Cuisine Eric

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Turkey Paillards with Mission Fig

Figs and capers are a great way to bring out the flavor of Turkey. You could use chicken for this dish as well, but I think we don't eat enough turkey, which in my opinion has a deeper, richer flavor than chicken. 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 lb boneless turkey breast(s), enough for four servings 1/4 tsp cumin powder 1/4 tsp coriander powder 1 Tbsp butter plus 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, minced 1 Tbsp capers 10-12 small mission figs, sliced in half lengthwise 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup chicken broth Slice the turkey breasts into about 8 medallions (paillards). Pound them slightly to make them an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season each side with the cumin and the coriander, and salt and pepper to taste. Melt the butter in the olive oil in a wide skillet. Brown the turkey pillars on both sides over medium-high heat and then set aside on a plate, covered to keep warm. Add a dash more butter and oil if necessary to the pan. Add the shallot and cook for about 2-3 minut...

Simple Israeli Couscous Pilaf

This is a master recipe for a simple, subtle Israeli couscous pilaf, perfect for a side dish of many robust main courses. All riffs can jump off from here, and I am sure there are millions. Have fun. You can add other grains, veggies, nuts (pistachios!), raisins - you name it. Make it your own. 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup Israeli couscous 1 red or orange pepper, finely diced (I used half and half) 1 shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1-1/2 cup water 1 tsp chicken bouillon (I used Better Than Bouillon paste) 1/2 tsp Italian (or Provencal) dried herbs Heat the olive oil in a medium pot. Add the peppers and shallot and sauté over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, until the veggies soften a bit and just begin to brown. Add the couscous and cook another 3-4 minutes, stirring almost constantly. You want to slightly toast the couscous, but not brown it much. Add the garlic and the herbs and cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes. Turn heat to high and add the water and the bouillon and...

Poached Cod on Cold Noodles with Horseradish Wasabe Cream

This fresh salad topped with Cod and packed with protein and micronutrients, is fueled by the kick of a tangy wasabe cream sauce, delicately poured on top. This makes a fine lunch dish or a light dinner offering. The tang can be adjusted to taste by passing the wasabe cream on the side. The simple flavors of the soft, unctuous cod are complemented by the crunch of red pepper, shredded carrot and sliced red onion. The wasabe cream acts as an exciting accent to the subtle flavors below, supported by a hearty noodle and spinach bed. 1/2 lb spaghetti, cut in half 1 lb fresh cod fillets a few slices fresh Noodle dressing: 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp rice vinegar 1/2 tsp dill black pepper juice of 1/2 lime Horseradish wasabe cream 1 red pepper, diced 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/4 cup thinly sliced purple onion 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves (or other favorite greens) Set a medium pot of water to boiling for the pasta. When boiling, salt generously and add the pasta. Cook until al dent...

Horseradish Wasabe Cream

This tangy yogurt sauce goes well on cold salads as well as hot grilled items such as tuna or chicken. Adjust the horseradish and wasabe to taste, but remember that the sauce is intended as an accent topping for your dish, not the leading role, so don't be shy about making it pop. This could also be used as an aioli sauce for sandwiches or for dipping fried food such as calamari. 1 large clove garlic palmful fresh parsley 2-3 tsp wasabe paste 1 heaping tsp prepared horseradish 1/3 cup Greek yogurt 2 Tbsp mayonaisse 2 Tbsp rice vinegar Drop the clove of garlic into a small food processor. Mince. Then add the parsley and mince again. Now add the rest of the cream ingredients. Process to a creamy consistency. Depending on the yogurt you use you may need to adjust the consistency to a just-pourable level - you can use milk, water or rice vinegar, to your taste! Transfer to a small bowl. Makes about 3/4 cup dressing.

Spaghetti All’Amatriciana

The classic Italian All'Amictricinana (purportedly originating from Amatrice, north of Rome) is a simple tomato sauce with guanciole - a tasty salt-cured pork product from the cheek (unlike pancetta and bacon which come from the belly). Unfortunately, it is more expensive and difficult to find, so substitutes are justified). I like to see the tomato in this dish - which I fire up with crushed red pepper flakes), so I amped up the tomatoes - see notes. I also use garlic, which may enflame the purists. This is my version of the dish. 1/2 lb spaghetti 1/2 recipe My Simple House Tomato Sauce , or favorite (about 3 cups) crushed red pepper flakes to taste 1/4 lb pancetta (or bacon, or guanciale if you can find it - I used pancetta) Garnish: Parmigiana cheese, to taste Small palmful fresh parsley leaves, finely minced Prepare My Simple House Tomato Sauce, and add the pancetta in with the onions. Season with red pepper flakes to taste. Continue until sauce has simmered about 2 hours. Coo...

Pesto Cauliflower and Shrimp Rigatoni

Pasta and cauliflower make great bedfellows, especially under a comforter of a creamy pest ricotta sauce. Topped with sweet and slightly smokey garlic shrimp, this dish is sure to please. 1/2 lb good fresh ricotta (I used Trader Joe’s) 1/4 cup pesto (I used home made) 1/2 lb rigatoni pasta 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small flowerets 2 Tbsp butter plus 1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Dash Spanish Pimenton smoked paprika, to taste 2 cloves garlic, finely minced For garnish: Shredded Parmigiana cheese Crushed red pepper flakes to taste Bring a medium pot of very well salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta until just a minute or so before al dente. Add the cauliflower and cook another minute. Meanwhile, whisk together the ricotta and pest in a small bowl. Melt the butter in the olive oil in a medium skillet. Season the shrimp with a dash of salt, pepper and paprika. Tip the shrimp and the garlic into the skillet and cook...