Easter seems as good a time as any to re-debut my blog. Shamefully, I must admit that it's been over a year since my last post. With my second pregnancy came a first trimester of intense nausea, followed by exhaustion, back pain, baby's arrival, sleepless nights, post baby workouts, juice cleanses and very little time for food, cooking and blogging.
When I decided to cook Easter brunch and dinner and started searching for recipes, my passion for everything food slowly returned. Moving forward, I'm hoping to spend more time in the kitchen and dedicated to this blog. I hope you will try a few of my new recipes: Pecan French Toast Casserole with Whiskey Maple Syrup, Arugula and Mint Salad with Olives, Oranges and Ricotta Salata and Shepherd's Pie.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
PECAN FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE WITH WHISKEY MAPLE SYRUP
I got the inspiration for this recipe from my brother-in-law, who made a delicious whiskey french toast casserole. Previously, I always made french toast slice by slice in a saute pan. This recipe makes a large quantity, so it's great for a crowd or as reheated leftovers. The preparation just takes a few minutes to mix together and is refrigerated overnight and popped in the oven in the morning.
I modified the original recipe for a healthier version and used whole milk in place of half-and-half and reduced the amount of eggs. I also used Challah bread versus french bread. Baking the french toast uncovered produces a slightly crispy top and soaking the bread overnight, creates a soft interior. Topped with the syrup and toasted pecans, it's the perfect textural combination.
Pecan French Toast Casserole with Whiskey Maple Syrup
Serves 6-8
1 loaf Challah or Brioche bread (13 to 16 ounces)
7 large eggs
2-1/2 cups whole milk
2 T brown sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t salt
Syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup whiskey
4T unsalted butter
Slice bread into 1 inch thick slices. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a whisk until blended. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. The bread will soak up most of the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes.
For the syrup
In a saucepan (that you will use to make the syrup), lightly toast the pecans over medium heat, 7-8 minutes or until fragrant. Sprinkle pecans over baked french toast. In the same saucepan, combine maple syrup, whiskey and butter. Bring to a boil and let simmer about 5-7 minutes, (careful not to reduce the syrup too much). Pour over baked french toast.
SHEPHERD'S PIE
If I knew how easy it was to make Shepherd's Pie, I would have been making it for years. It's hearty, extremely comforting and can be made in large batches for leftovers.
I used 85/15 (lean meat/fat) ground beef. I wouldn't use a meat leaner than 15% fat. You can try using different ground meats such as pork or lamb or try a combination. Traditional Shepherd's Pie is made with ground lamb. For a time saving tip, use an ovenproof skillet to ground the meat and put the potatoes right on top and you will have one less dish to clean.
Shepherd's Pie
Serves 6
1 T vegetable oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 cup beef broth
1 T tomato paste
2 T fresh thyme
1 cup frozen peas
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
6 T unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
Salt and Pepper
Tip: Instead of using a baking dish to bake the Shepherd's Pie, keep the filling in the (ovenproof) sauté pan in which you cook it, top with the potatoes, and bake it all in the oven for a skillet version that won't dirty another dish.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil, then add the onion, carrot, and meat. Cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the fat and add the broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Simmer until the juices thicken, about 10 minutes, then add the peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish (or use sauté pan); set aside.
Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes; drain.
Mash the potatoes with the butter, heated milk, and salt.
Spread them over the meat mixture, then crosshatch the top with a fork.
Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes.
ARUGULA AND MINT SALAD WITH OLIVES, ORANGES AND RICOTTA SALATA
This was my first time using Ricotta Salata cheese. It is a great accompaniment for the citrus in this salad. It's texture is neither too firm nor too soft and adds a salty flavor. The pepperiness of the arugula mixed with the freshness of the mint leaves, balances very well with the other ingredients. This is a very refreshing, light salad and pairs well with a heartier meal, such as my Shepherd's Pie.
Arugula and Mint Salad with Olives, Oranges, and Ricotta Salata
Serves 6
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 T minced shallots
1 T red wine vinegar
1 T fresh orange juice
1 t finely grated orange peel
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 medium)
4 large oranges
5 oz package arugula (about 10 cups packed)
1 cup fresh mint leaves (from about 2 bunches)
1/2 cup thinly sliced pitted oil-cured black olives
Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place onion in large bowl. Add 1/3 of dressing; toss. Let marinate 20 minutes.
Cut off peel and pith from oranges. Segment each orange. (For instructions on segmenting go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQr9QQLtBU0&noredirect=1). Squeeze extra juice from orange membranes into dressing.
Add arugula, mint, and olives to bowl with onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss. Add remaining dressing; toss. Divide salad among 6 plates. Tuck orange slices and ricotta salata slices into salads.
