Author Archive for: ‘Denise Simmons, Corporate Executive Chef’

Serves 8
1 T olive oil
2 ea corn tortillas
½ c ea celery & onion, diced small
1 ½ t fresh garlic, minced
2 ½ c marinara sauce
1 ¼ c canned diced tomatoes, with juice
1 qt vegetable broth
3 T fresh cilantro, chopped

Procedure
1. Heat oil in saucepan, medium heat. Fry tortillas until crispy, remove. drain well, set aside.
2. Add celery & onions to pan, sweat 6-8 mins
3. Add garlic, sweat 1 minute
4. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes & broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, simmer 30-45 minutes
5. Crush up fried tortilla, add to soup. Simmer 10 minutes
6. Use immersion or traditional blender, puree until very smooth
7. Garnish with cilantro

Serves 8
1 head cauliflower, bottom & leaves removed, head intact
2 T olive oil
¼ t ea s&p
3 T butter
1 T fresh garlic, minced
3 T ap flour
1 ¾ c chicken broth
1 T fresh lemon juice
2 T capers, with a little juice

Procedure
1. Place cauliflower in cast iron skillet, drizzle oil, s&p
2. Cover with foil, cook 40-60 minutes, 400° oven
3. Sauté garlic in melted butter, in saucepan
4. Combine oil & flour to make paste, add to pan, cook until golden brown
5. Add chicken broth slowly, add lemon juice & capers, bring to boil, simmer 15-20 min
6. Remove cauliflower from pan, top with sauce

Notes:
– to make gluten free use 1 T arrowroot instead of flour
– sub vegetable broth for vegetarian

Serves 8
2 ½ c water
2 ½ c milk
1 c white grits
2 c pimento cheese
s&p

Procedure
1. Bring water/milk to boil, add grits, reduce heat, simmer 20 mins
2. Stir in pimento cheese, s&p to taste
3. Serve immediately
4. Can chill & reheat in casserole, 350° for 30-45 mins

Choose 1 from each grouping:
1. Grain: rice, noodle, quinoa, farro, barley
2. Protein: chicken, shrimp, pork, beans, egg, tofu
3. Veggie: broccoli, squash, brussel sprouts, mushroom, eggplant
4. Greens: kale, spinach, bok choy, swiss chard
5. Broth: chicken, veggie, pork, fish
6. Spice: hot sauce, herbs
7.Crunch: carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, kimchi, scallions, peppers

Per serving, layer in order in wide mouth bowl:
⅓ c cooked grain
⅓ c cooked and chopped protein
⅓ c roasted or steamed veggie
¼ c julienned greens
½ c+ hot broth
spice to taste
top with shredded or chopped crunch

Great way to use leftovers, any combo works!

Serves 6

1c coconut milk, full fat

4 sprigs fresh mint

½c beet juice**

2c chocolate chips, bittersweet

2t cornstarch

3t water

1/4c sugar

1/4t salt

1t vanilla extract

1. Heat coconut milk, on med, to simmering

2. Remove from heat, add mint, cover & seep 30 mins

3. Combine cornstarch & water in bowl, stir to mix

4. Strain coconut milk, discard mint leaves

5. Reheat coconut milk, med heat

6. Add cornstarch mixture, stir until thickened, 2+ mins

7. Stir in beet juice, vanilla, chocolate; mix until smooth

8. Pour into 4oz ramekins

9. Serve warm or cold

**Note: beet juice at Whole Foods, or other specialty

2c rinsed garbanzo beans

½c pumpkin purée

1/3c olive oil

1T chopped Italian parsley

1½t apple cider vinegar

½t+ chopped garlic

1½t maple syrup

½t cinnamon

to taste s&p

toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

chopped fresh chives

1. Blend all (except chives) in food processor until smooth

2. Add a little hot water to thin to desired consistency

Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chives & maple syrup drizzle

2c rinsed garbanzo beans

½c pumpkin purée

1/3c olive oil

1T chopped Italian parsley

1½t apple cider vinegar

½t+ chopped garlic

1½t maple syrup

½t cinnamon

to taste s&p

toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

chopped fresh chives

1. Blend all (except chives) in food processor until smooth

2. Add a little hot water to thin to desired consistency

Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chives & maple syrup drizzle

Serves 6

1T olive oil

1lb brussels sprouts, quartered

1 firm, tart apple, diced

1 med yellow onion, diced

3oz thin pancetta, coarsely chopped

2T sherry vinegar

3 3/4c pure maple syrup

1/8t crushed red pepper flakes

½c spiced pecan pieces

1. Heat oven to 400°F

2. Combine brussels sprouts, apple, onion, oil, s&p; toss to coat

3. Roast 20 mins, until tender

4. Sautée pancetta in large skillet over med heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain

5. Whisk together vinegar, syrup, red pepper flakes

6. Toss brussels mixture with ½ (or more) dressing & pancetta

7. Top with spiced pecan pieces

Serves 6

1T olive oil

1lb brussels sprouts, quartered

1 firm, tart apple, diced

1 med yellow onion, diced

3oz thin pancetta, coarsely chopped

2T sherry vinegar

3/4c pure maple syrup

1/8t crushed red pepper flakes

½c spiced pecan pieces

1. Heat oven to 400°F

2. Combine brussels sprouts, apple, onion, oil, s&p; toss to coat

3. Roast 20 mins, until tender

4. Sautée pancetta in large skillet over med heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain

5. Whisk together vinegar, syrup, red pepper flakes

6. Toss brussels mixture with ½ (or more) dressing & pancetta

7. Top with spiced pecan pieces

Serves 10

1½c napa cabbage, thinly sliced

1 asian pear, julienned

1c carrots, julienned

½c red pepper, julienned

½c green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

2t ea minced garlic & ginger

1T fresh cilantro

2T ea low sodium soy sauce & rice wine vinegar

pinch crushed red pepper

1T sesame oil

2T olive oil

to taste s&p

1. Prepare veggies, place in bowl

2. Mix dressing ingredients

3. Pour dressing over veggies, mix well

Note: use tamari vs. soy sauce for gluten free