Black Radish Cream
Substitute this zingy spread for horseradish in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
1 cup coarsely-grated black radish*
1 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh oregano or chives, chopped
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper as desired. Chill before serving.
*To grate the radish, first trim the radishes from their green tops, and then wash and scrub their tough outer skin. Then, using the large holes of a standard cheese grater, grate the radish flesh on a paper towel-lined plate. Use paper towel to then squeeze any excess moisture from grated radish, then incorporate as described above.
Maple-Ginger Winter Squash
You’ll love this unique flavor combination!
Ingredients:
2-3 winter squash of your choice, such as this week’s mini Delicata
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sea salt
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350° Half the squash and remove the seeds. Then, cut into wedges. Place in baking dish.
2. Melt butter in small dish. Stir in ginger and maple syrup. Using a brush, spread mixture over squash wedges. Sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until squash is cooked through and crisp on edges.
Butter-Braised Carrots with Thyme
Braised in sweet butter and tossed with garlic and thyme, these carrots are truly sublime.
Ingredients:
1½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into thick matchsticks
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (if desired)
2 thyme sprigs
1¾ cups chicken stock
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large ovenproof skillet (one that has an accompanying lid, which will be used later), melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the carrots, garlic and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until the carrots are tender but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
2. Cover the skillet with the lid. Braise the carrots in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are very tender. Discard the thyme sprigs and serve.
Carrot & Apple Sauté with Rosemary
This beautiful combination sings with fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
1 bunch carrots, trimmed of greens, peeled and chopped into matchsticks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart apples, peeled, cored and cut into ½-inch wedges
2 tablespoons finely-chopped shallots
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Put the carrots in a skillet and add just enough salted water to cover. Cover and bring them to a boil over high heat. Reduce the carrots to medium-low and simmer until the carrots are crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Drain and set the carrots aside.
2. Dry the skillet and return it to the stove. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and melt it over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften, about 1 minute.
3. Add the carrots with the remaining tablespoon butter and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are well combined and the carrots are hot. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
