potatoes are soft and brown, about 50 minutes. Yield 6 to 8 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Savory Roasted Potatoes for a Crowd - One Perfect Bite
Mustard Glazed Potatoes - One Perfect Bite
Caramelized Potatoes (Brunede Kartofler )- One Perfect Bite

Frittata with Spring Herbs and Leeks

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I so look forward to the opening of our Saturday Market and farm stands. Their first offerings are paltry and pretty much limited to root vegetables, but the color and attractive displays really get my blood running and my mind spinning with thoughts of what's to come. It also adds an interesting dimension to our Saturday morning and offers the opportunity to visit with friends and acquaintances who have been hibernating for the winter. My first purchases are small. A peek in my basket would show carrots, white turnips, mushrooms, some fresh herbs and leeks. The leeks are spectacular. They are long and narrow, the kind you know will be sweet and add great flavor to any meal. I took one look at them and immediately started menu planning. I decided to make a frittata that uses both leeks and spring herbs. This is an extremely flavorful dish and I think those of you who enjoy robustly flavored food will love this. It's a great dish for brunch or a light supper and it's also very easy to do. Here's the recipe I use for a lovely spring frittata.

Frittata with Spring Herbs and Leeks...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Willama-Sonoma

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and tender green
Salt and pepper to taste
6 large eggs
1/2 cup mixed minced parsley, basil and mint
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add leaks, season with salt and pepper, and saute until softened, about 15 minutes.
2) Beat eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in herbs, cheese and a pinch of salt. Pour into skillet, stirring quickly to distribute leeks evenly. Reduce heat to low and cook very slowly until sides of eggs are set but center is still a bit moist, about 15 minutes.
3) Preheat broiler. When eggs are set, place skillet under broiler several inches from heat source and broil until top is lightly colored and center firm, about 1 minute. Slide frittata onto a board or serving plate. Cut into wedges. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Smoked Salmon Frittata - One Perfect Bite
Tortilla Espanola - One Perfect Bite
Individual Baked Omelet - One Perfect Bite
Squash and Tomato Oven Baked Frittata - The Recipe Girl
Fresh Thyme and Vegetable Frittata - Iowa Girl Cooks
Asparagus and Fresh Mozzarella Frittata - Kalyn's Kitchen

Green Gazpacho

I love this soup. Chilled icy cold, a gazpacho is a marvelous starter for a family or guest meal during the dog days of summer. Gazpacho is a cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup, originating in the southern region of Andalucía. Everyone is familiar with its red cousin, but this green version elevates tomato soup to another level. It's inexpensive and easy to make but you'll have to factor wait time into your preparation schedule. The base of the soup is a tomato water that's made by pureeing tomatoes and allowing their clear liquid to drip through several layers of cheesecloth or paper toweling. The tomato water is combined with green vegetables and herbs to produce a soup that will delight your eyes and make your taste buds sing. There are no tricks here. This is good basic food that is simply prepared and served icy cold. The recipe was developed by Alex Urena and adapted for use in The New York Times.

Green Gazpacho

Ingredients:
2-1/2 pounds ripe plum or grape tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 stalk lemon grass, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup vodka
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 green bell peppers, seeded, cored and chopped
4 tomatillos, chopped
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper
1 avocado
1 small handful chives
1 small handful cilantro
1 small handful parsley
1 bunch scallions, trimmed

Directions:
1) One day before serving, combine tomatoes, lemon grass and vodka in a blender and purée until smooth. Line a sieve with cheesecloth or paper towels, set over a bowl and pour in tomato mixture. Refrigerate overnight; clear liquid will slowly drain through. Discard solids.
2) In a glass or ceramic bowl, combine cucumbers, green peppers, tomatillos, vinegars, lemon juice, sugar and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Refrigerate overnight.
3) In a large bowl, blend marinated vegetables, avocado, chives, cilantro, parsley, scallions and tomato liquid until smooth. Taste for salt, pepper and vinegar, adding more as needed. Serve very cold. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

This recipe is being sent to Deb at Kahahai Kitchen who sponsors Souper Sunday.

Three Savory Quick Breads the French Way

Years ago a girl's rite of passage included the making toll house cookies and a quick bread or two. Since then I've made a ton of cookies, but quick breads, for whatever reason, fell victim to benign neglect. There was an occasional pumpkin or cranberry bread but most other recipes were tucked away for a someday that never came. Then came a challenge - a quick bread challenge. Now, if I tell you I know why folks climb mountains - they're there and the climbers aren't - you'll understand how I feel about a healthy challenge. I pulled six recipes from my files, put on an apron and went at it in a big way. Today's breads are French, sassy and come to the table with lots of attitude. They're gutsy and delicious, but - and it's a big but - I don't know when you'd actually serve them. I've been told they should be cubed and served on toothpicks as an appetizer or h'orderves. Maybe. The problem is, while quick, they're competing with other finger foods that are easier to prepare. That's my prejudice. I won't make them again, but I recommend that you give them a try. They are really very good and if you're looking for something with a wow factor these breads just might do the trick.

Walnut Bread

Ingredients:
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2/3 cup whole milk
1 large egg
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
2) Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Set aside.
3) Place milk and egg in a large bowl. Add sugar. Whisk to combine. Stir in flour mixture and beat with a wooden spoon until ingredients are combined. Mix in walnuts. Turn into prepared pan.
4) Bake in center of oven until puffed and golden, about 45 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees; continue baking until cooked through, about 15 minutes longer.
5) Remove from oven. Let sit for 10 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow to age 24 hours before serving. Yield: 1 loaf.

Recipe adapted from the French Farm House Cookbook by Susan Herrmann Loomis

Olive Bread

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 large roasted red pepper, coarsely chopped (from a jar is fine)
1 cup pitted Greek-style black olives, coarsely chopped
4 cups (loosely packed) then minced basil leaves
6 large eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Liberally grease and flour a 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2-inch loaf pan.
2) Sift flour, salt and baking powder together onto a piece of waxed paper. Set aside.
3) Place eggs in a large bowl; whisk. Add oil, basil and garlic; whisk until combined. Stir in flour; whisk until just combined. Add pepper and cheese. Fold in olives and roasted peppers. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake in center of oven until golden, about 45 minutes. Remove and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 loaf.

Recipe courtesy of Susan Herrmann Loomis

Herb Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup minced fresh thyme leaves

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease and flour a 1 quart bread pan. Set aside.
2) Place flour, baking powder salt, eggs, yogurt and mustard in bowl of a food processor. Blend thoroughly. Add cheese and herbs and process to blend.
3) Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in center of oven until firm and golden brown. Remove from oven. Let cool for 10 minutes. Turn onto a rack to cool to room temperature. Yield: 1 loaf.

Recipe courtesy of Patricia Wells




I'm sending these recipes to Mansi who is hosting this month's event at Fun and Food. BBD is a popular food-blog event that was started by Zorra of Kochtopf.

Herb Roasted Carrots

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This is a great recipe to have when you need a vegetable for a buffet or antipasto tray. The carrots can, of course, be served hot but they are just as delicious when served at room temperature. These are a great make ahead. They pack a huge flavor punch and they are very easy to do.


Herb Roasted Carrots...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
8 carrots peeled and sliced on the diagonal into 1/2-inch slices
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1/2 cup shredded Fontina or Gruyere cheese

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Place carrots in a single layer in a baking dish. Toss with olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bake until crisp tender, about 35 minutes.
3) Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with herbs and cheese. Serve at room temperatue. Yield: 6 servings.